Thursday, September 9, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Swisher`s Two-Run Blast Helps Yanks Arrest Skid, Top O`s

Posted: 09 Sep 2010 04:56 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Bronx, NY, United States (AHN) – Nick Swisher smacked a game-winning two-run blast in the ninth, helping the New York Yankees avert a three-game sweep with a 3-2 decision over the Baltimore Orioles Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.

It was the 26th home run of the season and the third career walkoff home run for Swisher, who began the day 0-for-14 before getting two hits.

Trailing by a run entering bottom of the ninth frame, Alex Rodriquez opened the inning with a single before Swisher belted the game-winning two-run homer off Koji Uehara (1-1).

That hit made a winner of Joba Chamberlain (3-4), who struck out two in a hitless ninth.

Yankees rookie Ivan Nova, facing Baltimore for the first time with a 1-0 in his first four starts with a 2.89 ERA entering the game, gave up six hits and two runs while fanning six over six frames.

Baltimore’s Brad Bergesen scattered four hits and a run and struck out five in 6 1-3 innings.

The Orioles, who took the first two games of this set, including a rare win over CC Sabathia Tuesday, were trying to post their first three-game sweep in the Bronx since 1986.

The victory also helped the Yankees snap a four-game losing skid.

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Serbia Stuns Defending Champ Spain; Turkey Nips Slovenia In FIBA Worlds

Posted: 09 Sep 2010 04:56 PM PDT

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Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Istanbul, Turkey (AHN) – Milos Teodosic drilled a deep 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds left, as Serbia knocked out Spain with a thrilling 92-89 win Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

Teodosic, 23, struggled from beyond the arc (1-for-7) before draining the game-winner vs. the defending champs. He was one of the two Serbia players suspended for a brawl in an exhibition tilt against Greece.

After Spain tied it at 89-all, following a Mark Gasol dunk, Teodosic, a mainstay of both Serbia’s junior and senior national basketball team, worked to set himself free beyond the top of the key before launching the 3-point bomb from about 27 feet.

Teodosic finished with 12 points, eight assists and five boards, while Novica Velickovic and Marko Keselj each tallied 17 points in the winning effort.

Nenad Krstic of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the other suspended Serb because of the brawl, chipped in 13 points and nine rebounds.

The Spaniards were paced by Juan Carlos Navarro, who had 27 points.

Former Toronto Raptors forward, Jorge Garbajosa, had 18 points and six rebounds and Portland Trail Blazers’ Rudy Fernandez ended with 15 points for Spain.

Serbia moved into the semifinal, where it will host Turkey, which has remained unbeaten following a 95-68 trouncing of Slovenia later Wednesday.

Ersan Ilyasova, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, led the way for Turkey with 19 points, including 3-of-4 from the 3-point area, and hauled in five boards in the lopsided victory.

Turkey shot a whooping 66.7 percent (32-48) in the field, and converted 10-of-17 from beyond the arc for a high 58.8 percent.

Turkey shrugged off a slow start to finish the first period, 27-14.

The local favorites were up 50-31 at the break and never looked back from there.

Sinan Guler donated 12 points off the bench, while Phoenix Suns’ Hedo Turkoglu had 10 points and seven assists. Kerem Tunceri and Omer Onan also scored 10 for the victors.

Former NBA player Bostjan Nachbar paced Slovenia with 16 points. Sani Becirovic also scored 16 off the bench for Slovenia, which shot just 35.7 percent from the floor.

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After Years Without Team, Quebec Could See Revival In NHL

Posted: 09 Sep 2010 04:56 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Quebec City, Canada (AHN) – A hockey revival is nearing in Quebec City after a major financial commitment was reportedly made Tuesday from the city’s mayor and Premier Jean Charest.

According to multiple reports, Quebec is willing to pay 45 percent, or approximately $180 million, to construct a $400 million hockey arena that would entice the NHL back to the capital.

The pledge by the provincial government to fund almost 50 percent of the NHL-ready arena now puts pressure on Ottawa to realize or reject the plan.

A report by the Canadian Press indicated that Charest’s pledge came following a released report pointing that the new multi-purpose arena would be economically viable.

The report also stated that the economic benefits would bear fruit even if the city does not succeed in hosting the Olympics or a hockey team.

The city last hosted an NHL team, the Quebec Nordiques, 15 years ago. The Nordiques, who were established in 1972, moved to Colorado in 1995.

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Ryan Howard`s Five RBI Power Phils To 9-0 Lead Over Marlins

Posted: 09 Sep 2010 04:56 PM PDT

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Ed Condran – AHN Sports Correspondent

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – Cole Hamels and Kate Gosselin have something in common. They’ve both been looking for support, and the Phillies are finally coming through for their hard luck starter.

After averaging less than two runs per game for Hamels, the Phillies have finally come to life for the 2008 World Series MVP by bludgeoning the Florida Marlins 9-0 after seven innings.

Slugger Ryan Howard has homered and driven in five runs. Chase Utley, Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz have each driven in runs.

Hamels is pitching a masterpiece, which isn’t surprising since he’s been on a roll. Hamels has increased his shutout inning streak to 23 and has given up just three hits over five innings.

The only bad news for the NL Division leader is that shortstop Jimmy Rollins left the game with right hamstring tightness after hitting a single and a double. He is day to day.

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Dolphins Sign Ex-Bucs Kick Returner Clifton Smith

Posted: 09 Sep 2010 04:56 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Davie, FL, United States (AHN) – The Miami Dolphins’ search for a returner ended Wednesday after the team signed Pro Bowl return specialist, Clifton Smith, who was released by Tampa Bay Sunday after two seasons.

Smith, 25, hampered by injuries last year and during the Buccaneers’ recent training camp, joined the Dolphins for Wednesday’s practice.

He led the NFL in 2009 with a kickoff return average of 29.1 yards, but a pair of concussions limited Smith, who appeared in just 11 games last year.

Smith also averaged 10.1 yards on 23 punt returns last year for the Bucs, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2008.

In his maiden campaign in the NFL, Smith was named to the Pro Bowl.

Smith became an All-Pro selection after averaging 27.6 yards on kickoff returns and 14.1 yards on punt returns as a rookie in 2008.

Smith’s arrival is expected to add some explosiveness in the kickoff return game of the Dolphins.

Miami traded tentative returner Ted Gin Jr. to San Francisco in April.

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Maltby Inks One-Year Pact With Red Wings

Posted: 09 Sep 2010 04:56 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) – The Detroit Red Wings signed Kirk Maltby Wednesday to a one-year, two-way pact that will pay him $525,000 at the NHL level, but also allows the team to send him to the AHL until needed.

“I think any player in the league, whether it’s a 15-year veteran or a two-year veteran or a rookie, everyone would love to have a one-way,” Maltby told the Detroit Free Press. “But it’s the nature of the beast; it’s a business as much as it’s a sport, and the Wings are no exception.”

Maltby, 37, played 13 of 16 NHL seasons in Detroit, amassing 128 goals and 260 points in 1072 games. He joins a long list of forwards on the Red Wings squad, but, since Detroit plans to keep 14 on the roster, he may have the chance to play soon if one gets injured.

The Ontario native and four-time Stanley Cup champion was injured last season and underwent surgery in early March to repair his right shoulder.

“I want to at least get to camp and see how things go and that,” he said. “I wasn’t happy with having to finish my year last year short, with surgery and that. I wanted to at least be able to train through the summer and get something done and get ready for Traverse City.”

Detroit finished last season 44-24-14, but was eliminated in the conference semi-finals by the San Jose Sharks.

The Red Wings training camp starts next week in Traverse City and they open their season Friday, Oct. 8 at 7:00 pm ET against the Anaheim Ducks.

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Georgia`s Green Suspended Four Games By NCAA; Sold Game Jersey

Posted: 09 Sep 2010 04:56 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

United States (AHN) – The NCAA has barred Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver A.J. Green for three more games for selling his game-used jersey.

Green, 22, sold his jersey for what a person familiar with the NCAA investigation told ESPN was less than $1000.

A preseason All-SEC selection, Green also missed the Bulldogs’ season-opening 55-7 rout of Louisiana-Lafayette.

Green, a junior from Summerville, SC, is also linked to the NCAA’s ongoing investigation into alleged improper contact with agents by players at a myriad of universities.

The 6-foot-4, 207-lb receiver, won All-SEC first team honors for the second consecutive season last year after recording 53 catches for 808 yards and six touchdowns, despite being injured the last three games of the regular season.

He returned from injury for the 2009 Independence Bowl and made six catches totaling 57 yards in a 44-20 win over Texas A&M.

Green is considered one of the nation’s best receivers and is expected to be picked in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

The Bulldogs face a tough challenge Saturday in the SEC opener at No. 25 South Carolina.

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War Of Words Heats Up Between American, Russian Coach At FIBA 2010

Posted: 09 Sep 2010 04:56 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Istanbul, Turkey (AHN) – Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski was clearly perturbed with comments made by Russian coach David Blatt concerning the gold-medal game at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Blatt, whose team plays the Americans Thursday night in the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Championship, said the Soviet Union was the rightful winner of the game.

The game gathered a lot of attention when the final three seconds were replayed three times and the Americans lost for the first time in 64 Olympic games.

Blatt, an American citizen himself, originally said he cried the night the Soviet Union defeated the United States, but recanted those comments and claims he has come to believe the Soviets were the rightful winners of that game.

Krzyzewski and USA Basketball support staff member Mike Bantom, a member of that 1972 team, responded in an interview following practice Wednesday.

“You know, he coaches the Russian team, so he probably has that viewpoint, and his eyes are clearer now because there are no tears in them,” Krzyzewski told reporters. “So, it’s great. Whatever he thinks, he thinks. It really has absolutely no bearing on what we’re trying to do tomorrow. Absolutely none.”

“He’s entitled to his opinion,” Bantom said. “I don’t agree with it, but he’s entitled to his opinion.”

The US team is forced to start 6-foot-9 Lamar Odom at center against two seven-foot Russians in Timofey Mozgov and Sasha Kaun.

Asked about his lack of experience at center, Odom replied, “I don’t like to give myself a title on the basketball court. I’m a basketball player.”

Big man Tyson Chandler is expected to see an increase in playing time when the game tips off at 18:00 (GMT+3) on the 28th anniversary of the 1972 Final.

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Hamels Fans Five; Howard`s Six RBI Power Phils Over Marlins

Posted: 09 Sep 2010 04:56 PM PDT

Ed Condran – AHN Sports Correspondent

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – Cole Hamels gave up four hits and struck out five, as the Philadelphia Phillies gave him enough runs en route to a 10-6 win over the Florida Marlins Wednesday.

The Phillies finally came through for their hard luck starter. After averaging less than a pair of runs per game for Hamels, the Phillies’ bats finally came to life for the 2008 World Series MVP.

Hamels, who evened his record at 10-10, tossed another masterpiece. Hamels left the game after blanking the Marlins for seven innings, increasing his shutout streak to a career-best 25 innings.

“It doesn’t mean anything,” Hamels said of the shutout. “I need to get one guy out the next game and then it goes to another guy. I just want to keep the team in the game and get the wins. That’s ultimately going to get you to the playoffs. Individual records aren’t as big a deal anymore.”

Hamels, who lowered his ERA to 3.06, gave up four hits and struck out five Marlins.

“I was able to keep them off balance,” Hamels said. “They hit some balls hard but they stayed in the park.”

Slugger Ryan Howard hit his 28th home run, which is the 250th of his career and drove in six runs.

“It feels good to be able to go out and contribute,” Howard said. “That’s all I’m trying to do. We’re coming down the stretch. Every game counts. I’m just trying to do my part.”

The Phillies offense, which banged out 17 hits, seemed to build an insurmountable lead.

However, the bullpen made it interesting by giving up a six-spot in the eighth. Ryan Madson, who pitched for the fourth consecutive game, closed out the contest.

“We definitely wanted to stay away from Madson,” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. “But we had to use him.”

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Bats Come Alive For Wakefield, BoSox Top Rays

Posted: 09 Sep 2010 04:56 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Boston, MA, United States (AHN) – Marco Scutaro accounted for two of the team’s five home runs, as the Boston Red Sox crushed the Tampa Bay Rays 11-5 Wednesday in the rubber match of a three-game at Fenway Park.

Scutaro went 4-for-5 with three RBI, while Adrian Beltre, David Ortiz and Victor Martinez also went deep for the Red Sox, who totaled 17 hits.

It provided more than ample support for right-hander Tim Wakefield (4-10), who at 44-years-old, became the oldest pitcher in Red Sox history to record a win.

The veteran knuckleballer, who got the call on short notice, allowed six hits and four earned runs over five innings for the win that helped him set the age record, surpassing Dennis Eckersley.

Wakefield entered Wednesday night’s tilt with a 20-6 lifetime record vs. the Rays with a 3.60 ERA in 43 games, but lost the last time he faced Tampa Bay on July 7.

For the second straight night, B.J. Upton had a three-run homer in the second frame, but it was not enough to help improve the Rays’ postseason bid.

Tampa Bay fell 2 1-2 games behind the AL East-leading New York Yankees, who rallied to edge Baltimore 3-2 earlier Wednesday.

Matt Garza (14-8) was saddled with the loss after getting tagged for nine hits and six runs in 4 1-3 innings.

The Red Sox are 6 1-2 games behind the AL wild card-leading Rays.

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