OMAHA, Neb. -- Terence "Bud" Crawford stopped Yuriorkis Gamboa in the ninth round Saturday night to successfully defend his WBO lightweight belt in a match of unbeatens. Crawford wobbled Gamboa with a left and knocked him down with another left earlier in the ninth, then connected with a right to the chin at the 2:53 mark, prompting referee Gino Rodriguez to call the fight. As Rodriguez waved his arms, Crawford ran to a neutral corner and jumped on the shoulders of co-manager Brian McIntyre. "I hurt him plenty of times," Crawford said, "so when I hurt him the last time, I was looking to finish." The 26-year-old Crawford (24-0, 17 knockouts) was fighting in his hometown for the first time as a professional, and more than 10,000 showed up at the CenturyLink Center, many of them chanting "Craw-ford! Craw-ford!" throughout. "I imagined everybody screaming, supporting me," Crawford said. "It was everything I thought it was going to be." It was his first title defence since his 12-round unanimous decision over Ricky Burns in Glasgow, Scotland, in March. He said he plans to move up to junior welterweight after this fight. The 32-year-old Cuban-born Gamboa (23-1, 16 knockouts), a 2004 Olympic champion, was fighting for the first time in a year. Crawford took control in the middle rounds. In the fifth, Crawford knocked down Gamboa with a left to the side of his head. Crawford staggered him just before the bell with a flurry of shots, bringing the crowd to its feet. The 5-foot-5 Gamboa, with a 5-inch reach disadvantage, had trouble working inside against Crawford. When Crawford moved in, Gamboa used his superior speed to duck under him. Crawford landed a right to Gamboas cheek in the second round. As the fighters went into a clinch, Gamboa put a couple quick rights to the back of Crawfords head, drawing a warning from the referee. Gamboa landed a couple stinging shots in the third, but that he never was able to hurt Crawford. "He caught me with a good shot in the ninth, at the beginning," Crawford said. "It got my attention and buzzed me a little." Omaha hadnt been site for a world championship fight since 1972, when Joe Frazier successfully defended his heavyweight title against Ron Stander, who was in the crowd Saturday night. In the co-main event, WBO No. 1-ranked middleweight Matt Korobov remained unbeaten with a unanimous decision over Jose Uzcatequi for that organizations intercontinental title. Korobov (24-0) landed a hard left to the previously unbeaten Uzcatequis nose in the first round, knocked him down twice in the fifth and put him on his knees with a body blow in the ninth. The 23-year-old Uzcatequi (22-1), who had stopped his previous five opponents, was in his first professional fight outside Mexico. In another fight, unbeaten Canadian Mikael Zewski stopped Prince Doku Jr. of Ghana in the third round of a scheduled 10-round bout for the NABF welterweight title. Darius Miles Jersey .The Hanwha Eagles said the team was impressed with Morgans contact ability and base-running skills.The 34-year-old debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2007 and hit . Patrick Beverley Jersey . Coach Jorge Sampaoli resisted naming any major surprises in the list published Tuesday at the site of Chiles football association. Chile is pinning its hopes on the recovery of Vidal. https://www.cheapclippersonline.com/. Compared to what hes gone through in recent weeks, that seemed like a breeze. Speaking to The Associated Press on Friday at an NBA Cares event, Silver said hes thrilled that the leagues attention can be on the championship series between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs -- and not, as it was for so much of the post-season, on the off-the-court matters involving the banishment of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and now the looming sale of that franchise. Derrick Walton Jersey . Johnson shared an update after his surgery Tuesday on Twitter. He also wrote, "now lets get on the grind." The running back told The Tennessean he was having surgery in Pensacola, Fla. Terance Mann Jersey . Helwani said that Weidman has been dealing with recurring swelling and pain in his knees related to torn meniscus he suffered as a teenager and the problems came to a head last week when he suffered prolonged swelling and pain in his left knee, resulting in the decision to undergo an arthroscopic scope procedure to clean up the tear in both knees.TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays wont have their usual closer available for the start of the regular season. Casey Janssen was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday due to a strain in his left abdominal area and lower back. Fellow right-hander Sergio Santos will take over the closers role while Janssen is out of the lineup. Janssen, 4-1 with 34 saves and a 2.56 earned-run average last year, was limited at spring training because of shoulder soreness. But on Friday, he felt some minor discomfort in his lower back while warming up during a pre-season game against the New York Mets in Montreal. An MRI exam revealed a mild strain, general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Sunday on a conference call. "We dont expect him to be out too long," Anthopoulos said. "There was a scenario where we could have just waited maybe five or six days and try to get him back going. But we want to just have this thing resolved and not nag at him." The move was retroactive to Saturday. Janssen, 32, allowed one earned run and four hits in three innings over three pre-season appearances. Hes expected to thrrow on flat ground to keep his arm in shape before trying to pitch from a mound.dddddddddddd The Blue Jays also recalled catcher Erik Kratz from triple-A Buffalo on Sunday, a day ahead of Torontos season opener at Tampa Bay. Kratz hit .400 in spring training and had been sent to minor-league camp earlier in the week after losing the backup job to Josh Thole. Santos, 30, made 29 appearances for the Blue Jays last season. He was 1-1 with one save and a 1.75 ERA. Also Sunday, former reliever Dustin McGowan pitched a simulated game and Anthopoulos said it appears hell be ready to start Friday against the New York Yankees. "Hes done so well," Anthopoulos said. "We dont expect any changes at all. So far, so good. He felt good, felt strong, and we expect him to be good to go for Opening Day in Toronto." McGowan, 32, was named to the starting rotation earlier in the week. The right-hander made his debut with the Blue Jays in 2005 but has battled injuries throughout his career. McGowan had a 2.45 ERA in 25 appearances last season and did not record a decision or a save. ' ' '
ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals activated first baseman Matt Adams from the 15-day disabled list Friday and optioned rookie outfielder Oscar Taveras to Triple-A Memphis. Adams, who had been sidelined by a left calf strain, was batting sixth for the opener of a weekend series against Washington. Allen Craig moved back to right field, where Taveras had been starting. The 21-year-old Taveras was sent back to the minors to get regular playing time. Rookie Randal Grichuk stayed on the roster because hes logged more minor league time. "He learned a lot," manager Mike Matheny said of Taveras. "Hes got more to learn." Adams was 3 for 15 with two RBIs in a four-game rehab stint with Memphis. He entered Friday nights game against the Nationals batting .325, fifth in the National League, and was tied for the team lead with 16 doubles. In his last three starts before going on the DL, Adams was 7 for 14. Taveras, the Cardinals top prospect, homered in his major league debut on May 31. He appeared in 11 games, all but one of them starts, and batted .189 with two RBIs. "I think he learned a lot," general manager John Mozeliak said, "and it wouldnt surprise me if at some point hes back." Chicago Blackhawks Pro Shop . -- New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has no concerns about the health of shortstop Derek Jeter, who was limited to 17 games last season due to leg injuries. Chicago Blackhawks Store . -- Even as Chris Paul remained evasive about his future, he did what team leaders are expected to do. https://www.cheapblackhawks.com/. The premature end left 26 players still to finish the round in the Asian Tour event. Siddikur, who shot a bogey-free first round to share the lead with five others, eagled the par-5 first hole before bogeying twice and rebounding with six birdies. Blackhawks Jerseys 2020 .ca. Hi Kerry, Welcome back! Im sure you heard Peter Forsbergs comments last week regarding Canadian referees in the gold medal game. Seems to me that he was questioning the integrity and impartiality. Chicago Blackhawks Gear .C. United have acquired midfielder Alex Caskey from the Seattle Sounders for a third-round pick in the 2016 MLS draft.NEW YORK -- After playing Major League Baseballs season opener in Australia, the Los Angeles Dodgers will start the North American portion of the schedule, too. The San Diego Padres will host the Dodgers on March 30 in a game to be broadcast by ESPN, the network said Thursday.dddddddddddd Los Angeles and Arizona open the season with a two-game series at Sydney on March 22-23, MLBs first regular-season games in Australia. Most other big league teams start their schedules March 31. ' ' '
FIFA has refused to confirm whether Gianni Infantino is under investigation folllowing reports in a German newspaper. Die Welt have claimed that FIFA investigators are looking into allegations that Infantino ordered recordings of a FIFA council meeting to be destroyed, and that he could face a 90-day suspension if found to have acted inappropriately.The FIFA ethics committee does not usually make any comment at all on the existence of such investigations.However, a spokesman told Sky Sports News HQ: We are not in a position to indicate if we have or have not (begun) preliminary investigatory proceedings against an individual.We would however like to point out that there are no formal proceedings going on against Mr. Infantino.Formerly the general secretary of UEFA, the 46-year-old Infantino was elected FIFA president at an extraordinary congress in February.Infantino was elected with a mandate to reform footballs world governing body, which has been beset by a series of scandals in recent years.The scandals led to the resignation of former president Sepp Blatter, who was subsequently suspended from FIFA activities. Also See: FIFA joy for Kosovo, Gibraltar Glenn impressed with Infantino FIFA advised on human rights Blatter disappointed with exit Packers Jerseys 2020 . 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. Wholesale Packers Jerseys . This time, Tebow was in a groove the entire second half -- not just in the waning minutes -- and his teammates on defence were getting gobbled up. https://www.packersjerseysale.com/. Russia has spent about $51 billion to deliver the Sochi Olympics, which run Feb. 7-23, making them the most expensive games ever, even though as a winter event it hosts many fewer athletes than summer games do. Cheap Packers Jerseys . Playing in his fourth major league game, Polanco broke a tie in the 13th inning with his first homer, helping Pittsburgh to an 8-6 victory over the Miami Marlins after the Pirates had a ninth-inning meltdown. Green Bay Packers Shirts . Teams one through twenty competing in Englands top flight are each fatally flawed. A wide-open, highly competitive and mistake-filled season has followed.RENTON, Wash. - Halfway through the regular season, the Seattle Seahawks have slipped more than expected for a Super Bowl championship team.The Seahawks (5-3) have brought an added layer of drama, complete with injuries sidelining key starters, rumblings of locker room divides and the stunning trade of wide receiver Percy Harvin to the New York Jets.And while the second half of the schedule is difficult, theres optimism based on the past couple of weeks that all the chaos is in the past.I think were making progress, coach Pete Carroll said. Weve survived some really hard games and weve won some really hard games. Were battle tested and were ready to go. The fact that we can make this turn with young guys prepared to play and with some guys coming back to their health and we will get a second wave of that as well, Im feeling pretty good about our chances to go out and win this game this week. This week is really whats a hand and were going to focus in on that like we always do and then we will just keep cranking, see if we can keep going.Sometimes Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch have been part of an unstoppable unit. At other times, Seattles offence has gone backward. Same goes for the vaunted defence that has struggled with getting a consistent pass rush and creating turnovers, but remains statistically among the NFL elite.Red-zone efficiency and third downs are concerns — on both sides of the ball.Last season, Seattle was the best in the league, allowing only 13 touchdowns on 36 red-zone possessions. This season, the Seahawks have already allowed 15 TDs — 65.2 per cent of red-zone possessions — to rank 26th in the league.Conversely, Seattle is scoring touchdowns on its red-zone trips barely 50 per cent of the time, with 16 TDs on 31 possessions.The Seahawks struggled to get off the field on third downs in their losses to San Diego and Dallas, while also failing to extend their own drives. Only once this season has Seattle convertedd more than 41 per cent of its third-down attempts.dddddddddddd.Seattle ranks 22nd in third-down conversions and 16th in third-down conversions allowed.I think well continue to emphasize third-down work continue to emphasize whats going on in the red zone. Weve not been as good as weve been and we need to get better in those areas on both sides of the ball, Carroll said. Those are probably the most obvious focuses were working at as well as getting the football away from our opponents. We see that picking up, the ball is bouncing around a lot now but its going to be more available to us I think as we keep moving forward. But weve got to execute better in the red zone and weve got to get our third down numbers in order.While the Seahawks may be optimistic with two straight wins, they have left themselves little room for error. They are two games behind Arizona in the NFC West and while there are two games remaining against the Cardinals, its the rest of Seattles schedule that makes the last couple of months so difficult.While facing Arizona twice could help make up ground, two games against San Francisco, trips to Kansas City and Philadelphia and a home finale against St. Louis make for quite the challenge.I think at the end of the day, were still in position to strike, still in position to get everything that we wanted to get in the preseason done, cornerback Richard Sherman said.NOTES: Seattle placed DE Greg Scruggs (knee) on injured reserve and claimed former San Francisco DE Demarcus Dobbs off waivers Wednesday. Dobbs was cut by the 49ers on Tuesday. ... New Seattle TE Tony Moeaki said he had been working out in Chicago before receiving a call last weekend to try out for the Seahawks. Moeaki went through the tryout on Monday and was signed by the team on Tuesday. Moeaki gives Seattle three healthy tight ends with Zach Miller still at least a week away from returning to practice following ankle surgery in September. ' ' '
LIVERPOOL, England - Mario Balotelli misfired in front of goal again as Liverpool was held to a 0-0 draw by Hull in the Premier League on Saturday.The Italy striker has made an underwhelming start to his Liverpool career and was criticized for exchanging shirts at halftime with Real Madrid defender Pepe in a 3-0 loss Wednesday in the Champions League.But it wasnt only Balotelli who couldnt find a way through Hull. Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho also went close to scoring in stoppage time after Liverpool dominated the second half. Balotelli and Sterling both had penalty appeals turned down.Liverpool, last seasons runner-up, dropped to sixth place, eight points behind leader Chelsea, which has a game in hand.I thought it was a great response for us from the game in midweek, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said. We were maybe a bit slow in the first half but in the second half we were outstanding — the energy and effort we put into the game, and we created chances.Although Balotellis body language has been questioned in recent weeks, he looked up for the challenge in this game from the first minute.There was little of the lazy, languid demeanour or gestures of frustration he had shown in recent performances.I thought Mario worked very well and very hard, Rodgers said. He maybe thought he wasnt going to play today. You saw that he is working hard and at the moment hes doing his best.Unfortunately, its about confidence sometimes when you dont get the goal. He kept going and kept getting into the areas.Balotelli was often up front on his own, but he did work hard to bring others into play when he could. One pass seemed perfect to tee up Dejan Lovren to score after a set piece, but the defender completely miskicked. A back-heeled pass early on from Balotelli also delighted the crowd, but he got few sights of goal.Balotellis one clear-cut chance in the first half brought a decent save out of goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic.Hulls third-choice goalkeeper was Hulls saviour at the end, tipping over Coutinhos long-range effort and blocking Balotelli from point-blank range in the closing stages.It was a big effort by the team physically, Rodgers said. We just couldnt find the final touch. Clemon Johnson Jersey . With timely hitting and good pitching, the Marlins are one win away from sweeping the slumping Houston Astros. Kyle OQuinn Jersey . Joakim Nordstrom and Garret Ross also scored for Chicago and Corey Crawford made 30 saves. Tomas Tatar scored twice for Red Wings (2-3-0), Jonathan Ericsson added a goal and Gustav Nyquist had three assists. https://www.cheap76ers.com/. Pressley missed all of last season with Cincinnati because of a knee injury, but the 5-foot-10, 249-pounder had been expected to fill a need on Clevelands roster. James Ennis III Jersey . - Considering where Jeff Gordon was after Richmond, left out of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship in part due to some late-race shenanigans, he couldnt have been happier on Sunday. Philadelphia 76ers Shirts . How foolishly wrong I was. Forget the now inherent corruption and back handed favours that plague the beautiful game. Goal Line Technology? Youre having a laugh. As for them penalty cheating bandits, footballs lawmakers upend them by awarding the penalty to the opponent each time a player attempts to con the referee into awarding ghost penalties.LAKE FOREST, Ill. - The Chicago Bears have waived former Super Bowl MVP receiver Santonio Holmes.Holmes signed a one-year deal with Chicago in August after being released by the New York Jets in March. He had eight receptions for 67 yards along with nine punt returns for 50 yards. A first-round draft pick by Pittsburgh in 2006, Holmes was the Super Bowl MVP in his third year. He had his best season statisstically the following year in 2009 with 79 catches for 1,248 yards and five touchdowns.ddddddddddddThe Bears also signed former Northwestern receiver Rashad Lawrence to the practice squad Tuesday and terminated the practice squad contract of linebacker Terrell Manning. Manning appeared in three games for the Bears this season.___AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '
There he was once again in space in the middle of the field. He took one quick look to the left, before firmly fixing his wide eyes on to his team-mate with the ball. He didnt just want the ball, he demanded it and his team-mates knew it too. A look from him and they knew they should give him the ball. The ball rolled towards him incredibly slowly in his mind, so slowly he was able to take a quick look to his right before he felt the ball grace against his right boot. Immediately he took a touch forward, keeping his head up to see the run, although he already knew it was coming, and as he dribbled deep into the opponents territory he waited until the perfect moment to supply the pass through the defenders and on to the rushing teammate. The pace of the pass was so precise, Jordi Alba only had to touch it once to settle himself before slotting home. 2-0 Spain. In the 41st minute that night in Kiev, Xavi Hernandez became the first player ever to assist in two different European Championship finals, but the pass that cemented that stat meant so much more than achieving a football first through an assist statistic. Xavi knew what the world knew at that moment. Spain, who hadnt given up a single goal in any of their previous nine knockout games at the Euros or World Cup, certainly were not going to concede twice to Italy that night. Xavis magnificent pass had secured their victory and put them amongst the greatest national teams to ever play the game. Spain would go on to win 4-0 with Xavi again providing a key assist for the third goal. Andres Iniesta, who is far more than a teammate to Xavi, rightly was handed man of the match to cap a marvellous tournament, but in terms of raising his game for the big occasion no one did it better than Xavi that night. Xavi and Spain had spent most of the tournament in third gear but when the midfield maestro stepped it up, so did the team. It has been the story of Xavis career. The previous summer in the Champions League final at Wembley, a theatre he loved because of how much be embraced the sports history, Xavi had the keys to unlock the opposition. Once again he had found space, this time between the lines, but as he attacked Manchester United had his options covered. Still Xavi waited, ever the ball treasurer, the Spaniard let Lionel Messi make a run to drag Patrice Evra central, exposing a bit of space for Pedro to run into. Xavi saw the space first and placed another perfect ball that allowed the eventual goalscorer to take one simple touch before firing home. Another assist and another completely masterful performance on the games biggest stage. In the summer of 2010, Xavi made more passes and more accurate passes than any player at the World Cup (599/669), yet his most crucial one comes from a corner against Germany in the semi final, one that landed on the head of Carles Puyol, to help power Spain into their first ever World Cup final. A few days later, Xavi lifted the World Cup after his footballing soul mate, Iniesta, scored the games only goal. After that win in South Africa, UEFA President Michel Platini did not ask for Iniestas winning shirt. He asked, and received, the shirt of Xavi. The same Xavi who in the summer of 2009, again in the Champions League final, placed a magnificent ball on to the head of Lionel Messi who nodded it past Edwin van der Sar. Messi did not win man of the match that day, Xavi did. The same Xavi, a summer earlier, that got it all started for Spain, who changed their identity from perennial underachievers to winners, when he placed a wonderful ball through to Fernando Torres to score the games only goal. Xavi has been around long enough to know what it was like when both his teams struggled, yet he, more than any other player, helped them both reach the top of the sports mountain. When the footballing genius eventually calls it a career his legacy will be reflected by the incredible impact and importance he had for his teams in big games. Xavi is simply not just a player who won everything there is to win with club and country. He is a player that dictated their identity; an identity and style that helped both Barcelona and Spain dominate. Two days prior to his Kiev display, the artist stood in front of the worlds media and had to answer a question on whether that style was boring. "If we are boring but we are winning, that is fantastic for us. We will keep playing our game, we are not bored." How could he be? The victory in Kiev was Xavis 17th winners medal in four years. In between the Euro 2008 and 2012 victories, he and Iniesta had won a World Cup, two Champions League titles, three Spanish league crowns, three Spanish Super Cups, two Spanish Cups, two European Super Cups and two World Club Cups. Since he has won another league title and a Spanish Super Cup all done in a style far from boring. "We go out from the first moment looking for the ball and looking to put pressure on the opposition. If you are not going to pass the ball then why play the game. That is not football in my opinion," Xavi explaind. ‘For another coach — someone like (Javier) Clemente or (Fabio) Capello — they may have another idea of football but it is good that the Barcelona idea works. What were Holland looking for in the World Cup final? A Robben counter-attack? Penalties? We won a lot of games 1-0 but it was the opposition that were boring, not us." Xavi turned 34 last month and played in his 700th game for Barcelona. He has played more games in the five-and-a-half seasons than anyone yet there are very few signs of weariness. "I dont want to miss any games, but I see the need to dose my efforts a bit more," he said recently. "Maybe in Spain people get carried away when a player reaches 30, but this is the best I have felt in my career. More mature, physically better. It is because I have learned things." Xavis football brain will carry him into his senior years and well beyond his playing days, likely into a job as Barcelona coach one day, but while he has his legs we still have opportunities to watch him play. It is these opportunities, as football lovers, that we must grab. We are the guardians of future history and when we are asked in years to come what was Xavi like? it will be down to us to explain to the next generation what a magnificent, complete player he was. Unfortunately, in Canada we are robbed of seeing him play every week on domestic television but next week the Champions League presents us all with another opportunity to watch him. There, of course, is one other window of opportunity that could burst open for North American fans. "Rumours about moving to Qatar or New York this year? My wish is to stay here until the end of my contract. Im not moving," said Xavi recently. That would take him to the summer of 2016, by which point he will be 36. Xavi is smart enough to know that will likely be too old to be a major player in such a technical style that both his club and country play. However, a move to MLS when he is 36 would give him a great opportunity to compete for a couple more winners medals while playing into his late thirties. Xavis path to the United States could be boosted by what his friend and mentor, Pep Guardiola, decided to do when he took a sabbatical from coaching last season and came to New York. Xavi, who was kept out of the side by Guardiola when he was young and almost moved because he couldnt get in ahead of him, went on to be a very different player (occupied further forward to make those key assists) thanks to Frank Rijkaards progressive thinking but has always had a special bond with his former teammate and coach. Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristains primary job is to succeed with Manchester City, but the former Barcelona executives will play a crucial role in the success of new MLS team, New York City FC, as 80% of that club is owned by the Premier League club. Xavi has every right to stay focused on the tasks at hand in his homeland right now. After all, in the next four months, he has a Champions League and a Spanish Cup to try and regain and a La Liga and World Cup to try to defend but when he is 36 he will have a decision to make and it is difficult to imagine him choosing retirement. He would be magnificent in Major League Soccer. Of all the current players in the game today, not named Ronaldo or Messi, he would be the one I would want to watch play in North America. A recent twitter poll of this question saw just 2 of 100 answer Xavi (with Zlatan Ibrahimovic being the overwhelming popular answer) but then again the Spanish maestro is used to being in the shadows of the true superstars. Less than 18 months ago I went to Barcelona to watch them play, excited to see Messi and my favourite, Iniesta, play. Not for the first time, Xavi crashed the party putting on a passing clinic in midfield. Enjoy him while he is still playing at a high level, folks. Spain have created many wonderful footballers, but on January 25th, 1980, Xavi Hernandez i Creus, the greatest of them all, was born. He grew to be a footballing giant at 5ft 7 inches, who played a major role in the way the game was played. One can only hope the last chapter of this fabulous footballing life can one day be written in North America. Just think of the ways the league and its players could benefit. Green Bay Packers Gear . Theres little time for rest, too. The Flyers and Rangers play again Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. Simmonds scored in the first period and twice more in the second for his first career post-season hat trick. Mason survived a busy first period and stopping 31 straight shots until Carl Hagelin scored late in the third. Green Bay Packers Shirts .The other side of the Bruins special teams unit delivered in the end.Gregory Campbell netted the game-winner with less than 10 minutes remaining and the Bruins fended off a late four-minute San Jose power play to earn a wild 5-3 win over the Sharks. https://www.packersjerseysale.com/. -- On any given day here at his companys Silicon Valley headquarters, Vivek Ranadive is ready to compete against any employee who wants to challenge him to any contest. Packers Jerseys 2020 . After losing Brett Cecil to groin tightness on Friday, the Blue Jays watched as R. Wholesale Packers Jerseys . -- Tony Finau won the Stonebrae Classic on Sunday for his first Web.SAN FRANCISCO -- Yasiel Puig believes he has the support from his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates and the club to help him keep his focus on baseball despite challenges off the field. Puig returned to the starting lineup in right field for Thursdays series finale against the Giants amid reports that smugglers who helped him defect from Cuba had threatened his life. "Im only concentrating on the season and being the best teammate and helping my teammates," Puig said, speaking in Spanish during an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday morning at his locker in AT&T Park. While Puig wont address the details specifically because of a pending legal case, he said he will focus on baseball and on helping the defending NL West champion Dodgers keep winning. He went 1 for 4 with a strikeout in Thursdays 2-1 victory. While he dropped a routine fly to right, he also made two nice catches on the run. "I have great teammates who are helping support me so much this season and to focus on the season when I get to the stadium so I am comfortable," Puig said. "That way I dont start thinking about anything negative in the stadium. Im only thinking about working on the things that are going to make me a better ballplayer." The 23-year-old, scratched from the starting lineup after arriving late for his teams home opener April 4, is hitting .250 with one home run and five RBIs in his second major league season. He said after the game he is committed to baseball "so those things that are happening dont torment me." "Were at the field right now. Weve just got to be thinking about baseball," teammate Hanley Ramirez said. "What Ive seen is hes been llearning and hes just happy to be here.dddddddddddd Hes playing today and he told me hes going to do everything it takes to win todays game." Manager Don Mattingly said he has read articles about Puigs journey and will offer support. He has spoken briefly with the outfielder, but not regarding specifics of his journey to the United States -- saying if Puig wants to keep those details private, he will respect that wish. Mattingly is committed to helping Puig, who signed a $42 million, seven-year contract. Court documents, part of a federal lawsuit in Miami, say smugglers who helped Puig leave Cuba on a speedboat have made death threats against him and against a Cuban boxer who says he defected with Puig. Boxer Yunior Despaigne says in an affidavit he is afraid of being harmed by the smugglers or their associates if Puig hasnt paid them money he owes. "He hasnt talked about his background. Nobodys told me about his background. Nobodys told me about his story," Mattingly said. "If its true, its a wild story." Other Cuban big leaguers have shared similar experiences. In Oakland, Cuban slugger Yoenis Cespedes discussed in February 2013 how he worried constantly about his family members the previous season as they made their way to the U.S. He wasnt sure whether they might be targeted because of his legal issues stemming from a former agent who claimed the outfielder owed him money. "If you care about Yasiel, you worry about some serious stuff there that he has to deal with," Mattingly said. "If you care about him as a person, you worry about what hes going through." AP Legal Affairs Writer Curt Anderson in Miami contributed to this report. ' ' '
MILAN, Italy -- Luca Toni scored again to help Hellas Verona thrash relegation-threatened Catania 4-0 in Serie A on Sunday to boost its European chances as Parma lost 1-0 at Cagliari. Verona remained level on points with Torino and Lazio in the race for sixth place and the final Europa League spot. "We have nothing to lose in the race for Europe," Toni said. "Well be fired up, we know we can go down in history. Well see what will happen in three weeks time." Torino beat Udinese 2-0 while Lazio won by the same scoreline at relegation-threatened Livorno. The results saw Torino, Lazio and Verona move a point above AC Milan and Parma. "We werent as strong and determined as usual, thats the main thing about this match," Parma coach Roberto Donadoni said. "We werent ourselves in the first half, but even so we didnt give much to Cagliari. "Then two incidents determined the final result: the penalty and the sending off of one our players meant we were chasing the game with a numerical disadvantage. Now we have to try and get the maximum of points, in other words nine points in three matches, working as hard as we can." Also, 10-man Sampdoria fought back to beat Chievo Verona 2-1 and Genoa drew 1-1 at Atalanta. Verona got off to the perfect start when Catania goalkeeper Alberto Frison palmed away Juan Iturbes shot and Toni fired in the rebound in the sixth minute. Toni thought he had doubled his tally in the 28th when he headed home for what would have been his 20th goal of the season. However, the Italian league later awarded it as an own goal by Frison after watching video evidence which showed the effort had rebounded off the post and in off the goalkeeper. "Before I didnt believe I could win the top goalscorers award this season," Toni said. "It would be something extraordinary at 36 years of age." Marquinho extended Veronas lead on the stroke of halftime with a low drive following Juanitos pass. Juanito saw a shot turned onto the post by Frison moments later, but the Argentinian did get onto the scoresheet in the 75th with a curled effort into the far corner. Ciro Immobile remained on course for the top goalscorer award as he scored his 21st goal of the season for Torino. Omar El Kaddouri had given Torino the lead in the 15th when he weaved his way into the left of the area before firing into the near side of goal. Parma was looking to get back on track after just one win in its past seven matches. But it was Cagliari which broke the deadlock in the 35th minute after Alessandro Lucarelli took down Daniele Dessena, right in front of the referee who pointed straight to the penalty spot. Mauricio Pinilla converted, sending Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante the wrong way. Parmas hopes of getting back into the game evaporated early in the second half following a moment of madness from Felipe, who was sent off for pushing Luca Rossettini in the face. The Brazilian had to be dragged away by Pinilla and faces a lengthy ban. Both teams needed points in Livorno, with the home side desperate to avoid relegation and Lazio chasing a Europa League spot. Livorno gifted Lazio the lead in the 15th minute as goalkeeper Francesco allowed Stefano Mauris angled volley to squirm between him and the near post. Lazio doubled its lead six minutes after the break when former Livorno winger Antonio Candreva scored a penalty after Leandro Rinaudo was harshly adjudged to have handled. Livorno remained in penultimate position in the standings, three points off safety, and five behind Chievo. In the evening match, Paolo De Ceglies first goal in more than two years appeared to be enough to secure victory for Genoa and snap a four-match losing streak. Genoa managed to last most of the second half with 10 men after Daniele Portanova was sent off five minutes after the break for a foul on German Denis. Mattia Perin saved the resulting penalty. However, Atalantas pressure finally paid off eight minutes from time. Perin pulled off a stunning save to deny Guglielmo Stendardo but Giuseppe De Luca -- who was clearly offside -- put the rebound into the empty net with an overhead kick. Milwaukee Bucks Gear . The No. 5 Aztecs held Burton, the Mountain Wests leading scorer, to 11 points, 10 below his average, in beating the Wolf Pack 73-58 on Saturday night. Frank Mason III Jersey . There will be no Down Under four-peat for Djokovic, as the eighth-seeded Swiss slugger Wawrinka outlasted the second seed 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7 at Melbourne Parks Rod Laver Arena in yet another five-set thriller in their burgeoning rivalry. https://www.cheapbucksonline.com/826t-lu...bucks.html. PETERSBURG, Fla. Junior Bridgeman Jersey .The league also seems to have a fairly active Twitter account http://www.twitter.com/bikinihockey that features the description “We provide a positive alternative to the hockey community and a venue for adult female hockey athletes to continue in their sport. George Hill Jersey . Ozuna hit Reeds 2-2 pitch off the batters eye far above the 407-foot sign in straightaway centre. It was the fifth blown save in 25 tries for Reed (1-5) and the ninth home run the closer has allowed in 38 appearances. Nuno, acquired in the deal that sent Brandon McCarthy to the New York Yankees, gave up three hits, struck out a career-high seven and walked one in seven innings.NYON, Switzerland -- UEFA has punished Champions League participants Olympiakos and Zenit St. Petersburg for the racist behaviour of their fans by ordering stadium sections closed at last-16 matches. UEFA said the lower tier of the north stand at Karaiskakis Stadium will be empty when Olympiakos hosts Manchester United on Feb. 25. The section of Zenits Petrovsky Stadium where ultras gather will be closed when Borussia Dortmund visits the same day. Olympiakos was punished for "racist conduct of supporters" and setting off fireworks during a Dec. 10 group match against Anderlecht. UEFA fined the Greek club 30,000 eeuros ($41,250).dddddddddddd UEFA had charged Zenit for fans displaying a racist banner, throwing fireworks and crowd disturbances at Austria Vienna on Dec. 11. Zenit was fined 40,000 euros ($55,000). Zenit said in a statement that the club was threatened with a stronger sanction because of the poor reputation of its fans. "Due to the numerous violations by the clubs fans in other UEFA matches, the commission considered the possibility of implementing even more severe sanctions against Zenit, namely the complete closure of the stadium," the Russian club said. The clubs can appeal the sanctions. ' ' '
SANDY, Utah -- Thierry Henry scored on a shot to the lower right corner in the 57th minute to help the New York Red Bulls rally for a 1-1 tie with Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night. New York (5-6-10) has played to five draws in its last eight matches. Real Salt Lake (8-4-9) remained second in the Western Conference. Real Salt Lake opened the scoring in the 18th minute on Joao Platas goal. Chris Wingert settled a blocked shot and sent a ball inside the box to Plata for a right-footed shot. Real Salt Lakes Chris Schuler missed on a close-range header in the 71st minute. It was blocked on the goal line by midfielder Ambroise Oyongo Bitolo, who was guarding the near post. Bradley Wright-Phillips five-game scoring streak was snapped for New York. Balenciaga Speed Trainer Sale Australia . Returning to Davis Cup tennis, Federer cruised past Ilija Bozoljac, winning 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 in less than two hours. Federer faced little challenge from Bozoljac, who served well but still was no match for his Swiss opponent. Cheap Nike Air Max 95 Australia . Johns, N.L., to Thunder Bay, Ont., after a deal was announced to build a new $106-million "event centre" in the Lake Superior community. http://www.salenikeshoesaustralia.com/ne...tml.Dawson also birdied two of the last four holes to reach 12-under 132 on TPC San Antonios AT&T Canyons Course. He won his only title in a PGA Tour-sanctioned event in 2002 in the Web.com Tours LaSalle Bank Open.Im not going to lose any sleep, believe me, Dawson said. I used to be a perfectionist, but my attitude now is to play like Im in the pro-am. Adidas NMD Australia . 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. New Balance Clearance Australia . Lineup news, Fantasy tips and more in Scott Cullen’s Statistically Speaking. HEROES Blake Comeau – The Penguins winger had a hat trick in a 4-3 overtime win against Toronto.KENT, Wash. -- Madison Bowey scored once and set up Justin Kirklands winner at 6:07 of the third period as the Kelowna Rockets edged the host Seattle Thunderbirds 5-4 on Tuesday in Western Hockey League playoff action. Tyrell Goulbourne, Tyson Baillie and Ryan Olsen also scored for the Rockets, who lead the second-round matchup 3-0. Kelownas Jordon Cooke made 28 saves for the victory. Adam Henry, Justin Hickman, Alexander Delnov and Ethan Bear supplied the scoring for the Thunderbirds while Taran Kozun kicked out 27-of-32 shots in defeat. --- OIL KINGS 5 WHEAT KINGS 2 BRANDON -- Tristan Jarry made 32 saves and five different players scored for Edmonton as the Oil Kings took Game 3 against the Wheat Kings in their Round 2 matchup. Ashton Sautner, Luke Bertoluccci, Riley Kieser, Curtis Lazar and Mitchell Moroz scored for Edmonton while Moroz tacked on two assists for a three-point outing.dddddddddddd John Quenneville and Richard Nejezchleb scored for Brandon. Jordan Papirny turned away 38-of-42 shots for the Wheat Kings. --- WINTERHAWKS 4 ROYALS 3 VICTORIA -- Brendan Leispic scored twice as Portland came from behind to defeat the Royals in Game 4 of its second-round clash. Chase De Leo scored the eventual winner for the Winterhawks, who lead the series 3-1, and Adam Rossignol had the other. Steven Hodges, Tyler Soy and Taylor Crunk scored for Victoria, which led 3-2 early in the third period. Portlands Brendan Burke made 25 saves for the win as Patrik Polivka stopped 34-of-38 shots for the Royals. ' ' '
Minnesota Wild forward Matt Cooke will not appeal his seven-game suspension for kneeing Colorado Avalanche defenceman Tyson Barrie during Game 3 of their series. Cooke was handed the suspension after an in-person hearing on Wednesday. If the suspension is not fully served in this years playoffs, it will continue on next season. The suspension is the sixth of Cookes career. After the incident he was assessed a two-minute minor for kneeing. Buddy Jeannette Jersey .com) - The New York Rangers hope to punch their ticket to the second round when they visit the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday for a Game 6 battle at Wells Fargo Center. Custom Detroit Pistons Jerseys . -- Arizona coach Bruce Arians says there "were obviously very, very many problems" with the officiating in the Cardinals 24-21 loss at Philadelphia. https://www.cheappistonsonline.com/306y-...stons.html. The 18-time champions, who havent won the title since 1990, moved two points behind Arsenal after the leaders were stunned 6-3 at Manchester City on Saturday. Defending champion Manchester United trails Arsenal by 10 points after winning 3-0 at Aston Villa to avoid a third successive league loss. Eddie Miles Jersey .com) - Even-money favorite Liams Map proved a little too tough down the stretch and won Saturdays $100,000 Harlans Holiday Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Pistons Jerseys 2021 . Hes just beginning to get similar results. The right-hander struggled after winning the honour in 2008 and 2009, but a retooling of his game has begun to pay off and has the San Francisco Giants thinking about the Lincecum of old.NEW YORK, N.Y. - The AHL will begin an education and drug-testing program this season that will "substantially replicate" the one already in place for NHL players, the leagues announced. The program was put together by the NHL, AHL, NHL Players Associatioon and Professional Hockey Players Association and follows the NHLs CBA.dddddddddddd The doctors who supervise the NHL/NHLPA performance-enhancing substances program and the substance abuse/behavioural health program will also administer this one. ' ' '
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Red Wings coach Mike Babcock will enjoy the win more than the milestone for now. As special as it was to pass Jack Adams franchise win total, making the playoffs is the more immediate priority. Darren Helm scored the go-ahead goal 3:33 into the third period to spark a three-goal outburst and inch Detroit to the cusp of clinching a playoff berth following a 4-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night. "The win tonight is way more important than that," Babcock said, when asked about the significance of earning his 414th career victory, one more than Adams. "But what I would say to you is these are things you think about the summer. And Im thrilled." Babcock then shifted his attention to his teams next test. The Red Wings (38-27-14) travel to play Pittsburgh on Wednesday needing only one point to secure one of the Eastern Conferences two wild-card playoff spots, and extend the teams run of post-season berths to 23 straight seasons. "I know weve got a game in Pittsburgh tomorrow. Were going to enjoy this tonight," Babcock said, noting the game at Pittsburgh could potentially be a first-round playoff preview. "The reality is, its an important game tomorrow." Brendan Smith, David Legwand and Pavel Datsyuk, into an empty net, also scored for the Red Wings. Jimmy Howard made 25 saves in a game the Red Wings rallied back after spotting the Sabres a 1-0 lead. Zemgus Girgensons scored both goals for the Sabres (21-49-9), who are already guaranteed of finishing in last place once the season ends on Sunday. The Red Wings continued their domination of Buffalo. Theyve won eight straight since a 6-2 loss on Oct. 13, 2009, and improved to 23-2-1-1 against Buffalo since March 27, 1996, according to STATS. "Its one good step in the right direction," Howard said. "Weve got to find a way to get a point or two points there tomorrow and keep it rolling, because you want to feel good going into the playoffs." Howard did his part in stopping several shots to keep the game tied at 1 during a Sabres two-man advantage that spanned 1:51 in the second period. His best stops came on bang-bang chances. After turning aside Cody Hodgsons hard shot from the left circle, Howard kicked out his right pad to foil Rasmus Ristolainens attempt to convert the rebound. Sabres coach Ted Nolan said coming up empty on the power play changed the games momentum. "When you play a good team like Detroit, they know how to close deals. We have a 5-on-3 with a chance to go ahead, we dont do it, and thats what happens," Nolan said. "You look at the things we didnt do right." The Red Wings found their groove to start the third. Helm started the play that led to his go-ahead goal by winning a faceoff to the left of the Sabres net. He drew the puck back to Kyle Quincey, whose shot from the left point was deflected on its way to the net. Matt Hackett made the initial stop, but was unable to control the rebound, which squirted through a crowd of players in front. Helm gathered up the loose puck and took a few steps to his right, where he snapped it into the open side before Hackett had time to recover. Legwand then made it 3-1 to seal the win by beating Hackett through the legs with 4:14 remaining. Girgensons made it close 2:03 later by capping a great individual rush, in which he got between two defenders and roofed a shot over Howards right shoulder. NOTES: The Sabres called up G Andrey Makarov from AHL Rochester to serve as the backup. He became the eighth goalie to dress for at least one game this season, including Ryan Vinz, a Sabres HarborCenter employee who backed up Jhonas Enroth the day Ryan Miller was traded to St. Louis. ... Red Wings RW Daniel Alfredssons assist on Smiths goal upped career total to 712, tying him with Jean Beliveau and Scott Stevens for 48th on NHL list. ... Sabres RW Chris Stewart returned after missing 16 games with a lower body injury, while D Christian Ehrhoff -- nicknamed "Ear-Hoff" by his teammates -- played two days after requiring numerous stitches to close a gash in his right ear, which was struck by a puck. Darrell Griffith Jersey .com) - Richard Shermans two interceptions highlighted a dominant defensive effort, as the Seattle Seahawks routed the San Francisco 49ers in a highly anticipated NFC West Thanksgiving clash. Emmanuel Mudiay Jersey . The 49ers, 6-2 and riding a five-game winning streak following the bye week, also waived cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and activated cornerback Eric Wright from the reserve/non-football injury list. Manningham made 42 receptions for 449 yards and one touchdown in 12 games and 10 starts last season before injuring his left knee in a loss at Seattle Dec. https://www.cheapjazzonline.com/608e-gre...-jazz.html . Johansen scored twice and Derek MacKenzie, Brandon Dubinsky and Cam Atkinson also had goals to lead the Blue Jackets to a 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday night, ending a three-game losing skid. Aaron James Jersey . Not that Durant cared. The only streak he cares about is still intact. Royce ONeale Jersey . You can catch all of the action LIVE on TSN2 at 6pm et/3pm pt. The Heat reached that mark Saturday night when they ruined the Philadelphia 76ers home opener.THE FORMATIONS: The New York Red Bulls showed up in Vancouver without some of their key players - Thierry Henry and Jamison Olave, to be specific. Head coach Mike Petke chose to line up his team in a 1-4-4-2 formation, with Peguy Luyindula partnering Tim Cahill up front. The Red Bulls played a flat four across midfield, with Lloyd Sam on the right, Jonny Steele on the left, and Eric Alexander partnering Dax McCarty in the middle. This decision proved to be a fatal one for New York, as Vancouver dominated the game in midfield, especially in the second half. At the back, two former Toronto FC players were in the fullback positions for the Red Bulls - Rickard Eckersley on the right and Bobby Convey on the left. Ibrahim Sekagya and Armando defended centrally, with Luis Robles in goal. The Vancouver Whitecaps lined up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation, in Carl Robinsons first game as a head coach. Darren Mattocks led the line, with Sebastian Fernandez, Kenny Miller and Russell Teibert lining up from left to right in the attacking midfield three. The impressive Matias Laba partnered Nigel Reo-Coker as defensive midfielders. At the back, Steven Beitashour and Jordan Harvey flanked Jay DeMerit and Andy OBrien, with David Ousted in goal. THE GAME: The Vancouver Whitecaps got the 2014 MLS season off to the perfect start, claiming a 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls at BC Place on Saturday. The game started slowly for Vancouver, which can be put down to it being the first game of the new season under a new coach. Players are always a little tense when the season kicks off, and it can take some time to get into the flow of the game - especially when playing alongside new teammates. Once Vancouver settled into the game, though, the midfield partnership of Matias Laba and Nigel Reo-Coker began to dictate the game. Laba showed all of the qualities that tempted Robinson to bring him to the club via a trade with Toronto FC; he broke up countless Red Bull attacks, was composed on the ball and precise in his distribution. The defensive solidity of the two midfielders meant that it was a reasonably comfortable game for the back four. In fact, had it not been for a mistake from David Ousted, the Whitecaps would have kept a clean sheet. The first goal came in the 34th minute, as Kenny Miller converted a penalty kick after Richard Eckersley was adjudged to have handled a Matias Laba strike inside the penalty area. The referee initially waved play on, but his assistant spotted the infraction and raised his flag immediately; replays showed that it was the correct call. The second Whitecaps goal came five minutes into the second half. Some excellent link play from Darren Mattocks allowed Vancouver to catch New York on the counter attack. Mattocks received a clearance just inside Vancouvers half, set the ball back and spun left to get behind the Red Bulls back four. When he received the return pass, he fed the ball to Sebastian Fernandez - who had made a fantastic run to join the counter attack. Fernandez dropped his shoulder to wrong-foot Richard Eckersley, and once the Uruguayan had a half a yard of space, he unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top right corner. It gave thee Whitecaps some breathing room, which they used to tear apart New York.dddddddddddd When Pedro Morales entered the game in the 64th minute, he delivered a mouth-watering performance over the final 25 minutes. It was a master class from the Chilean designated player, and it left Whitecaps fans craving more. Morales set up Vancouvers third goal with some exquisite control and a perfectly weighted through-ball to spring Kenny Miller (who clinically dispatched his second goal of the game), and then scored the Whitecaps fourth, firing home a centering pass from Reo-Coker. When substitute Bradley Wright-Phillips flicked home a cross just in front of the fingertips of Ousted in the 90th minute, it took the shine off of an otherwise impressive Vancouver performance. THE TURNING POINT: Sebastian Fernandez put in an outstanding performance on his debut for Vancouver, and it was his goal that swung the momentum in the Whitecaps favour. The strike itself was first class, and the buildup play from Darren Mattocks was crucial. Mattocks has a point to prove this season and his performance on Saturday was one of many bright spots for Vancouver. His link play throughout the game was excellent, and it allowed the Whitecaps to dominate the game in midfield because they retained possession when the ball went forward. THE POSITIVES: Vancouver showed real attacking prowess, and their new players - Steven Beitashour, Sebastian Fernandez, Matias Laba, Pedro Morales and Nicolas Mezquida - have added genuine quality to Robinsons squad. Morales, in particular, looks like a great addition. Tactically, Robinsons formation trumped Petkes, as Vancouver outnumbered New York in the middle of the park and used that to dictate the tempo of the game. Strong contributions from Kenny Miller and Darren Mattocks in attacking roles also helped the Whitecaps stay in control of the game. THE NEGATIVES: New York was flat - literally and figuratively. The midfield duo of McCarty and Alexander never managed to assert themselves in the game, apart from the opening 15 minutes or so. Had New York played a diamond midfield, rather than a flat four, they would have had more depth to their game, both offensively and defensively. This would have allowed them to tighten up in the middle of the pitch, where Vancouver controlled the game, and also to ask more questions of the Whitecaps defensively - it was a reasonably David Ousted will be kicking himself for conceding a late goal. Mistakes happen, but Robinson will need to ensure that this was a one-off, and not an indication of a developing trend. A similar slip up in preseason by Ousted means that everyone will now be watching that much closer. THE STAR MAN: There were plenty of excellent performances on Saturday; Darren Mattocks and Kenny Miller did very well, as did Matias Laba and the back four. I gave the Man of the Match award to Sebastian Fernandez on Saturday for his overall performance as much as for his fantastic goal. But it is hard to ignore the contributions of Pedro Morales. He was only on the pitch for 25 minutes, but if that short period of time is any indication, Morales is going to be a star for the Vancouver Whitecaps. ' ' '
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- David Freese is starting to pick up his run production, which is something the Los Angeles Angels have been waiting half a season to see. Freese hit a two-run double, Matt Shoemaker pitched in and out of trouble for six innings, and the Angels beat the Houston Astros 5-2 Thursday night in the opener of a four-game series. Freese has six RBIs in his last five games, two more than he had in the previous 27 games in which he had an at-bat. "Weve been talking about David for a while, and we need him," said manager Mike Scioscia, who has kept Freese in the bottom third of the batting order since June 17. "Hes a guy that potentially deepens the middle of your lineup. He hasnt gotten off to a good start, and were at the halfway point. "Hopefully hes finding a comfort level. I think the last 30 or so at-bats hes been driving the ball a little bit better." Shoemaker (6-2) allowed two runs, seven hits and three walks, and worked with runners on base in every inning. The right-hander, who began the season in the bullpen, gave up eight runs and 11 hits in four innings on Friday in a loss at Kansas City. He had been 5-0 with a 3.00 ERA in his seven previous starts this season. "It was a successful outing, but a little bit of a struggle," Shoemaker said. "I had to make some big pitches to get out of some jams, and the defence picked me up huge, making some big plays. It was a positive thing to bounce back from that outing to this one." Shoemaker had seven strikeouts against the Astros, giving him 57 through his first 10 big league starts. That broke the franchise record of 56 set by Bo Belinsky in 1962. "He has it in his game, thats for sure," Scioscia said. "If you look at his career in the minor leagues, he has struck out his share of guys. But you never know how a guys stuff is going to play in the major leagues until he gets an opportunity. "Shoe definitely has some out pitches and some pitches that he can get strikeouts with. But the best games hes going to throw are going to be the ones where hes in the zone early with good stuff and changing speeds and maybe getting some easier outs. He had to work hard to get through six innings." Jason Grilli, obtained from Pittsburgh on Friday, pitched a scoreless eighth in his home debut, and Joe Smith worked a hitless ninth for his 10th save. The Angels have won seven straight at home, their longest streak since another seven-game stretch in August 2006. Brett Oberholtzer (2-7) gave up five runs, nine hits and three walks over 6 1-3 innings in his third start since getting recalled from Triple-A on June 28. He was 0-6 with a 5.68 ERA in his first seven starts before back-to-back victories over Seattle and Baltimore. After the game, he was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Oberholtzer was bailed out by inning-ending double plays in the second and third innings, after giving up Howie Kendricks RBI single in the first. Mike Trout was doubled off second base in the third after rookie left fielder Enrique Hernandez made a diving catch of Albert Pujols sinking liner, but the Angels scored four runs in the fourth to grab a 5-2 lead. C.J. Cron tied it with an RBI single, and Freese doubled to right-centre, the fourth straight one-out hit. Freese scored on Chris Iannettas sac fly. Houston took a 2-1 lead in the third. Jose Altuve doubled after a leadoff walk to No. 9 hitter Marwin Gonzalez, Jason Castro singled off the glove of first baseman Pujols to drive in the Astros first run, and Altuve scored on a grounder by Springer. Shoemaker retired Dominguez on a double-play grounder after a walk to Singleton. "Its just tough, not scoring runs when you have situations with men on base early in the game where you can jump on a team," designated hitter Chris Carter said. "Were in a little rough patch now, but I think well be better the rest of the series." Altuve, who had three hits, leads the AL in batting (.347) and stolen bases (37). The only players who finished a season atop the league in both categories were Ty Cobb (1909, 1911 and 1917), George Sisler (1922), Snuffy Stirnweiss (1945) and Ichiro Suzuki (2001). "Hes definitely a phenomenal hitter and hes tough to get out, so you have to mess up his timing and make good pitches," Shoemaker said. NOTES: Scioscia earned his 1,281st regular-season victory, tying Whitey Herzog for 34th place on baseballs career list. Scioscia reached the mark in 57 fewer games. ... RHP Josh Fields will be reinstated from the disabled list on Friday to fill Oberholtzers roster spot. ... It was the 44th anniversary of the first no-hitter at the "Big A," thrown by Clyde Wright against Oakland. ... The Astros are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the majors worst record (36-51). ... Houston is 0 for 44 when trailing after eight innings. ... The Astros became the final team this season to draw one million spectators on the road. Yeezy Boost China Wholesale . -- Jonathan Diaz is easy to spot in the Blue Jays clubhouse. Vapormax Plus Wholesale . The top-ranked Williams carried her winning momentum from 2013 into the new season, beating No. 2-ranked Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 7-5 on Saturday to defend her title at the Brisbane International and set the tone for the Australian Open. http://www.brandshoescheaponline.com/who...-sale.html . I kept my eyes focused up on the camera during each approach. I just tried to stay focused on my form, as I didnt know what the ball reaction was. I was quite emotional at the end. I did not actually see any of the shots in the game until I got home and watched the video. Balenciaga Triple s Wholesale .2 million deal for the upcoming season with right-hander Garrett Richards.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Saturday because the announcement hadnt been made. Cheap Nike Air Max China . They all do actually — Joel-Hans Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) July 22, 2014There is no confirmation that the date is actually happening, but that didnt stop Embiid from getting dressed up. Fresh cut..... Getting ready for dinner http://t.co/NNIfKyZQzx — Joel-Hans Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) July 23, 2014 Almost 930.. MANCHESTER, England -- The most unpredictable Premier League season in years threw up more surprises Saturday when Chelsea conceded a 90th-minute winner at Stoke and beleaguered defending champion Manchester United lost to Newcastle for a second home defeat in four days. With Manchester City being held 1-1 at Southampton, Liverpool was able to capitalize on its rivals slip-ups by thrashing West Ham 4-1 to go second, with Luis Suarez following up his spectacular quadruple in midweek by scoring again at Anfield. It was a good day for Arsenal, which retained its four-point lead ahead of its game against Everton on Sunday. Chelseas 3-2 loss at Stoke, sealed by Oussama Assaidis late strike, saw Jose Mourinhos side drop to third on goal difference behind Liverpool. Uniteds flimsy hopes of retaining its title took another battering by losing 1-0 to Newcastle at Old Trafford, leaving the champions languishing in ninth place -- 12 points behind Arsenal -- and placing further scrutiny on David Moyes in his turbulent first season as Alex Fergusons successor. "I dont think (the fans) or me expected us to have lost five games by this time of the season," said Moyes, who still believes United will be "very close" to the title come May. Yohan Cabayes 61st-minute goal earned Newcastle its first win at Old Trafford in 41 years and left United supporters further disheartened after a loss by the same scoreline to Everton on Wednesday. The way the champions are playing, a place in next seasons Champions League could even be out of reach, although the top four is wide open with the big teams continuing to drop points. Also Saturday, Sunderland stayed bottom after squandering a lead to lose 2-1 at home to sixth-place Tottenham, which has picked up seven points from a possible nine since being humiliated 6-0 by Man City last month. Crystal Palace beat Cardiff 2-0 for a third win in four matches since the departure of Ian Holloway and Norwich won 2-0 at West Bromwich Albion. There was a minutes applause before each Premier League game in honour of former South Africa president Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday at the age of 95. Chelsea and Man City were looking to apply pressure on Arsenal but couldnt hold onto their leads away from home. Andre Schuerrle put Chelsea in front and then equalized for 2-2 after Stoke had hit back through goals by Peeter Crouch and Stephen Ireland, only for Assaidi to grab the winner with seconds left of normal time.dddddddddddd "I dont feel comfortable enough to tell you what I think about the game. Were in trouble," said Mourinho, bemoaning his teams lack of organization. Sergio Aguero moved to 12 goals for the campaign -- two behind Suarezs league-high tally -- to give City the lead at Southampton, but Pablo Osvaldo delivered a brilliant equalizer just before halftime by leaving Vincent Kompany on the ground, turning Pablo Zabaleta and floating in a curling shot from the angle just inside the area. "Im pleased with the point," said City manager Manuel Pellegrini, whose sides away form has been erratic this season. Suarez couldnt reproduce his exploits of Wednesday, when he scored four stunning goals against Norwich, but he once again proved to be the difference for Liverpool in a game of three own goals against West Ham. Guy Demel and Joey OBrien put in their own net to bookend the victory after good work by Suarez, who scored himself with a powerful header in the 81st minute to make it 3-1. Mamadou Sakho netted Liverpools second, with West Ham replying through Martin Skrtels own goal before losing Kevin Nolan to a red card with eight minutes left. "In the end we had 29 attempts at goal, and we could have scored more than four. It was a great victory," said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, whose captain Steven Gerrard limped off injured midway through the second half. Liverpool has scored 17 times in its last four home games but United found goals hard to come by this week, failing to score in successive games to lose back-to-back home matches in the league for the first time in 11 years. Without the suspended Wayne Rooney and with Robin van Persie lacking sharpness in his first match back after a month out, United lacked a cutting edge against Newcastle, which controlled midfield and pounced when Cabayes sidefooted effort deflected into the corner. "When I came here I knew it wasnt always going to be easy and its proving that way," Moyes said. As the pressure on one coach increases, so it relents on another as Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas punched the air in delight after his teams second away win in four days. John OSheas own goal in the 50th sealed Spurs victory at the Stadium of Light. ' ' '