Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer. A little summer reading never hurt. Here are some fresh baseball takes on some Ernest Hemingway classics. Be sure to pick them up before you book your vacation to the beach.
“The (Robin)son Also Rises”- The protagonist is not an impotent war veteran in this coming-of-age installment of Hemingway’s bullfighting, bar-hopping classic. In fact, the main character is quite potent—at the plate, that is. Robinson Cano discovers his batting swing and in doing so, matures into the player the Yankees knew they were grooming for the second base job. Melky Cabrera is the modern day version of Roger Cohn, the struggling wanderlust writer. Cabrera is transported to Atlanta, where he loses touch with his good friend, Cano.
“To Walk-off and Walk Not”- The uplifting tale turned tragic is updated to present day Anaheim, California. Harry Morgan isn’t the brooding fishing boat captain, but this story still involves Cuba. Budding Cuban native, 26 year old first baseman, Kendry Morales, provides a new spin on critical decision making after he hits a walk-off grand slam in a late May baseball game. Morales celebrates for only a few brief minutes before breaking his leg while jumping around with teammates at home plate. A stirring string of calamities haunt Morales and his Angel-mates throughout the remainder of the season. The theme here is clear: You have to live with the consequences of your actions.
“For Whom the Ball Tolls”- Seventy years after its publication, a different kind of guerilla force is upon us. Mired in a losing season, Cleveland Indians’ pitcher David Huff, takes a drilling to the head during a game against the New York Yankees. The San Diego native’s experience sheds light on the dangers and vulnerability of pitching, much as Robert Jordan’s expertise is utilized to blow up a bridge. Alex Rodriguez adds the Spanish element in “For Whom the Ball Tolls”, and the entire Cleveland medical staff plays the part of Huff’s guide, Anselmo.
“A Farewell to Farms”-The descriptive and dreary “Farewell” evokes shades of Hemingway’s original novel. The setting is a deteriorating Detroit, Michigan in 2010. Sports are the only thing keeping the Motor City alive. Triple-A farmhand, Max Scherzer, is called back up to the majors to pitch against the Oakland A’s. The contest ends in a 10-2 victory and Scherzer striking out 14 batters. The saga lacks the tragic romance between Frederic Henry and Catherine Barkley, but Scherzer does change the mechanical flaw in his arm just as Henry becomes the stoic hero under duress.
“The Old Man and the C’s”-Tony LaRussa is the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, who venture up the river to Chicago. Instead of a fictitious marlin that raises the hairs of an old fisherman, it’s the rival Cubs LaRussa must endure with the help of young friend, Albert Pujols. LaRussa dreams of his youth after watching Pujols club three homeruns and take down Lou Piniella’s shark-like Cubs. Although Pujols assumes the role of Manolin, his slumping struggles prior to the homerun eruptions are not unlike Santiago’s failure to catch a fish in 84 days. The novella doesn’t mention Joe DiMaggio, but there is a reference to the great Cardinal, Stan Musial.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Philadelphia Pitching Perfection
The best pitcher in baseball just joined an elite class of twenty players. CY Young winning hurler, Roy Halladay faced the minimum 27 Marlins Saturday as he threw the 20th perfect game in MLB history and second this month. The Doctor delivered in Miami, acing nine innings and striking out 11 batters in the Phillies’ 1-0 victory. Halladay tossed 115 pitches and the Marlins couldn’t touch him. The Philadelphia right-hander improved to 7-3 on the season and added another milestone to his already-stellar career. The Bluejays first round draft pick in 1995 and 13 year league veteran joins Jim Bunning as the only other Phillie to toss a flawless game.
Chris Coghlan nearly worked a leadoff walk in the bottom of the first inning off Halladay, but was called out on strikes. Jorge Cantu went to a 3-1 count before striking out on a foul-tip. Those at-bats were about as close as Florida would come to reaching base at an under-populated Sun Life Stadium on Saturday. Yesterday marked the second time in franchise history the Marlins have been held hitless. The crafty starter for Philadelphia induced eight groundouts and very few swings posed a challenge for the 33 year old and his team. Halladay’s offerings were enough to dispense the Marlins in a little over two hours.
The Phillies’ offense, which was shutout three straight games against the Mets last week, managed to crank out seven hits against Florida pitcher, Josh Johnson. Johnson recorded the loss, despite allowing just one unearned run through seven frames. He threw a career high 121 pitches in defeat and has not allowed an earned run in three starts. The only run of the ballgame came on a Marlins’ error in the top of the third. Cameron Maybin misplayed Chase Utley’s liner to centerfield, and Wilson Valdez scored. Valdez, the Phillies’ shortstop, had two hits, including his sixth double of the season. Valdez also starred in the field. He saved a potential hit in the sixth inning on a Maybin slap between short and third. The speedy Maybin was thrown out by a step to preserve Halladay’s perfect-o. Halladay endured a scare in the next inning, when he fell behind in the count to Hanley Ramirez. Last year’s National League batting champ was up 3-1 in the count before grounding out on a cut fastball.
Ace Halladay lowered his ERA to 1.99 and notched his third shutout of the season. Nothing fazed the unshakable Halladay on Saturday. Florida skipper, Freddy Gonzalez, sent three pinch hitters to the plate in the ninth. Halladay was within an out of pitching a no-hitter for Toronto in 1998 when he faced a pinch hitter, Bobby Higginson. The Detroit slugger clubbed a solo homerun to break up the no-hit bid that year. This year, Halladay held off the opposition from the bench. Mike Lamb lofted a fly ball for the first out in the ninth and Wes Helms was fanned to put the Phillies’ righty within one out from perfection. Ronny Paulino stepped to the dish as the Marlins’ final hope to reach base. Paulino grounded out to end the game and give Halladay a masterpiece to remember. Halladay had no margin for error, but still turned in the best effort of his historical career. This season is the second time since 1880 baseball has witnessed two perfect games in one season.
Parting Points: Best song to kick off any holiday- “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
Sorry New York—There is no excuse for a seven run seventh against the Indians.
Chris Coghlan nearly worked a leadoff walk in the bottom of the first inning off Halladay, but was called out on strikes. Jorge Cantu went to a 3-1 count before striking out on a foul-tip. Those at-bats were about as close as Florida would come to reaching base at an under-populated Sun Life Stadium on Saturday. Yesterday marked the second time in franchise history the Marlins have been held hitless. The crafty starter for Philadelphia induced eight groundouts and very few swings posed a challenge for the 33 year old and his team. Halladay’s offerings were enough to dispense the Marlins in a little over two hours.
The Phillies’ offense, which was shutout three straight games against the Mets last week, managed to crank out seven hits against Florida pitcher, Josh Johnson. Johnson recorded the loss, despite allowing just one unearned run through seven frames. He threw a career high 121 pitches in defeat and has not allowed an earned run in three starts. The only run of the ballgame came on a Marlins’ error in the top of the third. Cameron Maybin misplayed Chase Utley’s liner to centerfield, and Wilson Valdez scored. Valdez, the Phillies’ shortstop, had two hits, including his sixth double of the season. Valdez also starred in the field. He saved a potential hit in the sixth inning on a Maybin slap between short and third. The speedy Maybin was thrown out by a step to preserve Halladay’s perfect-o. Halladay endured a scare in the next inning, when he fell behind in the count to Hanley Ramirez. Last year’s National League batting champ was up 3-1 in the count before grounding out on a cut fastball.
Ace Halladay lowered his ERA to 1.99 and notched his third shutout of the season. Nothing fazed the unshakable Halladay on Saturday. Florida skipper, Freddy Gonzalez, sent three pinch hitters to the plate in the ninth. Halladay was within an out of pitching a no-hitter for Toronto in 1998 when he faced a pinch hitter, Bobby Higginson. The Detroit slugger clubbed a solo homerun to break up the no-hit bid that year. This year, Halladay held off the opposition from the bench. Mike Lamb lofted a fly ball for the first out in the ninth and Wes Helms was fanned to put the Phillies’ righty within one out from perfection. Ronny Paulino stepped to the dish as the Marlins’ final hope to reach base. Paulino grounded out to end the game and give Halladay a masterpiece to remember. Halladay had no margin for error, but still turned in the best effort of his historical career. This season is the second time since 1880 baseball has witnessed two perfect games in one season.
Parting Points: Best song to kick off any holiday- “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
Sorry New York—There is no excuse for a seven run seventh against the Indians.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Celtics Crush Conference
The big, bad blazing Boston Celtics knocked the Orlando Magic out 96-84 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals Friday at TD Garden. Boston advances to the NBA championship series, where they patiently wait the winner of the Western series between L.A. and Phoenix. The Celtics charged out to an early lead in Friday’s clincher on their way to a second NBA finals appearance in three seasons. Boston’s Paul Pierce outshined Orlando’s Dwight Howard with 31 points and 12 rebounds, and banked 4-of-5 3-pointers. Pierce, the eight time All-Star, collected nine points from the free throw line. Howard finished with 28 points and a dozen boards, while failing to take a shot from beyond the arc.
Rajon Rondo logged 35 minutes for the home team. He set the tone by driving home 12 of his 14 points in the first quarter and picked up a game high six assists along the way. Boston carved up the Magic 30-19 in the opening quarter after Orlando’s Jameer Nelson tied the game at 14-14. Nelson committed five turnovers for the sloppy Magic and scored 11 points. The Magic hardly challenged the inspired Celtics the rest of the contest. Boston blossomed their advantage to 55-42 at the half. J.J. Redick had three blocked shots for the visitors, but was held in check most of the night. Redick scored seven points in 23 minutes, the same amount as Orlando’s Rashard Lewis in half the time.
Ray Allen added 20 points, knifing his way through Orlando’s defense and sinking three from downtown in the Boston triumph. Allen exploded in the third quarter with ten of the Celtic’s 27 points. Boston’s Kevin Garnett shot 50% from the field and also scored in double figures, with 10. Orlando’s off-season acquisition, veteran Vince Carter, had 17 points as his dreams for a championship were nixed in his hometown. Carter ignited the Magic to highlight a mini-run in the second quarter as Orlando trimmed the Boston lead to 14 points. But it was Boston’s bench that answered with a promenading and pulverizing performance. Backup point guard, Nate Robinson, threw up 13 points in the second quarter to increase the Celtics’ point margin.
Boston knotted 11 of the first 13 points in the third quarter to continue their scoring prowess. Stan Van Gundy’s mediocre Magic were out-rebounded 56-44 and shot just 59% from the line. Orlando’s 20 fast-break points allowed didn’t help either. Boston’s offense broke down the Magic with a firm presentation. Kendrick Perkins delivered his only bucket, a smooth 14-footer from the baseline with one and a half minutes left in regulation to all but seal the deal for the composed Celtics.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “The Impression That I Get” by the Mighty Mighty Bosstones
A well-pitched game from Matt Cain yesterday against Arizona. It’s about time his name came up this season.
Patrick Crayton asked for an immediate release from the Cowboys. Yawn…
Rajon Rondo logged 35 minutes for the home team. He set the tone by driving home 12 of his 14 points in the first quarter and picked up a game high six assists along the way. Boston carved up the Magic 30-19 in the opening quarter after Orlando’s Jameer Nelson tied the game at 14-14. Nelson committed five turnovers for the sloppy Magic and scored 11 points. The Magic hardly challenged the inspired Celtics the rest of the contest. Boston blossomed their advantage to 55-42 at the half. J.J. Redick had three blocked shots for the visitors, but was held in check most of the night. Redick scored seven points in 23 minutes, the same amount as Orlando’s Rashard Lewis in half the time.
Ray Allen added 20 points, knifing his way through Orlando’s defense and sinking three from downtown in the Boston triumph. Allen exploded in the third quarter with ten of the Celtic’s 27 points. Boston’s Kevin Garnett shot 50% from the field and also scored in double figures, with 10. Orlando’s off-season acquisition, veteran Vince Carter, had 17 points as his dreams for a championship were nixed in his hometown. Carter ignited the Magic to highlight a mini-run in the second quarter as Orlando trimmed the Boston lead to 14 points. But it was Boston’s bench that answered with a promenading and pulverizing performance. Backup point guard, Nate Robinson, threw up 13 points in the second quarter to increase the Celtics’ point margin.
Boston knotted 11 of the first 13 points in the third quarter to continue their scoring prowess. Stan Van Gundy’s mediocre Magic were out-rebounded 56-44 and shot just 59% from the line. Orlando’s 20 fast-break points allowed didn’t help either. Boston’s offense broke down the Magic with a firm presentation. Kendrick Perkins delivered his only bucket, a smooth 14-footer from the baseline with one and a half minutes left in regulation to all but seal the deal for the composed Celtics.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “The Impression That I Get” by the Mighty Mighty Bosstones
A well-pitched game from Matt Cain yesterday against Arizona. It’s about time his name came up this season.
Patrick Crayton asked for an immediate release from the Cowboys. Yawn…
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday Take-Twos (The Howard Edition)
Either the Celtics are running out of steam, or the Magic finally found their engine. The NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals is 3-2 in favor of Boston after Orlando shortened the gap on the Celtics’ three game lead Wednesday in Florida’s Amway Arena. The Magic incredibly have a plausible chance to winning the series. However, no team in NBA history has ever overcome a 0-3 deficit to win a seven game series. Dwight Howard and guard, Jameer Nelson, combined for 52 of the Magic’s 113 points in a 21 point Game 5 victory. Ironically, Orlando also shot 52% from downtown last night. The series heads to a pressure-packed Boston Friday, where the home Celtics could possibly be without Kendrick Perkins. The starting center for Boston was lost in the second period last night after picking up a technical foul, his seventh of the post-season. The league issues mandatory suspensions for exceeding the foul limit. The inundated Celtics also played without Glen Davis for the final quarter after Big Baby took a Howard elbow to the mouth and lost a tooth.
Orlando showed a bit of punch in a physical game, parading out to a 51-37 second quarter edge. J.J. Redick burst off the bench to give the Magic a much needed boost. The former Duke standout tallied 14 points to add to Orlando’s frenetic pace. Boston trailed 57-49 at the break. The Celtics couldn’t sustain a solid 3-point defense against the Florida hot hands. Nelson was 4-for-5 from the arc and Matt Barnes added three from the rainbow. Howard grabbed 10 rebounds and clamped down on the Celtics with five blocked shots. Superman stood on his platform as the team’s cornerstone Wednesday two days after the Magic stole an overtime Game 4 in Boston.
The Magic had an answer to every Celtics’ charge even when Boston trimmed their lead in the third quarter. Shooting guard, Vince Carter, struggled for the Magic but Rashard Lewis stepped up in the fourth quarter to lift the hosts to a second straight win. Lewis rattled off five consecutive buckets in the final period and finished with 14. Boston basketed just 17 points in the final quarter. Rasheed Wallace led the way with 21 points, followed by Rajon Rondo’s 17 for Boston. Ray Allen had a game high seven assists, but it wasn’t enough to send the Celtics to the NBA championship series. Allen and company have two more chances to put away this series.
Everyone has heard of Dwight Howard. Tim Howard? Maybe not so much. Tim Howard is one of three goalies named to the 23-man U.S. World Cup roster, finalize yesterday by Coach Bob Bradley. I decided to check into the number one goaltender who will try to lead our country to a soccer title this summer. Howard is a 31 year old Everton, England star. The six year veteran of England’s Barclay Premier League is not the oldest goalkeeper on the team, by the way. The American is expected to be one of the core leaders for Bradley’s U.S. squad next month. Many consider him in the top ten talent-wise for glovemen in the world. Howard was born in North Brunswick, New Jersey (one of three Jersey born on the team) and has occupied the number one position for the U.S. since 2006. He is a FIFA Gold Glove and U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year winner. Howard was also on the fourth place U.S. Olympic team that competed in Sydney in 2000. Bradley is banking on a bolder, better finish in South Africa with Howard in net again.
Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard is arguably close to the most-feared slugger in the National League (behind Albert Pujols). You wouldn’t have known it last night, as Howard was fanned twice and went 0-for-4 at the plate against the Mets. The MVP first baseman has seen his batting average dip below the .300 mark and he continues to leave runners on base. Would it make sense to move Howard from the clean-up slot? I think Charlie Manuel needs to insert some challenge into his struggling infielder’s head. He’s had four hits in his last 18 at-bats, and has struck out at least one time in all six of those games. Howard has eight dingers on the season, but hasn’t registered a multi-homer game yet. The Phillies’ first baseman had his best game on May 17th, where he drove in six runs in five plate appearances against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Yes, the same Bucs who have had something close to 17 straight losing seasons. It’s time for Ryan Howard to step up to the plate and dish out hits. Philadelphia relies on his bat, just as the Orlando Magic depend on Dwight and U.S. Soccer will soon look to Tim for the answers.
Parting Points: “I thought what I felt was simple, and I thought that I don’t belong”- Lisa Loeb
Is it just me or is there absolutely no buzz around the French Open this year?
Orlando showed a bit of punch in a physical game, parading out to a 51-37 second quarter edge. J.J. Redick burst off the bench to give the Magic a much needed boost. The former Duke standout tallied 14 points to add to Orlando’s frenetic pace. Boston trailed 57-49 at the break. The Celtics couldn’t sustain a solid 3-point defense against the Florida hot hands. Nelson was 4-for-5 from the arc and Matt Barnes added three from the rainbow. Howard grabbed 10 rebounds and clamped down on the Celtics with five blocked shots. Superman stood on his platform as the team’s cornerstone Wednesday two days after the Magic stole an overtime Game 4 in Boston.
The Magic had an answer to every Celtics’ charge even when Boston trimmed their lead in the third quarter. Shooting guard, Vince Carter, struggled for the Magic but Rashard Lewis stepped up in the fourth quarter to lift the hosts to a second straight win. Lewis rattled off five consecutive buckets in the final period and finished with 14. Boston basketed just 17 points in the final quarter. Rasheed Wallace led the way with 21 points, followed by Rajon Rondo’s 17 for Boston. Ray Allen had a game high seven assists, but it wasn’t enough to send the Celtics to the NBA championship series. Allen and company have two more chances to put away this series.
Everyone has heard of Dwight Howard. Tim Howard? Maybe not so much. Tim Howard is one of three goalies named to the 23-man U.S. World Cup roster, finalize yesterday by Coach Bob Bradley. I decided to check into the number one goaltender who will try to lead our country to a soccer title this summer. Howard is a 31 year old Everton, England star. The six year veteran of England’s Barclay Premier League is not the oldest goalkeeper on the team, by the way. The American is expected to be one of the core leaders for Bradley’s U.S. squad next month. Many consider him in the top ten talent-wise for glovemen in the world. Howard was born in North Brunswick, New Jersey (one of three Jersey born on the team) and has occupied the number one position for the U.S. since 2006. He is a FIFA Gold Glove and U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year winner. Howard was also on the fourth place U.S. Olympic team that competed in Sydney in 2000. Bradley is banking on a bolder, better finish in South Africa with Howard in net again.
Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard is arguably close to the most-feared slugger in the National League (behind Albert Pujols). You wouldn’t have known it last night, as Howard was fanned twice and went 0-for-4 at the plate against the Mets. The MVP first baseman has seen his batting average dip below the .300 mark and he continues to leave runners on base. Would it make sense to move Howard from the clean-up slot? I think Charlie Manuel needs to insert some challenge into his struggling infielder’s head. He’s had four hits in his last 18 at-bats, and has struck out at least one time in all six of those games. Howard has eight dingers on the season, but hasn’t registered a multi-homer game yet. The Phillies’ first baseman had his best game on May 17th, where he drove in six runs in five plate appearances against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Yes, the same Bucs who have had something close to 17 straight losing seasons. It’s time for Ryan Howard to step up to the plate and dish out hits. Philadelphia relies on his bat, just as the Orlando Magic depend on Dwight and U.S. Soccer will soon look to Tim for the answers.
Parting Points: “I thought what I felt was simple, and I thought that I don’t belong”- Lisa Loeb
Is it just me or is there absolutely no buzz around the French Open this year?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Closure
It occurred to me on this day
That nothing will ever be the same
The sideline stands and structured play
Following the introductions by name
The fans filed familiarly behind the fence
Unclasping their hands to clap
Shaking their heads to make meaningful sense
Not at you, but at your playful tap
The moving feet sounds of screeching and stalling
Floating as lily pads upon the ponds
To the left, to the right, rising and falling
Like the stocks and the funds and the bonds
The trespassing ball trickles in and soars
Oozing freshness into an obsolete sport
I rip the return as my shoulder blade roars
Reinventing new ways to cut up the court
It’s not easy to sleep at night without knowing an end
Heavier still to rest when it is all over
I depart the hard greens for a softer friend
On this day, finally finding closure
That nothing will ever be the same
The sideline stands and structured play
Following the introductions by name
The fans filed familiarly behind the fence
Unclasping their hands to clap
Shaking their heads to make meaningful sense
Not at you, but at your playful tap
The moving feet sounds of screeching and stalling
Floating as lily pads upon the ponds
To the left, to the right, rising and falling
Like the stocks and the funds and the bonds
The trespassing ball trickles in and soars
Oozing freshness into an obsolete sport
I rip the return as my shoulder blade roars
Reinventing new ways to cut up the court
It’s not easy to sleep at night without knowing an end
Heavier still to rest when it is all over
I depart the hard greens for a softer friend
On this day, finally finding closure
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Supreme Skepticism to Stan-tastic
Most NHL fans didn’t anticipate the Philadelphia Flyers or the Montreal Canadiens fighting for the Eastern Conference and a chance to play in the Stanley Cup this season. Both proved skeptics wrong by advancing to the conference finals. The Canadiens upended the Capitals and defending champion Penguins. The Flyers were the last team to make the post-season on a shootout win in the final game of the regular season. Philadelphia went on to top the Devils before making history by besting the Bruins in four straight games. The Flyers became the first team to erase a 3-0 deficit and win a series in 35 years. Now, Philadelphia is high flying and back in their eighth Stanley Cup finals after eliminating Montreal 4-2 in the clinching Game 5 Monday night. The Flyers will face the Western conference-winning Blackhawks in Game 1 this Saturday.
Philadelphia netminder, Michael Leighton, allowed a goal 59 seconds into Game 5 but shutdown the Canadiens the rest of the way to help the Flyers earn the East. The 29 year old Ontario native made 25 saves to run his playoff record to 6-1. Leighton wasn’t even on the team’s roster in the beginning of the playoffs. Both skating squads were 0-for-6 on power play opportunities at Wachovia Center last night. The guest Canadiens were first to find the net on Brian Gionta’s ninth post-season goal but the Flyers offense ignited for three unanswered goals to plow ahead 3-1 after three periods. Jaroslav Halak, the crafty Canadien goalie, made 22 stops and yielded all three goals. Philadelphia’s gold medal winning captain, Mike Richards, tied the game with a first period goal and later added two assists. Richards’ tenacious tap-in slap came after an aggressive Halak collided with his own teammate, leaving an abandoned net as ripe for the taking for the captain.
Arron Asham provided Philadelphia’s first lead in the opening minutes of the second period. Jeff Carter, the Flyers’ regular season scoring leader, notched a pair of goals sandwiched between a Montreal tally by Scott Gomez. Carter’s second period shot from the far post occurred just over a minute after Asham hit the puck between the posts. Gomez’s third period goal wasn’t enough to save the Habs from going 6-0 in elimination games. Instead, the eighth-seeded Canadiens fell for the first time this season in decisive series-clinching games. Carter sent Philadelphia home champions with a put-away empty-netter for the game’s final goal. The spectacular Flyers have stuffed the skeptics by dropping the Canadiens in five games.
Parting Points: Song of the day- Staind’s “It’s Been A While”
Philadelphia netminder, Michael Leighton, allowed a goal 59 seconds into Game 5 but shutdown the Canadiens the rest of the way to help the Flyers earn the East. The 29 year old Ontario native made 25 saves to run his playoff record to 6-1. Leighton wasn’t even on the team’s roster in the beginning of the playoffs. Both skating squads were 0-for-6 on power play opportunities at Wachovia Center last night. The guest Canadiens were first to find the net on Brian Gionta’s ninth post-season goal but the Flyers offense ignited for three unanswered goals to plow ahead 3-1 after three periods. Jaroslav Halak, the crafty Canadien goalie, made 22 stops and yielded all three goals. Philadelphia’s gold medal winning captain, Mike Richards, tied the game with a first period goal and later added two assists. Richards’ tenacious tap-in slap came after an aggressive Halak collided with his own teammate, leaving an abandoned net as ripe for the taking for the captain.
Arron Asham provided Philadelphia’s first lead in the opening minutes of the second period. Jeff Carter, the Flyers’ regular season scoring leader, notched a pair of goals sandwiched between a Montreal tally by Scott Gomez. Carter’s second period shot from the far post occurred just over a minute after Asham hit the puck between the posts. Gomez’s third period goal wasn’t enough to save the Habs from going 6-0 in elimination games. Instead, the eighth-seeded Canadiens fell for the first time this season in decisive series-clinching games. Carter sent Philadelphia home champions with a put-away empty-netter for the game’s final goal. The spectacular Flyers have stuffed the skeptics by dropping the Canadiens in five games.
Parting Points: Song of the day- Staind’s “It’s Been A While”
Monday, May 24, 2010
Stoudemire Shakes Suns
Amare Stoudemire exploded for 42 points in helping to carry the Phoenix Suns to a nine point takedown of the L.A. Lakers in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Phoenix cut L.A.’s deficit to 2-1 with the 118-109 defeat of the defending champions in Arizona. Phoenix was powered by the 27 year old Stoudemire, who matched a career high in points and added 11 rebounds. Stoudemire answered critics who scoffed at his defense and uninspired play by going 14-of-22 from the field and 14-of-18 from the line. The Suns are making a series out West with Game 4 set for Tuesday night at U.S. Airways Center. Phoenix will have a chance to knot the series even at 2-2 it shifts back to L.A.
The Suns’ zone defense flabbergasted the Lakers despite Kobe Bryant’s near triple-double. Bryant finished with 36 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds as the purple and gold suffered their first loss of the finals. His supporting cast was belittled. Stoudemire terrorized the L.A. interior defense, picking apart Pau Gasol and finding open space to sink buckets. Phoenix owns the second best downtown shooting in NBA history during the regular season. The Suns were even effective without their brilliant 3-point game being bright. Phoenix shot 25% from the arc, led by Jason Richardson’s 4-of-7 line. Richardson scored 19 points and Robin Lopez notched 20. The Suns’ center, Lopez, went 8-of-10 on shooting, including dazzling dunks, razzing right –handed rebounds and left hooks. It was Lopez’ third week back after a seven week hiatus but his seven foot presence was enough to frustrate the Lakers inside.
The Lakers’ bench was tamed in Game 3, hitting 11-of-37. The Suns were aggressive and took advantage of L.A.’s poor execution. Lamar Odom made four of his 14 attempts with 10 points in a mediocre performance before fouling out. Lakers’ malcontent, Ron Artest, went 4-of-13 and finished with a dozen points and half a dozen rebounds. Gasol finished at the 23 point mark and Derek Fisher contributed 18 for the visitors in the loss. It took L.A. a long time to figure out Phoenix’s zone defense and the champs found themselves down 54-47 at the break. Stoudemire broke loose for 16 points in the third quarter and topped off an impressive game with 13 in the final session. The Lakers were outscored and annihilated 18-3 in fast-break points. The Suns shot 57% in the second half but clung to only a two point lead at the end of three quarters.
L.A. took a 90-89 edge when Odom slipped a pair of free throws through the net with just under nine minutes remaining. The Suns took the lead for good when Lopez entered the contest for the struggling Channing Frye. Frye has missed 17 consecutive shots in this series. Phoenix’s Steve Nash tallied 17 points to go a long with 15 assists before banging his nose in a fourth quarter collision. Phil Jackson, the Hall-of-Fame L.A. head coach, picked up a rare technical foul after complaining about a non-call by the referees. The Suns irritated the Lakers, outperforming them entirely during the fourth quarter. A 93-92 Suns advantage quickly turned into a ten point lead.
Parting Points: Congrats to the Blackhawks for wiping out the Sharks.
The Cavs fired Mike Brown.
Jose Lima- RIP.
The Suns’ zone defense flabbergasted the Lakers despite Kobe Bryant’s near triple-double. Bryant finished with 36 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds as the purple and gold suffered their first loss of the finals. His supporting cast was belittled. Stoudemire terrorized the L.A. interior defense, picking apart Pau Gasol and finding open space to sink buckets. Phoenix owns the second best downtown shooting in NBA history during the regular season. The Suns were even effective without their brilliant 3-point game being bright. Phoenix shot 25% from the arc, led by Jason Richardson’s 4-of-7 line. Richardson scored 19 points and Robin Lopez notched 20. The Suns’ center, Lopez, went 8-of-10 on shooting, including dazzling dunks, razzing right –handed rebounds and left hooks. It was Lopez’ third week back after a seven week hiatus but his seven foot presence was enough to frustrate the Lakers inside.
The Lakers’ bench was tamed in Game 3, hitting 11-of-37. The Suns were aggressive and took advantage of L.A.’s poor execution. Lamar Odom made four of his 14 attempts with 10 points in a mediocre performance before fouling out. Lakers’ malcontent, Ron Artest, went 4-of-13 and finished with a dozen points and half a dozen rebounds. Gasol finished at the 23 point mark and Derek Fisher contributed 18 for the visitors in the loss. It took L.A. a long time to figure out Phoenix’s zone defense and the champs found themselves down 54-47 at the break. Stoudemire broke loose for 16 points in the third quarter and topped off an impressive game with 13 in the final session. The Lakers were outscored and annihilated 18-3 in fast-break points. The Suns shot 57% in the second half but clung to only a two point lead at the end of three quarters.
L.A. took a 90-89 edge when Odom slipped a pair of free throws through the net with just under nine minutes remaining. The Suns took the lead for good when Lopez entered the contest for the struggling Channing Frye. Frye has missed 17 consecutive shots in this series. Phoenix’s Steve Nash tallied 17 points to go a long with 15 assists before banging his nose in a fourth quarter collision. Phil Jackson, the Hall-of-Fame L.A. head coach, picked up a rare technical foul after complaining about a non-call by the referees. The Suns irritated the Lakers, outperforming them entirely during the fourth quarter. A 93-92 Suns advantage quickly turned into a ten point lead.
Parting Points: Congrats to the Blackhawks for wiping out the Sharks.
The Cavs fired Mike Brown.
Jose Lima- RIP.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Owning Orlando
Unless you’re an extreme optimist or really do believe in magic, chances are you have the Boston Celtics in this year’s NBA Finals. The Orlando Magic are in a 3-0 hole and Boston is just one victory away from their second trip to the finals in two seasons. The Celtics can punch their championship tickets Monday night in Boston with a win in game four of the seven game series. Saturday, the Celtics coasted to a 95-71 pasting of mistake-prone Magic. After ripping off eight riveting playoff contests, the Magic have gone cold, dropping three straight. Their chances of coming back to take the Eastern Conference are slim to none with the way Doc Rivers’ Celtics are dazzling.
The Celtics opened the game 14-0 to steal the stage from the Beantown tipoff. Boston cruised to a 20-5 uncontested run in taking a 27-12 first quarter lead at TD Garden. The Celtics completely dominated Orlando with championship-style defense. Boston forced 11 Magic turnovers in the first half and smothered their Easter n rivals with 51.2% shooting. The Celtics’ offense dished out 14 assists before the intermission and saw six players finish in double digits by the end of the game. Glen Davis led the balanced Boston shooters with 17 points off the bench. Paul Pierce recorded 15 points and nine rebounds and Rajon Rondo ruled the show in assists, with 12. Ray Allen and Rasheed Wallace also contributed with aggressive numbers. Allen had six assists and 14 points, while Wallace whipped Orlando from beyond the arc with pair of treys off the bench. Wallace notched 10 points as the hungry Celtics won without their injured swift shooter, Kevin Garnett.
The defending Eastern Conference champion Magic were propelled by Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter on offense. The 28 year old Nelson was 3-of-9 from downtown and tallied 15 points. Carter also bucketed 15 in the loss. Dwight Howard virtually vanished and was a nonfactor for the Magic. The 6’11” Howard had a team high seven rebounds but managed just seven baskets. The Magic shot over 83% from the charity stripe but were continually outhustled down the court and beaten in the paint. Rashard Lewis went 2-for-8 from the field and scored a disappointing four points. Lewis missed all four 3-point attempts. Orlando found themselves down by 28 points in the third quarter and trailed by as many as 32 at one point in the final session. Davis provided the energetic spark for Boston and Orlando couldn’t match his celebrated athleticism. The Celtics out-rebounded their opponents 43-36 and were colossal in converting from long range. They annexed a ridiculous 12 steals and made the Magic look miserable in handling the basketball. Orlando never led during the lopsided game three affair as their front court couldn’t put anything together.
Parting Points: Sad song of the day - “It’s For You”- The Fray
Let the French Open begin!
The Celtics opened the game 14-0 to steal the stage from the Beantown tipoff. Boston cruised to a 20-5 uncontested run in taking a 27-12 first quarter lead at TD Garden. The Celtics completely dominated Orlando with championship-style defense. Boston forced 11 Magic turnovers in the first half and smothered their Easter n rivals with 51.2% shooting. The Celtics’ offense dished out 14 assists before the intermission and saw six players finish in double digits by the end of the game. Glen Davis led the balanced Boston shooters with 17 points off the bench. Paul Pierce recorded 15 points and nine rebounds and Rajon Rondo ruled the show in assists, with 12. Ray Allen and Rasheed Wallace also contributed with aggressive numbers. Allen had six assists and 14 points, while Wallace whipped Orlando from beyond the arc with pair of treys off the bench. Wallace notched 10 points as the hungry Celtics won without their injured swift shooter, Kevin Garnett.
The defending Eastern Conference champion Magic were propelled by Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter on offense. The 28 year old Nelson was 3-of-9 from downtown and tallied 15 points. Carter also bucketed 15 in the loss. Dwight Howard virtually vanished and was a nonfactor for the Magic. The 6’11” Howard had a team high seven rebounds but managed just seven baskets. The Magic shot over 83% from the charity stripe but were continually outhustled down the court and beaten in the paint. Rashard Lewis went 2-for-8 from the field and scored a disappointing four points. Lewis missed all four 3-point attempts. Orlando found themselves down by 28 points in the third quarter and trailed by as many as 32 at one point in the final session. Davis provided the energetic spark for Boston and Orlando couldn’t match his celebrated athleticism. The Celtics out-rebounded their opponents 43-36 and were colossal in converting from long range. They annexed a ridiculous 12 steals and made the Magic look miserable in handling the basketball. Orlando never led during the lopsided game three affair as their front court couldn’t put anything together.
Parting Points: Sad song of the day - “It’s For You”- The Fray
Let the French Open begin!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Mired in Metropolitan Malaise
The first installment of the 2010 Subway Series went to the Bronx Bombers. The Mets hosted the Yankees at Citi Field Friday night in the opening game of a three game New York-New York series. Javier Vazquez enjoyed an outstanding outing, a six inning shutout stint for his second solid start in as many tries. The Yankee hurler pitched one-hit ball as the Bombers outlasted their cross town rivals, 2-1. The Mets didn’t score until the final frame and fell for the fifth consecutive time to the players wearing pinstripes. They clearly need an urgent survival kit if they anticipate any semblance of a playoff berth.
The Yankees’ offense provided a pair of runs in the top of the seventh to finally break a scoreless tie. Kevin Russo took the only Yankee RBIs of the night when he launched a two run double off 39 year old Met reliever, Elmer Dessens. It was rookie Russo’s second major league hit. The first came during the third inning off New York starting lefthander, Hisanori Takahashi. The Japanese pitcher was making his Major League debut and succeeded in stifling the Bombers through six innings. Takahashi scattered six hits and struck out five. The Yankees couldn’t score until Russo’s crack found the right field grass in the seventh off the bullpen. Alex Rodriguez shared a pair of hits and a walk in the victory to reach base three times.
Vazquez earned his third win of the season for Joe Girardi’s Yankees with a pinpoint fastball. He walked Alex Cora in the first inning before setting down eight straight batters. It was the righty’s first look at a National League club since he threw for Atlanta a season ago. Vazquez dominated the Mets through six, but was pulled after fouling off a bunt and bloodying his finger. Girardi swapped his starter with just 70 pitches on his ledger with reliever, Dave Robertson. Jerry Manuel’s Mets mustered a meager hit off Vazquez and added one more against the Bomber bullpen until Mariano Rivera in the ninth. Vazquez allowed a one-out single in the fifth to Angel Pagan and Robertson yielded a hit to the first batter he faced in the seventh, Cora. Damaso Marte and Joba Chamberlain rescued the Yankees after backstop, Francisco Cervelli’s seventh inning errors. Chamerbalin fanned three of the five Mets he faced.
Rivera entered the ninth inning seeking his first save since the last day in April. The future Hall-of-fame closer recorded the first two outs before Jason Bay shot the ball off the left field wall for a double. Ike Davis doubled to cut the deficit to one on the first offering he saw from Rivera. Struggling third baseman, David Wright, ruined the harried Mets’ hapless hopes for a home rally with a game ending groundout. The banged-up Yankees defeated the deflated Mets during a tight contest in front of a record Citi Field crowd. Phil Hughes opposes the Mets’ Mike Pelfrey in tonight’s game two of the series.
Parting Points: The Blackhawks are very much in control of the Sharks.
Song of the moment- “My Hero”- Foo Fighters
The Yankees’ offense provided a pair of runs in the top of the seventh to finally break a scoreless tie. Kevin Russo took the only Yankee RBIs of the night when he launched a two run double off 39 year old Met reliever, Elmer Dessens. It was rookie Russo’s second major league hit. The first came during the third inning off New York starting lefthander, Hisanori Takahashi. The Japanese pitcher was making his Major League debut and succeeded in stifling the Bombers through six innings. Takahashi scattered six hits and struck out five. The Yankees couldn’t score until Russo’s crack found the right field grass in the seventh off the bullpen. Alex Rodriguez shared a pair of hits and a walk in the victory to reach base three times.
Vazquez earned his third win of the season for Joe Girardi’s Yankees with a pinpoint fastball. He walked Alex Cora in the first inning before setting down eight straight batters. It was the righty’s first look at a National League club since he threw for Atlanta a season ago. Vazquez dominated the Mets through six, but was pulled after fouling off a bunt and bloodying his finger. Girardi swapped his starter with just 70 pitches on his ledger with reliever, Dave Robertson. Jerry Manuel’s Mets mustered a meager hit off Vazquez and added one more against the Bomber bullpen until Mariano Rivera in the ninth. Vazquez allowed a one-out single in the fifth to Angel Pagan and Robertson yielded a hit to the first batter he faced in the seventh, Cora. Damaso Marte and Joba Chamberlain rescued the Yankees after backstop, Francisco Cervelli’s seventh inning errors. Chamerbalin fanned three of the five Mets he faced.
Rivera entered the ninth inning seeking his first save since the last day in April. The future Hall-of-fame closer recorded the first two outs before Jason Bay shot the ball off the left field wall for a double. Ike Davis doubled to cut the deficit to one on the first offering he saw from Rivera. Struggling third baseman, David Wright, ruined the harried Mets’ hapless hopes for a home rally with a game ending groundout. The banged-up Yankees defeated the deflated Mets during a tight contest in front of a record Citi Field crowd. Phil Hughes opposes the Mets’ Mike Pelfrey in tonight’s game two of the series.
Parting Points: The Blackhawks are very much in control of the Sharks.
Song of the moment- “My Hero”- Foo Fighters
Friday, May 21, 2010
Pinstriped Portsider Pounded
Baseball’s best blossomed in the Bronx
A two-game sweep
An eleven hit test
Dropping the world champs eight to six
The southpaw starter endured a loss
Tagged for the first time
Half a dozen earned runs
A mediocre mound mess
The guests were grand
A thorough three spot first
Via the long ball
Pounding and pasting the pea to the stands
A struggling starter survived
A trying and tying affair
Rescued by an offense
Remarkable on the road, revived
The only team to sweep New York
And batter the Yankee ace
Connected for their sixth straight
Creaming and clobbering with twisting torque
The Rays shine with fastidious flair
They pitch well
Are fundamentally sound
Bullpens they break down and tear
The Bombers will return
To face the New York Mets
Injuries insure
In winning, they remain stern
A two-game sweep
An eleven hit test
Dropping the world champs eight to six
The southpaw starter endured a loss
Tagged for the first time
Half a dozen earned runs
A mediocre mound mess
The guests were grand
A thorough three spot first
Via the long ball
Pounding and pasting the pea to the stands
A struggling starter survived
A trying and tying affair
Rescued by an offense
Remarkable on the road, revived
The only team to sweep New York
And batter the Yankee ace
Connected for their sixth straight
Creaming and clobbering with twisting torque
The Rays shine with fastidious flair
They pitch well
Are fundamentally sound
Bullpens they break down and tear
The Bombers will return
To face the New York Mets
Injuries insure
In winning, they remain stern
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Home Haven
Pau Gasol put up a game high 29 points against Phoenix in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals at Los Angeles’ Staples Center Wednesday. Gasol grabbed nine rebounds and collected five assists in the Lakers’ 124-112 pasting of Phoenix. The Suns were drubbed for the second time, though they were in the game going into the fourth quarter. The Lakers broke away from a 90-90 third quarter tie to hold on for the 2-0 lead in the best of seven series. Game 3 shifts to Phoenix on Sunday, where the Suns seek to ruin the purple and gold’s eight game playoff winning streak.
Kobe Bryant scored 21 points and distributed a career playoff-high 13 assists for Los Angeles. The high scoring defending champions netted 34 fourth period points to pull away at the finish. It marked the fifth time this series L.A. has broken 30 during a quarter. Lamar Odom totaled 11 rebounds and 17 points to notch a double-double in the victory. Ron Artest also shot the ball extremely well for the Lakers. Artest finished 6-of-9 from the field and 3-of-6 from downtown to snag 18 points. Artest led all scorers at the half with 15 points as the Lakers carried a comfortable 65-56 lead into the locker room.
The Suns were outscored 34-22 during the fourth period. L.A.’s versatile and poised offense was too much for the small Suns’ lineup. They tore off to an 18-7 start in the fourth, sparking momentum as the Suns committed five turnovers. The one thing Phil Jackson’s team can do is execute. Gasol and Bryant were superb in handling the ball and plugging away at the hoop. They also make opponents look confused when they are clicking on all cylinders. Alvin Gentry’s Suns seemed to beat themselves but it wasn’t all lowlights for the visitors. Jason Richardson carved up L.A. for a team high 27 points and Grant Hill bucketed 23 in the loss. Phoenix erased a 14 point deficit to tie the game after the break. Hill knifed through the paint for 14 third quarter points to stall the Lakers, but L.A. regrouped for an explosive fourth. Amare Stoudemire figured into the mix with 18 points in 40 minutes for the Suns and Jared Dudley hit five 3-pointers off the bench. The hard-charging Lakers remain unbeaten at home during the post-season. Third seeded Phoenix endured their first back-to-back losses since January.
Parting Points: Song of the day- Fuel’s “Shimmer”
Kobe Bryant scored 21 points and distributed a career playoff-high 13 assists for Los Angeles. The high scoring defending champions netted 34 fourth period points to pull away at the finish. It marked the fifth time this series L.A. has broken 30 during a quarter. Lamar Odom totaled 11 rebounds and 17 points to notch a double-double in the victory. Ron Artest also shot the ball extremely well for the Lakers. Artest finished 6-of-9 from the field and 3-of-6 from downtown to snag 18 points. Artest led all scorers at the half with 15 points as the Lakers carried a comfortable 65-56 lead into the locker room.
The Suns were outscored 34-22 during the fourth period. L.A.’s versatile and poised offense was too much for the small Suns’ lineup. They tore off to an 18-7 start in the fourth, sparking momentum as the Suns committed five turnovers. The one thing Phil Jackson’s team can do is execute. Gasol and Bryant were superb in handling the ball and plugging away at the hoop. They also make opponents look confused when they are clicking on all cylinders. Alvin Gentry’s Suns seemed to beat themselves but it wasn’t all lowlights for the visitors. Jason Richardson carved up L.A. for a team high 27 points and Grant Hill bucketed 23 in the loss. Phoenix erased a 14 point deficit to tie the game after the break. Hill knifed through the paint for 14 third quarter points to stall the Lakers, but L.A. regrouped for an explosive fourth. Amare Stoudemire figured into the mix with 18 points in 40 minutes for the Suns and Jared Dudley hit five 3-pointers off the bench. The hard-charging Lakers remain unbeaten at home during the post-season. Third seeded Phoenix endured their first back-to-back losses since January.
Parting Points: Song of the day- Fuel’s “Shimmer”
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Chicago Capitalizes, Collects Crucial Contest
The Blackhawks doubled their lead over San Jose by outplaying the Sharks in a 4-2 victory at HP Pavilion on Tuesday. The Hawks will now bring their 2-0 series advantage home to Chicago for Game 3 of the Western Conference NHL finals. The best-of-seven series continued last night in San Jose, where Chicago won their seventh straight road playoff game to tie a league record.
The Blackhawks stuck to their game of controlling puck possessions and getting traffic in front of the Sharks’ net to hold the hosts scoreless through the opening period. Patient Chicago also forced 20 turnovers and limited the Shark skaters to extra scoring chances. Goalie for the Blackhawks, Antti Neimi made 25 stops in another brilliant effort. Neimi stymied the Sharks, especially during the first period. The Hawks were outshot in the first period, but were the only team to record a goal. Forward, Andrew Ladd tallied the first goal for Chicago at 12:48 in the opening session. Ladd netted his second post-season goal by ripping a 45 foot wrist shot past Niclas Wallin. The puck squeezed over the shoulder of netminder, Evgeni Nabokov for the goal.
Nabokov recorded 18 saves in the loss for San Jose. His team didn’t get on the scoreboard until 11:08 in the second period. Patrick Marleau sparked the Sharks with a power play slam off a Joe Thornton pass. The Blackhawks had already built a substantial and robust 3-0 edge before Marleau fired the puck past Neimi. The visitors seized control midway through the second period. Dustin Byfuglien and Johnathan Toews planted the puck into the net within two minutes of each other. Toews’ tally came on a Chicago power play at the 8:29 mark. The dependable captain, Toews redirected Norris Trophy finalist, Duncan Keith’s shot with Byfuglien screening Nabokov in net. Chicago continued to win face-offs and block shots despite some snappy Shark surges. Top-seeded San Jose let the game spiral away as they were charged with five third period penalties. The Blackhawks capitalized on offense.
Troy Brouwer picked up the final Chicago goal in the third period. He scored in the paint off a deflection to give the Blackhawks a 4-1 lead. The frustrated Sharks allowed the penalties to boil over and couldn’t break through again until Marleau’s second goal late in the third period. Marleau’s left rebound jam cut the road team’s deficit in half, but it was too late for a home comeback. The series heads to the United Center, where the Sharks hope to rediscover their confidence and bounce back from a 2-0 series setback.
Parting Points: Two other playoff series stand at 2-0--- The Flyers are up by two games over Montreal and the Celtics have the 2-0 edge over Orlando in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
The Blackhawks stuck to their game of controlling puck possessions and getting traffic in front of the Sharks’ net to hold the hosts scoreless through the opening period. Patient Chicago also forced 20 turnovers and limited the Shark skaters to extra scoring chances. Goalie for the Blackhawks, Antti Neimi made 25 stops in another brilliant effort. Neimi stymied the Sharks, especially during the first period. The Hawks were outshot in the first period, but were the only team to record a goal. Forward, Andrew Ladd tallied the first goal for Chicago at 12:48 in the opening session. Ladd netted his second post-season goal by ripping a 45 foot wrist shot past Niclas Wallin. The puck squeezed over the shoulder of netminder, Evgeni Nabokov for the goal.
Nabokov recorded 18 saves in the loss for San Jose. His team didn’t get on the scoreboard until 11:08 in the second period. Patrick Marleau sparked the Sharks with a power play slam off a Joe Thornton pass. The Blackhawks had already built a substantial and robust 3-0 edge before Marleau fired the puck past Neimi. The visitors seized control midway through the second period. Dustin Byfuglien and Johnathan Toews planted the puck into the net within two minutes of each other. Toews’ tally came on a Chicago power play at the 8:29 mark. The dependable captain, Toews redirected Norris Trophy finalist, Duncan Keith’s shot with Byfuglien screening Nabokov in net. Chicago continued to win face-offs and block shots despite some snappy Shark surges. Top-seeded San Jose let the game spiral away as they were charged with five third period penalties. The Blackhawks capitalized on offense.
Troy Brouwer picked up the final Chicago goal in the third period. He scored in the paint off a deflection to give the Blackhawks a 4-1 lead. The frustrated Sharks allowed the penalties to boil over and couldn’t break through again until Marleau’s second goal late in the third period. Marleau’s left rebound jam cut the road team’s deficit in half, but it was too late for a home comeback. The series heads to the United Center, where the Sharks hope to rediscover their confidence and bounce back from a 2-0 series setback.
Parting Points: Two other playoff series stand at 2-0--- The Flyers are up by two games over Montreal and the Celtics have the 2-0 edge over Orlando in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Thames' Timely Tater
The Red Sox offense went deep five times at Yankee Stadium Monday night. Boston scored nine runs on thirteen hits. The visiting team from Beantown even came back from a 5-0 first inning deficit to take the lead in the eighth inning. Yet, the Red Sox left the Bronx ballpark losers of their eighth straight in New York because the rival Yankees staged a ninth frame comeback in the thrilling two-game series opener. Alex Rodriguez clubbed a game tying homerun to left center off closer, Jonathan Papelbon and Marcus Thames plated the go-ahead run moments later with a two-run blast. Javier Vasquez picked up his second win in his second stint in pinstripes after recording the final out of the ninth. It was the third career relief outing for the struggling starter, but an overall productive one as his team bounced back from a devastating dropping Sunday night.
Boston’s Daisuke Matsuzaka gave up five first inning runs to the potent Bombers. Rodriguez singled in Derek Jeter and Brett Gardner for the first two tallies of the inning. Robinson Cano’s base hit to left field signaled in Mark Teixeira from third base, and Francisco Cervelli’s double produced the fourth New York run all with no outs. Cervilli crossed the plate on Marcus Thames’ sacrifice fly to complete the Yankees’ five-run jumpstart. Boston got a run back in the top of the second off Phil Hughes. Hughes tossed five innings of six hit ball, including an Adrian Beltre RBI single in the second. Gardner gave the Yankees a 6-1 advantage in the bottom half of the second when he raced home on Teixeiria’s double. The young Yankee centerfielder scored three times during the contest and collected two hits.
David Ortiz launched his seventh homerun of the season on a 1-1 offering from Hughes in the fourth. J.D. Drew added his own long ball an inning later to put the Red Sox within one run. New York got an insurance run in their half of the fifth when Thames doubled in Cervelli for a 7-5 Bomber edge. Boone Logan replaced Hughes in the sixth and allowed Victor Martinez to drill his first of two homeruns of the night. The Boston slugger smacked his second in the eighth on a full count but not before teammate, Kevin Youkilis, roped a two run tater to lead off the inning. It was the sixth time this season the Boston first baseman went yard. Both homeruns were served up by Chan Ho Park. Youkilis couldn’t help the Red Sox in the ninth, however. Vasquez fanned Youkilis to hold the Boston lead at two with runners at the corners and two outs. Papelbon was summoned from the bullpen in the bottom of the ninth. The closer promptly yielded a Gardner double before giving up Rodriguez’s game tying bomb. Papelbon hit Cervelli with a pitch and let Thames walk off with the winning homerun a batter later to suffer his third loss of the year. Thames’ four RBIs Monday were one short of his career high. The well-traveled right fielder has 10 RBIs for New York and is batting .365 though a month and a half of 52 at-bats. Matsuzaka allowed seven runs and nine hits as the Red Sox fell under the .500 mark with a 19-20 record.
Parting Points: Tuesday’s tune-“Insensitive” by Jann Arden
I wish Tampa Bay would cool off before coming to New York. They are impressive.
Kobe helped the Lakers set down out the Suns for 40 points in Game 1. I think L.A. will take this series. It’s a tossup in the East, however.
Boston’s Daisuke Matsuzaka gave up five first inning runs to the potent Bombers. Rodriguez singled in Derek Jeter and Brett Gardner for the first two tallies of the inning. Robinson Cano’s base hit to left field signaled in Mark Teixeira from third base, and Francisco Cervelli’s double produced the fourth New York run all with no outs. Cervilli crossed the plate on Marcus Thames’ sacrifice fly to complete the Yankees’ five-run jumpstart. Boston got a run back in the top of the second off Phil Hughes. Hughes tossed five innings of six hit ball, including an Adrian Beltre RBI single in the second. Gardner gave the Yankees a 6-1 advantage in the bottom half of the second when he raced home on Teixeiria’s double. The young Yankee centerfielder scored three times during the contest and collected two hits.
David Ortiz launched his seventh homerun of the season on a 1-1 offering from Hughes in the fourth. J.D. Drew added his own long ball an inning later to put the Red Sox within one run. New York got an insurance run in their half of the fifth when Thames doubled in Cervelli for a 7-5 Bomber edge. Boone Logan replaced Hughes in the sixth and allowed Victor Martinez to drill his first of two homeruns of the night. The Boston slugger smacked his second in the eighth on a full count but not before teammate, Kevin Youkilis, roped a two run tater to lead off the inning. It was the sixth time this season the Boston first baseman went yard. Both homeruns were served up by Chan Ho Park. Youkilis couldn’t help the Red Sox in the ninth, however. Vasquez fanned Youkilis to hold the Boston lead at two with runners at the corners and two outs. Papelbon was summoned from the bullpen in the bottom of the ninth. The closer promptly yielded a Gardner double before giving up Rodriguez’s game tying bomb. Papelbon hit Cervelli with a pitch and let Thames walk off with the winning homerun a batter later to suffer his third loss of the year. Thames’ four RBIs Monday were one short of his career high. The well-traveled right fielder has 10 RBIs for New York and is batting .365 though a month and a half of 52 at-bats. Matsuzaka allowed seven runs and nine hits as the Red Sox fell under the .500 mark with a 19-20 record.
Parting Points: Tuesday’s tune-“Insensitive” by Jann Arden
I wish Tampa Bay would cool off before coming to New York. They are impressive.
Kobe helped the Lakers set down out the Suns for 40 points in Game 1. I think L.A. will take this series. It’s a tossup in the East, however.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Birthday Surprise
Today I turn 27! I am as old as the Yankees have championships.
It’s the feeling you get when someone takes you aside
And opens up your stubborn eyes
You thank your lucky stars they came
Because your life will never be the same
It’s like a Hemingway novel, written by the sea
Upon reading the ending, you’re stunned it’s meant to be
It’s the freedom in riding the open road alone
Only to meet up with the incredible unknown
It’s the crack of a bat that shakes the breath in the chest
And the anticipatory heart that beats in the breast
When a fly ball sails to the last of the fence
Allowing the air to again commence
It’s how you can’t let love go, but can’t confide or address
All the emotions you try not to show or confess
Until he tells you he was thinking that way all along
And knows exactly that you two belong
It’s the birthday surprise you never bought
That fulfills the deepest regard of what you always sought
It’s the feeling you get when someone takes you aside
And opens up your stubborn eyes
You thank your lucky stars they came
Because your life will never be the same
It’s like a Hemingway novel, written by the sea
Upon reading the ending, you’re stunned it’s meant to be
It’s the freedom in riding the open road alone
Only to meet up with the incredible unknown
It’s the crack of a bat that shakes the breath in the chest
And the anticipatory heart that beats in the breast
When a fly ball sails to the last of the fence
Allowing the air to again commence
It’s how you can’t let love go, but can’t confide or address
All the emotions you try not to show or confess
Until he tells you he was thinking that way all along
And knows exactly that you two belong
It’s the birthday surprise you never bought
That fulfills the deepest regard of what you always sought
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Torn Twins Torched
Andy Pettitte’s cutters were crisp and his curveballs crafty as the veteran Yankee southpaw two-hit the Minnesota Twins in a commanding 7-1 New York victory yesterday afternoon. Mark Teixeira and Jorge Posada led the Bomber offense with a pair of two-run seventh inning blasts off the Twins’ bullpen. Stingy starter, Francisco Liriano, tossed six innings and allowed three runs, but Minnesota failed to conquer the Yankees in New York for the tenth straight time. The Yankees improved to 24-12 on the young year and 7-1 against the Twins.
Pinstriped Pettitte was vintage in his first return to the mound since a 10 day stint on the disabled list. The 37 year old lefty won his fifth game while shutting out the Twins through 6 1/3 innings. Pettitte walked three, struck out two and left the mound with a 3-0 lead in the seventh. The Yankee ace is tied for the league lead in wins and owns the lowest ERA of his career at 1.89 this season. Pettitte required just 22 batters in Saturday’s win over Minnesota. The Yankees defense helped keep runners off base with outstanding fielding in aid of Andy. Brett Gardner’s diving shoestring stab stopped leadoff man, Denard Span, from reaching base on a hard liner during the first frame. Nick Swisher added his own pretty catch with a sparkling third inning grab to rob Drew Butera of an extra base hit.
New York plated two runs to provide Pettitte with a small cushion through two innings. All-star third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, continued his Twins’ pounding with an RBI single in the first inning. Derek Jeter knocked home the second Yankee run in the second frame for his 23rd of the season. The Yankees scored again in the sixth as they chipped away at a settled-in Liriano. Liriano allowed nine hits and fanned seven, including striking out the side twice. The Minnesota moundsman served up a Marcus Thames single in the sixth, yielding his third earned run. Pettitte survived a tough test in the top of the sixth as his control wavered, but the lefty held on to get out of the inning unscathed.
The Twins were unable to dent New York’s pitching until the eighth when the game was already out of reach. Jesse Cain and Ron Mahay severed any chance for the Twins to come back. Cain was summoned in the seventh from Ron Gardenhire’s bullpen. The reliever walked Swisher and gave up a Teixeira tater, both on full counts. Gardenhire pulled Cain after the hurler allowed Rodriguez to double and induced a Robinson Cano groundout. Mahay took over the hill with excruciating results for the Twins. Posada drove Mahay’s 1-1 offering over the centerfield wall for a 7-0 New York advantage. It was the backstop’s eighth homer and one of three hits on the afternoon. Minnesota put their only run on the board during a three hit eighth inning. DH Joe Mauer singled off Boone Logan for one of seven Twins’ hits. Logan allowed four hits in the ten batters he faced but the Bomber bullpen kept the win in tact. The series concludes today in New York with Sergio Mitre scheduled to start against Minnesota’s Nick Blackburn. Mitre is seeking his first win of the season. The righty is starting because of Wednesday’s doubleheader. Blackburn, also a righty, is coming off his best start of the season, a seven inning shutout over Baltimore. The Twins will try to prevent a series sweep on the road and end the incredible current Yankee run against their ballclub.
Parting Points: Poem of the day- “Miracles” by Walt Whitman
Pinstriped Pettitte was vintage in his first return to the mound since a 10 day stint on the disabled list. The 37 year old lefty won his fifth game while shutting out the Twins through 6 1/3 innings. Pettitte walked three, struck out two and left the mound with a 3-0 lead in the seventh. The Yankee ace is tied for the league lead in wins and owns the lowest ERA of his career at 1.89 this season. Pettitte required just 22 batters in Saturday’s win over Minnesota. The Yankees defense helped keep runners off base with outstanding fielding in aid of Andy. Brett Gardner’s diving shoestring stab stopped leadoff man, Denard Span, from reaching base on a hard liner during the first frame. Nick Swisher added his own pretty catch with a sparkling third inning grab to rob Drew Butera of an extra base hit.
New York plated two runs to provide Pettitte with a small cushion through two innings. All-star third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, continued his Twins’ pounding with an RBI single in the first inning. Derek Jeter knocked home the second Yankee run in the second frame for his 23rd of the season. The Yankees scored again in the sixth as they chipped away at a settled-in Liriano. Liriano allowed nine hits and fanned seven, including striking out the side twice. The Minnesota moundsman served up a Marcus Thames single in the sixth, yielding his third earned run. Pettitte survived a tough test in the top of the sixth as his control wavered, but the lefty held on to get out of the inning unscathed.
The Twins were unable to dent New York’s pitching until the eighth when the game was already out of reach. Jesse Cain and Ron Mahay severed any chance for the Twins to come back. Cain was summoned in the seventh from Ron Gardenhire’s bullpen. The reliever walked Swisher and gave up a Teixeira tater, both on full counts. Gardenhire pulled Cain after the hurler allowed Rodriguez to double and induced a Robinson Cano groundout. Mahay took over the hill with excruciating results for the Twins. Posada drove Mahay’s 1-1 offering over the centerfield wall for a 7-0 New York advantage. It was the backstop’s eighth homer and one of three hits on the afternoon. Minnesota put their only run on the board during a three hit eighth inning. DH Joe Mauer singled off Boone Logan for one of seven Twins’ hits. Logan allowed four hits in the ten batters he faced but the Bomber bullpen kept the win in tact. The series concludes today in New York with Sergio Mitre scheduled to start against Minnesota’s Nick Blackburn. Mitre is seeking his first win of the season. The righty is starting because of Wednesday’s doubleheader. Blackburn, also a righty, is coming off his best start of the season, a seven inning shutout over Baltimore. The Twins will try to prevent a series sweep on the road and end the incredible current Yankee run against their ballclub.
Parting Points: Poem of the day- “Miracles” by Walt Whitman
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Four For Flyers
Baffled Bruins Beaten in Boston
It was either utter lunacy or a mere atrocity, depending on which perspective you take. Comebacks such as last night are more historical than Jamie Moyer taking the mound for another season. The resilient Philadelphia Flyers overcame a 3-0 series deficit and 3-0 hole in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals to best the Bruins 4-3 in Boston. That means the Flyers scored four straight goals and defeated Boston four straight times. The seventh seeded Flyers advanced Friday to face eighth seeded Montreal in an unlikely Eastern Conference final beginning Sunday. Boston becomes just the fourth team in NHL history to lose a series after winning the first three games.
Boston sizzled from the start and sailed out to a 3-0 lead with home ice advantage in their favor. Michael Ryder and Milan Lucic collected power play goals for the home team within the first fourteen minutes of the contest. Lucic slipped an unassisted puck past Michael Leighton, again with 5:50 left in the first period for a 3-0 blitzing Boston edge. James van Reimsdyk found the back of the net for the first time this series with 2:48 remaining in the opening period to cut the Bruins’ lead to 3-1. Claude Giroux was credited with the assist on the first Flyers’ goal that gave Philadelphia life. Philadelphia worked quickly to silence the crowd and held the Bruins without a shot for a span of ten minutes in the second period.
Pete Laviolette’s Flyers were ferocious during the second period as they scored twice to knot the game at three. Scott Hartnell backhanded a rebound at 2:49 into the second and Daniel Briere solved Tuuka Rask with a wraparound attempt at 8:39 to tie the game. Rask made 23 stops but the Flyers were the beneficiaries of some good bounces and bad breaks by the Bruins. Boston was whistled for having too many men on the ice at 11:10 into the final period. The game remained tied until Philadelphia’s Simon Gagne buried the Bruins with his fourth post-season goal off a blocked shot. The Flyers made the lead stand on the road to send Boston home with an historical collapse. Gagne’s wrist shot goal occurred on a power play, where the Flyers went 1 for 3. Gagne, who began the series with a broken toe, was the hero for Philly in Game 4 when he prevented a series sweep by potting the deciding goal in overtime. Last night, he capped off the last of four unanswered goals by the Flyers. Philadelphia toppled the Devils in round one, defeated Boston in four straight games and have now earned the right to play for a chance in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Flyers are fabulously fine in elimination games this season.
Parting Points: Song for Saturday- “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”- Green Day
I love seeing an ARod grand slam. It would be even sweeter if he did the same Monday against Boston.
It was either utter lunacy or a mere atrocity, depending on which perspective you take. Comebacks such as last night are more historical than Jamie Moyer taking the mound for another season. The resilient Philadelphia Flyers overcame a 3-0 series deficit and 3-0 hole in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals to best the Bruins 4-3 in Boston. That means the Flyers scored four straight goals and defeated Boston four straight times. The seventh seeded Flyers advanced Friday to face eighth seeded Montreal in an unlikely Eastern Conference final beginning Sunday. Boston becomes just the fourth team in NHL history to lose a series after winning the first three games.
Boston sizzled from the start and sailed out to a 3-0 lead with home ice advantage in their favor. Michael Ryder and Milan Lucic collected power play goals for the home team within the first fourteen minutes of the contest. Lucic slipped an unassisted puck past Michael Leighton, again with 5:50 left in the first period for a 3-0 blitzing Boston edge. James van Reimsdyk found the back of the net for the first time this series with 2:48 remaining in the opening period to cut the Bruins’ lead to 3-1. Claude Giroux was credited with the assist on the first Flyers’ goal that gave Philadelphia life. Philadelphia worked quickly to silence the crowd and held the Bruins without a shot for a span of ten minutes in the second period.
Pete Laviolette’s Flyers were ferocious during the second period as they scored twice to knot the game at three. Scott Hartnell backhanded a rebound at 2:49 into the second and Daniel Briere solved Tuuka Rask with a wraparound attempt at 8:39 to tie the game. Rask made 23 stops but the Flyers were the beneficiaries of some good bounces and bad breaks by the Bruins. Boston was whistled for having too many men on the ice at 11:10 into the final period. The game remained tied until Philadelphia’s Simon Gagne buried the Bruins with his fourth post-season goal off a blocked shot. The Flyers made the lead stand on the road to send Boston home with an historical collapse. Gagne’s wrist shot goal occurred on a power play, where the Flyers went 1 for 3. Gagne, who began the series with a broken toe, was the hero for Philly in Game 4 when he prevented a series sweep by potting the deciding goal in overtime. Last night, he capped off the last of four unanswered goals by the Flyers. Philadelphia toppled the Devils in round one, defeated Boston in four straight games and have now earned the right to play for a chance in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Flyers are fabulously fine in elimination games this season.
Parting Points: Song for Saturday- “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”- Green Day
I love seeing an ARod grand slam. It would be even sweeter if he did the same Monday against Boston.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Bowing in Boston
Kevin Garnett turned in 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Boston Celtics past the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Boston eliminated the number one seed 94-85 at TD Garden Thursday night to move on to the conference finals. Two-time MVP, LeBron James, recorded his sixth career playoff triple-double in what could be his final game as a Cavalier. James finished with a game high 27 points and added 19 rebounds and 10 assists in the loss. The Cavs were ultimately doomed by turnovers, including nine by James. Despite Cleveland’s bounce back effort from Tuesday’s trouncing and their aggressiveness, the Cavs’ season fell short of the finals for the second straight year. Boston staved off the top seed and will face the Orlando Magic for a chance to return to the championship game for the first time since 2008. The Magic will have home court advantage because they are seeded second.
Cleveland showed a credible spirit and James set the tone early in the contest. Still, the Celtics held the Cavs under 90 points for the third straight game. Mike Brown’s team shot just 38% and James was successful on 8-of-21 from the floor. The soon-to-be free agent, James, may have been crippled by an injured elbow, but he still resembled the25 year old league MVP with nifty dunks, leg pumping jumper and backdoor darts to the basket. Garnett was strong in the post for Boston as the previously injury-plagued Celtics delivered a post-season performance to remember. Boston’s Big Three tandem of Garnett, Paul Peirce and Ray Allen combined for 43 points. It was Rondo and Garnett sparking the Celtics after the intermission, in which Boston held a 51-49 edge. Garnett landed his third double-double of the series.
The Cavaliers stayed close for two quarters but the cohesive Celtics began pulling away in the third. Boston outscored Cleveland by seven in the pivotal third, charging the net with fast-break points. Cleveland’s 24 turnovers were too much to overcome and Boston capitalized with 27 points. Rondo snagged 12 rebounds and had 21 points, and Peirce plowed through Cleveland defenders for 13 points. Peirce’s 3-pointer with four minutes in the third put the Celtics up 65-58, giving the hosts some breathing room. Boston completed a 16-4 run before the start of the fourth quarter as the Cavs went to their bench for help. Boston’s bench was much deeper as Rasheed Wallace and Tony Allen combined for 23 points. Wallace knocked down a trey and Allen picked up a steal in the final five minutes of regulation with the Cavs trailing 88-74.
Mo Williams, who lifted the Cavs with 20 points during the first half, was ineffective in the second half. Shaquille O’Neal contributed 11 buckets in 24 minutes for visiting Cleveland and Anderson Varejao struggled offensively despite grabbing seven boards. It was the veteran Celtics’ forward stealing the show Thursday. Garnett was 11-of-19 from the field with key offensive rebounds. He was too tall and silky for the Cavaliers’ Antwan Jamison. Jamison went just 2-of-20 shooting against the clamped down Boston big men.
James is eligible to opt out of his contract this offseason. It’s been another upsetting end for the Ohio native and city that hasn’t had a championship team since 1964. Boston gained the 4-2 series victory after reeling off three consecutive wins. The Cavs clearly allowed the Celtics back into the series. Credit Boston for shooting and distributing the ball well, and for playing outstanding defense.
Parting Points: Friday Firings Update- The Hawks dismissed Mike Woodson and the Royals let go of Trey Hillman.
Cleveland showed a credible spirit and James set the tone early in the contest. Still, the Celtics held the Cavs under 90 points for the third straight game. Mike Brown’s team shot just 38% and James was successful on 8-of-21 from the floor. The soon-to-be free agent, James, may have been crippled by an injured elbow, but he still resembled the25 year old league MVP with nifty dunks, leg pumping jumper and backdoor darts to the basket. Garnett was strong in the post for Boston as the previously injury-plagued Celtics delivered a post-season performance to remember. Boston’s Big Three tandem of Garnett, Paul Peirce and Ray Allen combined for 43 points. It was Rondo and Garnett sparking the Celtics after the intermission, in which Boston held a 51-49 edge. Garnett landed his third double-double of the series.
The Cavaliers stayed close for two quarters but the cohesive Celtics began pulling away in the third. Boston outscored Cleveland by seven in the pivotal third, charging the net with fast-break points. Cleveland’s 24 turnovers were too much to overcome and Boston capitalized with 27 points. Rondo snagged 12 rebounds and had 21 points, and Peirce plowed through Cleveland defenders for 13 points. Peirce’s 3-pointer with four minutes in the third put the Celtics up 65-58, giving the hosts some breathing room. Boston completed a 16-4 run before the start of the fourth quarter as the Cavs went to their bench for help. Boston’s bench was much deeper as Rasheed Wallace and Tony Allen combined for 23 points. Wallace knocked down a trey and Allen picked up a steal in the final five minutes of regulation with the Cavs trailing 88-74.
Mo Williams, who lifted the Cavs with 20 points during the first half, was ineffective in the second half. Shaquille O’Neal contributed 11 buckets in 24 minutes for visiting Cleveland and Anderson Varejao struggled offensively despite grabbing seven boards. It was the veteran Celtics’ forward stealing the show Thursday. Garnett was 11-of-19 from the field with key offensive rebounds. He was too tall and silky for the Cavaliers’ Antwan Jamison. Jamison went just 2-of-20 shooting against the clamped down Boston big men.
James is eligible to opt out of his contract this offseason. It’s been another upsetting end for the Ohio native and city that hasn’t had a championship team since 1964. Boston gained the 4-2 series victory after reeling off three consecutive wins. The Cavs clearly allowed the Celtics back into the series. Credit Boston for shooting and distributing the ball well, and for playing outstanding defense.
Parting Points: Friday Firings Update- The Hawks dismissed Mike Woodson and the Royals let go of Trey Hillman.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Series Stunner
Masterful Montreal has melted the Mellon. Wednesday’s decisive Game 7 Eastern Conference Semifinal between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens was the final contest at Mellon Arena. That’s because the visiting eighth seeded Canadiens improbably iced Pittsburgh 5-2 at the Igloo. Montreal disposed the defending Stanley Cup champions, despite entering the post-season with the worst record of the playoff teams. The Canadiens completed their ousting of the favored home team in front of a packed house in Pittsburgh, and face the winner of the Boston-Philadelphia series in the Eastern finals. The Canadiens are the first eighth seed to win two playoff series and are in the finals for the first time in 17 years. The Penguins exit the Igloo short of their third straight Stanley Cup appearance.
Pittsburgh lacked production and punch offensively in this series. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins’ top two scorers, combined for one goal and five assists. Goalie Marc Andre-Fleury allowed four goals on 13 shots last night before being lifted by Brent Johnson. It was too little, too late for the Penguins, however. Montreal, who ripped the hearts out of the top-seeded Capitals in round one, skated to an early 4-0 advantage Wednesday. The Canadiens scored 22 seconds after Crosby was whistled for a penalty in the first period. Brian Gionta slapped a power play goal into the net to help the Canadiens build a lead on the road. Montreal was 2-for-4 on the power play, while the Pens were a dismal 0-for-6 in one-man up situations. Dominic Moore made it a 2-0 contest with a wrister near the end of the first period. The gummy bear Pittsburgh offense was on full display last night. Pittsburgh struggled to test Montreal netminder, Jaroslav Halak. Halak was outstanding between the posts, with 37 saves. The Pens committed too many defensive turnovers can couldn’t contain the spectacular play on the opposite end of the ice.
The Canadiens kept putting together good chances against Fleury and added a pair of goals to increase their lead to 4-0 within the first five minutes of the second period. Mike Cammalleri took a feed in the slot and rifled it past Fleury for his league-leading 12th goal this post-season. Travis Moen grabbed a Penguins’ turnover on a Montreal power play and blasted the puck into the net to end Fleury’s night. Coach Dan Blysma pulled Fleury for Johnson, and the Penguins succeeded in scoring two second period goals to make a game of it. Chris Kunitz finally put Pittsburgh on the board at 8:36 with a crease shot on a Kris Letang rebound. The Penguins cut the deficit to two goals late in the second period when Jordan Staal tipped in a Alexi Ponikarovsky miss to stir the sellout crowd. Halak made a couple of incredible saves as Crosby and Malkin failed to help Pittsburgh climb closer. The Montreal defense continued to stuff and suffocate the big stars from Pittsburgh by forcing turnovers. Gionta picked up his second Game 7 goal in the third period, and seventh of the playoffs, to kill the hosts’ momentum. Gionta shoved Cammalleri’s rebound into an open net, catching Johnson out of position. The Canadiens prematurely ended Pittsburgh’s season behind 18 third period sensational Halak stops to seal the victory.
Parting Points: Happy Birthday to Barry Zito. I never realized his uncle was Patrick Duffy.
Music birthdays of note- Mary Wells and Stevie Wonder
Pittsburgh lacked production and punch offensively in this series. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins’ top two scorers, combined for one goal and five assists. Goalie Marc Andre-Fleury allowed four goals on 13 shots last night before being lifted by Brent Johnson. It was too little, too late for the Penguins, however. Montreal, who ripped the hearts out of the top-seeded Capitals in round one, skated to an early 4-0 advantage Wednesday. The Canadiens scored 22 seconds after Crosby was whistled for a penalty in the first period. Brian Gionta slapped a power play goal into the net to help the Canadiens build a lead on the road. Montreal was 2-for-4 on the power play, while the Pens were a dismal 0-for-6 in one-man up situations. Dominic Moore made it a 2-0 contest with a wrister near the end of the first period. The gummy bear Pittsburgh offense was on full display last night. Pittsburgh struggled to test Montreal netminder, Jaroslav Halak. Halak was outstanding between the posts, with 37 saves. The Pens committed too many defensive turnovers can couldn’t contain the spectacular play on the opposite end of the ice.
The Canadiens kept putting together good chances against Fleury and added a pair of goals to increase their lead to 4-0 within the first five minutes of the second period. Mike Cammalleri took a feed in the slot and rifled it past Fleury for his league-leading 12th goal this post-season. Travis Moen grabbed a Penguins’ turnover on a Montreal power play and blasted the puck into the net to end Fleury’s night. Coach Dan Blysma pulled Fleury for Johnson, and the Penguins succeeded in scoring two second period goals to make a game of it. Chris Kunitz finally put Pittsburgh on the board at 8:36 with a crease shot on a Kris Letang rebound. The Penguins cut the deficit to two goals late in the second period when Jordan Staal tipped in a Alexi Ponikarovsky miss to stir the sellout crowd. Halak made a couple of incredible saves as Crosby and Malkin failed to help Pittsburgh climb closer. The Montreal defense continued to stuff and suffocate the big stars from Pittsburgh by forcing turnovers. Gionta picked up his second Game 7 goal in the third period, and seventh of the playoffs, to kill the hosts’ momentum. Gionta shoved Cammalleri’s rebound into an open net, catching Johnson out of position. The Canadiens prematurely ended Pittsburgh’s season behind 18 third period sensational Halak stops to seal the victory.
Parting Points: Happy Birthday to Barry Zito. I never realized his uncle was Patrick Duffy.
Music birthdays of note- Mary Wells and Stevie Wonder
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Stranded in S.F.
Webb Wrings Win, Zito Zapped
Yesterday’s date was 511, so it seems only fitting to discuss baseball in the 511. San Francisco, area code 511, hosted the first place San Diego Padres Tuesday. The Giants have been on the losing side of four games against the Pads this season. San Diego arrived in the Bay Area to face a team coming off a 6-5 win at Citi Field Sunday. The Giants and Mets stranded 23 runners total in that game and the pitchers produced 16 walks. San Francisco carried that tone back home as the hometown hurlers issued 12 walks in a sloppy effort. Barry Zito lost for the first time this season as the Padres drove the lefty’s pitch count up. Zito struggled with location and labored through five frames and a career high seven walks. The Padres prevailed 3-2 to pad their NL West lead to 1 ½ games over the Giants. It wasn’t a celebratory 511 in the 511 because the baseball team was clipped and the ace pitcher was tagged for his first loss.
Twenty-four year old, Ryan Webb, picked up his first win by tossing 1 1/3 innings for the visiting San Diego club. The Padres grabbed a 2-0 lead in the second inning off Zito. Oscar Salazar had two hits, including a one-out single in the second. Jerry Hairston, Jr. followed Salazar’s slap with a ground rule double over the Bay Area centerfield fence. Zito loaded the bases with a pass to Scott Hairston and David Eckstein scraped together a base hit to drive in a pair of runs. San Francisco got a run back in the bottom of the third as Pablo Sandoval tripled and scored on Aubrey Huff’s base hit. Huff went 2-for-4 with an RBI for San Francisco, but the Giants stranded 11 base runners in the defeat. San Diego wasn’t better, leaving 15 on board. Pitcher, Wade LeBlanc, was charged with six hits, two runs and four walks through four plus innings for the Giants. San Diego added a run in the fifth. Zito walked Kyle Blanks with one out. Blanks stole second base and crossed home on backstop, Yorvit Torrealba’s hit to give the Padres a 3-1 lead. The Padres stole three total bases in Tuesday’s victory and Zito was done after 108 pitches. Zito steadied himself after allowing the runners waltz around the bases. He conferred with pitching coach, Dave Righetti, to get the final outs of the fifth. Zito contributed a hit at the plate, but finished the night with a 5-1 record on the hill.
Bruce Bochy’s Giants got within a run following Juan Uribe’s RBI in the home half of the fifth. The run was set up by Huff’s double a batter earlier. Huff cruised home to end the evening for LeBlanc. Eckstein reached base in all five at-bats and walked three times. Neither team would score again as run production came to a halt. Webb, Luke Gregerson and Mike Adams threw scoreless frames for the 20-12 Padres in relief, and Heath Bell earned the save with a hitless ninth. The Padres’ pitching has been phenomenal this season. San Diego leads the league in runs per game. The Giants are second in that category, which explains the low scoring affair between the California clubs Tuesday night.
Parting Points: Javier Vasquez is finally pitching a good game and the Yankees can’t score any runs.
It looks like LeBron and the Cavs may be ousted in Boston. Was Tuesday night James’ final as a Cleveland Cavalier?
Songs of the day: “Disarm” by Smashing Pumpkins and “Breathless” by the Corrs
Yesterday’s date was 511, so it seems only fitting to discuss baseball in the 511. San Francisco, area code 511, hosted the first place San Diego Padres Tuesday. The Giants have been on the losing side of four games against the Pads this season. San Diego arrived in the Bay Area to face a team coming off a 6-5 win at Citi Field Sunday. The Giants and Mets stranded 23 runners total in that game and the pitchers produced 16 walks. San Francisco carried that tone back home as the hometown hurlers issued 12 walks in a sloppy effort. Barry Zito lost for the first time this season as the Padres drove the lefty’s pitch count up. Zito struggled with location and labored through five frames and a career high seven walks. The Padres prevailed 3-2 to pad their NL West lead to 1 ½ games over the Giants. It wasn’t a celebratory 511 in the 511 because the baseball team was clipped and the ace pitcher was tagged for his first loss.
Twenty-four year old, Ryan Webb, picked up his first win by tossing 1 1/3 innings for the visiting San Diego club. The Padres grabbed a 2-0 lead in the second inning off Zito. Oscar Salazar had two hits, including a one-out single in the second. Jerry Hairston, Jr. followed Salazar’s slap with a ground rule double over the Bay Area centerfield fence. Zito loaded the bases with a pass to Scott Hairston and David Eckstein scraped together a base hit to drive in a pair of runs. San Francisco got a run back in the bottom of the third as Pablo Sandoval tripled and scored on Aubrey Huff’s base hit. Huff went 2-for-4 with an RBI for San Francisco, but the Giants stranded 11 base runners in the defeat. San Diego wasn’t better, leaving 15 on board. Pitcher, Wade LeBlanc, was charged with six hits, two runs and four walks through four plus innings for the Giants. San Diego added a run in the fifth. Zito walked Kyle Blanks with one out. Blanks stole second base and crossed home on backstop, Yorvit Torrealba’s hit to give the Padres a 3-1 lead. The Padres stole three total bases in Tuesday’s victory and Zito was done after 108 pitches. Zito steadied himself after allowing the runners waltz around the bases. He conferred with pitching coach, Dave Righetti, to get the final outs of the fifth. Zito contributed a hit at the plate, but finished the night with a 5-1 record on the hill.
Bruce Bochy’s Giants got within a run following Juan Uribe’s RBI in the home half of the fifth. The run was set up by Huff’s double a batter earlier. Huff cruised home to end the evening for LeBlanc. Eckstein reached base in all five at-bats and walked three times. Neither team would score again as run production came to a halt. Webb, Luke Gregerson and Mike Adams threw scoreless frames for the 20-12 Padres in relief, and Heath Bell earned the save with a hitless ninth. The Padres’ pitching has been phenomenal this season. San Diego leads the league in runs per game. The Giants are second in that category, which explains the low scoring affair between the California clubs Tuesday night.
Parting Points: Javier Vasquez is finally pitching a good game and the Yankees can’t score any runs.
It looks like LeBron and the Cavs may be ousted in Boston. Was Tuesday night James’ final as a Cleveland Cavalier?
Songs of the day: “Disarm” by Smashing Pumpkins and “Breathless” by the Corrs
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Weakened by Worth
The fear in us is weakened by the spirit
If we just put aside our doubt
The thoughts we know exist throughout
Begin to come about
When we’re alive is when we lose feeling
In our minds is where we sense
And practice silence
After our emotions commence
The ability to know when to act is innate
When you’re about to hit a serve
Swirling worlds converge
Passions magically merge
There’s nothing more poetic than sport
Loving something for its pure worth
The penetrating beauty from Earth
Planted inside each soul at birth
Parting Points: Song of the day- "Pictures of You" by the Cure
If we just put aside our doubt
The thoughts we know exist throughout
Begin to come about
When we’re alive is when we lose feeling
In our minds is where we sense
And practice silence
After our emotions commence
The ability to know when to act is innate
When you’re about to hit a serve
Swirling worlds converge
Passions magically merge
There’s nothing more poetic than sport
Loving something for its pure worth
The penetrating beauty from Earth
Planted inside each soul at birth
Parting Points: Song of the day- "Pictures of You" by the Cure
Monday, May 10, 2010
Bothered by a Bit
I figure it’s Monday, so I am entitled to vent a little bit. These are just a few things that are bothering me today (in alphabetical order)
A) A.J. Burnett. The guy can wow you with brilliant pitching one day and the next be a total screwball on the mound
B) Buckeye Bobby Carpenter. The Cowboys traded away the former OSU linebacker for a player in St. Louis’ Alex Barron with just as much talent. Granted Carpenter didn’t do much with Dallas, but he was a Buckeye for pete’s sake!
C) Cavaliers and Celtics. I really don’t know which team I dislike more.
D) Dallas Braden. Why was it so hard to believe Braden capable of pitching a perfect game? Let’s give the guy some credit. Heck of a job, especially against a potent Tampa Bay offense.
E) English Premier League. Chelsea held off Manchester United for the crown. Woopie!
F) Fearless. I cannot get that Taylor Swift song out of my head.
G) Giants. Way to go Oliver Perez for walking seven San Francisco batters in three innings.
H) Hair. Tim Lincecum—please cut it. There is no reason a pitcher needs hair that length. You are not a surfer. Take a cue from Randy Johnson and visit a barber shop.
I) Interviews. Why can’t players speak clear English during interviews?
J) Jazz. They can’t get anyone to step up against the Lakers and make a series out of this. Can somebody please contain Kobe?
K) Kobe Bryant. See above.
L) LeBron James. He just irks me.
M) Manny Pacquiao. Why won’t he take a blood and urine test again? Superstition? Please.
N) Nuts. Who came up with the idea to run chocolate chip cookies by baking them with nuts?
O) Orioles. Baltimore is a sad, sad franchise. It’s such a shame because I love Camden Yards.
P) Playoff hockey. I am disappointed with the playoffs so far. Maybe I am just bitter about the Kings and Devils being knocked out.
Q) Qualms. I hate having them in my life.
R) Red Sox. Enough said.
S) Spurs. I was expecting more after their impressive first round manhandling of the Mavs.
T) Tiger Woods. Please sir, just go away.
U) USC. Former Trojan, Brian Cushing violated the NFL steroid policy. Another knock for the prestigious So Cal football program.
V) Virginia lacrosse. Truly bothersome.
W) Wind. A tennis player’s worst enemy.
X) X as in strikes—something the Yankees have been swinging and missing a lot of lately.
Y) Why does it have to be Monday?
Z) Zach Grienke. Where is the run support?
OK I feel a little better. Tomorrow is Tuesday.
A) A.J. Burnett. The guy can wow you with brilliant pitching one day and the next be a total screwball on the mound
B) Buckeye Bobby Carpenter. The Cowboys traded away the former OSU linebacker for a player in St. Louis’ Alex Barron with just as much talent. Granted Carpenter didn’t do much with Dallas, but he was a Buckeye for pete’s sake!
C) Cavaliers and Celtics. I really don’t know which team I dislike more.
D) Dallas Braden. Why was it so hard to believe Braden capable of pitching a perfect game? Let’s give the guy some credit. Heck of a job, especially against a potent Tampa Bay offense.
E) English Premier League. Chelsea held off Manchester United for the crown. Woopie!
F) Fearless. I cannot get that Taylor Swift song out of my head.
G) Giants. Way to go Oliver Perez for walking seven San Francisco batters in three innings.
H) Hair. Tim Lincecum—please cut it. There is no reason a pitcher needs hair that length. You are not a surfer. Take a cue from Randy Johnson and visit a barber shop.
I) Interviews. Why can’t players speak clear English during interviews?
J) Jazz. They can’t get anyone to step up against the Lakers and make a series out of this. Can somebody please contain Kobe?
K) Kobe Bryant. See above.
L) LeBron James. He just irks me.
M) Manny Pacquiao. Why won’t he take a blood and urine test again? Superstition? Please.
N) Nuts. Who came up with the idea to run chocolate chip cookies by baking them with nuts?
O) Orioles. Baltimore is a sad, sad franchise. It’s such a shame because I love Camden Yards.
P) Playoff hockey. I am disappointed with the playoffs so far. Maybe I am just bitter about the Kings and Devils being knocked out.
Q) Qualms. I hate having them in my life.
R) Red Sox. Enough said.
S) Spurs. I was expecting more after their impressive first round manhandling of the Mavs.
T) Tiger Woods. Please sir, just go away.
U) USC. Former Trojan, Brian Cushing violated the NFL steroid policy. Another knock for the prestigious So Cal football program.
V) Virginia lacrosse. Truly bothersome.
W) Wind. A tennis player’s worst enemy.
X) X as in strikes—something the Yankees have been swinging and missing a lot of lately.
Y) Why does it have to be Monday?
Z) Zach Grienke. Where is the run support?
OK I feel a little better. Tomorrow is Tuesday.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Behind the Ball
Together the two of us climbed
Unable to comprehend the vast incline
Leaving chartered courts behind
Springing upon something sweeter than wine
Looking beyond the sun soaked beams
There in the open atmosphere lay
A soggy tennis ball with broken seams
The last remains of a brighter day
I picked it up with uncertainty
Bounced and examined the object lean
And discovered a dull, dead entity
As it rolled lifelessly across the green
Then you reminded me of the game
Not long ago where our feet now stood
The day you defeated me with zealous aim
And suddenly, from that ball, I understood
You can’t go back and change your faults
They glow and linger like embers and dust
But you can learn how to dance and waltz
Overcoming setbacks before rain turns to rust
Unable to comprehend the vast incline
Leaving chartered courts behind
Springing upon something sweeter than wine
Looking beyond the sun soaked beams
There in the open atmosphere lay
A soggy tennis ball with broken seams
The last remains of a brighter day
I picked it up with uncertainty
Bounced and examined the object lean
And discovered a dull, dead entity
As it rolled lifelessly across the green
Then you reminded me of the game
Not long ago where our feet now stood
The day you defeated me with zealous aim
And suddenly, from that ball, I understood
You can’t go back and change your faults
They glow and linger like embers and dust
But you can learn how to dance and waltz
Overcoming setbacks before rain turns to rust
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Beaten Boston
The good news for Boston area sports enthusiasts was that the idle Patriots didn’t lose. The bad news: the Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox all lost Friday night. The BoSox were clobbered at Fenway Park by their New York archrivals 10-3 and the Bruins dropped an overtime game on the road in Philadelphia. But perhaps the most emphatic trumping occurred at Boston’s TD Garden, where the hometown Celtics allowed LeBron James and the Cavaliers to blow them out of the arena in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. James recorded 38 points as Cleveland topped the Celtics 124-95. The trio of Beantown losses is certainly blistering for the city’s fans. Another certainty stemming from Friday is the Celtics’ worst home defeat in playoff history. The Cavs have control of the series with a 2-1 edge.
James jammed 21 points in the first quarter for the new franchise post-season record. The MVP added eight assists, seven rebounds and a pair of blocks to his Game 3 stat sheet. He showed little signs of an ailing elbow that dominated the talk of the three day Cleveland layoff. Instead, he finished with an historical night and helped to salvage a split at TD Garden for the Cavs. Antawn James contributed 20 points and 12 boards for Cleveland but it was the other James who engineered the victory. LeBron bucketed 8-of-10 shots in the pivotal first quarter as the Cavs outscored the Celtics 36-17. James’ statement scoring spree in the opening quarter was followed up by more soft jumpers and aggressive drives to close out the half. Boston’s Paul Pierce missed his first six shots and the Celtics’ offense was frozen from the tipoff. The former Kansas guard didn’t find the basket until midway through the second quarter. By that time, the Cavs led by as many as 24 points. Pierce finished with 11 points, shooting 4-for-15. James attacked the Boston defense early and the game never really was a close contest. He was the tone setter for the top seed Friday night. Five Cavs scored in double figures, energized by the best player on the court. James operated as the dynamic force paving the way for a pulverizing performance.
Kevin Garnett sparked the home team with 19 points in 31 minutes on the hardwood. Garnett tried to outhustle Jamison, but instead was frustrated and held to just one assist. Ray Allen was just 2-of-9 from the field with 7 points on the night. Boston’s Big Three (Garnett, Pierce and Allen) were a collective 2-for-10 in the first quarter as the Celtics fell into a 36-17 hole. Rajon Rondo lit a fuse on the floor for Boston with a solid 18 point effort. Rondo was still limited by the Cavs’ feisty defense, notably Anthony Parker. Parker applied full court pressure and stretched the floor as the Celtics often found themselves without open looks and whistled for fouls. Shaquille O’Neal drained 12 points and 9 rebounds and Delonte West knotted 14 points while going perfect from the line. Guard Mo Williams drilled 12 points in the win. The Celtics were just 4-of-17 from long range and managed 43% from the field. Even their size advantage wasn’t advantageous for a beaten Boston. They were overwhelmingly outrebounded 45-30 and had a hard time leaving an impression in the paint. Cleveland stampeded the paint, posting 50 points inside. The resilient Cavs never trailed by less than 20 points after halftime.
Parting Points: What a dreary and rainy Saturday…
James jammed 21 points in the first quarter for the new franchise post-season record. The MVP added eight assists, seven rebounds and a pair of blocks to his Game 3 stat sheet. He showed little signs of an ailing elbow that dominated the talk of the three day Cleveland layoff. Instead, he finished with an historical night and helped to salvage a split at TD Garden for the Cavs. Antawn James contributed 20 points and 12 boards for Cleveland but it was the other James who engineered the victory. LeBron bucketed 8-of-10 shots in the pivotal first quarter as the Cavs outscored the Celtics 36-17. James’ statement scoring spree in the opening quarter was followed up by more soft jumpers and aggressive drives to close out the half. Boston’s Paul Pierce missed his first six shots and the Celtics’ offense was frozen from the tipoff. The former Kansas guard didn’t find the basket until midway through the second quarter. By that time, the Cavs led by as many as 24 points. Pierce finished with 11 points, shooting 4-for-15. James attacked the Boston defense early and the game never really was a close contest. He was the tone setter for the top seed Friday night. Five Cavs scored in double figures, energized by the best player on the court. James operated as the dynamic force paving the way for a pulverizing performance.
Kevin Garnett sparked the home team with 19 points in 31 minutes on the hardwood. Garnett tried to outhustle Jamison, but instead was frustrated and held to just one assist. Ray Allen was just 2-of-9 from the field with 7 points on the night. Boston’s Big Three (Garnett, Pierce and Allen) were a collective 2-for-10 in the first quarter as the Celtics fell into a 36-17 hole. Rajon Rondo lit a fuse on the floor for Boston with a solid 18 point effort. Rondo was still limited by the Cavs’ feisty defense, notably Anthony Parker. Parker applied full court pressure and stretched the floor as the Celtics often found themselves without open looks and whistled for fouls. Shaquille O’Neal drained 12 points and 9 rebounds and Delonte West knotted 14 points while going perfect from the line. Guard Mo Williams drilled 12 points in the win. The Celtics were just 4-of-17 from long range and managed 43% from the field. Even their size advantage wasn’t advantageous for a beaten Boston. They were overwhelmingly outrebounded 45-30 and had a hard time leaving an impression in the paint. Cleveland stampeded the paint, posting 50 points inside. The resilient Cavs never trailed by less than 20 points after halftime.
Parting Points: What a dreary and rainy Saturday…
Friday, May 7, 2010
Hawks in Hole
The Atlanta Hawks flapped their wings early but it was the Orlando Magic who took flight in the second half of last night’s Eastern Conference Semifinal Game 2. Orlando pushed their winning streak to 12 with a 112-98 comeback win at Amway Arena. The Magic are the league’s only undefeated team this post-season and have a 2-0 edge in the series against Atlanta. The Hawks built an eight point lead in Game 2 after losing to Orlando by 43 points in the series opener. Atlanta never threatened the Magic over the last nine minutes of the game, however. The defending Eastern conference champions turned the deficit into a win as Atlanta’s offense stalled down the stretch. The Magic buried the birds 28-15 in the fourth quarter to cap off the comeback. Orlando’s Dwight Howard finished with 29 points and 17 rebounds. Four players scored at least twenty points for the Magic in Thursday’s win.
Howard was sent to the bench in early foul trouble after a commanding 19 point first quarter by the All-Star. Al Horford led the charge for the visiting Hawks with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Jamal Crawford was a bucket shy, with 23 points in the loss. It was a struggle for Atlanta at first as the Magic scored on nine of their first eleven possessions for a double digit advantage in the first. Horford collected 14 second quarter points on 5 of 6 shots. The Hawks made all ten free throw attempts in the second quarter to finish the half 15-of-15 from the charity stripe. They also took advantage of Howard’s absence by attacking the rim on a 15-3 second quarter run. Atlanta took a 57-49 lead into the intermission before the Magic put a stop to the Hawks’ run.
Orlando erased Atlanta’s nine point edge with an 11-2 run to begin the third quarter. Jameer Nelson banked a 3-pointer as time expired in the third to put the Magic ahead by one point. Nelson scored 20 points and dished out six assists in the valiant victory. The Magic firepower continued to stymie Atlanta’s porous defense. Vince Carter became the hero of the second half, and finished with 24 points on the night. Carter and Mickael Pietrus gave the home team a 98-87 lead with 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions to deflate the Hawks. Crawford missed on four consecutive shots and the Hawks scoring lull put them in a grim fourth quarter hole. Joe Johnson finally found the basket to trim the Hawks’ deficit to 98-89 with just over seven minutes remaining. Johnson had 19 points, but the Hawks’ Southeast division rivals increased their lead to 19 points to put the game out of reach. Howard was red hot from the line and Carter was a blocking beast who found his shooting touch in time. The Magic shot 55.9% to the Hawks’ 41.3% from the field. Atlanta’s effort was much improved from Tuesday’s road embarrassment, but it’s going to take an extra force to overtake Orlando. Saturday’s Game 3 is at Phillips Arena in Atlanta.
Parting Points: The Habs tie the Pens and Franzen goes crazy against San Jose to give Detroit a win.
Howard was sent to the bench in early foul trouble after a commanding 19 point first quarter by the All-Star. Al Horford led the charge for the visiting Hawks with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Jamal Crawford was a bucket shy, with 23 points in the loss. It was a struggle for Atlanta at first as the Magic scored on nine of their first eleven possessions for a double digit advantage in the first. Horford collected 14 second quarter points on 5 of 6 shots. The Hawks made all ten free throw attempts in the second quarter to finish the half 15-of-15 from the charity stripe. They also took advantage of Howard’s absence by attacking the rim on a 15-3 second quarter run. Atlanta took a 57-49 lead into the intermission before the Magic put a stop to the Hawks’ run.
Orlando erased Atlanta’s nine point edge with an 11-2 run to begin the third quarter. Jameer Nelson banked a 3-pointer as time expired in the third to put the Magic ahead by one point. Nelson scored 20 points and dished out six assists in the valiant victory. The Magic firepower continued to stymie Atlanta’s porous defense. Vince Carter became the hero of the second half, and finished with 24 points on the night. Carter and Mickael Pietrus gave the home team a 98-87 lead with 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions to deflate the Hawks. Crawford missed on four consecutive shots and the Hawks scoring lull put them in a grim fourth quarter hole. Joe Johnson finally found the basket to trim the Hawks’ deficit to 98-89 with just over seven minutes remaining. Johnson had 19 points, but the Hawks’ Southeast division rivals increased their lead to 19 points to put the game out of reach. Howard was red hot from the line and Carter was a blocking beast who found his shooting touch in time. The Magic shot 55.9% to the Hawks’ 41.3% from the field. Atlanta’s effort was much improved from Tuesday’s road embarrassment, but it’s going to take an extra force to overtake Orlando. Saturday’s Game 3 is at Phillips Arena in Atlanta.
Parting Points: The Habs tie the Pens and Franzen goes crazy against San Jose to give Detroit a win.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Short of Six
I was so mad at myself I began to cry
Shouting inside as the tears filled my eye
One hand on my hip and the other behind
I clutched my teeth and tried to clear my mind
What happened to the girl with confident strokes
Who took her place with careless picks and pokes
This wasn’t the way I trained or dreamed
I had her at five-six or so it seemed
Waiting to tie the set while serving clean
Until she pounced and punched the ball mean
Breaking back and delivering a seventh game
Denying me the chance at tiebreaking fame
I’m finished with this I heard myself gasp
It was even more than my own soul could grasp
Shouting inside as the tears filled my eye
One hand on my hip and the other behind
I clutched my teeth and tried to clear my mind
What happened to the girl with confident strokes
Who took her place with careless picks and pokes
This wasn’t the way I trained or dreamed
I had her at five-six or so it seemed
Waiting to tie the set while serving clean
Until she pounced and punched the ball mean
Breaking back and delivering a seventh game
Denying me the chance at tiebreaking fame
I’m finished with this I heard myself gasp
It was even more than my own soul could grasp
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Flirting with Fleury
Marc-Andre Fleury’s flawless goaltending and a Pittsburgh power play were all the Penguins needed to defeat the Canadiens 2-0 at Bell Centre Tuesday night. The Penguins lead the Eastern Conference playoff semifinal series 2-1 after shutting out and shutting down Montreal at home. The accomplishment was the first time since 1983 the Canadiens have been blanked in a playoff home contest. Fleury turned away 18 shots on goal and Evgeni Malkin provided his fourth power play goal, and fifth of the post-season, to lift the visiting defending Stanley Cup Champions to a Game 3 victory. Game 4 is Thursday night at Bell Centre with Game 5 slated for Saturday in Pittsburgh’s Mellon Arena.
The game remained scoreless through two periods until Malkin broke through with a goal at 1:16 in the third. The Canadiens controlled play during the opening period, ringing up seven shots to the Pens’ three on goal. The Pens buckled down on defense and committed to blocking shots in the next two periods. Pittsburgh’s offense also dominated the final two periods, outshooting Montreal 22-11, despite skating without Jordan Staal and Bill Guerin. The offense cleared rebounds and relied on their energetic goaltender. Mark Letestu replaced Staal. He won ten faceoffs while logging over twelve minutes. The Penguins went on the power play when Canadien defenseman, Hal Gill, was whistled for holding Sidney Crosby. The Penguins immediately put the one-man advantage to use. Sergei Gonchar found Malkin from the left point and the 23 year old Russian rifled the puck past Jarsoslav Halak to put the Pens in front 1-0. Alex Goligoski assisted on the goal and Malkin used Crosby as a screen in front of the net. Malkin has 10 points in nine playoff games this year. Last night ended a four game scoreless drought for the Penguins’ center.
The Montreal netminder made some brilliant saves and had to be at his best when the Candiens trailed late in the third period. Halak stopped 23 shots for Montreal but the Canadiens were 0-for-2 on the power play and couldn’t squeeze anything by Quebec native, Fleury. Former NJ Devil, Brian Gionta, took seven stabs at the goal, with little success. Fleury made eight saves after Malkin gave the Penguins a one-goal edge, including a right pad stop on a Gionta slap shot from the right point. Pascal Dupuis dropped an empty netter in the final 15 seconds to seal the 2-0 win for Pittsburgh. Fleury flirted with a shutout and succeeded. The shutout was Fleury’s fourth NHL playoff shutout. The Penguins snatched back home advantage with the Tuesday’s triumph in Canada.
Parting Points: Sad news about the passing of legendary broadcaster, Ernie Harwell.
In other Detroit area sports stories--It looks like the Sharks are on the verge of eliminating the Red Wings.
Song of the day- Beck’s “E-Pro”
The game remained scoreless through two periods until Malkin broke through with a goal at 1:16 in the third. The Canadiens controlled play during the opening period, ringing up seven shots to the Pens’ three on goal. The Pens buckled down on defense and committed to blocking shots in the next two periods. Pittsburgh’s offense also dominated the final two periods, outshooting Montreal 22-11, despite skating without Jordan Staal and Bill Guerin. The offense cleared rebounds and relied on their energetic goaltender. Mark Letestu replaced Staal. He won ten faceoffs while logging over twelve minutes. The Penguins went on the power play when Canadien defenseman, Hal Gill, was whistled for holding Sidney Crosby. The Penguins immediately put the one-man advantage to use. Sergei Gonchar found Malkin from the left point and the 23 year old Russian rifled the puck past Jarsoslav Halak to put the Pens in front 1-0. Alex Goligoski assisted on the goal and Malkin used Crosby as a screen in front of the net. Malkin has 10 points in nine playoff games this year. Last night ended a four game scoreless drought for the Penguins’ center.
The Montreal netminder made some brilliant saves and had to be at his best when the Candiens trailed late in the third period. Halak stopped 23 shots for Montreal but the Canadiens were 0-for-2 on the power play and couldn’t squeeze anything by Quebec native, Fleury. Former NJ Devil, Brian Gionta, took seven stabs at the goal, with little success. Fleury made eight saves after Malkin gave the Penguins a one-goal edge, including a right pad stop on a Gionta slap shot from the right point. Pascal Dupuis dropped an empty netter in the final 15 seconds to seal the 2-0 win for Pittsburgh. Fleury flirted with a shutout and succeeded. The shutout was Fleury’s fourth NHL playoff shutout. The Penguins snatched back home advantage with the Tuesday’s triumph in Canada.
Parting Points: Sad news about the passing of legendary broadcaster, Ernie Harwell.
In other Detroit area sports stories--It looks like the Sharks are on the verge of eliminating the Red Wings.
Song of the day- Beck’s “E-Pro”
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Taken
The smell of tennis ball dust fills the air
When I pop open a pair of three in a can
Their highlighted bounce draws my stare
Painting against the sky like a crayon
I bring my belongings to center court
Mindful of the wind at my shorts
A moving sun breaks where clouds abort
The ray of light in the loneliest of sports
The time it takes to spin my racquet
Equates to the fraction of seconds I knew
Without a sensible reason to back it
My heart fell deeply in love with you
The pinging sounds like the bang of a drum
Silenced by slices cut craftily in space
I can almost hear the harmony of your hum
The sweet voice from your handsome face
The lobs and drops and two-handed slaps
Understate the skills it takes to react
When the shots sail towards the open gaps
You’re forced to keep your game in tact
It takes concentration, effort and strength
Losing and gaining at momentous stakes
A disciplined desire to endure the length
Like realizing you’re worth whatever it takes
When I pop open a pair of three in a can
Their highlighted bounce draws my stare
Painting against the sky like a crayon
I bring my belongings to center court
Mindful of the wind at my shorts
A moving sun breaks where clouds abort
The ray of light in the loneliest of sports
The time it takes to spin my racquet
Equates to the fraction of seconds I knew
Without a sensible reason to back it
My heart fell deeply in love with you
The pinging sounds like the bang of a drum
Silenced by slices cut craftily in space
I can almost hear the harmony of your hum
The sweet voice from your handsome face
The lobs and drops and two-handed slaps
Understate the skills it takes to react
When the shots sail towards the open gaps
You’re forced to keep your game in tact
It takes concentration, effort and strength
Losing and gaining at momentous stakes
A disciplined desire to endure the length
Like realizing you’re worth whatever it takes
Monday, May 3, 2010
Firm Finish
LeBron James may be the MVP of the NBA, but last season’s MVP, Kobe Bryant, was the most explosive player last night on the hardwood. Bryant buried the most buckets in L.A. lashing of Utah in Game 1 of the Western conference semifinals Sunday at Staples Center. The Jazz watched their four point fourth quarter lead vanish as Bryant drained seven consecutive points to lift the Lakers to a 104-99 home victory. Bryant finished with 31 points, 11 of which he scored in the final four minute rally. The Lakers are 4-0 at home this postseason and are singing a finely tuned song after thumping the Jazz.
Utah has now dropped 15 straight games at Staples Center to the Lakers. L.A. will host game two of the best-of-seven series on Tuesday night. The visitors expect better results after a tough, but well fought, first game. The Jazz had five players score in seven digits but were out-rebounded by L.A.’s enigmatic defense. Deron Williams collected 24 points and eight assists for the fifth-seeded Jazz. Carlos Boozer banked 18 and dished out 12 rebounds while Paul Millsap added nine rebounds. Pau Gasol provided a steady hand with 25 points for the Lakers. Gasol also blocked five shots against the injured Jazz front line. Utah was without starters, Andrei Kirelinko and Mehmet Okur and struggled to guard the Lakers inside. Utah battled back in the second quarter to make it a 30-23 deficit after L.A. opened up an 8-0 advantage. The hosts increased their lead on a 9-0 run to bust open a 39-25 lead. The Jazz stayed with L.A. to trim the margin to eight at the break. Wesley Matthews managed back-to-back three pointers for Utah to cut the Lakers’ lead to three with six minutes remaining in the third. L.A.’s six point burst allowed them to close out the quarter on the upside of 81-73. Utah rallied off 10 points to take over the opening minutes of the final quarter. The visitors led 85-82 until Gasol tied the game with a downtown dink (or a Pau put-back)
Bryant was a perfect 7-for-7 from the line. He capped off the Lakers’ comeback with a pull-up jumper near the line with 1:20 remaining to give L.A. a 96-93 edge. Williams made it a one point game again when he drew a foul and dialed in a pair of free throws for the Jazz. Lamar Odom invoked an emotional charge during the final minute for the home team. Odom blocked a Boozer shot and later scored off a crucial offensive rebound with less than a minute on the clock. L.A.’s point guard and former Jazz star, Derek Fisher, grabbed a key steal on Utah’s next possession and Bryant closed out the play with an acrobatic layup for a three point Lakers’ lead. Bryant rattled off two free throws with 19 seconds to go to keep the five point lead intact, and Gasol sealed the deal with a pair of his own from the charity stripe. The defending champions outlasted the opener and have the early edge in this series after their five point triumph.
Parting Points: A belated but sincere congratulations to Derby winner, Super Saver!
Utah has now dropped 15 straight games at Staples Center to the Lakers. L.A. will host game two of the best-of-seven series on Tuesday night. The visitors expect better results after a tough, but well fought, first game. The Jazz had five players score in seven digits but were out-rebounded by L.A.’s enigmatic defense. Deron Williams collected 24 points and eight assists for the fifth-seeded Jazz. Carlos Boozer banked 18 and dished out 12 rebounds while Paul Millsap added nine rebounds. Pau Gasol provided a steady hand with 25 points for the Lakers. Gasol also blocked five shots against the injured Jazz front line. Utah was without starters, Andrei Kirelinko and Mehmet Okur and struggled to guard the Lakers inside. Utah battled back in the second quarter to make it a 30-23 deficit after L.A. opened up an 8-0 advantage. The hosts increased their lead on a 9-0 run to bust open a 39-25 lead. The Jazz stayed with L.A. to trim the margin to eight at the break. Wesley Matthews managed back-to-back three pointers for Utah to cut the Lakers’ lead to three with six minutes remaining in the third. L.A.’s six point burst allowed them to close out the quarter on the upside of 81-73. Utah rallied off 10 points to take over the opening minutes of the final quarter. The visitors led 85-82 until Gasol tied the game with a downtown dink (or a Pau put-back)
Bryant was a perfect 7-for-7 from the line. He capped off the Lakers’ comeback with a pull-up jumper near the line with 1:20 remaining to give L.A. a 96-93 edge. Williams made it a one point game again when he drew a foul and dialed in a pair of free throws for the Jazz. Lamar Odom invoked an emotional charge during the final minute for the home team. Odom blocked a Boozer shot and later scored off a crucial offensive rebound with less than a minute on the clock. L.A.’s point guard and former Jazz star, Derek Fisher, grabbed a key steal on Utah’s next possession and Bryant closed out the play with an acrobatic layup for a three point Lakers’ lead. Bryant rattled off two free throws with 19 seconds to go to keep the five point lead intact, and Gasol sealed the deal with a pair of his own from the charity stripe. The defending champions outlasted the opener and have the early edge in this series after their five point triumph.
Parting Points: A belated but sincere congratulations to Derby winner, Super Saver!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Mets' May Momentum
The Metropolitans are the hottest baseball team in New York City. The Mets ended April with a one game lead in the NL East and a 14-9 record. The hottest team in baseball is coming off a 9-1 home stand and shows little sign of cooling as the calendar flips to May. New York buried rival Philadelphia 9-1 Friday night behind a solid start from Jonathon Niese. Niese tossed seven innings to pick up his first victory of the season as the Mets coasted to their eighth straight win. New York faces Phillies’ ace, Roy Halladay, at Citizens Bank Park Saturday. League ERA leader, Mike Pelfrey, will toe the rubber for the Mets as they hope to extend their successful soaring streak. They would love nothing more than to win a series against the arch rivals Phillies to accumulate more victories.
Former Philadelphia backstop, Rod Barajas, drilled a pair of homeruns in the win for New York. Outfielder, Jeff Francoeur, and third baseman David Wright, also went deep. It was the fourth tater of the year for the Mets’ All-star. Wright’s second inning two-run smack was followed by Francoeur’s solo blast two batters later. The Mets’ right fielder also contributed in the field, running down a Raul Ibanez fly ball in the second inning. Francoeur’s right knee took a beating on the play and could be sidelined today. Singles by Juan Castro and Carlos Ruiz produced the only Phillies’ tally. Ruiz knocked Jayson Werth home during the second frame. It was Niese’s only shaky inning of the game but the corner outfielders saved the Phillies from scoring more. Left fielder, Jason Bay’s leaping snatch of a Shane Victorino liner with two outs ended the threat. Niese dominated the Phillies’ powerful lineup the rest of the way. The rookie retired the next 14 batters. He threw just six pitches during the third inning and finished the night with seven strikeouts. Niese stunned the sluggers with an effective cutter and was able to get ahead in the count against the defending NL champs.
Kyle Kendrick endured the loss for the home team. Kendrick allowed four runs on five hits through five poor innings on the mound. Barajas belted Kendrick’s full count offering over the fence in the top of the fifth to give the Mets a 4-1 lead. Francoeur was hit by a pitch and stole a base in the seventh with Cuban reliever, Danys Baez replacing Kendrick. Barajas doubled to centerfield for the RBI and went to third on a wild pitch by Baez. The Philadelphia pitcher yielded four runs in the seventh and exited with his team losing 8-1. Angel Pagan pounded a two-run triple and Jose Reyes singled him in for the fourth tally of the frame. Closer, Brad Lidge, was summoned from the Philadelphia pen in the ninth. Lidge gave up New York’s fourth homerun and the second by their 34 year old catcher. Barajas hit his fifth homer on a 1-1 pitch to lead off the ninth. Pagan added a single in the ninth to complete a three hit, two RBI night for the Mets’ leadoff man. Jenrry Mejia and Manny Acosta tossed back-to-back scoreless innings for the Mets out of the bullpen.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Glycerine” by Bush
Former Philadelphia backstop, Rod Barajas, drilled a pair of homeruns in the win for New York. Outfielder, Jeff Francoeur, and third baseman David Wright, also went deep. It was the fourth tater of the year for the Mets’ All-star. Wright’s second inning two-run smack was followed by Francoeur’s solo blast two batters later. The Mets’ right fielder also contributed in the field, running down a Raul Ibanez fly ball in the second inning. Francoeur’s right knee took a beating on the play and could be sidelined today. Singles by Juan Castro and Carlos Ruiz produced the only Phillies’ tally. Ruiz knocked Jayson Werth home during the second frame. It was Niese’s only shaky inning of the game but the corner outfielders saved the Phillies from scoring more. Left fielder, Jason Bay’s leaping snatch of a Shane Victorino liner with two outs ended the threat. Niese dominated the Phillies’ powerful lineup the rest of the way. The rookie retired the next 14 batters. He threw just six pitches during the third inning and finished the night with seven strikeouts. Niese stunned the sluggers with an effective cutter and was able to get ahead in the count against the defending NL champs.
Kyle Kendrick endured the loss for the home team. Kendrick allowed four runs on five hits through five poor innings on the mound. Barajas belted Kendrick’s full count offering over the fence in the top of the fifth to give the Mets a 4-1 lead. Francoeur was hit by a pitch and stole a base in the seventh with Cuban reliever, Danys Baez replacing Kendrick. Barajas doubled to centerfield for the RBI and went to third on a wild pitch by Baez. The Philadelphia pitcher yielded four runs in the seventh and exited with his team losing 8-1. Angel Pagan pounded a two-run triple and Jose Reyes singled him in for the fourth tally of the frame. Closer, Brad Lidge, was summoned from the Philadelphia pen in the ninth. Lidge gave up New York’s fourth homerun and the second by their 34 year old catcher. Barajas hit his fifth homer on a 1-1 pitch to lead off the ninth. Pagan added a single in the ninth to complete a three hit, two RBI night for the Mets’ leadoff man. Jenrry Mejia and Manny Acosta tossed back-to-back scoreless innings for the Mets out of the bullpen.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Glycerine” by Bush
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