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fore doing so, and investigators will monito
Topic Started: Oct 26 2012, 09:27 AM (12 Views)
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MINNEAPOLIS -- Evan Longoria is back on the field, and the Tampa Bay Rays are back in the AL East race. Andy Dalton Jersey . Jeff Keppinger hit tiebreaking grounder after the All-Star third baseman was intentionally walked in a four-run, 10th inning, and the Rays beat the Minnesota Twins 7-3 Sunday to improve to 6-0 since Longoria returned from a three-month layoff. "I believe in all these guys," manager Joe Maddon said. "I like the energy with which were playing." Tampa Bay swept consecutive three-game series against Toronto and the Twins, the first time the Rays swept opponents back-to-back since April 12-19, 2010, at Baltimore and Boston. The Rays sent Minnesota to its fifth straight loss, matched their longest winning streak this season and are five games behind the AL East-leading New York Yankees, the closest Tampa Bay has been to first place since the morning of June 26. Longoria missed 85 games because of a partially torn left hamstring and hasnt found his power swing yet, hitting .261 (6 for 23) with a double and four RBIs in his return -- all as a designated hitter. Luke Scott (right oblique) is likely coming back from the disabled list this week, and pitcher Jeff Niemann is on an injury rehabilitation assignment for the reviving Rays. Tampa Bay, which improved to 4-4 in extra innings this season, broke a 3-all tie after Desmond Jennings singled off Alex Burnett (4-4) leading off the 10th and stole second. B.J. Upton walked and Ben Zobrist sacrificed Jennings to third. After the walk to Longoria loaded the bases, Jeff Keppinger bounced to shortstop Brian Dozier, who appeared to have time to throw home for a forceout or to second in an attempt for a double play. Instead, he threw to first as Tampa Bay took the lead. "Everybody has an opinion on where he should have thrown the ball, but Im going to back my player here," Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He did what he thought was right." Dozier wanted to play it safe. "A smart infielder makes sure he gets one out right there," he said. "Every shortstop in the league wouldve done the same thing." Tampa Bay, which overcame three errors, was pleased at the break. "Its good to have one every once in a while," Jennings said. "I thought he was going to try to turn a double play." Tyler Robertson relieved and hit Carlos Pena with a pitch, reloading the bases. Ryan Roberts followed with a two-run single off Casey Fien, his third hit of the game, and pinch-hitter Matt Joyce singled in a run. Kyle Farnsworth (1-3) worked around a one-out single in the ninth for first win since Aug. 21 against Seattle, and Fernando Rodney retired his only batter for his league-leading 36th save in 37 attempts. Tampa Bay starter James Shields tied his season low with just two strikeouts, allowing three runs -- two earned -- and five hits in seven innings. He twice stranded runners who reached third with one out. "Today was a grind," he said. "Our defence wasnt there, but weve had good defence since the (All-Star) break and are playing well." Minnesota starter Scott Diamond allowed three runs and eight hits in seven innings, matching his season highs with two walks and two home runs allowed. Jennings hit his third career leadoff homer for Tampa Bay and Keppinger homered in the second for a 2-0 lead. Keppingers error allowed Josh Willingham to reach in the bottom half, and Justin Morneaus two-run homer tied the score. Denard Span doubled and scored in the third, then left in the seventh with right shoulder pain, an inning after his diving attempt on a ball by Keppinger that wound up as a double. X-rays showed no damage and the Twins said he is day to day. Consecutive doubles by Roberts and Sean Rodriguez tied the score in the fifth. NOTES: Longoria could receive his first day off since his return on Monday at Seattle. Maddon said he will wait to decide on Longorias availability. ... Roberts had his first three-hit game since June 8 while with Arizona. ... Tampa Bay will continue its 10-game trip Monday with RHP Alex Cobb (6-8, 4.32 ERA) opposing RHP Blake Beavan (7-6, 5.12 ERA). ... RHP Samuel Deduno (3-0, 3.27 ERA) will start Monday for the Twins as they open a three-game series against visiting Detroit, which counters with RHP Anibal Sanchez (6-9, 4.37 ERA). ... 3B Trevor Plouffe, on the DL (right thumb) since July 21, is expected to return from his rehab assignment and rejoin Minnesota on Monday. ... Twins RHP Matt Capps, out since July 17 with rotator cuff inflammation, will undergo an MRI on his right shoulder Monday. Capps hopes to resume throwing Wednesday and pitch again for the Twins in early September. A.J. Green Womens Jersey . North Chinas Heilongjiang province took 100 percent of the electricity imported from Russia in 2009, and the economic value of the imported electricity was estimated around $29 million, according to the provincial capitals customs. Thomas Howard Jersey . -- Rookie Sandra Changkija remained on top of the leaderboard after the completion of the first round Friday morning at the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic. http://www.bengalsteamstore.com/geno-atkins-jerseys . The teams executive vice-president of football operations, John Elway, announced the deal Monday. A.J. Green Jersey . -- Tom Bradys last attempt at Super Bowl redemption last lasted less than 15 minutes. Jermaine Gresham Womens Jersey . Realizing on the second hole that Lara was using 15 clubs for Thursdays round at the Gut Larcenhof course in Pulheim, the caddie tried to hide the extra club in some bushes. Lara thought the caddie had taken a diversion for a "call of nature," but his playing partners, Damien McGrane and Peter Hedblom, became suspicious.NEW YORK -- The Triple Crown bid of Canadian-owned Ill Have Another almost ended Thursday when a loose horse came within inches of slamming into the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner during training at Belmont Park. A collision was avoided, but not before the speeding horse grazed the boot of Ill Have Anothers exercise rider Jonny Garcia. "Ive seen accidents like that happen, and they are ugly," trainer Doug ONeill said. Hours after the near miss at Belmont Park, the New York Racing Association announced there would be a 15-minute training window for Belmont runners only, beginning Friday morning. Trainers have the option of working their Belmont contenders from 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., or during regular training at earlier or later times. ONeill and his brother, Dennis, were terrified by what was unfolding 10 days before Ill Have Another attempts to become the first Triple Crown winner in 34 years, since Affirmed swept the Derby, Preakness and Belmont in 1978. After Ill Have Another began walking on the track, a horse had dumped its rider and came "screaming up the outside rail" in the same direction along the clubhouse turn, Doug ONeill said. Ill Have Another was walking a few feet from the rail, with stable pony, Lava Man, on the inside. ONeill said the horse, later identified as the three-year-old maiden filly Isleta, ran between the rail and Ill Have Another "Normally they walk the outside rail, but the racing gods must have been looking out for him because he was about two feet off the rail this morning," ONeill said. "It could have been terrible," said Dennis ONeill, Dougs brother who bought Ill Have Another for US$35,000 for owner J. Paul Reddam of Windsor, Ont. An hour after the near-miss, Doug ONeill said his "stomach is still a little twisted by it. Fortunately, everything worked out fine." Ill Have Another was never touched, and then proceeded on with his morning mile gallop before returning to his soon to be former stable a few yards from the main track. "Once we dodged that, everything went well," ONeill said. "He jogged great, galloped super. I noticed every day hes cooling out even quicker. He seems like he loves it here, and hes really getting used to the oval and getting used to the footing, and I couldnt be happier with the way hes going." On Wednesday, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board imposed strict new rules for horses running in the Belmont. They include a stakes barn for all Belmont runners, out-of-competition blood testing and close scrutiny of the horses and humans attending them in the days leading up to the race. "I have no problem with a detention barn. I wish we could go over there today," ONeill said, adding he doesnt understand why the barn wont be ready until Wednesday. "It sounds like it was not a real organized thing, kind of a late decision," he added. "In hindsight, they could have decided that earlieer and we could have been settled in. Andy Dalton Elite Jersey. quot; Instead, hell have to move from a barn his colt has been at since arriving the day after winning the Preakness on May 19. The new barn is a few hundred yards farther from the track. "Its an inconvenience for the horse and the staff, but this horse is unbelievable," ONeill said. "Hes the kind of horse can change stalls every day and hell be just fine. I think well be in good shape." ONeill said he doesnt believe the new rules are aimed at him despite a record of being fined or suspended 15 times for drug and medication-related violations in the last 14 years. Last week, he was suspended 45 days and fined $15,000 by the California Horse Racing Board for exceeding the limit of total carbon dioxide -- which can enhance a horses performance and reduce fatigue. ONeill and other trainers arent thrilled with the late rule changes, but he understands racing has come under scrutiny on many fronts. "Racing has had a lot of black eyes all over the country, especially in New York," he said, referring to the recent move by the state to take control of racing from NYRA, which fired its president and chief counsel after it was revealed the organization had overcharged bettors on commissions. "They are just trying to prove to the public how awesome these animals are and how well they are taken care of. Its kind of giving people a backstage, all-access pass and thats great for the sport. It just looks like its something they should of come up with and had figured out a week ago." Trainer Michael Matz, who will send out Union Rags in the Belmont, says he still plans to ship his colt to Belmont on Wednesday. He, too, wondered about the timing of the sweeping changes. "Do they make this stuff up as they go along?" he asked Wednesday. When the horses are moved to the secure stakes barn, they will be required to have a blood test upon arriving at the barn, and it will be reviewed that night at the New York State Racing and Wagering Boards drug lab. Limited numbers of people associated with a horse will be allowed to be in the stakes barn, including the licensed trainer, assistant trainer, veterinarian, groom, hot walker and owners. Those entering a horses stall, in contact with a horse or working on the horse will have their entry and exit logged. The stakes barn will have 24-hour security. Equipment, feed, and hay among other items will be searched and checked. All veterinarians must provide written notice of intended treatment before doing so, and investigators will monitor all treatment and items used. The day before the Belmont no vets will be allowed to treat horses without first making an appointment with investigators. On race day, treatment will be allowed only in case of emergency or by agreement with the stewards. The board will "ensure that the race is run in a safe and fair manner," board chairman John Sabini said Wednesday. ' ' '
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