PHILADELPHIA — Jon Lester needed an out as desperately as the Red Sox needed a win.
In both cases, they got it.
With two on, two out and the Phillies threatening the Red Sox’ three-run lead in the seventh inning today, Lester (AP photo) turned to his best weapon, his cutter, and struck out Raul Ibanez on his 119th and final pitch. Cleanup-hitter-for-a-day Dustin Pedroia and Jason Varitek tacked on back-to-back homers in the eighth, and the Red Sox averted a sweep with a 5-2 victory in Citizens Bank Park.
In a series billed as a World Series preview, we didn’t learn much that we didn’t already know. The Phillies, by virtue of their shutdown starting pitching, once again are the class of the National League. The Red Sox? At full strength, there is little reason to doubt they can win the American League pennant, but lately, they haven’t been close to full strength, the overriding reason they have lost six of their last eight games, all during interleague play. In a National League ballpark, David Ortiz is relegated primarily to pinch-hitting duties, while Carl Crawford has been absent for nearly two weeks with a hamstring injury.
Today, the Red Sox were without Kevin Youkilis, who was dealing with a bruised left ankle after fouling off a pitch last night. But they also had the luxury of having to face Phillies ace lefty Cole Hamels for only four innings. Hamels exited after being hit on the hand by a line drive from Adrian Gonzalez. X-rays were negative, and he is expected to make his next start.
Hamels left a scoreless game, but the Red Sox, who had scored only one run in the previous 22 innings against Phillies pitching, got to reliever David Herndon in the fifth. Josh Reddick stroked a one-out triple and scored on a single by Drew Sutton, who scored three batters later on Jacoby Ellsbury’s single. Varitek launched his first homer of the game in the sixth to open a 3-0 lead.
Meanwhile, Lester was brilliant, shutting down the lefty-leaning Phillies lineup. Through six innings, he allowed only a leadoff walk to Ryan Howard in the second and a one-out single by Chase Utley in the fourth. But in the seventh, Howard singled and Shane Victorino walked, bringing the tying run to the plate with one out. Lester got Ben Francisco to fly weakly to center field before fanning Ibanez with a 90-mph cutter.
Pedroia and Varitek went deep against Phillies reliever Andrew Carpenter to open a 5-0 lead, and although Howard swatted a two-run homer against Bobby Jenks in the ninth inning, it wasn’t enough to keep Lester from joining Detroit’s Justin Verlander and the Yankees’ CC Sabathia as the American League’s only 10-game winners.
The Red Sox continue their 10-day interleague swing Friday night when they open a three-game series in Houston.
(Twitter: @ScottLauber)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Agonized’ Terry Francona needs perspective
‘Agonized’ Terry Francona needs perspective
By Ron Borges
Thursday, June 30, 2011 - Updated 5 hours ago
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Terry Francona said Tuesday he “agonized” over whether to put a $160 million baseball player in right field and a $12 million-a-year one at first base last night. If he agonizes over that, what happens to the poor guy when he has to order lunch?
Normal folks “agonize” over whether to pay the mortgage or health insurance bill. They agonize over whether to fill up the gas tank or the refrigerator. They agonize over how to fund their children’s college education or take care of ailing parents.
But agonizing over whether Adrian Gonzalez can catch a fly ball without running into a wall or a teammate or whether David Ortiz [stats] can put his foot down on first base without snapping an ankle seems to be, well, a bit melodramatic, to be kind.
In Little League, right field is where you put the shakiest glove. Seldom is that deployment followed by the kid’s decapitation. Gonzalez had played right field only once in the majors until last night, so no one was expecting him to be Dewey Evans.
The only expectation was that somehow he could find his way to a fly ball as long as it’s not too close to Jacoby Ellsbury [stats] or the fences at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park. Is that really such dangerous work?
Well, there were no problems last night in right field other than the Sox losing a 2-1 game to the Phillies.
As for Ortiz, one of the hottest batters in the Sox lineup had pinch hit only three times since the Red Sox [team stats] embarked on their nine-game trek through National League parks because American League teams are banned from using the designated hitter when they play in those parks. Why baseball has two sets of rules is a good debate, but not an issue here.
The only debate is do you really believe Gonzalez was in danger of risking life and limb in right field? Or that it was wise to remove from the lineup a batter, who upon leaving Fenway, was hitting .311 with 17 home runs, 20 doubles and 48 RBI?
The answer in both cases from this point of view was and is no. If Gonzalez is so fragile that a few nights in right field put him at risk, then they should swath the man in bubble wrap every time he walks to the plate because, gee, a guy can get hurt up there.
Just ask J.D. Drew [stats].
How anyone could advocate sitting down Ortiz when he’s hotter than the Mojave Desert is not even worth talking about because Francona didn’t advocate that, nor did he create this problem. Interleague play and two sets of rules for one game created the problem, but it reflects the overwrought seriousness with which baseball takes itself that this problem became an agonizing one for the Red Sox manager.
Agonizing? Hell, it wasn’t even worth wrestling over. Adrian Gonzalez can’t shag flies and hit on the same day without running the risk of hospitalization?
One understands why Francona would sit down with general manager Theo Epstein to discuss this first. If I were Tito, I’d go to upper management too, and ask, “What do you want to do?” Considering what John Henry is paying Gonzalez and Ortiz, that was a wise course, but did he really have to wait until Cliff Lee baffled the entire lineup and his team had lost five out of its last six games, including two to the improved, but not that improved, Pirates, to do it?
Unfortunately for the men in Francona’s position, this is what the manager’s job has become. It is no longer just a matter of putting the best players out on the field. It’s massaging the egos and fragile psyches of men who only a few years ago would have painted the outfield fence if it would have gotten them to the big leagues.
Before finally making the move, Francona mentioned that he kept wondering about the “what ifs,” as in “What if something ever went wrong . . . ”
If the folks who pay for all these players by buying tickets went through life agonizing over whether something might go wrong on the fire truck, police cruiser, steel girder, roof, coal mine, train, bus, plane, assembly line, oil rig and on and on, nothing would get done in America.
You think a cab driver says “Sorry, can’t drive a limo?” You think a plumber says “Can’t risk moving that board. That’s a carpenter’s job”?
It’s all well and good to take your job seriously, as Francona rightfully does. But if he was truly “agonizing” over something as simple as whether Gonzalez could survive a few nights in right field, how does Barack Obama even get out of bed in the morning?
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By Ron Borges
Thursday, June 30, 2011 - Updated 5 hours ago
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Terry Francona said Tuesday he “agonized” over whether to put a $160 million baseball player in right field and a $12 million-a-year one at first base last night. If he agonizes over that, what happens to the poor guy when he has to order lunch?
Normal folks “agonize” over whether to pay the mortgage or health insurance bill. They agonize over whether to fill up the gas tank or the refrigerator. They agonize over how to fund their children’s college education or take care of ailing parents.
But agonizing over whether Adrian Gonzalez can catch a fly ball without running into a wall or a teammate or whether David Ortiz [stats] can put his foot down on first base without snapping an ankle seems to be, well, a bit melodramatic, to be kind.
In Little League, right field is where you put the shakiest glove. Seldom is that deployment followed by the kid’s decapitation. Gonzalez had played right field only once in the majors until last night, so no one was expecting him to be Dewey Evans.
The only expectation was that somehow he could find his way to a fly ball as long as it’s not too close to Jacoby Ellsbury [stats] or the fences at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park. Is that really such dangerous work?
Well, there were no problems last night in right field other than the Sox losing a 2-1 game to the Phillies.
As for Ortiz, one of the hottest batters in the Sox lineup had pinch hit only three times since the Red Sox [team stats] embarked on their nine-game trek through National League parks because American League teams are banned from using the designated hitter when they play in those parks. Why baseball has two sets of rules is a good debate, but not an issue here.
The only debate is do you really believe Gonzalez was in danger of risking life and limb in right field? Or that it was wise to remove from the lineup a batter, who upon leaving Fenway, was hitting .311 with 17 home runs, 20 doubles and 48 RBI?
The answer in both cases from this point of view was and is no. If Gonzalez is so fragile that a few nights in right field put him at risk, then they should swath the man in bubble wrap every time he walks to the plate because, gee, a guy can get hurt up there.
Just ask J.D. Drew [stats].
How anyone could advocate sitting down Ortiz when he’s hotter than the Mojave Desert is not even worth talking about because Francona didn’t advocate that, nor did he create this problem. Interleague play and two sets of rules for one game created the problem, but it reflects the overwrought seriousness with which baseball takes itself that this problem became an agonizing one for the Red Sox manager.
Agonizing? Hell, it wasn’t even worth wrestling over. Adrian Gonzalez can’t shag flies and hit on the same day without running the risk of hospitalization?
One understands why Francona would sit down with general manager Theo Epstein to discuss this first. If I were Tito, I’d go to upper management too, and ask, “What do you want to do?” Considering what John Henry is paying Gonzalez and Ortiz, that was a wise course, but did he really have to wait until Cliff Lee baffled the entire lineup and his team had lost five out of its last six games, including two to the improved, but not that improved, Pirates, to do it?
Unfortunately for the men in Francona’s position, this is what the manager’s job has become. It is no longer just a matter of putting the best players out on the field. It’s massaging the egos and fragile psyches of men who only a few years ago would have painted the outfield fence if it would have gotten them to the big leagues.
Before finally making the move, Francona mentioned that he kept wondering about the “what ifs,” as in “What if something ever went wrong . . . ”
If the folks who pay for all these players by buying tickets went through life agonizing over whether something might go wrong on the fire truck, police cruiser, steel girder, roof, coal mine, train, bus, plane, assembly line, oil rig and on and on, nothing would get done in America.
You think a cab driver says “Sorry, can’t drive a limo?” You think a plumber says “Can’t risk moving that board. That’s a carpenter’s job”?
It’s all well and good to take your job seriously, as Francona rightfully does. But if he was truly “agonizing” over something as simple as whether Gonzalez could survive a few nights in right field, how does Barack Obama even get out of bed in the morning?
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Red Sox designate Mike Cameron for assignment
Red Sox designate Mike Cameron for assignment
By John Tomase
Thursday, June 30, 2011 - Updated 5 hours ago
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The Red Sox [team stats] have designated veteran outfielder Mike Cameron for assignment, ending his injury-plagued tenure with the team after just one and a half seasons.
The Red Sox were forced to act this morning after an injury to third baseman Kevin Youkilis [stats] left them a little short in the infield. Yamaico Navarro was summoned from Triple-A Pawtucket to replace Cameron on the roster.
In truth, Cameron’s days were already numbered. On the team because of his ability to hit left-handers, Cameron was batting just .149 overall and .143 vs. lefties when the Red Sox decided to pull the plug. They have 10 days to trade or release the 38-year-old veteran of 17 big league seasons, and GM Theo Epstein said there remained a very tiny chance that Cameron would accept an assignment to Pawtucket, though he characterized that as a long shot.
“It’s not a move we were looking to make necessarily,” Epstein said in the back of the Citizens Bank Park press box moments ago. “We were trying to buy as much time as we could, trying to strike the right balance to let guys get untracked a little bit. Mike’s obviously got a great track record. Even last year, I mean, he was hurt, and he still raked left-handed pitching.
“I think the expectation coming into the year is that he would help us against lefties, and it ended up just being a tough adjustment for him to a role he wasn’t that familiar with. So we were trying to strike the balance between giving him enough time to get untracked and then also realizing that it’s an area of the club that we might need to try something new to give us a little bit more of a threat against left-handed pitching.”
Epstein said the club will pursue trade talks for Cameron over the next week and a half, but noted that if they could have traded him already, they would have.
Epstein also accepted blame for the fact that signing Cameron to a two-year, $15.5 million deal two years ago didn’t work out. He said the team had trepidation about signing an outfielder as old as Cameron in free agency, but ultimately felt good about the decision because he took such good care of himself and was coming off a productive season in Milwaukee.
Then Cameron suffered a serious abdominal injury last spring and never recovered. He underwent what Epstein described as double-hernia, double-groin surgery in the offseason, but never found his rhythm this year.
“We recognized that (the signing) was a risk,” Epstein said. “Given some of the other things going on it made sense at the time. But when it doesn’t work out you have to stand up and say, ‘It didn’t work out.’ We’re not going to sugarcoat it. That one didn’t work out. I still think very highly of Mike as a player and a person. He got hurt and ended up not producing this year. It didn’t end up working out for the Red Sox, despite his best efforts.”
More Red Sox - June 30, 2011:
By John Tomase
Thursday, June 30, 2011 - Updated 5 hours ago
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The Red Sox [team stats] have designated veteran outfielder Mike Cameron for assignment, ending his injury-plagued tenure with the team after just one and a half seasons.
The Red Sox were forced to act this morning after an injury to third baseman Kevin Youkilis [stats] left them a little short in the infield. Yamaico Navarro was summoned from Triple-A Pawtucket to replace Cameron on the roster.
In truth, Cameron’s days were already numbered. On the team because of his ability to hit left-handers, Cameron was batting just .149 overall and .143 vs. lefties when the Red Sox decided to pull the plug. They have 10 days to trade or release the 38-year-old veteran of 17 big league seasons, and GM Theo Epstein said there remained a very tiny chance that Cameron would accept an assignment to Pawtucket, though he characterized that as a long shot.
“It’s not a move we were looking to make necessarily,” Epstein said in the back of the Citizens Bank Park press box moments ago. “We were trying to buy as much time as we could, trying to strike the right balance to let guys get untracked a little bit. Mike’s obviously got a great track record. Even last year, I mean, he was hurt, and he still raked left-handed pitching.
“I think the expectation coming into the year is that he would help us against lefties, and it ended up just being a tough adjustment for him to a role he wasn’t that familiar with. So we were trying to strike the balance between giving him enough time to get untracked and then also realizing that it’s an area of the club that we might need to try something new to give us a little bit more of a threat against left-handed pitching.”
Epstein said the club will pursue trade talks for Cameron over the next week and a half, but noted that if they could have traded him already, they would have.
Epstein also accepted blame for the fact that signing Cameron to a two-year, $15.5 million deal two years ago didn’t work out. He said the team had trepidation about signing an outfielder as old as Cameron in free agency, but ultimately felt good about the decision because he took such good care of himself and was coming off a productive season in Milwaukee.
Then Cameron suffered a serious abdominal injury last spring and never recovered. He underwent what Epstein described as double-hernia, double-groin surgery in the offseason, but never found his rhythm this year.
“We recognized that (the signing) was a risk,” Epstein said. “Given some of the other things going on it made sense at the time. But when it doesn’t work out you have to stand up and say, ‘It didn’t work out.’ We’re not going to sugarcoat it. That one didn’t work out. I still think very highly of Mike as a player and a person. He got hurt and ended up not producing this year. It didn’t end up working out for the Red Sox, despite his best efforts.”
More Red Sox - June 30, 2011:
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2011 MLB Standings as Of June 30 2011
2011 Standings
2011 Season 2011 Preseason 2010 Season 2009 Season 2008 Season 2007 Season 2006 Season 2005 Season 2004 Season 2003 Season 2002 Season
Regular Standings | Expanded Standings | Wild-Card Standings
American League
East W L Pct GB Home Road East Cent West Streak L10
New York Yankees 47 31 .603 -- 27-18 20-13 13-12 11-10 13-5Won 4 8-2
Boston Red Sox 45 34 .570 2.5 22-16 23-18 18-9 10-9 11-8 Lost 2 3-7
Tampa Bay Rays 45 36 .556 3.5 19-20 26-16 15-12 14-10 6-9 Lost 1 7-3
TorBlueJays 40 41 .494 8.5 18-19 22-22 13-18 13-10 7-6 Won 1 4-6
Balt Orioles 35 42 .455 11.5 22-21 13-21 10-18 11-9 8-7 Lost 2 4-6
Central W L Pct GB Home Road East Cent West Streak L10
Clev Indians 42 37 .532 -- 24-14 18-23 12-10 13-12 8-9 Won 1 4-6
Detroit Tigers 43 38 .531 -- 25-17 18-21 13-12 15-7 10-10 Lost 2 5-5
Chic WhiteSox 39 42 .481 4.0 19-20 20-22 11-12 6-11 14-13 Won 1 6-4
Minn Twins 34 45 .430 8.0 16-17 18-28 6-18 13-10 9-8 Won 2 4-6
KanCityRoyals 33 48 .407 10.0 23-24 10-24 6-7 9-16 14-14 Lost 3 2-8
West W L Pct GB Home Road East Cent West Streak L10
Tex Rangers 43 38 .531 -- 23-16 20-22 10-12 16-11 9-9 Won 2 6-4
LA Angels 42 40 .512 1.5 18-20 24-20 9-13 13-12 9-11 Won 3 8-2
Sea Mariners 39 42 .481 4.0 21-21 18-21 11-8 12-17 9-9 Lost 3 3-7
Oakland A's 36 45 .444 7.0 20-17 16-28 5-12 13-15 12-10 Lost 1 5-5
National League
East W L Pct GB Home Road East Cent West Streak L10
Phil Phillies 51 30 .630 -- 32-13 19-17 23-13 13-9 8-4 Won 3 7-3
Atl Braves 47 35 .573 4.5 22-17 25-18 16-14 15-7 8-10 Won 3 8-2
NY Mets 41 39 .512 9.5 18-20 23-19 15-15 10-10 8-8 Won 4 7-3
Wash Nats 40 41 .494 11.0 22-13 18-28 13-19 9-7 10-8 Lost 3 5-5
Flor Marlins 35 45 .438 15.5 17-26 18-19 11-17 9-10 10-9 Won 1 3-7
Central W L Pct GB Home Road East Cent West Streak L10
Mil Brewers 44 37 .543 -- 29-11 15-26 13-11 17-16 9-4 Lost 2 5-5
StLou Cards 43 38 .531 1.0 21-18 22-20 9-9 16-13 12-11 Won 2 5-5
Cin Reds 42 40 .512 2.5 22-19 20-21 3-7 24-14 10-9 Won 1 5-5
Pitts Pir 40 39 .506 3.0 19-20 21-19 8-12 16-10 9-10 Lost 1 5-5
Chic Cubs 33 48 .407 11.0 18-24 15-24 5-4 11-22 13-14 Won 1 4-6
Hou Astros 28 53 .346 16.0 13-30 15-23 5-13 13-22 7-10 Lost 5 2-8
West W L Pct GB Home Road East Cent West Streak L-10
SF Giants 46 35 .568 -- 24-13 22-22 5-11 13-9 20-11 Lost 1 7-3
Ar Dbacks 44 38 .537 2.5 23-19 21-19 11-8 12-10 12-14 Lost 1 5-5
Col Rck 39 41 .487 6.5 20-20 19-21 7-5 9-10 17-21 Lost 1 4-6
SD Padres 37 45 .451 9.5 19-27 18-18 8-12 13-15 11-11 Won 4 7-3
LADodgers 36 46 .439 10.5 19-24 17-22 8-8 11-16 12-15 Lost 2 5-5
x-Clinched Playoff Spot; y-Division Champ
Last updated Thursday, Jun 30, 2011 1:34 am EDT
2011 Season 2011 Preseason 2010 Season 2009 Season 2008 Season 2007 Season 2006 Season 2005 Season 2004 Season 2003 Season 2002 Season
Regular Standings | Expanded Standings | Wild-Card Standings
American League
East W L Pct GB Home Road East Cent West Streak L10
New York Yankees 47 31 .603 -- 27-18 20-13 13-12 11-10 13-5Won 4 8-2
Boston Red Sox 45 34 .570 2.5 22-16 23-18 18-9 10-9 11-8 Lost 2 3-7
Tampa Bay Rays 45 36 .556 3.5 19-20 26-16 15-12 14-10 6-9 Lost 1 7-3
TorBlueJays 40 41 .494 8.5 18-19 22-22 13-18 13-10 7-6 Won 1 4-6
Balt Orioles 35 42 .455 11.5 22-21 13-21 10-18 11-9 8-7 Lost 2 4-6
Central W L Pct GB Home Road East Cent West Streak L10
Clev Indians 42 37 .532 -- 24-14 18-23 12-10 13-12 8-9 Won 1 4-6
Detroit Tigers 43 38 .531 -- 25-17 18-21 13-12 15-7 10-10 Lost 2 5-5
Chic WhiteSox 39 42 .481 4.0 19-20 20-22 11-12 6-11 14-13 Won 1 6-4
Minn Twins 34 45 .430 8.0 16-17 18-28 6-18 13-10 9-8 Won 2 4-6
KanCityRoyals 33 48 .407 10.0 23-24 10-24 6-7 9-16 14-14 Lost 3 2-8
West W L Pct GB Home Road East Cent West Streak L10
Tex Rangers 43 38 .531 -- 23-16 20-22 10-12 16-11 9-9 Won 2 6-4
LA Angels 42 40 .512 1.5 18-20 24-20 9-13 13-12 9-11 Won 3 8-2
Sea Mariners 39 42 .481 4.0 21-21 18-21 11-8 12-17 9-9 Lost 3 3-7
Oakland A's 36 45 .444 7.0 20-17 16-28 5-12 13-15 12-10 Lost 1 5-5
National League
East W L Pct GB Home Road East Cent West Streak L10
Phil Phillies 51 30 .630 -- 32-13 19-17 23-13 13-9 8-4 Won 3 7-3
Atl Braves 47 35 .573 4.5 22-17 25-18 16-14 15-7 8-10 Won 3 8-2
NY Mets 41 39 .512 9.5 18-20 23-19 15-15 10-10 8-8 Won 4 7-3
Wash Nats 40 41 .494 11.0 22-13 18-28 13-19 9-7 10-8 Lost 3 5-5
Flor Marlins 35 45 .438 15.5 17-26 18-19 11-17 9-10 10-9 Won 1 3-7
Central W L Pct GB Home Road East Cent West Streak L10
Mil Brewers 44 37 .543 -- 29-11 15-26 13-11 17-16 9-4 Lost 2 5-5
StLou Cards 43 38 .531 1.0 21-18 22-20 9-9 16-13 12-11 Won 2 5-5
Cin Reds 42 40 .512 2.5 22-19 20-21 3-7 24-14 10-9 Won 1 5-5
Pitts Pir 40 39 .506 3.0 19-20 21-19 8-12 16-10 9-10 Lost 1 5-5
Chic Cubs 33 48 .407 11.0 18-24 15-24 5-4 11-22 13-14 Won 1 4-6
Hou Astros 28 53 .346 16.0 13-30 15-23 5-13 13-22 7-10 Lost 5 2-8
West W L Pct GB Home Road East Cent West Streak L-10
SF Giants 46 35 .568 -- 24-13 22-22 5-11 13-9 20-11 Lost 1 7-3
Ar Dbacks 44 38 .537 2.5 23-19 21-19 11-8 12-10 12-14 Lost 1 5-5
Col Rck 39 41 .487 6.5 20-20 19-21 7-5 9-10 17-21 Lost 1 4-6
SD Padres 37 45 .451 9.5 19-27 18-18 8-12 13-15 11-11 Won 4 7-3
LADodgers 36 46 .439 10.5 19-24 17-22 8-8 11-16 12-15 Lost 2 5-5
x-Clinched Playoff Spot; y-Division Champ
Last updated Thursday, Jun 30, 2011 1:34 am EDT
Baseball Capsules
Baseball Capsules
By The Associated Press 9 hours, 6 minutes ago
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PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Raul Ibanez(notes) hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the seventh, Vance Worley(notes) pitched seven strong innings and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Boston Red Sox 2-1 on Wednesday night.
In a series billed as a World Series preview, the major league-leading Phillies (51-30) have taken two straight and go for a sweep Thursday.
Worley (3-1) allowed one run and five hits. The rookie right-hander has filled in nicely for injured starters Roy Oswalt(notes) and Joe Blanton(notes). Michael Stutes(notes) pitched a perfect eighth and Antonio Bastardo(notes) finished for his third save and first filling in for Ryan Madson(notes).
Boston’s John Lackey(notes) (5-7) gave up two runs and eight hits in 7 2-3 innings in one of his best starts this season. He lowered his ERA from 7.36 to 6.81.
The Red Sox have lost six of seven since going 14-2.
Yankees 5, Brewers 2
NEW YORK (AP)—A.J. Burnett(notes) pitched neatly into the eighth inning, Russell Martin(notes) hit a three-run homer and the Yankees kept rolling right along.
Robinson Cano(notes) tripled to start a four-run fourth inning and Jorge Posada(notes) rounded the bases twice on his solo shot in the sixth, which was changed to a home run after umpires watched the video replay.
Nick Swisher(notes) had an RBI single for the Yankees, who have won four straight and 14 of 18 overall. Burnett (8-6) allowed two runs and seven hits in seven-plus innings, and Mariano Rivera(notes) got three outs for his 21st save.
Ryan Braun(notes) had three singles and an RBI for the Brewers, extending his career-best hitting streak to 19 games. Shaun Marcum(notes) (7-3) allowed four runs and five hits in five innings.
Angels 1, Nationals 0
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)—Dan Haren(notes) pitched two-hit ball through 7 1-3 innings and the Angels swept past Davey Johnson’s new team.
The 68-year-old Johnson took over the Nationals this week, returning as a major league manager for the first time since 2000. Washington had won 13 of 15 going into the series at Anaheim, with most of the wins coming before manager Jim Riggleman resigned.
The only run came in the fourth inning and was unearned after a throwing error by third baseman Ryan Zimmerman(notes). Howie Kendrick’s(notes) double-play grounder drove it in.
Haren (8-5) lowered his ERA to 2.85.
Washington’s Jordan Zimmermann(notes) (5-7) allowed four hits over eight innings in his first career complete game in 38 starts.
Mets 16, Tigers 9
DETROIT (AP)—Scott Hairston(notes) launched a bases-loaded triple and Ronny Paulino(notes) contributed four hits as part of another offensive barrage by New York, which beat Detroit.
The Mets set a team record by scoring 52 runs in a four-game span, STATS LLC said. They have 69 hits during their spree.
Tigers utilityman Don Kelly(notes) got the final out, becoming the first Detroit position player to pitch since 2000. Smiling and laughing, Justin Verlander(notes) high-fived Kelly in the dugout—now the Detroit ace will try to stop the Mets on Thursday afternoon.
Miguel Cabrera(notes) hit two of Detroit’s five homers. The Mets romped despite not hitting any home runs.
Winner Chris Capuano(notes) (7-7) went five-plus innings, giving up five runs and six hits.
Phil Coke(notes) (1-8) allowed seven earned and 10 hits in four-plus innings.
White Sox 3, Rockies 2
DENVER (AP)—A.J. Pierzynski(notes) drove in his second run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning and Chicago hung on to beat Colorado.
Carlos Quentin(notes) and Paul Konerko(notes) hit singles off Huston Street(notes) (0-2) to start the ninth with Quentin getting to third on Konerko’s hit. Street struck out Alexei Ramirez(notes) before Pierzynski, who had an RBI double earlier, drove a fly ball to right field.
Seth Smith(notes) ran in to make the catch but his throw home bounced near the third base line and catcher Chris Iannetta’s(notes) attempt to snag the ball came up empty, allowing Quentin to cross the plate with the winning run.
Brian Bruney(notes) (1-0) got the win. Sergio Santos(notes) got three outs—two on strikeouts—for his 16th save in 18 chances.
Reds 4, Rays 3
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—Ryan Hanigan(notes) hit a three-run homer off James Shields(notes), leading Cincinnati to the victory.
Hanigan connected with two out in the fourth for his first homer since going deep twice April 3 against Milwaukee.
Shields (8-5) had given up just two runs in his previous three starts, all of which were complete-game wins.
Edinson Volquez(notes) (5-3) gave up three runs and four hits in 6 1-3 innings. After Logan Ondrusek(notes) and Bill Bray(notes) combined for 1 2-3 innings, Francisco Cordero(notes) pitched the ninth for his 16th save.
Evan Longoria(notes) hit a two-run double and B.J. Upton(notes) went deep for Tampa Bay. Upton has four homers in his last six games.
Braves 5, Mariners 3
SEATTLE (AP)—Freddie Freeman(notes) knocked around Felix Hernandez(notes) for three hits and two RBIs, and Atlanta completed an impressive three-game sweep that included victories over the Mariners’ best starting pitchers.
The Braves won for the eighth time in 10 games and picked up their 25th road victory of the season. They handed losses to Hernandez, rookie star Michael Pineda(notes) and Erik Bedard(notes) during their rare trip to Seattle.
Derek Lowe(notes) (4-6) pitched six crisp innings for Atlanta, yielding one run and four hits to earn his first win since May 6 at Philadelphia. The right-hander was 0-3 with a 5.29 ERA in his previous nine starts.
Craig Kimbrel(notes) worked the ninth for his 23rd save in 28 chances, including all three games in the sweep.
Dustin Ackley(notes) hit a two-run homer for Seattle. Hernandez (8-7) gave up five runs and 10 hits in 7 2-3 innings, finishing with 127 pitches.
Cardinals 5, Orioles 1
BALTIMORE (AP)—Chris Carpenter scattered seven hits for his second complete game of the season and Colby Rasmus(notes) homered for St. Louis.
Carpenter (3-7) threw a season-high 132 pitches to win his second straight start following a five-game losing streak. The right-hander struck out five, walked one and surrendered just one extra-base hit—an RBI double to Nick Markakis(notes) in the third inning.
Carpenter’s other complete game came on May 25, an eight-inning effort in a 3-1 loss at San Diego. The last time he went the distance and earned a victory was Sept. 30, 2010, against Colorado.
Rasmus hit a two-run shot off Chris Jakubauskas(notes) (2-1) in the second inning, giving St. Louis a 2-0 lead.
Markakis went 2 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 18 games.
Indians 6, Diamondbacks 2
PHOENIX (AP)—Carlos Carrasco(notes) pitched seven solid innings to lead Cleveland to the victory in the rubber game of the interleague series.
Orlando Cabrera(notes), who delivered the deciding home run in the series opener, had a season-high four hits. He doubled, scored twice and drove in a run as the Indians won for just the third time in nine games.
Carrasco (8-4) gave up two runs and four hits, struck out seven and walked none. The right-hander is 4-1 with a sparkling 0.98 ERA in his last five starts.
Justin Upton(notes) and Stephen Drew(notes) homered for Arizona, which has dropped four of five. Zach Duke(notes) (1-3) allowed four runs and nine hits in five innings.
Rangers 3, Astros 2
HOUSTON (AP)—Ian Kinsler(notes) homered twice for the first time in almost two years and Colby Lewis(notes) had another solid start for the Rangers.
Kinsler hit a leadoff homer and also went deep in his next at-bat in the third inning to help Texas to an early 3-0 lead. It was the eighth multihomer game of his career and first since August 2009 against the Yankees.
Lewis (7-7) allowed two runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings. Neftali Feliz(notes) worked the ninth for his 16th save.
Carlos Lee(notes) had a solo homer for the Astros, who have dropped five straight and have the worst record in the majors at 28-53. Brett Myers(notes) (3-7) gave up three runs in seven innings.
Twins 1, Dodgers 0
MINNEAPOLIS—Scott Baker(notes) struck out nine while pitching neatly into the eighth inning and Ben Revere(notes) had two hits to help Minnesota get the win.
Baker (6-5) allowed six hits and walked one in 7 1-3 innings, dropping his ERA to 3.15 as the Twins bounced back from a 15-0 drubbing on Monday night to take two of three in the series.
Rubby De La Rosa(notes) (3-3) also was impressive, giving up just one run and six hits in seven innings for Los Angeles.
With the tying run on base in the eighth, Glen Perkins(notes) fanned Andre Ethier(notes) and Matt Kemp(notes) to end the inning and Matt Capps(notes) finished the seven-hitter to earn his 13th save.
Revere hit a leadoff triple in the first and scored on Tsuyoshi Nishioka’s(notes) groundout.
Blue Jays 2, Pirates 1
TORONTO (AP)—Yunel Escobar(notes) doubled home the tiebreaking run in the seventh inning and Brandon Morrow(notes) struck out 10 to lead Toronto to the victory.
Rookie outfielder Eric Thames(notes) hit his first career home run for Toronto, a solo shot in the sixth.
Morrow (4-4) allowed one run and four hits in seven innings. It’s the fourth time in his career he’s fanned at least 10, and the second time this season.
Jason Frasor(notes) worked the eighth and Frank Francisco(notes) finished in the ninth for his ninth save in 12 chances.
Paul Maholm(notes) (4-9) fell to 0-7 in 11 career starts in AL stadiums.
Padres 4, Royals 1
SAN DIEGO (AP)—Rookie Anthony Rizzo(notes) hit a two-run single, Tim Stauffer(notes) won consecutive starts for the first time this year and San Diego completed its first sweep this season.
The Padres scored four unearned runs with two outs in the third inning thanks to third baseman Mike Moustakas’(notes) error on a sun ball.
San Diego has won four straight and seven of eight. It went 5-1 against Atlanta and Kansas City for its first winning homestand of 2011.
Stauffer (4-5) allowed one run and four hits in seven innings to lower his ERA to 2.97. Heath Bell(notes) pitched the ninth for his 23rd save.
Kansas City’s Bruce Chen(notes) (4-2) gave up four runs, none earned, and eight hits in six innings.
National League
Cubs 2, Giants 1
CHICAGO (AP)—Pinch-hitter Aramis Ramirez(notes) singled in the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and the Cubs snapped the Giants’ seven-game winning streak.
Sergio Romo(notes) (3-1) gave up an infield single to leadoff batter Tony Campana(notes), who moved to second on Reed Johnson’s(notes) sacrifice. After a groundout moved him to third, Ramirez hit an 0-2 pitch into left to win it.
San Francisco’s Emmanuel Burris hit a tying RBI single off closer Carlos Marmol(notes) (2-2) in the top of the ninth after Cubs starter Ryan Dempster(notes) shut out the Giants on two hits for eight innings.
San Francisco ace Tim Lincecum(notes) struck out nine in seven innings, yielding one run and five hits.
Marlins 3, Athletics 0
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—Ricky Nolasco(notes) pitched a five-hitter, Hanley Ramirez(notes) and Logan Morrison(notes) homered and slumping Florida showed signs of life in a win against Oakland.
Nolasco (5-4) overcame a shaky start for his first win in more than a month, which came the last time the Marlins were in the Bay Area against San Francisco. He struck out three and walked two for his fifth career complete game.
The homers by Ramirez and Morrison off starter Guillermo Moscoso(notes) (2-4) were the first by Florida in eight days. The Marlins improved to 4-23 in June, by far the worst month in franchise history.
Oakland was held scoreless for the ninth time this season.
By The Associated Press 9 hours, 6 minutes ago
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PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Raul Ibanez(notes) hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the seventh, Vance Worley(notes) pitched seven strong innings and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Boston Red Sox 2-1 on Wednesday night.
In a series billed as a World Series preview, the major league-leading Phillies (51-30) have taken two straight and go for a sweep Thursday.
Worley (3-1) allowed one run and five hits. The rookie right-hander has filled in nicely for injured starters Roy Oswalt(notes) and Joe Blanton(notes). Michael Stutes(notes) pitched a perfect eighth and Antonio Bastardo(notes) finished for his third save and first filling in for Ryan Madson(notes).
Boston’s John Lackey(notes) (5-7) gave up two runs and eight hits in 7 2-3 innings in one of his best starts this season. He lowered his ERA from 7.36 to 6.81.
The Red Sox have lost six of seven since going 14-2.
Yankees 5, Brewers 2
NEW YORK (AP)—A.J. Burnett(notes) pitched neatly into the eighth inning, Russell Martin(notes) hit a three-run homer and the Yankees kept rolling right along.
Robinson Cano(notes) tripled to start a four-run fourth inning and Jorge Posada(notes) rounded the bases twice on his solo shot in the sixth, which was changed to a home run after umpires watched the video replay.
Nick Swisher(notes) had an RBI single for the Yankees, who have won four straight and 14 of 18 overall. Burnett (8-6) allowed two runs and seven hits in seven-plus innings, and Mariano Rivera(notes) got three outs for his 21st save.
Ryan Braun(notes) had three singles and an RBI for the Brewers, extending his career-best hitting streak to 19 games. Shaun Marcum(notes) (7-3) allowed four runs and five hits in five innings.
Angels 1, Nationals 0
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)—Dan Haren(notes) pitched two-hit ball through 7 1-3 innings and the Angels swept past Davey Johnson’s new team.
The 68-year-old Johnson took over the Nationals this week, returning as a major league manager for the first time since 2000. Washington had won 13 of 15 going into the series at Anaheim, with most of the wins coming before manager Jim Riggleman resigned.
The only run came in the fourth inning and was unearned after a throwing error by third baseman Ryan Zimmerman(notes). Howie Kendrick’s(notes) double-play grounder drove it in.
Haren (8-5) lowered his ERA to 2.85.
Washington’s Jordan Zimmermann(notes) (5-7) allowed four hits over eight innings in his first career complete game in 38 starts.
Mets 16, Tigers 9
DETROIT (AP)—Scott Hairston(notes) launched a bases-loaded triple and Ronny Paulino(notes) contributed four hits as part of another offensive barrage by New York, which beat Detroit.
The Mets set a team record by scoring 52 runs in a four-game span, STATS LLC said. They have 69 hits during their spree.
Tigers utilityman Don Kelly(notes) got the final out, becoming the first Detroit position player to pitch since 2000. Smiling and laughing, Justin Verlander(notes) high-fived Kelly in the dugout—now the Detroit ace will try to stop the Mets on Thursday afternoon.
Miguel Cabrera(notes) hit two of Detroit’s five homers. The Mets romped despite not hitting any home runs.
Winner Chris Capuano(notes) (7-7) went five-plus innings, giving up five runs and six hits.
Phil Coke(notes) (1-8) allowed seven earned and 10 hits in four-plus innings.
White Sox 3, Rockies 2
DENVER (AP)—A.J. Pierzynski(notes) drove in his second run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning and Chicago hung on to beat Colorado.
Carlos Quentin(notes) and Paul Konerko(notes) hit singles off Huston Street(notes) (0-2) to start the ninth with Quentin getting to third on Konerko’s hit. Street struck out Alexei Ramirez(notes) before Pierzynski, who had an RBI double earlier, drove a fly ball to right field.
Seth Smith(notes) ran in to make the catch but his throw home bounced near the third base line and catcher Chris Iannetta’s(notes) attempt to snag the ball came up empty, allowing Quentin to cross the plate with the winning run.
Brian Bruney(notes) (1-0) got the win. Sergio Santos(notes) got three outs—two on strikeouts—for his 16th save in 18 chances.
Reds 4, Rays 3
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—Ryan Hanigan(notes) hit a three-run homer off James Shields(notes), leading Cincinnati to the victory.
Hanigan connected with two out in the fourth for his first homer since going deep twice April 3 against Milwaukee.
Shields (8-5) had given up just two runs in his previous three starts, all of which were complete-game wins.
Edinson Volquez(notes) (5-3) gave up three runs and four hits in 6 1-3 innings. After Logan Ondrusek(notes) and Bill Bray(notes) combined for 1 2-3 innings, Francisco Cordero(notes) pitched the ninth for his 16th save.
Evan Longoria(notes) hit a two-run double and B.J. Upton(notes) went deep for Tampa Bay. Upton has four homers in his last six games.
Braves 5, Mariners 3
SEATTLE (AP)—Freddie Freeman(notes) knocked around Felix Hernandez(notes) for three hits and two RBIs, and Atlanta completed an impressive three-game sweep that included victories over the Mariners’ best starting pitchers.
The Braves won for the eighth time in 10 games and picked up their 25th road victory of the season. They handed losses to Hernandez, rookie star Michael Pineda(notes) and Erik Bedard(notes) during their rare trip to Seattle.
Derek Lowe(notes) (4-6) pitched six crisp innings for Atlanta, yielding one run and four hits to earn his first win since May 6 at Philadelphia. The right-hander was 0-3 with a 5.29 ERA in his previous nine starts.
Craig Kimbrel(notes) worked the ninth for his 23rd save in 28 chances, including all three games in the sweep.
Dustin Ackley(notes) hit a two-run homer for Seattle. Hernandez (8-7) gave up five runs and 10 hits in 7 2-3 innings, finishing with 127 pitches.
Cardinals 5, Orioles 1
BALTIMORE (AP)—Chris Carpenter scattered seven hits for his second complete game of the season and Colby Rasmus(notes) homered for St. Louis.
Carpenter (3-7) threw a season-high 132 pitches to win his second straight start following a five-game losing streak. The right-hander struck out five, walked one and surrendered just one extra-base hit—an RBI double to Nick Markakis(notes) in the third inning.
Carpenter’s other complete game came on May 25, an eight-inning effort in a 3-1 loss at San Diego. The last time he went the distance and earned a victory was Sept. 30, 2010, against Colorado.
Rasmus hit a two-run shot off Chris Jakubauskas(notes) (2-1) in the second inning, giving St. Louis a 2-0 lead.
Markakis went 2 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 18 games.
Indians 6, Diamondbacks 2
PHOENIX (AP)—Carlos Carrasco(notes) pitched seven solid innings to lead Cleveland to the victory in the rubber game of the interleague series.
Orlando Cabrera(notes), who delivered the deciding home run in the series opener, had a season-high four hits. He doubled, scored twice and drove in a run as the Indians won for just the third time in nine games.
Carrasco (8-4) gave up two runs and four hits, struck out seven and walked none. The right-hander is 4-1 with a sparkling 0.98 ERA in his last five starts.
Justin Upton(notes) and Stephen Drew(notes) homered for Arizona, which has dropped four of five. Zach Duke(notes) (1-3) allowed four runs and nine hits in five innings.
Rangers 3, Astros 2
HOUSTON (AP)—Ian Kinsler(notes) homered twice for the first time in almost two years and Colby Lewis(notes) had another solid start for the Rangers.
Kinsler hit a leadoff homer and also went deep in his next at-bat in the third inning to help Texas to an early 3-0 lead. It was the eighth multihomer game of his career and first since August 2009 against the Yankees.
Lewis (7-7) allowed two runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings. Neftali Feliz(notes) worked the ninth for his 16th save.
Carlos Lee(notes) had a solo homer for the Astros, who have dropped five straight and have the worst record in the majors at 28-53. Brett Myers(notes) (3-7) gave up three runs in seven innings.
Twins 1, Dodgers 0
MINNEAPOLIS—Scott Baker(notes) struck out nine while pitching neatly into the eighth inning and Ben Revere(notes) had two hits to help Minnesota get the win.
Baker (6-5) allowed six hits and walked one in 7 1-3 innings, dropping his ERA to 3.15 as the Twins bounced back from a 15-0 drubbing on Monday night to take two of three in the series.
Rubby De La Rosa(notes) (3-3) also was impressive, giving up just one run and six hits in seven innings for Los Angeles.
With the tying run on base in the eighth, Glen Perkins(notes) fanned Andre Ethier(notes) and Matt Kemp(notes) to end the inning and Matt Capps(notes) finished the seven-hitter to earn his 13th save.
Revere hit a leadoff triple in the first and scored on Tsuyoshi Nishioka’s(notes) groundout.
Blue Jays 2, Pirates 1
TORONTO (AP)—Yunel Escobar(notes) doubled home the tiebreaking run in the seventh inning and Brandon Morrow(notes) struck out 10 to lead Toronto to the victory.
Rookie outfielder Eric Thames(notes) hit his first career home run for Toronto, a solo shot in the sixth.
Morrow (4-4) allowed one run and four hits in seven innings. It’s the fourth time in his career he’s fanned at least 10, and the second time this season.
Jason Frasor(notes) worked the eighth and Frank Francisco(notes) finished in the ninth for his ninth save in 12 chances.
Paul Maholm(notes) (4-9) fell to 0-7 in 11 career starts in AL stadiums.
Padres 4, Royals 1
SAN DIEGO (AP)—Rookie Anthony Rizzo(notes) hit a two-run single, Tim Stauffer(notes) won consecutive starts for the first time this year and San Diego completed its first sweep this season.
The Padres scored four unearned runs with two outs in the third inning thanks to third baseman Mike Moustakas’(notes) error on a sun ball.
San Diego has won four straight and seven of eight. It went 5-1 against Atlanta and Kansas City for its first winning homestand of 2011.
Stauffer (4-5) allowed one run and four hits in seven innings to lower his ERA to 2.97. Heath Bell(notes) pitched the ninth for his 23rd save.
Kansas City’s Bruce Chen(notes) (4-2) gave up four runs, none earned, and eight hits in six innings.
National League
Cubs 2, Giants 1
CHICAGO (AP)—Pinch-hitter Aramis Ramirez(notes) singled in the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and the Cubs snapped the Giants’ seven-game winning streak.
Sergio Romo(notes) (3-1) gave up an infield single to leadoff batter Tony Campana(notes), who moved to second on Reed Johnson’s(notes) sacrifice. After a groundout moved him to third, Ramirez hit an 0-2 pitch into left to win it.
San Francisco’s Emmanuel Burris hit a tying RBI single off closer Carlos Marmol(notes) (2-2) in the top of the ninth after Cubs starter Ryan Dempster(notes) shut out the Giants on two hits for eight innings.
San Francisco ace Tim Lincecum(notes) struck out nine in seven innings, yielding one run and five hits.
Marlins 3, Athletics 0
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—Ricky Nolasco(notes) pitched a five-hitter, Hanley Ramirez(notes) and Logan Morrison(notes) homered and slumping Florida showed signs of life in a win against Oakland.
Nolasco (5-4) overcame a shaky start for his first win in more than a month, which came the last time the Marlins were in the Bay Area against San Francisco. He struck out three and walked two for his fifth career complete game.
The homers by Ramirez and Morrison off starter Guillermo Moscoso(notes) (2-4) were the first by Florida in eight days. The Marlins improved to 4-23 in June, by far the worst month in franchise history.
Oakland was held scoreless for the ninth time this season.
Ibanez, Worley lead Phillies over Red Sox
Ibanez, Worley lead Phillies over Red Sox
By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer 12 hours, 27 minutes ago
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PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Vance Worley(notes) didn’t get Dustin Pedroia’s(notes) autograph. He got the former MVP’s attention—and the rest of the Boston Red Sox, too.
Worley pitched seven strong innings, Raul Ibanez(notes) hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the seventh, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Red Sox 2-1 on Wednesday night.
PHILADELPHIA - JUNE 29: John …
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Series at a Glance
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Boston 0
Philadelphia 5
Tue, Jun 28 - Final
Boston 1
Philadelphia 2
Wed, Jun 29 - Final
Boston at
Philadelphia
Thu, Jun 30 - 1:05 pm ET
. .
Worley (3-1) allowed one run, five hits and struck out five. The rookie right-hander has filled in nicely for injured starters Roy Oswalt(notes) and Joe Blanton(notes).
He sent someone to get Pedroia’s signature on a ball before the game, but came up empty.
“He wouldn’t give me one until I met him,” Worley said. “Then I threw one up and in on him so I probably won’t get it now.”
Worley dusted Pedroia with a high-and-tight fastball inside in the first inning and left an impression with his solid performance.
“He had great mound presence, and we were all very impressed,” Pedroia said. “It’s really good for a kid that young to have a presence like that on the mound. He’s going to be a good one.”
In a series billed as a World Series preview, the major league-leading Phillies (51-30) have taken two straight and go for a sweep Thursday.
Michael Stutes(notes) pitched a perfect eighth and Antonio Bastardo(notes) finished for his third save and first filling in for Ryan Madson(notes). The Phillies are down to their fourth closer with Madson, Jose Contreras(notes) and Brad Lidge(notes) on the disabled list.
But their young relievers are doing well.
“We talk about our starting pitching a lot and we should, but I’m real proud of the back end of our bullpen,” manager Charlie Manuel said. “We have young kids who like to pitch and they gut it out. They’re not afraid.”
Ibanez was 3 for 3 with two RBIs, falling a triple short of the cycle. He came in 5 for 44.
John Lackey(notes) (5-7) gave up two runs and eight hits in 7 2-3 innings in one of his best starts this season. He lowered his ERA from 7.36 to 6.81.
The Red Sox have lost six of seven since going 14-2.
Desperate to wake up a slumping offense, Boston manager Terry Francona gave Adrian Gonzalez(notes) his second career start in right field so David Ortiz(notes) could play first base. Ortiz hadn’t started the previous four games because there is no designated hitter in NL parks.
It didn’t work. Big Papi was 0 for 4.
“Did that guy just come up or something? Man, because he looked pretty good to me,” Ortiz said of Worley. “He had decent stuff, and it really looks like he’s been around for a long time.
“They’ve got four big starters here, right? Well, he looked like one of them out there tonight. He really looked comfortable. It’s obvious that he’s listening to those big starters over there. It’s rubbing off on him.”
Gonzalez didn’t have any putouts in his first game in right since 2005. He went back to the wall and leaped for a ball hit by Chase Utley(notes) in the eighth, but it bounced high off the railing and went for a triple.
Ibanez put the Phillies up 2-1 when he led off the bottom of the seventh with a drive to the seats in right. It was his first homer since May 30, and snapped a streak of 90 at-bats without one.
“He works hard and he stays at everything,” Manuel said.
The Red Sox tied it at 1 in the fifth on Lackey’s fourth career hit. Josh Reddick(notes) singled with one out and scored on Lackey’s two-out double. Lackey was 3 for 36 with one double and one RBI in his career before hitting a 3-2 pitch to deep left-center.
Ibanez gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead in the second with an RBI single. Shane Victorino(notes) led off the inning with a double down the left-field line. He scored when Ibanez hit a hard liner to left-center.
Notes: Red Sox RHP Clay Buchholz(notes) said he’s unlikely to pitch before the All-Star break. Buchholz has been sidelined by a lower back strain. … Lidge threw 35 pitches in a bullpen session and could be ready for a rehab assignment next week. Lidge has been out all season with shoulder and elbow problems. … Bernard Hopkins, the oldest boxer to win a major world championship, talked to the Phillies before the game. … A crowd of 45,612 was the 181st straight sellout at Citizens Bank Park, including postseason play.
Updated 12 hours, 27 minutes ago
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MLB.
•Jeter set to rejoin Yankees on Monday
•Ibanez, Worley lead Phils over Red Sox
•Cubs' walkoff win ends Giants' run at 7
•Carpenter goes distance, Cards beat O's
•Burnett, Martin keep Yankees rolling
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•Mets continue offensive surge, win 16-9
•Nationals fall to 0-3 under Johnson
•Sheen claims 'Major League' steroid use
•Braves beat Hernandez, sweep Mariners
•Kinsler's 2 HRs help Rangers beat Astros
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By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer 12 hours, 27 minutes ago
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PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Vance Worley(notes) didn’t get Dustin Pedroia’s(notes) autograph. He got the former MVP’s attention—and the rest of the Boston Red Sox, too.
Worley pitched seven strong innings, Raul Ibanez(notes) hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the seventh, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Red Sox 2-1 on Wednesday night.
PHILADELPHIA - JUNE 29: John …
Getty Images - Jun 29, 11:28 pm EDT
.
1 of 20.
Bos-Phi Gallery
.
Series at a Glance
.
Boston 0
Philadelphia 5
Tue, Jun 28 - Final
Boston 1
Philadelphia 2
Wed, Jun 29 - Final
Boston at
Philadelphia
Thu, Jun 30 - 1:05 pm ET
. .
Worley (3-1) allowed one run, five hits and struck out five. The rookie right-hander has filled in nicely for injured starters Roy Oswalt(notes) and Joe Blanton(notes).
He sent someone to get Pedroia’s signature on a ball before the game, but came up empty.
“He wouldn’t give me one until I met him,” Worley said. “Then I threw one up and in on him so I probably won’t get it now.”
Worley dusted Pedroia with a high-and-tight fastball inside in the first inning and left an impression with his solid performance.
“He had great mound presence, and we were all very impressed,” Pedroia said. “It’s really good for a kid that young to have a presence like that on the mound. He’s going to be a good one.”
In a series billed as a World Series preview, the major league-leading Phillies (51-30) have taken two straight and go for a sweep Thursday.
Michael Stutes(notes) pitched a perfect eighth and Antonio Bastardo(notes) finished for his third save and first filling in for Ryan Madson(notes). The Phillies are down to their fourth closer with Madson, Jose Contreras(notes) and Brad Lidge(notes) on the disabled list.
But their young relievers are doing well.
“We talk about our starting pitching a lot and we should, but I’m real proud of the back end of our bullpen,” manager Charlie Manuel said. “We have young kids who like to pitch and they gut it out. They’re not afraid.”
Ibanez was 3 for 3 with two RBIs, falling a triple short of the cycle. He came in 5 for 44.
John Lackey(notes) (5-7) gave up two runs and eight hits in 7 2-3 innings in one of his best starts this season. He lowered his ERA from 7.36 to 6.81.
The Red Sox have lost six of seven since going 14-2.
Desperate to wake up a slumping offense, Boston manager Terry Francona gave Adrian Gonzalez(notes) his second career start in right field so David Ortiz(notes) could play first base. Ortiz hadn’t started the previous four games because there is no designated hitter in NL parks.
It didn’t work. Big Papi was 0 for 4.
“Did that guy just come up or something? Man, because he looked pretty good to me,” Ortiz said of Worley. “He had decent stuff, and it really looks like he’s been around for a long time.
“They’ve got four big starters here, right? Well, he looked like one of them out there tonight. He really looked comfortable. It’s obvious that he’s listening to those big starters over there. It’s rubbing off on him.”
Gonzalez didn’t have any putouts in his first game in right since 2005. He went back to the wall and leaped for a ball hit by Chase Utley(notes) in the eighth, but it bounced high off the railing and went for a triple.
Ibanez put the Phillies up 2-1 when he led off the bottom of the seventh with a drive to the seats in right. It was his first homer since May 30, and snapped a streak of 90 at-bats without one.
“He works hard and he stays at everything,” Manuel said.
The Red Sox tied it at 1 in the fifth on Lackey’s fourth career hit. Josh Reddick(notes) singled with one out and scored on Lackey’s two-out double. Lackey was 3 for 36 with one double and one RBI in his career before hitting a 3-2 pitch to deep left-center.
Ibanez gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead in the second with an RBI single. Shane Victorino(notes) led off the inning with a double down the left-field line. He scored when Ibanez hit a hard liner to left-center.
Notes: Red Sox RHP Clay Buchholz(notes) said he’s unlikely to pitch before the All-Star break. Buchholz has been sidelined by a lower back strain. … Lidge threw 35 pitches in a bullpen session and could be ready for a rehab assignment next week. Lidge has been out all season with shoulder and elbow problems. … Bernard Hopkins, the oldest boxer to win a major world championship, talked to the Phillies before the game. … A crowd of 45,612 was the 181st straight sellout at Citizens Bank Park, including postseason play.
Updated 12 hours, 27 minutes ago
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digg.add to facebook.del.icio.us.Twitter..
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MLB.
•Jeter set to rejoin Yankees on Monday
•Ibanez, Worley lead Phils over Red Sox
•Cubs' walkoff win ends Giants' run at 7
•Carpenter goes distance, Cards beat O's
•Burnett, Martin keep Yankees rolling
.
•Mets continue offensive surge, win 16-9
•Nationals fall to 0-3 under Johnson
•Sheen claims 'Major League' steroid use
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•Kinsler's 2 HRs help Rangers beat Astros
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The City of Columbia Will Honor The Gamecocks With A parade Friday!!!!
http://www2.wspa.com/news/2011/jun/29/28/gamecocks-win-college-world-series-again-ar-2041510/
Gamecocks Celebrate
By Jonathan Carlson
Published: June 29, 2011
Updated: June 29, 2011 - 11:34 AM
» 1Comments | Post a Comment
OMAHA, NE --
An estimated 14 thousand fans packed Colonial Life Arena tonight, cheering on the champions--as they arrived home from Omaha.
There will be a parade Friday at noon in Columbia celebrating the win as well.
If you have photos or video from the game, or from today's celebration, we'd like to see them.
Upload your photos here.
Upload your videos here.
It was déjà vu all over again for South Carolina Tuesday night as the Gamecocks captured their second consecutive College World Series championship with a 5-2 win over Florida at TD Ameritrade Park.
The Gamecocks opened the first year at Omaha’s newest stadium the same way as they ended last year’s finale at Rosenblatt Stadium; by celebrating on the field after winning the national championship and securing a place in collegiate baseball lore. The Gamecocks became the first team since Oregon State in 2006-07 to repeat as champions and only the fifth school in history to do so, joining Texas, Southern California, Louisiana State and Oregon State.
The Gamecocks took the lead in the bottom of the third inning and never relinquished it.
Shortstop Peter Mooney led off the inning with a double down the leftfield line. After a sacrifice bunt by Robert Beary moved Mooney to third, rightfielder Evan Marzilli drew a walk from Florida starter Karsten Whitson, setting the stage for former Mauldin standout Scott Wingo to give the Gamecocks the lead.
Wingo, who was named the College World Series Most Valuable Players, delivered yet again. His sacrifice fly to rightfield allowed Mooney to score easily and gave South Carolina a 1-0 lead.
Karsten then proceeded to walk the next batter, Jackie Bradley Jr., to put runners on first and second with two out. Gamecock first baseman Christian Walker, who has been suffering from a wrist injury since last Friday, hit a hard ground ball to Gators shortstop Nolan Fontana, but Fonatana was unable to handle it and it ended up in centerfield. Marzilli scored from second for a 2-0 lead and Bradley advanced to third. One batter later, designated hitter Brady Thomas drove home Bradley with an infield single.
Former Riverside High standout Michael Roth, just three days removed from throwing 93 pitches against Virginia, pitched yet another gem.
Despite allowing a solo homerun by Southeastern Conference Player of the Year Mike Zunino in the top of the fourth inning, Roth had few problems.
Roth escaped a no out, runners on first and second situation in the top of the fifth when he struck out Gators third baseman Cody Dent who was attempting to bunt. He then managed initiate a double play, started by Wingo, to get out of the inning unscathed.
One inning later, the Gators threatened again.
Roth hit Fontana to leadoff the inning and then allowed a single to Zunino. Roth then struck out the next batter and then got Josh Adams to ground out to third base for the second out. With runners lurking on second and third, Roth managed to get Daniel Pigott to groundout to second to end the threat.
Roth pitched 7 2/3 innings and only allowed two runs on five hits. Matt Price, who has won two games and saved another for the Gamecocks during the World Series, came on to get the final four outs and claim his second save of the series.
Mooney added a solo homerun, the first one the Gamecocks have hit in the College World Series, in the bottom of the sixth and the Gamecocks added another run in the bottom of the eighth.
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View More: Baseball, Baseman, Brady Thomas, Christian Walker, Cody Dent, College World Series, College World Series Most Valuable Players, Colonial Life Arena, Daniel Pigott, Evan Marzilli, First Baseman, Florida, Gators Shortstop, Jackie Bradley Jr., Josh Adams, Karsten Whitson, Matt Price, Michael Roth, Nolan Fontana, Omaha, Peter Mooney, Robert Beary, Rosenblatt Stadium, Scott Wingo, Shortstop, South Carolina, Southeastern Conference Player, Southern California, Sports, Td Ameritrade, Texas, The World Series, Third Baseman, Virginia, World Series, World Series Championship, Wrist Injury
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Published: June 29, 2011
Updated: June 29, 2011 - 11:34 AM
» 1Comments | Post a Comment
OMAHA, NE --
An estimated 14 thousand fans packed Colonial Life Arena tonight, cheering on the champions--as they arrived home from Omaha.
There will be a parade Friday at noon in Columbia celebrating the win as well.
If you have photos or video from the game, or from today's celebration, we'd like to see them.
Upload your photos here.
Upload your videos here.
It was déjà vu all over again for South Carolina Tuesday night as the Gamecocks captured their second consecutive College World Series championship with a 5-2 win over Florida at TD Ameritrade Park.
The Gamecocks opened the first year at Omaha’s newest stadium the same way as they ended last year’s finale at Rosenblatt Stadium; by celebrating on the field after winning the national championship and securing a place in collegiate baseball lore. The Gamecocks became the first team since Oregon State in 2006-07 to repeat as champions and only the fifth school in history to do so, joining Texas, Southern California, Louisiana State and Oregon State.
The Gamecocks took the lead in the bottom of the third inning and never relinquished it.
Shortstop Peter Mooney led off the inning with a double down the leftfield line. After a sacrifice bunt by Robert Beary moved Mooney to third, rightfielder Evan Marzilli drew a walk from Florida starter Karsten Whitson, setting the stage for former Mauldin standout Scott Wingo to give the Gamecocks the lead.
Wingo, who was named the College World Series Most Valuable Players, delivered yet again. His sacrifice fly to rightfield allowed Mooney to score easily and gave South Carolina a 1-0 lead.
Karsten then proceeded to walk the next batter, Jackie Bradley Jr., to put runners on first and second with two out. Gamecock first baseman Christian Walker, who has been suffering from a wrist injury since last Friday, hit a hard ground ball to Gators shortstop Nolan Fontana, but Fonatana was unable to handle it and it ended up in centerfield. Marzilli scored from second for a 2-0 lead and Bradley advanced to third. One batter later, designated hitter Brady Thomas drove home Bradley with an infield single.
Former Riverside High standout Michael Roth, just three days removed from throwing 93 pitches against Virginia, pitched yet another gem.
Despite allowing a solo homerun by Southeastern Conference Player of the Year Mike Zunino in the top of the fourth inning, Roth had few problems.
Roth escaped a no out, runners on first and second situation in the top of the fifth when he struck out Gators third baseman Cody Dent who was attempting to bunt. He then managed initiate a double play, started by Wingo, to get out of the inning unscathed.
One inning later, the Gators threatened again.
Roth hit Fontana to leadoff the inning and then allowed a single to Zunino. Roth then struck out the next batter and then got Josh Adams to ground out to third base for the second out. With runners lurking on second and third, Roth managed to get Daniel Pigott to groundout to second to end the threat.
Roth pitched 7 2/3 innings and only allowed two runs on five hits. Matt Price, who has won two games and saved another for the Gamecocks during the World Series, came on to get the final four outs and claim his second save of the series.
Mooney added a solo homerun, the first one the Gamecocks have hit in the College World Series, in the bottom of the sixth and the Gamecocks added another run in the bottom of the eighth.
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View More: Baseball, Baseman, Brady Thomas, Christian Walker, Cody Dent, College World Series, College World Series Most Valuable Players, Colonial Life Arena, Daniel Pigott, Evan Marzilli, First Baseman, Florida, Gators Shortstop, Jackie Bradley Jr., Josh Adams, Karsten Whitson, Matt Price, Michael Roth, Nolan Fontana, Omaha, Peter Mooney, Robert Beary, Rosenblatt Stadium, Scott Wingo, Shortstop, South Carolina, Southeastern Conference Player, Southern California, Sports, Td Ameritrade, Texas, The World Series, Third Baseman, Virginia, World Series, World Series Championship, Wrist Injury
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Visit The Canadian Baseball Hallof Fame and Stay Cool This Summer
http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Canadian_Baseball_Hall_of_Fame
The history of baseball in Canada dates to the 1830s.
The history of baseball in Canada dates to the 1830s.
[edit] History
The first baseball game recorded in Canada was played in Beachville, Ontario on June 4, 1838 (before the purported codification of the game by Abner Doubleday). Many Canadians, including the staff of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Marys, Ontario, claim that this was the first documented game of modern baseball, although there appears to be no evidence that the rules used in this game were codified and adopted in other regions. The first documented evidence of a base ball game in Canada comes from a letter published in Sporting Life magazine in 1886, a letter by Dr. Adam E. Ford of Denver, Colorado, formerly of St. Marys, Ontario and Beachville, Ontario, about a game 48 years earlier in Beachville on June 4, 1838 — Militia Muster Day.
The London Tecumsehs of London, Ontario were charter members of the International Association and won its first championship in 1877, beating the Pittsburgh Alleghenies.
While baseball is widely played in Canada, the American major leagues did not include a Canadian team until 1969, when the Montreal Expos joined the National League (the London Tecumsehs were refused admission to the National League in 1877 because they refused to stop playing exhibition games against local teams). In 2004, MLB decided to move the Expos to Washington, DC.
In 1977, the Toronto Blue Jays joined the American League. They won the World Series in 1992 and 1993.
Canada has hosted teams in various minor leagues since these wer first created in the last decades of the 19th Century. While there is currently only one Canada-based team remaining in Organized Baseball - the Vancouver Canadians of the Class-A Northwest League, this was not always the case. The Montreal Royals and Toronto Maple Leafs were pillar franchises of the International League until the 1960s, and the cities of Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver have all hosted AAA franchises until recent years, while many more Canadian cities were in leagues of lower classifications. Certain leagues, such as the Provincial League in the 1940s and 1950s, were entirely made-up of Canadian teams. The Provincial League in fact had period when it stood outside of organized baseball, but still attracted star players who were kept out of the Major Leagues for one reason or another, as well as prospects who would later play in the majors.
In 2003 an attempt to create the Canadian Baseball League was launched, but the league folded halfway through its first season.
Several of the independent leagues currently have teams in Canada, including the Can-Am Association (with teams in Ottawa and Quebec City), the Golden Baseball League (teams in Calgary and Edmonton), and the Northern League (one team in Winnipeg).
[edit] Semi-Pro and Amateur baseball
Baseball in played at the amateur or semi-pro level in Canada as well.
The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is an amateur, semi-professional baseball organization located in the Canadian province of Ontario. The league was formed in 1919.
The Intercounty Baseball League exists so that baseball players who were not signed by a Major or Minor League organization have a chance at playing competitive men's baseball. Although the level of Intercounty Baseball League play can be categorized as being at the "Semi-pro" level, players in independent baseball are usually not scouted heavily by Major League teams, although in recent years that has changed somewhat.[1]. At least one Intercounty league player has gone to play pro ball in Europe; Daniel Hayes was with the London Majors before being acquired by a French team and was later (2009) sent to play in Austria.
Because baseball is generally not played in Canadian high schools and universities, a different system was developed to allow players in that age range to play against competition of a similar level. Junior leagues have been organized across Canada for decades and have fed players into Team Canada and American junior colleges, or directly into the professional ranks via the amateur
[edit] History
The first baseball game recorded in Canada was played in Beachville, Ontario on June 4, 1838 (before the purported codification of the game by Abner Doubleday). Many Canadians, including the staff of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Marys, Ontario, claim that this was the first documented game of modern baseball, although there appears to be no evidence that the rules used in this game were codified and adopted in other regions. The first documented evidence of a base ball game in Canada comes from a letter published in Sporting Life magazine in 1886, a letter by Dr. Adam E. Ford of Denver, Colorado, formerly of St. Marys, Ontario and Beachville, Ontario, about a game 48 years earlier in Beachville on June 4, 1838 — Militia Muster Day.
The London Tecumsehs of London, Ontario were charter members of the International Association and won its first championship in 1877, beating the Pittsburgh Alleghenies.
While baseball is widely played in Canada, the American major leagues did not include a Canadian team until 1969, when the Montreal Expos joined the National League (the London Tecumsehs were refused admission to the National League in 1877 because they refused to stop playing exhibition games against local teams). In 2004, MLB decided to move the Expos to Washington, DC.
In 1977, the Toronto Blue Jays joined the American League. They won the World Series in 1992 and 1993.
Canada has hosted teams in various minor leagues since these wer first created in the last decades of the 19th Century. While there is currently only one Canada-based team remaining in Organized Baseball - the Vancouver Canadians of the Class-A Northwest League, this was not always the case. The Montreal Royals and Toronto Maple Leafs were pillar franchises of the International League until the 1960s, and the cities of Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver have all hosted AAA franchises until recent years, while many more Canadian cities were in leagues of lower classifications. Certain leagues, such as the Provincial League in the 1940s and 1950s, were entirely made-up of Canadian teams. The Provincial League in fact had period when it stood outside of organized baseball, but still attracted star players who were kept out of the Major Leagues for one reason or another, as well as prospects who would later play in the majors.
In 2003 an attempt to create the Canadian Baseball League was launched, but the league folded halfway through its first season.
Several of the independent leagues currently have teams in Canada, including the Can-Am Association (with teams in Ottawa and Quebec City), the Golden Baseball League (teams in Calgary and Edmonton), and the Northern League (one team in Winnipeg).
[edit] Semi-Pro and Amateur baseball
Baseball in played at the amateur or semi-pro level in Canada as well.
The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is an amateur, semi-professional baseball organization located in the Canadian province of Ontario. The league was formed in 1919.
The Intercounty Baseball League exists so that baseball players who were not signed by a Major or Minor League organization have a chance at playing competitive men's baseball. Although the level of Intercounty Baseball League play can be categorized as being at the "Semi-pro" level, players in independent baseball are usually not scouted heavily by Major League teams, although in recent years that has changed somewhat.[1]. At least one Intercounty league player has gone to play pro ball in Europe; Daniel Hayes was with the London Majors before being acquired by a French team and was later (2009) sent to play in Austria.
Because baseball is generally not played in Canadian high schools and universities, a different system was developed to allow players in that age range to play against competition of a similar level. Junior leagues have been organized across Canada for decades and have fed players into Team Canada and American junior colleges, or directly into the professional ranks via the amateur
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Gamecocks Win College World Series, Celebration Wednesday
Gamecocks Win College World Series, Celebration Wednesday
The city of Columbia will honor the team with a parade Friday
Gamecocks Fans Gather To Watch College World Series (Added: June 28, 2011)
A large crowd of Gamecock fans gathered at Rendezvous in Greenville County to watch the Gamecocks win the College World Series (more) 0 Ratings | 43 Video Views Post a Comment or Rate this Video
» View More Videos
South Carolina captured its second straight NCAA Baseball Championship by defeating Florida in the College World Series.
By Rob Landreth
Published: June 29, 2011
Updated: June 29, 2011 - 11:34 AM
» 0Comments | Post a Comment
OMAHA, NE --
Gamecock fans are invited to attend Wednesday afternoon’s celebrate of the repeat championship for USC at the College World Series.
The doors to the Colonial Life Arena will open at 4:00 p.m. with the team expected to arrive at 5:30 p.m.
Parking is free in a first-come, first-served basis at Colonial Life Arena and the Discovery Garage.
The school will sell 2011 CWS merchandise at the rally.
Columbia-area police are asking fans to avoid the airport to welcome the Gamecocks home from Omaha because of TSA regulations in that area.
The Mayor’s office in Columbia says that there will be a parade Friday at noon in Columbia celebrating the win.
It was déjà vu all over again for South Carolina Tuesday night as the Gamecocks captured their second consecutive College World Series championship with a 5-2 win over Florida at TD Ameritrade Park.
The Gamecocks opened the first year at Omaha’s newest stadium the same way as they ended last year’s finale at Rosenblatt Stadium; by celebrating on the field after winning the national championship and securing a place in collegiate baseball lore. The Gamecocks became the first team since Oregon State in 2006-07 to repeat as champions and only the fifth school in history to do so, joining Texas, Southern California, Louisiana State and Oregon State.
The Gamecocks took the lead in the bottom of the third inning and never relinquished it.
Shortstop Peter Mooney led off the inning with a double down the leftfield line. After a sacrifice bunt by Robert Beary moved Mooney to third, rightfielder Evan Marzilli drew a walk from Florida starter Karsten Whitson, setting the stage for former Mauldin standout Scott Wingo to give the Gamecocks the lead.
Wingo, who was named the College World Series Most Valuable Players, delivered yet again. His sacrifice fly to rightfield allowed Mooney to score easily and gave South Carolina a 1-0 lead.
Karsten then proceeded to walk the next batter, Jackie Bradley Jr., to put runners on first and second with two out. Gamecock first baseman Christian Walker, who has been suffering from a wrist injury since last Friday, hit a hard ground ball to Gators shortstop Nolan Fontana, but Fonatana was unable to handle it and it ended up in centerfield. Marzilli scored from second for a 2-0 lead and Bradley advanced to third. One batter later, designated hitter Brady Thomas drove home Bradley with an infield single.
Former Riverside High standout Michael Roth, just three days removed from throwing 93 pitches against Virginia, pitched yet another gem.
Despite allowing a solo homerun by Southeastern Conference Player of the Year Mike Zunino in the top of the fourth inning, Roth had few problems.
Roth escaped a no out, runners on first and second situation in the top of the fifth when he struck out Gators third baseman Cody Dent who was attempting to bunt. He then managed initiate a double play, started by Wingo, to get out of the inning unscathed.
One inning later, the Gators threatened again.
Roth hit Fontana to leadoff the inning and then allowed a single to Zunino. Roth then struck out the next batter and then got Josh Adams to ground out to third base for the second out. With runners lurking on second and third, Roth managed to get Daniel Pigott to groundout to second to end the threat.
Roth pitched 7 2/3 innings and only allowed two runs on five hits. Matt Price, who has won two games and saved another for the Gamecocks during the World Series, came on to get the final four outs and claim his second save of the series.
Mooney added a solo homerun, the first one the Gamecocks have hit in the College World Series, in the bottom of the sixth and the Gamecocks added another run in the bottom of the eighth.
Fans Gather To Watch The Game
As the Gamecocks were busy winning their second straight NCAA College World Series, alot of fans piled into Rendezvous Cafe on Pelham Road in anticipation of watching the Gamecocks hoist the championship plaque.
"I'm ready for it," said Todd Williams, a lifelong Gamecocks fan. "We're going to end it tonight."
As confident as they were, alot of Gamecock fans were queasy at times, while watching in anticipation.
"I'm gonna have no fingernails left by the time this is over," Williams said.
"I've been so nervous, oh my gosh," said Tonya Etris. "It was the best (Monday night's) game I have seen in my whole life. So tonight we've got to take home the win."
For many in attendance, just the chance for a national championship brings with it confidence.
"(Michael) Roth just gave up a leadoff single, are you worried," I asked. "No, they gave up a leadoff single last night and we came back and won, so we don't ever give up," said Ted Connor.
"This is incredible," said Tonya Etris. "I mean, it's really a new era for Gamecocks and baseball as a whole for South Carolina."
"First, I wanted to get back to Omaha and then I just wanted to get to the finals and now we got to the finals," said Ted Meilinger, rendezvous owner. "I want to win."
And in the process, Gamecocks fans managed to take a shot at their arch-rivals, Clemson.
"Ray Tanner knows how to coach and he knows how to do something better than most Carolina coaches and that's how to beat Clemson," said ted Conrad. "He does it regularly. We like that."
Meilinger said that the Gamecocks wins in Omaha helped business. He said that Monday night's and Tuesday night's games have doubled and even tripled his typical early week business.
The city of Columbia will honor the team with a parade Friday
Gamecocks Fans Gather To Watch College World Series (Added: June 28, 2011)
A large crowd of Gamecock fans gathered at Rendezvous in Greenville County to watch the Gamecocks win the College World Series (more) 0 Ratings | 43 Video Views Post a Comment or Rate this Video
» View More Videos
South Carolina captured its second straight NCAA Baseball Championship by defeating Florida in the College World Series.
By Rob Landreth
Published: June 29, 2011
Updated: June 29, 2011 - 11:34 AM
» 0Comments | Post a Comment
OMAHA, NE --
Gamecock fans are invited to attend Wednesday afternoon’s celebrate of the repeat championship for USC at the College World Series.
The doors to the Colonial Life Arena will open at 4:00 p.m. with the team expected to arrive at 5:30 p.m.
Parking is free in a first-come, first-served basis at Colonial Life Arena and the Discovery Garage.
The school will sell 2011 CWS merchandise at the rally.
Columbia-area police are asking fans to avoid the airport to welcome the Gamecocks home from Omaha because of TSA regulations in that area.
The Mayor’s office in Columbia says that there will be a parade Friday at noon in Columbia celebrating the win.
It was déjà vu all over again for South Carolina Tuesday night as the Gamecocks captured their second consecutive College World Series championship with a 5-2 win over Florida at TD Ameritrade Park.
The Gamecocks opened the first year at Omaha’s newest stadium the same way as they ended last year’s finale at Rosenblatt Stadium; by celebrating on the field after winning the national championship and securing a place in collegiate baseball lore. The Gamecocks became the first team since Oregon State in 2006-07 to repeat as champions and only the fifth school in history to do so, joining Texas, Southern California, Louisiana State and Oregon State.
The Gamecocks took the lead in the bottom of the third inning and never relinquished it.
Shortstop Peter Mooney led off the inning with a double down the leftfield line. After a sacrifice bunt by Robert Beary moved Mooney to third, rightfielder Evan Marzilli drew a walk from Florida starter Karsten Whitson, setting the stage for former Mauldin standout Scott Wingo to give the Gamecocks the lead.
Wingo, who was named the College World Series Most Valuable Players, delivered yet again. His sacrifice fly to rightfield allowed Mooney to score easily and gave South Carolina a 1-0 lead.
Karsten then proceeded to walk the next batter, Jackie Bradley Jr., to put runners on first and second with two out. Gamecock first baseman Christian Walker, who has been suffering from a wrist injury since last Friday, hit a hard ground ball to Gators shortstop Nolan Fontana, but Fonatana was unable to handle it and it ended up in centerfield. Marzilli scored from second for a 2-0 lead and Bradley advanced to third. One batter later, designated hitter Brady Thomas drove home Bradley with an infield single.
Former Riverside High standout Michael Roth, just three days removed from throwing 93 pitches against Virginia, pitched yet another gem.
Despite allowing a solo homerun by Southeastern Conference Player of the Year Mike Zunino in the top of the fourth inning, Roth had few problems.
Roth escaped a no out, runners on first and second situation in the top of the fifth when he struck out Gators third baseman Cody Dent who was attempting to bunt. He then managed initiate a double play, started by Wingo, to get out of the inning unscathed.
One inning later, the Gators threatened again.
Roth hit Fontana to leadoff the inning and then allowed a single to Zunino. Roth then struck out the next batter and then got Josh Adams to ground out to third base for the second out. With runners lurking on second and third, Roth managed to get Daniel Pigott to groundout to second to end the threat.
Roth pitched 7 2/3 innings and only allowed two runs on five hits. Matt Price, who has won two games and saved another for the Gamecocks during the World Series, came on to get the final four outs and claim his second save of the series.
Mooney added a solo homerun, the first one the Gamecocks have hit in the College World Series, in the bottom of the sixth and the Gamecocks added another run in the bottom of the eighth.
Fans Gather To Watch The Game
As the Gamecocks were busy winning their second straight NCAA College World Series, alot of fans piled into Rendezvous Cafe on Pelham Road in anticipation of watching the Gamecocks hoist the championship plaque.
"I'm ready for it," said Todd Williams, a lifelong Gamecocks fan. "We're going to end it tonight."
As confident as they were, alot of Gamecock fans were queasy at times, while watching in anticipation.
"I'm gonna have no fingernails left by the time this is over," Williams said.
"I've been so nervous, oh my gosh," said Tonya Etris. "It was the best (Monday night's) game I have seen in my whole life. So tonight we've got to take home the win."
For many in attendance, just the chance for a national championship brings with it confidence.
"(Michael) Roth just gave up a leadoff single, are you worried," I asked. "No, they gave up a leadoff single last night and we came back and won, so we don't ever give up," said Ted Connor.
"This is incredible," said Tonya Etris. "I mean, it's really a new era for Gamecocks and baseball as a whole for South Carolina."
"First, I wanted to get back to Omaha and then I just wanted to get to the finals and now we got to the finals," said Ted Meilinger, rendezvous owner. "I want to win."
And in the process, Gamecocks fans managed to take a shot at their arch-rivals, Clemson.
"Ray Tanner knows how to coach and he knows how to do something better than most Carolina coaches and that's how to beat Clemson," said ted Conrad. "He does it regularly. We like that."
Meilinger said that the Gamecocks wins in Omaha helped business. He said that Monday night's and Tuesday night's games have doubled and even tripled his typical early week business.
Northeast American Legion Tournament August 3rd-
8th 2011 At http://www.oldorchardbeachballpark.com/
League History
How to Participate
Awards
Photos
Famous Alumni
Find a Team
Game Schedule
Invitational Tournaments
State Tournaments
Regional Tournaments
World Series
Resources
Contacts
.
.
.
.
.
Northeast Tournament : 2011
August 4, 2011 - August 8, 2011
The Ballpark - Old Orchard Beach, Maine
View host's Web site
Contact Information
Sharri MacDonald
(207) 590-4201
smacdonald@maine.rr.com
Additional Information
Island View Motel
174 E Grand Ave
Old Orchard Bch, ME 04064-3002
(207) 934-2200
Toll free: 866.934.2202
info@islandview-motel.com
The Beau Rivage Motel
54 East Grand Avenue
Old Orchard Beach, Maine 04064
1-800-939-4668
www.beaurivagemotel.com
info@beaurivage.com
The Normandie Inn
1 York Street
OId Orchard Beach, Maine 04064
207-934-2533
www.normandieinn.com
info@normandieinn.com
8th 2011 At http://www.oldorchardbeachballpark.com/
League History
How to Participate
Awards
Photos
Famous Alumni
Find a Team
Game Schedule
Invitational Tournaments
State Tournaments
Regional Tournaments
World Series
Resources
Contacts
.
.
.
.
.
Northeast Tournament : 2011
August 4, 2011 - August 8, 2011
The Ballpark - Old Orchard Beach, Maine
View host's Web site
Contact Information
Sharri MacDonald
(207) 590-4201
smacdonald@maine.rr.com
Additional Information
Island View Motel
174 E Grand Ave
Old Orchard Bch, ME 04064-3002
(207) 934-2200
Toll free: 866.934.2202
info@islandview-motel.com
The Beau Rivage Motel
54 East Grand Avenue
Old Orchard Beach, Maine 04064
1-800-939-4668
www.beaurivagemotel.com
info@beaurivage.com
The Normandie Inn
1 York Street
OId Orchard Beach, Maine 04064
207-934-2533
www.normandieinn.com
info@normandieinn.com
18U: Trials kick-off at NTC in Cary
June 27, 2011
18U: Trials kick-off at NTC in Cary
Trials team practices, hosts ALS benefit clinic at NTC
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DURHAM, N.C. -- Following the selection of the USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials Roster, Manager Scott Brosius and his coaching staff put the 40-man squad through a light workout at the National Training Complex Monday afternoon.
Weather played a factor during the day as 15 minutes into its work out, the Trials Team had to take cover from scattered thunderstorms in the area, which lasted about an hour. Once the skies cleared it was back to baseball with the team working on positional drills, fielding and taking some swings in the batting cage.
After a light two-and-a-half hour practice the team broke for dinner before participating in the USA Baseball Children's Clinic, which benefits the Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter of the ALS. The local youth went through four stations where they were taught the basic principles of base running and fielding before playing quick ball home run derby and quick ball hit for the cycle. The ALS Clinic ended with a brief autograph session inside the main stadium at the NTC.
The Trials Team will go through its second practice of the week Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. (EST) before playing its first Red-Blue game later in the evening at 6 p.m. (EST) at NTC.
18U: Trials kick-off at NTC in Cary
Trials team practices, hosts ALS benefit clinic at NTC
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DURHAM, N.C. -- Following the selection of the USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials Roster, Manager Scott Brosius and his coaching staff put the 40-man squad through a light workout at the National Training Complex Monday afternoon.
Weather played a factor during the day as 15 minutes into its work out, the Trials Team had to take cover from scattered thunderstorms in the area, which lasted about an hour. Once the skies cleared it was back to baseball with the team working on positional drills, fielding and taking some swings in the batting cage.
After a light two-and-a-half hour practice the team broke for dinner before participating in the USA Baseball Children's Clinic, which benefits the Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter of the ALS. The local youth went through four stations where they were taught the basic principles of base running and fielding before playing quick ball home run derby and quick ball hit for the cycle. The ALS Clinic ended with a brief autograph session inside the main stadium at the NTC.
The Trials Team will go through its second practice of the week Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. (EST) before playing its first Red-Blue game later in the evening at 6 p.m. (EST) at NTC.
Collegiate National Team takes 8-4 win
June 28, 2011
Collegiate National Team takes 8-4 win
Michael Wacha strikes out six in first start for Team USA
NEWPORT, R.I. - Deven Marrero (Arizona State) tallied three hits and drove in two as the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team rolled to a 8-4 win over Newport Tuesday night at Cardines Field. Marrero doubled twice and singled once as Team USA improved to 4-1 in its tour of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Marrero drove home both his runs with a two-run double in Team USA's seventh in which the club scored three times to take an 8-2 lead.
Michael Lorenzen (Cal State Fullerton) also drove in two with a triple to the right-center gap in Team USA's three-run fourth, giving the club the lead for good.
Josh Elander (Texas Christian), Tyler Naquin (Texas A&M) and Ronnie Freeman (Kennesaw State) all had two hits for Team USA in the win as the club finished with 12 overall.
Michael Wacha (Texas A&M) appeared in his first game for Team USA and started, allowing just three hits and two unearned runs in five innings of work. He struck out six to pick up the victory.
Both teams scored runs in the first. Elander put Team USA up first with a single through the left side that scored Marrero from second. However, Newport answered with a single by Matt Foat that allowed Robbie Ort to advance to third and score when Lorenzen had trouble fielding the ball cleanly in center.
Team USA took the lead for good in the fourth when Erich Weiss (Texas) drove in the club's second run on an infield single. Lorenzen's two-run triple eventually followed and Team USA scored the next seven runs before Newport managed two off reliever Matt Boyd (Oregon State) in the seventh.
Newport rallied in the eighth, loaded the bases with two out against reliever Mark Appel (Stanford). Appel, who played for the Gulls last summer, got out of the jam, however, on a 4-6 fielder's choice to hold an 8-4 lead.
The Gulls rallied again in the ninth, putting runners at second and third with two outs against Corey Knebel (Texas) but he was able to close out the win via a strikeout of Newport's Jack Reinheimer.
Newport's Daniel Wright was touched for three runs in the fourth and took the loss. He was the third of eight Newport pitchers on the night.
Team USA plays in its final game in New England Wednesday when the club visits New Bedford in a game that starts at 6:30 p.m. ET. Make sure and visit usabaseball.com for a live stats link prior to the game a full recap and box score after the contests' conclusion.
USA Notes: Virginia's Branden Kline joined the club before the game but did not play ... He last pitched against South Carolina in the College World Series ... Wacha struck out the side in the third inning ... Marrero's three-hit night was his second for Team USA ... His first three-hit game came in the opener against Keene ... Team USA leaves for North Carolina Thursday and will fly into Charlotte before playing at Gastonia that night
Michael Lorenzen (Cal State Fullerton) also drove in two with a triple to the right-center gap in Team USA's three-run fourth, giving the club the lead for good.
Josh Elander (Texas Christian), Tyler Naquin (Texas A&M) and Ronnie Freeman (Kennesaw State) all had two hits for Team USA in the win as the club finished with 12 overall.
Michael Wacha (Texas A&M) appeared in his first game for Team USA and started, allowing just three hits and two unearned runs in five innings of work. He struck out six to pick up the victory.
Both teams scored runs in the first. Elander put Team USA up first with a single through the left side that scored Marrero from second. However, Newport answered with a single by Matt Foat that allowed Robbie Ort to advance to third and score when Lorenzen had trouble fielding the ball cleanly in center.
Team USA took the lead for good in the fourth when Erich Weiss (Texas) drove in the club's second run on an infield single. Lorenzen's two-run triple eventually followed and Team USA scored the next seven runs before Newport managed two off reliever Matt Boyd (Oregon State) in the seventh.
Newport rallied in the eighth, loaded the bases with two out against reliever Mark Appel (Stanford). Appel, who played for the Gulls last summer, got out of the jam, however, on a 4-6 fielder's choice to hold an 8-4 lead.
The Gulls rallied again in the ninth, putting runners at second and third with two outs against Corey Knebel (Texas) but he was able to close out the win via a strikeout of Newport's Jack Reinheimer.
Newport's Daniel Wright was touched for three runs in the fourth and took the loss. He was the third of eight Newport pitchers on the night.
Team USA plays in its final game in New England Wednesday when the club visits New Bedford in a game that starts at 6:30 p.m. ET. Make sure and visit usabaseball.com for a live stats link prior to the game a full recap and box score after the contests' conclusion.
USA Notes: Virginia's Branden Kline joined the club before the game but did not play ... He last pitched against South Carolina in the College World Series ... Wacha struck out the side in the third inning ... Marrero's three-hit night was his second for Team USA ... His first three-hit game came in the opener against Keene ... Team USA leaves for North Carolina Thursday and will fly into Charlotte before playing at Gastonia that night
2011 MLB All-Star Game events at Chase Field: A fan’s guide
2011 MLB All-Star Game events at Chase Field: A fan’s guide
Besides going to the 2011 All-Star game at Chase Field, baseball fans may also enjoy watching other exciting MLB All-Star events and festivities. From watching the home run derby to watching the legends and celebrity softball game, there will be plenty of baseball activities for fans to enjoy in Phoenix.
Before the activities are discussed, click here for pertinent information on the state of the art Chase Field.
MLB All-Star fan fest at the Phoenix Convention Center from July 8-12
When the All-Star game was hosted in Fenway Park in Boston in 1999, one of my favorite activities was meeting a number of Hall-of-Fame baseball players. During this year's fan fest, fans will be able to visit interactive exhibits and attractions along with meeting and receiving complimentary autographs from some of the best Diamondbacks players. At this time, the list of players appearing at the fan fest has not been announced. If you would like additional information, click here.
Taco Bell All-Star Sunday featuring the XM All-Star futures game
Although the futures game does not receive nearly as much attention as the All-Star game, the futures game still is an exciting way to watch prospects and aspiring baseball players. In my opinion, the futures game is great for fans who would like to learn about future professional hitters and pitchers.
Gatorade All-Star workout day,featuring the home run derby
One of the most exciting activities during the All-Star break is watching the best baseball players take batting practice on workout day. Before the home run derby, the All-Stars from both leagues will practice their swing, and this is usually one of the most enjoyable events for fans. As for the home run derby, the competition can be watched on ESPN on July 11 at 8 p.m. Last year's winner was David Ortiz(notes). It is important to note that fans who would like to purchase tickets to any of the events, including the All-Star game, can click on this link for tickets.
Taco Bell All-Star legends and celebrity softball game
When I watched the legends and celebrity softball game last year, I witnessed a high-scoring, competitive game between the American League and National League. Lead by Goose Gossage and John Kruk, both teams did fairly well but the American League eventually won the game with the score of 15-11 at Angel Stadium. For this year's legends and celebrity softball game, Jason Aldean, Nick Jonas, Larry Fitzgerald, Ernie Banks, Rickey Henderson and many others are likely to play during the game. For more information on the legends and celebrities who will most likely perform, click here. The legends and celebrity softball game will be nationally televised on ESPN on July 11 at 10:30 p.m.
Sources:
"2011 All-Star Game Tickets," MLB.com.
"2011 All-Star Game Fanfest", MLB.com.
"2011 Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game info," MLB.com.
Tom Harrington, "Chase Field hosting 2011 MLB All-Star Game: A fan's guide," Yahoo! Sports.
Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.
Before the activities are discussed, click here for pertinent information on the state of the art Chase Field.
MLB All-Star fan fest at the Phoenix Convention Center from July 8-12
When the All-Star game was hosted in Fenway Park in Boston in 1999, one of my favorite activities was meeting a number of Hall-of-Fame baseball players. During this year's fan fest, fans will be able to visit interactive exhibits and attractions along with meeting and receiving complimentary autographs from some of the best Diamondbacks players. At this time, the list of players appearing at the fan fest has not been announced. If you would like additional information, click here.
Taco Bell All-Star Sunday featuring the XM All-Star futures game
Although the futures game does not receive nearly as much attention as the All-Star game, the futures game still is an exciting way to watch prospects and aspiring baseball players. In my opinion, the futures game is great for fans who would like to learn about future professional hitters and pitchers.
Gatorade All-Star workout day,featuring the home run derby
One of the most exciting activities during the All-Star break is watching the best baseball players take batting practice on workout day. Before the home run derby, the All-Stars from both leagues will practice their swing, and this is usually one of the most enjoyable events for fans. As for the home run derby, the competition can be watched on ESPN on July 11 at 8 p.m. Last year's winner was David Ortiz(notes). It is important to note that fans who would like to purchase tickets to any of the events, including the All-Star game, can click on this link for tickets.
Taco Bell All-Star legends and celebrity softball game
When I watched the legends and celebrity softball game last year, I witnessed a high-scoring, competitive game between the American League and National League. Lead by Goose Gossage and John Kruk, both teams did fairly well but the American League eventually won the game with the score of 15-11 at Angel Stadium. For this year's legends and celebrity softball game, Jason Aldean, Nick Jonas, Larry Fitzgerald, Ernie Banks, Rickey Henderson and many others are likely to play during the game. For more information on the legends and celebrities who will most likely perform, click here. The legends and celebrity softball game will be nationally televised on ESPN on July 11 at 10:30 p.m.
Sources:
"2011 All-Star Game Tickets," MLB.com.
"2011 All-Star Game Fanfest", MLB.com.
"2011 Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game info," MLB.com.
Tom Harrington, "Chase Field hosting 2011 MLB All-Star Game: A fan's guide," Yahoo! Sports.
Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.
Battle over Dodgers moves on in bankruptcy court
Battle over Dodgers moves on in bankruptcy court
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)—Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt may have won the first round in a bankruptcy court fight with Major League Baseball, however the two sides are gearing up for what could be a protracted battle for control of one of the most storied teams in baseball.
A Delaware judge on Tuesday gave interim approval to a $150 million bankruptcy financing arrangement sought by McCourt to keep the cash-strapped ballclub operating, but not before the league squeezed concessions on the loan terms and questioned whether McCourt should retain control during the Chapter 11 case.
While the Dodgers’ blame their liquidity crisis on Commissioner Bud Selig’s refusal to approve a broadcast rights agreement with Fox Sports, the league says the problems meeting payroll stem from McCourt’s financial mismanagement, his use of team assets for his personal benefit, and “the resulting decline in attendance caused by the community’s extraordinary unhappiness with the club’s owner.”
A person familiar with the league’s plans told The Associated Press that MLB probably will file a motion to seize the Dodgers, who have been operating under the oversight of a monitor appointed by Selig in April. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation.
Baseball’s constitution allows Selig to take control of a team that seeks Chapter 11 protection, but the league first must file a motion seeking termination of the franchise. The league argued in court papers that the commissioner could terminate the Dodgers’ right to operate the club as a result of the bankruptcy filing upon a vote of 75 percent of league teams.
Attorneys representing Selig’s office said threshold matters in the bankruptcy case include whether it was properly filed, whether McCourt should retain control, and whether a monitor appointed by Selig to oversee the team can continue to perform his duties.
For now, however, the two sides are content to keep the lights on, the players paid and the fans in the seats, pending a July 20 hearing on the financing.
“I recognize that there is a lot ahead of us,” said Judge Kevin Gross, who asked MLB attorney Thomas Lauria for a copy of the league’s constitution, noting that it “has an impact here.”
Lauria disagreed with Dodgers attorney Bruce Bennett that the league and the team were adversaries, saying the league views the Dodgers as one of its“cherished crown jewels.”
Lauria did suggest, however, that the league was at loggerheads with McCourt, whom he blamed for “today’s sorry mess.”
Gross granted the Dodgers’ request for debtor-in-possession financing after attorneys for both sides huddled behind closed doors for more than an hour, emerging with an agreement to make two modifications to the proposed agreement with hedge fund Highbridge Capital.
One of the modifications reduces the exit fee that would be due to Highbridge from $4.5 million to $250,000. The other removes certain milestones in the financing agreement regarding the sale of the team’s broadcast rights, including a July 29 deadline to agree on a sale process calling for bankruptcy court approval of a sale within six months of Monday’s bankruptcy filing, and a closing within 45 days of the court order.
Earlier Tuesday, the league objected to the Highbridge financing proposal and offered its own, accusing McCourt of siphoning off more than $100 million in club revenue and driving the Dodgers into a liquidity crisis. It also cited his lavish lifestyle with his ex-wife, Jamie, who is battling McCourt for half of his ownership assets.
The league argued that its own financing offer was superior because it eliminated the $4.5 million exit fee, reduced the interest rate by 3 percent, did not require the team to encumber assets, and did not impose an artificial timeline for disposing of the broadcast rights.
The Dodgers countered that the league’s objection to the team’s financing proposal revealed Selig’s “overarching desire” to exert a “stranglehold” on the team.
“The commissioner’s financing proposal is nothing other than a thinly veiled effort to take total control over the debtors and these cases,” team attorneys wrote, adding that it is no secret that Selig wants a change of ownership.
“The commissioner’s efforts seem to be driven by a personal animosity towards Mr. McCourt that unbiased observers have recognized as being‘unprecedented,”’ they added, citing media reports. “The debtors have no obligation to accept financing from such a determined adversary.”
While agreeing to the interim financing, both sides reserved their rights to argue all issues surrounding the bankruptcy filing, including the possibility that the league might seek to have the case dismissed, and whether former Texas Rangers President Thomas Schieffer should remain as monitor of the Dodgers. Schieffer was appointed to monitor the team on Selig’s behalf after the commissioner took the extraordinary step in April of assuming control of the troubled franchise, saying he was concerned about the team’s finances and how the Dodgers were being run.
AP Baseball Writer Ben Walker in New York contributed to this report.
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A Delaware judge on Tuesday gave interim approval to a $150 million bankruptcy financing arrangement sought by McCourt to keep the cash-strapped ballclub operating, but not before the league squeezed concessions on the loan terms and questioned whether McCourt should retain control during the Chapter 11 case.
While the Dodgers’ blame their liquidity crisis on Commissioner Bud Selig’s refusal to approve a broadcast rights agreement with Fox Sports, the league says the problems meeting payroll stem from McCourt’s financial mismanagement, his use of team assets for his personal benefit, and “the resulting decline in attendance caused by the community’s extraordinary unhappiness with the club’s owner.”
LOS ANGELES, CA - FILE: Los A…
Getty Images - Jun 27, 10:46 am EDT
Getty Images - Jun 27, 10:46 am EDT
Baseball’s constitution allows Selig to take control of a team that seeks Chapter 11 protection, but the league first must file a motion seeking termination of the franchise. The league argued in court papers that the commissioner could terminate the Dodgers’ right to operate the club as a result of the bankruptcy filing upon a vote of 75 percent of league teams.
Attorneys representing Selig’s office said threshold matters in the bankruptcy case include whether it was properly filed, whether McCourt should retain control, and whether a monitor appointed by Selig to oversee the team can continue to perform his duties.
For now, however, the two sides are content to keep the lights on, the players paid and the fans in the seats, pending a July 20 hearing on the financing.
“I recognize that there is a lot ahead of us,” said Judge Kevin Gross, who asked MLB attorney Thomas Lauria for a copy of the league’s constitution, noting that it “has an impact here.”
Lauria disagreed with Dodgers attorney Bruce Bennett that the league and the team were adversaries, saying the league views the Dodgers as one of its“cherished crown jewels.”
Lauria did suggest, however, that the league was at loggerheads with McCourt, whom he blamed for “today’s sorry mess.”
Gross granted the Dodgers’ request for debtor-in-possession financing after attorneys for both sides huddled behind closed doors for more than an hour, emerging with an agreement to make two modifications to the proposed agreement with hedge fund Highbridge Capital.
One of the modifications reduces the exit fee that would be due to Highbridge from $4.5 million to $250,000. The other removes certain milestones in the financing agreement regarding the sale of the team’s broadcast rights, including a July 29 deadline to agree on a sale process calling for bankruptcy court approval of a sale within six months of Monday’s bankruptcy filing, and a closing within 45 days of the court order.
Earlier Tuesday, the league objected to the Highbridge financing proposal and offered its own, accusing McCourt of siphoning off more than $100 million in club revenue and driving the Dodgers into a liquidity crisis. It also cited his lavish lifestyle with his ex-wife, Jamie, who is battling McCourt for half of his ownership assets.
The league argued that its own financing offer was superior because it eliminated the $4.5 million exit fee, reduced the interest rate by 3 percent, did not require the team to encumber assets, and did not impose an artificial timeline for disposing of the broadcast rights.
The Dodgers countered that the league’s objection to the team’s financing proposal revealed Selig’s “overarching desire” to exert a “stranglehold” on the team.
“The commissioner’s financing proposal is nothing other than a thinly veiled effort to take total control over the debtors and these cases,” team attorneys wrote, adding that it is no secret that Selig wants a change of ownership.
“The commissioner’s efforts seem to be driven by a personal animosity towards Mr. McCourt that unbiased observers have recognized as being‘unprecedented,”’ they added, citing media reports. “The debtors have no obligation to accept financing from such a determined adversary.”
While agreeing to the interim financing, both sides reserved their rights to argue all issues surrounding the bankruptcy filing, including the possibility that the league might seek to have the case dismissed, and whether former Texas Rangers President Thomas Schieffer should remain as monitor of the Dodgers. Schieffer was appointed to monitor the team on Selig’s behalf after the commissioner took the extraordinary step in April of assuming control of the troubled franchise, saying he was concerned about the team’s finances and how the Dodgers were being run.
AP Baseball Writer Ben Walker in New York contributed to this report.
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WALKER PRICE OVERCAME INJURY,FATIGUE
June 28, 2011
OMAHA, Neb. -- Monday morning, the chances of either Christian Walker or Matt Price appearing in Game 1 of the National Championship Series appeared slim.
Walker had just been diagnosed with a broken hamate bone in his left wrist, while Price had to battle through a tired arm after one of the longest stints of his career, a 5.2 inning, 95-pitch outing against Virginia that helped lead the Gamecocks into the finals for the second straight years.
It's safe to say neither was 100 percent healthy when the Gamecocks took the field to face Florida in a showdown between SEC East rivals for ultimate bragging rights.
But not only did both players play, they sparkled in making significant contributions towards USC's thrilling 2-1 victory in 11 innings.
Walker had two hits and, of course, scored the eventual game-winning run in the top of the 11th inning when his steal of second turned into multiple throwing errors by the Florida defense.
But, before reaching that magical moment, playing through the pain wasn't easy. Team doctors and athletic trainers constantly evaluated his situation throughout the game.
"He scuffled some in the middle of the game and had to get some treatment to get him going again a little bit," USC head coach Ray Tanner said. "They tried to get him through the thing. But a hamate is very painful. You have to ice it and do a lot of things to keep him from feeling it. When you do those things, it's numb a lot. It was great to see him out there. It was fantastic."
Price, meanwhile, was summoned after Walker's run to close it out and that's what he did despite surrendering a leadoff walk in the bottom half of the inning. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runner into scoring position, Price reared back and fanned the next batter before a groundout to short ended it.
Between the two, Walker was the more unlikely to step onto the field considering the severity of his injury. But a pair of Columbia, SC-based doctors that work with the baseball team flew to Omaha on Monday morning and examined Walker's hand. Hours of treatment allowed him to first take batting practice and then play.
"It just came down to dealing with the pain," Walker said. "I can't say enough about the whole staff."
Tanner added: "The doctors got a chance to get with him this (Monday) afternoon. They told him that he could play because he wasn't going to hurt himself any more. But they told him that he was going to be in tremendous pain and they had to figure out how to alleviate the pain."
Walker will likely have to undergo surgery when USC returns to Columbia, Tanner said, unfortunately halting his chances of playing this summer for the USA Baseball National Collegiate Team.
Even Tanner wasn't optimistic Walker would be able to play, but became convinced after watching him belt several homers during BP, including his very first swing in the cage.
"I didn't think he was going to be able to play. He ran out there and said 'I think I can do it,'" Tanner said. "He jumped in there with the last group and hits a ball into the bullpen. I was just amazed. When he jumped in there, I just figured he was trying to fight through it and that it would be tough. Then he uncorked a couple of balls and I said, 'Really,'? He told me that 'I'm not all there but I can get it through the zone.'
"I've had many players over the years that have had hamate injuries. It's extremely painful. I'm sure it's going to be another struggle (Tuesday night). It's not going to go away. We'll try to repeat the procedure and hopefully get him back out there tomorrow (Tuesday)."
Following last Friday's marathon win that eliminated Virginia, Tanner also questioned if Price would be available for Game 1. But there he was, pitching the 11th inning to register his 19th save of the season, tying him for the national lead.
"I was surprised that he was able to be out there, quite honestly," Tanner said. "I talked to him a little bit and I just really didn't anticipate him pitching. But I have a number of guys on the team that lay it out there for me all the time. Sometimes I get concerned if they're ready to go.
"I tell them to be honest with their bodies and don't try to do much. Matt Price has done that. He's been very honest. I told him we would rest him on Monday and gear him up for Tuesday, but he said OK but let's talk about it later. He wanted to see how he felt and go through the day."
Tonight, No. 1 starter Michael Roth will have to duplicate Price's tenacity and toughness when he takes the mound on just three days rest to face the potent Florida lineup.
Tanner left the decision to Roth by trusting the junior's keen ability to interpret what his left arm was telling him. Clearly, he believes he's ready to pitch.
Against Virginia, Roth hurled 7.0 innings and threw 90 pitches, exiting the contest with a 0.98 ERA in 137.1 IP. USC announced Tuesday morning Roth would make his 20th start of the season against the Gators with USC needing just one more win for back-to-back national championships.
Overall, the USC pitching staff has compiled an impressive 0.64 ERA in four CWS games, allowing just eight total runs, three earned, on 28 hits. Roth has a 0.63 ERA in his first two CWS starts covering 14.1 innings. He has yielded five runs (one earned) and eight hits with 11 strikeouts.
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Walker had just been diagnosed with a broken hamate bone in his left wrist, while Price had to battle through a tired arm after one of the longest stints of his career, a 5.2 inning, 95-pitch outing against Virginia that helped lead the Gamecocks into the finals for the second straight years.
It's safe to say neither was 100 percent healthy when the Gamecocks took the field to face Florida in a showdown between SEC East rivals for ultimate bragging rights.
But not only did both players play, they sparkled in making significant contributions towards USC's thrilling 2-1 victory in 11 innings.
Walker had two hits and, of course, scored the eventual game-winning run in the top of the 11th inning when his steal of second turned into multiple throwing errors by the Florida defense.
But, before reaching that magical moment, playing through the pain wasn't easy. Team doctors and athletic trainers constantly evaluated his situation throughout the game.
"He scuffled some in the middle of the game and had to get some treatment to get him going again a little bit," USC head coach Ray Tanner said. "They tried to get him through the thing. But a hamate is very painful. You have to ice it and do a lot of things to keep him from feeling it. When you do those things, it's numb a lot. It was great to see him out there. It was fantastic."
Price, meanwhile, was summoned after Walker's run to close it out and that's what he did despite surrendering a leadoff walk in the bottom half of the inning. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runner into scoring position, Price reared back and fanned the next batter before a groundout to short ended it.
Between the two, Walker was the more unlikely to step onto the field considering the severity of his injury. But a pair of Columbia, SC-based doctors that work with the baseball team flew to Omaha on Monday morning and examined Walker's hand. Hours of treatment allowed him to first take batting practice and then play.
"It just came down to dealing with the pain," Walker said. "I can't say enough about the whole staff."
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| Chris Gillespie | |
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| Matt Price closed out Monday night's win over Florida. Will he do the same thing on Tuesday? |
Walker will likely have to undergo surgery when USC returns to Columbia, Tanner said, unfortunately halting his chances of playing this summer for the USA Baseball National Collegiate Team.
Even Tanner wasn't optimistic Walker would be able to play, but became convinced after watching him belt several homers during BP, including his very first swing in the cage.
"I didn't think he was going to be able to play. He ran out there and said 'I think I can do it,'" Tanner said. "He jumped in there with the last group and hits a ball into the bullpen. I was just amazed. When he jumped in there, I just figured he was trying to fight through it and that it would be tough. Then he uncorked a couple of balls and I said, 'Really,'? He told me that 'I'm not all there but I can get it through the zone.'
"I've had many players over the years that have had hamate injuries. It's extremely painful. I'm sure it's going to be another struggle (Tuesday night). It's not going to go away. We'll try to repeat the procedure and hopefully get him back out there tomorrow (Tuesday)."
Following last Friday's marathon win that eliminated Virginia, Tanner also questioned if Price would be available for Game 1. But there he was, pitching the 11th inning to register his 19th save of the season, tying him for the national lead.
"I was surprised that he was able to be out there, quite honestly," Tanner said. "I talked to him a little bit and I just really didn't anticipate him pitching. But I have a number of guys on the team that lay it out there for me all the time. Sometimes I get concerned if they're ready to go.
"I tell them to be honest with their bodies and don't try to do much. Matt Price has done that. He's been very honest. I told him we would rest him on Monday and gear him up for Tuesday, but he said OK but let's talk about it later. He wanted to see how he felt and go through the day."
Tonight, No. 1 starter Michael Roth will have to duplicate Price's tenacity and toughness when he takes the mound on just three days rest to face the potent Florida lineup.
Tanner left the decision to Roth by trusting the junior's keen ability to interpret what his left arm was telling him. Clearly, he believes he's ready to pitch.
Against Virginia, Roth hurled 7.0 innings and threw 90 pitches, exiting the contest with a 0.98 ERA in 137.1 IP. USC announced Tuesday morning Roth would make his 20th start of the season against the Gators with USC needing just one more win for back-to-back national championships.
Overall, the USC pitching staff has compiled an impressive 0.64 ERA in four CWS games, allowing just eight total runs, three earned, on 28 hits. Roth has a 0.63 ERA in his first two CWS starts covering 14.1 innings. He has yielded five runs (one earned) and eight hits with 11 strikeouts.
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June 28, 2011
OMAHA, Neb. -- New park, new year.
Same result.
South Carolina -- again -- is a national champion, after beating No. 1 Florida 5-2 on Tuesday to complete a wire-to-wire thrill ride through the season. Expected to at least get back to the College World Series after last year's national championship triumph, USC overcame near-crippling injuries and adversity to do it -- and then pulled off the same feat through the eight-team tournament.
The No. 4 Gamecocks (55-14) won their NCAA record 16th straight NCAA tournament game and 11th straight in Omaha, bringing home gold for the second straight season. College World Series Most Outstanding Player Scott Wingo finished his career with two RBIs in his 254th and final game, Michael Roth (14-3) gutted through 7 2-3 tough innings on three days rest and Peter Mooney belted USC's only home run of the CWS, a solo shot, for a three-run lead in the sixth inning.
All that was left for the 1-2 punch of John Taylor and Matt Price to finish the final innings, which they did. Price finished with two wins and two saves in the CWS, in what may be the last collegiate appearance of his career.
The Gamecocks, again, are No. 1.
Same result.
South Carolina -- again -- is a national champion, after beating No. 1 Florida 5-2 on Tuesday to complete a wire-to-wire thrill ride through the season. Expected to at least get back to the College World Series after last year's national championship triumph, USC overcame near-crippling injuries and adversity to do it -- and then pulled off the same feat through the eight-team tournament.
The No. 4 Gamecocks (55-14) won their NCAA record 16th straight NCAA tournament game and 11th straight in Omaha, bringing home gold for the second straight season. College World Series Most Outstanding Player Scott Wingo finished his career with two RBIs in his 254th and final game, Michael Roth (14-3) gutted through 7 2-3 tough innings on three days rest and Peter Mooney belted USC's only home run of the CWS, a solo shot, for a three-run lead in the sixth inning.
All that was left for the 1-2 punch of John Taylor and Matt Price to finish the final innings, which they did. Price finished with two wins and two saves in the CWS, in what may be the last collegiate appearance of his career.
The Gamecocks, again, are No. 1.
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