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AUSTIN, Texas -- Hilary Caldwell of White Rock, B. Jarret Johnson Womens Jersey .C., won gold in the womens 200-metre backstroke, and Dominique Bouchard of North Bay, Ont., was second at the U.S. Grand Prix swimming competition on Saturday. Caldwell swam almost seven seconds faster than her time in the preliminaries, finishing in two minutes and 10.78 seconds. Bouchard followed in 2:12.06, Megan Romano of the U.S. was third in 2:13.16 and Meryn McCann of Burlington, Ont., placed fourth in 2:13.53. Danielle Hanus of Newmarket, Ont., was also in the final and placed eighth. "This event is a great preparation for the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championship trials that are coming up," said Caldwell. "It gives us a good indication of where we stand heading into the next phase of training." Other Canadian women finalists were Victoria Poon and Hannah Riordan, both of Montreal, who finished fifth and eighth, respectively in the 50 freestyle, and Tera Van Beilen of Oakville, Ont., who placed eighth in the 400 individual medley. On the mens side, Vancouvers Stephan Milosevic was seventh in the 200 freestyle and Matthew Swanston of Newmarket, Ont., placed eighth in the 200 backstroke. Kavell Conner Jersey . Though the league and union reached a general agreement in their new labour deal to test for human growth hormone, the union is waiting to see the specifics of the program before giving its final OK. The union has asked the World Anti-Doping Agency for documentation about the accuracy of the seven-year-old HGH test. Antonio Gates Chargers Jersey . Bouchard, who grabbed the tennis worlds attention at last months Grand Slam, will be joined in the best-of-five series by Gabriela Dabrowski of Ottawa, Sharon Fichman of Toronto and Aleksandra Wozniak, of Blainville, Que.Winnipeg Goldeyes manager Rick Forney announced Sunday the acquisition of right-handed pitcher Chandler Barnard from the San Angelo Colts of United League for a player to be named later. Barnard, 28, was 1-0 with a 0.53 ERA in three appearances, including two starts, with San Angel o this season. He struck out 19 batters and walked just one in 17 innings pitched. He has previous American Associaation experience with the Lincoln Saltdogs, El Paso Diablos and Amarillo Sox. Jason Verrett Womens Jersey. Barnard will start todays game against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks at Newman Outdoor Field at 1 p.m., as the Goldeyes conclude a seven-game road trip. The Goldeyes begin a six-game homestand Tuesday night against the Grand Prairie AirHogs, who will be making their first visit to Shaw Park. ' ' '
DUBLIN, Ireland -- Ireland overcame the late withdrawal of captain Paul OConnell to beat Scotland 28-6 in their Six Nations opener at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.http://www.authenticpatriotsshop.com/Elite-Customized-New-England-Patriots-Jersey-Mens-Nike-Nfl-Team-Road-Two-Tone-75 . OConnell picked up a chest infection on Saturday night, but the hugely influential lock wasnt missed for once as his replacement, Dan Tuohy, helped mince up the Scotland lineout in the first half and stand-in skipper Jamie Heaslip led by example with a try and high workrate. Ireland bridged halftime with tries by winger Andrew Trimble and Heaslip, and Jonathan Sexton added 13 points to overtake Michael Kiernan and become his countrys third highest point-scorer in tests. Fullback Rob Kearney, marking his 50th cap, added a late try when the result was already in Irelands grasp. Without OConnell, Sean OBrien and Gordon DArcy, three big contributors in the heart-breaking loss to New Zealand in the last outing in November, there was enough doubt about Irelands ability and mindset to achieve another good start in the last Six Nations for Brian ODriscoll. But the doubts proved unnecessary, as Ireland had enough class and nous for a Scotland still lacking a killer touch, and won its tournament opener for the 10th time in the last 11 years. Even so, Heaslip said coach Joe Schmidt tore into them after the game, saying they needed "huge improvements." The trouble with Ireland is finishing what it starts, unlike its next opponent, Wales, a slow Six Nations starter but fast finisher. The defending champion comes to Dublin next Saturday. "Massive, massive challenge coming," Kearney said. "We have to recover really well now. Weve only got six days, theyve had an extra day. Theyre going for three championships in a row, so were under no illusions." Heaslip and Schmidt said they were shocked to discover OConnell became ill overnight, hardly slept, and saw a doctor at 4:30 a.m. Schmidt said he expected OConnell, plus DArcy, to be available for the Wales game. "Its a relief to me that weve got through the game and got a win on the board," he said. Scotland coach Scott Johnson rued his sides naivety. "We may have to go to some dark places and bring some torches," Johnson said. "Theres a naivety there that well overcome by having some time in the saddle. They dont understand they are doing the hard bits quite easily, but its the finishing off." Scotland began the match by doing what it does best, holding the ball. The Scots worked 11 phases into the Ireland 22 until they were harshly penalized for holding too long. Then Greig Laidlaws long-range penalty hit the left upright. Sexton and Laidlaw swapped penalties, and Ireland ended up leading 6-3 into the second quarter. Not until the last 10 minutes did the heart-rate rise. No. 8 David Denton came closest to a Scotland try when he burst blindside off a ruck 10 metres out and was trying to reach out to the line when he was bowled into touch by scrumhalf Conor Murray and flanker Peter OMahony. As Ireland loosened Scotlands pressure -- winning four Scottish throw-ins helped -- Scots and Lions winger Sean Maitland landed awkwardly on his right ankle from jumping for an up and under and limped off with concussion. Sexton put the pressure back on Scotland by carving past tackles in midfield, and gave Heaslip a shot in the left corner, but the No. 8 stepped over the sideline just before he touched down. Ireland failed twice from five-meter lineouts with seconds to go and Scotlands defence looked like holding, but quick rucks helped Ireland find Scotland short on the right wing, where Kearney gave Trimble the overlap to score for an 11-3 halftime lead. "That gave us a little bit of breathing space," Kearney said. Soon after the restart, Laidlaw cut the deficit to five, but Ireland put the game away in the 47th when Tuohys lineout take was mauled by Ireland and Heaslip scored too easily. Sexton converted for 18-6 and added a third penalty before the hour. Ireland controlled possession throughout the half, and inevitably notched a third try to Kearney, who exploited a tiring defence when he slipped off replacement Alasdair Dickinson and dragged flanker Ryan Wilson to the tryline nine minutes from time. Scotland hosts England next Saturday.Kevin Faulk Jersey .C. -- Hudson Swafford, Nick OHern, Edward Loar and Ben Kohles shared the lead in the Chiquita Classic, shooting 5-under 67 on Thursday in the first round of the Web. Shane Vereen Womens Jersey . -- Stephen Strasburg says hes "ready to rock.Washington Capitals defenceman Dmitry Orlov will have a phone hearing on Monday for boarding Brayden Schenn of the Philadelphia Flyers in the third period of Sundays game. Orlov, who scored two goals in the game, was assessed a major penalty for boardinng on the play. Alfonzo Dennard Womens Jersey. . The Flyers scored once on the power play and again with the extra attacker with 65 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime. Vincent Lecavalier scored in the extra frame to give the Flyers the 5-4 victory. ' ' '
ATLANTA - Falcons running back Jason Snelling has retired, ending his seven-year career. Jarret Johnson Chargers Jersey . Snelling was a seventh-round pick from Virginia in 2007 and spent his full career with the Falcons. Most of his playing time came as a backup — both at fullback and running back. He also was a strong receiver. The 30-year-old Snelling rushed for 1,420 yards with eight touchdowns and caught 168 passes for 1,249 yards and nine touchdowns. Snelling, from Tom River, N.J., said in a statement released by the team on Tuesday that he is retiring to spend time with his family. In 2013, Snelling had 44 carries for 164 yards with one touchdown and 29 catches for 216 yards and three touchdowns. He set his career high with 614 yards rushing in 2009. Custom Chargers Jersey . -- Andrew Wiggins is from Canada, Wayne Selden from Massachusetts and Joel Embiid from the African nation of Cameroon. Eric Weddle Chargers Jersey . Sweden, first in Group B with a 4-0-0-0 record, will face Slovakia in Thursdays quarterfinals while Russia (2-0-0-2) will finish either second or third depending on the outcome of the Finland-Switzerland game later Tuesday.NAPLES, Italy -- Fabio Fognini overcame an injury and tough resistance from James Ward to give Italy a 1-0 lead over Britain on the rain-delayed opening day of their Davis Cup quarter-final Friday. Andy Murrays match against Andreas Seppi was then suspended due to poor light with the British No. 1 leading 6-4, 5-5 after just under two hours of play. The match will resume Saturday morning ahead of the doubles. Fognini was made to struggle against a player ranked 148 places below him before winning 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in more than three hours to preserve his remarkable Davis Cup record on clay. The start was delayed by more than two hours because of rain in Naples. Ward powered into a 3-0 lead as Fognini double-faulted twice in his first service, game but the 13th-ranked Italian fought back by winning four games in succession before taking the opening set. It looked to be a similar story in the second set as Ward again rushed into a 3-0 lead before allowing Fognini back in. But this time it was the Briton who took four games in a row and levelled the match with a dropp shot. Bront Bird Womens Jersey. . Fognini had been hampered by a left thigh injury in the buildup to the series and also had heavy taping by his ribs. He had to receive medical treatment before the start of the third set. Fognini broke quickly in the third and maintained the advantage, saving two break points before serving out the set. Ward then seemed to tire as Fognini comfortably took the fourth and final set, sealing the win with a short volley at the net. Murray, who is ranked eighth in the world, was made to work against Seppi before breaking in the seventh game and going on to claim the opening set. Both players struggled with their service game and Murray had to save four set points in an enthralling final game of the day. The two-time Grand Slam champion is looking for his sixth consecutive win against Seppi as Britain attempts to reach the Davis Cup semifinals for the first time since 1981. Italy has not lost at home to Britain since 1926 and will be hoping the vociferous home support can help it reach the final four for the first time in 16 years. ' ' '
CHICAGO -- D. Saints #33 Jersey .J. Augustin had 22 points and eight assists, and the Chicago Bulls routed the Denver Nuggets 117-89 Friday night for their fifth consecutive victory. Rookie Tony Snell added a career-high 20 points as the Bulls put seven players in double figures. Taj Gibson had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Joakim Noah finished with 14 points, 11 boards and five assists. Randy Foye scored 23 points for Denver, which has lost six of seven. Aaron Brooks had 17 on 7-for-11 shooting in 28 minutes in his Nuggets debut, which also included a technical foul when he was involved in a tussle with Noah in the third. Denver acquired Brooks and forward Jan Vesely in a pair of trades on Thursday. The 7-foot Vesely had five points and five rebounds in 16 minutes. Pierre Thomas Saints Jersey . It lasted just 64 seconds before Zack Smith and the Senators retook the lead. Bobby Ryan scored two goals and the Senators topped the Capitals 6-4. Saints #24 Jersey . Scott Ranger scored three times including a short-handed goal early in the third quarter that put Calgary ahead for good as the Roughnecks defeated the Colorado Mammoth 15-10 in a National Lacrosse League West Division semifinal.NEWARK, N.Y. - No strangers to losing the first game of a playoff series, the New Jersey Devils know losing the first two at home would dig a deep hole. New Jersey lost their openers against both Philadelphia and the Rangers before coming back to win the series. They may be used to it but veteran goalie Martin Brodeur says being down a game is never a comfortable situation -- especially against a stingy team like the Los Angeles Kings with a 9-0 record on the playoffs road. "Getting off to a 0-2 start would be a tough one to overcome," the 40-year-old goalie acknowledged Friday as the Devils returned to practice after a day off. "Like they did to every single team they started in the playoffs on the road against. Its in the back of our heads a little bit." Game 2 is Saturday at the Prudential Center. Devils coach Peter DeBoer says the team knows what to do. "We know weve been here before. I think also after looking at the tape, we know what we have to fiix. Saints #93 Jersey. . So I think theres a comfort level there that we can get that done." And despite the Kings perfect record away from home, DeBoer says the Devils are getting other benefits than last line change at home. "I think the big thing is the crowd, the environment, sleeping in your own bed. All those things. I know L.A.s record kind of, I guess, minimizes the sounds of that with what theyve done on the road but its important to us. "Weve been a good home team. Weve played well here. I know were going to throw a good game out there Saturday night." To do that, DeBoer said the team needs to test goalie Jonathan Quick more than it did on Wednesday. "I think we made it too easy on him. We had some opportunities. But we didnt do enough to make it tough on him." And his skilled players have to step up after not playing their best in Game 1. "I think if you asked our group, theres a lot of guys on that list," DeBoer said. ' ' '
ST. Saints #90 Jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon talked all spring about the importance of winning early, and the Rays have responded by matching the best start in franchise history with a season-opening sweep of the New York Yankees. Jeremy Hellickson came within one out of a three-hitter on his birthday and the Rays beat the Yankees 3-0 Sunday to drop the defending AL East champions to 0-3 for the first time in 14 years. The Rays, who overcame a nine-game deficit in September to earn the AL wild card last season, didnt take a lead until the ninth inning of their seventh game a year ago. They took first-inning leads in all three games against the Yankees and swept the series with help from several players brought in this winter to bolster the offence and bullpen. "Its looking good," said Carlos Pena, Tampa Bays career home run leader who is back in a Rays uniform after spending 2011 with the Chicago Cubs. Pena and another off-season acquisition, Jeff Keppinger, homered for Tampa Bay, which also started with three consecutive wins in 2002. The Yankees are 0-3 for the first time since 1998, when they went on to win 114 games and the World Series. New York manager Joe Girardi isnt concerned. "At times, it seems magnified when its the beginning of the year," Girardi said. "Weve all been through three-game losing streaks. This is a resilient club. Well be fine." Celebrating his 25th birthday, Hellickson (1-0) limited the Yankees to doubles by Nick Swisher, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. The 2011 AL Rookie of the Year walked four, struck out four and was one out from his third career complete game and second shutout when he was replaced by Fernando Rodney after 118 pitches. The Yankees went 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position against Hellickson and Rodney, an off-season addition to Tampa Bays bullpen who got the win in Fridays season opener and then earned saves in each of the next two games. New York was 5 for 25 with runners in scoring position for the series. "That was a good birthday present," Hellickson said. "Its always nice to get off to a good start against these guys in our division. We came out and played hard and got three good wins." Pena homered off starter Phil Hughes (0-1) in the third. Keppinger hit a solo shot off Boone Logan in the sixth, while Matt Joyce drove in Tampa Bays other run with a first-inning, broken-bat triple that skipped past sliding right fielder Raul Ibanez. Hellickson gave up a one-out double in the second to Swisher but escaped further damage when Ibanez grounded out and Brett Gardner popped up to left field. The right-hander worked through another tight spot in the fourth after walking Rodriguez and giving up a double to Teixeira, this time getting Swisher to pop up to third base and Ibanez to fly to centre field. Rodriguez doubled with two outs in the sixth. After walking Teixeira, Hellickson struck Swisher to escape the jam and then didnt allow another runner until walking Swisher with two outs in the ninth. "That was very impressive," Pena said of Hellicksons performance. "He was just so calm the whole time. Thats something that should never be overlooked. Hes just a kid out there, and just handled the spotlight, the pressure, whatever you want to call it, in such a way that is just amazing." Rodney retired Ibanez on an easy comebacker to end it. "Everything they did worked out perfectly," Rodriguez said. "Everything we did worked out imperfectly." Pena hit a grand slam off CC Sabathia and a game-winning single off Mariano Rivera in the opener. The slugger had another RBI single in Saturdays 8-6 victory and finished the series 6 for 12 with two homers and seven RBIs. Hughes allowed two runs and five hits, walked two and struck out five over 4 2-3 innings. Logan and three other relievers kept the Yankees in the game by holding the Rays to two hits the rest of the way. While no one is about to panic, Rodriguez said the Yankees will carry a sense of urgency into a series that begins Monday night in Baltimore. "You just want to win a game. Want to get this thing to 1-3 and get the train headed in the right direction," he said. "Guys are playing hard. Offensively, were hitting balls. Probably a dozen balls right on the nose that were caught," Rodriguez added. "Were hitting it right into the teeth of their secondary. Sometimes you just have to tip your cap and move on." NOTES: Rays DH Luke Scott left the game with a tight left hamstring and is day to day. ... Girardi said A-Rod will be the designated hitter Monday night at Baltimore, and that he might DH twice during the three-game series. ... LHP Andy Pettitte will pitch for Class-A Tampa on Monday in his second outing following a one-year retirement. ... Tampa Bay CF B.J. Upton, on the 15-day disabled list with lower back soreness, will begin a rehab assignment with Class-A Charlotte on Monday. The Rays hope to get him at least 30 at-bats before activating him. ... New York RHP Michael Pineda, out until at least May due to right shoulder tendinitis, threw at 60 feet on flat ground. ... Swisher, slowed by a pair of groin injuries during spring training, was the DH after playing defence the previous two days on the Tropicana Field artificial turf. Cameron Jordan Saints Jersey . Of all the names out there who could realistically be dealt by Wednesdays deadline, Ryan Kesler remains No. 1 on the most desired list. And while were not sure if theyre any closer to a deal, we now have a defined price. Curtis Lofton Saints Jersey . -- Michael Frazier II scored 14 points, highly touted freshman Chris Walker had two crowd-pleasing dunks in his debut and No.With just two days prior to the Olympic trade freeze, the Pittsburgh Penguins are visiting the Buffalo Sabres in what could be Ryan Millers final home game as a member of the team with which hes spent his entire 11-year career. You can catch all of the action live on TSN2 at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt. Trade rumours continue to swirl around the Team USA netminder and Wednesday night could be the final time the East Lansing, Michigan native suits up as a Sabre in front the of the First Niagara Center faithful. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins look to become just the second team to reach 40 victories on Wednesday night as they visit the Buffalo Sabres. Pittsburgh is leading the Eastern Conference with 80 points, five more than the Atlantic Division-leading Boston Bruins. That total also is just five back of the 40-13-5 Anaheim Ducks for the best record in the NHL. The Penguins, owners of a 15-point edge over the New York Rangers for first place in the Metropolitan Division, have won three of four and 10 of their last 14 games. That includes a 2-1 victory over the visiting Ottawa Senators on Monday. James Neal scored for the first time in nine games, putting home the rebound of a Robert Bortuzzo shot 1:55 into overtime for his 18th tally of the campaign. Pittsburgh outshot Ottawa 48-25 and got 24 saves from Marc-Andre Fleury. "We stuck with the game plan and kept getting pucks to the net. (Neal) made a great play in overtime for the win," said Pens forward Brian Gibbons, who notched power-play goal in the first period. Penguins defenseman Kris Letang missed his third straight game with an undisclosed illness and did not travel to Buffalo, while forward Taylor Pyatt is expected to miss the next two games with a lower-body injury suffered against Ottawa. Pittsburgh will host the New York Rangers on Friday in its final game before the Olympic breakk. Saints #17 Jersey. Buffalo plays the first of two games on back-to-back nights before it breaks for the Olympics. The Sabres will visit the Senators following this contest. The Sabres hope to have halted a seven-game slide at home before heading to Ottawa, a skid that was extended with Mondays 3-2 setback to the Edmonton Oilers. Jhonas Enroth made 25 saves, but allowed Matt Hendricks short-handed goal in the third period that proved to be the difference despite the Sabres notching a season-high 44 shots in the game. Steve Ott scored on the power play and Drew Stafford notched a short-handed tally with 56 seconds left in the first period to put Buffalo ahead 2-1, but the Sabres lost for the ninth time in 11 games overall. Stafford scored in his return after missing the previous four games with an upper-body injury, wristing a shot top shelf for his fourth goal and sixth point in his past five games played. "I thought Drew, the way he shot that puck, thats what we want to see," said Buffalo interim coach Ted Nolan said. "Hes a big power forward and hes starting to get his confidence back." The Sabres, last in the NHL with 38 points, lost defenseman Tyler Myers to a lower-body injury and he is day-to-day, though he has not been ruled out for tonight. Wednesday marks the third and final meeting of the season between these clubs and lone clash in Buffalo. The Penguins have outscored the Sabres by a 7-1 margin in taking the first two tests at home, including a 3-0 shutout victory on Jan. 27. Fleury stopped 24 shots for his fourth shutout of the season, while Miller made 31 saves. Fleury is 14-5-2 with a 2.46 goals against average and two shutouts in his career versus the Sabres, while Miller has gone 7-12-3 with a 3.21 GAA when facing the Pens. Pittsburgh has won 11 of the past 15 meetings overall and four of the last five in Buffalo. ' ' '
SUNRISE, Fla. Julian Edelman Patriots Jersey . -- Roberto Luongo got the best of his former goalie teammate yet again. Scottie Upshall scored the go-ahead goal, Luongo stopped 28 shots, and the Florida Panthers beat the New Jersey Devils 5-3 on Friday night. Vincent Trocheck, Brad Boyes, Quinton Howden and Brian Campbell also scored for Florida. Jonathan Huberdeau had two assists, and Boyes also had an assist. Patrik Elias had a goal and assist, and Bryce Salvador and Jaromir Jagr also scored for the Devils. Cory Schneider -- Luongos former teammate with the Vancouver Canucks -- made 17 saves. Luongo and Schneider faced each other for the first time with their new teams. Schneider was traded to the Devils last summer, and Luongo was sent to the Panthers in a trade on March 4. Luongo beat Schneider for the third time this season, twice with the Canucks, but didnt take any special pleasure in beating his ex-teammate. "No, I actually feel bad," Luongo said. "I gave it my all, and so is he. Happy to get the win, for sure, but its too bad for him." The Panthers snapped a three-game losing streak and handed the Devils their first loss in three games. Schneider has struggled lately, allowing 15 goals in his last three starts, including seven in a loss at Detroit on March 7. "Whatever Im doing right now is just not working, and Ive got to find a way to get out of this," Schneider said. Behind 3-2, the Panthers scored three times in the third period to win it. Florida tied it on Boyes goal. Boyes stole a pass from Mark Fayne in the slot, and his shot went between Schneiders pads at 4:24. Upshalls wrist shot from the right circle at 10:00 gave the Panthers a 4-3 lead. "Im really not happy with that last goal. It deflates the team. I never like goals to go under me or through me," Schneider said. Luongo is hoping that Schneider can turn around his season. "It happens to everybody. Its a long season. Hes been lights out the whole year," Luongo said. "You go through stretches where things dont go as well. Hes a great goalie and hes strong mentally. Hell get out of it." The Panthers have accepted their role as spoiler, with a lot of young players filling in for injured veterans. "It was a battle of a desperate team and us, who are trying to play spoiler with a lot of young guys," Upshall said. "I?thought both teams played good, but it was nice to come out on top." Trochecks empty-netter, his first NHL goal in his fifth game, with 32.5 seconds left made it 5-3. "Its definitely a weight off my shoulders. Five games felt like an eternity to get that first one," Trocheck said. "It feels good, and hopefully theyll keep coming now." The Panthers had gotten within 3-2 on Howdens goal in the second period. Scott Gomezs shot was blocked, but he grabbed the rebound and passed the puck to Howden in the low slot for a shot past Schneider at 14:30. They were the only two shots of the period for the Panthers. The Devils went ahead 2-1 at 2:02 of the second on Salvadors goal. It was the first goal for Salvador since March 10, 2010 against the New York Rangers -- a span of 173 games. New Jersey stretched its lead to 3-1 at 13:13 of the second. Elias shot from the right circle beat Luongo on the short side. "We had opportunities to build on the lead that we had, and we didnt take advantage of it," Devils coach Pete DeBoer said. "We let them hang around, and thats what happens." The Panthers took a 1-0 lead on Campbells goal at 9:59 of the first. The Devils tied at 1-all on a power-play goal by Jagr. Travis Zajac fired a slap shot from above the left circle. Luongo tried to glove it but it bounced out. Damien Brunner got the rebound and swept the puck toward the net. Jagr tipped it past Luongo with 1:15 left for his 22nd goal. The Panthers outshot the Devils 13-6 in the first period, but were outshot 14-2 in the second, tying their season low for shots in a period. The Panthers had two shots in the first against Detroit on Feb. 6. NOTES: Jagr has three goals and six points in the past five games. ... Panthers L Tomas Fleischmann played in his 500th NHL game. ... Panthers LW Sean Bergenheim missed the game with a lower-body injury. ... This was the fifth game in eight days for the Panthers. James White Jersey . The Eastern final, however, still rankles Toronto quarterback Ricky Ray. John Hannah Jersey . The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose.PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates already had a four-run lead over an ailing Justin Verlander when Travis Snider threw out a runner at the plate in the second for an inning-ending double play. "It very well couldve been one of those things you talk about as a momentum-changer," manager Clint Hurdle said. Snider not only saved runs, he created them. Snider hit a pair of home runs and drove in four, Starling Marte added three RBIs and the Pirates coasted to an 11-6 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Monday night. Gregory Polanco also threw out a runner at the plate, when Rajai Davis tried to score from second on Miguel Cabreras single in the eighth. Even with a five-run lead at the time, the game couldve become much closer. "They left as many men on base as we did," Hurdle said. "They were a swing of the bat from being right back in the game three times tonight." Verlander (10-11) gave up five runs on four hits and walked two before he was removed after pitching one inning with right shoulder soreness. "Just didnt feel great," Verlander said, "and disappointing on a night that the team really needed me." The loss, coupled with Kansas Citys 3-2 win over Oakland, dropped the Tigers a half-game behind the now first-place Royals in the AL Central Division. Pittsburgh loaded the bases against Verlander with one out in the first inning, and Marte cleared them with a triple down the left-field line. Snider drove Marte home when his grounder to first took an odd hop, and Victor Martinez couldnt glove it. Verlander threw 40 pitches and bunted in the second before he was removed. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI in Detroit on Tuesday. "Id be lying if I said I wasnt a little nervous," Verlander said. "Ive never been through this before." Verlander added there was no sharp pain in his shoulder, but manager Brad Ausmus removed him from the game to risk any further injury. Snider knocked in two more in the eighth inning off Phil Coke with his eighth homer, a two-run, opposite-field shot. Martin hit his sixth home run of the year in the sixth inning, and Ike Davis followed with his eighth. Snider was 3 for 5 and scored three runs. "Just another dday," Snider said. Shane Vereen Womens Jersey. . "For me, its nice to contribute offensively, and defensively, and help this team win." Detroit scored three runs in the sixth to get within 8-4 and knock Pittsburgh starter Jeff Locke out of the game. Cabrera, Martinez and Torii Hunter started the inning with consecutive hits, and Cabrera scored on Hunters double. Alex Avila drove Martinez home with a single, and Hunter scored when Don Kelly hit into a fielders choice. Locke (4-3) was responsible for four runs, eight hits and four walks in five-plus innings. TRAINERS ROOM Tigers: Detroit placed RHP Joakim Soria on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique strain, retroactive to Sunday. Pirates: Pittsburgh placed CF Andrew McCutchen on the 15-day disabled list because of a broken rib. The move is retroactive to Aug. 4. ... 2B Neil Walker (back) was out of the starting lineup for the sixth straight game. ... RHP Gerrit Cole returned to Pittsburgh after making his third rehab start Sunday. He has been on the DL since July 5 with a strained right lat. There is still no timetable for his return to action. ON DECK Tigers: LHP Robby Ray (1-1, 4.70 ERA) will be recalled from Triple-A Toledo to start on Tuesday in Detroits second of two games in Pittsburgh. In one start this season against Minnesota on May 11, Ray pitched six shutout innings. Pirates: RHP Edinson Volquez (9-7, 3.70 ERA) starts for the Pirates after allowing one hit in seven shutout innings against Miami on Thursday. Volquez hasnt fared well against Detroit in two career starts, allowing eight runs in 9 2-3 innings. STAFF SHAKEUP In addition to Sorias placement on the disabled list, the Tigers optioned left-handed relievers Patrick McCoy and Blaine Hardy to Triple-A Toledo. Taking their places are RHP Justin Miller and LHP Ian Krol. The Tigers also purchased the contract of RHP Kevin Whelan from Toledo and unconditionally released LHP Casey Crosby. Detroits relievers have compiled a 4.38 ERA this season, the fifth-worst in the majors. In the starting rotation, RHP Rick Porcellos start has been pushed pack to Friday. Detroit will start RHP Buck Farmer on Wednesday and RHP Max Scherzer is slated to start Thursday. ' ' '
MIAMI -- In their fitful, laborious search for a general manager, the Miami Dolphins finally found someone to say yes: Dennis Hickey. Preston Brown Jersey . The longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers executive accepted the job Sunday, ending a search that lasted nearly three weeks. Hickeys hiring came after the Dolphins were rejected by several candidates. New England Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio and Tennessee Titans vice-president of player personnel Lake Dawson turned down job offers only hours before Miami reached out to Hickey, while Cleveland Browns assistant general manager Ray Farmer withdrew from consideration Thursday. Several others declined invitations to interview as a replacement for Jeff Ireland, whose six-year stint as general manager ended Jan. 7 when he and owner Stephen Ross agreed to part ways. Hickey has been with the Buccaneers for 18 seasons, including the past three as director of player personnel. He was their director of college scouting for six years. He was not interviewed for Tampa Bays GM job when it became open after this season. The Bucs won four division titles and one Super Bowl championship during his time with them, but went 28-52 over the past five years and had spotty draft results during that span. Hickey was among eight candidates interviewed by Miami, with Ross aide Matt Higgins and executive vice-president of football administration Dawn Aponte helping the owner with the screening process. The other finalist was Dolphins assistant general manager Brian Gaine, who worked under Ireland. Some candidates and potential candidates expressed concern about the Dolphins power structure, including the role of Aponte, who clashed with Ireland. In a news release to announce the hiring, the Dolphins said Hickey will oversee all aspects of football operations and report directly to Ross. Coach Joe Philbin will continue to report directly to Ross as well, while Apontes place in the chain of command wasnt spelled out. Ross loyalty to Philbin, who is 15-17 in two seasons with Miami, may have been a stumbling block for some candidates. In a statement, Ross cited Hickeys willingness to work with Philbin as a factor in the hiring. "When we started the search, I outlined qualities that I was looking for in this position," Ross said. "These included a collaborative team-first person who can work with Joe, demonstrated player evaluation expertise, and someone who is open-minded and creative. Dennis fit all of these criteria." The Titans Dawson released a statement saying he had declined Miamis job offer. "I felt Stephen is a great owner, passionate and wants to win, but the details of the offer didnt align with my vision," Dawson said. "I turned it down because it wasnt an ideal fit for my family and me." So Ross turned to Hickey, who was interviewed for the first time 10 days into the search. The protracted process reinforced Ross reputation for having difficulty closing deals with the Dolphins. In the past, the New York real estate billionaire has unsuccessfully courted Peyton Manning, Jim Harbaugh and Jeff Fisher. Hickeys task will be to upgrade the roster after Miami collapsed late in the season to blow a playoff berth and finish 8-8. The Dolphins havent been above .500 since 2008, the longest such stretch in franchise history. The tumultuous 2013 season included a locker-room bullying scandal that drew national scrutiny, and a report on the NFL investigation into the case will be released after the Super Bowl. "The Dolphins certainly have talented players," Hickey said in a statement, "and I am eager to hit the ground running with our personnel and coaching staffs. We will all work together to construct a team that will make our organization and fans proud." Hickey will be introduced at a news conference Tuesday. AP Sports Writer Teresa M. Walker in Nashville, Tenn. contributed to this report. Bryce Brown Bills Jersey . Luongo will be making his first start at the TD Garden since Game 6 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final when he surrendered three first period goals in a potential Cup-clinching game for the Canucks. Erik Pears Bills Jersey . The result is a reflection on the nostalgia of playing hockey on frozen ponds growing up in Parry Sound, Ont. BARCELONA, Spain -- Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez scored a spectacular long-range goal without even leaving his own half on Sunday to give his team a 3-2 win at Real Betis in the Spanish league. With 90 minutes completed, the game looked to be headed for a draw but Martinez took possession, pushed forward and caught Betis goalkeeper Casto Espinosa off his line with a perfectly placed left-footed lob from just inside his own half. "It was an amazing shot," said Sociedad coach Philippe Montanier, who added that Martinez regularly practices his long-distance shooting. "(Espinosa) is a good goalkeeper, but we knew that he tends to play far off his line," Montanier said. Martinez, who has three goals this season, scored a similar goal from the halfway line in a 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao in the sixth round. The victory ended Sociedads eight-game winless run and lifted it out of the relegation zone. After a scoreless first half that saw Antoine Griezmann miss a penalty kick for the Basque visitors, the game came alive in Seville. Sociedad took control through striker Imanol Agirretxes 56th-minute header and Carlos Velas goal in the 76th. Substitute forward Jonathan Pereira went on for Betis and netted a pair of goals in the 81st and 85th to apparently salvage a point for his team, only to see Martinezs precise shot float over Espinosa and land in the back of the net. "The ending to the game was just cruel," said Betis coach Pepe Mel, whose team has lost eight of the last nine matches after a strong start to the season. Elsewhere on Sunday, Levante rediscovered its winning form to thrash Sporting Gijon 4-0 and end a three-game losing streak. Levante stayed in fourth place, one point behind Valencia, with the first victory since its memorable start to the season took the team to the top of the league for the first time in its history. "Today the team knew what it needed to do in each moment of the game," said Levante forward Jose Barkero, who scored Levantes opener. "We have been playying well all season, but the important thing is that we have won again after a run of losses. Mike Williams Bills Jersey. " Arouna Kone guided Levante to its most lopsided victory of the season by scoring twice and setting up another at Ciutat de Valencia stadium. The Ivory Coast striker set up the hosts 20th-minute opener when he stole the ball from Sporting defender Roberto Canella, charged forward to draw in the defence, and laid off for Barkero to tap home. Sporting reacted with striker David Barral having the best chance to equalize before halftime when he flicked a header just by the post. But after the restart Levante quickly put the result beyond doubt with two counterattacks. Valdo Lopes pushed in a rebound from a shot by Juanlu Gomez to double Levantes lead in the 47th, and five minutes later Kone deftly dribbled past Sporting goalkeeper Juan Colinas before rolling the ball into the net. Kone then slotted in the rebound after a free kick by Asier del Horno that came off the post in the 62nd to cap Sportings first loss in six rounds. Also, Spain striker Alvaro Negredo converted a first-half penalty to give Sevilla a 1-0 win at bottom-table Zaragoza and lift it to within five points of the Champions League positions. Granada dealt Athletic Bilbao its first loss in its last 12 games in all competitions through a 1-0 win at San Mames stadium thanks to defender Inigo Lopezs first-half header. Ten-man Mallorca beat last-place Racing Santander 2-1 for its first win under coach Joaquin Caparros since replacing Michael Laudrup. Osasuna also played a man down in the final 15 minutes as it held on to win 2-1 at Espanyol for its first away victory of the season, lifting it into the upper half of the table. Malaga hosts Villarreal on Monday to close round 13. On Saturday, Real Madrid extended its lead to six points at the top of the league after a comeback 4-1 win against nine-man Atletico Madrid, while second-place Barcelona lost 1-0 at Getafe. Also, Valencia beat Rayo 2-1 to trail Barcelona by one point and Madrid by seven. ' ' '
Its all systems go at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg tonight as the Blue Bombers host the Toronto Argonauts in the first CFL game of the pre-season. DeMario Davis. You can watch it live on TSN and TSN GO at 8:30pm et/5:30pm pt. The game is also available on TSN Radio 1290 in Winnipeg and TSN.ca/Winnipeg at 5:30pm ct. With the league and CFL Players Association putting forth a tentative collective bargaining agreement over the weekend, new Bombers head coach Mike OShea will be focused on matters on the field - starting with all four of his import quarterbacks getting a chance to play tonight. Max Hall came in last season as a CFL rookie and ended the season as the starter for the struggling Bombers. He was passed over for the No. 1 spot this season in favour of Drew Willy, but was the only quarterback invited to return to camp after the Bombers finished 3-15 last year. Hall will get another good look at camp, along with Brian Brohm and Robert Marve. "I feel good, I had a whole season this time to get ready," said Hall. "I feel strong, I feel healthy, I feel like I understand whats going on in the offence. Im excited this year." For the Argonauts, quarterback Ricky Ray did not make the trip to Winnipeg so Trevor Harris, Mitchell Gale and rookie Casey Paschall should all get a chance to impress the coaching staff as they vie for the backup role this season. With Chad Kackert retiring, University of Manitoba running back Anthony Coombs hopes to take advantage of familiar surroundings as he battles for a job in the backfield with second-year player Curtis Steele and five others. "Its wide open," said Argonauts head coach Scott Milanovich last week. "Curtis has an advantage because hes been here and been in the offence but it could be any of those guys at this point." Antwan Barnes . Houston won 3-0 to advance to face New York in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Last in the game, Di Vaio and Romero got into a shoving match with several Houston players. Romero appeared to elbow and kick Houston defender Kofi Sarkodie. Dexter McDougle . -- Earl Thomas is the latest member of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks to be locked up for the future. Artist: MARK VALLENA / WEBSITE: WWW.MARKVALLENA.COM Artist: MATT STASYNA (TURBOZONE) / WEBSITE: WWW.TURBOZONE.CAArtist: MATT STASYNA (TURBOZONE) / WEBSITE: WWW.TURBOZONE.CAArtist: MATT STASYNA (TURBOZONE) / WEBSITE: WWW.TURBOZONE.CAArtist: MATT STASYNA (TURBOZONE) / WEBSITE: WWW.TURBOZONE.CAArtist: MATT STASYNA (TURBOZONE) / WEBSITE: WWW.TURBOZONE.CAArtist: MATT STASYNA (TURBOZONE) / WEBSITE: WWW.TURBOZONE.CAArtist: MATT STASYNA (TURBOZONE) / WEBSITE: WWW.TURBOZONE.CAArtist: MATT STASYNA (TURBOZONE) / WEBSITE: WWW.TURBOZONE.CAArtist: MATT STASYNA (TURBOZONE) / WEBSITE: WWW.TURBOZONE.CAArtist: DIANA MCNALLY / WEBSITE:: HTTP://WWW. Wesley Walker. DIANA-MCNALLY.COMArtist: DIANA MCNALLY / WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.DIANA-MCNALLY.COMArtist: DARRYL BESCH / WEBSITE: HTTP://DARRYLBESCH.CARBONMADE.COM/DBSTUDIOS@LIVE.CAArtist: LESLIE LEUNG / ILLUSTRATION / WEBSITE: LESLIELEUNG.4ORMAT.COMArtist: Michal Dziekan / WWW.HOOPEDUPONLINE.COMArtist: JESSE MOSCOE / TRIFOLD CREATIVE INC. WEBSITE: WWW.TRIFOLDCREATIVE.COM / BLOG POST ABOUT PROJECT: HTTP://TRIFOLDCREATIVE.COM/BLOG/239/Check out a time-lapse video of the piece above being created: Terrence Ross Design from Trifold Creative on Vimeo. Artist: MARK KORT / WEBSITE: markkort.tumblr.com ' ' '
TORONTO -- When the darkness threatened to envelop Clara Hughes, the six-time Olympian sought solace on her bike. Jarvis Landry Womens Jersey . Hughes climbed on her bike again Friday for what she called the most important ride of her life. The retired athlete, who is known almost as much as a tireless advocate for mental health awareness as she is an Olympic champion, set off on Claras Big Ride -- a 110-day journey around Canada to promote conversation about mental health. "This is bigger than anything Ive ever done or ever will do," Hughes said. "And the best part about it is its not about me. Im using the bike as a vehicle to bring the mental health conversation and then using every community event that we visit, every school, to really elevate the people in the community, the students to give them a voice, give them the platform. "Its so different from sport because this is not about me. It is actually what motivates me to do this." The 41-year-old Hughes, who has been vocal about her battle with depression, won Olympic medals in both cycling and long-track speedskating, and when she retired from competitive sports after the 2012 London Olympics and suddenly found herself with more time on her hands, a cross-country bike ride seemed the perfect vehicle for her cause. "Over the years, Ive done a lot of bike touring as well as my racing, and theres a curiosity when you roll into town and roll out of town. Where have you come from? Where are you going?" Hughes said. "And I wanted it to be epic. I felt like we need something epic for people to really connect to, and riding across and around Canada is epic. "This is a massive country and I just feel like maybe we can show also the importance of movement, of being active, whatever it is. Going for a walk, riding your bike. Thats a big part of my mental health practice, so I also wanted to show that." The Winnipeg native, accompanied by her husband Peter Guzman, will cover 12,000 kilometres and visit 95 communities, eventually reaching Ottawa on July 1, Canada Day. Hughes, the spokesperson for Bell Lets Talk, set off from a lunchtime ceremony at Maple Leaf Square, wearing blue cycling suit, black tuque, and her trademark megawatt smile. "Today, I woke up and thought Its game time. Lets go. And Im ready. And this is the best day of my life, that I get to start this journey. I cant wait for this to unfold," Hughes said. Hughes slipped into severe depression after winning two bronze cycling medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and for nearly a year she hid her sombre secret behind her wide smile. She initially thought it was simply post-Olympic letdown, and believed shed get over it. But she found herself sleeping away the days, and crying uncontrollably when she was awake. She gained between 15 and 20 pounds. More than a decade later, Hughes has become one of the most vocal advocates for erasing the stigma around mental illness as the spokesperson for Bell Lets Talk Day. "I do feel theres a shift (in the discussion around mental illness)," she said. "Has it changed? No. The shift has started to happen in the last number of years and I think the (Lets Talk) campaign is a big part of it. And thats why I had the idea of when I finally did quit, I had all this time on my hands. . . what more can I do? And thats where this ride kind of stemmed from." Hughes and her husband plan to cover about 150 kilometres a day. Theyll be accompanied by a Greyhound bus carrying support staff and supplies. A rotating group of cyclists will ride with them. There were about 100 that set off from Toronto to Hamilton for Day 1 on Friday. "I think its going to be really different," Hughes said, comparing her Big Ride to her days of competing. "Its funny, the other day I woke up and had a big cinnamon roll and coffee for breakfast, and I was just like: I would never do this if I was getting ready for a race. "Get to relax a little more. And theres no finish line, Im not sprinting, theres no race. The race is just getting the message to as many people, connecting to as many people, and I really like that. Because I dont have to go hard either. So its different in terms of intensity as well, obviously. "And Im loving life after sport. Im a proud recreational athlete, and this is part of my recreation is riding my bike." Asked about her own health, Hughes said shes "doing very well" but admitted it was a big transition into life after sport. "One of the things even doing this ride whenever I have something big in my life, I worry about after, because thats when things start getting dark and difficult," she said. Hughes speaks regularly with a psychologist shes worked with since her last year training in Calgary, and will have that outlet during the ride if she needs it. Shes although thankful for the support of her husband. "Hes trained for many Olympics kind of in the shadows but with me, hes been a force behind me," she said. "But this is the first time weve done everything together and spent so much time together, and its going really well. Hes so excited. Hes the kind of person who never ever quits what he starts. So even if disaster strikes and whatever, and this ride doesnt finish, Peter will be out there on his own, finishing in Ottawa on Canada Day, so Ive got great partners." Mental health issues in sport made headlines again this week when Terry Trafford, a 20-year-old from Toronto and a forward for the Ontario Hockey Leagues Saginaw Spirit, committed suicide. Hughes spoke about meeting Olympic speedskating champion Stefan Groothuis last month at the Sochi Olympics. The Dutch gold medallist was on the brink of suicide a year ago. "Hes been talking about what that was like to go through that dark period and depression and to come back, and to say This gold medal represents that there is light to go to. Dont give up. "So there are so many athletes that are starting to come out and talk about their experience with mental illness, and the stress, anxiety. . .Athletes are not immune to it, but also athletes are not superhuman and need support. I always tell that to athletes, make sure youre getting the help you need." Along with her two Olympic bronze medals in cycling, Hughes won four winter Olympic medals in speedskating -- one gold, one silver, and two bronze. Her six medals ties her with speedskater Cindy Klassen as the most decorated Canadian Olympians. Cortland Finnegan Jersey . Less than six minutes remained on the clock at TD Garden with the visitors warily protecting a one-goal lead. Adam Joseph Duhe Womens Jersey . Stewart raced to his second straight victory, and fourth in the eight Chase races, finishing just ahead of Edwards at the 1 1/2-mile, high-banked track. Stewart cut his points deficit from eight to three with a winning margin of 1.CLEVELAND -- Hamilton forward Gabriel Dumont scored the only goal of the shootout as the Bulldogs snapped a six-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over the Lake Erie Monsters in American Hockey League action on Saturday. Hamilton (6-7-3) struck first at 7:34 of the first period on the power play when defenceman Nathan Beaulieu notched his first goal of the season, assisted by forwards Martin St. Pierre and Nick Tarnasky. Lake Erie (8-6-1) forward Garrett Meurs replied at 7:56 of the second period to tie the game 1-1, with assists going to forward Mark Olver and defenceman Mikael Tam. On a delayed penalty call and with Bulldogs goaltender Dustin Tokarski on the bench for an extra attacker, foorward Louis Leblanc jumped into the play as the sixth skater and swiftly fired a wrist shot past Monsters goaltender Calvin Pickard to put the Bulldogs ahead again, 2-1, at 14:27 of the second period. Arthur Lynch Jersey. Former Bulldog and current Monsters forward J.T. Wyman scored shorthanded 5:30 into the third period to tie the game 2-2, with an assist to forward Brad Malone. The 2-2 tie held up through overtime before Dumont scored the only goal of the shootout to seal the victory for Hamilton. Tokarski made 28 saves on 30 shots in the Bulldogs net, while Pickard made 33 saves on 35 shots for the Monsters. Hamilton went 1-for-5 on the power play, while Lake Erie went 0-for-4. ' ' '
Retired UFC fighter Chael Sonnen received a two-year suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Wednesday for a pair of failed tests in the lead up to UFC 175. Dan Carpenter Bills Jersey . Sonnen announced his retirement from the sport after the first failed test caused the UFC to pull him from a scheduled fight with Vitor Belfort. A second failed test was subsequently revealed which led to the end of Sonnens broadcasting relationship with Fox. Sonnen accepted responsibility for his actions at the hearing. "I dont want to say anything that comes off as an excuse, because Im guilty," said Sonnen. "Im ashamed." Robert Woods Jersey . Marcus Hogberg stopped all 21 shots he faced in net for Sweden. Jake Paterson made 31 saves in net for Canada. Burakowsky opened the scoring for Sweden at the 2:37 mark of the second period. A backhand pass by Jacob de la Rose from behind the goal confused Paterson, leaving a wide-open net for Burakowsky. Alan Branch Bills Jersey . More than 3 inches of rain soaked the Mayakoba Resort since early Wednesday night. Play was suspended from 8:40 to 11 a.m., and stopped again at 1:22 p.m. It was called for the day at 3:30 p.m., with only 15 players able to finish their rounds on the El Camaleon course.TORONTO - The Toronto Argonauts have named former CFL all-star Bryan Chiu as their offensive line coach. Chiu spent his entire 13-year CFL career as a centre with the Montreal Alouettes. He was named a CFL all-star seven times, the leagues outstanding lineman in 2002, and helped the Alouettes earn Grey Cup titles in 2002 and 2009. The Vancouver native retired as a Grey Cup champion before the 2010 season. "I am very excited that Bryan Chiu was available to join our staff," Argos head coach Scott Milanovich said in a statement. "Bryan is a competitor whose 13 years of playing experience and winning approach will provve invaluable to our offensive line. Sammy Watkins Womens Jersey. " Chiu was most recently a member of the Concordia Stingers coaching staff, serving as offensive line coach and assistant offensive co-ordinator. "I am thrilled for the opportunity to come to Toronto and work with the entire coaching staff, especially Scott Milanovich and (GM) Jim Barker," Chiu said. "These two men were each, at different times, instrumental in the Grey Cup championship teams I was part of as a player. I want to thank the Argonauts organization for believing in me and I look forward to meeting the players and getting to work." ' ' '
