Friday, July 16, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Strasburg, Nats Silence Marlins; Pitcher Enjoys Brilliant Outing

Posted: 16 Jul 2010 10:42 PM PDT

Todd Callahan – AHN Sports Reporter: Miami, FL, United States (AHN) – Considered by many experts an All-Star snub, Stephen Strasburg produced yet another All-Star performance in his short major league career Friday in leading the Washington Nationals to a 4-0 blanking of the Florida Marlins.

The rookie right-hander scattered four hits over six innings of work and struck out seven to record his fourth win of the season.

Outfielder Josh Willingham provided the offense, driving in three runs with a double in the sixth inning.

Strasburg (4-2) was not tagged for a run in a game for the first time in his career. In his fist seven outings, the rookie phenom has allowed one run three times, but the Marlins were unable to figure out the Nationals' 2009 first overall draft pick.

The closest the Marlins (42-47) got to scoring off Strasburg was in the first two innings when the Washington ace pitched out of a pair of jams.

In the bottom of the first, Strasburg had a touch of wildness, issuing a pair of walks and a wild pitch.

With two outs and runners on first and second, Strasburg got Jorge Cantu to fly out to end the threat.

In the following frame, Cody Ross led off with a single, and Ronny Paulino hit a one-out single to center field to move Ross into scoring position.

After a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners, Strasburg got Chris Coghlan to ground out softly to first base to end the inning..

Strasburg would allow two more singles before giving way to the bullpen, which held the Marlins hitless for the final three frames.

Drew Storen fired two hitless innings, and Washington All-Star closer Matt Capps retired three of the four batters he faced to preserve the victory.

While Strasburg earned the victory, Florida starter Ricky Nolasco was equally impressive.

The right-hander threw five scoreless innings before getting in trouble in the top of the sixth inning.

Having given up back-to-back singles to Nyjer Morgan and Cristian Guzman, Nolasco struck out Ryan Zimmerman.

He walked Adam Dunn to load the bases, however, and set up the bases-clearing double to center field by Willingham. It was Willingham’s 14th double of the season.

Power Outage Postpones Camping World Truck Race

Posted: 16 Jul 2010 10:37 PM PDT

Edward Lewis – AHN Sports Reporter: Madison, IL, United States (AHN) – It was the night the lights went out in St. Louis.

In a strange turn of events, Friday night’s Camping World Truck Series race at Gateway International Raceway was postponed due to a power outage.

Due to difficulties with the track’s lighting, the CampingWorld.com 200 was rescheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET Saturday.

Shortly before drivers were set to climb into their rides, the grid for the track’s light lost power. After a nearly two-hour delay, NASCAR postponed the race because it would have ended well after midnight.

It will be double and triple-checked over the next 18 hours as a Nationwide race is scheduled to be contested at the venue Saturday night.

Friday afternoon Kevin Harvick will lead the Truck field to the green flag for the start of the race.

Aus vs. Pak: Marcus North Made Pakistani Team Dance To his Tunes: Earned Australia A great Win

Posted: 16 Jul 2010 12:19 PM PDT

Australia Vs Pakistan

Australia Vs Pakistan

Australia Vs Pakistan cricket series is going on in England. England has been chosen as a neutral venue for the test series between both the teams. This series was scheduled to take place in Pakistan so Aussie team was supposed t tour Pakistan.

But owing to assault on Sri Lankan Cricket Team in Lahore on the last day of the last test Aussie team openly refused to visit Pakistan. So due to this security reason both the teams agreed to play the series in England.

In London first test match took place between Australia vs. Pakistan. Australia played this test match like world champion side and they dominated the Pakistani cricket team through out the test match.

In this test match from mighty Australians were looking destructive, dominating, and defiant and most dangerous team of the world through out the game. By making Pakistan bite the dust in this test match with huge margin of 150 runs Australians have once again openly proved that why they have been a champion as well as a difficult side to beat throughput the history of the game.

This test match has also given one indication to the world cricket that despite the retirement of players Waugh Brothers, Bevan, McGrath, Gillespie, Warne, Gilchrist, Hayden they are still a champion side and under no circumstances any team can afford to relax when the opposite team against them is Australia.

In this test match Australia displayed batting skills first and managed to score 253 runs on the board. Earlier in their innings they received couple of mighty blows from Pakistani quickies. But somehow they managed to put on a competitive total on the board.

With something to bowl at Pakistani players Australian bowlers came on the ground with the intentions of killing the Pakistani bating lineup. That's exactly what they did as mighty Aussies cut Pakistan to size and bundled them out on meager 148 runs on the board. Now in this way Australia got a huge lead of 105 runs against Pakistan.

Now the Aussies drank the lead of 105 runs to the fullest and scored 334 runs in their second innings and set the target of 440 runs for Pakistan to win the test match.

Chasing 400 plus has never been easy for any side in the world through out the history of the game for any team. Same thing happened to Pakistan and they too got under pressure while chasing the gigantic target of 440 runs to steal victory in the first test match.

In the second innings mike Hussey scored 83 runs for Australia. But the biggest Surprise element turned out to be Hilfenhaus who scored paramount 56 runs at the end of the innings.

When Pakistan came out to bat and halt the giant like target of 440 runs that was always looking like climbing Mount Everest they got off to a flying start. Pakistani opener tried their level best to chase the Himalayan total of 440 runs. For Pakistan flamboyant left handed batsman Salman Butt made brisk 92 runs before getting out.

He also shared a century stand with debutant Azhar Ali for second wicket. Both of them scored 102 runs.

But soon Marcus North got the responsibility of removing Salman But and Azhar Ali from his captain. North did not disappoint his skipper. He removed salman but on the very first ball of his first over in the match. North scalped six Pakistani wickets and ensure a devastating defeat of Pakistan at lords.

In this Australia Vs. Pakistan Series now Australia is ahead by 1-0.

Penny Hardaway: Miami Heat’s President Pat Riley Has not Given Hardaway A Come Back Call So Far

Posted: 16 Jul 2010 10:50 AM PDT

Penny Hardaway

Penny Hardaway

It seems as these days bread of Miami Heat is buttered on both as sides because players like Penny Hardaway aspire to join the team of Miami Heat for the next season. If this news turns out to be true so this time dashing the hopes of Miami Heat of winning the title to the ground will be just like cracking a hard nut especially when their team will have star players like Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

a four-time NBA All-Star guard Mr. Penny Hardaway told the DLN reporters that he his intentions are crystal clear for joining Miami Heat for next season. He has decided to do so because now is the time for him to reduce some burden of responsibilities from his shoulders. He played his last game for Miami in 2007.

He wishes to join Miami because there is less responsibilities for his shoulders that are getting chained by the weight of age. He is already of 38 years. So it will be a cinch task for him to fulfill the responsibilities given to him.

When he was asked about the reason of his come back in the NBA circuit so at this he gave very emotional as well as expected answers.  Most of his career has been full of irritating injuries. Had his career not been marred by injuries so he had potential to become a legend in the history of NBA. In accordance with his cogitation he could leave his own mark on the sand of never stopping time like Shaquille O'Neal has done.

But now he openly says that now his body is in much better shape and it is getting better and better then ever before. Hardaway claims that his body is now much more fit. Moreover, these days he covers a long distance to the gymnasium almost every second day. In addition to it he also told the DLN sources that he plays basketball these days almost everyday for getting his fitness as well as form back.

When DLN sources asked in this regard to the Orlando Sentinel so he did not confirmed the news of Hardaway's come back in the NBA circuit at his own he used the name of Miami Heat's President's Pat Riley's name and said that so far he has not given him a call to join Miami Heat.

In his 13 year's career full of irritating injuries Penny Hardaway played for Magic, Suns, Knicks and Heat and made points with the average of 15.2 points in every game.

Yanks` Steinbrenner, Sheppard To Be Honored Friday

Posted: 16 Jul 2010 08:16 AM PDT

Corine Gatti – AHN Sports Contributor

NY, NY, United States (AHN) – It was a rough week for the Yankees’ family after losing long-time announcer Bob Sheppard and principle owner/ managing partner George Steinbrenner.

In response, the team will hold a tribute to honor the iconic owner and announcer during a pregame ceremony before Friday night’s game vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.

A wreath will be placed in front of Steinbrenner’s statue in front of Gate 2, and Sheppard will have one added to his plaque in Monument Park, according to ESPN.com.

Steinbrenner, who bought the Yankees in 1973, died Tuesday at the age of 80 from a heart attack.

Under his iron fist and unorthodox way of dealing with players and managers, “The Boss” demanded perfection and did not mince words when those he inked didn’t produce.

Steinbrenner once quipped in an interview that “…he doesn’t get heart attacks, but gives them.”

His demands for perfection prevailed and made the Yankees a seven-time World Series champion during his reign, including last season’s win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Sheppard, named “The Voice of God” died Sunday at the age of 99, and worked his first game at Yankee Stadium in 1951. He retired in 2007, and later recorded an audio piece for the old Yankee Stadium the following season.

Shortstop Derek Jeter will continue to use Sheppard’s voice to introduce him at the plate.

New York’s minor league teams will wear commemorative uniform patches to honor both Sheppard and Steinbrenner for the rest of the season.

Steinbrenner will be stitched on the left breast of their home and road uniforms. Sheppard’s commemorative patch will be placed on the left arm.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Beltre Set To Rejoin Red Sox Friday; MRI Results OK On Hamstring

Posted: 16 Jul 2010 07:13 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Boston, MA, United States (AHN) – The banged-up Boston Red Sox, who are attempting to secure a fourth consecutive postseason trip, are expected get a boost Friday when All-Star third baseman Adrian Beltre rejoins the team.

According to manager Terry Francona, the 31-year-old Beltre. who played in his first All-Star Game Tuesday, underwent an MRI Thursday with preliminary reports revealing no damage to his left hamstring.

But the two-time Gold Glove winner and Silver Slugger recipient was not in Thursday’s lineup against the Rangers as a precaution.

Beltre participated in running drills before the opener of a four-game set against AL West-leading Rangers.

In the reports, Francona indicated that the veteran third baseman could possibly be available in a pinch-hit situation Thursday, but said Beltre would be available to start Friday.

Beltre sustained the injury during Sunday’s contest at Toronto.

Entering Thursday, the Red Sox were three games behind Tampa Bay for the lead in the AL Wild Card standings and five back of rival New York Yankees in the race for the AL East’s top spot.

Prior to the break, the Red Sox dropped five of seven games with key injuries taking their toll on the team.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

NCAA Probes UNC-Chapel Hill For Possible Rules Violations

Posted: 16 Jul 2010 07:13 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Chapel Hill, NC, United States (AHN) – The NCAA is reportedly investigating the University of North Carolina football program for possible rules violations.

In a statement Thursday, North Carolina athletic director Dick Baddour confirmed that the NCAA “had been to Chapel Hill to speak with some of our student-athletes”, Newsobserver.com reported.

Baddour, however, declined to provide further details of the said probe.

According to multiple reports, representatives from the NCAA met with the players on Monday and Tuesday.

The NCAA is reportedly looking into two UNC football players in connection with possible improper involvement with sports agents.

Earlier this month, the NCAA sanctioned Southern California’s football team after it learned former Trojan star Reggie Bush received improper benefits while he was a student-athlete in 2004 and 2005.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Oregon Hires Mullens As New Athletic Director

Posted: 16 Jul 2010 07:13 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Eugene, OR, United States (AHN) – The University of Oregon, trying to recover from a spate of off-field issues, hired Rob Mullens as the Ducks new athletic director Thursday.

The 41-year-old Mullens, who oversaw the day-to-day operations of the athletic department at Kentucky as the Wildcats’ deputy director of athletics, will take over the post vacated by Mike Bellotti.

Bellotti resigned in March to take a job with ESPN. Lorraine Davis came out of retirement to serve as Oregon’s AD on an interim basis.

Apart from overseeing Oregon’s operating budget, Mullens is expected to help the university bounce back from a tumultuous spring, while preparing to move into basketball arena worth almost $230 million.

Prior to serving as deputy director of athletics for four years at Kentucky, Mullens also worked at the University of Maryland where he served in various capacities in the athletic department from 1996-2002.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Two Strikers Call Time On International Careers After Poor World Cup

Posted: 16 Jul 2010 07:13 AM PDT

Andrew Lawn – AHN Sports Correspondent

Birmingham, United Kingdom (AHN) – New York Red Bulls, French striker Thierry Henry and England striker Emile Heskey both retired from international soccer after a poor World Cup.

Henry, who joined the MLS club last week, was part of the France squad that bounced from one disaster into another in an appalling 2010 World Cup campaign.

The tournament will be forever remembered by the French public for a series of private and public spats between players and staff, which culminated in the squad refusing to train.

France then crashed out of the tournament in the group stages, even losing to hosts South Africa.

Heskey, who plays in the English Premier League for Aston Villa, went to South Africa as part of an England squad expected to challenge for top honors.

Instead a series of underwhelming performances, including a draw against lowly Algeria, saw England scrape into the last-16 where they were hammered 4-1 by Germany.

Both in their 30′s, the strikers have now decided to call time on their international careers to concentrate on club matters.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Wild Retains Mikko Koivu On Seven-Year Pact

Posted: 16 Jul 2010 07:13 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Minneapolis, MN, United States (AHN) – The Minnesota Wild wasted no time in locking their team captain Thursday, signing Finnish forward Mikko Koivu on a seven-year, $47.25 million deal.

Koivu, the franchise’s first permanent team captain, agreed to play for another seven years when his current contract expires after next season.

Drafted 6th overall by the Wild in 2001, the 27-year old Koivu has been the heart and soul of the franchise for five seasons.

Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher expressed optimism in re-signing the team’s most valuable player.

“This is a historic day for the Wild,” Fletcher told Boston Herald.com. “Mikko is our captain, our top offensive player, our top defensive forward and truly our franchise player.

Koivu had another splendid performance last season, recording career highs in goals (22 ), assists (49), and points (71).

In five seasons, Koivu amassed 79 goals, 176 assists, and 255 points. He also became the franchise leading assists man in October of 2008.

Koivu, set to earn $13 million this season, will receive annual compensation worth $6.75 million -18th highest among NHL forwards.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
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