Times wires
Friday, September 14, 2012

Cubs 7, Pirates 4

CHICAGO — Starlin Castro hit a three-run homer to help send the Pirates to their seventh straight loss, dropping them further behind in the NL wild-card chase.

Times wires
Friday, September 14, 2012

CHICAGO — In Thursday's 23-10 loss to the Packers, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler threw four interceptions and was sacked seven times.

As frustration mounted, Cutler vented with emphatic gestures throughout, saying afterward it was simply a sign of his desire to win.

"I care about this," Cutler said. "This isn't a hobby for me. I am not doing this for my health. … When we're not doing the little things or not doing things the right way consistently, I'm going to say something. If they want a quarterback that doesn't care, they can get somebody else."

Cutler was particularly upset with his offensive line, a position group that did not see a significant addition during the Bears' offseason makeover.

"I'm not going to just walk to the sideline and act like everything's okay," he said after going 11 for 27 for 126 yards.

The loss left at least one prominent Bear wondering if their Week 1 win was something of a mirage. "Maybe we're not as good as we thought we were," linebacker Brian Urlacher said. "We've got a long ways to go, that's obvious."

And starting running back Matt Forte suffered a high ankle sprain, too. Former Texans and Dolphins running back Steve Slaton is scheduled to work out for the Bears today, the Chicago Tribune reported.

ALL Jags home games on TV: Jaguars team president Mark Lamping said the club will have every home game on local television in 2012 and in an effort to remove blackouts from the conversation, they won't even ask the NFL for extensions. "We don't sell tickets to get our game on TV," he said. "We sell tickets to generate revenue and have a stabile franchise." Jacksonville also has several new initiatives to beef up ticket sales. Fans are allowed to bring food into the stadium, and babies sitting on a parent's lap get free admission. And unused seats are being sold for as low as $20 each.

REVIS OUT, STEELER STARS IFFY: Darrelle Revis won't make the trip back to Pittsburgh, where he starred in college. The Jets' superstar cornerback is out of Sunday's game against the Steelers with a concussion. Also, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker James Harrison are questionable. Neither Polamalu (strained right calf) nor Harrison (left knee) practiced this week.

BENGALS: Outside linebacker Thomas Howard went on injured reserve after tearing his ACL during practice.

CHARGERS: The team avoided having its home opener Sunday blacked out.

COWBOYS: Former USF cornerback and first-round pick Mike Jenkins practiced and is likely to return this week from a shoulder injury.

RAIDERS: Center Stefen Wisniewski, who suited up but did not play in the opener, will be in the lineup Sunday.

TEXANS: The league fined defensive end Antonio Smith $21,000 for kicking Miami guard Richie Incognito. Smith has missed two practices with a sore right ankle; he says he was retaliating when Incognito tried to twist his ankle after the whistle.

MORE FINES: The league docked safeties Madieu Williams of Washington, Taylor Mays of Cincinnati and Rahim Moore of Denver $21,000 each for unnecessary roughness in Week 1.

By Rick Stroud, Times staff writer
Friday, September 14, 2012

TAMPA — Josh Freeman changed his diet, trading the midnight runs to Taco Bell for grilled chicken and broccoli and losing 20 pounds with the leaner cuisine.

On the field, he also learned how to eat the football.

A year ago, Freeman tossed 22 interceptions and fumbled nine times, the Bucs recovering only two. That contributed to the team committing a league-high 40 turnovers and having a league-high minus-16 turnover margin.

It wasn't all Freeman's fault.

Protection from the offensive line was poor. The defense usually dug too deep of a hole — forcing Freeman to throw often — and his receivers didn't get much separation.

But during the offseason, new quarterbacks coach Ron Turner went to work on Freeman's fundamentals, making sure the fourth-year player holds the ball higher with two hands, especially when on the move.

So far, so good.

In last week's 16-10 win over the Panthers, the Bucs did not turn the ball over.

Ball security will continue to be a key to success, particularly this afternoon against a Giants defensive line that features Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul.

"We know it's going to be a game we're going to have to go out and get the ball out of our hands and take care of the football," Freeman said. "Dropping back, keeping two hands on the ball … ball security is going to be a huge point of emphasis.

"With the Giants, when they're even or they win (the turnover battle), they usually come out with a win. But when they lose the turnover battle, it kind of shifts."

Complicating matters is the Bucs already are beat up on the offensive line. Right guard Davin Joseph is lost for the season with a torn patellar tendon in his right knee and has been replaced by Ted Larsen. Right tackle Jeremy Trueblood sprained his left ankle in practice Wednesday and is questionable for today.

Even Pro Bowl guard Carl Nicks is nicked with a sore right big toe (though he is probable).

"You are not going to have a lot of time to get the ball off," Bucs coach Greg Schiano said. "I don't care what you do. Those guys are relentless, and they are good. We've really got to be smart because not only do they get to the quarterback, but they cause some really bad things. They sack/fumble you. They really are very good at it. We need to be at our best."

Last season, the Giants forced 13 fumbles and 20 interceptions. Pierre-Paul, the former USF star, had 16½ sacks. Tuck (45½ career sacks) and Umenyiora (69) are among the best pass rushers in the league.

"You have to take into account they're disruptive ability," Bucs offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan said. "It's not just the sack. It's the sack/fumble. It's the big momentum-type plays, and the crowd feeds off it. And the rest of the defense feeds off it."

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@tampabay.com and heard from 6 to 9 a.m. weekdays on WDAE-620.

Times wires
Friday, September 14, 2012

Marlins 4, Reds 0

MIAMI — The Reds' playoff push was slowed by the last-place Marlins and rookie Jacob Turner, who earned his first NL win after coming over from Detroit in a trade. Turner allowed two hits in seven innings. In the fifth, with the Marlins' Justin Ruggiano at second and Jose Reyes at first with two outs, Carlos Lee singled to right. After Ruggiano beat the throw home, Lee was hung up past first. Reyes then broke for home and beat the throw for a 4-0 lead.

Friday, September 14, 2012

TORONTO — Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said his team's roster is beyond depleted right now.

Valentine was asked Friday what part of his last-place club would benefit most from extra callups.

"Are you kidding?" he said. "This is the weakest roster we've ever had in September in the history of baseball. It could use help everywhere."

The Red Sox began Friday 17½ games behind Baltimore and New York in the AL East. Boston, 11-29 since Aug. 1, would be eliminated from the division race with a loss Friday and a win by either the Yankees or Orioles.

Boston's roster has been thinned by trades and injuries. Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Nick Punto were dealt to the Dodgers last month, along with injured OF Carl Crawford. Veteran Kevin Youkilis was traded to the White Sox earlier this season.

Injured pitcher visits A's: RHP Brandon McCarthy visited his Oakland teammates just more than a week after getting hit in the head with a line drive and needing two hours of surgery. McCarthy, 29, had suffered an epidural hemorrhage, brain bruise and skull fracture, but he was released from the hospital Tuesday. McCarthy said he hopes to return to the mound.

Mariners: RHP Felix Hernandez, who lost his third straight start Thursday, will get an extra day of rest before his next start. Hernandez has a 9.00 ERA in his past three starts and allowed 21 hits the past two.

Rangers: OF Josh Hamilton was back in the lineup after getting an injection to lubricate his sore left knee. "I had those in spring training, just a little lubrication," Hamilton said. "Get your oil changed. … It feels 90 percent better than it did before." … RHP Yu Darvish recorded the 200th strikeout of his debut season in the majors, becoming the first rookie to reach that mark since Daisuke Matsuzaka struck out 201 for Boston in 2007.

Reds: Closer Aroldis Chapman said his weary left pitching shoulder feels better after a break and expects to pitch in a few days. The team is giving him at least five days off after his velocity and control were subpar Monday against Pittsburgh. He said he doesn't expect to pitch this weekend.

Royals: OF Lorenzo Cain is likely out for the season due to a strained right hamstring.

Tigers: Showing support for manager Jim Leyland, 3B Miguel Cabrera took a "Fire Leyland" sign away from a fan above the dugout in Chicago on Wednesday. Cabrera said it was all in fun but added, "I don't like it, because we're a team."

White Sox: The team reshuffled its rotation to adjust for the rained-out game, deciding to start LHP Francisco Liriano in Minnesota today against his former team. Manager Robin Ventura said LHP Jake Peavy will stay with his scheduled start Sunday and rookie LHP Jose Quintana will pitch Monday in the makeup game against Detroit. All-Star RHP Chris Sale was supposed to start that game, but he was bumped to Friday.

Yankees: Derek Jeter was the DH for the second straight day after injuring his left ankle, and manager Joe Girardi believes it's an injury the 38-year-old shortstop will have to deal with for the remainder of the season. For his part, Jeter refused to acknowledge he was hurt and said he could play short.

Richard Burton, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 14, 2012

DUNNELLON — Nature Coast got the win it desperately needed.

The Sharks (1-2) shut down Dunnellon's high-powered offense on their way to a 17-8 win Friday night.

"Our kids were starving for a win," Nature Coast coach Charles Liggett said. "They're better than 0-2. This was a good win for us. We needed it."

Nature Coast held Dunnellon, which entered the game averaging 28.5 points per game, to just 186 yards of offense.

"I was proud of the effort our kids gave," Liggett said. "We've had some battles with Dunnellon in the past and it was good to come in here and get a win.

"I've got a lot of respect for (Dunnellon coach Frank) Beasley and his program, so to come in here and get a win against them is big for our kids."

Matt Breida rushed for 142 yards and one score on 33 carries and also recovered a fumble.

The Sharks jumped out to a 6-0 lead on a 33-yard scoring strike from Ryan Quigley to Jonathan Thomas, before Breida scored from 25 yards out and added a two-point conversion run.

After the Tigers closed to within six at halftime, Nature Coast's defense clamped down even more.

"They played very well," Beasley said.

Nature Coast forced six punts and two turnovers in evening the all-time series 3-3.

Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 14, 2012

Bishop McLaughlin rallied from a 20-point deficit Friday to rattle off 38 consecutive points and earn its first victory of the year, 38-20 over Kissimmee Life Academy.

"Any kind of way we can get it done," Hurricanes coach Derrick Alexander said.

Life Academy scored on its first play from scrimmage, took advantage of a Bishop (1-2) fumble at the 1 and scored on another long touchdown before the Hurricanes finally got going.

"I told them we needed to be some difference-makers," Alexander said.

The biggest one was Austin Meyers. The standout senior returned the second-half kickoff 70 yards to set up one of his four rushing touchdowns.

RJ Perciavalle added a touchdown pass on a ball Meyers deflected to Alex Stafford. Bishop's defense also improved with a second-half shutout.

"From that point on, we slammed the door on them," Alexander said.

Matt Baker, Times staff writer

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 14, 2012

NEW YORK — Rays bench coach Dave Martinez always has a lot to think about.

Even more now that he interviewed this week for the Astros' managerial job.

"It went really well," Martinez said Friday. "It's a great opportunity for me. I met some really nice people. It's a great organization."

Martinez went to Houston on Monday's offday and is waiting to hear back from the Astros. Nationals third-base coach Bo Porter also interviewed this week. Larry Bowa, a former Padres and Phillies manager, met Friday with Astros GM Jeff Luhnow, MLB.com reported, but it was unclear if he is a candidate.

Martinez, 47, interviewed previously for openings with the Indians and Blue Jays. He was reported to be a candidate last offseason with the White Sox but never interviewed.

"I don't want this to be a distraction for what we're trying to do here," Martinez said. "I've got a very important job here to do, and that's kind of my focus for now."

LONGORIA PUSHING: 3B Evan Longoria's left leg is not healed, but he said the time to be cautious about his hamstring has passed. "I know that where we are and how important things are that there are going to be a lot more of those times where I'm going to have to push it," Longoria said. "Earlier when I came back (Aug. 7), we had a lot of time to maybe not go as hard or break up that double play or whatever. But it's crunch time now. It's all or nothing.''

ROBERTS OUT: INF Ryan Roberts was "still hurting a bit" from fouling a ball off his left shin Thursday against the Orioles and was not in Friday's starting lineup against the Yankees, but he may be available today, manager Joe Maddon said.

RODRIGUEZ BACK: INF Sean Rodriguez was set to be activated today, though he will be limited to pinch-running, defense and possibly bunting as the right hand he fractured Aug. 26 punching a locker in frustration at Triple-A Durham continues to heal.

SHIELDS UP: RHP James Shields has won only once in seven career starts at the new Yankee Stadium, and that was in his first try, May 20, 2010. But in that span he has beaten the Yankees five times at home, including Sept. 3. He starts on the road today and said he is more interested in what he has done lately: 6-1 with a 1.90 ERA in his past nine starts. "Whether we're at our park or at their park doesn't really matter to me right now," he said. "What matters is how I'm pitching recently, and I think my last nine, 10 games or so have been pretty good."

MINOR MATTERS: The Rays will have at least one championship this season. Their Class A Hudson Valley team, which includes top 2011 draft pick RHP Taylor Guerrieri and top 2012 pick INF Richie Shaffer, won the short-season N.Y.-Penn League title.

"Having an opportunity to play in the playoffs means playing in meaningful games in August and September," farm director Mitch Lukevics said. "That is what we strive for as an organization. It benefits all players to be in that environment with the heightened level of play. Great for their individual experience."

MISCELLANY: The Rays clinched the season series with their 10th win against the Yankees, which could help with tiebreakers for playoff spots. … Closer Fernando Rodney logged his seventh save against the Yankees. … Maddon canceled batting practice and allowed the players to show up later than normal (some around 5 p.m.) for as much of a mental/emotional break as anything. … Longoria, LHP Matt Moore and OF Rich Thompson visited the MLB Fan Cave in Manhattan. … The rotation for next week's Boston series has not been set, Maddon said, though RHP Alex Cobb is expected to start Monday's opener.

Bobby Winsler, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 14, 2012

RIVERVIEW — Without throwing a pass, Riverview's offense overcame an equally impressive Leto ground game in a 21-6 victory for the Sharks on Friday. The Sharks and Falcons each had a running back break 100 yards.

Riverview's Lasander Washington opened the game with a kick return into Leto territory. The next play, he sprinted 40 yards only to be stripped on one 1-yard line. It was one of three Riverview fumbles lost. Washington surpassed 100 yards on a 36-yard sprint that put the Sharks (2-0) ahead by 20.

Leto (0-3) looked strong coming out of the half but penalties and a botched snap stalled the drive. Falcons running back Andre Simpson had 30 carries for 118 yards and a late touchdown.

Riverview held Falcons quarterback Adner Grajales to short passes.

Bobby Winsler, Times correspondent

Times wires
Friday, September 14, 2012

Tigers 4, Indians 0

CLEVELAND — Justin Verlander pitched seven shutout innings and made sure Detroit stayed in step with first-place Chicago in the American League Central. Verlander allowed six hits and escaped jams in the fifth and sixth innings with defensive help from Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera. Detroit had a 4-0 lead after two innings. The Indians, who were within 3 1/2 games of first when they beat Verlander on July 26, are 16-44 since the All-Star break.

Times wires
Friday, September 14, 2012

Braves 2, Nationals 1

ATLANTA — Kris Medlen struck out a career-high 13 and the Braves won when Andrelton Simmons scored on a throwing error in the ninth. Simmons reached on an infield single and went to third on Michael Bourn's single to right. Tyler Pastornicky hit a one-hopper to shortstop Ian Desmond, who threw wildly to the plate, the ball skipping away while the rookie slid in.

Times wires
Friday, September 14, 2012

Tennis

U.S. down 2-0 to Spain in davis cup

GIJON, Spain — Even with Spain's Rafael Nadal out injured, the United States on Friday was on the brink of Davis Cup elimination by the claycourt masters.

Sam Querrey and Tampa resident John Isner lost their opening singles matches, giving the defending champions a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five semifinals. David Ferrer beat Querrey 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4, and Nicolas Almagro beat Isner 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.

The United States must win the doubles match today to stay in the series, with brothers Mike and Bob Bryan facing Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez. Reverse singles are Sunday. "We'll be ready for Sunday," said U.S. captain Jim Courier, who grew up in Dade City.

argentina-czech republic: Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro beat Radek Stepanek in the opening match of the other semifinal 6-4, 6-4, 6-2, and Czech Tomas Berdych evened it by topping Juan Monaco 6-1, 4-6, 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 in Buenos Aires. Del Potro played though doctors told him not because of an inflamed left wrist.

Golf

Women's British

Open wind-torn

Play was called off for the day at the Women's British Open because of strong wind that disrupted the second round so badly that organizers declared early scores "null and void."

With wind gusting to 60 mph at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake, England, players struggled to keep the ball on the tees and greens. Felicity Johnson started with quintuple-bogey 9. Cristie Kerr's ball blew off the 12th tee three times.

The second round was scheduled to restart today. Organizers said the cut would be reduced from 65 and ties to 50 and ties. The final two rounds were set for Sunday.

Champions: Peter Senior shot 7-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Hawaii Championship at Kapolei. Jay Don Blake and Bill Glasson were tied for second.

Boxing

Two ex-champs talk drugs, drink

Former world champions Oscar De La Hoya and Julio Cesar Chavez admitted alcohol and drug abuse while training for fights during the latter part of their careers. During the premiere of ESPN Deportes' talk show El Bar, De La Hoya said he drank before at least two title fights, one against Manny Pacquiao and one he wouldn't identify. Chavez declined to mention specific fights before which he drank but said there were several.

Hatton unretires: Former world champ Ricky Hatton came out of retirement, seeking redemption for a 2009 loss to Pacquiao that sent the Brit into retirement and his life to "mush." Hatton, 33, will fight an unnamed opponent Nov. 24.

Et cetera

NBA: Center Dwight Howard won't finish his rehabilitation from back surgery in time for the start of Lakers training camp Oct. 2.

Swimming: Two years after a sexual abuse scandal rocked the sport, USA Swimming has banned 16 people for life as part of a program that stepped up training and led to enhanced background checks for coaches, officials and volunteers.

Times wires

Michael Hinman, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 14, 2012

CLEARWATER — Diquan Walker and Jeff Smith each scored two rushing touchdowns as Clearwater Central Catholic beat Hudson 34-0 Friday night.

Walker and Smith accounted for nearly half of the Marauders' total ground offense, combining for just under 100 yards. CCC (2-1) pounded the Cobras (0-2) from the air as well, with Blake Gomez and Jeff Smith adding another 151 yards.

After a slow start by both sides, the Marauders struck first blood with just under four minutes remaining in the first when Walker broke a tackle and sprinted 14 yards to the end zone. His run was set up by Gomez's 11-yard pass to Troy Olmo that converted a third down and short from Hudson's 25-yard line.

Clearwater Central wouldn't get into Cobra territory again until midway through the second when Michael Stevenson scored from 9 yards out, moments after Gomez barely averted a disaster by recovering his own fumble in the Marauder red zone.

Walker scored his second touchdown with a little more than a minute remaining in the half to put CCC up 21-0, and it never looked back.

Joey Caruso finished 2-of-9 passing for Hudson with minus-14 yards thanks to three key sacks. The Cobras rushed for 65 yards.

Steve Lee, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 14, 2012

DADE CITY — Not that heavily favored Pasco needed the gifts, but host Wiregrass Ranch, now working on its second winless season, lost six of nine fumbles in Friday's steady downpour.

The 61-0 win extended the Pirates' Tampa Bay area-best streak to 30 while giving the Bulls 14 straight losses dating to 2010.

"They did a good job in a bad situation," Pasco coach Tom McHugh said of his team's play in inclement weather. "I don't like to play in this, but it teaches them that they can play in this."

Before some fans even got settled in their seats, Pasco (2-0) built a 14-0 lead on Malik Johns' punt returns of 67 and 42 yards for touchdowns.

An interception by Pasco's Phillip Wilson on the Bulls' ensuing possession set up the first of two touchdown passes from Jajuan Henry to Nate Craig and the rout was on. Henry and David Emmanuel added scoring runs to give the Pirates a 34-0 halftime lead.

Wiregrass Ranch (0-3) did not get the ball past midfield until Vinny Haider recovered a fumble at Pasco's 43-yard line in the waning minutes of the first half, but the drive stalled after backup quarterback Zach Davidson was sacked at midfield on a fourth-down play.

Turnovers marred the second half for Wiregrass Ranch with Pasco's Ben Chandler scoring on a 31-yard fumble return by picking off an attempted pitchout from Jake Day to Ryan Shea.

Not unexpectedly, a running clock sped things up in the fourth quarter.

David Rice, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 14, 2012

TAMPA —Cambridge's offense mustered a season-low 156 yards in a loss to Bradenton Christian.

The loss was the Lancers' first of the season and showed how much they miss quarterback Garrett Young, who broke his collarbone in Week 1. Tristan Wood threw four interceptions.

"You could say we're missing (Young) pretty bad," Cambridge coach Bob Dare said. "We've got a lot of young guys on the team. And when they came at us with the pressure they did, we struggled to deal with it."

The Lancers took the lead in the second quarter on Trevor Smith's 40-yard field goal. The junior added another three points in the third, but two other kicks were blocked.

The difference for Bradenton Christian was moving Sinclair Laskett from wideout to tailback in the second half. He ran for three touchdowns and 151 yards.

David Rice, Times correspondent

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Friday, September 14, 2012

NEW YORK

There is life in David Price's left arm. No one has ever doubted it. What no one fully understood, however, is how quickly that arm can restore life, too.

On a cool Friday night in the Bronx, Price did what he could to resuscitate the Rays' season. In one of those star-maker moments, Price owned the night. He held off the Yankees, and he stopped his team's losing streak. He re-established himself as a Cy Young candidate and his team as a playoff contender. He plugged back in the cord to the life-support machine, and he reminded the skeptics it's not time to turn off the lights.

When you get down to it, how much more can a pitcher do?

"He was huge," said fellow Rays pitcher James Shields. "He pitches well in big games, and he's been carrying us all season doing that."

The Rays are still in trouble, of course. A 5-4 victory doesn't change that. Tampa Bay has squandered enough games lately to stack the odds against them. They still don't hit enough, and they still leave too many men on base, and they still drive their fans crazy. By now, most people seem to agree the Orioles and Yankees are the trendy picks in the AL East.

On the other hand, there is Price, and there is a pulse, and there is a new set of possibilities.

This was a night when a pitcher measured up to the pressure of the moment. The Rays were one loss — maybe two — from convincing all of us that this was not their year. Yes, the math suggested they still had a chance, but their shortcomings argued they did not. Certainly, it was beginning to feel as if the Rays were fading from the race.

Then Price came along, and for a night at least, there was still a reason to stay tuned.

Imagine being Price. He had missed a start due to shoulder soreness, so no one knew if he would be tight or rusty. He was facing the franchise that buys all the bats in Mansion Stadium. His team was reeling, and the clock was running, and the pressure was building. And the ball was in his hands.

In other words, it was exactly the kind of game in which Price likes to pitch.

"This is the kind you dream about when you're a kid," he said. "Bases loaded. Bottom of the ninth. Two men out. In the World Series. That sort of thing."

When the Cy Young voters cast their ballots, perhaps they should consider this game. Frankly, it was Price's finest argument for the award yet.

Yes, baseball is a game of statistics, and a great many voters find wins and losses less reliable than ERA or WHIP or batting average against when they are choosing the year's best pitcher. And that's fine.

Still, baseball is also a game of moments, of standing up to the pressure against an All-Star lineup when the playoffs are on the line. It is about taming Alex Rodriguez with two outs and two runners on and a one-run lead, the way Price did in the fifth. It is about stopping a free fall when the stakes are high.

Here's a question: What's the argument against Price? The 27-year-old leads the majors in ERA and the American League in wins. He is now 18-5, including 10-1 in his past 15 starts. In eight matchups against Yankees ace CC Sabathia, the Rays have won seven. (Price is 5-1 in those games).

Also, he lifts his team in the most important moments, the ones that look a lot like Friday night. It doesn't matter what sport an athlete plays or what position. The big moments always define the stars. Price might as well have been a quarterback leading a comeback or a point guard hitting a 3-pointer at the buzzer or a goalie sprawled out to make the clutch save. Just asking, but shouldn't that count for something?

"It's got to count," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "The Yankees. This park. Everything that was at stake. It's got to count."

As you may remember, Price was second in the Cy Young voting in 2010. Maddon will tell you that Price is a better pitcher now, wiser, more in command. He has become a stopper. More precisely, he has become a healer. He takes the mound, and everything gets better for his team.

Friday night, at least for the time being, Price pulled his team off of the ledge. He gave the Rays a chance in this game and a chance in this season. Granted, they may not have as big a chance at the postseason as you would like, but nevertheless, they have a chance.

Just a thought, isn't that better than having no chance at all?

Mike McCollum, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 14, 2012

TAMPA — Alonso defeated King 21-7 Friday night, thanks in large part to an impressive rushing performance by junior Ish Witter. Witter carried the ball 33 times for 196 yards and two touchdowns — all while sick.

"I felt really sick during the game and it was hard for me to breathe, but I wanted to still perform well for our team," Witter said.

It was all Alonso early, leading 14-0 at halftime. The Ravens added another score in the third on a 21-yard TD scamper by Witter.

King finally found the end zone late in the third on an 8-yard run by Kenyatta Walker — its first score in its last six quarters played.

"The defense played great tonight and Ish was outstanding," Alonso coach Brian Emanuel said. "For him to be sick and still perform the way that he did, that just shows how special he is.

Mike McCollum, Times correspondent

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 14, 2012

AL East

Team W L Pct. GB

Baltimore81 63 .563—

New York 81 63 .563—

Tampa Bay 78 66 .542 3

Toronto 65 78 .455 151/2

Boston 65 80 .448161/2

AL race for wild cards

Team W L Pct. GB

Oakland 83 61 .576—

N.Y./Balt. 81 63 .563—

Los Angeles 79 66 .545 21/2

Tampa Bay 78 66 .542 3

Detroit 76 67 .531 41/2

Top two wild cards make postseason; GB is games behind second wild card

Rays at Yankees

When/where: 4:05 today; Yankee Stadium, New York

TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Probable pitchers

Rays: RH James Shields (14-8, 3.71)

Yankees: RH Ivan Nova (11-7, 4.92)

On Shields: He is coming off a two-hit shutout of Texas and is 6-1 with a 1.90 ERA in his past eight starts. In 25 career starts against the Yankees, he is 7-13, 4.52, though 2-8, 5.28 in 11 in New York and 0-5 in his past six.

On Nova: He is making his first start since Aug. 21 after a DL stint (right shoulder inflammation). He is 4-1 with a 3.05 ERA in seven starts against the Rays, with the four wins and a 1.85 ERA over his past five.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Nova

Evan Longoria 2-for-12

B.J. Upton 4-for-20

Ben Zobrist 2-for-15

Yankees vs. Shields

Robinson Cano 29-for-68, 4 HR

Derek Jeter 24-for-79, HR

Alex Rodriguez 13-for-48, 3 HR

On deck

Sunday: at Yankees, 1:05. Sun Sports. Rays — Matt Moore (10-9, 3.66); Yankees — Hiroki Kuroda (13-10, 3.14)

Stat of the day

46

One-run games played by the Rays, second most in the American League

Travis Puterbaugh, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 14, 2012

PLANT CITY — With the game on the line, Plant City coach Wayne Ward gambled and put the ball in the hands of a freshman. Tavares Chase responded with a 5-yard touchdown run, and Plant City overcame an 11-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat Gaither, 23-21.

With the Raiders trailing 21-17, a 27-yard pass on third down from Nick Rodriguez to Dontavious Johnson gave Plant City first and goal at the 1-yard line. After three plays and a false start, Plant City faced fourth and goal from the 5. Ward called for an inside handoff to the wideout Chase.

"When I woke up this morning," Chase said, "I was feeling it. I knew I was going to score and I just wanted it."

Gaither's final drive stalled on a fourth-down incompletion by Alex McGough with 1:08 remaining.

Travis Puterbaugh, Times correspondent

Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 14, 2012

TAMPA — Hillsborough coaches talked about adjustments at halftime. After that, the Terriers' offensive line work spoke volumes.

Nigel Harris rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns in the final two quarters, including the clinching 43-yarder with 2:12 left.

"We made sure we not only did the correct blocking, but we stayed on the blocks," said Harris, who ran for minus-5 yards on two first-half carries as the Terriers trailed 16-15. "(The offensive line) showed up, got confidence."

Ten of the Terriers' 24 carries after halftime gained at least 11 yards as they picked up 192. (They had 70 in the first half.)

Newsome quarterback Will Worth scored his second touchdown on a 1-yard plunge with 2:44 left to make it 30-23. Hillsborough recovered the onside kick, and Harris added his final touchdown.

Don Jensen, Times correspondent