miaowang123's Blog

LOUISVILLE, Ky. https://www.philadelphiafootballshop.com/84-Jersey . -- For Rory McIlroy, the shockingly bad shot came out of nowhere. No worries. By the time he walked off the 18th green, there was little doubt he was still the man to beat at the PGA Championship. McIlroy ripped off four straight birdies on the back side and closed with another at the 18th hole, shooting a 5-under 66 at Valhalla that left him one shot off the lead Thursday. Fridays second round coverage begins with live streaming on TSN.ca at 8:30am et/5:30am pt while TSNs coverage begins at 1pm et/10am pt. Coming off wins at the British Open and Firestone, McIlroy came into the final major of the year as an overwhelming favourite. Even with a major blunder at the 10th, where he knocked his second shot over a fence and took double bogey, he was right on the heels of Lee Westwood, Ryan Palmer and Kevin Chappell. "Im really happy with everything," McIlroy said. "Ive got a good thing going right now. Im trying to ride that momentum as much as I can." Then theres Tiger Woods, who cant seem to get anything going. Playing just four days after his back flared up at Firestone, forcing him to withdraw, Woods proclaimed himself fit but sprayed shots all over the course on the way to a 74 that left him tied for 111th late in the day. "That wasnt very good," said Woods, who made only one birdie -- and had to hole out from the fairway to do that. "A lot of bad shots." One landed in a creek. Another sent the gallery scrambling. Yet another rolled into a fenced-off area where fans can use cellphones, a good 30 yards right of the fairway. Too bad Woods couldnt call for help. "I didnt play as well as I wanted to. I didnt get a putt to the hole," he said. "Thats not a good combo." McIlroy was cruising along when he got to the 10th, having made three birdies on the front side. After putting his tee shot right in the middle of the fairway at the par-5 hole, he yanked the next one out of bounds. A man talking on his cellphone along the fence, not concerned at all with getting in the way, was stunned with he looked up to see a ball sailing over his head. Especially when he learned whose ball it was. "I was really annoyed," McIlroy said. "That second shot at 10 is the worst shot Ive hit in weeks. It came out of the blue." He took a penalty and a drop and missed the fairway with his next attempt as well, resulting in a 7. Still shaken by that miscue, McIlroy made bogey at No. 11 to slip to even on the day. Just like that, he pulled himself together. Four straight birdies pushed McIlroy right back up the leaderboard, and it could have easily been five in a row. A 12-footer slid over the edge of the cup at the 16th. At the final hole, McIlroy reached the green in two for an eagle try to share the lead. If curled off at the end, leaving him with a tap-in -- his eighth birdie of the round. "It could have been better," he said. "But a 66 the first day, thats a solid start." Westwood matched his best round ever at a major, making nine birdies as he carried over the momentum from a closing 63 at Firestone. The 41-year-old Englishman also had a double bogey on his 10th hole of day -- at No. 1, after starting on the back -- but closed with four straight birdies. "The golf course was all there in front of me. I just play it as I see it," said Westwood, who has had numerous close calls but never won a major championship. "Last week, I felt like I turned a corner." Chappell, a 28-year-old Californian in his fourth year on the PGA Tour, turned in a bogey-free round. The final major of the year has produced some unlikely champions -- remember Shaun Micheel? -- and Chappell hopes to be the latest. "I cant complain about being in the lead of any golf tournament," said Chappell, whose only professional win came on the Web.com Tour in 2010. "I just look forward to keeping it rolling." Palmer birdied five of the nine holes on the back side, which is where he started his round. He said the greens were more inviting than he expected. "I was surprised how soft they were," he said. "It was a pretty easy, relaxing nine for me." McIlroy was joined at 65 by Jim Furyk, Henrik Stenson, Edoardo Molinari and Chris Wood. For Furyk, it was another strong start in a tournament he nearly won a year ago. He took a lead to the final day at Oak Hill, only to lose to Jason Dufner by two strokes. Dufners title defence lasted only 10 holes. Plagued by a sore neck, he withdrew after a triple-bogey left his score at 8 over, probably ending his Ryder Cup hopes as well. He came in ranked No. 8 in the standings and hoping to somehow play well enough to stay in one of the nine qualifying spots. "I tried to do what I could to be able to compete some and give it a go," Dufner said, "but it is just pointless." https://www.philadelphiafootballshop.com/11-Jersey . The Irish golfer, whose father Patrick died from cancer, says he underwent surgery for sun spots. The 42-year-old Harrington told Irish radio station Today FM: "Ive had a number of skin cancers removed off my face. https://www.philadelphiafootballshop.com/14-Jersey . Traditional contenders Brazil, Greece and Turkey drew the other three spots to complete the 24-team field for this summers tournament in Spain, basketball governing body FIBA announced Saturday at its meeting in Barcelona.MONTREAL - If 2013 was the year that put Eugenie Bouchard in the spotlight, 2014 was the one that showed the tennis star is no flash in the pan.The Westmount, Que., native had a phenomenal year on the WTA tour, rising from 32nd in the rankings to No. 5 at one point before ending it at an impressive No. 7.Along the way, she won her first career title, reached the Wimbledon final — becoming the first Canadian to play in a Grand Slam final — and made it to the semifinals of the Australian and French Opens.Bouchard, 20, also helped Canada reach the World Group stage at the Fed Cup for the first time, won her first WTA title and in November was named the most improved player on the womens tour.Those exploits have earned Bouchard the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award for the second year in a row.The honour is awarded to the Canadian Press female athlete of the year and is named after the Olympic champion and all-round sportswoman who was voted Canadas top female athlete for the first half of the 20th century.Bouchard won in a landslide.She finished with 74 votes from sports editors and broadcasters across Canada, outstripping freestyle skier Justine Dufour-Lapointe, bobsledder Kaillie Humphries and Canadian hockey goaltender Shannon Szabados, who all received two votes.Bouchard is the first woman to win the award in consecutive years since speedskater Cindy Klassen in 2005 and 2006.We are very, very proud of Genie, Kelly Murumets, president and CEO of Tennis Canada, told The Canadian Press. She is a fierce competitor and an amazing Canadian ambassador. How exciting. Shes still only 20 years old. Im sure she feels incredibly honoured. Certainly, on behalf of her, we are very honoured that you have recognized her two years iin a row. https://www.philadelphiafootballshop.com/69-Jersey. And the best is yet to come.She is on the trajectory to be a No. 1 competitor in the world.The year began with Bouchard reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open, where she fell to Li Na. She won the WTA event in Nuremberg in May and then made it to the last four at Roland-Garros where she was beaten by eventual winner Maria Sharapova.The best was yet to come as she went on a thrilling run at Wimbledon before being taken apart 6-3, 6-0 in the final by Petra Kvitova.She made the WTA finals in Singapore, where she was eliminated in the round-robin stage, and ended the year with US$3.22 million in prize money.Eugenie Bouchard became a world superstar in 2014 with her extraordinary performances in the Grand Slam tournaments, said Jean-Pascal Beaupre, managing editor at Journal Metro.Few Canadian athletes can boast of achieving celebrity all over the world so quickly.Jean Dion of Montreal Le Devoir called Bouchards rise breathtaking.A three-time Grand Slam semifinalist is quite the achievement with all the competition out there in womens tennis, said Dion. And to think shes only 20 years old.Medicine Hat News sports editor Sean Rooney said voting for Bouchard was a no-brainer.No Canadian woman has ever had a year like Bouchards and the scary thing is she hasnt even peaked yet, he said. Shes replaced Christine Sinclair as our countrys most looked-up to female athlete.Bouchard ended the year by signing with WME-IMG, saying the sports management powerhouse would help maximize the value of my brand.Fellow tennis player Milos Raonic was voted The Canadian Press male athlete of the year on Friday for his second straight win. Canadas team of the year will be revealed Monday. ' ' '

CLEVELAND -- As if the Cavaliers and Browns dont have enough trouble winning games. https://www.cincinnatifootballshop.com/74-Jersey . Now their most prominent stars are going at it. Cavs All-Star guard Kyrie Irving and Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon spent the past few days in a media spat, exchanging barbs across TV, Twitter and newspaper. Gordon, who led the NFL with yards receiving last season, fired the first verbal volley last week when he went on ESPNs "First Take" and discussed Irvings problems this season with teammate Dion Waiters. "I talked about it with Dion," Gordon said. "Hes my neighbour in my building so we hang out all the time. Im aware of the rift in the locker room. Thats just alpha males and supreme athletes trying to share the spotlight." Irving didnt waste any time in shooting back, telling the Akron Beacon Journal, "Guys like Josh Gordon need to stay in his sport and mind his own business. Does he still play for the Browns? Ill continue to root for the Browns, but in terms of this stuff here, what goes on in this locker room, he needs to stay out of it." On Sunday, Gordon responded to Irving via social media by tweeting: "Smh. (shake my head). ... i touched a nerve." Following Mondays practice at Cleveland Clinic Courts, Waiters and Irving, standing side-by-side against a wall, attempted to clear up any misunderstanding. They insist they get along well. "Weve been friends before we even made the NBA, before any of this," Waiters said. "I just think yall saying we dont like playing with one another, yeah, we still need to learn certain things. But I think at the end of the day, were genuinely friends. I love him as a friend, teammate, everything. I just want everybody to know that. "I dont hate this guy. Im pretty sure he dont hate me. I know he dont hate me. I hope he dont hate me. Rome wasnt built in one day. Were still young. Were still planning to stay together. Were still working. As long as weve got great communication down its fine." Irving said he has spoken to Gordon about the comments. "I just let him know that the whole situation kind of got blown out of proportion," Irving said. "There was no disrespect on my end to him or anything he does. I have the utmost respect for him." Before Saturdays home game against Charlotte, Irving said he has grown tired of media reports saying he wants to leave Cleveland. "The barrage and little bit of attack that I saw, Ive been getting it all season and I feel I definitely dont deserve it," he said. "Its one of those things where I can deal with it, but at a certain point, its gotten too much. Its been like that the whole entire season." Irving then went out and scored a career-high 44 points in a 96-94 overtime loss that pushed the Cavs to the edge of elimination from the playoff chase. Irving, who recently returned from a biceps injury, said he has been unfairly scrutinized. "Its all nonsense to me," he said. "Thats part of the business. I get it. Its part of the job. To go out and frame my character to something its not. ... Im not an attention seeker. I dont go out trying to put all these rumours out. For people that feel that its a good thing to continue to put my name in the headlines to get reads, thats your job, but at a certain point its got to stop." Irvings stance is the latest turbulence in what has been a bumpy season for the Cavs. The team fired general manager Chris Grant in March, and the Cavs have been wildly inconsistent in a season in which owner Dan Gilbert had predicted would end with the first playoff appearance since 2010 -- before LeBron James left. The Cavs can offer Irving, the MVP in this years All-Star game, a maximum contract extension this summer. Irving has said he enjoys playing in Cleveland but has been noncommittal about whether hell accept the long-term deal. Maybe Gordon knows. https://www.cincinnatifootballshop.com/17-Jersey . Although taking two of three from the Baltimore Orioles wasnt nearly as uplifting as winning the World Series, it still felt pretty darn good. Felix Doubront and four relievers combined kept Baltimores potent lineup in check, and David Ortiz had three of Bostons 12 hits off Wei-Yin Chen in a 4-3 victory Thursday night. https://www.cincinnatifootballshop.com/31-Jersey . Meanwhile, the Jets extended their winning streak to four and remain perfect under Paul Maurice. Its the Jets second four-game winning streak of the season, the other coming in mid-November. WASHINGTON -- The left half of the net was wide open for Troy Brouwer. When he missed badly, putting his shot wide, he was so exasperated that he slumped his shoulders and looked to the rafters as play continued. It was that kind of game for both the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders, who seemingly tried to top each other in trying to find the best way to waste a scoring chance. Players whiffed on open one-timers, several shots hit the goal frame, and all 11 power plays had fruitless outcomes. Andrew MacDonald was the only player to find the target, scoring early in the third period Tuesday night as the last-place Islanders broke a five-game losing streak with a 1-0 win. "Were a desperate team," New York coach Jack Capuano said. "I thought our guys really worked hard right from the start. ... Weve been playing hard; we havent been getting results." MacDonalds slap shot from the point went past screened goalie Michal Neuvirth and just under the crossbar with 17:44 to play. Evgeni Nabokov, making his third start since returning from a groin injury, stopped 22 shots for his 57th career shutout. The Islanders scored only one goal for the third straight game -- but at least this time it was enough to win. "There was a lot of special teams. It was kind of a weird one," McDonald said. "You dont really want to play with fire too much against these guys and give them too many power plays, but fortunately we were able to draw a couple while they were on the power play and negate them." Neuvirth made 27 saves for the Capitals, whoo have lost 10 of 13 to tumble toward the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, only seven points ahead of the Islanders. https://www.cincinnatifootballshop.com/19-Jersey. Washington has been shut out four times this season, all at home. "Its not acceptable, the way we played tonight. Thats for sure," Capitals centre Nicklas Backstrom said. Washingtons Eric Fehr hit the right post in the first period, not long before teammate Brouwers frustrating misfire. New Yorks Cal Clutterbuck hit the intersection of the crossbar and right post on a short-handed attempt midway through the second, and teammate Kyle Okposo put one off the right post later in the period. The Islanders were granted a rare short-handed penalty shot in the third period, but Michael Grabners attempt was saved by Neuvirth. Most significantly, the Capitals talented power play went 0 for 6. Alex Ovechkin had three shots on goal for the game, with four other attempts blocked. Washington coach Adam Oates said perhaps his team had "a little fatigue" and that veteran players need to stop taking unnecessary penalties. He also noted it wasnt the greatest performance by the Islanders. "I dont think they executed, either," Oates said. "Both power plays were pretty ineffective." NOTES: Capitals D John Carlson played in his 271st consecutive game, tying Calle Johansson for the longest streak by a defenceman in franchise history. ... Washington D Mike Green missed his third consecutive game with a concussion, and LW Aaron Volpatti sat out with an upper-body injury. ' ' '

LOS ANGELES -- Mr. Fake New Orleans Saints Jerseys . Game 7 delivered in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final. Justin Williams scored 4:36 into overtime as the Los Angeles Kings rallied to edge the New York Rangers 3-2 in the opening game of the NHL championship series Wednesday night. The winning goal came on a cruel bounce, a sudden end to an evening that had started with so much promise for the underdog Rangers. Dan Girardi fanned on a clearing attempt and the puck ended up at the blue-line with Mike Richards, who found Williams alone in front. Williams, who is 7-0 on the Game 7 stage with seven goals and 14 points, scored high to the stick side to complete a Kings comeback from 2-0 down. It was his first career playoff overtime goal. "Ive said this many times, Justin is the most underrated player on our team by a mile," said Kings defenceman Drew Doughty, who had a roller-coaster night. "He doesnt get enough credit for what he does. "Theres two guys on this team that I want to give the puck to and thats him and Kopie (Anze Kopitar). When they have the puck, plays happen." Added coach Darryl Sutter: "Our best right-winger every night consistently." Williams eighth goal of the playoffs marked the third straight year that Game 1 of the final has gone to OT. Game 2 goes Saturday at the Staples Center with advantage Los Angeles. Teams winning Game 1 have gone on to claim the Cup 77 per cent of the time (57-of-74 series) since the final went to a best-of-seven format in 1939. Benoit Pouliot and Carl Hagelin scored for the Rangers before a crowd of 18,399, the Kings 118th straight sellout. Kyle Clifford and Doughty also scored for Los Angeles, which trailed 2-0 after 15 minutes. "Its a great result for us definitely but we have a lot of things to clean up," said Williams, who has nine points (three goals, six assists) in the last seven games. "Certainly not our best game by any standards especially ours. But we were able to get it done and thats the most important thing." "Weve got a lot to clean up but (we are) happy with the win," said Doughty. After going down early, the Kings tied it up at 2-2 in the second period and then came on like a freight train --outshooting New York 20-3 in the final period. The Rangers held on and then threatened late in a wild ending to regulation time. "I liked the way we played in the first two periods," said Rangers coach Alain Vigneault. "I thought it was a hard-fought first 40 minutes by both teams. "Not quite sure what happened there in the third." New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist and the Kings Jonathan Quick both lived up to their reputations on the night, with Quick busy early and Lundqvist late in an entertaining end-to-end game. "He was the reason why we went to overtime," Vigneault said of Lundqvist. "I mean, he gave us a chance. When you get to overtime, a lot of times its a bounce, its a shot. Tonight they got it." "Our best player tonight," Sutter said of Quick. The Rangers managed 25 shots in regulation time. The shots were 2-2 in OT. "Quick didnt have many saves in the third period, but he had some Grade-A ones," said Williams. The Kings registered 13 straight shots in the third before the Rangers finally forced Quick into action 11 minutes 58 seconds into the period. The Kings werent good early on. New York, which had been off since disposing of Montreal last Thursday, came out buzzing. The speedy Rangers played with a purpose after the puck dropped. It was like little brother taking it to big brother -- they scored some knockdowns but eventually the bigger Kings began to claw back control. The Kings, who edged the Blackhawks in overtime Sunday in Chicago to win the Western Conference crown, finished with 45 hits to the Rangers 33. "They come at you hard," said Vigneault. "When you make a play, you got to be willing to take the hit to make the play. Thats something we knew coming into the series. "I thought for 40 minutes we handled it real well. Not quite sure what happened in the third there." New York -- the best road team in the East this season with 25 wins -- had two good scoring chances in the first three minutes. Quick had to poke-check Chris Kreider to end one threat and then stopped Hagelin from in front after a giveaway. It was an entertaining start, albeit a sloppy one. Quick was a busy man as the Rangers probed for an opening. New York went ahead at 13:21 when Doughty tried to be cute at the New York blue-line, attempting to drag the puck past an onrushing Ranger and lost possession. Things went from bad to worse when defence partner Jake Muzzin fell down and Pouliot scored to the stick side on the ensuing breakaway. The Rangers made it 2-0 the penalty kill at 15:03 as the Roadrunner-like Hagelin outraced Slava Voynov and headed to goal. Quick made the save but the puck bounced in off Voynovs skate for Hagelins seventh of the playoffs. While the bounce was unfortunate, it was the Rangers second scoring chance on the penalty. Hagelin, who also scored on the penalty kill against Montreal, is the sixth player in Rangers history to record more than one short-handed goal in one playoff year and the first since Mark Messier scored two in 1992. Los Angeles pulled one back at 17:33 on a good forecheck. Derek Stepan failed to clear the puck, turning it over and the Kings crashed the net, with Clifford jamming it in top shelf to revive the Staples Center crowd. It was Cliffords first post-season goal since April 23, 2011, snapping a 37-game playoff drought. The Kings outshot the Rangers 14-13 in a first period that belonged to the visitors. Doughty made up for his earlier turnover with a sweet goal that featured almost the same move that tripped him up before. Taking a nifty Williams backhand pass, a trailing Doughty toe-dragged the puck between his legs to evade Derek Dorsett and then snapped a shot through Lundqvists legs for his fifth of the playoffs at 6:36. While Doughty put on the brakes to score from in close, two Rangers and two Kings jostled on the other side of Lundqvist. It was Doughtys 17th point of the post-season, breaking the club record for a defenceman he set two years ago. Clifford made a fine pass to trigger the attack. On the bench, rugged Kings defenceman Matt Greene got treatment for a nasty gash by his left eye that looked like someone had taken a box-cutter to him. The game was getting nasty with Doughty complaining bitterly he had been butt-ended. Later in the game, he got a penalty for embellishment. The shots were 22-21 for the Rangers after 40 minutes. Both teams have travelled marathon journeys to get here. The Kings played 21 games, a league-record maximum, while the Rangers saw action in 20. The record for most playoff games in a single season is 26, set by the 1987 Philadelphia Flyers and 2004 Calgary Flames. The most by a Cup winner is 25, by the 2006 Carolina Hurricanes and 2011 Boston Bruins. Los Angeles finished 10th overall in the league during the regular season with 100 points, four ahead of No. 12 New York. The Kings are looking to win their second Cup in three seasons while the Rangers are after their first championship in 20 years. It was the Kings first playoff OT win at home since May 6, 2001, against Colorado. NOTES: Celebs at the game included Will Ferrell, Kate Bosworth, Jon Hamm, Ellen Page, Jim Carrey, Matthew Perry, Steve Carell, David Boreanaz, Kevin Connolly, Larry David, Catherine Keener, Spike Jonze, and Flea and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. New Orleans Saints Jerseys Store . Future Hall of Famer Ricky Ray is in his prime and back for a third season in double blue. The 34-year old was magnificent in 2013, throwing for just under 2,900 yards despite missing eight games, tossing an impressive 21 touchdowns against just two interceptions, completing 66 per cent of his passes in the process. New Orleans Saints Jerseys Shop . Canadas 5-1 loss to Finland in the semifinal ranks as the tournaments most-watched game with a record 2.7 million viewers, the largest ever for a World Juniors game played outside of North America, and winning Saturday as the most-watched program on Canadian television.SEATTLE - If this all seems familiar for the Seattle Seahawks, thats because it is.A season ago, the Seahawks beat the St. Louis Rams in Week 17 of the 2013 season to wrap up the NFC West title and home-field advantage throughout the post-season.Nearly the exact same scenario is in play this Sunday when the Seahawks close out the regular season hosting the Rams. A victory would give the Seahawks (11-4) their second straight NFC West title. And barring a rare tie between Green Bay and Detroit, a Seahawks victory would route the NFC playoffs through Seattle for the second straight season.Not a lot of people want to come to Seattle, so if we make everybody fly out to Seattle and come enjoy our wonderful weather and our great fans, I think they kind of enjoy it — a little bit, Seattle linebacker Bobby Wagner said.Seattle is riding a five-game win streak, mowing through Arizona and San Francisco twice and knocking off Philadelphia to put the NFC playoff race back under the Seahawks control. It was a significant turn from where Seattle sat after losing at Kansas City in Week 11 and falling to 6-4.Sitting there is the opportunity for home-field advantage and making the rest of the NFC come to CenturyLink Field, where Seattle is 23-2, including the playoffs, over the past three seasons.St. Louis (6-9) beat Seattle 28-26 in October, but hasnt beaten a team on the road with a winning record. A win over the Seahawks would throw the entire NFC playoff seeding into turmoil and give the Rams a third straight seven-win season.Its not about rocking their world and affecting their playoffs, its just trying to find a way to win the last game, St. Louis coach Jeff Fisher said.Heres what else to watch as the Seahawks and Rams meet in Week 17 for the fourth time in five seasons:WILSONS FINALE: Along with Seattles win streak has been some of the best play of Russell Wilsons young career. The Seattle QB has a passer rating of 106.2 during the five-game span, with seven touchdowns and one interception. Hes also averaging nearly 55 yards per game rushing during the span.With one more big game, Wilson could become the first quarterback in league history with 3,500 yards passing and 900 yards rushing in a single season. Wilson would need 58 yards rushing and 264 yards passing to reach those benchmarks.The best way to describe it is that hes an extra player on offence. New Orleans Saints Jerseys 2022. Theyre playing with 12 and thats very hard to defend, Fisher said.SACKS-A-PLENTY: The Rams pass rush was mostly silent the first five games of the season. The Seahawks served as a kickstarter.St. Louis sacked Wilson three times in October. That was just the start. Over the past 10 games, the Rams have 36 sacks, including eight against San Francisco, seven against Washington and six vs. Oakland. The Rams are now tied for 15th in the league.Its one you dont necessarily look forward to all the time because they do so many different looks, theyre physical, they know how to get to the quarterback, Wilson said.DEFENSIVE HISTORY: With another stellar defensive performance, the Seahawks could join a rare fraternity in NFL history as the best defence in the league for consecutive seasons. Seattle led the NFL in yards and points allowed last season and is in position to do it again. The Seahawks would become just the fourth team in league history to lead those categories in consecutive seasons. Seattle can also become the third team the lead the league in scoring defence in three straight seasons, the last being the Vikings from 1969-71.BEAST MODE: Marshawn Lynch likely wont set a single-season career high in yards rushing on Sunday. But he could cap off arguably the best all-around season of his career. Lynch has 1,246 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns, along with four TDs receiving. The 16 total touchdowns lead the NFL.Hes the hardest tackle in the NFL, in my opinion, St. Louis linebacker James Laurinaitis said.SPECIAL TEAMS DIFFERENCE: St. Louis won the first meeting largely because of its special teams. There was the 90-yard punt return touchdown by Stedman Bailey when the Rams duped Seattles coverage unit by running to the opposite side of the field of where the ball was kicked. Benny Cunningham had a 75-yard kickoff return to set up another score.The capper was punter Johnny Hekker, a Seattle area native, completing his second career pass against the Seahawks on a fourth-down fake punt with less than two minutes remaining in the game.Being able to play for a coach that does like to throw that kind of stuff in quite frequently is kind of fun, Hekker said. It throws the players a bone that sometimes doesnt get recognized.___AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '

SYDNEY, Australia -- Opening day turned out to be a pretty gday for the Los Angeles Dodgers and ace Clayton Kershaw. https://www.tennesseeshopfootballshop.com/69-Jersey . Kershaw flashed his Cy Young form, Scott Van Slyke homered and the NL West champions opened the Major League Baseball season with a 3-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night at Sydney Cricket Ground. A crowd of about 40,000 watched as MLB played its first regular-season game in Australia. Kershaw, who signed a seven-year, US$215 million contract in January, allowed one run and five hits in 6 2-3 innings. Van Slyke hit a two-run homer and also doubled. The first pitch was delayed because of rain for 14 minutes. By then, the long trip Down Under had taken even longer for some Arizona players. A team bus had a flat tire, and the Diamondbacks said "a handful" of players decided to walk the last half-mile to the stadium instead of waiting for a replacement bus. Kershaw was impressive while making his fourth consecutive opening-day start. He struck out seven, walked one and was pulled by manager Don Mattingly after throwing his 102nd pitch. Quite a turnaround from spring training, when the two-time NL Cy Young winner went 0-3 with a 9.20 ERA in four starts. "Sometimes you just need the adrenaline of a regular-season game, and I just kind of feel relieved to get this one under my belt," he said. "Its always good to get results, obviously," he said. "This one counted." In his previous opening-day starts, Kershaw was 2-0 with 19 strikeouts in 19 scoreless innings. "Kershaw did a good job keeping us in the middle of the diamond," Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. "He threw a good ball game against us. We know theyre always going to be close." Three relievers kept the Diamondbacks scoreless with hitless work. Chris Perez, a five-time all-star with Cleveland before joining the Dodgers in the off-season, got the last out in the seventh. Brian Wilson pitched the eighth and closer Kenley Jansen got the save. Jansen walked a batter before getting Gerardo Parra to ground out to end the game. "Clayton was really good, kind of as always ... kind of doing his thing," Mattingly said. "Hes a tough guy to take out of the game, he always wants to stay in. And I thought our bullpen was really good tonight. Chris comes in and gets a big out for us there and Wilson did a good job and Jansen in closing the door." There were plenty of Dodgers and Diamondbacks uniforms in the crowd, some worn by American visitors and others by Australians who had flown across the country to watch the opener and Sundays second game, when another capacity crowd was expected. They feasted on baseball-style treats like nachos stuffed in batting helmets and Cracker Jack, which is not usually sold in Australia. If you could afford the cost and the calories, a two-foot-long hot dog sold for $36. Kershaw ran like hed eaten one of those hot dogs when he tried to stretch a one-out single in the seventh into a double, but was easily thrown out at second by left fielder Mark Trumbo. "My baserunning needs some work," Kershaw said, laughing. "I almost stopped at first base and then went to second, and that hesitation probably killed me. Im not that fast, so I need all the help I can get. Fortunately, it didnt hurt us very much." Van Slyke, playing because of an injury to Matt Kemp and paternity leave to Carl Crawford, nearly cleared the left-field fence in the second inning. His double set up a grounder by Andre Ethier that scored Adrian Gonzalez with the Dodgers first run. In his next at-bat in the fourth, Van Slyke connected off losing pitcher Wade Miley for a drive over the right-field fence -- just inside the foul pole -- with Gonzalez again on base to put the Dodgers up 3-0. "I thought that it was either going to be a foul or caught," Van Slyke said. "I didnt think it had a chance to go out. I felt more relaxed and had a little more energy and focus than I did in the exhibition games." Sydney Cricket Ground was refurbished two weeks ago to create the baseball diamond and an outfield with an 8-foot wall. It was 328 feet down the foul lines and 400 feet to straightaway centre. Miley, who came out for a pinch hitter in the fifth, got the opening day assignment because of a left elbow injury to Diamondbacks ace Patrick Corbin. Miley gave up three runs and three hits, striking out eight with two walks. Both teams finished with five hits. The Diamondbacks scored in the sixth after a double by Paul Goldschmidt, who had two hits. He moved to third on Kershaws wild pitch and scored on Trumbos infield out. The Diamondbacks were shut out 5-0 in an exhibition game Friday by Team Australia when they stranded 11 runners. A series of thunderstorms but little rain around the stadium about two hours ahead of the start cut short the Dodgers batting practice and tarp was rolled on to the field. That caused the start of the game to be delayed and cancelled the pre-game ceremonies. NOTES: Dodgers SS Hanley Ramirez gingerly walked off the field early in the game and may have tweaked a troublesome hamstring. He stayed in the game. ... LA leadoff man Yasiel Puig was hitless in five at-bats, including three strikeouts. ... On Sunday, South Korean lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu, moved up in the Dodgers rotation because Zack Greinke injury his right calf, faces the Diamondbacks Trevor Cahill in the afternoon finale. ... The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Sydney Swans Aussie rules football star Adam Goodes, picked as Australian of the year this season. It was a very off-speed strike. ... Arizonas Aaron Hill had an infield single for the first hit of the season. https://www.tennesseeshopfootballshop.com/16-Jersey .C. -- Marcus Paige and his North Carolina teammates have endured so many wild swings -- big wins, surprising losses, NCAA drama -- that no one can blame their Hall of Fame coach for wondering whats next. https://www.tennesseeshopfootballshop.com/30-Jersey . -- C.J. Wilson parked his car and laughed while signing autographs for faceless fans who handed bats, balls and cards to the pitcher from the other side of a brick wall.There were rumours throughout the NHL season that the Minnesota Wild would be a free agent destination for a particular top goal-scoring winger and, when free agency opened, they got their man. Numbers Game looks at the Wild signing Thomas Vanek. The Wild Get: LW Thomas Vanek. Vanek, 30, has been one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the game. Since 2006-2007, his 252 goals ranks fourth, behind Alex Ovechkin, Jarome Iginla and Ilya Kovalchuk. Vanek is a four-time 30-goal scorer who has scored at least 20 goals in each of the last nine seasons. Only Ovechkin and Rick Nash have managed that same feat. So, with that goal-scoring resume, Vanek should have been incredibly appealing as a free agent, but there was the small matter of his slump in the playoffs that left a sour taste for some. Vanek had eight points in 10 games, through Game Six of the Boston series, but fell flat after that, managing two assists and a total of eight shots on goal in the next seven games. He played under 15 minutes in each of his last eight playoff games. For a season in which he played a career-high 19:21 per game, with the Sabres, Islanders and Canadiens, that role reduction made it clear that Vanek would be moving on from Montreal. This following a season during which he scored 15 points in 18 games with the Habs, giving him 68 points in 78 games while moving around the Eastern Conference. Which brings us to Minnesota, which had been linked to Vanek pretty much from the get-go of his contract year. Vanek played college hockey at the University of Minnesota. His wife is from Minnesota. The Wild would have Dany Heatleys $7.5-million cap hit coming off the books. Former Sabres teammate Jason Pominville was playing well for Minnesota. It was all lining up for Vanek with the Wild. Ultimately, nothing really changed that. Maybe a great playoff would have given Vanekk more leverage on the open market, but he didnt sign a break-the-bank deal, inking for $19. https://www.tennesseeshopfootballshop.com/67-Jersey. 5-million over three years. The $6.5-million annual cap hit is actually less than Vaneks previous contract, but when a player has a preferred destination, and particularly when he has earned a boatload of money in his career already (more than $57-million in his career, according to Cap Geek), there is an opportunity for a team to get him for less than the top price on the market. That Vanek was willing to accept a three-year term is a clear indication that Minnesota was his preferred location. When it comes to his game, Vanek doesnt use his size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) very effectively, aside from when hes in front of the net, where he positions well for tip-ins, deflections, screens, etc. Throughout his career, Vanek hasnt been much of a puck possession player, varying up and down a little bit in relative terms from year to year, but Vanek has always been a high-percentage finisher in his own right and consistently had high on-ice shooting percentages (which includes others on the ice with him in 5-oin-5 play), so hes going to bring offence to Minnesota. Depending on how the Wild want their lines to shake out, Vanek should have either Mikael Granlund or Mikko Koivu -- two pass-first playmaking centres -- setting the table for him and if Vanek is getting opportunties -- he had a career-high 3.18 shots on goal per game last season -- take 25 goals to the bank, with 30 or 35 possible at the top end. This is a nice upgrade for the Wild, who made some noise in the playoffs and have added a premier goal-scorer to their mix and have done so without spending too much in order to get him. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. ' ' '

CLEVELAND -- Corey Kluber allowed four runs in six innings, and Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer in the fifth, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 7-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night. https://www.sanfranciscofootballshop.com/73-Jersey . Kluber (9-6), left off the AL All-Star team despite a strong first half, wasnt his usual dominant self but pitched well enough to win. The right-hander has won three of his last four decisions. Cody Allen struck out the side in the ninth for his 11th save. Swishers homer off Hector Noesi (3-7) to centre field broke a 4-4 tie. David Murphy also homered for Cleveland, his first since May 21. Before Swishers home run, the biggest cheer from the crowd of 24,652 came when the Indians put a message on the scoreboard welcoming home NBA superstar LeBron James, who announced he was returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Chants of "LBJ" were heard later in the game. Adam Dunn hit a leadoff homer in the fifth for Chicago, which has lost three straight. The Indians were helped by an overturned call on a replay in the fifth. Asdrubal Cabrera was originally called out trying to steal second, but manager Terry Francona challenged the call, and Cabrera was ruled safe after a review. Lonnie Chisenhalls single tied it before Swisher homered to centre. Francona and a trainer visited Kluber in the fourth after he backed up the plate, but he remained in the game. Kluber struck out five, walked two and gave up eight hits. Kluber was among the players in an online vote for the final spot on the All-Star team. The Indians massive marketing campaign for Kluber fell short, but he enters the break with a 3.01 ERA and is fourth in the AL with 142 strikeouts. Adrian Nietos RBI double and Leury Garcias run-scoring grounder in the second put Chicago in front. Murphys two-run homer tied it in the bottom of the inning. Adam Eatons RBI double in the fourth made it 3-2, but the Indians quickly tied it when Chris Dickerson drew a bases-loaded walk. Kluber retired the first batter in the second, but the next three reached base. Conor Gillaspie doubled, took third on a single and scored on Nietos double to left. Garcias grounder made it 2-0. Swisher singled with one out in the second, and Murphy homered to right, Eatons double to left-centre scored Garcia from first base in the fourth. Dunn homered to dead centre field, the 454th shot of his career. Noesi allowed six runs in 4 2-3 innings. White Sox All-Star Jose Abreu, who leads the majors with 28 homers, was 1 for 4 with a third-inning single. Carlos Santana had an RBI double in the seventh for Cleveland. NOTES: White Sox 2B Gordon Beckham, 1 for 30 in his last seven games, was given the night off. Beckham has been the subject of trade talks. "When you hear trade rumours, it can bother people enough to make it a distraction," manager Robin Ventura said. "It seems like Gordon needed a break." ... Cleveland optioned LHP T.J. House to the minors and called up RHP Austin Adams, a reliever. House will make a start at Single-A Mahoning Valley next week and be recalled following the All-Star break. ... The White Sox signed LHP Carlos Rodon, the No. 3 pick in the draft. ... RHP Zach McAllister (3-4) will be recalled from Triple-A Columbus by the Indians to start Saturday against RHP Scott Carroll (3-5). https://www.sanfranciscofootballshop.com/80-Jersey . New Zealand brushed aside England 26-7 to win the event and reclaim top spot in the overall standings. The All Blacks, the defending World Series champions, won their third tournament this season in style, running four tries past England to claim their 11th Cup championship in Hong Kong and first since 2011. https://www.sanfranciscofootballshop.com/21-Jersey . -- Ben Brust scored 19 points to lead six Wisconsin players in double figures as the No.Nashville, TN (SportsNetwork.com) - Roman Josis game winner was the last of three goals in the third period, and Nashville claimed a 3-2 victory over Carolina at Bridgestone Arena. Ryan Ellis and Mike Fisher also lit the lamp in the final 20 minutes for the Predators, who have reeled off seven wins in their last 10 outings. Pekka Rinne made 23 saves to back the Central Division frontrunners. Eric Staal and Justin Faulk scored once each for the Hurricanes, while Cam Ward stopped 23 pucks in defeat. Nashville assumed its first lead of the contest with 4:43 to play, on a rocket shot from thr bottom of the left circle from Josi. The hosts Paul Gaustad was booked fro tripping with 1:26 to play and Ward was sent to the bench to make it 6-on-4. A Jordan Staal minor less than a minute later negated the advantage and Rinne was not required to make difficult saves for the duration. https://www.sanfranciscofootballshop.com/70-Jersey. Staals power-play goal with 2:35 left in the first period put the visitors on the board. Ellis evened things for the Preds at 4:43 of the third when he beat Ward on a sharp-angle try from the right wing near the goal line, then Faulks power-play marker with 8:14 elapsed put Carolina back on top. Fisher struck again just over two minutes later, when he cleaned up a Colin Wilson rebound atop the Carolina crease. Game Notes Preds rookie Filip Forsberg set a new franchise single-seasn record for points in one season (38) with a secondary assist on Fishers tally ... Staals goal was his 300th career marker, and only Ron Francis is ahead of him on the Whalers/Hurricanes franchise list at 382. ' ' '

NEW YORK -- California Chrome has jogged for the first time on the Belmont Park track as the colt prepares to try to win the Triple Crown. https://www.indianapolisfootballshop.com/95-Jersey . The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner jogged 1 1/2 miles on Wednesday with exercise rider Willie Delgado aboard. The colt slowed to a walk for the final sixteenth of a mile. Assistant trainer Alan Sherman says California Chrome is surprising him with how quickly he is bouncing back from his last two big races. Sherman says the chestnut colt with four white feet is feeling "really good." Sherman says California Chrome will start galloping on Thursday, which will provide a better idea of how hes handling the deep, sandy surface. California Chrome is set to run in the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes on June 7 in his bid to sweep the Triple Crown for the first time in 36 years. https://www.indianapolisfootballshop.com/7-Jersey .C. -- After a listless first half, the Washington Wizards used a big third quarter run to beat the Charlotte Bobcats Bradley Beal scored 21 points and the Wizards used a 17-0 run in the third quarter to take control of what had been a close game and beat the Bobcats 97-83 on Tuesday night. https://www.indianapolisfootballshop.com/90-Jersey . It was the first game back in Columbus for Rangers star Rick Nash, the Blue Jackets franchise leader in goals, assists and games. He was given a standing ovation during a video tribute in the first period, but was booed loud and long after a second-period, two-handed shove up high on Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.CHICAGO -- White Sox rookie Jose Abreu just keeps slugging, regardless of the pedigree of the pitcher hes facing. Abreu hit his 20th homer and Adam Dunn added a three-run shot as Chicago beat San Francisco 7-6 on Wednesday, handing the Giants their fifth straight loss. Abreu reached 20 homers in his 58th game, the third fewest in major league history behind Wally Berger (51 games) and Mark McGwire (56 games). The Cuban first baseman lined an 0-2 offspeed pitch from three-time All-Star Tim Hudson deep into the left-field bullpen for a two-run homer in the first inning . Hes also homered off Cy Young winners David Price, Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander so far this year. "Were happy with what hes doing," manager Robin Ventura said. "Hes getting some hits and important RBIs against some great pitchers, so thats a good sign." Abreu didnt know his 20th homer moved him into elite company. "I wasnt aware of this happening, but its a great thing and I welcome it," the 27-year-old said through a translator. "Im just going to continue to help the team win, and thats what its all about right now." White Sox ace Chris Sale (6-1) laboured, giving up three runs and eight hits through six-plus innings. The left-hander allowed 11 baserunners and at least one in all but one inning, but he walked only one and struck out seven. "I was good, but my fastball command was a little shaky," Sale said. "I really had to battle through it." "Obviously, you know youve got your hands full with Hudson on the other side over there. Hes been nothing short of dominant all year," he said. Hudson (7-3) struggled in his shortest start of the year, permitting seven runs and 12 hits in 4 2-3 innings. He entered the game with an MLB-leading 1.81 ERA. "You score six runs on a day I pitch, we should win these games," Hudson said "For me, thats the frustrating part." "Giving up seven runs with a pitcher like they pput out there in Sale, thats a tough hole to put those guys in. https://www.indianapolisfootballshop.com/29-Jersey. " Ronald Belisario pitched the final 1 2-3 innings to earn his seventh save. San Francisco has allowed 35 runs in its last five games, and 53 in losing eight of its last nine. "You get the hitting, the pitchers, they have their moments," manager Bruce Bochy said "Thats what really puts you in a losing streak, but the only way you get out of it, hey, you focus forward and keep going hard." Tyler Flowers singled up the middle with the bases loaded in the fourth to drive in two runs and extend Chicagos lead to 4-0. The Giants cut it to 4-2 in the fifth when Buster Posey singled in a run and Pablo Sandoval hit a sacrifice fly. Dunns homer to right against Hudson with none out in the bottom of the inning put Chicago up 7-2. Sale was replaced by Jake Petricka with none out in the seventh after Juan Perez singled and Gregor Blanco walked. The Giants loaded the bases, but got only one run, on Poseys sacrifice fly to make it 7-3. Blanco doubled in a run and Hunter Pence drove in another with a grounder off Zach Putnam. The Giants added their final run in the ninth on Tyler Colvins sacrifice fly. NOTES: Dunns homer was his 452nd, tying him for 35th with Carl Yastrzemski. ... Sale made his first career start against San Francisco. He hit two batters in the game after hitting only one all season. ... The game started 12 minutes late because of rain. ... Giants OF Angel Pagan (lower back) was out of the lineup for a third straight game and is listed as day-to-day. ... Posey was back behind the plate. He was at DH on Tuesday night after taking a foul off mask on Sunday. ... The White Sox open an 11-game road trip on Thursday night at Minnesota. Chicagos Jose Quintana (3-7) is scheduled to face Minnesotas Yohan Pino, who will make his MLB debut. ... The Giants next game is at Arizona on Friday. Tim Lincecum (5-4) will face Josh Collmenter (4-4). ' ' '

ATLANTA -- Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez has been waiting for his offence to wake up. https://www.miamishopfootballshop.com/56-Jersey . Its too soon to declare that Atlantas bats have returned to respectability, but at least the Braves are taking the necessary steps. Freddie Freeman and Justin Upton homered to help Mike Minor win his second consecutive start, and Atlanta beat the Milwaukee Brewers 9-3 Monday night. "We started swinging the bats really, really well," Gonzalez said. "Not only the home runs, but there were some two-out singles, there were some base on balls, there was a lot of baserunning. It was nice to see." Pinch-hitter Ryan Doumit also went deep for Atlanta in a matchup of first-place teams. The Braves, who had lost 12 of 18, never trailed in winning their second straight game. Atlanta began the night with the fewest runs in the majors. But the Braves banged out a season-high 15 hits and improved to 18-5 when hitting a home run. Minor (2-2) gave up two runs and five hits with five strikeouts in 6 2-3 innings. The left-hander, lifted with a 4-2 lead, appreciated the run support. "Were still in first place, and everybodys talking about how bad we were playing," Minor said. "It was good to have that cushion when we won a lot of games, but we have too good of players to be worried about it." Ryan Braun and Khris Davis homered for the Brewers, who have lost three straight. Braun also threw out a runner at the plate from right field. Wily Peralta (4-3) allowed nine hits, a season-high four walks and three runs -- two earned -- with five strikeouts in five innings. The right-hander began the night 1-1 with a 1.29 ERA in three starts this month, but he couldnt overcome poor command of his pitches. "Thats the first time, but thats going to happen during the season," Peralta said. "You try to do your best and keep the team in the ballgame." Freeman led off the third with his ninth homer to make it 3-0. Davis lost his glove over the left-field fence on Freemans opposite-field shot. A fan picked up the glove off a ledge between the fence and the seats and tossed it back to Davis after Freeman rounded the bases. The Braves broke open a one-run game in the eighth, scoring five times off reliever Wei-Chung Wang to make it 9-3. Doumit hit a solo shot, Uptons 11th homer was a two-run drive, and Atlanta got RBI singles from Andrelton Simmons and Ramiro Pena. After Wang needed 40 pitches to get two outs, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke brought in first baseman Lyle Overbay off the bench to pitch. The 37-year-old Overbay pitched for the first time in his 14-year major league career, retiring Doumit on a popup. Doumit, who was teammates with Overbay in Pittsburgh, got a good laugh out of the at-bat. "That kids got nasty stuff," Doumit said with a smile. "Hes got a bright future ahead of him. Im going to keep my eye on him." Zach Duke, who relieved Peralta to begin the sixth, gave up a leadoff single to Minor and a single to Jason Heyward before Upton reached safely when catcher Martin Maldonado was called for interference. Rob Wooten relieved with one out and gave up Evan Gattis sacrifice fly that made it 4-2. David Hale relieved Minor with a runner at second base and ended the threat when Carlos Gomez grounded out. Brauns seventh homer, an opposite-field shot to right off David Carpenter, cut the margin to 4-3 in the eighth. Atlanta took a 1-0 lead in the first when Heyward led off with a single, stole second and scored on Maldonados passed ball and throwing error to third. The Braves went ahead 2-0 in the second on Penas RBI single. Davis fifth homer, a two-run shot in the fifth, cut it to 3-2. NOTES: The Braves have won 10 of their last 12 against Milwaukee at Turner Field. ... Gomez went 1 for 3 in his first game since last Tuesday. He served a three-game suspension last week for his role in a bench-clearing dustup April 20 at Pittsburgh and missed two weekend games at the Chicago Cubs with back stiffness and a stomach virus. ... Heyward, who began the game hitting .186 in his last 43 at-bats, went 3 for 4 with two stolen bases. ... Brauns outfield assist ended the Atlanta fourth as Heyward, trying to score from second on Freemans single to right, was tagged out at the plate. https://www.miamishopfootballshop.com/84-Jersey . Watching them over the past year - and in some cases, two years - has given us a starting point for this seasons Craigs List. https://www.miamishopfootballshop.com/77-Jersey . -- Max Gilbert captured his first pro victory at the Tour Championship of Canada.If there are two bloodsport rivals in the Western Conference, it has to be the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, powers of the Pacific Division, who meet at the Staples Center Saturday afternoon in Game 1 of the quarterfinals. Catch the game on TSN starting at 3:30pm et/12:30pm pt. There have been fistfights, elbows to throats, ejections, claims of "cowardly basketball," and old-fashioned physical play. That was all just on Christmas night! Actually, three of the four regular-season meetings in 2013-14 featured some sort of physical altercation. "Not to hype it up at all, but there is no love lost between these two teams," Warriors forward David Lee said after a Golden State loss to the Clippers on March 12. But, behind all of the silly pushing and shoving, lies a rivalry predicated on two teams that are both offensively proficient and defensively underrated. The Clippers finished first in scoring this season, with the Warriors 10th. Golden State was also 10th in opponents scoring and LA came in 14th in that category. Los Angeles underwent significant changes in the offseason. Head coach Doc Rivers was acquired from the Boston Celtics for a first-round pick. He runs the basketball operations and brought in J.J. Redick, Jared Dudley, Danny Granger and Glen Davis. But the Clippers are run by Rivers newest incarnation of the Big Three. Blake Griffin will most likely finish third in MVP voting behind Oklahoma Citys Kevin Durant and Miamis LeBron James. Guard Chris Paul might have come in third had he not missed significant time with a shoulder injury. And DeAndre Jordan led the NBA in rebounding and finished third in blocked shots. It all translated into a franchise-reccord 57 wins. https://www.miamishopfootballshop.com/91-Jersey. The Warriors also brought in a new, impactful face in the form of defensive specialist Andre Iguodala. However, the Warriors are built on their backcourt of Klay Thompson and especially Steph Curry. The two went 484-for-1,150 from long distance for 42 percent. Curry improved dramatically as a facilitator, averaging 8.5 assists per game, which ranked fifth in the NBA. He made his first All-Star team and is among the games elite. Head coach Mark Jackson tried to infuse a defensive mindset into the group. It worked for the most part, but problem is, their top enforcer, starting center Andrew Bogut, is out indefinitely with a broken rib. He was at the heart of most of the problems between the two teams. And this is a huge series for Jackson. Reports indicate his job might be in jeopardy if the Warriors lose. Allegations are he and owner Joe Lacob are at odds and, despite leading Golden State to a first-round upset of the Denver Nuggets last season, Jackson might be on the unemployment line if the Warriors lose. The two teams dont like each other as Lee pointed out, and the series should be physical. Keeping out of the skirmishes could be an issue for the Clippers, who lost in the first round last season, despite having home-court advantage over the Memphis Grizzlies. "Like weve said all season long, its about us," Paul said. "Its not about them. We have to play our game and do what were supposed to do and well be just fine. We have to realize that each game takes on its own personality. Its one win at a time." The two sides split four meetings this season with the home team prevailing each time. The Warriors have dropped four of their last five as the visitor in this series. ' ' '

ALAMEDA, Calif. https://www.sanfranciscofootballshop.com/1-Jersey . - The Raiders have released guard Mike Brisiel after two disappointing seasons in Oakland. The team announced the move on Tuesday to cut ties with general manager Reggie McKenzies first major signing back in 2012. Brisiel signed a $20 million, five-year contract with Oakland two years ago before taking a pay cut last March. He struggled as he was hampered by an ankle injury most of his first season and then was not an ideal fit when Oakland switched from a zone-blocking scheme to a power scheme last year. The Raiders signed Austin Howard last month to replace him at starting right guard and also brought in Kevin Boothe to add depth on the interior line. https://www.sanfranciscofootballshop.com/68-Jersey . Olsen, who is 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, can play either centre or guard. The 25-year-old Olsen played 16 games and made four starts in 2012 with the New Orleans Saints. https://www.sanfranciscofootballshop.com/14-Jersey . - Andrew McCutchen went 4 for 5 and finished a home run short of a cycle, and Jordy Mercer drove in a career-high four runs to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to an 8-2 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday.ARLINGTON, VA – Jonathan Bernier remained off the ice Saturday afternoon as his teammates practiced at the Kettler IcePlex just outside of the D.C. area. His immediate status for the surging Leafs isnt quite clear at this point, though his situation is not believed to be serious. The 25-year-old left his long-awaited return to Los Angeles after just 20 minutes Thursday evening – his team rallying for a 3-2 win – unable to continue because of a nagging lower-body injury. Kept off the ice on Saturday – following a travel day on Friday – Bernier opted for two rounds of treatment on the ailment and may require an MRI to make certain that the injury is not serious. "Berniers still feeling the effects of the injury the other night, said head coach Randy Carlyle of the undisclosed issue following practice. "We dont think its that severe, but youd always like to make sure that you are making the right decision there." Carlyle said it had yet to be determined whether Bernier would indeed go for the MRI and whether he would be able to acquire the image in the Washington area or would require a trip back to Toronto. He wont play against the Capitals, though, in a Sunday matinee at the Verizon Center. That challenge will instead go to James Reimer, who was brilliant with 31 saves in Berniers place against the Kings. Superb in his first season with the Leafs, Bernier had been bothered by the injury before his return start in L. https://www.sanfranciscofootballshop.com/27-Jersey. .A. – he was "stiff" according to Carlyle – but felt well enough to give it a go opposite his former team. Sliding across his crease for one particular save in a first frame that saw the Kings jump out to a 2-0 lead – perhaps the extended right pad stop on Anze Kopitar – Bernier "didnt feel good" and opted to come out. He was replaced by Reimer, who guided the Leafs to their 15th win in the past 22 games. "We felt comfortable putting Reims in and, obviously, the way he played, he shut them out the rest of the way, you cant complain about that, thats for sure," said Carlyle. While hoping that the injury isnt serious, the Leafs arent certain when Bernier will return. Capturing wins in Anaheim and L.A., they have three games remaining on a season-long five-game road trip. Certainly out against Washington on Sunday, Carlyle wouldnt rule out a return for Bernier in Detroit, though, that would seem unlikely at this point given his inability to take the ice Saturday. The team recalled Drew MacIntyre from the Marlies to be the backup against Washington. Bernier was unavailable for comment. ' ' '

CUIABA, Brazil -- Nigeria ended a 16-year wait for a victory in a World Cup match Saturday, beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 courtesy of Peter Odemwingies first-half goal and knocking the tournament newcomers out of contention. https://www.seattlefootballshop.com/87-Jersey . Only a point is needed by Nigeria from its last Group F game -- against already-qualified Argentina -- to reach the knockout stage after Odemwingie finished from close range in the 29th minute following one of many powerful runs by his strike partner Emmanuel Emenike. Playing hours after Ghanas plucky 2-2 draw with Germany, Nigeria gave African football another lift following its continents inauspicious start to the tournament. Prior to Saturday, the five African teams had claimed just one win and a draw in seven matches in Brazil. "Its something awesome for Africa," said Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who tipped Edin Dzekos shot onto the post in the final few seconds to preserve the win. "Africa needed that win, something to boost the confidence back home." The Bosnians are sure to go home after the group stage, and will wonder if things may have gone differently had Dzekos goal in the 21st minute not been ruled out for offside. Replays appeared to show the officials may have got the call wrong. "The referee was shameful for this competition," Dzeko said. But Nigeria deserved its win, with Emenike causing all sorts of problems for Bosnia-Herzegovinas defence with his strength and direct running in energy-sapping conditions in the western Brazilian city of Cuiaba. At the other end, the experienced Joseph Yobo was back as captain and marshalled the defence in his 99th international game. Dzeko and the Bosnians technical midfielders carved out few clear-cut opportunities. "They surprised us with their speed and movement," Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Safet Susic said. "They wanted to win probably that much more than us." There was added motivation for Keshis team, which was seeking to boost the spirits of Nigerians in the wake of a suicide bombing attack at a World Cup viewing site in the northeast of their country. At least 14 people died in the blast. After weathering a bright start by the Bosnians, Nigeria went ahead when Emenike powered past the tame challenge of Bosnia defender Emir Spahic, charged down the right flank and crossed for Odemwingie, who shot first-time through the legs of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic -- his teammate at English club Stoke. Odemwingie is back in the World Cup squad after two years away from the national team following a falling-out with Keshi, and he was starting after an impressive cameo as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Iran. "I couldnt dream of a better comeback in a tournament like the World Cup," Odemwingie said. "I have had to start building from scratch. Everyone had faith in me." After the goal, Nigeria dominated and only a slew of smart saves by Begovic, who denied Michael Babatunde and Emenike, prevented the African champions from going further ahead. Dzeko -- compared with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar by Susic in the build-up to the match -- had a disappointing night, with his finishing off-key and control poor at times. When he did find the target, he was either denied by the officials or by that late, brilliant save from Enyeama. The Bosnians have one game left, against Iran on Wednesday, to try to end their debut World Cup with at least a point to show for their efforts. https://www.seattlefootballshop.com/83-Jersey .com) - Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James will sit out Thursdays game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with left knee soreness. https://www.seattlefootballshop.com/49-Jersey . He was with the New York Jets in 2011 when the NFL locked out their players after they failed to agree on a new contract. Willy went undrafted but was given a look by four NFL teams before heading north.FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - The Atlanta Falcons returned from their bye week Tuesday with big holes to fill on offence. Running back Steven Jackson was only an observer and wide receiver Roddy White and left tackle Sam Baker were not on the field for the portion of the practice open to reporters. White, already slowed by a right ankle sprain, left the Falcons 30-28 loss to the New York Jets on Oct. 7 with a hamstring injury. Leading receiver Julio Jones hurt his right foot in the game and will miss the remainder of the season. Harry Douglas, Kevin Cone and Drew Davis could be Atlantas top three receivers against Tampa Bay on Sunday. Brian Robiskie, who signed last week, had extra work with quarterback Matt Ryan Tuesday. Offensive co-ordinator Dirk Koetter said he must tweak the offence to fit the strengths of the fill-ins. "With Julio definitely out and Roddy may or may not be out, those are two of the best players in the NFL," Koetter said. "Are those (backup) guys going to be as good? Thats an obvious question and answer." The injuries have added more gloom to the Falcons 1-4 start. Atlanta will take a three-game losing streak into Sundays game. "Were in a difficult streak with injuries right now, but I think as coaches we look at it as a challenge," Koetter said. "No one thinks you have a chance right now, so lets try to figure out a way to get this done." Koetter said it is a "no-brainer" that tight end Tony Gonzalez could become quarterback Matt Ryans top target. Gonzalez, 37, has 22 catches for 246 yards and two touchdowns the last two weeks. If Gonzalez receives extra defensive attention from the Buccaneers, Douglas and other receivers must take advantage of one-on-one coverages. "Those guys have to do the best they can and weve got to play to their strengths and work with the guys we have," Koetter said. "Weve still got a great quarterback. Weve still got a great tiight end. https://www.seattlefootballshop.com/45-Jersey. Weve still got excellent running backs. It just changes the way you attack a little bit." Douglas has been a complement to Jones and White the last two seasons and has never been asked to be the teams No. 1 receiver. That could change this week, especially if Tampa Bay focuses its defence on Gonzalez. "Im the kind of player, Im not selfish at all," Douglas said. "Im here to do whatever Im asked to do. If that is to be a No. 1, Ive got to step up and be a No. 1. ... I dont shy away from anything." Douglas said players have remained positive through the stretch of losses and injuries. "Weve got to do what weve got to do to stay close as a team so we can turn this thing around," Douglas said. "You cant moan and complain. You cant point fingers. And thats one thing we do a great job of. Weve owned up to the mistakes weve made in games. Now we just have to turn the ship around." Baker missed the game against the Jets with a knee injury. The good news for Atlanta on Tuesday was the return of running back Jason Snelling from a concussion. Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers would continue to share time if Jackson misses his fourth straight game with a hamstring injury. The bye week gave Snelling time to clear the NFLs concussion protocol. The Falcons worked without pads on Tuesday. Coach Mike Smith said Snelling also will be cleared for contact drills on Wednesday. "I had to take my time to get right and go through all the protocols," Snelling said. "It felt good to be out there with my team again." The defence is missing linebackers Akeem Dent (ankle) and Sean Weatherspoon (foot). Dent, who didnt play against the Jets, did not participate in the open portion of Tuesdays practice. Weatherspoon must miss at least five more games. Earlier in the season, starting fullback Bradie Ewing and defensive end Kroy Biermann were placed on injured reserve. ' ' '

Reggie Abercrombie saw a hanging slider, got the barrel of the bat on the baseball and then raised his finger to the sky. Cheap Jerseys Authentic . The Winnipeg Goldeyes (10-5) veteran slugger had delivered a monster two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth that gave the Fish a come-from-behind 5-4 win over the visiting Lincoln Saltdogs (6-9). "He kind of got a slider up and I got the barrel on it," said Abercrombie after the game. "Hes a good pitcher, but he made a mistake. You dont plan on this kind of thing happening, but when it happens, its sort of the reason you play baseball. Whenever you can do something like that for your team, its one of the things you try to enjoy." Not only did Abercrombie enjoy it, so too did his teammates, who met him at homeplate after he followed Donnie Webb across the plate. Webb had singled with one out in the bottom, of the ninth to set up Abercrombies heroics.It was a fitting ending to a brilliant pitching performance by veteran Goldeyes left-hander Chris Salamida, a performance that was almost lost. He threw eight innings of three-hit shutout baseball at Shaw Park, but the Goldeyes bullpen couldnt save his victory. Chris Kissock and Brendan Lafferty allowed four runs on five hits and two walks in the top of the ninth, as the Goldeyes blew a 3-0 eighth-inning lead and fell behind 4-3 heading to the bottom of the ninth. Its the first time this season the Goldeyes bullpen blew a save. "After Chris (Kissock) came out of the game, I batted him on the back," said Salamida. "Hell be back tomorrow and hell be great. Its just one of those things. Hell be back, better than ever next time." But thats when Reggie came on and hit his second homer in as many nights. Amazingly, the Goldeyes are now 8-2 this season in games in which theyve hit home runs. With the win, the Goldeyes took over sole possession of first place in the American Associations North Division for the first time this season. "I felt really good tonight," said Salamida. "After that bad start to the season, I made a few adjustments to my mechanics and slowed down my delivery. When you pitch too quickly, it affects other parts of the delivery and thats what contributed to the slow start. Tonight, I just tried to throw strikes and get ahead of hitters. I had only three strikeouts, but I dont really try to get a lot of strikeouts. I try to pitch-to-contact and let my defense do its job and the defense was perfect tonight. I have a great defense behind me." Salamida, who got off to a terrible start this season in his first two outings, pitched eight complete innings, allowing no runs on three hits and only one walk. He retired the first 11 batters he faced and had a one-hitter through six innings. The Goldeyes didnt score much early in the game, but with Salamida dealing, they didnt have to score much.Tyler Kuhn led off the game with a single and scored all the way from first on a double by Jake Blackwood. In the fourth inning, Ray Sadler singled, went to second on a wild pitch and scored on a single by Donnie Webb. And with one out in the eighth inning, Kuhn pounded out his second triple in as many nights and scored on a sacrifice fly by Blackwood. Bellamy (1-0, 6.35 ERA) got the win for Winnipeg, while Marshall Schuler suffered the loss (0-2, 2.35 ERA).The Goldeyes and Saltdogs will play Game 3 of this four-game series on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. at Shaw Park. Jason Jarvis (1-2, 10-39 ERA) will get the start for Winnipeg, while Joe Bisenius (0-0, 4.24 ERA) will take to the bump for Lincoln. Cheap Jerseys Stitched . -- Slugger Jose Abreu, All-Star left-hander Chris Sale and closer Matt Lindstrom are on the disabled list. Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping . -- The NFL cancelled its Hall of Fame game between St.SEATTLE - Seattle Sounders FC return home to face FC Dallas on Monday at CenturyLink Field in the second leg of the clubs Western Conference semifinal series. You can watch all the action on TSN2 beginning at 10:30pm et/7:30pm pt. The club met three times during the regular season and each game was fairly close, with Seattle winning two one-goal affairs in April and May, while FC Dallas claimed a 3-1 win over Seattle in September. The sides matchup well with FC Dallas young, quick forwards against Seattles sturdy back line, and the first leg of the series was a tight affair with the clubs finishing level at 1-1 at Toyota Stadium. It was the home side the grabbed the lead in the 34th minute when Andres Escobar worked his way past two Sounders into the penalty box and was taken down on the slide by Marco Pappa, resulting in a penalty kick. Michel stepped to the spot and blasted it past the outstretched arm of Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei. Seattle drew level in the 54th minute with some excellent set-piece work. Pappa atoned for his rash tackle earlier by sending a perfect free kick between the FCD back line and the goalkeeper, allowing midfielder Osvaldo Alonso to find some space and nod it down and past FCD goalkeeper Raul Fernandez for his first goal of the postseason. Dallas had a late chance to take the lead in the 90th minute as Fabian Castillo got free down the right flank and forced a superb save from Frei, who parried a quick strike over the crossbar. The draw favors Seattle slightly in Mondays second lleg as the club has an upper hand via the newly-instituted away-goals tiebreaker. Cheap Jerseys 2020. Should the match finish scoreless, the Sounders would advance. Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid said his club played the first leg exactly how they wanted. Were happy with the result, Schmid said. We talked about making sure at the end of game one we put ourselves in a position to win it in game two. Weve always done a good job of being at home in the second game and winning the second game. I think in years past we were maybe a little naive coming into this first series playing away and finding ourselves in a deep hole, center back Zach Scott added. Now with the new away goals rule I thought we played it exactly the way we wanted to. FC Dallas did well to match wits with Seattle stars Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, holding them both off the score sheet and despite not getting the win, the team was encouraged by the performance. I think it show a lot of our character, FC Dallas defender Matt Hedges said. It didnt look like we had played three games in eight days. Everybody had fresh legs, put in their work and it got us a result. FC Dallas will also get a boost to their lineup as playmarker Mauro Diaz is set to return after missing the first leg due to suspension. We have 90 minutes and we can score there also, said FCD head coach Oscar Pareja. It is what it is. The series is open. The first 90, and its a tie. We will go to Seattle and trying to do what we can do. This team is not afraid to play anyone. ' ' '