The EFL has announced a £2.25m financial incentive for its 72 clubs aimed at assisting in revitalising the fortunes of the England national team. EFL Futures will help clubs to develop more young players within the leagues and provide direct financial rewards to sides who regularly promote home grown players from their academies into the first team. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just £6.99. No contract. A sum of £750,000 per season is being made available for the next three years to reward clubs who provide starting opportunities in EFL League fixtures for players under the age of 21 who are qualified for England (or Wales for Cardiff and Newport). The announcement is part of the EFLs multi-faceted strategy which was created following the release of former FA chairman Greg Dykes England Commission Report in May 2014 which focused on the need to produce more and better home grown players. CEO Shaun Harvey says EFL is playing its part in helping England EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: The EFL has, quite rightly, been deeply engaged in playing our part in resolving some of the key issues that were identified in the England Commission Report.Our challenge was ensuring we looked to address these issues in a way that worked for the EFL and our clubs.You can watch Englands tour of Bangladesh, plus Premier League football and the Japan Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy three months at half price! Also See: League One video Fixtures Table Live on Sky Get Sky Sports Fred VanVleet Raptors Jersey . Louis, MO (SportsNetwork. Pascal Siakam Jersey . Plata blasted a rising shot to the upper left corner for his team-leading seventh goal of the season. He got the kick after referee Allen Chapman ruled Chris Tierney fouled John Stertzer in the penalty area. http://www.nbaraptorsonline.com/Authenti...by-Jersey/. The Brazilian-born strikers brace drew him level with Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo as the leagues leading scorers with 17 goals apiece through 16 rounds. "The important thing is to help the team win, not the goals," Diego Costa said. After a first half dominated by defence, Atletico pressed Valencia into its area and Diego Costa did the rest. Kyle Lowry Jersey . Dougie Hamilton and Jordan Caron scored in the first period after the Red Wings had miscues on the ice and Tuukka Rask finished with a 23-save shutout, giving Boston a 3-0 win over the Red Wings and a 2-1 series lead in their first-round series. Serge Ibaka Jersey .C. - Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says Danny Granger, Chris Andersen and Udonis Haslem are still not ready to play and will miss Wednesday nights game against the Charlotte Hornets. FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- David Garrard slipped on a black T-shirt before he walked over to his new spot in the New York Jets locker room, and the words printed in green on front said it all. "SOME THINGS JUST WONT RETIRE" The veteran quarterback tried it for a few months, and retirement didnt suit him. Especially with his balky left knee feeling healthy again for the first time in a while. "I didnt want to turn 50, look back, and be that guy that said, What if I just called somebody?" Garrard said Thursday after his first practice back with the Jets. "Im glad I did." The 35-year-old Garrard was removed from the reserve-retired list and placed on the exempt list, meaning he is eligible to practice and attend meetings. With Mark Sanchez out for the season with a shoulder injury, Garrard gives the Jets a veteran backup for rookie Geno Smith. Garrard, who signed with New York in March before leaving because of knee trouble in May, will be on the exempt list for two games. The team will need to make a decision whether to activate him by Oct. 21. If the knee proves to be healthy, Garrard could be on the sideline backing up Smith for the teams game at Cincinnati on Oct. 27. "My knees been feeling great," he said. "Ive been going out just about every other morning and running three miles on concrete and I really thought that would be the real test on if my knee would swell back up and get sore again and it hasnt. "So for the last three weeks, Ive been doing that." Last weekend, Garrard called Jets general manager John Idzik and asked for another opportunity. He told Idzik that he planned to put his name out there, and wanted to make sure the GM heard it from him first. And, if the Jets werent interested, he would have asked to be released from the reserve-retirement list so he could explore other options. "I started to get some really good feedback while talking to him," Garrard said. "I told him, Hey, if theres anything I can do to help you guys out in any kind of way, I know my veteran leadership in the meeting rrooms, the practice fields and really helping Geno continue to grow, I would love to come back and help you guys.ddddddddddddquot; On Thursday, Garrard was back on the field, working with Smith and the rest of the quarterbacks. "Geno has the job," he said. "And if my numbers ever called, I need to be ready for that." Garrard was signed during the winter to provide veteran competition for Sanchez, and then was expected to be in the teams quarterback mix along with Smith. But in May, Garrard said that his surgically repaired knee kept swelling up on him after workouts, and that forced him to walk away from the game and consider retirement. He took the whole summer off and just relaxed. Garrard and his family went to their lake house in North Carolina, and then headed back to their home Jacksonville toward the end of summer. During those days, Garrard felt, well, officially retired from football. "I was still having some aches and pains, and my knee was still swollen," he said. "I just continued to relax and rest and not do too much." After gaining some weight from the inactivity, Garrard decided to try to get active again. Garrards wife Mary was part of a flag football team, and he was constantly running and making cuts while catching passes from her -- and the knee felt fine. Thats when the comeback plan kicked in. "Im 35, so Im not so old that it doesnt make any sense," he said. "I know I have some years left in me." He hasnt played in a regular-season game in the NFL since 2010 because of injuries. But his signing leaves the status of Brady Quinn uncertain. Quinn is currently listed as the teams No. 3 quarterback, and he has been unable to surpass the inexperienced Matt Simms on the depth chart. He has been inactive for four games this season. Garrard has thrown for 16,003 yards in his career, with 89 touchdowns and 54 interceptions. "We have a plan," offensive co-ordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. "Were going to see exactly where he is physically. Its good to have him back." ' ' '
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- George Springer has more home runs in the past four games than any Kansas City player does this season. Springer homered in his fourth straight game and went 4 for 4 with three RBIs and five runs scored in the Houston Astros 9-2 victory over the Royals on Monday night. "Springer was absolutely tremendous, just line drive after line drive," Astros manager Bo Porter said. "He was special. The two doubles and the home run, the great catch in right field and scoring from second base on a bloop single that not many guys would have been able to score on. He impacted the game in every phase tonight. "This guy is a three-way player. He can impact the game when hes in the batters box. He can impact the game on defence. He can impact the game on the basepaths. He brings it every day, is what I love about him." The Astros have won three straight, matching their longest winning streak this season, and they snapped a six-game losing streak to the Royals. Springer led off the eighth with a home run against Louis Coleman, his fifth homer in four games. The Royals home run leader has four. Springer is the first Houston rookie to homer in four straight games. Lance Berkman was the previous Astros player to do it, in July 2010. "Hes impressive," said Eric Hosmer, robbed by Springer of an extra-base hit with a superb catch to end the seventh inning. "He plays hard and doesnt get cheated at the plate. He drives the ball." Springer also had two doubles and became the first Astros player to score five runs in a game since Cody Ransom on Sept. 24, 2007, against St. Louis. Springer extended his hitting streak to eight games, and is 8 for 16 with 11 RBIs and 10 runs in the past five. It was a magical night for him. "I guess," Springer said. "But at the same time, Im just trying to help the team win and whatever way I can do it, Im happy to help." Scott Feldman (3-2) held the Royals to two runs and eight hits over six innings. "I thought Scott did a tremendous job with his secondary stuff," Porter said. "His curveball had a really good bite and he did a good job for six strong innings." Royals rookie starter Yordano Ventura was led off the field by a trainer in the third inning after experiencing discomfort in his elbow. The hard-throwing right-hander is scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday. "He was getting under pitches and his velocity dropped in the third inning," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "I came out and decided to check it. I talked to him in the second inning and he said, Yeah, its good. I went out and he told me he was feeling a little something in the back of his elbow, but its on the outside, not on the inside." Ventura (2-5) went 2 2-3 innings, yielding five runs on seven hits and three walks before being replaced by Michael Mariot. "In the third inning, I threw a few pitches and it started to feel a little weird," Ventura said. "I felt something unnatural. It was a little uncomfortable, unnatural, and I decided to say something." The Astros had a season-high 16 hits, including a career-high four from Marwin Gonzalez, who had a double, an RBI and a run scored. Alex Presley added three hits and Dexter Fowler reached base five times with two hits and three walks. The nine runs matched an Astros season high. Lorenzo Cain had four hits, equaling his career high, and drove in a run for the Royals, who have lost five of seven. NOTES: Royals 2B Omar Infante (lower back) was activated from the disabled list and doubled in the first inning. RHP Casey Coleman was optioned to Triple-A Omaha. ... Astros RHP Brad Peacock, scratched from Fridays scheduled outing with forearm stiffness, threw a bullpen session and was given the OK to start Thursday against Baltimore. ... Royals LHP Bruce Chen, on the disabled list with a bulging disk, threw a 25-pitch simulated game. Chen could soon go on a minor league rehab assignment. ... The Astros recalled OF Robbie Grossman from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Austin Seibert Browns 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. Baker Mayfield Youth Jersey . This week, topics cover the World Series champion Red Sox, John Farrell and what to look forward to this off-season. http://www.footballbrownsnflprostore.com...te-Jersey/. Then youve got to worry about the other up and coming teams in the two weaker divisions in the "Junior Circuit". Greedy Williams Jersey .C. -- Carter Ashton had a pair of goals and added an assist as the Toronto Marlies downed the Charlotte Checkers 5-2 on Saturday in the American Hockey League. Sione Takitaki Browns Jersey . Bayern winger Franck Ribery marked his league return after recovering from a cracked rib by scoring two goals and setting up two more as the league leaders inflicted the heaviest home defeat on Bremen in the Bundesliga.MONTREAL -- Mixed martial arts star Georges St-Pierre says the Ultimate Fighting Championships hesitant position when it came to stiffer drug testing greatly influenced his decision to take a break from the octagon. St-Pierre said Tuesday a lack of strenuous drug testing was one of the factors that led to his decision to step away from the sport. "It bothered me greatly, it was one of the reasons I decided to step aside," St-Pierre said Tuesday. He vacated his welterweight title and took a hiatus from the sport in December, citing a need to lead a normal life and deal with mental fatigue. The 32-year-old confirmed when asked by a reporter that his employer, the UFC, did not support him when he proposed drug testing in the weeks preceding his Nov. 16 fight against Johnny Hendricks. St-Pierre stepped away following UFC 167 where he won a controversial split decision over Hendricks. After that fight, he said he needed time away to sort out some personal issues. The star fighter was prudent in his comments Tuesday, being careful not to point fingers at any one person or fighter. He stressed he wasnt accusing anyone of steroid abuse. St-Pierre said he wanted to bring the sport he loves to "another level&quuot; of testing and help those who are honest in the sport.dddddddddddd "I tried to change things, and unfortunately, maybe for money reasons, maybe for image, they were not ready to do that," St-Pierre said. "I tried to (bring about) change in a very diplomatic way and it didnt work so its unfortunate, but I believe it will happen sooner or later." The former welterweight champion said he hasnt made a decision to retire and added hes in top physical condition and still trains regularly. While he has remained vague about a comeback, St-Pierre says the break has made him a better fighter because hes not feeling any external pressure. He repeated he hasnt set any timetable to make a decision regarding his UFC future. St-Pierre said implementing drug testing is not a condition for any potential return to the sport. He added he could understand the reticence from the organization -- a failed drug test could dramatically change a card and result in people losing money. St-Pierre was in Montreal handing out bursaries for athletic excellence. "I feel very good, I feel very happy," St-Pierre said, appreciating a holiday season with his family and being able to have a few drinks. ' ' '
NEW ORLEANS - Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike DAntoni says he has no plans to play point guard Steve Nash in Friday nights game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Lakers are trying to be cautious about overworking the 39-year-old point guard, who is in his 18th season. The Lakers played in Houston on Thursday night and did not get to New Orleans until 3 a.m. Friday. When the Lakers played on back-to-back nights earlier this season, Nash sat out the second of those games as well. Nash played about 28 minutes in Houston, finishing with 12 points and six assists. DAntoni says the Lakers hope to avoid any setbacks with Nash, who was sidelined much of last season with broken leg as well as hip and hamstring injuries. Robert Parish Celtics Jersey . The Tiger-Cats announced on Friday the linebacker has signed a new contract with the team through the 2016 season. John Havlicek Jersey .500 ball against teams with winning records, so they needed a huge lift from somebody Tuesday night in a matchup of division leaders. http://www.authenticcelticsproshop.com/J...ek-Jersey/. Onyshko, from Minnedosa, Man., will compete in artistic gymnastics while Hanet, from Kelowna, B.C., will compete in lawn bowling as a para-athlete. "It is exciting that our Canadian athletes are starting to arrive at the Games Village," said Chantal Petitclerc, Canadas Chef de Mission. Red Auerbach Jersey .com) - Darius Carter and Ron Baker scored 18 points apiece to help 13th-ranked Wichita State beat Evansville 61-41 on Saturday. Gordon Hayward Jersey .ca has you covered for whos in, whos out and what to expect from all 30 teams. NEW YORK -- The lockout of Major League Soccers referees has ended following an agreement on a five-year labour contract. The Professional Referee Organization, which manages game officials for the U.S. Soccer Federation and MLS, and the Professional Soccer Referee Association, announced the agreement Thursday. Replacements had been used for the first two weekends of MLS games. The PSRA was certified by the National Labor Relations Board last May to represent referees, assistant referees and fourth officials working MLS games. The sides bargained since July, and the lockout began a day ahead of MLS openers on March 7. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service entered talks, and a tentative agreement was reached Tuesday night that was ratified by the union membershhip and approved by PROs executive board.dddddddddddd. "First contracts sometimes pose difficult challenges as the parties seek to define the parameters of a new formal relationship," FMCS acting director Scot L. Beckenbaugh said in a statement. The agreement runs until Jan. 15, 2019. Lucas Middlebrook, a PRSA lawyer, said the deal includes "substantially better" compensation and "a number of non-economic work rule protections such as a just-cause standard for certain disciplinary matters and standardization of fitness testing. "In addition, the officials now have a contract protecting important quality-of-life items such as travel standards, vacation time and advance notice of match assignments," he said in an email. ' ' '
Max Verstappen is already showing signs he can become a true great, according to Gary Anderson on this weeks F1 Report. The 18-year-old ripped up the sports record books with his victory in Spain, his first grand prix following his promotion to Red Bull, and has been lauded by all sections of the paddock.And Anderson, who had the privilege of working closely with a young Michael Schumacher for his F1 debut with Jordan in 1991, has reserved high praise for Verstappen ahead of this weekends Monaco Grand Prix. When is the Monaco GP and how can you watch it?The ability to believe in your natural talent will take you somewhere, the former F1 engineer said. I remember Michael in Spa - Eau Rouge was always a very, very difficult corner and taking it flat out was the sort of step you had to do. We sat down with Michael on the Friday night and we said you havent done Eau Rouge flat yet and he said no problem, it will be fine tomorrow, Im just getting comfortable. We went to De Cesaris, our other driver, and he said exactly the same.Michael went out on the Saturday morning, flat through Eau Rouge the first time and never lifted again. It took Andrea de Cesaris until the last lap of qualifying to go flat through there. Joining Natalie on the F1 Report is former McLaren mechanic and Sky F1 pundit Marc Priestley and former car mechanic Gary Anderson Verstappen to me is a bit like Michael. He believes in his talent, his ability. Hell get it out of situations, thats why he can overtake. He just puts the car up the inside of somebody and he will manage the consequences.He hasnt got a big plan. Its about confidence and Max shows all the traits of being one of the great guys. The full F1 Report: Monaco GP Preview will be aired tonight on Sky Sports F1 at 8:30pm. Also See: Why is Monaco still special? When is the Monaco GP on Sky? Cheap Hydro Flask . Both sides came closest to scoring in the first half, when Roma had a goal from Mattia Destro waved off for offside and Inters Rodrigo Palacio headed high. "A draw was a fair result. Neither squad had many chances," Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic said. Hydro Flask With Straw Near Me . -- Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run homer, Colby Rasmus drove in two runs and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Detroit Tigers 9-4 on Saturday. http://www.hydroflasksalenearme.com/. TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie tweeted that its believed the Flames are working towards a new contract with the defenceman. Hydro Flask With Straw Sale .J. -- Jaromir Jagr has hit so many NHL milestones this season for the New Jersey Devils that he is starting to downplay them. Hydro Flask Sale Near Me . A larger-than-life personality known for his intimidating style in the 18-yard box, Schmeichels career spanned some 20 years -- including a memorable tenure at Manchester United.LOS ANGELES, Calif. - LeBron James scored 36 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers snapped their six-game losing streak with a 109-102 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night despite Kobe Bryants 19 points and career-high 17 assists.Kyrie Irving added 22 points for Cleveland, which had lost nine of 10 before James held off Bryant down the stretch in an entertaining duel between two basketball icons.Bryant hit a 3-pointer with 1:54 left and two free throws with 43 seconds to play, cutting Clevelands lead to 103-99. But James drove past Bryant for an acrobatic layup with 20.9 seconds left, and Bryant missed a jumper that essentially ended it.Jordan Hill scored 20 points in the Lakers ninth loss in 12 games.BUCKS 95, KNICKS 79LONDON (AP) — O.J. Mayo scored 22 points, Brandon Knight had 20 points and six steals, and Milwaukee routed New York, extending the Knicks franchise-record losing streak to 16.With the Knicks showing why they have lost 26 of 27 games and are an NBA-worst 5-36, the contest was a poor advertisement for the NBA in its annual London game that showcases its brand overseas.Thhe Knicks missed their first 10 shots — three in a 6-second span — and gave up 14 offensive rebounds, 10 in the first half.ddddddddddddThe Bucks took a 12-0 lead, were up by 24 in the second quarter and never let New York closer than 11 the rest of the way.The return of Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire did little to spark New York.Anthony led the Knicks with 25 points. Stoudemire was scoreless in 8 first-half minutes and didnt play after the break. Anthony missed the previous six games because of a knee problem, and Stoudemire had been sidelined since Dec. 25, also with a knee injury.ROCKETS 112, THUNDER 101HOUSTON (AP) — James Harden scored 15 of his 31 points in Houstons big first quarter against Oklahoma City.Harden came just short of a triple-double with 10 assists and nine rebounds. Trevor Ariza added 17 points and four steals for Houston. The Rockets led 40-18 after one and bounced back after a loss to Orlando on Wednesday night that snapped a four-game winning streak.Kevin Durant had 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder. They have lost three of their last four games. ' ' '
SEATTLE -- Shea Theodore and Roberts Lipsbergs scored in a shootout to lift the Seattle Thunderbirds over the Vancouver Giants 4-3 in Western Hockey League action on Sunday. Theodore had a goal and an assist in regulation, and Jerrett Smith and Alexander Delnov also scored for Seattle (40-22-6). Cain Franson had a goal and an assist, and Arvin Atwal and Mason Geertsen scored power-play goals for Vancouver (31-27-11), who tied the game after being down 3-1 despite being outshot 47-35. Thunderbirds goalie Danny Mumaugh made 32 saves through overtime and four more in the shootout. Payton Lee made 46 total saves for the Giants. Trevon Wesco Jersey . These teams will see plenty of each other in the next few weeks as three of the Canucks next nine games are against the Wild (after today they meet February 9th in Minnesota and again February 16th at Rogers Arena). Robby Anderson Jets Jersey . Patrik Bartosak turned away 50-of-52 shots for the Rebels (28-26-4), who halted their losing streak at seven games. Trailing 2-1 after 40 minutes of play, Feser forced overtime with his second goal of the game at 5:35 of the third period. http://www.jetsrookiestore.com/Jets-Dennis-Byrd-Jersey/. In the late match, Shinji Okazaki scored two goals to pace Mainz to a 3-2 victory at Werder Bremen. Goals from Milan Badelj, Maximilian Beister and Hakan Calhanoglu ended Hamburgs two-match losing run and kept Hannover winless in seven games. Wesley Walker Womens Jersey . - New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says the club has an agreement to bring back outside linebacker Parys Haralson on a one-year deal. New York Jets Jerseys . The alleged sexual assault is believed to have happened over the weekend of Feb. 1, when the hockey team was in Thunder Bay for two games against Lakehead University. The criminal investigation branch of the Thunder Bay Police Service is leading the investigation with help from Ottawa police.Denver, CO (SportsNetwork.com) - Jarome Iginla led a Colorado scoring blitz with a pair of goals as the surging Avalanche delivered a 5-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators at the Pepsi Center. Iginlas big night was aided by markers from Brad Stuart, Erik Johnson and Daniel Briere, as well as another tremendous performance from Semyon Varlamov, in Colorados third win in four games. Coming off a spectacular 54-save effort in Tuesdays shutout of Chicago, Varlamov was busy again in turning aside 36-of-38 Ottawa shots.dddddddddddd Craig Anderson didnt come close to matching Varlamovs level of play, allowing three goals on just nine chances before being pulled for Robin Lehner just past the midway mark of the second period. Mark Stone and Bobby Ryan had the Ottawa goals in the Senators third straight loss. ' ' '
CALGARY - Minnesota Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk hasnt changed a thing since being acquired in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes.What has changed is hes playing in meaningful hockey games.Zach Parise scored the only goal and Dubnyk stopped all 30 shots he faced Thursday night as the Wild picked up an important two points with a 1-0 victory over the Calgary Flames.The win moves Minnesota (22-20-6) within five points of the Flames and the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.Its fun to play important games, said Dubnyk. I was happy with the way my game was in Arizona so I wanted to really concentrate on sticking with the same things I was doing there that was helping me be successful there.Dubynks best stops came in the third period as the Flames — who lead the NHL with eight wins when trailing after two periods, generated several dangerous chances in trying to pull out yet another comeback win.Six minutes in, Johnny Gaudreau got around Jared Spurgeon and fired a dangerous wrist shot at the top corner that Dubnyk caught with his glove. With six minutes left in the period, Dubnyk thwarted Paul Byron on a clear breakaway.Then, as the final couple seconds ticked off the clock, he jabbed out his pad to rob Mikael Backlund at the side of the net.After the game, Dubnyk was asked which chances stood out.I think the breakaway is the obvious one, he said. They kept trying to stretch guys and finally got one. I got a toe on the puck with about two seconds left at the side of the net. I guess that probably turned out to be the most important one.The 2004 first round draft pick by the Edmonton Oilers was acquired from the Coyotes on Jan. 14 in exchange for a third round draft pick. Minnesota is his fourth team in the past two years.Dubnyk provided the stability in net that the Wild were not getting from Darcy Kuemper or Niklas Backstrom. With five out of six points so far, Minnesota wraps up its four-game road trip Sunday in Vancouver.I think we owe a lot to Dubnyk tonight. He bailed us out on a lot of different breakdowns we had. He was really good, said Parise. Weve got a long ways to go but playing against these guys tonight, like we said this morning, five looks a lot better than nine had we lost this game. Its a good start to the trip.Calgary (26-20-3) falls to 1-1 on a six-game homestand, which continues Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers.Close, man, said Calgary defenceman Mark Giordano. (Jonas Hiller) played awesome. Their guy played awesome. One bad mistake — I made a bad one in the first there — and they get a goal. At the end of the night, thats the mistake that cost us.The goal, Parises 20th goal of the season and sixth in his last six game, came at 8:59 of the first period.Attempting to send a cross-ice pass from his own corner, Giordanos pass was knocked down by Thomas Vanek and immediately picked up by Parise all alone in front, who quickly tucked a shot through Hillers pads.It was the first time Calgary has been shutout this season after going 71 games since last being blanked.Hiller, spectacular at times himself, finished with 31 stops to fall to 14-14-2.It was one of those nights — I thought Dubnyk played well and we didnt get the bounces. It happens, said Hiller. We have to stay positive. I thought we played well. If we play like that every night, we have a chance every night and thats what we need.Notes: Just called up from Iowa (AHL), Minnesota D Matt Dumba played in his hometown for the first time in his NHL career. His parents and brother were in attendance... Dumba took the spot of Christian Folin, who along with Erik Haula were healthy scratches... Byron has gone 28 games without a goal while LW Brandon Bollig has no goals on the season in 41 games... The Flames have scored 59 third period goals, tied with Tampa Bay for most in the NHL. Theyve only given up 32. Hydro Flask Barn . "He started putting me on the ice to strengthen them at the suggestion from a doctor," he said. Weight said it wasnt a pretty sight at the rink in St. Clair Shores, Mich. "I looked like Forrest Gump," he joked. Hydro Flaske . - The situation looked bleak at best for the coach Doc Rivers Clippers — down by four points with 18 seconds left in the fourth quarter. http://www.danmarkhydroflask.com/hydro-f...laske.html. The CFL club is making the move after holding its camp and regular-season practices at the University of Toronto campus in Mississauga, Ont. Hydro Flask 24 OZ Danmark . THE MICHAEL JORDAN FLU GAME First this famous basketball moment. The story goes like this. “Game 5, known as "The Flu Game", was one of Michael Jordans most memorable. Hydro Flask Kaffe . -- Aaron Rodgers isnt out for revenge in Green Bays season opener.The Ottawa Redblacks historic home debut in the CFL will be played in Saskatchewan. At least for the preseason. The Roughriders announced on Monday says the Grey Cup champions will host -- as the visitors -- the expansion club in a preseason contest on June 14. "Were going to have a lot of fun with this game," Roughriders president and CEO Jim Hopson said in a statement. "The Redblacks will be on the home side of the field, introduced from their own inflatable helmet and were working on a whole series of fan entertainment features to make it really seeem like their home game.dddddddddddd" The game is the Redblacks home portion of the preseason, which the Roughriders will host while Ottawas TD Place Stadium undergoes its final tune-ups in preparation for the regular-season home opener in July. "What better place to open a new CFL era than in the city with the most vibrant fans in the CFL," said Jeff Hunt, President of OSEG Sports. "It will be an incredible experience for fans at the game in Saskatchewan and a taste of things to come for our own incredible fan-base in Ottawa." ' ' '
INDIANAPOLIS - Accustomed to using its offence to win games, the Atlanta Hawks have recently relied upon its defence. That was the case when the Hawks beat the Indiana Pacers 108-92 on Monday night. It was the fifth time in the last seven games that the Hawks have held an opponent under 100 points.I think our defence is superb right now, said DeMarre Carroll.The Hawks (14-6) have now won eight of their last nine games, including seven straight, their longest streak since the 2009-10 season.The Hawks dominated early and built a 28-18 lead in the first quarter.Carroll led the Hawks early, scoring nine points — all from 3-point range. He finished with 12 points.Carroll has been struggling, so it was good that he got going Jeff Teague said. Once that happened it created a lot of open looks for everybody.Al Horford led the Hawks with a season-high 25 points and had eight rebounds and was one of four players to score in double figures. Teague had 21 points and Kyle Korver added 13.Our guys activity and energy on both ends of the court was good, Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. We just need to keep getting better and build off that.The Hawks came out firing from long range. Atlanta was 6 of 13 on 3-pointers during the first half, but struggled in the second half and finished 9 of 21.Weve had some good first quarters and obviously if we can make a couple threes that will open up the court and maybe allow us to get to the basket, Budenholzer said. The early outside success opened things up inside as the Hawks scored 22 points in the paint in the first half and finished with 48.The Hawks pushed their lead to 21 points three times. The first time was when Teague scored on a layup, was fouled and hit the freethrow to put Atlanta up 68-47 with 8:25 to play in the third quarter.Indiana went on a couple of runs. Late in the first half the Pacers went on a 10-2 run to close the gap to 49-39, but the Hawks answered and took a 60-43 lead into the half.C.J. Miles led a fourth-quarter run, scoring all 15 of his points in the final period. Rodney Stuckey also scored 15 points for Indiana. But it wasnt enough. But it wasnt enough for the Pacers.Our energy level throughout the whole 48 minutes is not what it should be, Scola said. Teams are coming at us early and then we try to react and its just too hard.___BITTEN BY THE BUG AGAINThe Pacers lost another key player when Ian Mahinmi tore his left plantar fascia during Fridays loss to Sacramento. Last season the Pacers had 17 players on the roster throughout the season and they missed a combined 69 games. This season through 14 games, seven players have missed a combined 71.TIP-INSAtlanta: The Hawks averaged 103.3 points and 27.7 assists and held their opponents to 88.7 points during the six-game winning streak that were on entering Monday nights game. Horford (11), Carroll (10) and Teague (10) each scored in double figures during the first half.Indiana: The Pacers current five-game losing streak is their second of the season. The first was October 31-November 8 when they dropped six straight. Indiana averaged 72.5 per cent from the free-throw line entering the game and its 53 per cent was near its season low of 50 per cent.UP NEXTAtlanta: Host the Philadelphia 76ers on WednesdayIndiana: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday Patrice Bergeron Bruins Jersey . -- The Guelph Storm are moving on to the Western Conference final after defeating the London Knights 5-4 on Friday in Ontario Hockey League playoff action. Charlie McAvoy Bruins Jersey . George Hill had 13 points and seven rebounds for the Pacers, who stayed atop the overall NBA standings despite losing twice on their West Coast trip. Los Angeles kept it close into the second half before the Pacers finished an easy win over the injury-riddled Lakers, who have lost five straight. http://www.thebostonbruinshockey.com/bra...ey-jersey/. Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley told local media in comments published Wednesday that John Tomic would not be allowed into Melbourne Park in any official capacity or as a spectator. Jeremy Lauzon Bruins Jersey . - The Toronto Blue Jays have optioned pitchers Kyle Drabek, Chad Jenkins and Sean Nolin to triple-A Buffalo. Danton Heinen Bruins Jersey . Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers know what life is like without Clay Matthews, and theyre bracing themselves again for being without their four-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker for an extended time after Matthews broke his right thumb during Sundays 22-9 victory over the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said in his usual day-after-the-game news conference Monday afternoon that Matthews was at a doctors appointment being examined and that he was unsure how long his star defensive player would be sidelined. "All the informations not in yet," McCarthy said. "I really dont have anything to announce there." Matthews, who left the Packers pre-bye loss at Cincinnati on Sept. 22 with a hamstring injury he suffered while forcing his second fumble of the game on a hit on quarterback Andy Dalton, injured his thumb on the final play of the third quarter, when he came unblocked and sacked Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford for a 12-yard loss. "I told him hes going to have to stop sacking the quarterback because the last two weeks, hes injured himself sacking the quarterback," defensive co-ordinator Dom Capers said jokingly. Matthews grabbed for Stafford with his right hand and then hit the hand on the ground and he finished the play. Afterward, Matthews could be seen looking at his hand before coming off the field, and when he came to the Packers sideline, he reached across his face to unsnap his chinstrap on the right side of this helmet with his left hand. He was then taken to the locker room for x-rays by the Packers medical staff. Assuming Matthews at least misses next Sundays game at defending Super Bowl-champion Baltimore, it would mark the fourth straight year that Matthews will have been sidelined for at least one game. After playing all 16 games as a rookie in 2009, when he missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury, Matthews missed one game in 2010 wiith a hamstring injury.dddddddddddd In 2011, he was a healthy inactive for the meaningless regular-season finale against Detroit after the Packers had locked up home-field advantage for the playoffs, but he missed four games last season with a hamstring injury before returning from the layoff and recording seven sacks in the next five games (including playoffs). Without Matthews, who had five tackles and a sack in Sundays game, the Packers played Mike Neal and Nick Perry as their outside linebackers. Neal, a converted defensive end, finished with a sack and six tackles; Perry, the teams first-round pick last year whose season ended after six games because of wrist surgery, finished with two sacks and five tackles; Neal had one sack and six tackles. "The one encouraging thing to me is, I think Mike Neal has made really good strides. I think you saw him play his best game yesterday, I think you saw Nick Perry play his best game yesterday," Capers said. And thats the nature of this business. "Not knowing (Matthews) status and whats going to go on there, we need for Mike Neal and Nick Perry to be ready to play next week the way they played this week. Because they played their best football this week." Meanwhile, the Packers apparently arent overly concerned about the hamstring injury suffered by starting inside linebacker Brad Jones. After Jones left Sundays game with the injury, he was replaced by backup Robert Francois, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon later in the game. Francois was placed on season-ending injured reserve Monday, but rather than replacing him with another inside linebacker, the Packers instead called up cornerback James Nixon from the practice squad. That leaves them with three other inside linebackers besides Jones - fellow starter A.J. Hawk, veteran backup Jamari Lattimore and rookie seventh-round pick Sam Barrington. ' ' '
HAMILTON - Playing their third game in as many days, the Hamilton Bulldogs salvaged their weekend with an energetic, 60-minute effort on Sunday. Martin St. Pierre scored two goals, including the game winner in the second period, as the Bulldogs snapped a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 win over the San Antonio Rampage in the American Hockey League. "Travelling has been hectic this weekend, but were not a team that makes excuses," said St. Pierre. "If we lose while were working hard, well take the loss. We felt that we played well this weekend and just didnt get the bounces. "We knew that it has to be mind over matter when you have three games over two and a half days." Mike Blunden also had a goal for the Bulldogs (23-25-5) and Dustin Tokarski made 32 saves. Quinton Howden scored the lone goal for the Rampage (23-23-8), while Jacob Markstrom stopped 28 shots in a losing effort. Hamilton got off to a promising start, challenging Markstrom early and often in the first period. Offensive pressure paid dividends when the Bulldogs opened the scoring through their captain at 7:25. Greg Pateryn carried the puck in from the blue line and released a low, hard shot toward the far post that Markstrom kicked into St. Pierres path as he streaked in from the left wing. St. Pierre reacted quickly and fired the puck past the sprawling goaltender before he could recover his position. The Bulldogs lead nearly doubled three minutes later, when Sven Andrighetto threaded a centring pass through the San Antonio defence that found Maxime Macenauer in the low slot. But Markstrom slid to his right and snared the centres ensuing wrist shot with his glove. Hamilton head coach Sylvain Lefebvre was encouraged by his teams strong start, and argued that it had become a recent trend. "The one thing that stood out this weekend was that we started all three games very strongly," said Lefebvre. "Tonight, we stuck with it and kept going." A bright first period was dimmed somewhat when the Bulldogs were assessed two minor penalties at the same stoppage of play at 19:26, as Gabriel Dumont was called for unsportsmanlike conduct after arguing a slashing penalty to Blunden. The exchange meant that Hamilton would have to survive 1:11 of 5-on-3 hockey early in the second period. Those penalties passed without incident, but the Rampage made the most of their next power-play opportunity when Louis Leblanc was whistled for hooking at 7:10 of the second period. Tokarski knocked aside Ryan Martindales initial shot from the slot with his blocking glove, but the forward recovered his rebound and chipped a quick shot that Howden tipped past the goaltender at 8:06. Markstrom was tested several times as the Bulldogs pushed for a second goal, and came up with consecutive saves to deny St. Pierre and Sven Andrighetto in quick succession midway through the period. But there was little that he could do to prevent the eventual breakthrough, as Nathan Beaulieus point shot rebounded high into the air, and St. Pierre was waiting as it dropped to slide it past the goaltender at the near post at 12:15. The Bulldogs added some insurance on the power play at 6:29 of the third period. Markstrom turned aside Nick Tarnaskys initial shot, but Mike Blunden was posted in the low slot and corralled the rebound, easily slotting it past the goaltender. Hamilton successfully crowded Markstroms crease on Sunday, and Lefebvre stated that the Bulldogs will have to continue that tactic in the future. "We need to do that," he said. "We dont score too many highlight-reel goals. We grind them out, and thats our trademark. Thats who we are. "Some nights we dont want to pay the price as much and it shows. But this weekend we did, and we competed all weekend." The Bulldogs went 1-4 with the man advantage, while the Rampage were 1-3. Note: The Montreal Canadiens announced the call up of Hamilton defenceman Jarred Tinordi midway through Sundays game. Malik Hooker Colts Jersey .85 million contract with the two-time Gold Glove outfielder. Parra earned his second Gold Glove last season when he set a club record with 17 outfield assists. Bobby Okereke Youth Jersey . For the Miami Heat, that was outstanding news. LeBron James scored the last of his 32 points on a layup that put Miami up for good with 11. http://www.coltsofficialstore.us/authent...ts-jersey/. De La Rosa pitched six strong innings to win his sixth consecutive decision, Todd Helton homered and the Colorado Rockies snapped the Los Angeles Dodgers six-game winning streak with a 7-5 victory on Wednesday night. Pat McAfee Colts Jersey . Andrews, Scotland - Oliver Wilson fired a final- round, 2-under 70 on Sunday and he held on to win the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship by one shot. Johnny Unitas Colts Jersey . So heres what I do when I want to get into the baseball mood—I delve into "The Baseball Project".LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The Philadelphia Phillies have activated Cole Hamels from the disabled list to make his season debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 30-year-old left-hander, sidelined for the first three weeks because of biceps tendinitis, attempted to get his 100th regular-season victory on Wednesday night. Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP, entered 1-4 with a 9.dddddddddddd5 ERA in his last five opening starts. Philadelphia optioned right-hander B.J. Rosenberg to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Rosenberg made eight relief appearances, giving up five earned runs and 13 hits in 6 1-3 innings. His only decision came in a 5-4 win against Miami on April 12, when Jimmy Rollins hit a game-ending home run in the 10th. ' ' '
HAMILTON - Playing their third game in as many days, the Hamilton Bulldogs salvaged their weekend with an energetic, 60-minute effort on Sunday. Martin St. Pierre scored two goals, including the game winner in the second period, as the Bulldogs snapped a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 win over the San Antonio Rampage in the American Hockey League. "Travelling has been hectic this weekend, but were not a team that makes excuses," said St. Pierre. "If we lose while were working hard, well take the loss. We felt that we played well this weekend and just didnt get the bounces. "We knew that it has to be mind over matter when you have three games over two and a half days." Mike Blunden also had a goal for the Bulldogs (23-25-5) and Dustin Tokarski made 32 saves. Quinton Howden scored the lone goal for the Rampage (23-23-8), while Jacob Markstrom stopped 28 shots in a losing effort. Hamilton got off to a promising start, challenging Markstrom early and often in the first period. Offensive pressure paid dividends when the Bulldogs opened the scoring through their captain at 7:25. Greg Pateryn carried the puck in from the blue line and released a low, hard shot toward the far post that Markstrom kicked into St. Pierres path as he streaked in from the left wing. St. Pierre reacted quickly and fired the puck past the sprawling goaltender before he could recover his position. The Bulldogs lead nearly doubled three minutes later, when Sven Andrighetto threaded a centring pass through the San Antonio defence that found Maxime Macenauer in the low slot. But Markstrom slid to his right and snared the centres ensuing wrist shot with his glove. Hamilton head coach Sylvain Lefebvre was encouraged by his teams strong start, and argued that it had become a recent trend. "The one thing that stood out this weekend was that we started all three games very strongly," said Lefebvre. "Tonight, we stuck with it and kept going." A bright first period was dimmed somewhat when the Bulldogs were assessed two minor penalties at the same stoppage of play at 19:26, as Gabriel Dumont was called for unsportsmanlike conduct after arguing a slashing penalty to Blunden. The exchange meant that Hamilton would have to survive 1:11 of 5-on-3 hockey early in the second period. Those penalties passed without incident, but the Rampage made the most of their next power-play opportunity when Louis Leblanc was whistled for hooking at 7:10 of the second period. Tokarski knocked aside Ryan Martindales initial shot from the slot with his blocking glove, but the forward recovered his rebound and chipped a quick shot that Howden tipped past the goaltender at 8:06. Markstrom was tested several times as the Bulldogs pushed for a second goal, and came up with consecutive saves to deny St. Pierre and Sven Andrighetto in quick succession midway through the period. But there was little that he could do to prevent the eventual breakthrough, as Nathan Beaulieus point shot rebounded high into the air, and St. Pierre was waiting as it dropped to slide it past the goaltender at the near post at 12:15. The Bulldogs added some insurance on the power play at 6:29 of the third period. Markstrom turned aside Nick Tarnaskys initial shot, but Mike Blunden was posted in the low slot and corralled the rebound, easily slotting it past the goaltender. Hamilton successfully crowded Markstroms crease on Sunday, and Lefebvre stated that the Bulldogs will have to continue that tactic in the future. "We need to do that," he said. "We dont score too many highlight-reel goals. We grind them out, and thats our trademark. Thats who we are. "Some nights we dont want to pay the price as much and it shows. But this weekend we did, and we competed all weekend." The Bulldogs went 1-4 with the man advantage, while the Rampage were 1-3. Note: The Montreal Canadiens announced the call up of Hamilton defenceman Jarred Tinordi midway through Sundays game. Malik Hooker Colts Jersey .85 million contract with the two-time Gold Glove outfielder. Parra earned his second Gold Glove last season when he set a club record with 17 outfield assists. Bobby Okereke Youth Jersey . For the Miami Heat, that was outstanding news. LeBron James scored the last of his 32 points on a layup that put Miami up for good with 11. http://www.coltsofficialstore.us/authent...ts-jersey/. De La Rosa pitched six strong innings to win his sixth consecutive decision, Todd Helton homered and the Colorado Rockies snapped the Los Angeles Dodgers six-game winning streak with a 7-5 victory on Wednesday night. Pat McAfee Colts Jersey . Andrews, Scotland - Oliver Wilson fired a final- round, 2-under 70 on Sunday and he held on to win the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship by one shot. Johnny Unitas Colts Jersey . So heres what I do when I want to get into the baseball mood—I delve into "The Baseball Project".LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The Philadelphia Phillies have activated Cole Hamels from the disabled list to make his season debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 30-year-old left-hander, sidelined for the first three weeks because of biceps tendinitis, attempted to get his 100th regular-season victory on Wednesday night. Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP, entered 1-4 with a 9.dddddddddddd5 ERA in his last five opening starts. Philadelphia optioned right-hander B.J. Rosenberg to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Rosenberg made eight relief appearances, giving up five earned runs and 13 hits in 6 1-3 innings. His only decision came in a 5-4 win against Miami on April 12, when Jimmy Rollins hit a game-ending home run in the 10th. ' ' '
MILAN, Italy -- Carlos Tevez scored twice to move top of the Serie A scoring charts and help league leader Juventus beat 10-man Parma 2-1 for a record 15th home win on Wednesday. Tevez has now scored 18 league goals in his first season at Juventus following his move from Manchester City. "Better than this is impossible, but the important thing is that the team won," Tevez said Cristian Molinaro reduced the deficit but Parma striker Amauri was sent off three minutes later. Despite the numerical disadvantage Parma almost snatched a draw but Molinaro was denied by a goal-line clearance and the visitors had strong penalty appeals turned down. "I dont know if it was a penalty, those who understand football know how to judge it," Parma coach Roberto Donadoni said. "I think sometimes you have to take into account players tricks, but you only have a matter of seconds to do that on the pitch." Juventus restored its 14-point advantage over Roma, which beat Torino 2-1 on Tuesday and has played a game less than its rivals. Napoli moved six points behind Roma with a 4-2 win at Catania and boosted its chances of securing the final Champions League spot as Fiorentina lost 2-0 at home to AC Milan. Mario Balotelli set up one goal and scored the other to help under-fire boss Clarence Seedorf, who was reportedly on the verge of the sack before last weekends draw at Lazio. "And some people say I wont even be going to the World Cup," Balotelli said. "This victory didnt save anyone, because there wasnt anyone to save. The dressing room is united. Of course, were upset because we wont get into the Champions League and maybe not into the Europa League either, but not disunited." Atalanta maintained its push for a Europa League spot as it beat Livorno 2-0 and leapfrogged Lazio into seventh after the capital side lost 2-0 at Genoa. Also, it was: Chievo Verona 3, Bologna 0; Sassuolo 1, Sampdoria 2; and Cagliari 1, Hellas Verona 0. Juventus had won all 14 of its home league matches this season, while Parma was on a club record unbeaten run of 17 matches. Tevez broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with a powerful run down the right, holding off Gabriel Paletta before slotting a low effort into the near side of the net. It was his 17th goal of the season and an immediate response to Ciro Immobile after the Torino striker reached that tally against Roma. And the Argentina forward moved solo atop the scoring charts seven minutes later. Tevez found Arturo Vidal on the right and then raced into the area to tap home after the Chilean internationals cross-shot was parried by Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante. Parma got back into the match shortly after the hour mark with a fantastic volley from Molinaro on the edge of the area but Amauri was harshly adjudged to have elbowed Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini shortly afterward. Molinaro almost levelled near the end but Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon parried his effort and Leonardo Bonucci cleared in a goalmouth scramble. Parma appealed heavily for a penalty for a foul on Marco Parolo but to no avail. In Sicily, Napoli gave Catania an early warning as it had three good opportunities in the opening five minutes. And it took the lead in the 16th minute. Marek Hamsik found Jose Maria Callejon on the right and he crossed for Duvan Zapata to tap in for his first league goal. Callejon doubled the visitors advantage before Henrique scored his first Napoli goal with a strike from the tightest of angles. Zapata all but sealed the match on the stroke of halftime although Catania attempted a comeback in the second period as defenders Fabian Monzon and Norbert Gyomber also scored their debut league goals. Fiorentina forward Alessandro Matri, who is on loan from Milan missed a couple of early chances against his old team and it was the under-fire visitors which took a surprise lead in the 23rd minute. Balotelli had been dropped for the weekend draw against Lazio but he returned to the starting lineup and fired in a free kick which was parried by Neto but straight to Philippe Mexes, who headed in. Balotelli doubled Milans advantage with another free kick into the top right corner from 20 yards in the 64th minute. Fifth-place Inter Milan could close the gap on Fiorentina to just one point with victory at home to Udinese on Thursday. Parma is currently level on points with Inter, with Atalanta four points below the final Europa League spot following a club record fifth consecutive win. T. J. Watt Youth Jersey . The question is how many minutes will be available to them and can any of their defence or goaltending provide value? Top Picks: Following a down year in 2011-2012, Matt Duchene rebounded with his highest points-per-game (0. Merril Hoge Steelers Jersey . - The New Orleans Saints have re-signed receiver Joseph Morgan for one year and have agreed to a four-year deal with free agent fullback Erik Lorig. http://www.steelersrookiestore.com/Steel...ersey/.com) - Devon Johnson ran for a school record 272 yards with four touchdowns and No. Heath Miller Womens Jersey . Fans in the Jets viewing region can watch the game on TSN Jets at 5:30pm ct and listeners can tune in to TSN Radio 1290 Winnipeg. Kevin Greene Womens Jersey . Perhaps as important, shes sending a message to 17-year-old gold medal favourite Sara Takanashi of Japan. Iraschko-Stolz relegated Takanashi, who has 10 World Cup victories this season, to second place in two of three training jumps Saturday.PITTSBURGH -- All eyes were supposed to be on Gregory Polanco. But thanks to his new-found success against left-handed pitchers, Anthony Rizzo stole the show. Rizzo homered, doubled twice and drove in three runs to lead the Chicago Cubs over the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3 Tuesday night, spoiling Polancos much-anticipated debut. Rizzo hit a two-run homer in the first inning off lefty Francisco Liriano, who came out in the fourth with discomfort on his right side. Rizzo also doubled and scored in the fourth and hit an RBI double in the seventh, a drive to deep right-centre that struck Polancos left wrist as the touted Pirates rookie tried to make the catch. Rizzo has five home runs and a .344 batting average in 61 at-bats against left-handers this season. Last year, he batted .189 with seven homers against southpaws in 189 at-bats. "I feel more comfortable against them now and its the best Ive ever hit left-handers at any level," Rizzo said. "I dont know if Ill ever figure lefties out -- or right-handers, either -- but I do feel confident against them." Rizzo has every reason to feel confident. He has five homers in his last 10 games, raising his season total to 13. "You can talk about mechanics and scouting reports and everything else, but the biggest thing in this game is confidence," Rizzo said. "If you step into the batters box with confidence, then youre giving yourself a much better chance to hit." Polanco went 1 for 5 after getting called up from Triple-A Indianapolis, where the right fielder was leading the International League with a .347 batting average and 49 RBIs in 62 games. "It was a lot of fun," he said. "It was exciting. I was a little nervous at first but then I relaxed and had fun." Pinch-hitter Luis Valbuenas two-run double off Casey Sadler (0-1) broke a 3-all tie in the sixth and put Chicago aahead for good.dddddddddddd Travis Wood (6-5) allowed three runs and nine hits in 6 2-3 innings. "It was a grind at times but I got through it," Wood said. Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run homer for the Pirates, his ninth of the season and fifth in nine June games. Valbuena and Junior Lake each had two hits for the Cubs, as did Pittsburghs Russell Martin and Starling Marte. Rizzo scored on a single by Starlin Castro in the seventh to push Chicagos lead to 7-3. Rizzos homer put the Cubs up 2-0, but the Pirates tied it on McCutchens drive in the third. In the top of the fourth, Rizzo led off with a double and scored on Darwin Barneys double. Pittsburgh tied it again in the bottom half on pinch-hitter Jose Tabatas RBI double. "Rizzos blast there in the first inning kind of got us rolling and we did a good job of adding on runs after that," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. Liriano allowed two runs in three-plus innings. He bent over and held his back after throwing a pitch to Rizzo, then left the mound after a few warmup pitches. After leading the Pirates with 16 wins last season, Liriano has struggled this year. He is 1-6 with a 4.60 ERA in 14 starts. Liriano will almost certainly miss his scheduled start Sunday in Miami and could land on the disabled list. Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole (right shoulder fatigue) went on the DL on Sunday and second baseman Neil Walker (appendectomy) followed him Tuesday. NOTES: The Cubs released RHP Jose Veras, one week after designating him for assignment. He was 0-2 with an 8.10 ERA in 12 relief appearances while going 0 for 2 on save chances. ... Pittsburgh 3B Pedro Alvarez got the night off. He is 1 for 18 against Wood. ... Chicago RHP Jason Hammel (6-3, 2.53 ERA) is scheduled to start Wednesday night against RHP Brandon Cumpton (1-2, 6.51). ' ' 'MILAN, Italy -- Carlos Tevez scored twice to move top of the Serie A scoring charts and help league leader Juventus beat 10-man Parma 2-1 for a record 15th home win on Wednesday. Tevez has now scored 18 league goals in his first season at Juventus following his move from Manchester City. "Better than this is impossible, but the important thing is that the team won," Tevez said Cristian Molinaro reduced the deficit but Parma striker Amauri was sent off three minutes later. Despite the numerical disadvantage Parma almost snatched a draw but Molinaro was denied by a goal-line clearance and the visitors had strong penalty appeals turned down. "I dont know if it was a penalty, those who understand football know how to judge it," Parma coach Roberto Donadoni said. "I think sometimes you have to take into account players tricks, but you only have a matter of seconds to do that on the pitch." Juventus restored its 14-point advantage over Roma, which beat Torino 2-1 on Tuesday and has played a game less than its rivals. Napoli moved six points behind Roma with a 4-2 win at Catania and boosted its chances of securing the final Champions League spot as Fiorentina lost 2-0 at home to AC Milan. Mario Balotelli set up one goal and scored the other to help under-fire boss Clarence Seedorf, who was reportedly on the verge of the sack before last weekends draw at Lazio. "And some people say I wont even be going to the World Cup," Balotelli said. "This victory didnt save anyone, because there wasnt anyone to save. The dressing room is united. Of course, were upset because we wont get into the Champions League and maybe not into the Europa League either, but not disunited." Atalanta maintained its push for a Europa League spot as it beat Livorno 2-0 and leapfrogged Lazio into seventh after the capital side lost 2-0 at Genoa. Also, it was: Chievo Verona 3, Bologna 0; Sassuolo 1, Sampdoria 2; and Cagliari 1, Hellas Verona 0. Juventus had won all 14 of its home league matches this season, while Parma was on a club record unbeaten run of 17 matches. Tevez broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with a powerful run down the right, holding off Gabriel Paletta before slotting a low effort into the near side of the net. It was his 17th goal of the season and an immediate response to Ciro Immobile after the Torino striker reached that tally against Roma. And the Argentina forward moved solo atop the scoring charts seven minutes later. Tevez found Arturo Vidal on the right and then raced into the area to tap home after the Chilean internationals cross-shot was parried by Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante. Parma got back into the match shortly after the hour mark with a fantastic volley from Molinaro on the edge of the area but Amauri was harshly adjudged to have elbowed Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini shortly afterward. Molinaro almost levelled near the end but Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon parried his effort and Leonardo Bonucci cleared in a goalmouth scramble. Parma appealed heavily for a penalty for a foul on Marco Parolo but to no avail. In Sicily, Napoli gave Catania an early warning as it had three good opportunities in the opening five minutes. And it took the lead in the 16th minute. Marek Hamsik found Jose Maria Callejon on the right and he crossed for Duvan Zapata to tap in for his first league goal. Callejon doubled the visitors advantage before Henrique scored his first Napoli goal with a strike from the tightest of angles. Zapata all but sealed the match on the stroke of halftime although Catania attempted a comeback in the second period as defenders Fabian Monzon and Norbert Gyomber also scored their debut league goals. Fiorentina forward Alessandro Matri, who is on loan from Milan missed a couple of early chances against his old team and it was the under-fire visitors which took a surprise lead in the 23rd minute. Balotelli had been dropped for the weekend draw against Lazio but he returned to the starting lineup and fired in a free kick which was parried by Neto but straight to Philippe Mexes, who headed in. Balotelli doubled Milans advantage with another free kick into the top right corner from 20 yards in the 64th minute. Fifth-place Inter Milan could close the gap on Fiorentina to just one point with victory at home to Udinese on Thursday. Parma is currently level on points with Inter, with Atalanta four points below the final Europa League spot following a club record fifth consecutive win. T. J. Watt Youth Jersey . The question is how many minutes will be available to them and can any of their defence or goaltending provide value? Top Picks: Following a down year in 2011-2012, Matt Duchene rebounded with his highest points-per-game (0. Merril Hoge Steelers Jersey . - The New Orleans Saints have re-signed receiver Joseph Morgan for one year and have agreed to a four-year deal with free agent fullback Erik Lorig. http://www.steelersrookiestore.com/Steel...ersey/.com) - Devon Johnson ran for a school record 272 yards with four touchdowns and No. Heath Miller Womens Jersey . Fans in the Jets viewing region can watch the game on TSN Jets at 5:30pm ct and listeners can tune in to TSN Radio 1290 Winnipeg. Kevin Greene Womens Jersey . Perhaps as important, shes sending a message to 17-year-old gold medal favourite Sara Takanashi of Japan. Iraschko-Stolz relegated Takanashi, who has 10 World Cup victories this season, to second place in two of three training jumps Saturday.PITTSBURGH -- All eyes were supposed to be on Gregory Polanco. But thanks to his new-found success against left-handed pitchers, Anthony Rizzo stole the show. Rizzo homered, doubled twice and drove in three runs to lead the Chicago Cubs over the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3 Tuesday night, spoiling Polancos much-anticipated debut. Rizzo hit a two-run homer in the first inning off lefty Francisco Liriano, who came out in the fourth with discomfort on his right side. Rizzo also doubled and scored in the fourth and hit an RBI double in the seventh, a drive to deep right-centre that struck Polancos left wrist as the touted Pirates rookie tried to make the catch. Rizzo has five home runs and a .344 batting average in 61 at-bats against left-handers this season. Last year, he batted .189 with seven homers against southpaws in 189 at-bats. "I feel more comfortable against them now and its the best Ive ever hit left-handers at any level," Rizzo said. "I dont know if Ill ever figure lefties out -- or right-handers, either -- but I do feel confident against them." Rizzo has every reason to feel confident. He has five homers in his last 10 games, raising his season total to 13. "You can talk about mechanics and scouting reports and everything else, but the biggest thing in this game is confidence," Rizzo said. "If you step into the batters box with confidence, then youre giving yourself a much better chance to hit." Polanco went 1 for 5 after getting called up from Triple-A Indianapolis, where the right fielder was leading the International League with a .347 batting average and 49 RBIs in 62 games. "It was a lot of fun," he said. "It was exciting. I was a little nervous at first but then I relaxed and had fun." Pinch-hitter Luis Valbuenas two-run double off Casey Sadler (0-1) broke a 3-all tie in the sixth and put Chicago aahead for good.dddddddddddd Travis Wood (6-5) allowed three runs and nine hits in 6 2-3 innings. "It was a grind at times but I got through it," Wood said. Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run homer for the Pirates, his ninth of the season and fifth in nine June games. Valbuena and Junior Lake each had two hits for the Cubs, as did Pittsburghs Russell Martin and Starling Marte. Rizzo scored on a single by Starlin Castro in the seventh to push Chicagos lead to 7-3. Rizzos homer put the Cubs up 2-0, but the Pirates tied it on McCutchens drive in the third. In the top of the fourth, Rizzo led off with a double and scored on Darwin Barneys double. Pittsburgh tied it again in the bottom half on pinch-hitter Jose Tabatas RBI double. "Rizzos blast there in the first inning kind of got us rolling and we did a good job of adding on runs after that," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. Liriano allowed two runs in three-plus innings. He bent over and held his back after throwing a pitch to Rizzo, then left the mound after a few warmup pitches. After leading the Pirates with 16 wins last season, Liriano has struggled this year. He is 1-6 with a 4.60 ERA in 14 starts. Liriano will almost certainly miss his scheduled start Sunday in Miami and could land on the disabled list. Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole (right shoulder fatigue) went on the DL on Sunday and second baseman Neil Walker (appendectomy) followed him Tuesday. NOTES: The Cubs released RHP Jose Veras, one week after designating him for assignment. He was 0-2 with an 8.10 ERA in 12 relief appearances while going 0 for 2 on save chances. ... Pittsburgh 3B Pedro Alvarez got the night off. He is 1 for 18 against Wood. ... Chicago RHP Jason Hammel (6-3, 2.53 ERA) is scheduled to start Wednesday night against RHP Brandon Cumpton (1-2, 6.51). ' ' '