The Winnipeg Goldeyes released their 2014 schedule on Wednesday, highlighted by the 2014 American Association All-Star Game taking place at Shaw Park on July 29. "This is always an exciting day for our organization as we begin to see what the 2014 season will look like," Goldeyes general manager Andrew Collier said. "Theres lots of variety with 10 different teams visiting Winnipeg, but also six series at home against North Division rivals." The Goldeyes will begin their season in Texas for the third straight summer. The 2014 campaign for Winnipeg starts with a four-game series in north Texas against the Amarillo Sox before shifting to south Texas for a three-game series against the Laredo Lemurs. Following an off-day, the Goldeyes conclude the trip with three games in Lincoln against the Saltdogs. Winnipegs 2014 home opener is scheduled for May 26 against the Sioux City Explorers. Its the first time the Goldeyes will face the Explorers in their home opener since 2005. The seven-game homestand ends with four games against Lincoln.The Grand Prairie AirHogs will make their first ever visit to Shaw Park from June 10-12. For the second consecutive season, the Goldeyes will go east for a 10-game road trip through the Can-Am League from June 17-26. Winnipeg will entertain a Can-Am League team from August 18-20. The opponents for these 13 games will be known at a future date. The Goldeyes will play on Canada Day for the first time since 2009 as part of a three-game series against the Kansas City T-Bones. As previously released, the 2014 American Association All-Star festivities will take place on July 28-29 at Shaw Park. Winnipegs 2014 regular season schedule will conclude with four games against the 2013 American Association Champion Gary SouthShore RailCats from August 29 – September 1. Click here for the entire 2014 schedule. China Jerseys NFL Authentic . “Im not sure well get Melky Cabrera at all,” said Gibbons. The 29-year-old left fielder struggled all season with knee and hamstring problems. Cabrera was first on the disabled list from June 27-July 20 with tendinitis in his left knee. China Jerseys Quality . -- LeGarrette Blount wasnt satisfied with three short touchdown runs, not against a team coming off the second greatest comeback in playoff history. http://www.chinajerseyspaypal.com/ . -- Sonny Grays fastball wasnt as sharp as it usually is, and the Oakland Athletics young pitcher even had a quirky replay go against him. China Jerseys Fake . It was a move of some time in the making. “He hasnt thrown well, clearly some guys are being used more than him right now and the only way to get out of this funk is to pitch,” said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. China Jerseys Free Shipping . Lynn was tied for 16th entering the fourth round, six shots behind leader Paul Waring. He started with two birdies and added three more on his last five holes at the Oceanico Victoria course for an 18-under total of 266.MANCHESTER, England - Arsenal and Tottenham slumped to 2-1 losses in the Premier League as their weaknesses were ruthlessly exposed on Sunday, while Newcastles resurgence continued with a fourth straight win.After squandering a three-goal cushion midweek in the Champions League, Arsenal again failed to hold onto a lead by conceding twice in less than three minutes at Swansea to drop out of the top four.Its difficult to explain how we lost the lead. We were in control, said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, whose team is 12 points behind leader Chelsea and has yet to register a win against a side outside the bottom seven.Chile forward Alexis Sanchez scored for the fourth straight league game to give Arsenal a 63rd-minute lead, only for Gylfi Sigurdsson to equalize with a stunning free kick and Bafetimbi Gomis to grab the winner barely 90 seconds after coming on as a substitute.Spurs suffered another hangover after their Europa League commitments, losing at home to Stoke to fall to 12th in the standings and increase the scrutiny on new manager Mauricio Pochettino.We need to improve quickly because you never have a long time in football, Pochettino said. My challenge in the next few weeks is to change the mentality.That is something Alan Pardew has managed at Newcastle, which was without a win until Oct. 18 but has surged up to eighth in the table.Young Spanish striker Ayoze Perez scored for a third straight game to set Newcastle on its way to a 2-0 win at West Brom. Argentine defender Fabricio Coloccino headed in the second goal.Pardew thanked Newcastle owner Mike Ashley for keeping faith in the dark times, saying: Everyone was pulling at him when we werent winning and he stuck with me and was very supportive, especially after the Southampton game (a 4-0 defeat).You have to have that as a manager. It bought me just enough time.Everton drew 1-1 at Sunderland and is in 10th place, tied on 14 points with Merseyside rival Liverpool and Tottenham, to demonstrate the compettitive nature of this seasons Premier League.ddddddddddddSouthampton, West Ham and Swansea are three of the top five after 11 rounds. Chelsea holds a four-point lead and is unbeaten.Arsenal has been robbed of key French defenders Laurent Koscielny and Mathieu Debuchy in recent weeks and its back four is looking brittle, with Nacho Monreal — a left back playing as centre back — outjumped by Gomis for the winner at Liberty Stadium.Little could be done about Sigurdssons strike, with the Iceland midfielder curling a shot home from 30 metres to maintain his brilliant form since returning to Swansea this season. He has two goals and seven assists, and is the main reason why Swansea is fifth in the league.Sanchez is Arsenals driving force this season and he swept home a cross from Danny Welbeck following a rapid counterattack for a sixth goal in his last four games in all competitions.We have potential, Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker said, but unless we play that serious football, any team will punish us.Arsenal was 3-0 ahead after 58 minutes against Anderlecht in the Champions League on Tuesday, but drew 3-3.Spurs appear to be going backward under Pochettino, whose team is lacking shape, direction, defensive co-ordination and the ability to back up Europa League games on a Thursday with Premier League games on a Sunday.Tottenham has now lost four home games this campaign — all of them coming immediately after the Europa League.Stokes goals came from Bojan Krkic and Jon Walters in the first half. Nacer Chadli reduced the deficit in the 77th minute before Spurs full back Kyle Naughton was shown a straight red card for a bad tackle on Victor Moses.Stoke climbed above Tottenham and into ninth place of the standings.At the Stadium of Light, Leighton Baines penalty for Everton cancelled out an opener by Sebastian Larsson for Sunderland.Everton midfielder Gareth Barry was carried off on a stretcher in the 13th minute and taken to hospital with a leg injury. ' ' '
TORONTO - The surging Phoenix Suns had already erased a 17-point deficit and hit seven of 10 three-point attempts in the fourth quarter when point guard Isaiah Thomas made his move, looking to complete Phoenixs comeback with just over 20 seconds remaining. Thomas, one of the leagues premier reserves, had hit all four of his shots in the frame, all four from beyond the arc and a couple of them from way behind the arc. Borrowing a play from his own greatest hits - one that won Toronto a game in Boston earlier this month - Kyle Lowry, defending Thomas, reached in and poked the ball away. Scrambling for it around centre court, Lowry forced a jump ball with the Suns 5-foot-9 super sub. Toronto was barely hanging onto a fleeting two-point lead when Lowry made the single biggest play of the night, ultimately sealing the Raptors 12th victory in 14 tries to begin the campaign. It was huge, Dwane Casey said following Mondays 104-100 win, Torontos fifth straight. That last play, where he dived on the ball and poked it away and caught [Thomas] sleeping was huge. He has the instincts to do that. As long as Casey is in charge, the Raptors will continue to hang their hats on defence. Thats what wins in this league, as hell tell you. Its what won on this night. However, its their suddenly red-hot offence that has helped propel them to their best start in team history. Mondays game featured two of the leagues highest scoring teams. The Raptors entered their meeting with Phoenix ranked second in points per game (first in the East), just ahead of the fourth-ranked Suns. Its hardly unusual to see the Suns at the top of the NBAs offensive hierarchy. With Steve Nash at the helm of a prolific and revolutionary offence, the Suns paced the NBA in scoring for six straight seasons earlier in the decade. Last year, their first under head coach Jeff Hornacek, they tailored their attack around a pair of dynamic point guards, reestablishing themselves as a nightly threat to run you out of the gym. But its a relatively new look for the defensive-minded Raptors. Their rise to the top of the scoring ladder has been gradual. Its been more subtle. In Caseys first year with the team, the 2011-12 lockout shortened campaign, the Raptors made strides in changing their culture by prioritizing defence, mostly at the expense of scoring. They were second to last in the league that season in offensive efficiency (scoring 100.8 points per 100 possessions). The next year, they improved to 13th in that category (105.9) before jumping to 10th last season (108.8). Through 14 games to begin the new year, the Raptors are the leagues second best team, scoring 114.1 points per 100 possessions, trailing only the Dallas Mavericks. There doesnt seem to be one easy explanation to justify the improvement. Firstly, internal growth has played a significant role. Lowry, by far the teams most valuable commodity and decision maker, has been unleashed, DeMar DeRozan has become more disciplined and Terrence Ross has blossomed into a reliable three-point shooter, stretching the floor and freeing up the two guards. The addition of Lou Williams, the Easts reigning Player of the Week, has added a new dimension off the bench. He, along with Lowry and DeRozan are among the best in the league at drawing and then selling contact on long jumpers, something that has helped the Raptors get to the line at an impressive rate. The Raptors attempted another 32 free throws Monday, hitting 26, which turned out to be a major advantage over the Suns, who made eight of their 11 shots from the line. Next, and perhaps most importantly, theyre getting back to sharing the ball. After being held under the 20-assist mark in seven of their first 10 games, the Raptors have exceeded 20 dimes in each of their last four contests. Lowry led Toronto with eight of its 21 assists against the Suns, but everyone was making a conscious effort to dish out the extra pass, from the teams guards all the way to Chuck Hayes, who dropped a nifty behind-the-back dime to Ross for a reverse slam in the second quarter. Its natural for our guys because theyve seen the fruits of it, of moving the ball, sharing the ball, Casey said. You wouldnt think it the first week, we were 27th in assists or something like that but now the ball is moving, its not sticking. I think once guys get comfortable within the offence, with the rhythm of the game, they do share the ball when they trust that the ball is going to go back to them. Then theres Jonas Valanciunas, the teams X-factor when utilized on offence. Hes never been better on that end than he was Monday. Valanciunas needed just 11 shots, missing only one, to score a career-best 27 points. The high-scoring tempo of the game didnt seem like one that would be conducive to a seven-footer with his skill set, but the Raptors third-year centre used that to his advantage, punishing the Suns smaller front line. To their credit, the Raptors - primarily Lowry - made a conscious effort to get Valanciunas the ball in the low post, which isnt always the case. He was dominant tonight, Lowry said. He was really aggressive, he asserted himself, he really attacked the basket. He really went out there and played like a true, dominant 7-foot centre. When all these pieces are clicking the way they have been, the Raptors offence has proven to be a handful. They have now scored 100 or more points in 12 of their first 14 games. But most importantly, for Casey, it hasnt come at the expense of their defence. Entering the game against Phoenix, the Raptors were still ranked fifth in defensive efficiency. Last year they were the only Eastern Conference team with a top 10 offensive and defensive rating. So far, Toronto and Memphis are the only NBA clubs ranked in the top five in both categories. We have a lot of scorers now, Valanciunas said. We have Lou, he can shoot from everywhere. Hes given us a lot. DeMar can shoot, Kyle Lowry can score, I can [list] names of every player who can score. Vapormax Plus Discount .Y. -- In a span of three days, Shabazz Napier and Connecticut knocked out both Philadelphia schools in the NCAA tournament. Air Max Plus Store . After just two league games in June, Toronto (6-4-1) will go on to play seven in July plus a friendly against Tottenham. Five of those contests are against Eastern Conference opposition, meaning valuable points in the playoff race are on the line. http://www.airmaxplusstoresale.com/ . - Canadian tennis star Eugenie Bouchard has signed with WME-IMG, saying the sports management powerhouse will help maximize the value of my brand. Black Tns Sale . 4 jersey of former defenseman Rob Blake this coming season. The ceremony will take place prior to the Kings January 17 game against Anaheim. Nike Air Max Plus Tn Ultra Cheap . It was just business as usual for the Thunder at home. Durant scored 32 points and the Thunder beat the Bulls 107-95 on Thursday night for their eighth straight win.LONDON -- British Prime Minister David Cameron ruled out a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia, saying Saturday that attending the games is a better way of tackling prejudice against gays. Cameron was responding to a letter from British actor and writer Stephen Fry, who called for the games to be taken away from Sochi, Russia, because of a new Russian law that bans "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" and imposes fines on those holding gay pride rallies. Fry was among hundreds of people protesting in London on Saturday against that law, which he called "preposterous." The demonstrators waved placards calling for a boycott of Sochi, and banners with the Olympic rings rendered in black. They chanted "Gay Rights for Russia" as they protested across from Downing Street, where Cameron resides. The British prime minister thankedd Fry for his note, saying on Twitter that he shares Frys "deep concern about the abuse of gay people in Russia.dddddddddddd" "I believe we can better challenge prejudice as we attend, rather than boycotting the Winter Olympics," Cameron said. Camerons words echoed remarks made a day earlier by President Barack Obama, who said he was deeply offended by Russias new law cracking down on gay rights activism but does not think it is "appropriate" to boycott the Olympics. While Fry acknowledged Saturday that it was "probably not realistic to call for a move or a boycott," he urged athletes to make symbolic protests at the games, such as crossing their arms over their chests. Such a move would "show they are thinking of the gay people of Russia who are being tormented and brutalized every day," Fry told the BBC. ' ' '
Toronto Maple Leafs centre Dave Bolland knows he could be traded by the NHLs March 5 trade deadline, but he isnt stressing over the possibility. "Whatever happens, happens," Bolland told TSNs Mark Masters on Monday. "If its staying here, its staying here. Thats my goal." Bolland was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks prior to this season for 51st and 117th overall picks in the 2013 NHL draft, as well as a fourth round pick in this years draft. Bolland, who is in the final year of a three-year contract, said hes not currently concerned with the status of his contract. "Contract will come. I could care less about the contract right now," Bolland added. The 27-year-old has not played since suffering a severed ankle tendon against the Vancouver Canucks in early November. However, Bolland is nearing a return and has been practicing in full with the Maple Leafs. In 15 games with the Leafs this season, Bolland has six goals and four assists. China Jerseys Quality . Venable and Jeremy Hermida drove in three runs apiece, and the Padres beat the Colorado Rockies 7-2 on Sunday to snap a nine-game losing streak. China Made Jerseys . - The Denver Broncos kept rookie wide receiver Tavarres King from joining the Green Bay Packers by promoting him to their active roster Tuesday. http://www.chinajerseyspaypal.com/ . Moments after scoring and setting off another wild celebration at Minsk arena, Platt leapt into the arms of Belarusian captain Alexei Kalyuzhny. China Jerseys website . Colorado came up big against Chicago last spring, and repeated that performance Tuesday night. Varlamov stopped 36 shots and Paul Stastny had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche in a 5-1 victory over the Blackhawks. China Jerseys NFL Authentic . Beckham says "nothing has been confirmed yet, but its something I am very excited about." He adds that "Miami is something that really excites me because there is a great energy down there.TORONTO - He didnt talk about the Vatican of hockey. He didnt mention the centre of the hockey universe. He shied away from dream job talk. He didnt wax on about pugnacity, testosterone, truculence, or belligerence. He didnt lay out his vision for how his Toronto Maple Leafs would play or what ailed them this past season and in seasons before. "Im not here today for big speeches, big words, big proclamations," Brendan Shanahan said Monday morning from the Air Canada Centre. "Today is my first day at work and theres a lot of work to be done." It was more than five and a half years ago that the Maple Leafs hired Brian Burke to change the "culture" of an organization which had veered further and further off the rails toward an eventual Stanley Cup. But unlike the bombastic Burke on that excitable day in Nov. 2008, the new President and alternate governor in Toronto made few bold statements or declarations. "This is the time for me to start learning about the organization from top to bottom," he said. "Its a time for me to listen, to learn and get to work and thats all thats really worked for me in my career. Its whats worked for me when I was done playing hockey and thats what I intend to do here." Tim Leiweke, the President and CEO of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, says he hired the 45-year-old to become the leader of the hockey team in Toronto - a presence he was unfit to fill - to instill an identity, to become the culture, heart, soul and character of the organization. He spoke glowingly of Shanahans track record - both as a player and in the league office - his leadership skills as a player for 21 seasons, his first-hand familiarity with winning cultures in Detroit and New Jersey, his passion, his work ethic, his analytical skills and his knowledge of the game. And with that full faith came final authority on all hockey and business matters. "I couldnt find anyone to say anything bad about him," Leiweke said of fact-finding conversations which came to include Ken Holland, Lou Lamiorello and Luc Robitaille. "…what everyone talks about is the man fights," Leiweke said, selling his new management piece with vigour. "He fought as a player. He fought for the union (during the second NHL lockout). He fought for the game. And now he fights for the integrity of the league. Now he comes here to fight for the Leafs. And the one thing I know about Shanny is hes going to fight for us every day. He may be analytical, he may be patient, he may not knee-jerk, but in that heart beats a man that is extremely committed to winning and doing whatever is necessary." Whatever credentials Shanahan may boast as a former player (three Stanley Cups) and league disciplinarian, he lacks the same in actual front office experience - an obvious source of skepticism for the hiring. A growing trend in the NHL has seen teams sweep up former star players for management roles to only middling success. Maybe the most recent example of disappointment saw local legend Pat Lafontaine plucked for a senior position in Buffalo only to depart less than four months later. Brett Hull, also of limited experience, was brought back to Dallas and eventually named co-general manager. He lasted less than two seasons and now works in St. Louis. Those that found success in the transition typically gained experience before eventually ascending to the type of role Shanahan has inherited in Toronto. Steve Yzerman toiled in the Red Wings front office, also managing Team Canada at the Worlds and Olympics before becoming the Lightning GM. Cam Neely was a vice-president for a few years before he was promoted to team president. Joe Sakic, now the overseer of all hockey matters in Colorado, joined the club initially as an advisor and alternate governor. Because of that inexperience its difficult to project which direction Shanahan will take the Leafs. Will he try to follow Hollands philosophy in Detroit - skill over brawn - or lean in the direction of what Lamiorello built in New Jersey - a stifling defensive system - or try something different entirely? Above all, he said hed be open to new ideas, even spending his flight to Toronto reading all about the merits of Corsi and Fenwick (analytical tools for measuring the game).dddddddddddd Learning the business side of the game under the tutelage of Gary Bettman in his past business role with the NHL, Shanahan also was keen as a player, claiming to have picked the brains of superiors like Holland, Lamoriello, Glen Sather and Jim Rutherford. "I was always curious from their perspective, the difficulties and the challenges of operating and running a team," he said. "He was like a sponge and he took it all in," Leiweke claimed. Shanahans more recent gig as the leagues head of discipline offered opportunity, additionally, at the centre of controversy - something hell become familiar with in a hurry with the Leafs. "I had a job in which everyone questioned my decisions, everybody thought they knew better than us, they second-guessed everything we did and didnt like us," Shanahan said. "So now I get to come do this." Leiweke was blunt that the Leafs pre-Shanahan were lacking in direction, lacking in identity and lacking the culture of a winner - damning with Dave Nonis seated just a short distance to his left. He wanted someone to change that, much in the way, he said, that Masai Ujiri has quickly altered the course of the Raptors - though he failed to mention good fortune in that case, notably with the unexpected post Rudy Gay-trade ascension and emphatic growth of Kyle Lowry. Burke, too, talked about culture when he first landed from Anaheim, harshly critical of a "blue and white disease" that he felt had infected the club. He tried to change that and ran out of time. He also could not deliver the nasty, black and blue squad he imagined on the day of his arrival all too long ago. Shanahan wouldnt stray down a similar path as far as bold proclamations and statements were concerned on this day. If anything, it seems he aimed to undersell and over-deliver. He wouldnt get into what his vision for the club would be, wouldnt say what went wrong this year - he didnt feel it was his place - detailing instead his immediate plans, which included a full review of the coaching staff, roster, management team, and farm system, all to be done with his standing general manager, Nonis. "It would be premature for me to tell you right now where were going to go," Shanahan said. "Were going to work together to try to find the right answers together," Nonis added. "If we have questions or concerns were going to work them out, but at the end of the day Brendans the boss. He runs this team." How the dynamic between Shanahan and Nonis plays out remains of some intrigue and uncertainty. Its uncertain how much of a say Shanahan will have in the day-to-day operations of the team and more broadly speaking, how strong an influence hell exert over the bigger picture and to what effect. What direction he wants to take the Leafs wasnt immediately clear nor was how that approach will jive with that of Nonis, who helped build the current group, formerly as the No. 2 under Burke and eventual No. 1 until Mondays present. In terms of shifting the identity and culture of the Leafs, Shanahan will have to start with Randy Carlyle, quickly determining whether he is, in fact, the right head coach to guide the push forward. Though Carlyle found some success with the group in the lockout-shortened 2013, his message never seemed to hit home this season, culminating in all too familiar collapse. Both Shanahan and Nonis said all the right things as to Carlyles prowess as a coach, but neither would rightly commit to his future. Beyond the urgent matter of coaching - and who might be a suitable replacement - is a roster full of questions - be it with the core group and bundle of free agents - and a draft and development system that needs refreshment and considerable improvement. A lot, quite simply, lies on the plate of the new boss with little time to learn on the job. "Winning is just a very simple solution," he said. "Were not going to win a game sitting up here today. We have to get results." ' ' '
Tuscaloosa, AL (SportsNetwork.com) - Blake Sims and Amari Cooper led Alabama to a win in the highest-scoring Iron Bowl ever, giving the Crimson Tide a fresh memory in their fierce rivalry with Auburn. The Kick Six was so last year. Cooper had 13 catches for an Iron Bowl-record 224 yards and scored on three of Sims four touchdown passes as second-ranked Alabama rallied for a 55-44 win over No. 15 Auburn on Saturday night. Sims overcame three interceptions to pass for 312 yards in the thrill-a-minute game, which came almost a year to the day after Chris Davis 109-yard touchdown return off a missed field goal gave Auburn an instant-classic win over then-No. 1 Alabama to ruin the Crimson Tides national title hopes. This year, Alabama (11-1, 7-1 SEC) clinched the Western Division title and a spot in the conference championship game before it even took the field after Mississippi State lost to Ole Miss earlier Saturday. The Crimson Tide, who are likely to retain their No. 1 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings, will face Eastern Division winner Missouri next Saturday in Atlanta. Sammie Coates had four catches for a career-high 153 yards in the first half and the Tigers (8-4, 4-4) scored 17 points off three Sims interceptions to hold a 33-21 lead four minutes into the second half. But Alabama outscored them 34-11 the rest of the way with Cooper catching touchdown passes of 39 and 75 yards in the third quarter and Sims scrambling for the go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth. Alabama snapped a six-game losing streak to ranked Auburn teams, winning such a matchup for the first time since 2001. Coates finished with five catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns and Nick Marshall passed for 456 yards and three touchdowns, with the third one going to Quan Bray. Marshalls 255 yards passing and two touchdown throws in the first half had Alabama on its heels, but his third-quarter interception led to the Crimson Tides go-ahead touchdown. Alabama has won seven games in a row since losing to Ole Miss on Oct. 4. But it took Nick Sabans players more than a half to really get going in this one. We havent played a lot of games where we give up 44 points and win. Thats not our style. We obviously have to do a better job, said Saban, whose team was out-gained 383 yards to 178 in the first half. Sometimes you can misplace your emotions in a rivalry game, Saban said. Our team was as fired up as weve been but I think it was misplaced emotion. ... You have to be confident thats the way to win a game. We had a lot of emotions but we werent channeling them in the right way. We did a better job of that in the second half. While the first half belonged to Coates and Auburn, the game belonged to the Heisman Trophy hopeful Cooper and Alabama. Auburns Daniel Carlson kicked his fifth field goal of the game with 3:30 remaining in the third quarter. But Alabama struck on the next play from scrimmage when Cooper blew past Jonathon Mincy on the right side for his 75-yard touchdown catch to get the Crimson Tide within 36-34. Cooper had seven catches for 164 yards in the second half. Safety Nick Perry intercepted Marshalls overthrown pass five plays into the ensuing drive and Alabama took the lead for the first time since the second quarter when Sims scored on an 11-yard run two plays into the fourth quarter. Sims two-point conversion pass to DeAndrew White in the front of the end zone gave the Crimson Tide a 42-36 lead. They pushed it to 12 points on Whites 6- yard touchdown catch with 8:05 remaining and a good two-point try. Derrick Henry added a 25-yard touchdown run for Alabama and Corey Grant scored Auburns last points on a 5-yard run. Earlier, three explosive catches by Coates in the first half helped Auburn take its 26-21 lead at the break. His second touchdown, on a 68-yard bomb from Marshall, after Alabama gambled on fourth down at the 1-yard line and scored a touchdown to take the lead. Now up 23-21, Auburn intercepted Sims for the second time with 37 seconds left in the half. Johnathan Fords pick led to a 40-yard pass play to Coates from Marshall, who lined up wide and got the ball on a pitch. It set up Carlsons season-high fourth field goal, a 20-yarder. Jonathan Jones intercepted Sims two plays into the third quarter and Auburn pushed its lead to 33-21 on Marshalls 5-yard touchdown pass to Bray. Alabama then pulled within 33-27 when Sims hit a wide-open Cooper down the middle for a 39-yard touchdown, but the point-after kick was blocked. Three hundred and sixty-four days after the Kick Six, Alabama began the 79th Iron Bowl with a botched opening kickoff when Adam Griffith booted the ball 21 yards and out of bounds. But Roc Thomas dropped what was ruled to be a lateral pass on Auburns first play and Alabama recovered the fumble, leading to T.J. Yeldons 8-yard score 2:13 into the game. Alabama also scored on Sims 17-yard pass to Cooper in the first quarter and stopped Auburn three times inside the 10-yard line in the first 19 minutes of the game, leading to three Carlson field goals. I think the name of the game was we got into the red zone and kicked field goals, said Auburn coach Gus Malzahn. We didnt score touchdowns. Sims completed his first five passes, but the sixth was intercepted by Jermaine Whitehead, setting up Marshalls 34-yard touchdown pass to Coates to give Auburn a 16-14 lead with 10:16 left in the first half. Later, Alabamas gamble on fourth down paid off when Yeldon scored his second touchdown through the right side of the line to make it 21-16. Game Notes Auburns Dhaquille Williams had a team-high seven catches for 121 yards ... Yeldon rushed for 127 yards on 19 carries ... Alabamas last win over a ranked Auburn team was a 31-7 victory over the No. 17 Tigers on Nov. 17, 2001 ... Punter JK Scott took over kickoff duties for Alabama after Griffiths mistake ... Following the Kick Six last year, Auburn beat Missouri in the SEC title game but lost to Florida State in the final BCS National Championship Game, the first time in five years that the winner of the Iron Bowl didnt also win the national title. Cam Gallagher Jersey .com) - Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was named the National League Player of the Month for April. Nicky Lopez Jersey . Assistant coach Glen Gulutzan said Thursday that Edler, who played Tuesday in Nashville, is out indefinitely. https://www.cheaproyals.com/687a-jake-newberry-jersey-royals.html . The Nashville Predators were glad their captain was still on their side. Weber had a goal and two assists, and Roman Josi scored the shootout winner to lift the Predators to a 4-3 win over the Flyers on Thursday night. A. J. Hinch Jersey . That assertion is getting harder and harder to make, especially given the way 23-year-old Danilo Gallinari has been playing this season. Kansas City Royals Pro Shop . Mired in an offensive slump, Lowry - the NBAs leader in taking charges this season - did what he has learned to do best, standing his ground and drawing a crucial offensive foul on the Cavaliers all-star point guard. Fast forward 30 seconds to the Cavs next possession, with the home team still trailing by three, Spencer Hawes - one of the leagues best passing big men - threw an interception, intended for Tyler Zeller and picked off by DeMar DeRozan.NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees were hit with a $28 million luxury tax bill, pushing their total past the $250 million mark since the penalty began in 2003. According to Major League Baseball calculations sent to teams Tuesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers were the only other team that exceeded the tax threshold this year and must pay $11.4 million. Boston finished just under for the second straight year, coming in $225,666 shy of the $178 million mark. Figures include average annual values of contracts for players on 40-man rosters, earned bonuses and escalators, adjustments for cash in trades and $10.8 million per team in benefits. Because the Yankees have been over the tax threshold at least four consecutive times, they pay at a 50 per cent rate on the overage, and their $28,113,945 bill was second only to their $34.1 million payment following the 2005 season. The Yankees are responsible for $252.7 million of the $285.1 million in tax paid by all clubs over the past 11 years. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said he hopes to get under the threshold next year, when it rises to $189 million. That would reset the teams tax rate to 17.5 per cent for 2015 and get the Yankees some revenue-sharing refunds. But following agreements Tuesday on a $2 million, one-year deal with second baseman Brian Roberts and a $7 million, two-year contract with left-hander Matt Thornton, the Yankees are at $177.7 million for 15 players next year, when benefits are likely to total between $11 million and $12 million. Their only hope to get below the threshold appears to be if an arbitrator upholds most of Alex Rodriguezs 211-game suspension, relieving the team of a large percentage of the third basemans $25 million salary.dddddddddddd Tax money is used to fund player benefits and MLBs Industry Growth Fund. The Yankees finished with the highest regular payroll for the 15th consecutive year, winding up at a record $237,018,889. The Dodgers, in their first full season under new ownership, were just $146,647 behind after nearly doubling spending from $129.1 million. Regular payrolls include salaries, earned bonuses and pro-rated shares of signing bonuses. Los Angeles had a higher payroll for the tax: $243 million to New Yorks $234 million. But because the Dodgers didnt exceed the threshold in 2012, they pay at a 17.5 per cent rate and owe $11,415,959. They would pay at a 30 per cent rate if they exceed the threshold next year. Checks to the commissioners office are due by Jan. 21. Houston, which lost more than 100 games for the third straight season, had a payroll less than one-eighth that of the Yankees and Dodgers. The Astros finished at $29.3 million, the lowest total in the major leagues since the 2008 Florida Marlins and just $1.3 million more than Rodriguez made with the Yankees. After trading many of their stars following an unsuccessful first season in their new downtown ballpark, the Marlins lowered their payroll to $42.3 million from $89.9 million in 2012. Minnesota dropped from $101 million to $76 million. Toronto boosted spending from $92 million to nearly $126 million. The average salary increased 6.9 per cent, to $3,320,089 from $3,105,093, according to MLBs calculations, the steepest rise since 2006. The players association has not yet released its final figures for this year. ' ' '
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- After struggling to score any goals for four games, the San Jose Sharks had plenty of moves left for a shootout. Joe Thornton capped San Joses perfect shootout with a nifty toe-drag past Corey Crawford that helped the Sharks snap a three-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night. "What a move," Sharks coach Todd McLellan said. "Really nice to watch. That must have been in his bag for a long time because Ive been here for six years and I hadnt seen that. Its nice that it came out." Joe Pavelski scored a short-handed goal in regulation and opened the shootout with a goal, and Patrick Marleau also scored in the tiebreaker for the Sharks, who have won six straight shootouts. Antti Niemi made 29 saves and stopped Patrick Sharp in the second round of the shootout. After Pavelski and Marleau scored in the first two rounds of the shootout, Thornton ended it when he dragged the puck around Crawford and knocked it in the empty net. Thornton has scored on all three shootout attempts this season after not even attempting one the previous three seasons. "I was just lucky enough that it went in," Thornton said. "Usually he likes putting me fourth but with so many guys out, I got moved up a slot, which is nice on the ego." "Not making a save in the shootout was the only thing that bothered me," Crawford said. "We played well and we had our chances to win, a couple of chances late. Our guys were doing a great job of not allowing many second chances." The teams traded goals early in the third during a Chicago power play with Brad Stuart off for hooking Patrick Kane. Pavelski got the scoring started with a short-handed goal after a bad breakout pass from Sharp. Scott Hannan quickly sent the puck back to Pavelski, who knocked the pass down, skated past Duncan Keith and beat Crawford high for his 29th goal. "We get a little tip on it and it turns into a fluttering puck," Pavelski said. "Next thing you know, you see it laying there, and if you can win the race, youve got a chance. I was able to get just enough of an opening to make a shot." Just over a minute later, Saad answered late in the power play after Justin Braun failed to clear the puck from the defensive zone. Kris Versteeg fed Saad, who beat Niemi for his 18th goal. That was Chicagos third power-play goal in two games after having just one the previous seven. Crawford kept the game tied when he made a pad save at the goal line on a one-timer by Stuart, and the Blackhawks killed a late penalty to force overtime. San Jose is 0-for-16 on the power play the past six games. The game was scoreless after two periods despite both teams getting quality scoring chances but were unable to get past either Niemi or Crawford. Kane hit a post early in the first period for Chicago, and Dan Boyle got robbed by the crossbar later in the first for San Jose. Niemi made a strong pad save to rob Ben Smith in the first period and withstood a couple of frantic flurries near his net in the second. Niemi also was helped when Marian Hossa missed the net off a nice setup by Saad during a power play late in the second period. The Sharks put 22 shots on net against Crawford in the first two periods, generating heavy pressure during a second period power play for too many men on the ice. But Crawford was up to the task. San Jose was attacking at the end of the second, and Marleau had a prime chance when he batted a puck from midair in the slot toward the net in the closing seconds. "It was a playoff type atmosphere," Versteeg said. "Time and space were virtually non-existent and thats when you need to play smart." NOTES: Jason Demers, who leads San Jose defenceman with 24 points, was scratched with a lower-body injury. ... Chicago F Michal Handzus returned to San Jose for the first time since being dealt to the Blackhawks last March. ... The Sharks reassigned F John McCarthy to Worcester of the AHL after he cleared waivers. Wholesale Bulls Jerseys . The question is how many minutes will be available to them and can any of their defence or goaltending provide value? Top Picks: Following a down year in 2011-2012, Matt Duchene rebounded with his highest points-per-game (0. Fake Bulls Jerseys . Huntelaar also had a penalty saved by Wolfsburg goalkeeper Diego Benaglio. The two goals brought Huntelaars total for the season to 18, level with Bayern Munichs Mario Gomez for most in the league. https://www.cheapbulls.com/ . He has spent much of his adult life trying to give back to his native South Sudan, the war-torn African nation the Cavaliers forward and his family fled when he was a young boy. Bulls Jerseys China .com) - The Calgary Flames are spoilers once again. Stitched Bulls Jerseys . Rooneys latest piece of football genius lost in the furore which now stalks David Moyes, and the man who gave the Manchester United striker his start as a 16-year old at Goodison Park back in 2002.ANTIGONISH, N.S. – Donald Chisholm scored an emotional and convincing victory in front of the hometown crowd as he took his first career NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 checkered flag in Saturdays Wilson Equipment 300 at Riverside International Speedway. The victory for Chisholm, from Antigonish, came in his 16th career start. A part-time competitor since 2007, he became the 15th different winner in Canadian Tire Series history. "I honestly can hardly believe that its happening," Chisholm said from Victory Lane. "Weve been fast a bunch [of times previously] with these guys and just had misfortune, and tonight it all stayed together." Chisholm, whose family owns Riverside, captured the victory less than two months after his father and track founder, John, passed away. Chisholm also earned his first career pole earlier in the evening. Chisholms No. 28 Keltic Ford/Nova Construction Ford was followed across the finish line by only three other lead lap cars: Alex Labbe, D.J. Kennington and Andrew Ranger. Both Kennington and Ranger passed Chisholm in the closing laps to rejoin the lead lap. Mark Dilley, points leader L.P. Dumoulin, J.R. Fitzpatrick, Noel Dowler and rookies John Flemming and Matthew Scannell brought home the top 10. Jason Hathaway appeared poised to defend his Riverside win from a year ago. He was cruising in the lead when he collided with the spun Flemming car while navigating lap traffic on Lap 240. For Labbe, who has turned in competitive performances this year in a part-time role, the runner-up was his best career Canadian Tire Series finish to-date. "We had a great run," Labbe said. "We had a great car at the end, struggled a bit at the beginning, and just made our way back through the pack. Im really happy to get my first podium here at Antigonish." Dumoulin leaves Riverside with the same points advantage he arrived with, 26 tallies ahead of Fitzpatrick, and now Ranger, who is tied for second. Hathaways Riverside misfortune now has him 47 points back in fourth. Each of the last two Canadian Tire Series races have featured hometown winners. In addition to Chisholm, Dumoulin was victorious last week in his native Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, in the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres.dddddddddddd Chisholm also became the first first-time winner the Canadian Tire Series has featured since Dumoulin won the 2013 season-opener at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The Wilson Equipment 300 will premiere on TSN on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 2:30 p.m., and on RDS2 on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. The Canadian Tire Series will return to action with the Pintys presents the Clarington 200 on Aug. 31 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ont. NASCAR Canadian Tire Series pres. by Mobil 1-Wilson Equipment 300 Unofficial Results SaturdayAt Riverside International SpeedwayAntigonish, N.S.Lap length: 0.333 miles(Start position in parentheses)1. (1) Donald Chisholm, Antigonish, N.S., Ford, 300 laps, 58.813 mph.2. (8) Alex Labbe, Saint-Albert, Que., Dodge, 300.3. (5) D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont., Dodge, 300.4. (2) Andrew Ranger, Roxton Pond, Que., Dodge, 300.5. (10) Mark Dilley, Barrie, Ont., Ford, 299.6. (15) L.P. Dumoulin, Trois-Rivieres, Que., Dodge, 299.7. (9) J.R. Fitzpatrick, Ayr, Ont., Chevrolet, 299.8. (13) Noel Dowler, Sherwood Park, Alta., Chevrolet, 299.9. (11) John Flemming, Halifax, N.S., Dodge, 297.10. (12) Matthew Scannell, Milton. Ont., Dodge, 296.11. (7) Joey McColm, Ajax, Ont., Dodge, 296.12. (4) Jason Hathaway, Dutton, Ont., Chevrolet, 286.13. (16) Paul Jean, St-Eustache, Que., Dodge, 280.14. (6) Stefan Rzadzinski, Edmonton, Alta., Dodge, 63, suspension.15. (3) Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont., Dodge, 42, brakes.16. (14) Kerry Micks, Mount Albert, Ont., Ford, 8, electrical. Race Statistics Time of Race: 1 hour 41 minutes 55 secondsMargin of Victory: 2.682 secondsFastest Qualifier: D.Chisholm (82.443 mph, 14.541 seconds)Caution Flags: 4 for 49 laps.Lead Changes: 8 among 5 drivers.Lap Leaders: A. Ranger 1-3; D. Chisholm 4-36; A. Ranger 37-139; J. Fitzpatrick 140; N. Dowler 141-146; J. Fitzpatrick 147-162; D. Chisholm 163-172; J. Hathaway 173-240; D. Chisholm 241-300. Standings: 1. L. Dumoulin, 337; 2. A. Ranger, 311; 3. J. Fitzpatrick, 311; 4. J. Hathaway, 290; 5. D. Kennington, 285; 6. S. Steckly, 280; 7. N. Dowler, 270; 8. J. McColm, 245; 9. M. Dilley, 199; 10. A. Tagliani, 192. ' ' '
Philadelphia, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Dave Bolland scored in the sixth round of the shootout to lift the Florida Panthers over the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 on Thursday night. The Panthers needed an NHL-record 20 rounds to pick up a shootout victory over the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. Philadelphias Jakub Voracek kept the shootout going when he scored in the third round. Floridas Brandon Pirri had scored in the first. Scottie Upshall lit the lamp in regulation for the Panthers, who got 25 saves from Roberto Luongo. I thought we played a solid game, not a great game, but a solid game, said Panthers coach Gerard Gallant. We were able to come out of here with two points in Philly and its a big two points for us. Voracek also scored the only goal for the Flyers, who fell to 0-5 in shootouts and have lost 10 straight dating back to last season. Steve Mason stopped 31- of-32 shots. I think we are playing good defensively, I really do, said Flyers coach Craig Berube. I think our team game that way is good. I think we need to create more opportunities offensively. The Panthers had a goal waved off at the 5:12 mark of the first period. Video review supported the referees call on the ice that Sean Bergenheims stick was above the height of the crossbar when he deflected the puck into the Philadelphia net. Upshall scored a good goal at 9:37 when the puck deflected off his body and entered the net in a legal fashion, which replay confirmed. Tomas Kopeckys shot from along the left boards hit off Mason before going off Upshall. Voracek scored off Pierre-Edouard Bellemares pass from behind at the net at 4:07 of the middle stanza. Game Notes Florida played beyond regulation for the fourth straight game ... The Panthers improved to 12-2-8 in one-goal games this season ... Florida moved to 4-4 in shootouts this season ... The Flyers went 2-1-1 on their four-game homestand ... Philadelphias Vincent Lecavalier returned to the lineup after sitting out the previous seven games as a healthy scratch. Vapormax False . The 30-year-old Moore played in 13 games for the Saints last season, catching 37 balls for 457 yards and two touchdowns. Vapormax Saldi . I kept my eyes focused up on the camera during each approach. I just tried to stay focused on my form, as I didnt know what the ball reaction was. I was quite emotional at the end. I did not actually see any of the shots in the game until I got home and watched the video. http://www.scontatescarpenikeoutlet.it/italia-vapormax-offerte.html . - The Mavericks built a 12-point lead with 2:50 to play, gave away all but two points of it, and still managed to hang on. Yeezy 700 Saldi . Cleary also had two assists and Patrick Eaves added two goals for the Red Wings, who also ousted Phoenix in seven games during the first round of the 2010 postseason. Todd Bertuzzi had a goal and an assist for Detroit, which got a goal apiece from Tomas Holmstrom and Niklas Kronwall and suffered no shortage of offense despite the absences of Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen. Yeezy 350 Italia .A. Happ capped a challenging season with one of his best efforts of the year.VAL-DOR, Que. - Felix Girard scored in overtime as the Baie-Comeau Drakkar defeated the Val-dOr Foreurs 4-3 on Wednesday to tie the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League final at two games apiece. Jeremy Gregoire, Denis Gorbunov and Alexandre Ranger each scored for Baie-Comeau, which traded goals with Val-dOr after a scoreless first period. Anthony Mantha scored twice, including a short-handed goal, while Anthony Richard had a single for the Foreurs. The game featured a goalie duel between the Drakkars Philippe Cadorrette, who stopped 39 shots, and the Foreurs Antoine Bibeau, who countered with 46 saves.dddddddddddd Mantha opened the scoring 10:48 into the second period but Gregoire tied the game three minutes later. Richard put Val-dOr ahead again to start the third period before Gorbunovs power-play goal again tied the game 2-2. Mantha briefly put the Foreurs ahead 3-2 shorthanded at 15:46, but just 39 seconds later Ranger scored on the power play to force overtime. Game 5 goes Friday in Baie-Comeau, Que. ' ' '
ALAMEDA, Calif. - Even as he tries to adjust to his role as the Oakland Raiders interim coach, Tony Sparano hasnt strayed far from his duties working with the teams offensive line.Its a good thing, too.With veteran lineman Khalif Barnes sitting out Sundays home game against San Diego with a quad strain, 2013 second-round pick Menelik Watson will make his fifth career start.Hes told us hes going to need us to step it up and be more responsible, Watson said Friday. With the vets we have, its not a problem. We do understand that he has a bigger role, but any chance we can get his views on how to things, its good. Were all excited about the new change and what hes doing and the direction hes taking us.Its not the ideal situation Sparano was hoping for with his team coming off the bye. Quarterback Derek Carr is nursing knee and foot injuries and will be facing a San Diego defence that is third overall and first in fewest points allowed.Because the Chargers occasionally use Dwight Freeney on the left side of the defence, its almost certain that Watson will face the seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker at some point.Theyre probably looking over preseason tapes and stuff like that, to get a feel for me, Watson said. Well, Im doing the same thing on him. Itll be exciting to get out there and compete against a guy like that.The 42nd overall pick in 2013, Watson made one nominal start as an extra offensive lineman earlier this season but has spent most of his time on special teams.The 6-foot-5-inch native of England, who played one year in junior college and another season at Florida State, was originally drafted to be the Raiders left tackle. He started three games as a rookie then was moved to the right side this past off-season.Watson held onto the starting job through nearly the entire preseason before rookie Gabe Jackson beat out Barnes for the left guard spot. Barnes was shifted back to right tackle, pushing Watson back down the depth chart.That meant Watson had to get his work on the scout team while going against Oakland defensive ends Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley, along with first-round pick linebacker Khalil Mack.In Freeney, Watson faces a player who was once among the top pass rushers in the NFL. The 34-year-old is coming off an injury-shortened 2013 season and is showing signs of his former self, although Freeney has been limited in practice this week with a sore knee.Even slowed, Freeney will provide a stern test for Watson.Obviously, this is an important step for Menelik right now, Sparano said. He played a lot of snaps last week and did some good things and some things that need to be corrected. But its out there, its on tape, our opponent sees it and he knows hes gotta fix it.Based on what happened last year, you really have to treat him like a rookie in your approach to things. Youre starting all over again with him and hes really done a good job that way and I think hes getting better and better each week. Hell have his hands full this week, its a big challenge.Notes: CB Keith McGill (groin) did not practice and is out. CB Tarrell Brown (thumb) is probable. LB Sio Moore (ankle), FB Marcel Reece (quad) and WR Vincent Brown (hamstring) were limited and are all questionable. Air Max Plus Tn Sale . -- Dane Fox scored his 61st and 62nd goals of the season and Brendan Gaunce had a goal and three assists as the Erie Otters downed the Kitchener Rangers 7-3 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. Vapormax Plus Wholesale . Betancourt was 2-5 with a 4.08 ERA and 16 saves for the Rockies last season before tearing a ligament in his pitching elbow. He considered undergoing platelet-rich plasma therapy to fix his arm, but announced in August his decision to have Tommy John surgery. http://www.airmaxplusstoresale.com/ . At times during a solid but not spectacular season, they looked all three. Still the defending AFC champions persevered, riding their top-ranked defence and key contributions from younger players to a 12-4 record and their eighth playoff appearance since 2000, remarkable consistency in a league where change is the only constant. Air Max Plus Miami Vice . It will mark the 22nd time the tournament has been held in this country and fourth in Atlanta Canada but will make its first appearance ever in played Nova Scotia. Air Max Tn Black . Wiggins, who had been seen as a contender for a podium finish in Paris, was one of about 20 riders caught near the back of the peloton with 38 kilometres to go in the 218-km flat stage from Le Mans to Chateauroux. PRETORIA, South Africa -- Oscar Pistorius refused to look at a photo of his dead girlfriends bloody head wounds while testifying at his murder trial Wednesday as the prosecutor urged the star athlete to "take responsibility" for killing her. "Its time that you look at it," chief prosecutor Gerrie Nel said, setting the stage for a rigorous first day of cross-examination of Pistorius, the double-amputee Olympian charged with premeditated murder for shooting Reeva Steenkamp three times through a toilet door at his home. "I remember," Pistorius said of Steenkamps bloodied head, becoming distraught and then crying as he turned away from the gruesome image of the injuries he inflicted that were displayed next to him in a packed courtroom in South Africas capital. Nel said Steenkamps head "exploded" when it was struck by one of four hollow-point bullets that Pistorius fired through the door on Feb. 14, 2013 with his 9 mm pistol. The showing of the photograph on TV screens in the courtroom caused gasps among spectators, who included Steenkamps mother, June. The police photo showed a side view of the dead model and reality TV stars head, with a mass of blood and human tissue on the back and upper parts. Her eyes were closed. "I will not look at a picture where Im tormented by what I saw and felt that night," Pistorius said. "As I picked Reeva up, my fingers touched her head. I remember. I dont have to look at a picture, I was there." Pistorius, 27, says he shot Steenkamp in the pre-dawn hours on Valentines Day -- in the head, arm and hip -- by mistake thinking she was a dangerous intruder behind the door in his bathroom about to come out and attack him. Prosecutors charge he killed the 29-year-old intentionally, and Nel aggressively questioned Pistorius for the first time. "You killed her," Nel said. "You shot and killed her," and he asked Pistorius to say it. Pistorius would not, saying merely: "I did." Pistorius faces a possible prison term of 25 years to life if convicted of premeditated murder. Nel also showed a video, first broadcast by Sky News days before the trial started, of the celebrated athlete firing a gun at a watermelon at a shooting range. On the video, Pistorius can be heard saying the melon was "softer than brains" after it explodes when the bullet hits it, and calling the powerful .50-calibre handgun he was using a "zombie stopper." Referring to tthe watermelon, Nel said to Pistorius: "You know the same happened to Reevas head.dddddddddddd It exploded." Defence lawyer Barry Roux objected to the gun video being shown, saying it was inadmissible character evidence and amounted to a legal "ambush" of the defence. After the dramatic start, prosecutor Nel also started to poke holes in details of Pistorius version of the events of the fatal night. The champion runner said that his claim in a court document a year ago that he went out onto a balcony at his home before the shooting was incorrect. Pistorius said he went to the edge of the balcony but not outside. The discrepancy could be significant because Pistorius says he heard a noise in the bathroom that alerted him to a possible intruder, which would have been harder if he was out on the balcony. Nel tried to pin down Pistorius on whether he meant to fire into the toilet cubicle door at a perceived intruder, or whether his gun discharged accidentally. Pistorius said he didnt intend to shoot "anyone" and that he fired "before thinking" because he thought his life was in danger, prompting Nel to accuse him of weighing the legal implications of the question before answering. The dogged prosecutor implied that Pistorius, who grew more agitated, was becoming emotional because he was faced with a difficult question. The judge noted that Pistorius had been emotional throughout the trial. Pistorius told his questioner that he was trying to be careful with his answers because the stakes were high. "My life is on the line," he said. Nel retorted: "Reeva doesnt have a life anymore because of what youve done." And Nel tried to dismantle a sympathetic image of Pistorius that the defence had sought to build up in three days of testimony, asking the athlete to explicitly acknowledge that he killed Steenkamp. "I made a mistake," Pistorius said. "What was your mistake?" Nel shot back. Pistorius then said he "took Reevas life." Nel also questioned the defences portrayal of Pistorius as a good role model. The prosecution depicts him as an angry hothead with a gun obsession. The prosecutor asked Pistorius if people looked up to him as a sporting hero, if he would hide anything and if he lived by Christian principles. "Im here to tell the truth, Im here to tell the truth as much as I can remember," Pistorius said. He also said: "Im human. I have sins." ' ' '
CHICAGO - The Chicago Blackhawks felt the repercussions of Brent Seabrooks hit on David Backes again on Sunday. How it affects the rest of their playoff series against the St. Louis Blues remains to be seen. Seabrook was suspended for three games by the NHL on his 29th birthday for his elbow to Backes head late in the third period of St. Louis 4-3 overtime win in Game 2. Now Chicago has to dig out of a 2-0 hole without one of its best defencemen in a rocky start to its Stanley Cup title defence. "You need his size, you need his presence and experience and his leadership," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said before Seabrooks suspension was announced. "Hes got the big shot on the point and hes on our power play as well. He kills penalties, so he plays all important minutes." Seabrook received a five-minute major and game misconduct penalty after he wiped out Backes at 15:09 of the third, and the Blues used the resulting power play to score the tying goal with 6.4 seconds left in regulation on Vladimir Tarasenkos long wrist shot. Backes had to be helped off the ice and did not return. The captains status for Monday nights Game 3 is up in the air. "All I know is hes upright, and thats about it right now," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said Sunday. "We dont have any further information and probably wont have until late tomorrow." Backes and Seabrook were not made available to the media on the day off, but much of the talk centred on the hit anyway. The TV broadcast picked up someone taunting Backes in the aftermath of the big blow, but it was unclear if it was coming from the ice or the crowd in the corner where the play occurred. "I saw them talking to him. It makes it a little more gutless," Blues forward Ryan Reaves said. "I dont think theres any need for that. He doesnt even know where he really is. I think if they want to start getting into that battle, we can play the same way. Well see where it takes us." Quenneville said he did not see or hear any players taunting Backes after he went down. In addition to the hit by Seabrook, Hitchcock also was upset by Bryan Bickells knee-on-knee collision with Blues centre Vladimir Sobotka in the third. He said the Blackhawks forward was involved in a similar play with defenceman Alex Pietrangelo in the first. "That part bothers me more than the hit on David, a hit that went array," Hitchcock said. "The hit on Sobotka was a continuation of what happened to Petro in the first period." Here are five things to watch in Game 3 of this increasingly testy series: HOME SWEET HOME: The Blackhawks went 11-2 at home in the playoffs last year, outscoring the Wild, Red Wings, Kings and Bruins by a combined score of 41-23. They went 27-7-7 at the United Center this season, including a 2-0-1 mark against the Blues. "You just feed off of it," Quenneville said. "Itll be exciting to get back here, get some of the positive vibes off it and look to turn this thing around." VLADIMIR THE GREAT: Tarasenko missed the last 15 games of the regular season with a broken right thumb. But the 22-year-old Russian forward caused all sorts of headaches for the Blackhawks in the first two games of the series. The speedy Tarasenko had a first-period goal in the playoff opener, and then had the tying power-play score in Saturdays victory. With Seabrook out for the next three games and Backes status in question, Tarasenko could take on a more prominent role for the rest of the series. SO MANY PENALTIES: The Blues and Blackhawks combined for 17 penalties and 61 penalty minutes in Game 2. The defending Stanley Cup champions were responsible for 11 of those penalties and 41 penalty minutes, both season highs. It looked as if the Blackhawks wanted to match the physicality of the Blues, and it took them out of their puck possession game at times. "I think a little bit we might have played into their hands, but weve got to get back to our hockey, because when were playing that way we do a good job and thats how we win," Chicago forward Brandon Saad said. BEEN HERE BEFORE: St. Louis began last years playoffs with a pair of 2-1 victories over Los Angeles at home, including an overtime win in the opener. The Blues then lost the next four games against the Kings. "We played the best game all year Game 3 in Los Angeles and lost," Hitchcock said. "This is going to be a very long series and were going to have to be better than weve been if we expect to win a game in Chicago." ABOUT THOSE GOALTENDERS: Blues goalie Ryan Miller has been solid since Chicagos three-goal first period in Game 1. He had 25 saves in Saturdays win, and all three of the Blackhawks goals came with traffic in front of the net. Corey Crawford made 48 saves for Chicago in the triple-overtime opener, but he was disappointed with his 27-save performance in Game 2. "He said he needs to be better, and he needs to be better," Quenneville said. ___ AP Sports Writer R.B. Fallstrom in St. Louis contributed to this report. ___ Jay Cohen can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/jcohenapJayson Williams Jersey . Dr. James Andrews is to operate next week on the 24-year-old pitcher, who made the AL All-Star team last year. Moore will be the first Rays pitcher to undergo Tommy John surgery since Jason Isringhausen in June 2009. Jason Kidd Jersey . Only it wasnt the extended right pad of his old teammate Jonathan Bernier early in the final frame, it was James Reimer, who stole a night that was supposed to belong to the former King. https://www.cheapnetsonline.com/1245g-taurean-prince-jersey-nets.html . The Canadian tennis players first full season on the WTA Tour was a strong one. She has risen to No. 32 in the world rankings and will likely be seeded at the first Grand Slam event of the 2014 season. George Johnson Jersey . There are surprises among the Vezina candidates, but most of the others are standard top-tier performers, even if the two Hart Trophy runners-ups have never been quite as good as they have been through the first half of the season. Brooklyn Nets Gear . Samir Nasris 88th-minute equalizer at Etihad Stadium will be of little consolation to City, which is now six points behind league leader Liverpool and four points behind second-place Chelsea. Third-place City has a game in hand but the surprise result against Sunderland, coupled with Sundays 3-2 loss at Liverpool, may be a setback too far in its bid for a second championship in three seasons.The author of one of Canadas defining moments at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics is "99 per cent" certain hes retiring. Jon Montgomery, the gold-medal winning skeleton racer who celebrated his victory by chugging from a pitcher of beer handed to him by a fan, says his failed attempt to qualify for the Sochi Games will in all likelihood mark the end of his sliding career. "Im done. As a competitive athlete, this is the end of the road for me," Montgomery said in a telephone interview with The Canadian Press on Thursday, before later adding: "I would say 99 per cent of me is certain that I am done. "You wont see me (racing) next year or the year after and Im 99 per cent sure you wont see me trying to gain a spot for (the 2018 Winter Olympics in) Pyeongchang." The 34-year-old Montgomery was one of the stars of the Vancouver Games, memorably drinking from that pitcher on national television as he walked through a crowd of rabid Canadian fans in Whistler, B.C. But the Russell, Man., native struggled to find consistency on a new sled in the leadup to Sochi and missed out on a chance to defend his title in Russia. "Physically Im at the top of my game. Im going out faster than Ive ever been in my career but its a bit of a sacrifice to make sure that I dont get hurt," he said. "I dont know what sort of long-term damage Ive done to my brain but in terms of getting a concussion — which is a really distinct possibility, or a brain injury — I need to make the right choices based on my family." Montgomery said even had he made it to Sochi and topped the podium a second time, the emotions from Vancouver would have been difficult to repeat. "Nothing can ever replace your first Olympic gold medal," he said. "To have done that on home soil with friends and family and countrymen by my side ... you just cant top that." Although he wanted desperately to represent Canada again, Montgomery said hes been watching these Games intently. "Its the human drama that takes place in front of us every day during the Olympics," he said. "Its unbelievable. I enjoyed being part of it as an athlete and (enjoy) being part of it as a fan." Montgomery took the 2011-12 season off and found it difficult racing on the new sled he helped build from scratch when he returned to the track. He had used his previous sled for eight years, but felt it was necessary to go with new technology in order to defend his Olympic gold in Sochi. In the end, he never got that chance. "It was really frustrating because you had achieved a certain level of performance that you were used to being able to get back to week in and week out," said Montgomery. "Coonsistency is a huge part in our sport.dddddddddddd You have to be very athletic to push the sled, but its more of a game of skill and touch. "Its about that feel and that muscle memory, that finite muscle control, and thats what I was struggling with — to get that feel and that touch back to my sliding game." Montgomerys path to Sochi was always going to be difficult after he failed to earn one of the three mens spots on Canadas World Cup team. He instead raced on a lower circuit where point values for results are lower, but was promoted to the World Cup team in January. He needed at least a fourth-place finish in his final race to get a third Canadian sled into the Olympics, but wound up a heart-breaking seventh. That disappointment aside, Montgomery is adamant he did everything possible to give himself the best chance at success. "I can say until the day I die that there wasnt anything that we didnt address," he said. "I built a gym in my home garage with equipment that I felt was necessary for me to get quicker, bigger, faster, stronger and that paid off. "With the equipment development end of things, unfortunately we didnt realize the goals that we had set for ourselves — we fell a little bit short. "It was mostly timing. An opportunity to get comfortable with the equipment that wed built was really where we fell short. But as far as making the choices and decisions we made, zero regrets." Montgomery became somewhat of a folk hero after the 2010 Games and was in Calgary on Thursday to promote Proctor & Gambles "Thank You, Mom" campaign for the 2014 Olympics. He and his mother, Joan, starred in a video highlighting how she helped him through some tough times early in his career prior to the Olympic gold medal. She played a similar role again when her son failed to qualify for Sochi. "My mom was there to help me pick myself up and move on with some purpose and dedication towards what happens next in life," said Montgomery, who hosted the first season of CTVs "Amazing Race Canada" last year and has signed on again for a second instalment that begins shooting in the spring. That television career will keep Montgomery in the public eye, but he will likely always be known as the Canadian Olympic champion who chugged beer with a gold medal around his neck. "Lots of great memories, lots of good friends and a lot of pride in what we were able to accomplish for ourselves as individuals and for us as a country," he said. "I havent given a formal (retirement) announcement. "I havent gone to a press conference and cried like Wayne Gretzky yet, but if that day comes Ill probably do that too." ' ' '
May the 4th be with you.(H/T Geekologie) Bulls Jerseys 2020 . New York Red Bulls. TSN primes Vancouver fans for the start of the 2014 season with MLS on TSN: Season Preview Special airing tonight at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt on TSN2 (encore Friday at 3:30pm et/12:30pm pt on TSN2). Chicago Bulls Gear .com) - Troy Brouwer scored the game-winning goal with just 12. https://www.cheapbulls.com/ . Chris Johnson singled with two outs off left-hander Jerry Blevins (1-1), and Schafer pinch ran. With a 2-2 count, Schafer ran on the pitch and Upton dropped a single in front of Bryce Harper. Schafer already was rounding third when Schafer bobbled the ball. Custom Chicago Bulls Jerseys .com) - Eric Fehr and Marcus Johansson each registered a pair of goals, as Washington spoiled the head coaching debut of Peter Horachek by picking up a 6-2 victory in Toronto on Wednesday. Wholesale Bulls Jerseys . The government says top golfers are expected to compete in the PGA Tour event at the Ashburn Golf Club in the suburb of Fall River from July 3-6 and again next year.TAMPA, Fla. -- After the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning combined for 11 goals in four regular-season meetings, Dale Weise didnt expect them to score eight in the first 60 minutes of Game 1 Wednesday night. "But thats playoffs, anything can happen," he said. Anything, including Weise scoring his first career Stanley Cup playoff goal and first NHL overtime winner to give the Habs a 5-4 victory at Tampa Bay Times Forum and a 1-0 lead in the Atlantic Division semifinal series. "I cant remember the last time I had an overtime goal, so that one feels real good," Weise said. It was the kind of back-and-forth affair that bred unpredictability. The Lightning scored four times against Carey Price on 16 shots in regulation, and it seemed like any and every shot could go in. In overtime, the margin for error was almost non-existent. But thats exactly what playoff star Daniel Briere wanted to embrace. "You have to be ready, and thats the beauty of overtime," said Briere, who set Weise up for the winner 18:08 into overtime. "You cant make any mistakes. One shot can end it all." Tampa Bays Teddy Purcell and Montreals Max Pacioretty were close to doing it, but were thwarted by a diving Josh Gorges and the clank of the left post behind Anders Lindback, respectively. Ultimately, that shot belonged to Weise, who earlier in overtime might not have been in position to take it. "We had about two or three similar chances just before and the last shift I kind of backed off on a play. I didnt want to get caught," Weise said. "I came to the bench and (assistant coach Gerard Gallant) said, Dont be afraid to jump in on that one, and thats what I did. (Michael Bournival) and Danny make a great play there, and I wont miss too many from there." Weise and Briere were the heroes, but the games previous 78 minutes had plenty of players putting on an offensive show. Steven Stamkos scored twice to go along with Tampa Bay goals by Nikita Kucherov and Alex Killorn, while Tomas Plekanec, Brian Gionta, Lars Eller and Thomas Vanek scored for the Habs. The goals were even at four apiece at the end of regulation, but the shots were far from it. The Habs had 35 to the Lightnings 16, taking it to a Tampa Bay team that was so good at puck possession during the regular season. Michel Therriens team just wanted to play a "solid road game" and got thatt job done.dddddddddddd "We kept our composure. We didnt want to get out of our game plan," Therrien said. "The guys stuck to the game plan and they got rewarded at the end. Thats the way I see it." The game didnt go the way some envisioned, specifically after these teams had such low-scoring matchups before. Price said he was not surprised but instead was frustrated he allowed four goals. "Every games different and you never know whats going to happen out there," Price said. "Its tough as a goaltender when teams are capitalizing on scoring chances and theyre getting so few." Price was at his best in overtime when he stopped all nine Lightning shots. Tampa had more shots in overtime than in any of the three previous periods but couldnt cash in. "I thought probably overtime was one of our better periods we played in that game," Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said. "(But) we kept shooting ourselves in the foot time and time again." Mistakes made it a fun game, as eight Lightning players were making their playoff debut at the NHL level. The Habs had only one in Bournival. The inexperience of youth was noticeable at times. "We came out tentative and didnt want to make mistakes, but as the game went on we got more comfortable," Killorn said. "The turnovers at the blue-line cost us." At the end of the night, one defensive-zone mistake cost the Lightning and allowed the Habs to steal the first game on the road. Naturally it was Briere who knew what to expect in overtime and record his 110th playoff point in his 109th career playoff game. "You just have to stay focused," Briere said. "I had the feeling that something good was going to happen. Our line had too many scoring chances that at some point we were going to get a good result." NOTES -- Brandon Prust returned to the Habs lineup after missing the final 12 games of the regular season with a shoulder injury. ... Defencemen Douglas Murray and Jarred Tinordi and forwards George Parros, Alex Galchenyuk, Travis Moen and Ryan White were scratched for Montreal. ... Lightning forward Ondrej Palat did not take a shift after one early in the third period because of an upper-body injury. Cooper said he would be re-evaluated Thursday. ... Gaspe, Que., native Cedric Paquette made his playoff debut after playing his first NHL game, Tampa Bays 81st of the regular season. ' ' '
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers added International defensive back Sam Miller to their roster on Friday. Miller spent time on and off with the Buffalo Bills organization in 2014. He played his collegiate football at Florida International, where in his senior season of 2013 he played in nine games, recording 33 tackles, two interceptions, and returned eight punts for 105 yards. George McGinnis Jersey .com) - Jeff Teague finished with a game-high 26 points and eight assists as the Atlanta Hawks held off the Utah Jazz, 98-92, on Friday. Moses Malone Jersey . -- Brad Gushue of St. https://www.cheap76ers.com/656e-nick-young-jersey-76ers.html . The senior threw for 319 yards and no interceptions in his final college game, leading No. Kyle OQuinn Jersey . And all things considered, the first 40 games have offered a little bit of everything from a hockey club that faced many questions in its first year under new management, with a new head coach and with a number of new faces in the lineup. However, with a recent dip in scoring, it seems some of the same old questions persist and several new ones have been raised after a somewhat troubling homestand. Hal Greer Jersey . - A retired Indiana school principal who was NASCAR star Jeff Gordons drivers education teacher was killed with his wife in a Tennessee crash while returning from watching Gordon race.NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees are no longer expecting CC Sabathia to return to their rotation this year, given the persistence of inflammation in his injured right knee. Asked Friday whether he believed Sabathias season was over, manager Joe Girardi said: "I think thats about fair to say." The six-time All-Star left-hander has been out with a degenerative cartilage problem in his right knee since mid-May, when his ERA reached a career-high 5.28. The Yankees were targeting a post-All-Star-break return for Sabathia, who had begun a rehabilitation assignment. In his second start, Wednesday for Double-A Trenton, Sabathia was hit hard: five hits, five runs and one walk while striking out two in 3 2-3 innings. The next morning, the 33-year-old woke up with swelling in the joint. An MRI test on Thursday didnt reveal any new damage. Sabathia will be examined on July 14 by Dr. James Andrews before the next step is determined, Girardi said, but microfracture surgery is possible. Previously, Sabathia had an operation on the knee in October 2010 to repair a small meniscus cartilage tear. The microfracture procedure requires far more recovery time, though. "Thats a surgery a lot of players dont want to hear when they need to have it," Girardi said. The manager even acknowledged the possibility that Sabathia might have thrown his last pitch for the Yankeees, as dire of a scenario that sounds like.dddddddddddd. "I think its too early to predict that, but whenever you have degenerative issues that cause surgery or things like that, theres always a little question there," Girardi said. Despite his 6-foot-7, 285-pound frame, Sabathia has been remarkably durable, logging at least 28 starts and 180 innings every season of his career. He reached 230 innings or more in five different years, including in 2007 when he won the American League Cy Young Award for Cleveland. Sabathia is in his sixth season with the Yankees. He gave up 10 home runs in 46 innings over his eight starts before landing on the disabled list on May 11. After signing a seven-year, $161 million deal as a free agent prior to the 2009 season, Sabathia had his contract extended in 2011 by one year and $30 million. Making $23 million this season, Sabathia is scheduled to earn $23 million in 2015 and $25 million in 2016. The Yankees have a $25 million option on his deal for 2017 with a $5 million buyout. The Yankees have also been missing injured starters Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda, forcing them to go with a makeshift rotation including Vidal Nuno, David Phelps and rookie Chase Whitley. Nova had season-ending elbow surgery in April. Pineda has been out with a shoulder muscle problem and is not expected back until August. ' ' '
Dontrelle Inman will be wearing blue next year, but it may not be with the Toronto Argonauts. TSN Toronto reporter Matthew Scianitti reports that the University of Virginia product signed a contract with the San Diego Chargers on Tuesday. Inman wont discuss details, but says he got a "good deal" from the Chargers. Inman received interest from the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings. Undrafted out of school, Inman spent 2011 as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad before coming to the Argos the following year where he won a Grey Cup. In 13 games played in 2013, the 24-year-old Inman was the Boatmens third-leading receiver with 739 yards on 50 receptions and six touchdowns. Charles Barkley Jersey . The Indians scored twice in the top of the ninth, getting the go-ahead run on a wild pitch by closer Matt Lindstrom. Axford (0-1) came in seeking his fifth save in as many chances. Raul Neto Jersey . Trailing by a goal after 20 minutes of play, Joe Pavelski responded with three goals and an assist as the Sharks snapped a two-game losing skid with a 5-2 victory over the struggling Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. https://www.cheap76ers.com/356e-dikembe-mutombo-jersey-76ers.html .Steamboat Ski Resort contends Steamboat Springs, Colorado has long been known as Ski Town, U.S.A., and claims in a new lawsuit that Salt Lake tourism officials violated their trademark when they rolled out the Ski City marketing campaign last month. Bob McAdoo Jersey . -- Valentin Zykov scored in overtime as the Baie-Comeau Drakkar rallied to a 3-2 victory over the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada on Sunday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoff action. Joe Smith Jersey . 22 because of a bruised foot and have added forward Sean Collins to the roster on emergency recall from Springfield of the AHL.BOSTON -- Jon Lester didnt feel very good warming up before the game. He couldnt have done much better once it started. The lefty struck out a career-high 15, allowing one hit over eight scoreless innings and pitching the Boston Red Sox over the Oakland Athletics 6-3 on Saturday. "Its probably the worst cutter Ive thrown in a bullpen in a long time, but I dont take much stock in my bullpens anymore," Lester said. "Youre down there to get loose. I think the biggest thing for me is just getting on the mound and getting that adrenaline going." He faced 26 batters and just nine hit the ball in fair territory. The only As to reach base against him were Craig Gentry on a leadoff single in the third and Derek Norris on walks to start the fifth and eighth. "Just the combination of power and command was impressive," Boston manager John Farrell said. "He was locked in seemingly from the first pitch." Lester (3-4) got plenty of support on a grand slam by Jonny Gomes and solo homers by David Ortiz and David Ross in Bostons second straight win after losing a day-night doubleheader to Tampa Bay on Thursday. But Oakland scored three runs off Chris Capuano in the ninth and had the tying run at the plate before Koji Uehara struck out Alberto Callaspo and retired Brandon Moss on a fly to right, securing his seventh save in seven opportunities. "I knew we had it the whole way," Lester said. "Weve got the best closer in baseball out there." The only hit off Lester was Gentrys bloop single in the third over the head of second baseman Dustin Pedroia. "Thats the best performance Ive seen him have," Oaklands Nick Punto said. Lester rebounded from taking the loss in his previous two games by striking out nine of his first 13 batters. His previous strikeout best was 13 on July 24, 2010, in a 5-1 loss at Seattle. "He looked pretty cozy out there," Gomes said. Lester, who threw a no-hitter on May 19, 2008 against Kansas City, struck out every hitter in the Oakland lineup, fanning Josh Reddick three times and Punto, Callaspo, Coco Crisp aand Josh Donaldson twice each.dddddddddddd Gomes hit the fifth slam of his career one day after Pedroia hit one. Tommy Milone (0-3) allowed Gomes homer after Pedroia walked, Xander Bogaerts singled and Ortiz walked. "It always seems that every time you walk somebody they have a tendency of scoring," Milone said, "so it just took that one big hit from Gomes to set the tone." Milone struck out the next four batters but ran into trouble again in the third when Ortiz led off with his sixth homer of the year. Ross started the fourth with his third homer. Lester threw 119 pitches before being replaced by Capuano to start the ninth. In his previous two starts, Lester threw 118 pitches in a 7-2 loss to the New York Yankees on April 22 and 122 in a 4-1 loss at Toronto last Sunday. Punto started the ninth with a double and took third on a single by Crisp. Both scored when Jed Lowrie doubled and left fielder Gomes threw wildly to the plate for an error. After Donaldson was hit by a pitch, Uehara walked Yoenis Cespedes. Norris hit into a forceout at home, but catcher Ross throw to first went wild, allowing a run to score before Uehara ended the threat. "Its easy to just cash it in after youve struck out 15 times in eight innings and hadnt had too many good swings and youre frustrated," Oakland manager Bob Melvin said, "and then to get those kind of at-bats in the ninth inning, its good." NOTES: Capuano hadnt allowed a run in his other 12 outings this season. ... Pedroia has reached base 35 times in his last 17 games. ... The Athletics have scored no runs while Milone was in the game in his three losses. ... Sonny Gray (4-1) pitches for Oakland in the finale of the three-game series against John Lackey (4-2) on Sunday. ... The crowd cheered each time a Red Sox worker walked along the left-field warning track to change the number next to the Bruins name on the scoreboard after each of their last three goals in Game 2 of their playoff series against Montreal. Boston was trailing 3-2 in the third period then scored three goals in the last six minutes to win 5-3 and even the series at 1. ' ' '
Berea, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - Brian Hoyer will remain the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, at least for the time being. Browns coach Mike Pettine made the announcement Wednesday, deciding to keep Hoyer in the starters role over Johnny Manziel for Sundays game against Indianapolis. After thorough evaluation and talking to the staff, we feel Brian gives us the best opportunity to win on Sunday, said Pettine in a statement on the clubs website. This is a football decision and those are always going to be based on what we think is best for our team. Hoyer was benched early in the fourth quarter of last Sundays 26-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Manziel stepped in and engineered an 8-play, 80-yard drive that he capped with a 10-yard touchdown scramble. Manziel ended the game 5-of-8 for 63 yards, forcing the Browns into a critical decision about the teams future of the quarterback position. Hoyer completed just 18-of-30 passes for 192 yards and two interceptions before being benched. In the past three games, he has thrown only one touchdown pass and six interceptions. It wasnt perfect and hes made his share of mistakes, said Pettine at a news conference Wednesday, adding that there was no short leash. Im not going to sit and put any more pressure on him. Hes our starter going into this game. The Browns are 7-5 heading into Sundays contest with the Colts and are tied with five other teams for the final AFC wild card spot. Brian has led our team to a 7-5 record, Pettine added. Im confident that we can get the entire offense playing at the level needed to accomplish the goals we set at the beginning of the season. Those goals are still very much attainable. Hoyer, who is 10-5 as Clevelands starting quarterback dating back to last season, has throw for 3,056 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 12 games this year. J. T. Brubaker Jersey . Luis Enrique signed the deal with club president Josep Bartomeu two days after it was announced by the club. That was two days after coach Gerardo Martino stepped down when Barcelona finished its first season without a major trophy in six years. Bert Blyleven Jersey . "It was a little weird looking over and seeing all the green uniforms," he said of his first game against the Boston Celtics. https://www.cheappiratesjerseys.us/1762e-cody-ponce-jersey-pirates.html . The Blue Jackets got goals from Cam Atkinson, Nick Foligno, Boone Jenner and R.J. Umberger and Curtis McElhinney posted his first shutout since 2011 in a 4-0 victory on Friday night. Ryan Vogelsong Jersey . -- Theres nothing like winning to bring hope for a struggling team. Custom Pittsburgh Pirates Jerseys . Warren made six birdies and a bogey for a 5-under total of 139 to sit one shot ahead of Felipe Aguilar of Chile, who carded a 69. David Horsey of England was also on 5 under through 15 holes to join Warren atop the leaderboard before play was stopped.STUTTGART, Germany -- German cruiserweight Marco Huck stopped compatriot Firat Arslan in the sixth round of their rematch to successfully retain his WBO belt on Saturday for the 12th time. Huck upped the tempo after an evenly fought opening five rounds, twice knocking the 43-year-old Arslan to the canvas. American referee Mark Nelson stopped the bout 1 minute, 56 seconds into the round when he saw thhe southpaw had no answer in the corner.dddddddddddd Huck had been landing the better punches and was clearly motivated by the criticism he received following his unanimous decision win over Arslan in November 2012, when many felt the former WBA champion had done more than enough to beat a man 15 years younger. Huck improved to 37-2-1 (26 KOs) while Arslan dropped to 33-7-2 (21 KOs). ' ' '
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- DeMarcus Ware boarded the plane for Denver on Wednesday morning, looked in the row across from him and saw a sleeping Aqib Talib. Yep, the Broncos mean business. Before Ware even had a chance to sit down with Broncos boss John Elway, he saw exactly how serious the team was about fixing its defence. Ware became Denvers latest defensive addition in free agency, agreeing to a three-year, $30 million deal. Thats $110 million -- $60 million guaranteed -- for Ware, safety T.J. Ward and Talib, the last two of whom signed Tuesday. "Theyre trying to make a statement -- a statement were a team to be reckoned with," the 31-year-old Ware said. "Their mentality is a now mentality. Not looking forward to next season or the season after that, the time is now." Out of work less than 24 hours, Ware wasnt fully intending to agree to a deal right away with Denver when he flew into town. But he was persuaded by Elway, the Hall of Fame quarterback turned executive who stressed to Ware the Broncos commitment to defence even with a prolific offence led by Peyton Manning. Elway got his man -- again. He did so two years ago with Manning and last off-season with Wes Welker. Its really no surprise the Broncos are concentrating on defence in the wake of a 43-8 loss to Seattle in the Super Bowl last month. Ward thinks the trio of new players brings not only leadership but a level of physicality to the field. Denvers defence surrendered nearly 25 points a game last season, which was 22nd in the league. "I think you see with Seattles defence last year -- definitely defence wins championships," Ward said. "(Ware and Talib) are two great players. Im eager to get to work with them. I dont know them personally yet, but I know what they do on the field. Those are two players I admire. I think well work well together." Talib flew in from Dallas on the same flight as Ware, not even realizing it until halfway through the trip. He was ecstatic to later hear that Elway enticed Ware to join the Broncos. "Every year you just want to better your team," Talib said. "Mr. Elway decided to better his team on defence this year, since the offence looks pretty good." Ware was let go Tuesday by Dallas in a salary-cap move. He had a franchise-record 117 sacks for the Cowboys since being drafted in the first round in 2005. He had a career-low six sacks last season and missed games for the first time in his career because of a thigh injury. He underwent off-season surgery to fix his elbow. Now that Wares fully healthy again, hes "going to be able to get after the passer," Elway said. No doubt, especially playing opposite Von Miller. This was a rough season for Miller, beginning with a six-game drug suspension and ending with a torn ACL on Dec. 22. Ware said he has a good relationship with Miller and hopes to get the 2011 rookie of the year back on track by serving as a mentor. "Von is one of those incredible athletes," Ware said. "If you can really hone in on what you do best, and make yourself not think as much when youre out there, hell be an even better athlete." Talib said theres no bad blood between him and the Broncos after he tweaked his knee early in the AFC championship game against Denver when he was bumped by Welker on a crossing route. Maybe at first, but not anymore. Not after watching the replay "1,000 times." "Wes is a good friend of mine," Talib said. "I can tell you he didnt do it on purpose." Talib appreciated Patriots coach Bill Belichick sticking up for him after the game. Belichick called it "one of the worst plays" hed seen in nearly four decades of coaching. The leagues officiating chief later ruled it a legal hit by Welker. "I told (Belichick) thank you and I respected what he did," Talib said. As for Talibs balky hip, well, thats not an issue. Hasnt been since his days with Tampa Bay. "The Patriots have their way of reporting stuff," Talib said. "The injury I had was actually a quad injury, reported as a hip injury. Thats how they do things." Talib said he received some interest from Washington, New Orleans, San Francisco and, of course, New England, but liked the fit with the Broncos. "I think we all are guys who play with attitude on the field," Talib said. Ware couldnt agree more, especially with the Super Bowl loss being a motivator. "Theyre saying, Were going to act right now and not let that happen again," Ware said. Adam Butler Jersey . Duhamel, from Lively, Ont., and Radford, from Balmertown, Ont., were third with 210.84 points. Teammates Kirsten Moore-Towers of St. Catharines, Ont., and Dylan Moscovitch of Toronto were fourth. Duhamel and Radford, who were seventh at the Sochi Olympics, also won bronze at last years world championships in London, Ont. Babe Parilli Jersey .C. - Canadian ice dancing, it seems, is in good hands. https://www.patriotsjerseysale.com/1901p-lawyer-milloy-jersey-patriots.html . Wheeler scored at 4:58 of overtime, with Scheifele getting an assist, and the Jets beat the slumping Colorado Avalanche 2-1 on Sunday night. Danny Shelton Jersey . That still leaves a big hole.You dont replace the leadership, defensive co-ordinator Billy Davis said. You just dont. Leadership is something that is earned over time. Randy Moss Jersey . The Spanish champions decision not to sign a defender during the January transfer window may have backfired after Valencia took advantage of a lethargic, uninspired effort by its hosts at the Camp Nou, where former Spain coach Luis Aragones -- who previously coached the Catalan side -- was honoured after his death on Saturday.TORONTO - Each year NHL arenas turn their rink-board advertisements lavender and messages run on television and on video screens promoting Hockey Fights Cancer, a campaign to raise awareness and donation money.Within the past month as the campaign has been going on, cancer has been front and centre all across the hockey world. Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Olli Maatta recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour in his thyroid gland, Buffalo Sabres announcer Rick Jeanneret last week announced hes throat cancer-free and on Thursday night Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray revealed he has stage 4 colon cancer.During the Sabres Hockey Fights Cancer night Nov. 7, GM Tim Murray paid tribute to his uncle. In a taped video message, he said: Im Tim Murray, general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, and I fight for Bryan Murray.The hockey community has been pulling for Murray since this past summer when the Senators announced he had cancer and would be undergoing treatment immediately. In an interview on TSN with Michael Farber, Murray explained that there is no cure at this point for me and just hope chemotherapy gives him more time.Murray, 71, urged men to get colonoscopies, as having one could have detected his cancer earlier. Farber, himself a cancer survivor after beating it in 2011, said the response to the interview has been gratifying.The best message I received was from a guy who said, Yeah, I just called for my colonoscopy, Farber said. Another 51-year-old said, Yeah, Im arranging that this week. Maybe something really good comes out of it.Maattas tumour was discovered as part of a pre-season physical. He was able to continue playing until having surgery to remove it Nov. 4 and returned to practice with the Penguins on Thursday in Toronto.There was an 85 per cent chance the tumour was cancerous, and the 20-year-old said so matter-of-factly about finding that out: It was cancer. But you know what? That was expected. It doesnt change anything.Maattas poise throughout this process, including not being able to tell anyone about the tumour for some time, has come as no surprise to his teammates.Hes a strong guy mentally to go (through) what hes gone through and handle it the way he has, captain Sidney Crosby said. I think as a teammate youre always there to try to support him. But its nice to see when somebody handles it that way. Its incredible.Were there for him, but he seems to be doing a pretty good job of getting through a lot of diffeerent things and handling them well.ddddddddddddAfter the operation, the Penguins said Maatta would return within four weeks. Coach Mike Johnston said Thursday the Finnish defenceman would be able to return within the next five or six days.Pittsburgh winger Pascal Dupuis said he couldnt imagine going through a similar situation when he was 20 years old.Hes a strong guy and definitely weve been trying to support him as a team, Dupuis said. Its more power to him. He handled that like a big man.Over the summer, Jeanneret was diagnosed with throat cancer and had to take a leave of absence from Sabres broadcasts. The 72-year-old St. Catharines, Ont., native has been doing Buffalo TV or radio since the franchises second season in 1971-72.Jeanneret performed a special ceremonial puck drop along with legendary Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, whos now cancer-free, last week at First Niagara Center when the Sabres hosted the Edmonton Oilers on Hockey Fights Cancer night. It was then that he said he was cancer-free, and on Friday the team said hed return to the airwaves Saturday to call the first period of the Toronto Maple Leafs game at the Sabres.The time seems right to slowly begin transitioning back to work, Jeanneret said in a statement. My doctors have told me Im cancer free and Im feeling well enough to get back in the booth, even if its only on a limited basis for the time being.Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds used Hockey Fights Cancer month to tell his story, how his nana died of breast cancer in 1995 and how it affected him. The Toronto native wrote a first-person essay for Sports Illustrateds website about how he always wears a Blue Jays hat because that was a bond with her.Simmonds wrote that Hockey Fights Cancer has come a long way in his seven seasons in the NHL.I remember everyone would wear lavender ties. Then we organized hospital visits, we hosted families at games, we used lavender stick tape. Every year there are more activities to get involved in, and more ways for us players to show our support and help increase awareness, he wrote for SI. We see all sorts of people fighting cancer, including young kids. It makes me take a step back and realize that win or lose, compared to what theyre going through, Im just playing hockey.Im lucky to get to do what I love every day. Its a lot easier to go into the corner and take a cross-check than it is to be in the hospital fighting for your life.---Follow @SWhyno on Twitter ' ' '
The Atlanta Braves have avoided arbitration with Brandon Beachy. Beachy and the Braves agreed to a one-year deal on Monday, successfully avoiding arbitration with the 27-year-old. The righty underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2012 and returned to make five starts in 2013, going 2-1 with a 4.50 earned-run average. One of the Major Leagues premier strikeout pitchers, Beachy has fanned 275 batters in 267.2 combined innings over the past four seasons. Beachy has a 14-11 career record in 46 starts with the Braves. Paul Goldschmidt Jersey . The Thunder earned the Game 1 win with a 100-86 victory Saturday night. Oklahoma City dominated the first half and led by 22 at the break, but saw its lead shrink to just two points in the fourth quarter. Jake Lamb Jersey . -- Olympic medallist Jennifer Abel of Laval, Que. https://www.cheapdiamondbacksjerseys.us/ .ca. Hi Kerry, Thursday nights Bruins-Blackhawks game had a goal by Patrice Bergeron initially waved off by the referee, but video review clarified it was a good goal. Luis Gonzalez Jersey . Patton was placed on the restricted list testing positive for a banned amphetamine. Patton took Adderall, a drug commonly used to combat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, late in the 2013 season and then was given a random drug test. Albie Lopez Jersey .Y. - Terry and Kim Pegula have no immediate plans to tinker with their new NFL team.MONTREAL -- Brendan Gallagher felt a little hard done by the referees. In the final minute of play in Winnipegs 2-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday, Gallagher was roughed up by three different Jets players, preventing him from leaving the offensive zone. With their net empty, and an extra player on the ice for a Canadiens team looking for the equalizer, Gallagher was kept on the wrong side of the blue-line for roughly 20 seconds, keeping his team from entering Winnipegs zone. Gallagher was crosschecked into the net by Zach Bogosian, punched and then elbowed in the head by goaltender Al Montoya in the crease, and then elbowed again by defenceman Jacob Trouba. There was no call on the play. "There could have been five penalties there," said head coach Michel Therrien, who watched the replay before speaking to the media. "Were definitely going to ask the league for explications. Its very frustrating. It could have given us the chance to tie the game." But Montoya, who made 30 saves for his 10th win of the season, wasnt buying any of it, and suggested the Habs forward was doing his best to stay in the zone and draw a penalty. "No. 11?" Montoya asked, apparently not knowing Gallagher by name. "We were all caught up. The referees saw that. They were there. You know he was doing something for a reason." After the game, defenceman Josh Gorges spoke to the press on Gallaghers behalf, calling the five-foot-nine forward too "fired up" and "heated" to address questions about the games final minute. "I have to be careful with what I say," said Gorges. "It was pretty evident they were not allowing him to get out of the zone. He took a punch to the head from the goalie, got tripped up from the defenceman, and the guy coming off the bench gave him another shot." To make matters worse, Gallagher made three trips to the penalty box during the game, for roughing, holding, and tripping. He finished the game with two shots, six penalty-minutes and a minus-1 rating. "I cant comment on how (the referees) feel towards any one individual player," said Gorges. "I dont know if theres a grudge or something. Its too bad." With the game tied at 1-1 going into the third period, Michael Frolik scored the eventual winner at 1:04 after a Winnipeg dump-in was mishandled by netminder Carey Price. Thee Jets captain Andrew Ladd took the puck off Prices stick, and found a streaking Frolik in front of the net.dddddddddddd The Canadiens (29-21-6) kept the pressure on Montoya and the Jets in the final frame, but couldnt benefit from two power plays. Winnipeg held on for their eighth win in 10 games since Paul Maurice took over as head coach on Jan. 12. The Jets (27-25-5) are still in last place in the Central Division, but are only four points off the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Winnipeg has now won four of its last five on the road, and beat the Canadiens for the first time in seven encounters. "Weve made some pretty big strides," said Maurice. "Theres still a lot to cover. Its what we want our team to look like. We want to define what the Winnipeg Jets game is. And thats going to take a long time to do. "Were big and were fast and were young. And we want to use that. We want to be aggressive with our size and our speed." The Jets benefited from good speed by Tobias Enstrom in the second period when he opened the scoring at 9:13 on a great individual effort. The Winnipeg defenceman carried the puck along the end boards, circled the net and squeezed a shot under Prices glove on the wraparound for his sixth of the year. After hitting two posts in the period, the Canadiens got their equalizer courtesy of a quick release wrister by Brian Gionta at 17:06. While playing 4-on-4 hockey, the Canadiens captain took a pass from Tomas Plekanec on his backhand, quickly switched to the forehand and fired home a sharp shot into the roof of the net. And despite the incident with Gallagher in the dying seconds, Gorges thought the Canadiens shouldnt have left it so late. "Thats not what happened tonight, that wasnt the difference," said Gorges of the altercation. "But it was a frustrating end to the game." Price, playing his second game in as many days, made 33 saves in the loss. NOTES: Michael Bournival was back in the Canadiens lineup after missing Saturdays game with the flu. Christian Thomas dressed for the second straight game, while George Parros was a healthy scratch. a The Jets were without Evander Kane, the teams third-best goal scorer. Hes out with an infection in his hand. a The Canadiens beat the Jets 3-0 in the teams first encounter of the year on Oct. 15, 2013. They do not play again this season. ' ' '
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- Sam Bennett isnt accustomed to being last in anything. First among North American skaters in NHL Central Scoutings final 2014 draft rankings, the Kingston Frontenacs centre finished dead-last in one category during Saturdays fitness testing at the annual combine. Bennett couldnt do a single pull-up. "I was definitely disappointed with myself," Bennett said. "I was wanting to do the best I can in every test. But, I guess, ultimately games arent won or lost if you can do a pull-up in the gym." Bennett likely wont take much of a hit from being 12 pull-ups behind the leaders. If anything, his showing could help whichever team takes him early in the first round June 27 in Philadelphia. "The fact that he can play the game the way he plays the game, I think the teams feel that hes a pretty complete package," NHL Central Scouting director Dan Marr said. "This is what the whole combines about: The team thats going to get Sam Bennett knows what work lies ahead and theyll be able to put him on the proper path for development." Bennett finished ahead of Barrie defenceman Aaron Ekblad, Kootenay centre Sam Reinhart and two other potential top picks, Prince Albert winger Leon Draisaitl and Oshawa winger Michael Dal Colle because of what he developed into on the ice. With his fathers favourite player, Doug Gilmour, overseeing his progress as Kingstons general manager, the Holland Landing, Ont., native had 36 goals and 55 assists in 57 OHL games this past season. But just like with pull-ups, Bennett doesnt want to be defined by numbers alone. "I think (what sets me apart) really just a combination of my hockey sense along with my compete level," he said. "I think I compete as hard, if not harder, than anyone else." Bennett isnt the only one trying to compete to go first overall, or in the top five, the first round or in the draft, period. Over a hundred fellow prospects joined him at this weeks combine with the aim of impressing NHL teams. Well before the physical grind that was Saturdays fitness testing, players gathered outside of Toronto to meet with NHL teams. Marr likened the entire process to a giant conveyor belt as these teenagers went through the mental trials of often answering the same questions over and over. Most dont mind it. Top European skater Kasperi Kapanen -- son of former NHL forward Sami -- called it "natural" to sit around and talk to people, and Draisaitl didnt want to downplay the week, either. "I think its really important for them to know what kind of a guy I am and how I work off the ice," said Draisaitl, the only German-born player at the combine. "Thats a really important part of it. Its not only everything about the ice." Teams have spent countless hours watching these players on the ice, and thats not what the combine is about. Despite talk among general managers about adding on-ice testing, there is nothing of the sort, and individual teams arent allowed to invite prospects to their cities to skate. At the annual GM meeting in March, commissioner Gary Bettman said there was some discussion to see "what needs to be done to make the combine as effective as possible." After consultation with strength coaches, Marr said that new, more "dynamic" tests were put in this year to better gauge players physical abilities. One change was pull-ups replacing push-ups because it meant players had to lift their own body weight. While Bennett couldnt do one, Brandon centre Jayce Hawryluk and Czech winger David Pastrnak each did 12. Of course that doesnt necessarily mean theyll be better players, or that theyre closer to being NHL-ready. "This isnt a pass or fail type of test," Marr said. "It just allows the NHL teams to see where these players are in their current state of development." Bennett, who turns 18 in June, conceded that hell need to work on his upper-body strength in the gym this summer. As Marr knows, thats not unusual for junior-aged players. "(At age) 17, 18, 19, if you go back in history with some of the players in the game, theyll find that there was one summer that really made a difference in their physical development," he said. "So maybe at this stage he just hasnt had that summer of development, and itll come." By then, Bennett will more than likely be a top-five pick. If he goes first to the Florida Panthers -- or whoever makes that selection -- itll be clear that on-ice potential is worth tons more than a lack of pull-ups. "It would be pretty special," Bennett said. "At the end of the day it is just a number, and everyones going to be in the same spot come training camp, trying to make the team. Obviously it is every kids dream to go as high as they can get into the NHL." Zapatillas Baratas . -- Jake Paterson made 39 saves as the Saginaw Spirit halted the Guelph Storms seven-game win streak with a 6-3 victory on Sunday in Ontario Hockey League action. Air Jordan Baratas España . The Rainbow FlickNext up is the Rainbow Flick, or as you probably know it, the trick that everybody at soccer camp thought they knew how to do. https://www.zapatillasbaratasspain.es/zapatillas-baratas-spain-outlet-online-d2288.html . "We cannot stay the same way the whole season long," said Reyes. "This is not acceptable. Something needs to change because were a better team than what were showing right now. Its a long season and we just need to continue to push." Its been a frustrating week for the ballclub. Air Max Baratas . "You hate when they score," he said with some distaste at the thought. "You take pride in it. Zapatillas Yeezy Spain . The unrestricted free agent agreed to terms with the club on Thursday on a one-year, two-way deal worth $700,000.WASHINGTON -- The Baltimore Orioles hated giving up a day off to face the Washington Nationals on the road before heading to Toronto. A victory over their neighbouring rivals made the detour much more tolerable. Caleb Joseph homered and drove in three runs, J.J. Hardy had four hits and Baltimore beat Washington 7-3 on Monday night in a duel between first-place teams. Nick Markakis homered for the Orioles, who trailed 3-1 before rallying for their eighth win in 11 games. The game was a makeup of the July 8 contest that was postponed by rain. A sellout crowd of 42,181 -- many of them wearing Oriole orange -- showed up to watch teams located just 38 miles apart on I-295. The Orioles wanted the makeup game to be played in the afternoon, but the Nationals nixed the request. So Baltimore planned on taking a red-eye to Toronto for a three-game showdown between the top two teams in the AL East. "It was a tough one, and then again tomorrow and the next day," manager Buck Showalter said. "These guys get to sleep around 5 or 6. Its part of what we have to go through to get what were trying to get done." Hardy and Ryan Flaherty opened the seventh with successive doubles off Tanner Roark (11-7) to tie it at 3. Delmon Young followed with an RBI single -- making him 9 for 17 as a pinch-hitter this season -- and Adam Jones capped the uprising with a run-scoring single, Baltimores sixth hit of the inning. Young has been a significant contributor in his first season with the Orioles, whether starting or coming off the bench. "He got a big hit," Showalter said. "He works so hard at it. I see him rattling in the cage from the first or second inning on." Joseph singled in two runs in the eighth to make it 7-3. Kevin Gausman (6-3) gave up three runs and eight hits in six innings for the Orioles. "I definitely had to grind through that one," he said. "I think it was kind of huge to get through six there." Washingtons lead over Atlanta in the NL East slipped to three games and Baltimore increased its margin over Toronto to four games. Roark allowed fivee runs, the most he yielded in 16 starts since May 3.dddddddddddd He won his previous four starts, allowing only one run in each game. "The ball was up, elevated, I wasnt hitting my spots," he said. "If the balls up and Im not hitting spots, Im going to get hit hard." He gave up seven hits, including two homers. Roark hadnt allowed more than one home run in a game since that May 3 game against the Phillies. "Theyre in first place for a reason," he said of the Orioles. "They hit the ball, and they showed it tonight." Wilson Ramos put the Nationals up 1-0 in the second inning with his first home run since July 9, against the Orioles. Joseph homered in the third, the first run against Washington in 23 innings. In the bottom half, Jayson Werth hit a sacrifice fly after a double by Denard Span, who has reached via a hit or walk in 30 straight games. Markakis made it 3-2 in the fifth with his 10th home run, matching his total of last season. TRAINING ROOM: Orioles: Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez (right ankle sprain) has completed his rehabilitative work in the minors and could be activated from the DL as soon as Friday. Nationals: Washington placed outfielder Nate McLouth on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. Outfielder Steven Souza Jr. was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse. ON DECK: Orioles: Baltimore will start right-hander Bud Norris on Tuesday night in Toronto. Hes 2-0 with a 1.83 ERA against Toronto this season. Nationals: Gio Gonzalez (6-7) starts Tuesday for Washington in the opener of a three-game series against the New York Mets, who are 1-5 against the Nationals this year. JOHNSON RETURN? Released by Oakland over the weekend, former Orioles right-hander Jim Johnson worked out for Baltimore at the teams training complex in Florida. If signed by the Orioles, Johnson would likely receive a minor league deal. "Hes certainly got a good pedigree and history of having success," Showalter said. "Hes got himself a tough decision to make, but a good one. Hes got some people interested in him." ' ' '
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - Miles Thompson scored four goals and assisted on two more as the Iroquois nationals edged Scotland 10-8 in quarter-final action at the world field lacrosse championships on Wednesday. The Iroquois will play Canada in Thursdays semifinal. Randy Staats had two goals and two assists, Roger Vyse had two goals and one assist, and Craig Point and Thomas Montour had a goal apiece for the Iroquois. Cody Jamieson contributed with three assists. Jimmy McBride led Scotland with two goals and three assists. Dan Heighway and Jesse Fehr scored two goals apiece, and Matthew Carey added a goal and an assist. Warren Hill made 12 saves for the Iroquois, while Dean Stewart turned aside 12 shots in the loss. Other Wednesday results included: Italy 11, Turkey 3; Ireland 13, Switzerland 6; Belgium 8, Russia 4; Sweden 8, Finland 4; Latvia 19, Hong Kong 9; Japan 17, New Zealand 8; Austria 10, Thailand 7; England 15, Germany 3 and Australia 9, Israel 8. Christin Stewart Jersey . -- LeGarrette Blount made one last big splash into a soggy end zone. Bill Coughlin Jersey .com) - Colorado forward P. https://www.cheaptigers.com/ .Y. -- Scott Chandler is returning to Buffalo, where he spent the past three seasons establishing himself as the Bills top pass-catching tight end. Hal Newhouser Jersey . -- Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale searched more than three quarters for five guys who would play well together. Johnny Pesky Jersey . Bobrovsky posted a 2-0-1 record with a 1.58 goals-against average and .950 save percentage to help the Blue Jackets (35-26-6) gain five of a possible six points last week. He capped the week by making 32 saves and stopping 2-of-4 shootout attempts in a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.Rafael Nadal will carry Spains flag at the opening ceremony of this summers Olympics. The announcement was made at an event in Madrid to mark 100 days until the start of the Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 5.In 2012 the 14-time Grand Slam winner was chosen for the honour in London but missed out through injury and was replaced by NBA star Pau Gasol. Nadal won the singles gold medal in 2008 at the Beijing Games and aalso played in the 2004 Olympics in Athens.ddddddddddddSpanish sport was in debt to Nadal, Spanish Olympic Committee president Alejandro Blanco said. He gave us a lot more than results. Also See: ATP schedule Tennis on Sky Latest scores Get a NOW TV pass Video ' ' '
Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino intends to withdraw his name from a lawsuit against the NFL for concussions, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. A report in the Los Angeles Times on Monday had Marino, along with 14 other players, linked to the lawsuit. But according to the Sun Sentinel, Marino and his lawyers will be in discussions to withdraw his name. "It was never Marinos intention to initiate litigation in this case, but to ensure that in the event he had adverse health consequences down the road, he would be covered with health benefits. They are working to correct the error," a source said to the Sun-Sentinel. Marino has said in the past he had two reported concussions during his 17-year career. Nearly 5,000 other former players have alleged the NFL misled them about the long-term dangers of concussions. The NFL has denied those claims. The lawsuit doesnt specify any medical problems suffered by the plaintiffs. It seeks unspecified damages and medical monitoring. The NFL and the original group of players agreed on a $765 million settlement last August. But the settlement was rejected by a federal judge in January. Air Force 1 Nere Scontate . -- The Phoenix Coyotes have won three in a row for the first time in 4 1/2 months, and theyve done it just in time for the stretch run to the playoffs. Air Max 720 Donna Scontate . Terry came from Boston along with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce but has appeared in just 35 games after a knee injury, averaging 4.5 points on 36 per cent shooting. Evans was a favourite of fans but not coach Jason Kidd, who used him in just 30 of their 51 games. http://www.outletscarpesaldi.it/saucony-scarpe-prezzo-basso.html . After the loss, White refused to make good on the bet, instead offering Hoyt tickets to a Bears game. Saucony Scarpe Scontate . The midfielder had an operation on Saturday, and is set to miss seven Premier League games, the third round of the FA Cup and the semifinals of the League Cup. Air Max 720 Scontate . Others describe it as taking the parrot for a walk.Eastbourne, England (SportsNetwork.com) - Top seed Richard Gasquet and reigning champion Feliciano Lopez booked spots in Saturdays final at the Aegon International tennis event, a final grass-court Wimbledon tune-up. The French star Gasquet cruised past Uzbekistans Denis Istomin 6-4, 6-2, while the third-seeded Lopez, playing in his second match of the day, handled American Sam Querrey 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) in Fridays semifinals at Devonshire Park. The grass-court-loving Lopez was forced into double duty because of weather problems here on Thursday and opened his day Friday with a 6-3, 6-4 quarterfinal victory over Frenchman Jeremy Chardy. The left-handeed Lopez, who was last weeks grass-court runner-up at The Queens Club in London, captured last years Eastbourne title by besting Frances Gilles Simon in the finale.dddddddddddd Gasquet will meet Lopez for a sixth time on the ATP World Tour, seeking a sixth win. The two havent met since 2010. Gasquet, who just turned 28 on Wednesday, will appear in his 22nd career ATP final, seeking an 11th title and his first one of 2014. He was a runner-up in Montpellier in his native France in February. The 33-year-old Lopez is 3-7 in his career finals, including the loss last week in London. His last title came here in Eastbourne 12 months ago. ' ' '
NEW YORK -- Henrik Lundqvist is the king of the New York Rangers record book for goalies. He surged this season past Mike Richters mark for career wins (301) and dispatched Ed Giacomin on the shutout list (49). The only thing missing is a Stanley Cup ring. That is the one area in which Richter still has him beat. "The more pressure there is, the better he seems to perform. Thats what you want," first-year Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. "I know he wants to win the Cup. ... Were going to need him to be at his best, but this is a team game." King Henrik got off to a good start Thursday night when he and the Rangers beat the Flyers 4-1 in the first-round playoff opener. Philadelphias first shot got past Lundqvist and put the Flyers ahead, but he stopped the other 14 that came his way. One win down, 15 to go to give the Rangers their first Stanley Cup championship in 20 years -- which in Rangers history is not all that long since Richter and the 1994 squad led by Mark Messier ended a 54-year drought. "Everybody wants to be known as a winner," Vigneault said. "Hank is one of the best goaltenders in the league, and his stats are there to back it up." By all accounts, the 32-year-old Lundqvist is a driven hard worker, relentless in preparation and desire to be the best. "His No. 1 quality is how hard he competes and how much he wants to win," Vigneault said. "You can tell every time he steps on the ice -- practices, games -- the focus that he has, the amount of internal pressure he puts on himself to always be at a high level. "The standards that he puts on himself are as high as any player that I have ever coached. That is why he has been in the elite goaltenders for the past 10 years." When he arrived from Sweden at 23, Lundqvist embraced the pressure of playing in New York and thrived on it, reveling in the citys culture. He is a model of consistency and might already have enough credentials to ensure his jersey will be lifted to the Madison Square Garden rafters next to Richters even if he doesnt deliver that championship. "The passion that I have for this game and trying to get better and the emotions you feel when you play is something you live for," Lundqvist said. "Those moments when you win a big game I cant compare to anything else I have in my life when it comes to the adrenaline, the pressure, the excitement. "You have moments throughout games and throughout seasons of where youre like, Wow. This is why I play. You dont feel that every day. You dont feel that always, but you have moments where you realize its all worth it." Lundqvist has 309 career regular-season wins and 50 shutouts. He is also the first goalie to reach at least 30 wins in eight of his first nine NHL seasons. Lundqvist was chosen by the Rangers in the seventh round of the 2000 NHL draft -- pick No. 205 -- when he was just 18. He remained in his native Sweden for the next several years and joined the Rangers for the first time in the 2005-06 season, making his NHL debut against Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils. "Your mindset is just to establish yourself, and fighting for your life almost every day and try to prove yourself because they dont really know what Ive done in Sweden for five years," Lundqvist said. "They dont really care what Ive done. Its about here and its about now. "It probably took me a couple of years before I felt comfortable and I knew that I had my role here." He stood out right away to John Davidson, a former Rangers goalie who backstopped the team to the 1979 Stanley Cup finals and then became a television analyst from 1986-2006. He broadcast games throughout Richters entire career and into the early stages of Lundqvists. "I didnt know a lot about him, but I remember when he came to the Rangers practice facility," said Davidson, now the president of hockey operations for the Columbus Blue Jackets. "I was standing on the glass the first day of camp, and I walked away three or four minutes after and I said, Theres the goalie. "He was polished. His work habits were exceptional. He and Mike, the common denominator there is the ability to handle pressure and the ability to work hard." 19:14ET 18-04-14 Fake Jerseys For Sale . Under the deal, the Vikings will donate an undisclosed sum of money to five gay rights-related charities over the next five years. Kluwe said he wont receive any money as part of the settlement. "This will help a lot of people that really do need that help," Kluwe said. Stitched Jerseys For Sale . Josh Mazzola drove in five runs to lead the Goldeyes (20-12) past the Capitales 11-5 Friday night at Le Stade Municipal in Quebec City. https://www.jerseysforsalechina.com/ .com) - Nathan MacKinnon scored the winning goal in the shootout as the Colorado Avalanche rallied for a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday. Jerseys For Sale . The Blue Jackets got goals from Cam Atkinson, Nick Foligno, Boone Jenner and R.J. Umberger and Curtis McElhinney posted his first shutout since 2011 in a 4-0 victory on Friday night. Discount Jerseys For Sale . With the suspension, Nigeria is unable to take part in any kind of international fixtures. FIFA had issued a warning to the NFF last week after the federation was served with court proceedings from the government that prevented the NFFs president from running the NFFs day-to-day affairs.Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at cmonref@tsn.ca. Hi Kerry, In the third period of Game 6 between the Bruins and Canadiens, Boston came within millimetres of getting one past Carey Price. Zdeno Charas shot from the point bounced off Carey Price and into the air before dropping right in the crease. David Desharnais then swept it away with his glove, but should a penalty shot have been called??? David KrastBoston David: The answer to your question is found in Rule 67 - handling the puck. Generally speaking anytime a player places his hand over the puck while it is on the ice in order to conceal if from or prevent an opponent from playing the puck, a minor penalty shall be assessed for "closing his hand on the puck". When this is done in his teams goal crease area, a penalty shot shall be assessed. More specifically to David Desharnais handling of the puck as it was about to cross the goal line following the shot by Zdeno Chara, rule 67.4 states; if a defending player, except a goalkeeper, while play is in progress, falls on the puck, holds the puck, picks up the puck, or gathers the puck into his body or hands from the ice in the goal crease area, the play shall be stopped immediately and a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. In the application of this rule a player is allowed to bat, drag, push or sweep the puck clear of the goal crease with an oppen palm or closed fist so long as this action does not cover the puck in any manner.dddddddddddd. David Desharnais legally handled the puck in the goal crease area when he dove and contacted the side portion of the puck with a closed glove (tight fist versus open palm on top of the puck) and bunted/dragged the puck with a swift, forceful motion from narrowly crossing the line. This legal action by Desharnais propelled the puck away from the goal line toward and under Carey Price to stop play. It is important to note David, that had the puck had come to rest and been covered under the body of Desharnais instead of Price, a penalty shot would have resulted. It was a tremendous defensive play by the Montreal forward to prevent a sure goal through the legal use of his hand on the puck inside the goal crease. Referee Kelly Sutherland also did an outstanding job to attack the net along the goal line as this play developed and then to wave off a potential goal and penalty shot from his final location directly behind the net. As a result of Sutherlands attack angle and close finish behind the net, the referee was able to clearly determine that the puck had not crossed the goal line nor had Desharnais covered the puck with his hand or body. On this crucial play inside the goal crease, referee Sutherland demonstrated excellent visual awareness to read the play and then quickly move his feet to gain the optimum position to render the correct call. Game 7 back in Boston should be a real dandy. ' ' '
TORONTO -- Mark Buehrle is putting his faith in the fielding of his Toronto Blue Jays teammates and its paying off. "I need defence behind me," Buehrle said. "Its a key. I dont strike out many guys so the ball is put in play." The results showed again for the Blue Jays soft-throwing left-hander who became the first 10-game winner in the major leagues on Sunday in Torontos 4-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals. By working quickly and efficiently, Buehrle pitched eight strong innings and was supported by home runs from Dioner Navarro and Edwin Encarnacion as well as some solid defence. The game was played in a brisk two hours 14 minutes. "Its not luck," Blue Jays right-fielder Jose Bautista said. "Hes pitching great, throwing strikes, keeping people off balance and allowing us a chance to play defence behind him. Its no surprise that every time he pitches there are plenty of good defensive plays made. He keeps everybody engaged in the game because he works quick. Its been awesome to play behind him this year." Buehrle (10-1) held the Royals to six hits and one walk while striking out three to win his sixth straight decision. "I dont know if its one of those things where working fast keeps them on their toes and ready to field stuff," Buehrle said. "I dont if that is the key to it. Again I just try to get the ball and throw it and I know the guys like to play behind you when its a quick game. I need those guys all over the place when Im pitching." Toronto manager John Gibbons thought it was one of Buehrles best performances this season. "Today (Buehrle) was as good as he has been all year," said Gibbons. "He has really been great, seems like every time I come in here you have to describe it the same way. Thats what he does, he keeps you off balance and hits both sides of the plate. Hes a pitcher. ... He topped off a nice home stand for us." Left-hander Aaron Loup took over in the ninth from Buehrle after Encarnacions two-run homer in the eighth had extended the lead to four runs. The Blue Jays (34-24) took the final two games of the four-game series to gain a split with the Royals (26-30) and finish their home stand at 8-2. Toronto has won 21 of their past 28 games to take over first place in the American League East. "(Buehrle) was dynamite," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "Hes traditionally tough on us but hes 10-1 now, hes tough on everybody. Hes a master at what he does. He commands the baseball so well, changes speeds off everything he has. He has the ability to read the hitters reaction to the pitch before to know what hes going to throw next. If the hitter is gearing up, he backs off, if the hitter is backing off, he gears up. "He just pitched a phenomenal game. Hes just really, really good at keeping you off balance." Royals right-hander Jeremy Guthrie (2-5) allowed eight hits and two runs in seven innings to go 10 starts without a win after winning his first two starts of the season. Guthrie allowed two walks and had five strikeouts before he was replaced by right-hander Aaron Crow in the eighth. Navarro hit his third homer of the season with one out in the second to open the scoring. The Blue Jays scored again in the fourth. Juan Francisco led off with a double on a liner that Kansas City right-fielder Norichika Aoki misplayed into a double. Francisco moved to third on a single by Brett Lawrie. He scored when Anthony Gose forced Lawrie at second on a grounder to shortstop. A key defensive play came in the sixth after a slight lapse. Eric Hosmer led off a bloop to centre that turned into a double when the Blue Jays left second uncovered. But shortstop Jose Reyes cut down Hosmer at third after fielding Billy Butlers grounder and Buehrle finished the inning unscathed. "In a two-run game, thats big," Gibbons said. "Thats what good shortstops do, he knew he had no play at first base. ... Ive seen it, too, through my career that the third baseman doesnt always get there, so (third baseman) Francisco was heads up to get there himself." Encarnacion, who hit 16 homers in May to lead the majors, doubled the Blue Jays lead with his 19th homer of the season in the eighth against Crow. It also scored Adam Lind who had singled with one out. Things are also going Buehrles way. In the sixth inning Lorenzo Cains popup to first dropped in fair territory when Encarnacion lost the ball but it rolled foul. Cain then struck out. "He called me off and then said a cuss word in Spanish which was one of the few Spanish words I know," Buehrle said. "Ive got a horseshoe stuck up my rear end pretty far right now so Im not complaining." NOTES: After the game the Blue Jays returned right-handed pitcher Liam Hendriks to triple-A Buffalo on option. A corresponding move will be made on Tuesday. aThe Blue Jays finished May at 21-9. aRoyals recalled third baseman Mike Moustakas from triple-A Omaha for Sundays game and put third baseman Danny Valencia (left hand muscle strain) on the 15-day disabled list. .... The Royals also recalled left-handed reliever Francisley Bueno (left little finger contusion) from his minor-league rehabilitation assignment with Omaha and returned right-handed pitcher Aaron Brooks to triple-A on option. aThe Blue Jays have Monday off before playing a three-game series in Detroit that opens Tuesday with Drew Hutchison (4-3, 3.88 earned-run average) facing Anibal Sanchez (2-2, 2.49 ERA). Larry Andersen Jersey . His head snapped back from the impact and hit the floor. The All-Star power forward was all right afterward, a relief for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Gary Varsho Jersey .twitter.com/xBTpoAKLJk — Daryl Zerr (@darylzerr) May 29, 2014 @BarDown I give to you the @SquirrelsNCHL aka the Fighting Squirels. https://www.cheapphilliesjerseys.us/2177n-cristopher-sanchez-jersey-phillies.html .I get texts: Do you know Drake? Have you met Drake? He sits there every night, he hears me cuss out the referees every night, Casey said, laughing. Billy Hamilton Jersey .Patterson marked his anniversary by proving his worth — once again.Lou Williams poured in 26 points, and Patterson drained two huge three-pointers late in the fourth quarter, as the Raptors topped the Denver Nuggets 112-107 in overtime Monday. Gavvy Cravath Jersey .Mila Kunis was a guest on Kimmel last night and revealed a surprising side of herself that comes out when she watches sports. It turns out screaming something vulgar at professional athletes is therapeutic for Kunis. GSTAAD, Switzerland -- Two-time champion Thomaz Bellucci won his first-round match at the Swiss Open on Tuesday, beating Gerald Melzer of Austria 6-3, 6-4. The 93rd-ranked Brazilian, who next plays fifth-seeded Federico Delbonis of Argentina, won two of his three career titles on clay in the Swiss mountains, in 2009 and 2012. Last years runner-up, seventh-seeded Robin Haase of the Netherlands, also won his opener, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-3 against Aleksandr Nedovyesov of Kazakhstan. Top-seeded Mikhail Youzhny of Russia, the defending champion, begins against Kenny De Schepper after the Frenchman beat Filippo Volandri of Italy 6-3, 7-6 (3). Sixth-seeded Gilles Simon was unable to complete his first-round match due to a back injury.dddddddddddd. The Frenchman retired when trailing 6-2, 3-2 against Pablo Andujar of Spain. Swiss wild card Yann Marti beat Daniel Gimeno-Traver of Spain in a match held over from Monday evening, when darkness forced play to be suspended. Resuming at 5-5 in the deciding set, the 212th-ranked Marti beat Gimeno-Traver 5-7, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (5). Also Tuesday, Blaz Rola of Slovenia beat Brazils Fabiano De Paula 6-4, 6-4 and Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany advanced due to another injury retirement. Struff led Andreas Haider-Maurer 6-2, 1-0 when the Austrian could not continue. ' ' '
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Lawyers for the city of San Jose and Major League Baseball squared off in federal court over a lawsuit accusing the baseball governing body of unlawfully preventing the Oakland Athletics from moving to San Jose. U.S. District Judge Ronald Whyte asked both sides questions Friday during the nearly two-hour hearing. He made no decision. San Jose filed an antitrust suit against MLB and Commissioner Bud Selig in June asking the court to find MLB in violation of antitrust laws. MLB filed a motion in August to toss the case. The As are not part of the lawsuit. San Jose City Attorney Richard Doyle said the As on Monday paid the city $25,000 to extend the teams option, which was set to expire on Nov. 1, for another year. The San Francisco Giants object to any As move to San Jose, claiming they have territorial rights to the market. Jake Daubert Jersey . - The Raiders have released guard Mike Brisiel after two disappointing seasons in Oakland. Bret Boone Jersey . - Jordan Addesis shootout goal helped the Plymouth Whalers to a 3-2 win over the Sault Ste. https://www.cheapredsjerseys.us/1105s-benito-santiago-jersey-reds.html . Juventus announced details of the deal Saturday, saying that Morata signed a five-year contract with the club. The deal also includes an option for Madrid to buy Morata back for up to (euro)30 million ($40. Reds Jerseys 2020 . - Mike Magee converted two penalty kicks in a 10-minute span of the first half and the Chicago Fire beat Sporting Kansas City 2-1 on Sunday. Chico Ruiz Jersey . - Jayden Hart scored once and set up two more as the Prince Albert Raiders downed the host Red Deer Rebels 5-3 on Tuesday to clinch the final Western Hockey League playoff berth.Canada Head Coach Kieran Crowley has made three changes to his starting roster for Saturdays International Test Match against Scotland at BMO Field in Toronto. The announcement, which took place on Thursday morning in the team hotel in Oakville ahead of a double training day, comes two days before his side plays their second game of the June International Series. Canada was defeated 34-25 last Saturday at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, BC and will also face USA next Saturday in Sacramento, California; both games are part of the 2014 Pacific Nations Cup campaign. In the forwards, Aaron Carpenter slots into the front row at hooker to join props Hubert Buydens and Jason Marshall. Canadas engine room stays unchanged with the duo of Tyler Hotson and Jamie Cudmore returning to action on Saturday. Jebb Sinclair will make his first appearance for Canada this year at blindside flanker after missing the Japan game with a leg strain and will join Japan try-scorer John Moonlight and Captain Tyler Ardron in Canadas back-row. "It feels great to be back. Im thankful to our physiotherapy team for working hard with me over the last week to help me get fit," said Sinclair following the roster announcement. Fiery scrumhalf Phil Mack will get the nod on Saturday and provide the link to fellow Canada Sevens stalwart Harry Jones, who will lead the backs at number 10. The rest of Canadas backline remains untouched with the duo of Nick Blevins and Ciaran Hearn in the centres and Jeff Hassler, Taylor Paris and James Pritchard rounding out the back three. Substitutes for Canada include Ray Barkwill, Andrew Tiedemann and Jake Ilnicki in the front row, Kyle Gilmour, Jon Phelan, Gord McRorie, Connor Braid and DTH van der Merwe. With next years Rugbyy World Cup edging closer by the day, Saturdays test match will be another big opportunity for Canada to face a similar side to what they will see next year in the UK.dddddddddddd Three out of four of Canadas Pool D World Cup opponents – Ireland, France and Italy – regularly face Scotland in the annual Six Nations competition and play a similar brand of European rugby. Despite the similarities between Scotland and next years opponents, Sinclair isnt looking beyond this weekends challenge. "None of us are thinking about next years World Cup; all our attention is focused on Saturday at 2pm and were hoping to replicate our fast start from last weekend against Japan. We need to fix a few defensive errors that let us down in the second half," said the Fredericton, New Brunswick native. "I think Scotlands game plan matches up well with how Canadians like to play – big, direct, hard ball runners – and they have a strong set piece that theyve turned around recently under (Vern) Cotter," added Sinclair. "Were excited for the challenge and looking forward to playing in front of a packed house at BMO Field on Saturday." In order to have success on Saturday, Crowleys outfit will need to first and foremost establish a physical presence and eliminate costly mistakes. During last weekends loss to Japan, Canada gave away 15 points from penalties off the boot of fullback Ayumu Goromaru. The Scots are fresh off a 24-6 victory over USA in Houston, Texas in newly appointed coach Vern Cotters debut. Scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw was good for three conversions and one penalty for nine of Scotlands points against USA, with tries also coming from fullback Stuart Hogg, winger Tim Visser and one penalty try. ' ' '