MINNEAPOLIS -- With their rotation depleted and the new slugger sidelined by a rash of injuries, the Texas Rangers have been forced to find alternate methods for winning. Sony Michel Youth Jersey . Its working quite well in late May. Leonys Martin doubled twice and scored three times, including the go-ahead run in the eighth inning, and the Rangers beat Minnesota Twins 5-4 on Thursday to win their second straight four-game series on the road. "Those guys have had to grind, and everybody has had to have been used," said manager Ron Washington, who has seen starting pitchers Matt Harrison, Derek Holland and Martin Perez and first baseman Prince Fielder hit the disabled list as well as key hitters Jurickson Profar, Geovany Soto and others. "So thats the way you play team baseball, and thats exactly what were doing." Shin-Soo Choo hit a three-run double in the second for the Rangers, but the Twins took a 4-3 lead in the fifth inning on Josh Willinghams first home run of the season, a no-doubt drive to the second deck above left-centre field. Then the role players took over for the Rangers. Alexi Ogando (2-2) got four outs for the victory, and Joakim Soria retired the last two batters for his 10th save. Soria saved the last two games of the series after he had his first blown chance of the season in Tuesdays 4-3 loss. Martin hit a leadoff double in the eighth against Casey Fien (3-2), moved up on a sacrifice bunt and sprinted home on a sacrifice fly by Rougned Odour, beating a sweep tag by catcher Josmil Pinto. The throw by centre fielder Danny Santana, a rookie shortstop playing out of position, was off the plate and up the line. "He has to make a perfect throw to throw me out in that situation," Martin said. The Rangers tied it at 4 when Martin doubled and scored on Robinson Chirinos single in the sixth. Samuel Deduno gave up nine hits while striking out two and was removed with one out in that inning. With eight wins in their last 11 games, including three of four at Detroit last week, the Rangers have begun to find their stride. That was evident in the second inning, when bases-loaded, nobody-out situations for both teams went opposite ways. Deduno moved within one strike of escaping without any damage after an infield popup and a strikeout. But Choo, who served as the designated hitter to give his sore left ankle a break from left field with the short turnaround from the night before, drove a 2-2 curveball down the left-field line. "I have to be better," Deduno said. Alex Rios, who stretched his hitting streak to 12 games, started that rally with a sharp single. Martin scored easily from first base to put the Rangers ahead 3-0. "I was thinking home plate all the way," Martin said. Nick Martinez dodged trouble in the bottom of the frame when Pinto sent a soft roller back to the mound. After a short throw home for a forceout, Martinez got Eduardo Escobar to line hard into a double play. The rookie was charged with more than three earned runs for the first time in five starts. He allowed nine hits and walked two in 5 2-3 innings. "It was a learning experience for him today, to go out there and keep his team in the ballgame when he didnt have his best stuff. That was awesome right there," Washington said. Trevor Plouffe and Willingham hit RBI singles in the third, but the Twins have only 14 runs in their last seven games, going 6 for 52 with runners in scoring position. "Thats the main focus, getting guys on, but we cant get them in," second baseman Brian Dozier said. NOTES: Washington held SS Elvis Andrus out of the lineup to rest for the first time this season. ... Deduno walked Martin, ending a streak by Twins pitchers of 131 straight batters without an unintentional walk. ... The Rangers start a three-game series Friday at Washington, with RHP Colby Lewis (4-3, 5.10 ERA) pitching opposite Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg (3-4, 3.42 ERA). ... The Twins will be in New York for three games, with RHP Ricky Nolasco (2-5, 6.12 ERA) taking the mound Friday against Yankees LHP Vidal Nuno (1-1, 5.49 ERA). Tedy Bruschi Youth Jersey . And he said Sunday that players believe nobody in Sterlings family should be able to own the Los Angeles Clippers if hes gone. John Hannah Womens Jersey .twitter.com/TeZD3KOvlA — Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) September 24, 2014 Sorry for the delay, we just got back from lunch at Papa Vons #NBAFastFood pic. https://www.patriotssportsgoods.com/Womens-Kevin-Faulk-Inverted-Jersey/ . Ferrer will play Mikhail Youzhny on Sunday after he defeated Dmitry Tursunov 6-2, 6-4 in an all-Russian semifinal. "Youzhny is a good player," Ferrer said.Ames, IA (SportsNetwork.com) - Ames, IA (SportsNetwork.com) - Georges Niang scored 19 points and No. 15 Iowa State held off a furious rally from 19th- ranked Texas for an 89-86 victory in a Big 12 battle. Bryce Dejean-Jones scored 18 points while Jameel McKay gave 14 off the bench for the Cyclones (15-4, 5-2 Big 12), who were coming off a loss to Texas Tech on Saturday. Javan Felix had 20 points and eight assists, while Jonathan Holmes added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Longhorns (14-6, 3-4), who have lost their past two games. Isaiah Taylor finished with 17 points with eight assists. After Iowa State built an 11-point halftime lead, Niang hit a 3-pointer to start the scoring in the second half, and a pair of free throws from Dustin Hogue gave Iowa State a 41-25 advantage. After Kendal Yancy put in a layup for Texas to make it a 62-48 game with just over nine minutes to play, the Cyclones scored the next seven points to open up a larger lead. Niang?s 3-ball made it a 69-48 game with eight minutes left. Texas didnt roll over and play dead, though, as the Longhorns slowly chipped at the deficit and put together a 10-2 run to pull within 79-73 when Yancy gave a layup with just over two minutes to go. The Cyclones Monte Morris countered with a pair of free throws and McKay made 1-of-2 for Iowa State after Demarcus Holland missed a jumper at the other end. Holmes then made a 3-ball with 1 1/2 minutes to play, but Dejean-Jones ansswered with two from the line for an 84-76 lead. Sony Michel Jersey. Texas kept fouling and was able to make it a three-point game after Holmes put in another trey to cut the lead to 87-84, and Niang only connected on one of his two foul shots at the other end. Holmes, missed a jumper, though, and McKay?s free throw at the other end with just a few seconds remaining sealed the win for Iowa State. A pair of jumpers from Niang helped Iowa State jump out to a 10-2 lead three minutes in, but six straight points from Myles Turner helped Texas tie the game at 14-14 with eight minutes elapsed. The Cyclones went back on top and were holding a six-point lead when Niang hit a 3-ball to extend the margin to 30-21 with 4 1/2 minutes left in the half. A 6-0 run from Iowa State gave the team its largest margin of the period at 36-23, but Turner nailed a late jumper for Texas just before the break. Game Notes Texas plays at Baylor on Saturday ... Iowa State hosts TCU on Saturday ... Texas still holds a 17-12 lead in the series, but Iowa State boasts a 9-4 mark at home and has won the past four matchups in Ames ... Turner finished with 16 points and six rebounds ... Morris ended with 13 points and six assists, while Hogue had 11 points ... Iowa State shot 54.7 percent and held Texas to 46.5 percent, but the Longhorns dominated the glass 39-29 ... The Cyclones committed just six turnovers, compared to 12 for Texas. ' ' '

DETROIT - As of now, Max Scherzer is the only pitcher representing Detroits starting rotation on the American League All-Star team. Adidas Continental 80 Heren . Hed like to help change that. Scherzer is lobbying fans to support teammate Rick Porcello in the online vote for the ALs final spot. The 25-year-old Porcello threw back-to-back shutouts recently to put himself on the fringe of the All-Star roster, but hes not a member of the team yet. "We need our fans to really show up and vote for Rick," said Scherzer, who started the All-Star game last year and eventually won the Cy Young Award. "Come on fans, vote for Rick." With or without an All-Star invite, Porcello is developing into the pitcher many thought he could be after the Tigers drafted him in the first round in 2007. He made his debut as a 20-year-old, winning 14 games in 2009. Since then, hes been a consistent presence in the rotation, but hes never been able to match the 3.96 ERA he posted as a rookie. Until this year, perhaps. Porcello is 11-5 with a 3.53 ERA so far, helping the Tigers remain in first place most of the season despite Justin Verlanders struggles and Anibal Sanchezs brief injury problems. The candidates for the final All-Star spot in the AL are all pitchers: Porcello, Dallas Keuchel of Houston, Corey Kluber of Cleveland, Garrett Richards of the Los Angeles Angels and Chris Sale of the Chicago White Sox. "Obviously, it would be awesome to be able to go, but at the same time, it doesnt take anything away from how well I feel like Ive pitched the first half," Porcello said. "Im proud of the work Ive done the first half." Porcello set a career high with 142 strikeouts last year, but thats never been his calling card. He succeeds when hes able to keep the ball down — with a career groundball percentage of 53.1. "Hes throwing strikes at a really high rate," Scherzer said. "Hes not walking guys, which is always a recipe for success. His offspeed pitches have really sharpened up. ... Hes always had the sinker. Nothings changed in the sinker, its what hes doing with his other offspeed pitches that allows him to be more effective." Immediately after being included in the final vote for the All-Star team, Porcello allowed seven runs Sunday night in a loss to Tampa Bay. Not an ideal audition on national television. But before that, Porcello had a 25-inning scoreless streak. "Weve said all along the key for him is being down with his sinker," manager Brad Ausmus said. "When it gets up, it gets flat and you see more flyballs." "He made the adjustment, he actually started getting the ball down in the zone. He got some groundballs, a couple of them found holes and ended up being hits but he got the groundballs he was trying to get," Ausmus said. Detroit has three players in the All-Star game at the moment: Scherzer, Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez. Ausmus had been hoping Porcello and second baseman Ian Kinsler would get in as well from the AL Central leaders. "Its tough when you have that many guys on one team with the All-Star game roster rules, its tough for all of them to make it," Ausmus said. "But if Rick can win, we get four out of five and who knows what can happen between now and the All-Star game, maybe Kins gets on there as well. All of them were deserving." NOTES: Cabrera said he was invited to participate in the All-Star home run derby, but hell sit out because he doesnt want to mess with his swing. "Im going to enjoy watching," he said. Adidas NMD Belgie . -- The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets will forever be tied together for making the same spectacular misjudgment on budding NBA sensation Jeremy Lin. Adidas NMD R1 Dames .com) - Coming off a pair of tough losses last week, the Syracuse Orange will try to put an end to their first losing skid of the season when they pay a visit to the Maryland Terrapins at the Comcast Center on Monday night in Atlantic Coast Conference action. http://www.nmdbelgie.com/kopen-yeezy-boost-700-sale.html .com) - Stanley Johnson had 18 points and No.gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca (@WheelerTSN) As far as first impressions go, new-look Toronto FC delivered with rave reviews against the rave green of the Sounders in Seattle Saturday. A 2-1 victory in a tough venue against a difficult opponent eases potential early season tension. There was nervous energy among many Toronto FC staffers and front office making the trip west how their considerable investment would come together from the get-go. Its just one victory and theres a marathon ahead, but this one impressive, combative victory has kept the narrative positive. A disappointing performance/loss would have brought out same old TFC critics. Its one thing to make headlines; its another to keep them. The buzz is real. Theres a whole lot to like re-visiting Torontos season opening win. Here are five thoughts on the victory. 1) Defoe MLS Player of the Week – A dream debut brace by Jermain Defoe earned MLS Player of the Week honours, global headlines and most importantly three points. This is what Major League Soccer wants from their star, big money designated players: results and instant eye balls. TSN did big numbers on television and radio boding well for this weekends home opener against DC United (TSN 1050 Radio/TSN). Defoe did what top goal scorers do – three meaningful touches and two goals in the first 24 minutes set the tone. He didnt have to be a big part of the proceedings to leave his mark. The Sounders dominated possession to the tune of 68%. Defoe was a factor every time he was on and around the ball. Unlike ever before, TFC can be a danger on the counter with a proven difference maker in front of goal. Superior possession will come for Toronto. There were six new players in the starting XI and the difficulty playing on turf against a quality side cannot be understated. A consistent effort keeping the ball on the deck will be essential for Defoe to become an absolute force. His movement off the ball is slick and his ability to play off the back shoulder of a defender was key on the first goal. Based on initial returns, its not too much to expect upwards of 20 goals on the season from Defoe. Forget the long, high ball – give Defoe the service and reap the rewards. 2) Bradley Man of the Match – Defoe may have won Player of the Week, and its understandable, but we on the radio side crowned centre-midfielder Michael Bradley Man of the Match. Thats not to downplay Defoes contributions. Goal scorers get the glory. Bradley set the tone. Bradleys performance was all action, all over the field and of the highest quality. Bradley fell deep in defence in the early stages, recognizing the need to help his back-line as the three Sounders attacking midfielders were finding themselves in dangerous positions finding space between TFCs back and midfield four. After the first ten minutes and with the shape solidified, Bradley started flying about the pitch, putting all kinds of high pressure on the ball. He was winning tackles, forcing mistakes and maintaining a high tempo. Bradley, alongside Jonathan Osorio won the battle in the middle of the park and allowed the two TFC strikers to remain high and a constant nuisance on the counter. The American International is strong and quick, and not to be overlooked, his distribution was outstanding at CenturyLink Field. His deadball striking, whether on corners or free kicks, was spot on. Nothing was wasted. Many MLS analysts were quick to say Toronto over-spent bringing Bradley back to North America and chastised the club for paying so much for a central midfielder. For TFC, its about winning football matches. With Bradley dictating the tone, they are in good stead. A standout performance, through and through from Torontos number four. 3) Nelsen Adjustments – The superior work-rate of his players was the bright spot in an otherwise frustrating first year for head coach Ryan Nelsen. Theres no question Nelsen is a natural leader and his players willl play for him. Adidas NMD Goedkoop. The tactical side is where many raise questions about his approach. Game one of season two was a very astutely coached match by the manager, pulling the proper strings throughout. Nelsens team will sink or swim in a 4-4-2 formation. Other than a hectic spell towards the end of the first half, Nelsen kept both strikers in high, trusting his team shape. It worked. Nelsen switched Alvaro Rey from left to right wing with Jackson moving to the other side 10 minutes into the match to find proper balance and match-ups. It was an important change both defensively and attack-wise. The shifty Spaniard Rey exposed the inexperience of young left-back Dylan Remick finding space down the flank. Jackson proved a better match as well against the talented DeAndre Yedlin, who didnt get down the wing nearly as much as Remick. The move stabilized the midfield, particularly in attack. A wide-open Jackson down the left served as a decoy on the 1-0 goal, and Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei denied Rey after running wild down the right flank. Nelsen got his substitutions bang on as well. Fresh legs of Andrew Wiedeman came on in the 63 for Dwayne De Rosario, not sacrificing or changing the shape in the team. The Sounders continued to press down their left flank, so a fatigued Rey (who was on a caution) made way for right-back Bradley Orr in the 65 minute, shifting Jackson back to the left, and Mark Bloom into the midfield. Bloom and Orr struggled with the constant Sounders attack, but it was the right call to make. And Ashtone Morgan as a late change killed the clock and was a no-brainer. Nelsens formation relies on a strong spine, and the players down the middle of the park shined for their manager. It is just one game, but a criticism-free match for the Nelsen is well deserved. These are important games in the early stages, as much for the players as the manager to reinforce confidence and develop proper role definition in the team. 4) Canadian Quality – 20-year old Canadian centre-back Doniel Henry played his 50th game in MLS and was absolutely solid. Henry continues to grow into his footballing body and has every quality necessary to excel at this level and beyond. Henry showed superior patience to last season and was consistently in good positions of support, winning critical balls in dangerous areas. His partnership with captain Steven Caldwell is all-important to sustained success. Previously mentioned centre-midfielder Osorio was likewise influential alongside Bradley. There is a smoothness and confidence to the 21-year old. Multiple times he was seen barking instructions to more experienced players, understanding the responsibility in the position he plays. The service on Defoes opener was superb, looking off Yedlin before sliding a perfectly weighted ball through to Defoe. Jackson was the easy pass, Defoe was the right one. Osorio playing at this level softens the blow of losing Matias Laba through trade to Vancouver. 5) Depth Discussion – Gilberto (hip flexor) and Jeremy Hall (hamstring) didnt make the trip to Seattle, but its concerning how little proven depth TFC has at present time. Bloom looked out of sorts in the midfield. Canadian midfielder Issey Nakajima-Farran is set to join the team and may add some quality down the wing, that remains to be seen. If he cant, TFC is paper-thin at the outside midfield positions. Where to play De Rosario is another question. When Gilberto returns, does De Rosario serve as a third striker? Or does he move back into the midfield? For all the effort Wiedeman brings, its unclear whether he can be a consistent scoring threat. General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko insists the team has flexibility against the cap. If so, the team will be on the lookout for help in midfield and attack. Toronto FCs Home Opener from BMO Field airs this Saturday on TSN and TSN 1050 Radio. Television - 4pm pre-match/430pm kick-off. Radio - 330pm pre-match. ' ' '

Vinny Prospal officially announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday after 1,108 NHL games, 255 goals and 765 points. Kyle Lowry Jersey . A veteran of 16 NHL seasons, Prospals career was highlighted by him ranking fourth in points scored, third in assists and sixth in games played among all Czech Republic born players in NHL history. "I want to thank my teammates and coaches who helped me enjoy a 20-year professional hockey career when very few thought I would play even one NHL game," said Prospal. "I sincerely want to thank the fans who have been so good to me, treating me with such kindness and respect, for the 20 years I have played here in North America in both the NHL and the AHL. Playing in the NHL was a dream. To play at the highest level for 16 years, with the best players in the world is something I will cherish for the rest of my life." Prospal played for seven NHL teams - the Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning - with three stints in Tampa Bay and two in Philadelphia. The Vancouver Canucks were looking to sign the 38-year-old winger to an American Hockey League tryout with the Canucks affiliate, the Utica Comets last week. However, Prospal informed the team Friday he has decided to retire instead. "I loved playing hockey, I loved scoring goals and I loved being a part of the NHL for so many years. That said, within minutes of me stepping on the ice for practice last week in Abbotsford, I knew that I wanted to focus on something that was more important than hockey, my family. I love my wife and I love my children. Having spent much of the last 10 months with them waiting for a call to return to the ice, I know now that I would rather be with them at home helping and supporting my wife and being with my kids than playing the game I love so much. When I got on the ice with the Abbotsford Heat last Thursday, it was clear to me that I did not have the desire to play at the level I have come to expect of myself anymore. And to not be able to give everything needed would be to disrespect the game that has been so good to me. I am going to focus all my time and attention now on being a good father and a husband. Because, in the end, my family is and will always be my greatest accomplishment. "I want to thank all of the teams I have played with for having the faith in me they did. I especially want to thank the Vancouver Canucks, with whom I have never played a game for, and my coach and friend, John Tortorella, for helping me have closure that would not have occurred had they not extended to me the opportunity they did last week. I appreciate Torts and the Canucks for their faith in me and am sorry I will not be reunited with one of the most influential people in my life in Torts as we had planned." Prospal was drafted 71st overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. OG Anunoby Raptors Jersey . In the opening game of his fourth-round match at the U.S. Open, the owner of 17 major titles got passed at the net twice, sailed a backhand long, then missed two forehands to get broken. Pascal Siakam Raptors Jersey .S. Olympic hockey management team have been making what he called "ghost rosters" since August. https://www.raptorsrookiesshop.com/Sagaba-Konate-City-Edition-Jersey/ . Tepesch, back from the minor leagues, earned his first major league victory in more than 10 months and the Rangers edged the Seattle Mariners 4-3 on Wednesday.GLENEAGLES, Scotland - Its 10-6 going into the final day of the Ryder Cup — again. This time, Europes in the lead and its the United States needing a stunning Sunday comeback. Two years after the Miracle of Medinah, where Europe overcome a 10-6 deficit to win 14 1/2-13 1/2, the home team leads by the same score after dominating the foursomes matches at Gleneagles on Saturday. But Europe, too, know what its like to throw away a 10-6 lead. Back in 1999 in Brookline, the U.S. overturned that same score to win 14 1/2-13 1/2. Europe, which has captured seven of the last nine Ryder Cups, needs four points from Sundays 12 singles matches to retain the trophy and 4 1/2 points to win it outright. We know its possible, Europe star Justin Rose said. The finish line is nowhere near yet. Still have 4 1/2 points to earn tomorrow. Thats four or five guys that need to go out and play great golf, and thats nearly half the team. So the way I see it, we have some work to do. The Americans said they are up to the challenge. Everyone in our team room believes that we can do that, U.S. rookie Jordan Spieth said. They have to win 4 1/2 points out of 12 matches. Brookline was 10-6, Medinah was 10-6 the other way. Hopefully, we get some good pairings and some guys out early to go make a move. Saturdays play began with Europe leading 5-3. The United States won 2 1/2 points in the morning fourballs to cut the lead to 6 1/2-5 1/2. Then the Europeans seized command in the afternoon, winning three of the alternate-shot matches and halving the fourth. It was the second day in a row Europe grabbed 3 1/2 points from the foursomes. Lee Westwood and rookie Jamie Donaldson got the ball rolling, beating Zach Johnson and Matt Kuchar 2 and 1 in the first foursomes. Then, Graeme McDowell and rookie Victor Dubuisson extended the lead to 8 1/2-5 1/2, beating Ricky Fowler and Jimmy Walker 5 and 4. Dubuisson has won both of his matches in a sensational debut, while Fowler remains without a win in his Ryder Cup career.. Toronto Raptors Jerseys. The third win of the afternoon came from Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia, who defeated Jim Furyk and Hunter Mahan 3 and 2. It was the marquee duos first win in three matches after two halves. Its nice to put that first win on the board, McIlroy said. In the final match, Rose and Martin Kaymer halved with U.S. rookies Spieth and Patrick Reed. With the Americans 1-up going to the final hole, Europe got up and down from a greenside bunker. Rose holed a 5-foot birdie putt to earn the half point. Earlier, Reed lipped out a 2-footer on the 16th, then bent over with his hands on his knees in despair for several seconds. Reed was in the same bunker as Kaymer on No. 18 but had a bad lie and couldnt hit the ball toward the hole. Spieth missed a potential match-winning putt from long range. The morning session featured a record-breaking performance by Rose and Henrik Stenson, who finished with 10 straight birdies to beat Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar 3 and 2. The European duos 12-under score was a Ryder Cup record in fourballs. The 21-under total for the two pairings was also a record. Its hard to reflect on it when youre playing, but 21 birdies in 16 holes between us, thats something special, Stenson said. It might be a highlight to put on the big screen with the grandkids one day. After Rose and Stenson stretched the overall score to 6-3, the Americans surged back, and came close to levelling the score by the end of the morning. Jim Furyk and Hunter Mahan beat Westwood and Donaldson 4 and 3. Spieth and Reed — winning their second match in two days — took down Thomas Bjorn and Kaymer 5 and 3. Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker earned a half-point against McIlroy and Ian Poulter, bringing the U.S. within a point going into the afternoon foursomes. With an eagle putt to win the match on the 18th, Fowler left it just short. Left out of both sessions was Phil Mickelson, marking the first time the American has been omitted from an entire days play in 10 Ryder Cups. ' ' '

Manaus, Brazil - American striker Jozy Altidore, as expected, will miss Sundays World Cup match against Portugal because of a left hamstring strain. Nick Young Warriors Jersey . U.S. Soccer made it official on Thursday, but added that forward Clint Dempsey and defender Matt Besler are fit and available for the Group G contest. Altidore was hurt during the first half of the opener against Ghana on Monday. He had to be carried off the field on a stretcher. The severity of the injury was not disclosed and there was no determination if Altidore would be able to return for the final round-robin match against Germany on June 26. Besler also suffered a hamstring strain against Ghana, but it was not deemed serious and he was removed at halftime as a precaution. Dempsey, meanwhile, took a boot to the face and sustained a broken nose against Ghana. He had scored the first goal in the 2-1 U.S. triumph and was able to finish the contest. Latrell Sprewell Jersey . -- The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a minor league contract with reliever Brandon Lyon that includes an invitation to their big league camp for spring training. Tim Hardaway Jersey . The right-hander pitched into the seventh inning and boosted Cincinnatis struggling offence by hitting a double and scoring as the Reds ended a seven-game losing streak by beating the Atlanta Braves 1-0 Saturday night. https://www.warriorsrookiesshop.com/Mitch-Richmond-City-Edition-Jersey/ .Y. -- First, Patrick Kane gave his family and friends something to cheer about by scoring a highlight-reel goal in a rare trip home to Buffalo on Sunday night.ALAMEDA, Calif. - Rookie Derek Carrs first NFL start as Oakland Raiders quarterback was a learning experience. He saw new defences, exotic blitzes and got to see firsthand what playing in the NFL is like after years of watching big brother David do it. Perhaps the most important thing Carr learned was that he belonged on that big stage already at the start of his rookie season even if the end result against the New York Jets wasnt quite what he hoped with a 19-14 loss last Sunday. "I can do this," Carr said Wednesday. "I was able to go out there and play against a great defence. ... To play against them for your first game, I was fired up because you want to see as much as you can, as early as you can in your career." Carr had an up-and-down performance that would be expected from a rookie making his first career start going up against a Rex Ryan defence. He threw an early touchdown pass to Rod Streater and avoided any turnovers or egregious mistakes. But he also struggled to get the ball downfield, relying mostly on screens and quick passes. Carr completed 20 of 32 passes for 151 yards. Only three of those completions travelled at least 10 yards downfield, including a 30-yard touchdown pass to James Jones in the closing minutes. Carr said the lack of downfield throws was more about situations and the defence than a cautious game plan looking to protect a rookie. "They were called, theres no doubt they were called," Carr said of the deep passes. "It we went down there and out of the 30-something throws, we threw it down the field 28 times, it would probably have been even worse than it looked. It doesnt always work out the way you want to. But they were called and theyll continue to be called." Carrs first start at MetLife Stadium came in the same building that his brother threw his final NFL pass as a backup for the New York Giants in 2012. Derek Carrs first hoome start with the Raiders comes against the Houston Texans, the team that drafted David first overall in 2002 to be the face of the expansion franchise. Stephen Curry Warriors Jersey. That did not work out as planned as David Carr struggled at the start on an overmatched team, getting sacked an NFL-record 76 times as a rookie. Those beatings took a toll on David Carr that he was never able to overcome and left an impression on young Derek. "All I knew is I grew up a Cowboys and Raiders fan and I never saw those quarterbacks get hit that much," he said. "Just being honest. Thats what my thought was as a kid. Being older and going back and watching those games, I understand what was going on." While Derek Carr joined a team that hadnt posted a winning record for 11 straight seasons, it is not anything like an expansion team. But even with a veteran offensive line, Carr was pressured on 47.1 per cent of his drop backs, according to Pro Football Focus, third most in the league last week. Making matters worse is the team that generated the most pressure is the Texans with star end J.J. Watt leading the charge. But coach Dennis Allen said he expects to see a step forward this week from Carr and the line. "I thought he handled himself well in the game last week," Allen said. "I think well see improvement. Just like you see from season one to season two, you always see improvement, the most improvement you see during the season is from Week 1 to Week 2. Im excited about watching him play." NOTES: RB Maurice Jones-Drew missed practice with a hand injury and his status is day to day. ... LB Nick Roach practiced after missing the opener because of a concussion sustained in the third exhibition game but has still not been cleared to play. ... CB Chimdi Chekwa was back at practice on a limited basis after being sidelined during the preseason with a knee injury. ' ' '

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Adrian Beltre is getting some extra time to recover from a strained left quad after the Texas Rangers put their third baseman on the 15-day disabled list Sunday. Arizona Diamondbacks Store . The move came just before the series finale against Houston, when newly acquired right-hander Hector Noesi was added to the Rangers roster. Beltre hasnt played since coming out of Tuesdays game at Boston. His DL move is retroactive to Wednesday, and he could be eligible to come off the DL as early as April 24, a day off for Texas. General manager Jon Daniels had said this weekend that the team was going to be cautious with the 35-year-old Beltre to make sure the quad didnt become a lingering problem. Beltre has dealt with several leg issues during his four seasons with the Rangers, though he has proven is ability to keep playing despite them. Manager Ron Washington said Beltre came out of a workout Saturday with no issues. Beltre was supposed to go through another workout Sunday, but was unable to because it was raining and the protective tarp remained on the field until an hour before the game started. "He was able to go out, he was gung-ho," Washington said. "He thought we should move the tarp and let him go out there." Noesi was acquired Saturday from Seattle for a player to be named or cash. He was designated for assignment April 4. Arizona Diamondbacks Gear . And former Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson certainly knows his pain. "Its pretty hard to coach there without allowing some of these things to kind of affect you," Wilson told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun in his ESPN. Diamondbacks Jerseys 2019 . The 36-year-old said a few months ago he would hang up his boots at the end of the season, but has since changed his mind. "Its a pity the season is ending now, as I am in good physical shape and enjoying myself," Di Natale said. https://www.cheapdiamondbacksjerseys.us/ . As the schedule flipped from November to December, they would go on to drop five straight, falling six games below the .500 mark before a franchise-altering trade turned them into an unrecognizable team. CHICAGO -- This time, the Chicago Cubs were shut down by Mat Latos. Starlin Castro had an RBI single for Chicagos only run in a 4-1 loss to Latos and the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night. The Cubs began the day with a .232 team batting average, which was next to last in the National League. They managed just six hits in the series finale against Cincinnati. "The story for us has been that were not scoring enough runs for the starting pitchers and for this bullpen," catcher John Baker said. "Its frustrating for us position players." Its also frustrating for first-year manager Rick Renteria. "Theyre all chipping away at their approaches, but were facing some pretty good chuckers too," he said. "We just obviously werent able to generate a whole lot of runs." Edwin Jackson (5-8) allowed four runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings for Chicago, which has dropped four of five. Starlin Castro had two hits and drove in a run. "Its a tough lineup. Theyre going to make you work," Jackson said. "I thought for the most part I was able to contain them until the sixth inning. They kind of busted it open a little bit." With the wind blowing in on a cold summer night, Devin Mesoracos five-game homer streak came to an end. The Reds catcher was tied with Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr., Johnny Bench, George Crowe and Ted Kluszewski for the franchise record. Latos (1-0) allowed one run and five hits in seven innings in his third start after beginning the season on the disabled list. It was his first win since Sept. 2 against St. Louis. Latos was coming off a frustrating no-decision against Toronto, when he was staked to an 8-0 lead and was unable to hold on. He gave up five runs and nine hits in 5 2-3 innings as the Blue Jays rallied for a 14-9 victory Friday night. Thee Cubs fell to 12-31 against Cincinnati over the last three seasons. Wholesale Diamondbacks Jerseys. Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect eighth and Aroldis Chapman finished for his 14th save in 15 chances. Pinch-hitter Justin Ruggiano doubled off the front of the basket in right field with two outs in the ninth. The call was upheld after Renteria called for a review, and Chapman struck out pinch-hitter Mike Olt to end the game. Cincinnati went ahead to stay with three runs in the sixth. Todd Frazier scored from first on Joey Vottos opposite-field double to left. After Mesoracos single, Jay Bruce lined a double off third baseman Luis Valbuenas glove to drive in Votto. Jackson struck out Chris Heisey before James Russell came in, and Skip Schumaker executed a perfect suicide squeeze to give the Reds a 4-1 lead. "It was the first one in my life. College, big leagues, you name it," said Schumaker, who also had two doubles in the game. "I saw the sign. It worked out." Bruce put the Reds in front with a two-out double down the right-field line in the first, scoring Frazier from second. Votto tried to hustle home from first but was cut down at the plate on Darwin Barneys relay throw. The Cubs tied it in the fourth. Ryan Sweeney reached on a leadoff double, advanced on Anthony Rizzos groundout and scored on Castros base hit. NOTES: Reds 2B Brandon Phillips was out of the lineup for the third straight game with a bruised right heel. ... RHP Dallas Beeler will make his major league debut in Game 1 of Chicagos day-night doubleheader Saturday against Washington. The 25-year-old Beeler is 5-3 with Triple-A Iowa. ... Mesoraco was picked off first base after originally called safe by umpire Trip Gibson in the fourth inning. The call was overturned by replay review. ' ' '

MOSCOW -- Russian middleweight Dmitry Chudinov successfully defended his WBA interim title Saturday, stopping Mehdi Bouadla in three rounds. Thon Maker Jersey . In front of a strongly nationalist crowd at a motorbike festival in the Russian-speaking Crimean peninsula, annexed by Russia in March, Chudinov knocked down his French opponent in every round before the referee stopped the bout. Chudinov stays unbeaten with 14 wins and two draws, while Bouadla drops to a 30-6 career record. The fight was part of a festival in Sevastopol organized by the Night Wolves, a Russian biker group with whom Russian President Vladimir Putin has ridden in the past. Pau Gasol Bucks Jersey . Ted Ligety, Mikaela Shiffrin, Bode Miller and Tim Jitloff underlined the squads enormous potential on the Rettenbach glacier in Austria. Donte DiVincenzo Bucks Jersey . This is not some token job for a prominent, popular former player. All of those areas need a lot of work, so Molitor is going to be busy. "Hes certainly got a history and knowledge and a high baseball IQ," general manager Terry Ryan said. https://www.bucksrookiesshop.com/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-City-Edition-Jersey/ .The Canadiens will visit the Boston Bruins at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., on New Years Day 2016, taking hockeys oldest rivalry outside.It was special in 2010 just to be there with the history behind Fenway Park and all that, Bruins centre Patrice Bergeron said.Not long before the San Antonio Spurs were set to tip-off against the Minnesota Timberwolves last weekend, coach Gregg Popovich found out that Manu Ginobili and Marco Belinelli were not going to be available because of injuries.It was the latest in a series of unexpected obstacles that have gotten in the Spurs way during their first title defence since the 2007-08 season.Manu was a surprise losing him. Losing Bellie today makes us, you know, a little bit paranoid, Popovich confessed before the Spurs easily dispatched the lowly Wolves, 108-93.Paranoid? The Spurs? In January?The Spurs have spent almost 20 years turning the NBAs regular season into nothing more than a six-month warmup for the playoffs.They manage minutes, develop bench players and set recovery times from injury with an eye not on winning games in the regular season, but making sure the team is adequately prepared and rested for the 2 1/2-month post-season grind.Popovich has perfected the art of the 82-game ramp-up, never getting overly concerned about how the team is playing in winter so long as they are progressing to where they need to be come spring time. And thats easy to do when the Spurs also own the best regular season winning percentage in the league over the past decade.But after the Spurs took their game to heights rarely seen in steam-rolling through the playoffs and beating the Miami Heat for the franchises fifth championship last June, they are in the unfamiliar position of chasing the pack.They are 23-15, good for just seventh in the powerful Western Conference and three games behind sixth-seeded Dallas.We had that tough schedule last month, and we put ourselves in a hole. Its a long season, and its time, weve got time to fight back, Tim Duncan said. But weve got to start now. Weve got to start focusing, concentrating on racking up the wins no matter where it is whether its home or on the road or whoever its against.They have dealt with a litany of injuries that has really prevented them from finding any kind of a groove this season. George Hill Bucks Jersey. The Spurs went 8-10 in December — the first time in the Duncan era that they lost more games than they won in a month. And it has injected an uncommon sense of urgency in a team that rarely sweats the standings this early in the season.Every game is going to mean something, Popovich said. Were disappointed were in the position we are. We lost some games we could have won. And we were just injured at the wrong time. December was a heck of a month for us schedule-wise, and being injured at that time was tough.Kawhi Leonard, Tiago Splitter and Tony Parker have all missed big chunks of time with injuries while Manu Ginobili and Belinelli have suffered the nagging, more minor variety.If we knew who was out, that would be good, Popovich said. But its been someone different every night. If we knew a few guys would be out for three weeks, then you can get into a rhythm with that group. But we havent been able to do that because it seems like its different people every other game.After beating the Timberwolves on Saturday night, the Spurs have won four of their past five games. A win in Washington on Tuesday would give them their first three-game winning streak in more than a month.A modest achievement like that is hardly something these level-headed Spurs would celebrate. But their uneven start to the season, and the incredible level of competition in the Western Conference playoff field this year, has put them in this position. So as they have done so many times before, they are adjusting their approach, and trying to ramp things up a little earlier than they normally would.We need to get on a rhythm, get some chemistry going, guard Danny Green said. And putting some games together would be nice.___Follow Jon Krawczynski on Twitter: http://twitter.com/APKrawczynski ' ' '

BOCA RATON, Fla. Cheap Soccer Jerseys . -- Michael Allen said it wasnt until his 15th hole that he started thinking about shooting golfs magic number of 59. And he promptly missed the birdie putt on the par-5 sixth hole. But with birdies on two of his last three holes, Allen matched the Champions Tour record with a 12-under 60 on Friday in the Allianz Championship, finishing the first round with an eagle and 10 birdies. The 55-year-old Allen became the ninth player in the 35-year history of the 50-and-over tour to shoot 60 and the first to accomplish the feat on a par-72 course. "The story of my career -- almost," said Allen, winless in 369 starts on the PGA Tour. "After I missed that birdie putt on No. 6, I kind of figured it wasnt happening." Allen took advantage of the calm conditions on the Old Course at Broken Sound to grab a three-shot lead over Scott Dunlap. Allen played his last 15 holes in 11 under, highlighted by a 20-foot eagle putt on the 18th -- his ninth hole of the day. "It seemed really easy," said Allen, who won the 2009 Senior PGA Championship for the first of his five Champions Tour victories. "I think its harder to shoot a 72 when youre struggling than to shoot a 60 when youre playing well." Allen was fortunate on the par-4 fourth hole when he chunked his approach to the green, then skulled a chip that took two bounces and fell into the hole for an unlikely birdie. "Thats when you kind of think things are going your way," Allen said. "Its great to shoot this round, but if Im able to win, then it will become even more magical." Tom Lehman, Chien Soon Lu and Wes Short Jr. shot 65. Short is attempting to become the 17th player to win in his Champions Tour debut. Defending champion Rocco Mediate shot a 69. He won last year in his first Champions Tour start. Soccer Jerseys China . New York secured second place in the Metropolitan Division when the Philadelphia Flyers lost at Tampa Bay later Thursday. The Rangers will face either the Flyers or Columbus in the opening round of the post-season. The Rangers struggled throughout against the lowly Sabres and goalie Matt Hackett, who played in just his seventh NHL game of the season. Wholesale Soccer Jerseys Authentic . The 25-year-old Lu, a regular on the Japan LPGA Tour after giving up her LPGA Tour membership in 2010, shot an 8-under 64 in windy, wet conditions at Kintetsu Kashikojima. https://www.fakesoccerjerseys.com/ . -- Sami Salo joked that as the shootout went on and on, one thing went through his mind: "Youve got to tie up your skates.SAN FRANCISCO -- Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers would prefer to be talking about how well Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan have played against the Golden State Warriors. Or how his team has defended Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Or just about anything that has happened on the court in the first-round playoff series. Instead, Rivers and his players spent Saturday talking about how they would respond to an audio recording of a man identified as Clippers owner Donald Sterling telling his girlfriend not to bring black people to games. "The fact that I had to spend 45 minutes in a meeting instead of watching film did not make me happy," Rivers said. Whether the comments -- which drew sharp criticism and calls for action from around the NBA -- effect the Clippers in Game 4 against the Warriors is all that worries Rivers right now. Los Angeles leads the series 2-1 and has looked every bit like a championship contender in winning the past two games. Chasing a title is the reason Rivers said players decided against protesting or even boycotting the game. They want to win for each other, he said, and not for Sterling or anyone else. "For me, I want to focus on my guys. I came here for them. They came here for each other. Our goals have not changed," Rivers said passionately after the Clippers practice at the University of San Francisco. "Its like one of the players said, Hey, when I was a kid, I had a goal to win a world championship. It was to do that. It wasnt to win a world championship for someone." Clippers point guard Chris Paul, the president of the National Basketball Players Association, released a statement through the union that said "this is a very serious issue which we will address aggressively." Paul and Clippers All-Star forward Blake Griffin declined further comment on the issue after practice. Other players were not made available as Rivers said he would speak for the team. "A lot of guys voiced their opinions. None of them were happy about it," Rivers said. "This was a situation where were trying to go after something very important for us, something that weve all dreamed about all our childhoods. Cheap Soccer Jerseys China. Donald or anyone else had nothing to do with that dream, and were not going to let anything get in the way of those dreams." Sterling, a real estate owner who has a decades-long history of alleged discrimination and offensive behaviour, made his team the centre of NBA attention for all the wrong reasons again. In a recording posted on TMZs website, a man reported to be Sterling questions his girlfriends association with minorities. Clippers President Andy Roeser said in statement that the team did not know if the tape is legitimate or has been altered. Roeser also said the views expressed on the recording do not reflect Sterlings beliefs and that the woman on the tape -- identified by TMZ as V. Stiviano -- "is the defendant in a lawsuit brought by the Sterling family alleging that she embezzled more than $1.8 million, who told Mr. Sterling that she would get even." Sterling has not commented on the situation. Left in the aftermath was Rivers and his players facing more than 50 reporters at the Clippers practice Saturday. A day earlier, only about a dozen were at the teams hotel for the interview session. Most players ignored the added attention. Jamal Crawford looked over and laughed. Hedo Turkoglu jokingly shouted and smiled as he attempted shots. All that the hoopla meant for the Clippers as a team, Rivers said, was one monumental "distraction" before its biggest game of the season. "In a weird way, Im sure Golden State is having a ball right now because were not talking about them," Rivers said. Warriors coach Mark Jackson, who played for the Clippers from 1992-94, said "theres no place" for Sterlings alleged remarks but his team would remain focused on the game. His players echoed those sentiments, saying they wouldnt be deterred by one mans beliefs -- no matter how offensive. Rivers also said the audio recording would not serve as motivation for his team. "Were playing Golden State, and Golden State is our enemy right now," Rivers said. "Thats where were going to keep it, and thats where we want to keep it." ' ' '

SOCHI, Russia -- Martin St. Nick Foles Youth Jersey . Louis is going to get a chance to represent his country at the Winter Olympics after all. Hockey Canada announced today that the 38-year-old Tampa Bay forward will replace injured Lightning teammate Steven Stamkos on Canadas mens hockey team at the Sochi Olympics. "I heard from Stammer that he wasnt going to go, so I knew it was a possibility," St. Louis told reporters in Tampa on Thursday. "So I guess I was prepared for it." St. Louis said he felt bad for Stamkos, who tried hard to come back from a broken right tibia he suffered in a Nov. 11 NHL game before being ruled out of Olympic competition by the Lightnings medical staff on Wednesday. "I think weve got to understand how hard hes tried and worked to put himself in the position hes in and give himself a chance," St. Louis said. "Obviously hes disappointed and Im disappointed for him. Stammers a true professional and hes done everything he can this past month to get back to the lightning first and hopefully to Team Canada." St. Louis was considered one of Canadas most surprising snubs when Canadas team was first announced, along with Philadelphia forward Claude Giroux and Pittsburgh forward James Neal. The Laval, Que., native led the league in points in the 2012-13 shortened season with 17 goals and 43 assists in 48 games. He is having another strong campaign in 2013-14 with 54 points (25 goals, 29 assists) in 56 games, good for 11th in the league. "I dont see this as Marty replacing me, I see it as Marty deserving a spot on this team and going over and hopefully bringing back a gold medal," said Stamkos in the same news conference. St. Louis has won two World Championship silver medals for Canada over his career. He played in the 2006 Turin Olympics, scoring two goals and an assist in Canadas disappointing seventh-place finish. St. Louis went on a 10-game point streak (eight goals, six assists) for the Lightning after first being left off Canadas team, announced on Jan. 7. He said the snub had nothing to do with his increased production, but his play of late might have given him the edge over Giroux and Neal. "I dont think its motivation. Ive been motivated the past four years ... the past 10 years. If youre not motivated, youre not even considered for these things. His speed could be a benefit to Canada, which has struggled in the Olympics when playing on the larger international ice surface. Canada won gold in Salt Lake City in 2002 and in Vancouver in 2010 playing in NHL-style arenas, but was left off the podium in Nagano, Japan in 1998 and Turin, Italy in 2006. "Obviously its a bigger ice surface. It think my quickness, my speed ... thats what Im going to rely on," St. Louis said. "Its a different game, but I think whatever game plan we come up with, its going to be well thought-out." Stamkos is confident that his teammate can fill any position on Team Canada. "Hes going to go over there and play whatever role possible. I personally think hes going to play a big role," said Stamkos. "The character that he has, the way hes played in big-game situations in the past. I mean, hes won individual awards, hes won the team championships, hes been in those situations. "Its not like its a young guy thats never been in these situations before filling in for someone. This is a guy who can step in and play any role asked." Fletcher Cox Womens Jersey . The Wild, playing their first game since leading scorer Mikko Koivu broke his ankle Saturday at Washington, have won three straight for the first time since Nov. 1-5. Koivu underwent surgery on Monday and is expected to miss at least four weeks. JJ Arcega-Whiteside Eagles Jersey .Do you have to be that close? Federer snapped at a TV cameraman hovering nearby as he received medical advice after losing a set on Wednesday.For Nadal and Sharapova, the nuisance was coming from the lowly-ranked qualifiers across the net. https://www.eaglessportsgoods.com/Womens-Harold-Carmichael-Inverted-Jersey/ . - While a fast-paced offence has become more of a fixture in recent years, the San Antonio Spurs can still grind out games when needed.Charlotte, NC (SportsNetwork.com) - Al Jefferson poured in 28 points with 10 rebounds to lead the Charlotte Hornets to their first victory over the Miami Heat in over 4 1/2 years, a 96-89 decision at Time Warner Cable Arena. Including last years four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, the Heat had won 20 straight meetings between the clubs since an 83-79 loss in Charlotte on March 9, 2010. The Hornets finally got some payback behind Jeffersons prowess in the paint and a strong defensive effort that limited Miami to a 39.0 percent performance from the floor and an off-target 4-of-22 rate from 3-point range. Kemba Walker delivered 18 points and seven assists to help Charlotte halt a three-game overall skid, with Cody Zeller chipping in 13 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Dwyane Wade scored 25 points and Chris Bosh netted 23 in the loss, the Heats second in a row since a 3-0 start to the post-LeBron James era. Bosh added 13 rebounds and Wade tallied seven assists. Final Score: Orlando 91, Philadelphia 89 Philadelphia, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Tobias Harris and the Orlando Magic have their first win. The Philadelphia 76ers are still waiting. Harris long jumper at the buzzer gave the Magic a 91-89 win over the Sixers on Wednesday night in a game between two 0-4 teams. The Magic avoided what would have been their first 0-5 start since 1990-91, their second season as an NBA team. The Sixers are 0-5 for the first time since the 2001-02 season, when they lost their first five games as the defending Eastern Conference champions. Making matters worse, center Nerlens Noel left the game with a sprained ankle in the third quarter and did not return. Harris made his winner from just inside the 3-point line on the right wing, shooting it over Sixers forward Luc Mbah a Moute, then running down the court toward the Orlando bench in celebration. It came after Henry Sims tied the score for Philadelphia at the other end on a straightaway jumper with 4.6 remaining, his only bucket of the game. Final Score: Toronto 110, Boston 107 Boston, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - Kyle Lowry poured in 35 points to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 110-107 win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. DeMar DeRozan scored 23 and Patrick Patterson netted 14 on 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc for Toronto, which has won two straight. Boston had a few solid individual performances, but it couldnt overcome 28 turnovers that led to 36 points. Rajon Rondo registered his 20th career triple-double with 13 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds, while Jeff Green paced the Celtics with 20 points. Jared Sullinger chipped in with 19 points and 16 rebounds in Bostons third straight loss. Final Score: Minnesota 98, Brooklyn 91 Brooklyn, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Nikola Pekovic made the go-ahead layup with 48.6 seconds remaining as the Minnesota Timberwolves scored nine unanswered points to end the game and beat the Brooklyn Nets 98-91 on Wednesday night. Pekovic was fouled by Brook Lopez pivoting for the go-ahead bucket and made the free throw to give the Timberwolves a 94-91 lead. Thaddeus Young added a floater and Kevin Martin made two foul shots for the last of his game-high 26 points, ending Minnesotas 9-0 flurry. Ricky Rubio started the run with a tying layup and finished with 14 points and 12 assists for the Timberwolves. Pekovic added 16 points and 11 rebounds and rookie Andrew Wiggins scored 17, an early career high. Joe Johnson had 22 points and Deron Williams scored 19 for the Nets, who lost for just the fifth time in their last 29 home games. Final Score: Detroit 98, New York 95 Auburn Hills, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Greg Monroe racked up 23 points and 18 rebounds and the Detroit Pistons held off the New York Knicks down the stretch for a 98-95 victory, their first of the Stan Van Gundy era. Monroes monster performance and a 20-point effort out of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope got Detroit in the win column after opening Van Gundys first season as head coach with three straight losses. The Pistons dominated the glass, outrebounding the Knicks by a 55-43 margin and recording 19 second-chance points, and went 11- of-23 from 3-point range in addition to playing lockdown defense on Carmelo Anthony for much of the night. Andre Drummond added 13 rebounds and Josh Smith had 10. Smith finished a rough 2-of-17 from the field but shined on the other end, leading an effort that held Anthony without a basket in the first half and a 5-of-21 shooting performance for the game. Anthony got on track late to end with 13 points, and New York cut a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit down to two before ultimately being dealt a second loss in as many nights. Tim Hardaway Jr. paced the Knicks with 20 points while filling the sixth-man role of J.R. Smith, suspended for the game for striking Washingtons Glen Rice Jr. in the groin on Tuesday. Jason Smith contributed 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting for New York, which received 15 points each from Iman Shumpert and Amare Stoudemire. Final Score: Chicago 95, Milwaukee 86 Milwaukee, WI (SportsNetwork.com) - Pau Gasol and Taj Gibson were dominant against a thin Milwaukee Bucks frontline on Wednesday, combining for 45 points and 24 rebounds to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 95-86 win. Gasol and Gibson more than made up for the absence of All-Star center Joakim Noah, who missed his second straight game with an illness. Gasol had 22 points and 14 rebounds while Gibson tallied a game-high 23 points with 10 boards. Derrick Rose returned after missing two games with two sprained ankles and donated 13 points with seven assists, while Jimmy Butler contributed 14 points, seven helpers and four steals in Chicagos third straight win. Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 13 points off the bench, while Brandon Knight stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and five steals but shot just 3-of-15 from the field. Final Score: Washington 96, Indiana 94 (OT) Washington, DC (SportsNetwork.com) - Indiana and Washington sported different lineups Wednesday than the ones they trotted out during last seasons Eastern Conference semifinals. But the Wizards have their star. The Pacers do not. John Wall had 31 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and three steals as Washinngton defeated short-handed Indiana 96-94 in overtime on Wednesday night. Tommy McDonald Eagles Jersey. . The Pacers led 88-87 in the extra session before Wall netted six straight points during the middle stages of the frame and the Wizards hung on down the stretch. Trailing 96-94 in the closing seconds, Roy Hibbert missed a left wing 3-pointer and Chris Copelands putback was off the mark for Indiana, which was without Paul George, George Hill, C.J. Watson, David West and Rodney Stuckey. Lance Stephenson, of course, left Indiana for Charlotte in the offseason. Garrett Temple hit four 3-pointers and netted 16 points to go with seven rebounds and Marcin Gortat posted 14 points and 10 boards for Washington, which is still without the blossoming Bradley Beal. The Wizards signed Paul Pierce to be their small forward in place of Trevor Ariza. The Pacers won last years semifinal in six games. Donald Sloan, who tallied a career-high 31 points to go with seven assists and six rebounds, netted the final seven Indiana points in regulation to force overtime. Copeland supplied 19 points and 12 rebounds off the bench and Solomon Hill provided 14 points and eight rebounds for the 1-4 Pacers, who are off to their worst start since the 1996-97 squad began 1-5. Final Score: San Antonio 94, Atlanta 92 San Antonio, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Manu Ginobili scored seven of his 12 points from the free throw line, including two in the closing seconds that proved to be the difference in the San Antonio Spurs 94-92 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. San Antonio continued its dominance over Atlanta, winning its 17th straight at home and 16th out of the last 17 overall against the Eastern Conference foe. Al Horford made a jumper at 1:16 of the fourth to give the Hawks a 90-88 lead. However, Ginobili made three free throws after he was fouled by Kyle Korver while shooting a 3-pointer to push San Antonio ahead by one. Following an empty possession from each team, Tim Duncan came up with a block on Korver with 24.9 seconds left. Duncan was then fouled off an inbounds pass, and split the pair at the line. Jeff Teague raced down the court and converted a running bank shot to tie the score at 92-92 with 13.6 seconds remaining. Ginobili brought the ball up court, drove the lane and kicked out to the corner, but he was fouled on the drive with 3.8 seconds showing and calmly hit both free throws to account for the final margin. Boris Diaw blocked Pero Antics last second heave from just inside halfcourt as the Spurs held on. Duncan and Tony Parker each finished with 17 points, with the former grabbing 13 rebounds with six blocks, four assists and three steals. Kawhi Leonard and Diaw each scored 11 points in the win. DeMarre Carroll and Paul Millsap each tallied 17 points for the Hawks, while Horford netted 10 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Final Score: Memphis 102, Phoenix 91 Phoenix, AZ (SportsNetwork.com) - Courtney Lee returned to the Memphis lineup after missing two games with a concussion and made an impact, scoring 22 points to help the Grizzlies take a 102-91 win over the Phoenix Suns and remain unbeaten on the season. Mike Conley scored a game-high 24 points with 11 assists for Memphis, as he and Lee both shot 9-of-14 from the field. Marc Gasol had 18 points and Memphis improved to 5-0 to build on the best start in franchise history. Eric Bledsoe netted 23 points for Phoenix, losers in two of three. Markieff Morris added 20 points and Isaiah Thomas gave 15 off the bench. Final Score: Utah 102, Cleveland 100 Salt Lake City, UT (SportsNetwork.com) - Gordon Hayward joked last month on Twitter that hed crush LeBron James in a game of one-on-one. Hayward was talking about video games, but he did get the best of James on Wednesday. Hayward stepped back and drained a right-wing jumper at the buzzer to lift the Utah Jazz to a 102-100 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. James, who had six points in the final 13.9 seconds, hit three free throws after drawing a foul from beyond the arc on Derrick Favors with 3.4 seconds left to tie the game, but Hayward had the answer at the other end to send the Cavs to a 1-3 start. Hayward took an inbounds pass at the top of the arc as James fell down, took a few dribbles to his right, stepped back and rose over the outstretched arm of Tristan Thompson as time expired. Hayward finished with 21 points and seven assists, Derrick Favors posted 21 points and 10 rebounds and Enes Kanter added 18 points for the Jazz, who have won two of three since starting 0-2. Kyrie Irving netted a game-high 34 points and James provided 31 for Cleveland, which trailed by as many as 16. Final Score: Sacramento 131, Denver 109 Sacramento, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - DeMarcus Cousins was at his best on Wednesday, pouring in 30 points with 11 rebounds in just 22 minutes of action as his Sacramento Kings beat the Denver Nuggets for the second time this week with a 131-109 decision. Cousins shot 10-of-14 from the floor and made 10 of his 11 free throws for the Kings, winners in four straight after opening the season with a home loss to Golden State. They topped the Nuggets in Denver on Monday, 110-105. Rudy Gay continued his hot start to the season with 29 points, and Carl Landry added 18 off the bench. Randy Foyes 19 points led the way for Denver, which got 13 points and nine assists from Ty Lawson. Final Score: Golden State 121, LA Clippers 104 Oakland, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Golden State Warriors exacted some revenge en route to their best start in 20 years. Stephen Curry had 28 points, seven assists and six rebounds as the Warriors rolled to a 121-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. The 4-0 Warriors, who havent opened a season this well since beginning 5-0 in 1994-95, were ousted in seven games by the Clippers in the first round of last years playoffs. Draymond Green posted 24 points, eight boards and five assists and Klay Thompson netted 19 points for the Warriors, who shot an NBA season-high 58.1 percent (43-of-74) from the floor. DeAndre Jordan tallied 17 points and 13 rebounds, Chris Paul supplied 15 points, 12 assists and four steals and Jamal Crawford netted 24 points off the bench for Los Angeles, which fell to 3-2 on the young campaign. ' ' '

ANAHEIM, Calif. Discount Basketball Shoes . - Teemu Selanne and Jean-Sebastien Giguere skated to centre ice under a spotlight on the darkened rink, their clasped hands held aloft. Before Selannes Ducks and Gigueres Colorado Avalanche head to the playoffs in a few days, these two beloved Ducks savored one last chance to feel Anaheims mighty love for them. Nick Bonino scored 1:33 into overtime, and the Ducks finished the best regular season in franchise history with a 3-2 victory over Colorado on Sunday night. But with their playoff position secure, the Ducks used the game to honour Selanne, who plans to retire after the season. Wearing the captains "C," the 43-year-old Finnish Flash got standing ovations on every shift in the third period in Anaheim, his home for 15 of his 21 NHL seasons. "It was more emotion than I ever imagined," said Selanne, the 15th-leading scorer in NHL history with 1,457 points. "Over all the years, these fans have treated me so great. I never expected that, though. It was overwhelming." The largest Ducks crowd of the season serenaded Selanne with applause all night, peaking in wild cheers whenever he touched the puck in Colorados end — even if he narrowly missed several chances to add to his 684 career goals, 11th in NHL history. Selanne took a few laps around the rink after he was awarded all three postgame stars, waving at fans and pounding his heart. When he shook hands with every player on both teams, he seized the chance to share the spotlight with Giguere, who also is leaning toward retirement. "For him to do that, its something thats very special for me, and something Ill never forget," said Giguere, who had two arena suites filled with family and friends. "Hes such a class act. I got the game puck for him. He deserves such an ovation for everything hes done for Orange County and the Ducks." During a first-period timeout, the crowd also stood to cheer Giguere, who stopped 33 shots. "Jiggy" will always be adored in Anaheim after backstopping the once-Mighty Ducks to two Stanley Cup finals, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in defeat in 2003 and hoisting the Cup in 2007. "It was the best time in my career," Giguere said of the championship season. "Theres no doubt about it, and Im sure it was Teemus, too. I cant think of a better guy to have won the Cup with." Selanne hit the outside of Gigueres post with a shot in the second, and the Flash had several fruitless chances on the power play. He got another golden opportunity with 3 1/2 minutes left in regulation, but Giguere robbed him. Selanne and Giguere were the stars of a no-stakes meeting of the Western Conferences two division champions. Anaheim clinched the Wests top spot Saturday, while Colorado won the Central earlier Sunday when St. Louis lost. The Ducks will face Dallas in the first round starting Wednesday, while the Avalanche open against Minnesota on Thursday. "I was so happy for him to play," Colorado coach Patrick Roy said of Giguere. "He wanted to play that game for a while, and we were planning to give it to him. "But obviously the plans changed for a while because we had a chance to finish first in our division. And as soon as Detroit beat St. Louis today, the first thing I did was call Jiggy and said Youre in. Enjoy the night." Patrick Maroon and Saku Koivu scored 3:13 apart to tie it early in the third period for the Ducks, who won seven of nine to close the season. John Gibson made 29 saves to remain unbeaten in his third career start. The Ducks won it when Devante Smith-Pelly controlled the puck in the slot and passed to Bonino, who scored his 22nd goal. Anaheim set club records for victories (54), points (116), goals (263) and comeback victories (26) with this big finish. "Thats going to be the more forgotten-about overtime goal in the history of the Ducks," Bonino said with a laugh. "It was Ts night, and were all happy for him." Brad Malone and Stefan Elliott scored for the Avalanche, who lost for just the third time in 11 games. The Wests most surprising team lost when leading after two periods for just the third time in 38 games this season, but still finished with a club record-tying 52 wins — a record 26 on the road. NOTES: The Ducks rested captain Ryan Getzlaf, who still finished second in the NHL scoring race with 87 points, and Corey Perry, who came in second in the Richard Trophy race with 43 goals. .. These teams opened the season in Denver. The Avalanches 6-1 victory included a shouting match between coaches Bruce Boudreau and Roy. ... Longtime Ducks star Paul Kariya made a rare return to Honda Center for the tribute game, his good friend and longtime teammate. Selanne spent the 2003-04 season with Colorado, teaming with Kariya in a fruitless attempt to win a quick Stanley Cup. Selanne returned to Anaheim after the NHL lockout. Basketball Shoes Online Store .com) - Richard Shermans two interceptions highlighted a dominant defensive effort, as the Seattle Seahawks routed the San Francisco 49ers in a highly anticipated NFC West Thanksgiving clash. Basketball Shoes From China . -- Michael Phelps is 0 for 1 in his comeback to the pool. https://www.cheapbasketballshoesstore.com/ . The Argentina striker has not played for the Premier League leaders since September when he refused to warm up during a Champions League match and only returned last week from a three-month unauthorized absence at home. City coach Roberto Mancini had initially told Tevez he would never play for City again after his act of public insubordination, but later softened his stance and only asked for an apology.LOS ANGELES -- Wayne Gretzky and Luc Robitaille squinted into brilliant sunshine Monday as the 18-wheel truck carrying the NHLs portable refrigeration units pulled up to the outfield entrance to Dodger Stadium. In less than two weeks, their Los Angeles Kings and the rival Anaheim Ducks will turn Chavez Ravine into Californias version of a winter wonderland. The NHL is staging its first warm-weather outdoor game on a hockey rink flanked by a beach volleyball court and an below-ground swimming pool in the famed baseball stadiums outfield. The NHLs ice-makers were already at work on a beautiful 79-degree day, and Gretzky cant wait to see the next step in the evolution of a sport that didnt bloom in the California sun until the Great One moved to Los Angeles in 1988. "Im very proud that I was a piece of the group that was sort of responsible for stamping hockey into this area," Gretzky said while standing on the centre field grass. "It was the right group of guys, from Luc (Robitaille) to Marty McSorley to Kelly Hrudey to Tony Granato," Gretzky added. "Each and every guy understood that this was a different market from other markets in the NHL, and these guys always went above and beyond the call of duty to go out and promote the sport and get more and more kids interested." The game will be a landmark for hockey in the American Southwest, which has produced a handful of NHL players and dozens more prospects in the pipeline over the past quarter-century. But the game also heralds the return of the leagues career scoring leader to hockey prominence. Gretzky has mostly stayed out of the public spotlight for five yeaars since leaving the Phoenix Coyotes bench, but he will be a prominent feature during the festivities, thrilling the NHL. Basketball Shoes Sale. Accompanied to Dodger Stadium by his wife, Janet, Gretzky said he is thrilled to see an outdoor game in the city where he played nearly eight NHL seasons. Robitaille, now the Kings president of business operations, said Gretzky is "like our Babe Ruth, and we need him around." "We cant have this game without having Wayne," Robitaille added. "Its so important hes here. Its so important that he be here for that game. Its the day before his birthday, too. Ive got to remember to have a cake." Gretzky, Robitaille and Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau got a detailed look at early preparations for the game, which will be played after the sun goes down on Jan. 25. The NHLs ice crews are putting down the foundation for the rink over the next few days, likely beginning the ice-making process Thursday. They will work entirely at night, gradually building up the ice sheet in colder temperatures while keeping it covered during the day. NHL ice specialist Dan Craig is intrigued by the challenge of a warm-weather game, but confident his crew will deliver a workable surface -- although he wont be getting much sleep over the next two weeks while working through the nights. Gretzky and Robitaille also arent worried. After all, they both remember the Kings outdoor exhibition game in 1991 in Las Vegas, where the biggest hitch was a grasshopper invasion of the ice. "People dont realize its like 65 degrees in a hockey arena," Gretzky said. "Its kind of warm. Its not that cold." ' ' '

NEWARK, N. Fake Baseball Jerseys .J. - The New Jersey Devils know the odds are against them as they chase a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Their latest win preserved their chances. Ryan Carter scored the tiebreaking goal with 4:54 remaining to lift the Devils to a 2-1 win over the Capitals on Friday night. New Jersey jumped ahead of Washington into 10th place in the East, just three points behind eighth-place Columbus with five games remaining. "We gave ourselves a chance to stay relevant," Devils coach Pete DeBoer said. Tuomo Ruutu also scored for New Jersey, and Cory Schneider made 24 saves. "It was the best win so far this season," the Devils Jaromir Jagr said. "We showed up as a team." Alex Ovechkin scored for Washington, which lost its fifth straight. Jaroslav Halak stopped 29 shots. On the game-winner, Carter was sprung by a leading pass from Marek Zidlicky, and he snapped a shot that eluded Halak. "I saw the shot and it went in," Halak said. "Simple (as that). I dont make the save. To me it was an easy shot and I let it in." The Capitals lamented missed opportunities in the first 40 minutes that prevented them from taking control of a game that was up for grabs. "Its obviously difficult to swallow the loss. We played a good game, had a lot of Grade A chances (and) their goalie made some great saves," Capitals coach Adam Oates said. "Two goals against on the road should be enough. We just (didnt) score enough." Ovechkin opened the scoring 10:12 into the game with his 49th of the season. The sequence began with New Jersey defenceman Mark Fayne committing a defensive zone turnover. Nicklas Backstrom found the loose puck and moved it to Mikhail Grabovski, who passed it to Ovechkin for the quick shot. The goal was Ovechkins first even-strength point since Feb. 27. That was all the Capitals would get, as Schneider turned them away at every opportunity. Schneider stuffed Jason Chimera on a breakaway with 1:28 left in the first, and kept the puck out of the net during a second period flurry in which Julien Brouillette and Backstrom had chances from along the crease. "He made a good stop," Chimera said. "If that goes in, its a 2-0 game." Oates added: "You have to give their goalie credit, he made some big saves. We had breakaways, we hit posts, we had a lot of great chances." Ruutu drew New Jersey even with 7:39 left in the second with a redirection of Eric Gelinas point shot. The goal was Ruutus eighth of the season, and his third with the Devils following the March 5 trade from the Carolina Hurricanes. Both the New Jersey and Washington power-play units were ineffective. The Devils were 0 for 5 and Washington finished 0 for 3. New Jersey lost Patrik Elias in the first period after he was ridden into a stanchion by Washingtons Tom Wilson. Elias, New Jerseys second-leading scorer with 51 points, skated seven shifts totalling 3:36. "Youre short guys and everyone is going and everyone is contributing and its a good way to win and hopefully we can build off of that," Travis Zajac said. Both teams have five games remaining this season, and essentially need to win out and hope Eastern Conference wild card-leading Detroit and Columbus and ninth-place Toronto lose their remaining games. The Red Wings lead the Devils by six points, and the Blue Jackets are three ahead of New Jersey. Washington is another point back. "Yeah, definitely," Backstrom said when asked if he thought Washington had to run the table in order to qualify for the playoffs. "I think the best chance for us is to win every game." NOTES: Washington called up D Tyson Strachan from Hershey of the AHL on Friday morning. Strachan entered the game with 24 penalty minutes in 12 NHL games this season, and 56 penalty minutes in 57 AHL games. ... New Jersey scratched Stephen Gionta, Steve Bernier, Tim Sestito, Bryce Salvador, Ryane Clowe and Jon Merril. John Erskine, Jack Hillen, Patrick Wey and Connor Carrick were the Capitals scratches. ... The Washington chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association announced right wing Joel Ward was their nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy, awarded to the "player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey." Cheap Baseball Jerseys China . Beckham finished 2 for 4, adding a double in the first inning. Chicago has won eight of 12 to get back to .500 (27-27). The White Sox are 6-3 against Cleveland this season after losing 17 of 19 to their American League Central rival in 2013. Mike Aviles went 1 for 2 with a walk and drove in Clevelands run. Fake Nike Baseball Jerseys China . Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers (5) – He had good saves on Giroux, Akeson, and Hartnell tonight. https://www.fakebaseballjerseys.com/ . Its not intended to be some magical formula and doesnt apply any context, like, for example, taking injuries into account. This remedial statistical method has gone 9-5 in picks through the first three rounds.ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins have re-signed cornerback E.J. Biggers to a one-year deal. The team also announced Thursday that linebacker Brian Orakpo has signed his franchise player tender. The 26-year-old Biggers returns for a second season with the Redskins and will likely again serve a versatile fourth cornerback. DeAngelo Hall and David Amerson are the projected sstarters, and recently signed Tracy Porter is expected to be the nickel back. Cheap Nike Baseball Jerseys. Orakpo, who was designated as a franchise player earlier this month, signed a one-year tender worth about $11.5 million. He can still negotiate a long-term deal with the Redskins, but new coach Jay Gruden this week said he would be OK with Orakpo playing the season under the one-year deal. ' ' '