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Waltrip's duo loose, fast

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Times wires
Saturday, September 15, 2012

JOLIET, Ill. — Last weekend it was a win for Clint Bowyer. On Friday, it was the announcement of a new sponsor.

Today, the Sprint Cup Chase for the Championship will begin — for the first time with a driver from Michael Waltrip Racing.

Two, in fact.

"It seems like ever since I made this change over to Michael Waltrip, it's almost daily that there's more good news around the corner," Bowyer said.

Five years after an atrocious showing for Toyota in the manufacturer's first season in NASCAR's top series, MWR has had an impressive season. Bowyer and Martin Truex are both in the Chase, which starts at Chicagoland Speedway.

This is quite a step for a team that had four top-five finishes all of last year.

"We just have a great core group of folks that embrace the team atmosphere, just love working at MWR," Waltrip said after Bowyer's victory last weekend at Richmond. "That's probably the thing I'm most thankful for, is the fact that everybody gets along, everybody wants each other to do good."

MWR launched in 2007, but Waltrip became embroiled in a cheating scandal at the season-opening Daytona 500 and quickly ran out of money. Rob Kauffman, an investment fund manager and racing fan, bought into the organization and pumped in cash, and Joe Gibbs Racing defected from Chevrolet to Toyota at the end of that year. When ties to Chevrolet were officially over, J.D. Gibbs visited with every Toyota team to offer support, including technical advice.

MWR's commitment at the Cup level really increased last season. The organization expanded to three cars by hiring Bowyer for 2012, and he's come through with two victories and six top-five showings. Truex also has six top-fives this year.

Bowyer owns two of MWR's four Sprint Cup wins — David Reutimann of Zephyrhills brought the team its first two victories, one in 2009 and one in '10.

"Michael really put everything he had into it, made the full commitment right out of the box," said Dale Earnhardt Jr., who was teammates with Waltrip at Dale Earnhardt Inc. when Waltrip won his two Daytona 500s. "They did struggle. Now he's able to enjoy all the efforts and the sacrifices he made."

Friday, Waltrip and Bowyer announced a deal with PEAK Motor Oil for partial sponsorship from 2013-15. That only added to the loose atmosphere surrounding the team.

Bowyer's attitude seems to personify the team.

"There was this one time he said I was the worst driver in NASCAR. That showed a lot of personality," Waltrip joked. "It's genuine. That's most important."

Bowyer has five top-10 runs in six starts at Chicagoland, and now he'll have a chance to start the Chase on the right note there.

"I hope I haven't changed any. I'm running better than I ever have, and when you run better, you're seen more," Bowyer said. "I've always kind of enjoyed being under the radar, enjoying this sport and having fun with my guys and my team, the organization around you and your sponsors. I've never worked with an organization that does a better job of networking with their sponsors."


Tampa Bay Rays differ on lessons from 2011 comeback

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, September 15, 2012

NEW YORK

As the Rays navigate the final weeks of this wicked rollercoaster of a season, they would seem to have a legit benefit of drawing on what happened last September, when they had a longer way to go and a shorter time to get there.

But here's a question:

Is that experience a comfort, from which they can draw confidence, or a crutch, which they may lean on for false hope?

Some say they don't reference it much, or at all, that it's a different year, different group, different circumstance.

"Completely different," right-hander James Shields said.

Others say they can use it to their advantage, that knowing they did it once gives them reason to believe they can do it again.

"That's a decent way to look at it," centerfielder B.J. Upton said. "We saw what happened last year and I think that in itself kind of gives us a little bit of confidence."

Added third baseman/DH Evan Longoria: "I think I'm sure that in passing in a lot of guys' minds that that thought is in there, so in more ways than not it helps because that's a positive thought."

So does that mean they take the same approach as 2011, when they closed a gap of nine games in 23 days, then beat out the Red Sox for the wild-card spot on the final night of the season.

"Last year, we were so far behind so late in the year that it was kind of like we were more concerned with going out and winning," Longoria said. "We weren't even looking at the scoreboard and the standings and then it crept up on us."

This year they don't — yet, anyway — have the same approach, Shields acknowledged.

"Last year we kind of had to win every single game," he said. "And right now we're just trying to win series."

White Sox 5, Twins 3

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Times wires
Saturday, September 15, 2012

White Sox 5, Twins 3

MINNEAPOLIS — Francisco Liriano took a no-hitter into the seventh and Paul Konerko homered and had three RBIs as the White Sox stayed atop the AL Central. Liriano was splendid against his ex-team, allowing only Trevor Plouffe's two-out homer in the seventh. Acquired from the Twins on July 28, the victory was Liriano's third for the White Sox and first against Minnesota.

Pirates 7, Cubs 6

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Times wires
Saturday, September 15, 2012

Pirates 7, Cubs 6

CHICAGO — Andrew McCutchen homered and reached base four times, and the Pirates held off a late rally to snap a seven-game losing streak. Pittsburgh, once an NL wild-card leader, had lost 17 of 22.

FSU52, WAKE FOREST0

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Saturday, September 15, 2012

MORE ONLINE: seminoles.tampabay.com

Who: Murray State

Score: FSU 69-3

Records: FSU, 1-0, 0-0 ACC Murray State, 0-1, 0-0 Ohio Valley

Who: Savannah State

Score: FSU 55-0

Records: FSU, 2-0, 0-0 ACC Savannah State, 0-2, 0-0 MEAC

Who: Wake Forest

Score: FSU 52-0

Records: FSU, 3-0, 1-0 ACC Wake Forest 2-1, 1-1 ACC

Who: Clemson

Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee

When: 8 p.m.

TV: Ch. 28

Radio: 820-AM

Who: USF

Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 820/1040-AM

Who: N.C. St.

Where: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, N.C.

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 820/1040-AM

Who: Boston College

Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 820/1040-AM

Who: Miami

Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 820/1040-AM

Who: Duke

Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 820/1040-AM

Who: Va. Tech

Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Va.

When: 8 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Radio: 820-AM

Who: Maryland

Where: Byrd Stadium, College Park, Md.

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 820/1040-AM

Who: Florida

Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 820/1040-AM

Record round helps Shin open sizable lead

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Times wires
Saturday, September 15, 2012

HOYLAKE, England — Jiyai Shin opened a five-stroke lead in the Women's British Open, shooting 8-under 64 Saturday in the wind-delayed second round.

Coming off a playoff victory Monday in the Kingsmill Champion­ship, the 24-year-old South Korean was at 9-under 135 at Royal Liverpool.

The nine-time LPGA Tour winner hit all 18 greens in regulation and needed only 28 putts. The 64 is the lowest round in competition at Royal Liverpool, breaking the mark of 65 set by four players in the 2006 British Open.

"A bogey-free day and then bunker-free, too, so that was probably the best round I have ever played in a major," Shin said. "So that is a good thing, (Saturday's) golf. I missed just one fairway. And on the back nine, it's blowing a very strong wind, but I just stayed focused on my tempo and my timing with my driver and shots."

South Korea's Inbee Park was second after 68. She played alongside Shin.

"I had a lot of easy birdies on the back nine, and the front nine was really tough because the wind picked up," Park said. "I've been playing the front nine really hard because my ball is a little bit right to left shape and the wind is coming right to left, so I just have to watch the front nine a little bit more the next two days. The back nine, I've been playing great and I've been having a lot of birdies on the back nine, so feeling really confident with the back nine."

Australia's Karrie Webb, the tournament winner in 1995, 1997 and 2002, was another stroke back along with Japan's Mika Miyazato. They shot 70.

"I'm surprised to be six shots behind at 3 under," Webb said. "But I'm happy with the way I played and handled the golf course. I'll just try to narrow the gap and see how it goes."

Play was called off Friday because of high wind and the round was restarted Saturday. The final two rounds are set for today.

Shin opened on the par-5 10th with a 30-yard chip for eagle then birdied the next three holes. She also birdied the 16th for a 6-under 31 on the back nine.

Tampa's Cindy LaCrosse shot 75 and was 4 over. Tampa resident Kristy McPherson (8 over) and Seminole's Brittany Lincicome (11 over) missed the cut.

CHAMPIONS: Bill Glasson moved into position for his first tour victory, shooting 7-under 65 to take a four-stroke lead into the final round of the inaugural Hawaii Championship in Kapolei. Winless in 46 starts on the 50-and-over tour, Glasson, 52, was at 13-under 131. He won seven times on the PGA Tour in a career marked by more than 20 surgeries. First-round leader Peter Senior and Mark McNulty were tied for second.

Rays Tales: What else is at stake for Tampa Bay Rays

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, September 15, 2012

We know what the Rays, collectively and ultimately, are playing for over the next 2½ weeks: a spot in the playoffs with the chance to advance, for the second time in five years, to the World Series. But along the way there are a few other topics of discussion:

Awards AL Cy Young

In LHP David Price and RHP Fernando Rodney, the Rays have two of the leading candidates, at the least, manager Joe Maddon said, "two of the top five." Price, who returned to action impressively Friday after skipping a start with shoulder soreness, leads the majors in ERA (2.54) and the AL with 18 wins (plus two no-decisions for eight shutout innings). But like in 2010, when he was 19-6, 2.72, but finished second to Seattle's Felix Hernandez (13-12, 2.27) the vote — done by two writers in each of the 14 AL cities — is hard to handicap. Since there were separate league awards beginning in 1967, 18 of the 19 pitchers to lead either in wins and ERA won. But the starting candidates are many: Hernandez, Chicago's Chris Sale, Detroit's Justin Verlander, L.A.'s Jered Weaver. Rodney has less of a chance, just from the historical bias alone. It's rare for closers to win the award — just three times in the AL in 45 years (Rollie Fingers, '81; Willie Hernandez, '84; Dennis Eckersley, '92). But Rodney is having a historic season, not only leading the majors in saves but with the lowest ERA (0.66 through Friday) of all relievers with a minimum of 50 innings. He is in line to join Eckersley (1990) as only the second pitcher in MLB history to finish a season with 40-plus saves and a sub-1.00 ERA.

AL Manager of the Year

Getting this Rays team into the playoffs would get Maddon some consideration for a third award in five years. But there are pretty strong cases for what Buck Showalter has done in Baltimore and Bob Melvin in Oakland. Plus, first-timer Robin Ventura in Chicago.

AL Rookie of the Year

LHP Matt Moore was among the preseason favorites, but the Angels promotion of OF Mike Trout took care of that. A slow start hurt, too; Moore may not make the top three.

Cash money

Of the 10 bigger-name potential free agents on the roster, CF B.J. Upton is, by far, in the best position to get paid. And based on his recent play he's upping the price, with early chatter he could get $12 million to $15 million for four or five years. Upton, to his credit, said he is solely focused on winning with the Rays rather than what will happen when he leaves: "Not worried about it at all."

Other potential free agents: INF Jeff Keppinger; 1B Carlos Peña; LHP J.P. Howell; RHPs Kyle Farnsworth, Joel Peralta.

Rays hold options: C Jose Molina; DH Luke Scott; RHPs Fernando Rodney, James Shields.

History

These Rays are always creating interesting notations for what they do or don't do. And there's a chance for some pretty historic accomplishments:

• Their pitchers, with 1,215 strikeouts, could break the AL record for a season (1,266, 2001 Yankees) and record the lowest opponents average (.231) of the DH era. They could become the first team since the 1947 Yankees to lead the majors in ERA, strikeouts and opponents average, and second to lead the AL in the past 25 years ('99 Red Sox).

• Upton could be the first to lead the Rays in homers, RBIs and steals in one season.

• Price, with 18 wins, could be their first 20-game winner; Rodney is two saves from the team record of 45.

Rays rumblings

The Rays can't be pleased with the '13 schedule: an additional game vs. AL East teams (rather than a more balanced format they prefer), no weekend home series with Boston, 21 consecutive games at the end (one off day in the final 35), five two-game series, four off days on the road. … OF Sam Fuld lines up to qualify for arbitration as a Super 2. … TV guys Todd Kalas and Dewayne Staats are among 41 candidates for Hall of Fame's Frick award ballot; vote on facebook.com/baseballhall. … Ex-Ray Gabe Kapler will play for Israel in this week's WBC qualifying tournament in Jupiter. … So now that it's crunch time, does it make sense that the Rays radio pregame game show (full disclosure: which Times writers appear on) doesn't air on the flagship station weekdays so there's more time for Bucs talk?

Got a minute? Matt Joyce

Something you're scared of? There's lots of things; let's go with poisonous creatures.

Late-night snack? Any kind of candy or chocolate — bad sweet tooth.

Karaoke song if you had to? Livin' on a Prayer.

Favorite TV show? I've been watching Game of Thrones lately.

Celebrity crush? Jessica Biel.

Tampa Bay Rays lose to New York Yankees 5-3

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, September 15, 2012

NEW YORK — Joe Maddon's plan for Saturday night was old-school Italian, the Rays manager heading over to Carmine's, the famous restaurant not far off Broadway that is one of his favorite New York stops.

But before he headed out of Yankee Stadium after the 5-3 loss, he had country music on his mind, suggesting that maybe a twangy ballad would be the best way to tell the all-too-familiar story of their latest disappointing defeat.

"Again, we've sang this song," Maddon said. "I'm sure we could make a nice country and western song out of this whole thing."

Such as?

"Between your dog and your pickup, we came up short again. We came up short agin."

Agin and agin and agin.

Whatever ground, momentum and emotional stability the Rays gained on Friday night they gave back on Saturday, James Shields putting them in an early hole by allowing back-to-back homers in the second and another run in the fifth, and the offense — cue the fiddles and banjos — unable to make it up. It was the 15th of their past 16 losses to come by one or two runs.

"We've got to be able to score some runs sometimes, too," Maddon said. "It's not always about our pitchers giving up a couple points."

They fell to 78-67 and back to four games behind the Yankees in the American League East race, though still three back of the Orioles for the second AL wild card, and lost another day off the calendar, with only 17 games left.

In Maddon's office and on one side of the clubhouse, patience was being preached.

"We've still got some time," Shields said.

But in another corner, not so much.

"We don't have a lot of time," third baseman Evan Longoria said. "I'm not going to say that anymore. We don't have a lot of time left. We continue to lose, we're going to find ourselves mathematically eliminated pretty quickly."

Shields felt he made a good 0-and-1 pitch to Granderson, who swatted it into the jet stream that blows out to right for a two-run homer, his 39th of the season.

Shields couldn't, and shouldn't, have felt as good about the 1-and-1 cutter to Nunez, the reserve infielder who hadn't homered in nearly a year, since a Sept. 21 game against Shields, against whom he is 7-for-16.

As if that weren't bad enough, the Yankees fourth run, on a two-out, fifth-inning Derek Jeter single after Shields thought he had him struck out, proved to be the difference.

The Rays, stymied again by Yankees right-hander Ivan Nova — "He likes our uniform, I know that" Maddon noted — got one back on Longoria's eighth homer since coming off the DL Aug. 7.

Then two more runs in the seventh, Maddon making it obvious he was trying to get on top against the more vulnerable middle of the New York bullpen.

The odd rally included four pinch-hitters and a pinch-runner, two pitching changes, a poorly timed (and even more poorly executed) bunt by Ben Francisco, and an actual big hit from Luke Scott, who singled in two — his first multi-RBI day since July 8.

But that was it, as they went quickly in the eighth, then had a slim chance in the ninth when Francisco singled with one out, but only as much of a chance as sending up Ryan Roberts, rookie Stephen Vogt (0-for-17 in his career) and Elliot Johnson against Yankees closer Rafael Soriano could give you. (Roberts flew out, Vogt walked, Johnson struck out.)

"Again, it's the offense," Longoria said. "We've asked a lot from the pitching staff the whole year, and I can't say it enough — we've got to get hits, we've got to produce runs and however we have to do it, we have to do it.

"The time is now."

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.


North Suncoast: Sunday morning quarterback

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By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, September 15, 2012

Three things we learned

1. Nature Coast is tough. The Sharks gave up 21 consecutive points to lose to Crystal River by a score in the opener. They struggled in Week 2 in a 46-7 loss to Fleming Island. Give Nature Coast credit for battling back to knock off Dunnellon. That should make for a happier week of preparations heading into district play.

2. Pasco has a quarterback. It was fair to wonder how Jajuan Henry would fare after preseason jitters against Hernando. But in two regular-season games, Henry has performed well. After rushing for 90 yards and a score in Week 1, he passed for two scores and ran for another in a blowout win over Wiregrass Ranch.

3. Daniel Wright could be the North Suncoast's MVP. So far, at least. The bruising Springstead running back had 88 yards and two scores, including the go-ahead touchdown, in a win over Anclote. He has rushed for two TDs in every game so far, but he faces a tough test against Sunlake.

North Suncoast Super 7

1. Pasco (2-0): The Pirates have shut out four of their last six North Suncoast opponents. They gave up a combined 13 points in the other two games.

2. Springstead (3-0): Forget the defense. How about the offense (114 points in three games)?

3. Mitchell (3-0): The nondistrict numbers are meaningless, but check out these stats through three games. Mitchell: 119 points scored, 16 points allowed. Armwood: 113 points scored, 36 points allowed.

4. Sunlake (2-0): The Seahawks have had a week to put a rough win over Wiregrass Ranch behind them. Maybe they did the same with their fumbling woes.

5. Hernando (0-3): Hard to believe, but this week's matchup with Land O'Lakes might be the Leopards' easiest challenge so far.

6. Land O'Lakes (1-1): The Gators will try to avenge last season's 28-7 loss to Hernando. A victory would be one of the biggest in coach Brian Wachtel's tenure.

7. Nature Coast (1-2): Another game, another 100-plus yards for RB Matt Breida, who had 140 and a score in a victory.

In case you missed it

•Central QB Cole Teater had both Bears touchdown runs in a 26-13 loss to Lecanto. The defeat was another sign of progress. The Bears lost 35-6 to Lecanto last year.

•Pasco's defense recovered six fumbles and allowed only two first downs against Wiregrass Ranch.

•Anclote WR Tymere Carter equaled his career total with two touchdown catches against Springstead in the first multicatch game of his career. Both TDs came from QB John Forgione. It was the second time in Forgione's last four games that he threw for two scores.

MVPs

Christian Trinidad, Mitchell: The junior running back had four rushing touchdowns and a 95-yard kickoff return TD in a 48-6 win over Ridgewood.

Austin Meyers, Bishop McLaughlin: The do-it-all senior rushed for more than 150 yards and four touchdowns in the Hurricanes' comeback. Bishop rallied from a 20-0 hole for a 38-20 victory, its first of the year.

Five thoughts heading into Week 4

1. Mitchell looks like a playoff contender so far. Yet it needs a win over rival River Ridge to prove that it is ready to vie for one of the top two spots in Class 6A, District 6.

2. Of the North Suncoast's six winless teams, Ridgewood has the best shot at a first W. Coach Jay Fulmers' Rams face Hudson, which is also looking for its first victory of the year.

3. Don't be surprised if Anclote hangs with or upsets Fivay. The Sharks battled Springstead this past week. That's the same Springstead team that forced four turnovers in a 38-0 win over the Falcons the week before.

4. It's hard to call a district opener a must-win game, but Hernando's showdown with Land O'Lakes is pivotal for Tyrail Hawkins and the Leopards. It's hard to imagine a team losing its first four games and making the playoffs.

5. Remember this: What has happened so far is only a tune-up for the next two months. Mitchell looks like a favorite in Class 6A, District 6 after a 3-0 start, but it was 3-0 last year before losing five of its last seven games on the field. Hernando and Zephyrhills are winless, but both should battle for playoff spots. Springstead's perfect start would mean a lot less if it loses to Sunlake this week.

The last word

Bishop McLaughlin's first win wasn't as convincing as its initial victory last year, a 56-18 road win at Ocala Vanguard. But it was more impressive because of the circumstances. The Hurricanes rallied from a 20-0 deficit to beat Kissimmee Life Academy 38-20. They found a star rusher in Austin Meyers, and they proved they could overcome adversity. Friday's win was a key milestone for coach Derrick Alexander's young program, and the confidence his team gained will help it as the games become more important.

Freshman Duke Johnson leads Miami Hurricanes past Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 38-10

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Times wires
Saturday, September 15, 2012

MIAMI — One of the biggest reasons Duke Johnson chose to play at Miami was staying in his hometown allowed his friends and family to see him play. Saturday, he gave them a show.

The freshman, one of the nation's top recruits in the spring, scored four touchdowns and recorded 246 all-purpose yards in his first home game to lead the Hurricanes past Bethune-Cookman 38-10.

"I'm just waiting for him to do a backflip sometime in the middle of a play," Miami quarterback Stephen Morris said. "He can do it."

Johnson scored on a 95-yard kickoff return, 50-yard catch and runs of 1 and 28 yards. He's the first Hurricane to score four since Tyrone Moss in 2005. And he has six in Miami's three games this season, four of at least 50 yards.

Is he surprised?

"Not really," Johnson said.

Not even a little?

"Nah," he said with a grin.

Miami has raved about Johnson since his two-touchdown opener at Boston College. Saturday, he had 94 yards on 14 carries and caught three passes for 57.

"He's very mature in his work ethic, his approach, his preparation," coach Al Golden said. "You can ask him to do some things, and he accepts it. He accepts that challenge and then goes out and executes it."

Isidore Jackson's 1-yard run gave I-AA Bethune-Cookman a 7-0 lead on Miami for the second straight year. Last year, the lead lasted for much of the first half before a 45-14 loss. Saturday, it lasted 12 seconds.

Johnson took the ensuing kickoff, found gaping holes and ran untouched to the end zone. It was Miami's first kickoff return for a touchdown since Lamar Miller against Ohio State in 2010 and its longest since Devin Hester's 100-yarder against N.C State in 2004.

Miami took the lead after going 50 yards in nine plays in the second quarter, Johnson getting the last yard after taking a pitch. Up 17-7 in the third, Johnson caught a short pass, waited for blocking to develop and sprinted 50 yards for his third score. His fourth came with 8:25 left, a 28-yard run that made it 31-10.

The Wildcats' quarterbacks combined to go 10-of-25 for 122 yards. They lost a fumble, and a fake punt was intercepted.

"We just made too many mistakes, bottom line," coach Brian Jenkins said. "I don't care who we played. We could have played the mighty midgets. With the execution errors we made, they would have beaten us."

Swimming: Land O'Lakes sweeps North Suncoast relays

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By Steve Lee, Times Correspondent
Saturday, September 15, 2012

Girls team scores: 1. Land O' Lakes 334, 2. Mitchell 306, 3. Wiregrass Ranch 248, 4. Crystal River 214, 5. Zephyrhills 196, 6. Central 178, 7. Academy at the Lakes 62

Boys team scores: 1. Land O Lakes 394, 2. Mitchell 288, 3. Crystal River 276, 4. Wiregrass Ranch 224, 5. Central 202, 6. Zephyrhills 196, 7. River Ridge 188

NEW TAMPA — While Land O' Lakes maintained its swimming dominance in the inaugural North Suncoast Relays, the competition took a momentary backseat to the zaniness of Saturday's last event at the New Tampa YMCA.

The 15th event was a boys and girls mixed 100-yard relay in which swimmers compete with T-shirts and shoes on.

"It was embarrassing and difficult. It was fun, though," Crystal River junior Rachel Gomez said.

Zephyrhills sophomore Brandon Bush added: "It was like swimming with lead weights on your feet. It was all arms."

Meet organizer Tanner Schmitz, the second-year Wiregrass Ranch coach who revived the idea for an area relay that had not taken place in Pasco County since 2003, initiated the interesting final race and said next year there could be more than one race for fun.

"Shirts and shoes was a blast," Schmitz said. "That was definitely the rowdiest moment of the meet."

The results changed after the meet, as scores were adjusted to reflect points accumulated in the mixed races. In the initial calculations, only points from boys and girls races were figured in. That left Schmitz disheartened, especially after he thought his girls team won, and having to make a few trips to get trophies to the proper teams. Three disqualifications by the Bulls in the mixed races changed the outcome.

"When we deal with relay meets the No. 1 concern is early takeoffs," Schmitz said. "I wish we could have worked on that more, but I stand by my kids' swimming."

Land O' Lakes won the boys and girls divisions with 394 and 334 points, respectively. The adjusted totals included points to both sides from the mixed races.

Mitchell was the runnerup for the boys (288) and girls (306), while the third-place teams were the Crystal River boys (276) and Wiregrass Ranch girls (248).

Land O' Lakes won 10 of the 15 events (four boys, five mixed, two girls). Wiregrass Ranch had two victories in girls relays, with Mitchell and Brooksville Central tallying one win apiece.

"I didn't stack my relays," Schmitz said. "I just wanted to get a lot of kids in the races."

Land O' Lakes' Patrick Lawson, a senior, was part of four winning relays: boys 100 freestyle, 200 free, 200 backstroke and mixed 200 free. Teammate James Adams contributed to three wins: boys 400 individual medley, 200 back and mixed 200 free.

For Wiregrass Ranch, Chelsea Hernandez and Mallory Gant were part of wins in the girls 200 free and 400 free.

Lions coach brushes off jab by 49ers owner

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Times wires
Saturday, September 15, 2012

Jed York, owner of the 49ers, had some fun with "The Handshake" at a midweek pep rally to promote tonight's Lions-49ers/Jim Schwartz-Jim Harbaugh showdown in San Francisco

"Just because we had a big win last week doesn't guarantee anything next week," York told a crowd of 49ers fans. "So please make sure you come out there, give us as much support as possible and by all means when you're shaking somebody's hand at the end of the game, don't do it too hard."

Asked about York's comments Saturday, Schwartz said, "I don't have any take on it. Like I said, none of that stuff matters on Sunday night and our job's to go play football. We'll do our very best to play football."

EX-BUC ARRESTED: Former receiver Antonio Bryant, who spent his last two seasons with the Bucs (2008-09), was arrested in Broward County after turning himself in to authorities. According to court and police records, Bryant strangled the mother of his child in April, but a warrant for his arrest wasn't issued until August.

BEARS: Running back Kahlil Bell returned to the team to provide depth behind Michael Bush, with starter Matt Forte out two to six weeks with a high ankle sprain.

EAGLES: Defensive end Jason Babin was fined $15,750 for a hit on Browns QB Brandon Weeden.

RAIDERS: Cornerback Ron Bartell went on injured reserve with a broken shoulder blade and could return to games in eight weeks.

Cross country: Nature Coast takes boys crown, runnerup in girls race at Zak Lukas Invitational

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By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Saturday, September 15, 2012

ZAK LUCAS INVITATIONAL

McKethan Lake, Brooksville

Boys team standings: 1. Nature Coast 27, 2. George Jenkins 56, 3. Springstead 81, 4. Crystal River 101, 5. Mitchell 102

Girls team standings: 1. George Jenkins 45, 2. Nature Coast 61, 3. Crystal River 73, 4. Mitchell 88, 5. Springstead 111

BROOKSVILLE — While Nature Coast qualified for state last season on the depth of its lineup, James Harkless never tasted victory until Saturday's running of the 36th annual Zak Lukas Invitational at McKethan Lake Park in Brooksville.

Harkless, who bettered his personal best by four seconds, won the race in 16 minutes, 44 seconds, just ahead of teammate and defending event champion Cody Van Natter (16:50). Van Natter, a senior, finished fourth at this race as a sophomore as well.

"I feel so much more relaxed this year," Harkless said. "I didn't even feel like I was going that fast, and before I knew it, the race was over."

The Sharks (27 points) easily won the boys team title over George Jenkins (56) on the shoulders of Harkless, Van Natter, Kevin Ciccone (fourth, 17:13) and Stephen Murphy (seventh, 17:36). Harkless is the lone junior and the other three are seniors.

Notably missing from the fray was Nature Coast standout William Sandifer. Another senior, Sandifer ran an 18:26 at state last season but is coming off a right knee injury. He ran well in the junior varsity race.

Mitchell junior Troy Shea (17:21) rounded out the top five. Springstead junior Jesse Laurenti (17:49), a transfer from Weeki Wachee, took ninth, and Springstead's James Amodie (17:32) was sixth; they were the only other North Suncoast runners in the top 10.

In the girls race, George Jenkins (45) edged Nature Coast (61) for the team crown, with five runners in the top 15.

Though they did not win the title, the Sharks had arguably the most impressive performance in program history. Four runners finished in the top 15, and two broke the school record held by Brianna Horn (21:13) in 2010.

"I am very happy with how our girls performed," Nature Coast coach Eric Milholland said. "Every girl in the lineup (set a personal best Saturday)."

While Crystal River senior Clarissa Consol (19:55) won the race and Mitchell senior Claudia Cancello (20:07) was the runnerup, Nature Coast freshman Alexa Lacy (20:50) was sixth and junior Mary Thomson (21:07), who has been dealing with leg issues, was under the record and was ninth.

No Luck? No worry for Cardinal

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Times wires
Saturday, September 15, 2012

STANFORD, Calif. — Even without Andrew Luck, Stanford still had every answer for Matt Barkley and Southern California.

Josh Nunes threw a go-ahead 37-yard touchdown to Zach Ertz, Stepfan Taylor ran for 153 yards and scored two touchdowns, and No. 21 Stanford upset second-ranked USC 21-14 on Saturday for its fourth straight win in this series.

Heisman Trophy hopeful Matt Barkley threw for 254 yards and two interceptions while completing only 20 of 41 passes. He was sacked twice on the final drive for the Trojans (2-1, 0-1 Pac-12) and threw out of bounds on a final heave on fourth-and-39 from USC's 25-yard line.

Coming out of a two-year bowl ban, USC had national title hopes. Now the Trojans will have to climb out of a hole to get there.

A sold-out crowd at Stanford Stadium rushed the field, tossing streamers and jumping in a wild celebration at midfield with Stanford coach David Shaw and players caught in the middle. The Cardinal (3-0, 1-0) is 3-0 for the third straight season for the first time since 1970-72 and has its longest winning streak ever against USC.

Barkley has beaten every conference team but is 0-4 against Stanford. The only chance the senior quarterback and possible No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft has for revenge against the Cardinal now is a rematch in the Pac-12 title game.

Stanford's Jordan Williamson missed field goals of 47 and 23 yards and had a 51-yarder blocked by T.J. McDonald. With a defense that flustered Barkley and a new quarterback that found his footing late, the kicker who missed three field goals in the Fiesta Bowl loss to Oklahoma State last season could smile in the pile with everybody else.

Except for the Trojans, that is.

A year after Luck led Stanford back in a 56-48 triple-overtime thriller at the Coliseum, a new crop of Cardinal players delivered another moment to savor.

Taylor took a short screen pass and went 23 yards for a tying touchdown late in the third quarter. Nunes ran 12 yards on a third and 10 from midfield in the fourth and then delivered the strike to Ertz, who juked a defender and dove into the end zone to give Stanford a 21-14 lead and send the home fans into a frenzy.

The last chance for USC never amounted to much.

Marqise Lee caught an 18-yard pass on fourth and 4 on the sideline that was originally ruled out of bounds. After a video replay, officials ruled Lee's left foot landed in bounds and he controlled the ball.

Mistakes doomed the Trojans. USC had a 10-yard holding penalty, then Trent Murphy sacked Barkley, followed by a 5-yard false-start penalty and a sack by Chase Thomas before Barkley's final heave.

Nunes threw for 215 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on 15-for-32 passing.

Tigers 5, Indians 3

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Times wires
Saturday, September 15, 2012

Tigers 5, Indians 3

CLEVELAND — Anibal Sanchez took a no-hitter into the seventh inning for the Tigers, who won their fourth straight game. Carlos Santana ruined Sanchez's no-hit bid with a two-out triple in the seventh, but the Indians were officially eliminated from playoff contention after falling to 16-45 since the All-Star break.


Sprint Cup Chase scouting report

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By Jim Tomlin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, September 15, 2012

SPRINT CUP SCOUTING REPORT

Chicagoland Speedway

Where/when/TV: GEICO 400, Joliet, Ill., 2 p.m. today, ESPN

This is where the magic started last season for Tony Stewart. Coming off of a regular season where he went winless, Stewart led 28 of the final 30 laps to start the Chase with a victory, the first of five to end his championship season. Stewart is the only three-time winner at the 1.5-mile trioval. The track has not been as kind to Kasey Kahne, who has two top-10 finishes in eight starts and an average finish of 21st here, the worst of any Chase contenders.

Jim Tomlin, Times staff writer

Braves 5, Nationals 4

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Times wires
Saturday, September 15, 2012

ATLANTA — The Braves are 6½ games out in the NL East with 16 games to play. Yet Freddie Freeman believes they still have a good chance to catch the Nationals.

"I mean have they won the division yet?" Freeman said. "No, they haven't, so obviously we do."

Pinch-runner Jeff Baker scored the go-ahead run in the eighth inning when reliever Ryan Mattheus hit Andrelton Simmons' uniform with a pitch, and Atlanta beat Washington 5-4 on Saturday.

Jason Heyward and Freeman homered for the Braves, who have won the first two games in the series and nine of 13 overall.

Atlanta has a substantial lead in the wild-card race, but Heyward said the team's focus is on passing the Nationals in the standings.

"I feel like the last two times we've played them we've done better," Heyward said. "We've taken strides and just tried to hang in there and keep battling."

Q&A with Fox broadcaster Joe Buck

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By Tom Jones, Time Sports Writer
Saturday, September 15, 2012

How's your health these days?

All good. I have a clean bill of health, knock on wood. But it was a heck of a year, and I'm better because of it.

You were unable to elevate your voice for some time. You would go hoarse. How scary was it to go through something like that?

Very scary. I didn't know if (my voice) would ever come back to normal. Doctors can tell you that it should, but it's not always easy to believe when you're the one going through it. "Should'' doesn't always compute. "Should'' sometimes becomes "won't.'' That's kind of what I was dealing with. Yeah, very scary.

You said that you're better because of it. How so?

Now that I'm back and healthy, it's something I don't worry about anymore, and I really appreciate how lucky I am to be doing what I'm doing. Not that I didn't before. It's just that it was a challenge, and I wouldn't want to go through it again. But you know, everyone in life goes through stuff. This was mine, and I'm fortunate and appreciative for everything I have now.

You have baseball and football games with teams from the same two markets this weekend. Does that happen very often for you?

I don't know that it has ever happened before. If it has, I can't recall it.

Take me through the preparation for doing a baseball game one day and a football game the next. I imagine the football takes more prep work.

It does. I try to split my time each day working on both. It's not like I work on baseball on Monday and then football on Tuesday and so forth. I try to put in a couple of hours on baseball and then move on to football. That way I can keep track each day and not fall behind on either.

For baseball, would you pay more attention to, say, the Rays series last week against the Orioles than normal?

Absolutely. If this was June, I don't know that I could tell you who the winning and losing pitchers were or who had the big hit as much I could now. So I'm paying attention to the teams a lot closer.

Do you talk a lot with Tim McCarver and Troy Aikman during the week?

Well, Troy and I will text each other lot. I can't text with Tim. Tim doesn't text. I'm better off sending smoke signals and sending up a pterodactyl. But we've been doing games together for 17 years now, so we fall right back into it even if we haven't seen each other or talked in a few weeks. The chemistry is great with both. For example, I'll throw out a reference like Foo Fighters. Tim has no idea who the Foo Fighters are. Neither does Troy, probably. I need to say Kenny Chesney to get his attention. But both are such pros and we're so comfortable around one another that we are able to work together well.

How similar are Tim and Troy to work with?

Extremely similar. Their work ethic is amazing, and it's what made them great players in their sports. I can tell you that I know now why Troy won three Super Bowls, and it's not just because of his accuracy and arm strength. I see what he does to prepare for a game and you know why he's a success. And Tim is at a point that he could just walk in a minute before the broadcast and wing it, but he doesn't do it that way. He continues to work hard. He still loves the game.

Your dad was a great baseball announcer, but maybe people don't realize how much football he called. You call both. Do you have a preference?

My dad did call a lot of football, and in my opinion, he was the best football announcer on radio ever. The sports are just so different, but I love doing both. I have two daughters, and it's like asking me which one I love more. You can't choose. The NFL is such a big spotlight. Saturday afternoon baseball game of the week is such a slower pace but enjoyable, too.

Is there anything better than postseason baseball?

To me, no, there is nothing like that.

Your dad called St. Louis Cardinals games, and the Cardinals used to have spring training in St. Petersburg, so you spent a lot of time here as a kid, didn't you?

I did. I was actually born in St. Pete, at St. Anthony's (Hospital).

So you know the area and baseball. Are you surprised baseball has struggled in terms of attendance?

Well, I think it's the venue that's the problem. It was originally built to attract a team like the White Sox. I remember driving to Al Lang Stadium with my dad when I was younger and seeing (Tropicana Field) going up and wondering about the location and venue. The funny thing is, I've done postseason games there, and it's a great place for us to call a game. Being one who is paid to be there, I am not one to tell others they should pay or not pay to go to games there. … But I do think the venue is the big reason why baseball has struggled there.

What are your thoughts on the Rays and what they've accomplished over the past few years?

What they've done with their payroll is unmatched in major-league baseball. I read an article where (White Sox owner) Jerry Reinsdorf said something like, "You have to spend money to be successful in baseball except in Tampa, because those guys must be geniuses.''

Finally, you're doing the Bucs-Giants game. What do you think of new coach Greg Schiano and the Bucs?

What a great start last week. Changing the culture is hard to do. I know in St. Louis, Jeff Fisher is trying to do the same thing with the Rams, and I know the Rams loved Schiano when they talked to him. It seems like a good fit (for Schiano) in Tampa Bay. I like that he makes guys accountable. You better have the right priorities there or you'll be gone, as we've already seen. You get older guys like Ronde Barber to buy in and you have a heck of a draft and it's onward and upward, for sure.

tom jones' two cents

Fox broadcaster Joe Buck is having a Tampa Bay-New York weekend. The network's lead baseball announcer called Saturday's Rays-Yankees game at Yankee Stadium with Tim McCarver. Today, Buck, 43, switches to his gig as the network's lead football announcer to call the Bucs-Giants game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with Troy Aikman. • Buck, the son of legendary broadcaster Jack Buck, talked with the Tampa Bay Times' Tom Jones about being born in St. Petersburg, baseball in Tampa Bay, why he likes Bucs coach Greg Schiano and the vocal chord virus that threatened his career a year ago.

Sunday morning quarterback

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By Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, September 15, 2012

Times' Super 7

1. Largo (3-0): Thanks to a balanced offense and a nasty defense, the Packers end Countryside's 27-game regular-season win streak and vault to the top of the standings.

2. Countryside (2-1): Despite being manhandled by Largo, the Cougars do not drop far considering they beat Lakewood in the preseason and East Lake two weeks ago.

3. Lakewood (2-0): No one had a better week than the Spartans, who were off and stayed unbeaten in a week of upsets and close calls.

4. East Lake (2-1): It wasn't pretty, but the Eagles rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Tarpon Springs for the fourth straight year.

5. Clearwater Central Catholic (2-1): Might as well have been a bye week for the Marauders, who shut out winless Hudson.

6. Palm Harbor University (3-0): How's this for a stat: The Hurricanes are allowing 74 yards of offense per game.

7. Tarpon Springs (2-1): The Spongers showed they can stay with the county's best with a spirited effort against East Lake.

Five things we learned

1. Largo is the best team in the county. The talk during the week was that Countryside was the big dog, or big bank. The Packers did not dispute that. They referred to themselves as the little dog, but they were the pit bull. And they were tenacious in beating up the Cougars. That aggressiveness will be enough for Largo to roll to another district title and might help the Packers hang with a really big dog, Armwood, in the playoffs.

2. Whatever Dave Moore is doing at Shorecrest, it's working. The ex-Buc has the Chargers at 2-1 after a 26-3 win over Calvary Christian. That's as many wins as they had all of last season. Of course, Carrollwood Day awaits, but hey, enjoy it while you can.

3. Talk about teams heading in different directions. After a Week 1 win over Gibbs, it looked as if St. Petersburg might be pretty good while Gibbs might struggle. Then St. Petersburg stumbled against Palm Harbor U. and lost Friday to Osceola. Meanwhile, Gibbs got by Lennard and beat Spoto by 40 points. Granted, those aren't powerhouse teams, but the Gladiators are feeling much better about themselves than the Green Devils.

4. Palm Harbor U. has not given up a TD through three games. The Hurricanes are going to be tough to deal with all season with a defense like this.

5. Tarpon Springs is no pushover. After beating Dunedin and Clearwater the first two weeks, the Spongers got their first test in their rivalry game against East Lake. For three quarters, Tarpon Springs gave the Eagles all they could handle and had the lead before stumbling late. The Spongers have to be considered the leading contender for the run-nerup spot in Class 6A, District 7.

Three thoughts for Week 4

1. The Clearwater Central Catholic-Palm Harbor University matchup is intriguing. A classic chess match between offensive coach John Davis of CCC and defensive coach Matt LePain of PHU.

2. Lakewood appears to be sitting pretty sweet for the next month. The Spartans' next four games are against Dunedin, Middleton, Gibbs and Lennard, all winnable. And with Jesuit falling by 21 to Robinson on Friday, it looks like the Oct. 26 game at home against Robinson could be huge in District 5A-8.

3. Pinellas Park coach Kenny Crawford said he turned over the keys to the offensive coaches for the Dixie Hollins game. The result? A 48-14 win. Hey, Kenny, let the offensive staff keep the keys.

Defensive MVP

Will Anderson, DB, Admiral Farragut Anderson had three interceptions against Canterbury to help preserve the Blue Jackets' second straight shutout. One of the interceptions was on a halfback pass in which he made a one-handed catch and barely kept a foot inbounds.

Offensive MVP

Ryan Davis, QB, Northeast Davis threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns, and also gained 61 yards rushing in a 12-6 win over Boca Ciega. Davis gained 311 of his team's 363 yards.

Breakout player

Tyler Kaminski, Palm Harbor University: The Hurricanes were supposed to be in dire straights without Billy Pavlock, last year's dual-threat quarterback who graduated. But Kaminski has proved to be more than a capable replacement. Against Seminole, Kaminski threw for 168 yards, ran for 62 and accounted for four touchdowns (two passing, two running).

Pittsburgh rebounds, stuns future league rival

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Times wires
Saturday, September 15, 2012

PITTSBURGH — A videotaped message from ACC commissioner John Swofford offered Pittsburgh a warm welcome to the ACC in 2013 moments before the Panthers hosted conference power Virginia Tech on Saturday.

Somehow — after two baffling, listless losses to open the Paul Chryst era — Pitt looks ready to make the move.

Ray Graham rushed for 94 yards and two scores and added an 18-yard touchdown reception as the Panthers upset the 13th-ranked Hokies in a 35-17 romp.

The Panthers — for now still in the Big East — couldn't have looked much worse coming in. They were shocked at home by Division I-AA Youngstown State then blown out at Cincinnati.

Yet Chryst told his players things would be fine so long as they stuck to the plan.

"It's not like the movies, Any Given Sunday, it's not just a pregame speech," Chryst said. "It's the process and that's what you appreciate going through. This is the culmination of the work week."

Tino Sunseri passed for 283 yards and three touchdowns and freshman running back Rushel Shell added 157 yards as Pitt ended Tech's nation-high road winning streak at 13.

NO. 19 LOUISVILLE 39, N. CAROLINA 34: Teddy Bridgewater threw three first-half touchdowns and the host Cardinals scored on their first six possessions, then had to hold on with a late defensive stand.

Bryn Renner settled down from a rough first half to rally the Tar Heels from a 36-7 deficit with four second-half touchdowns, including a screen pass to Romar Morris for a 50-yarder with 4:23 remaining.

North Carolina's Norkeithus Otis then forced Adrian Bushell to fumble the ensuing kickoff, and the Tar Heels recovered at the Cardinals' 10. But after moving to the 3, UNC was penalized for a false start. Two plays later Renner's fourth-down pass to Erik Highsmith was batted away in the end zone by cornerback Andrew Johnson with 1:44 left.

"It was just a tale of two halves," Louisville Coach Charlie Strong said.

SYRACUSE 28, STONY BROOK 17: Ryan Nassib hit Jarrod West for the go-ahead touchdown and freshman Ashton Broyld scored on a 22-yard run as the host Orange avoided an upset and snapped a seven-game losing streak. Stony Brook, 0-3 against I-A teams, led 17-14 at halftime.

CINCINNATI 23, DELAWARE ST. 7: George Winn ran for a career-high 147 yards to help the host Bearcats overcome six turnovers, four of them by quarterback Munchie Legaux (two fumbles and two interceptions).

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