SOCHI, Russia -- Canada was a second-half team at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Nationals Jerseys 2020 . The medal intake in Sochi is forecasted to happen at a more measured pace. Starting with Saturdays mens snowboard slopestyle and womens moguls, Canada has at least one legitimate medal shot, if not more, virtually every day until the closing ceremonies Feb. 23. Chef de mission Steve Podborski and his assistants Jean-Luc Brassard and France St. Louis intend to be present at events where a Canadian is a front-runner for a medal. "I would say were booked every day," Podborski said at a Canadian Olympic Committee news conference Thursday. The host country won 18 of its 26 medals in Vancouver during the back half of the Games. Ten of the 14 gold medals came in the second half, including four on the final weekend. Sports making their Olympic debut helped balance the schedule of Canadas medal prospects in Sochi. Mens and womens snowboard slopestyle, the figure skating team event and the luge relay are among the new events over the first eight days of competition in which Canada has solid medal prospects. Thats in addition to Canadas strength in the entrenched sports of alpine skiing, moguls, short-track speedskating and cross-country skiing. "Sure there are new sports and we happen to be very, very good in the new ones because we are a great sporting nation," Podborski said. "With the support were getting now from corporate Canada, Own The Podium and the Government of Canada, we have an opportunity to be good in the traditional sports as well and thats where well make our great gains in the areas where are athletes are getting better . . . cross-country, alpine skiing." Canadas athletes have been waging fierce foosball tournaments in their village lounge while they await Fridays opening ceremonies, according to Podborski. But Olympic competition started early for some Canadians with Thursdays preliminary rounds. Canada sat in second place, two points behind host Russia, after the first day of the new team figure skating event. Torontos Patrick Chan was third in the mens short program, then Meagan Duhamel of Lively, Ont., and Eric Radford of Balmertown, Ont., were second in the pairs short to give Canada 17 of a possible 20 points after the first two events. Sebastien Toutant of LAssomption, Que., and Max Parrot of Bromont, Que., advanced to the mens snowboard slopestyle final Saturday, while Charles Reid of Mont-Tremblant, Que., and Reginas Mark McMorris will attempt to join them via the semifinal earlier in the day. The Dufour-Lapointe sisters from Montreal -- Justine, Chloe and Maxime -- all qualified for Saturdays womens moguls finals as did Audrey Robichaud of Quebec City. Reigning world champion Spencer OBrien of Courtney, B.C., qualified for the womens slopestyle final Sunday. Hockey Canada also made the decision to replace injured forward Steven Stamkos with Tampa Bay teammate Martin St. Louis. No competition is scheduled Friday because of the opening ceremonies. In addition to slopestyle and womens moguls on opening weekend, skiers Erik Guay of Mont-Tremblant, Que., Calgarys Jan Hudec and Manny Osborne-Paradis of Invermere, B.C., are medal prospects in Sundays downhill. Canadas figure skaters are favoured to win a medal in the team event, which ends Sunday. Canadas objective in 2010 was to top the overall medal count and the target remains the same in Sochi. The host team was third in total medals, but won the gold-medal race four years ago. Because of the new sports, there are 36 more medals to be won in 2014 than in 2010. That will help fill Canadas coffers, but also those of top rivals Germany, Norway, the United States and host Russia. "Canada is here to compete and win," COC president Marcel Aubut said. "Our aim is to contend for the number one spot in medals won." "This is an ambitious goal, but we Canadians like it this way. Our athletes expect nothing less of themselves but the highest achievements." Added Podborski: "You dont try to come "somewhere up there." We expect great things in Canada now. Its an ideal approach. "We may not win the medal count this time. We may not win it the next time but one day we will because we are striving to be number one in the world in the medal count." While Canadas preparation for 2010 seems a successful model to copy for Sochi, the Canadian Olympic Committee took a different approach. The 2008 Summer Games in Beijing posed similar challenges to Sochi in terms of distance to travel, time-zone difference and unfamiliar language, food and culture. Virtually all of Canadas Olympians competed, trained or at least visited Beijing in the year prior to those Games to get comfortable with the place. The same practice was done for Sochi. There was less emphasis on pre-Games visits for the 2012 Summer Games in London. "If we look at the Beijing experience and we look at the Sochi experience, its actually very similar," COC chief sport officer Caroline Assalian says. "New and unfamiliar environment for most countries. "We ensured that the athletes and support teams as much as possible are familiar with this environment." The COC has conducted exit interviews with athletes, their coaches and support teams following Olympic Games since 2006 to better plan for the next. The athletes were asked "what made the difference in your performance?" "Their number one factor? Feeling part of a larger unified team, more than anything," Assalian said. "Thats what made the difference for them. Coaches and support team? Familiarity with the Olympic environment." And where Beijing was also a benchmark for Sochi was in Canadas conversion rate, which the number of athletes ranked in the top five at their most recent world championships make it onto the podium at the subsequent Olympic Games. The COC employs conversion rates to compare how Canadas athletes are performing compared to other countries. Even though Canada won just 18 medals in Beijing, the conversion rate there was 67 per cent compared to 59 per cent at the Winter Games of both 2010 and 2006, according to Assalian. The Canadian team needs at least match Beijings conversion rate to be in the hunt for the overall title in Sochi. "Our bar now is Beijing," Assalian says. "We know we need to convert better than we ever have at any Winter Olympic Games." The Canadian team will attempt this without the advantage it had in Vancouver and Whistler of home ice and home snow. Own The Podium chief executive officer Anne Merklinger says many winter sport teams have stronger leadership and better coaches since 2010. Both areas were priorities coming out of Vancouver and Whistler and she hopes improvements there compensate for the additional challenges of Sochi. "Weve come a long way in that regard," she says. "Without coaches, were behind the 8-ball. Its the most important success factor. "I think there are a number of examples where weve brought in great coaches, but weve lost some too. We need to find a way to continue to retain the good ones we have and attract new ones." "Were investing in that. Thats what it takes. Its a competitive industry." OTP oversees athletes competitive lives between Olympic Games and allocates about $62 million a year in federal government funding between summer and winter sports. The COC prepares athletes for the Games environment and looks after their needs and wants on the ground in Sochi. Andrew Stevenson Nationals Jersey . Jason Zucker and Matt Cooke also scored for Minnesota, which has won five of six. Kuemper made five saves in the first, nine in the second, and nine in the third. The rookies best save came with 2:17 left in the third period when he denied former Wild forward Matt Cullen from just outside of the crease on the right side. Matt Adams Nationals Jersey .com) - Australian Open champion Li Na, former Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova and former world No. https://www.cheapnationals.com/667r-austin-voth-jersey-nationals.html . - Regan Smith had the checkered flag in sight at Daytona a year ago and a freight train of cars in his rearview mirror.OSHAWA, Ont. - Jeff Twohey has resigned as general manager of the Oshawa Generals. Twohey left the team "to pursue other opportunities," the Ontario Hockey League club said Monday in a statement posted on its website. Assistant GM Roger Hunt will be the acting GM. Twohey joined the Generals in 2012 after 17 seasons as GM of the Peterborough Petes. He hired head coach D.J. Smith, who was named the OHLs top coach this past season. Oshawa finished first in the Eastern Conference with a 42-20-0-6 record. The Generals were swept in the conference final in four straight games by the North Bay Battalion. "Jeff has been a terrifiic general manager for the Oshawa Generals and I am grateful for his commitment to the Generals organization for the past two seasons," Generals owner Rocco Tullio said in a release. Frank Robinson Jersey. "Under Jeffs leadership, the Generals won their first Eastern Division title in 13 years and led the team to the Eastern Conference final for the first time since the 2007-2008 season." Hunt has been the teams assistant coach since 2010 and assistant GM since 2013. "This is a great opportunity for Roger and we look for him to keep the team as one of the top teams in the Ontario Hockey League," Tullio said. ' ' '

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Fifth-seeded Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay opened the Malaysian Open with a 6-4, 7-6 (1) victory over Jurgen Melzer of Austria on Monday. Cheap Air Max 97 From China . The 28-year-old Cuevas, who won two titles in July, will next meet Ivan Dodig of Croatia, who had a 7-6 (6), 6-1 win over Hiroki Moriya of Japan. Filip Krajinovic of Serbia beat Taro Daniel of Japan 6-2, 6-4 in a battle between two wild-card recipients. Kei Nishikori, the runner-up at the U.S. Open, is the No. 1-seeded player at the tournament. Cheap Air Max 90 Free Shipping .The team had a meeting prior to facing Russia at the world junior hockey championship and got the effort theyve been looking for by defeating the Russians 4-1 to advance to the quarter-finals. Wholesale Air Max 1 . -- With his team down 16 points in the second quarter and headed for another blowout loss at home, Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson yelled out to his players to keep shooting and keep fighting on defence. http://www.airmaxsneakersonsale.com/cheap-air-max-200.html .Y. -- Scott Chandler is returning to Buffalo, where he spent the past three seasons establishing himself as the Bills top pass-catching tight end.DENVER -- His team-record hitting streak halted, Michael Cuddyer went in the other day for a much-needed haircut and shave. A new look for a new streak. Sure, this one is only in its infancy -- a mere two games -- but coupled with his 27-game streak that was snapped on Tuesday, hes now hit in 29 of his last 30 games. Cuddyer remains in a groove at the plate, hitting a solo homer and driving in three runs to help the Colorado Rockies beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-5 on Thursday night. The only pitcher to silence his bat was Clayton Kershaw, when he kept Cuddyer hitless in four plate appearances. "Ran into the best pitcher in baseball and he pitched like it," said Cuddyer, who added a two-run double on Thursday as the Rockies avoided being swept by Los Angeles in the three-game series. "Throughout that whole streak, the whole season, really, Ive treated each at-bat the same, every pitch the same. Ive really been keeping my focus. Just because the streak ended, doesnt mean my focus went anywhere." Manager Walt Weiss couldnt agree more. "Cuddy keeps on rolling," he said. "He keeps on plugging away." As for his other outfielder, Weiss remains optimistic that Carlos Gonzalez will be fine after he left the game in the sixth inning with a strained upper back. Gonzalez apparently hurt his back while striking out in the fifth. "He said hes done it before. Were not too concerned," Weiss said. "It was enough of an issue to get him out of there." The Dodgers struggled to drive in runners against Jhoulys Chacin (8-3), a night after setting season highs in runs (10) and hits (17). The hard-throwing righty pitched out of trouble time and again, giving up four runs in 5 2-3 innings. "Wasnt my better game," Chacin said. "But the team picked me up, scored runs for me." Yasiel Puig was in the lineup a day after leaving the contest early with a bruised hip after crashing into the wall. He finished 1 for 5 with an RBI as the Dodgers had their four-game winning streak halted. Matt Kemp had a two-run homer, Adrian Gonzalez contributed four hits, including a solo homer in the ninth, and Hanley Ramirez extended his hitting streak to 15 games with a single in the last inning. Chris Capuano (2-6) had an uncharacteristic rough outing on the road, giving up six runs, five earned, and seven hits in 4 1-3 innings. Capuano had a 1.35 ERA away from Dodger Stadium before Thursday. "Its frustrating," Capuano said. "I felt I was a pitch or two away from containing it." Mixing a four-seam fastball with a swoooping slider, Chacin got off to a rough start before finding his rhythm to win his fifth straight start. Outlet Air Max Cheap. He was taken out after allowing an RBI single to Puig in the sixth. Colorado got to Capuano in the third, scoring four times to grab a 5-2 lead. Cuddyer had the big hit in the inning, a two-run double over Kemps head in deep centre. But it wasnt without some theatrics. With Josh Rutledge holding in between second and third to see if Kemp caught the ball, Gonzalez nearly passed his teammate before applying the brakes. Gonzalez then followed closely on the heels of Rutledge all the way to the plate, sliding in at home just under the tag. Kemp put the Dodgers up 2-1 in the second, when he hit an 80-mph slider over the fence in centre. It was his second straight night with a homer. For Chacin, the homer to Kemp ended a career-best streak of 16 scoreless innings. Los Angeles had a chance for more damage, but Chacin struck out Mark Ellis and Puig to end the threat. Chacin also wiggled out of a bases-loaded jam in the third, striking out Nick Punto to end the inning. Punto threw down his helmet and bat in frustration. "That was a big strikeout," Weiss said. "We were at the point of the game, where it couldve gone either way right there." The night before, Los Angeles received a momentary scare when Puig jumped up to make a catch in right and smacked his left hip on a padded column below the scoreboard. Puig stayed down on the warning track for several minutes before jogging around the outfield. He remained in the game, but was taken out as a precaution the next inning. "When you play like that, youll end up getting banged up," manager Don Mattingly said. "You anticipate some of that stuff." Puig is hitting .430 with eight homers since his debut on June 3. The 22-year-old has energized his teammates with his energy. "Every day he impresses me," Ellis said. "Hes been so big for us." NOTES: Dodgers RHP Carlos Marmol may soon report to Triple-A Albuquerque. Marmol was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. ... Los Angeles will play in San Francisco on Friday night, with Hyun-Jin Ryu (6-3) starting for the Dodgers. ... Colorado begins a 10-game road swing on Friday in Arizona. ... Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki went through a light round of batting practice on Thursday with minimal pain from his broken rib and thinks he could be back soon, maybe even before the All-Star break. Tulowitzki leads the fan voting at his position for the All-Star Game and will attend, even if he cant play. ' ' '

The Red Wings are forced to look to the future, turnarounds for Malkin and Pacioretty as well as notes on Evander Kane, Phil Kessel, David Perron and more in Scott Cullens latest blog. Roberto Perez Jersey . 1. As the Detroit Red Wings took to the ice for Wednesdays 6-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, it was without both Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg for the first time since 2006, a great opportunity for some of the younger Wings forwards -- Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar, most notably -- to take on bigger offensive roles. The Wings started the year with a glut of forwards on their roster, even before they made the late decision to re-sign LW Dan Cleary, and it meant that Nyquist had to start the year in the AHL. Tatar remained in the NHL, because he required waivers to get sent down, but even so, Tatar played only five games in October. As extraneous Red Wings forwards like Patrick Eaves and Jordin Tootoo went by the wayside, there was more opportunity for Tatar and, even though he hasnt played big minutes, hes been productive. After scoring a pair of goals against Philadelphia, Tatar has 11 points in 21 games. Nyquist, who didnt need to clear waivers to get sent down, went to the AHL, where he was already a point-per-game scorer for the past couple seasons, and tallied 22 points in 15 games, further proving that he was ready for NHL duty and, upon being recalled, he joined Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen on Detroits top line. Wednesday, Nyquist was with Franzen and Stephen Weiss and contributed an assist, giving him four goals and six points in seven games since he was recalled, thus prompting the question: Why wasnt he part of Detroits roster from Day One? 2. Early in the season, there was such concern about Penguins C Evgeni Malkin, who had 10 points in his first 13 games. Why wasnt Malkin scoring? Such are the lofty expectations when you are one of four players to have at least three 100-point seasons since 2000-2001. But then, the calendar turned to November and Malkin started piling up assists. The game got a little easier when James Neal, Malkins right winger, returned from an injury suffered prior to the second game of the season. Malkins slow start wasnt simply a reflection of poor play, it was also a function of his quality of linemates. With Neal out, Malkin and left winger Jussi Jokinen skated with the likes of Chuck Kobasew, Beau Bennett, Jason Megna and Matt DAgostini, none of whom can be confused for Neal as a finsher. In any event, Malkin is scoring like an elite player. With 25 points in 15 November games, Malkin was six points ahead of the next highest-scoring player (Chicagos Patrick Kane), and, with 19 points during his current nine-game point streak, Malkin has notched 37 points in 29 games, climbing to within one point of teammate Sidney Crosby for the scoring lead. All this production is despite Malkin registering a career-low 3.0 shots on goal per game with a career-low shooting percentage (8.0%). If, once he returns to the lineup from a lower-body injury, those numbers move towards career norms, Malkin may be in line for another 100-point season. 3. Canadiens LW Max Pacioretty also started the year slowly, with four points in his first 12 games, sandwiched around a two-and-a-half week absence due to a hamstring injury. With 48 goals in the previous two seasons, Pacioretty had established himself as a legitimate scoring threat, one that should have been able to get the Canadiens out of their collective scoring funk. And then he did. Pacioretty scored a hat trick at home against Minnesota on November 19, registering 10 shots on goal in the process, then added a pair a couple of games later against Pittasburgh. Two goals against Toronto Saturday night and another against New Jersey Tuesday night left Pacioretty with eight goals (and an assist) in his last eight games, playing primarily with David Desharnais -- shaken from his own disastrous start -- and Brendan Gallagher. If Pacioretty can keep generating shots like this, a career-high 4.2 per game, he could be in for a big season, even having missed eight games already. At the very least, it should make a team think twice, or three times, before trading him. 4. While were discussing shot-generating scoring wingers that find their way into trade talks, Jets LW Evander Kane has been in an out of that rumour mill for the last couple seasons. Even though Kane has generated a career-best 4.15 shots on goal per game, his shooting percentage is a career-low 6.5% (9.2% for his career) and his on-ice shooting percentage is also 6.5%, which is the lowest among forwards that skate in the Jets top nine. Generally, what should be taken from low percentages is that they should regress closer to Kanes career norms, so he ought to be considered a buy-low opportunity right now, both for fantasy owners and NHL teams that might be looking to pry him out of Winnipeg. Kane is currently out of the lineup with a lower-body injury, which isnt exactly enhancing his value, but doesnt appear to be a long-term issue. 5. Since scoring four points against the Edmonton Oilers October 29, Maple Leafs RW Phil Kessel has seven goals and one assist in 15 games. Kessel has recorded 63 shots on goal in that span (4.2 per game), which is even a little better than his season average of 4.0 shots per game, yet thats still just one assist in the last 15 games for a skilled winger playing more than 19 minutes per game. There have been reports about Kessel nursing a wrist injury and that very well may be part of the problem. If the suggestion is that hes having bad luck, thats probably part of it too, yet Kessel still has the highest on-ice shooting percentage of his career so, like his teammates, was due for some regression. 6. Not surprisingly, after starting the year on Washingtons fourth line, Capitals LW Martin Erat has requested a trade, which isnt the easiest thing to make happen, since he comes with a $4.5-million cap hit and has yet to score a goal in 25 games this season. Erat does have seven assists and has been a middle-of-the-pack possession player for the Capitals, but its been an undeniably poor experience in Washington, precipitous fall for a player who scored between 49 and 58 points eery year from 2003-2004 through 2011-2012. That track record is what gives Erat some appeal to a team that hopes he might be able to help out on their second line. 7. While were bandying about names that have made their way into the trade rumour mill, Maple Leafs D Jake Gardiner of course found his way into those rumours when he was recently a healthy scratch. This usage doesnt come as a surprise, at least not after last seasons extended stay in the AHL and then stint in the press box before suddenly playing top four minutes in the first-round playoff series against Boston. If the Maple Leafs were to move Gardiner, they had better get a pretty sweet return for the player who posts some of the best possesion stats on a team that posts horrendous possession stats. 8. Oilers LW David Perron has been taking his game to a new level with his new team. Sure, he has nine goals and 13 points in the last 12 games, thats good stuff, but hes also been a strong puck-possesion performer, at least in relative terms, and is averaging 3.64 shots on goal per game, way up from 1.75 last year with the St. Louis Blues (and his 1.95 per game over the course of his career). Hes played alongside a variety of linemates, with Boyd Gordon and Ryan Smyth his most common linemates, and its Perron that is driving play when hes on the ice, giving the Oilers even more than they could have reasonably expected when they traded for him. 9. Not getting carried away with modest production from a mucker who has five goals and seven points in 21 games, but Stars LW Ryan Garbutt is suddenly generating shots like hes more than a bottom-of-the-depth chart grinder. Over the last eight games, playing primarily with Vernon Fiddler and Antoine Roussel, Garbutt has four goals and two assists, with 32 shots on goal. Small sample, and all of that, but 4.0 shots on goal per game is notable, so it will be worth keeping an eye on Garbutt to see if the guy who climbed up from Brown University, through the Central Hockey League, ECHL and AHL before reaching the Stars, has a chance to contribute offensively for more than just a couple of weeks. 10. Capitals RW Eric Fehr has found a spot on the second line with Mikhail Grabovski and Troy Brouwer and, while his playing time has been inconsistent this year, Fehr has the best possession stats among Washington forwards and has six points (2 G, 4 A) in his last seven games. 11. Islanders LW Michael Grabner has gone 18 games without a point, even while playing mostly with Frans Nielsen and Josh Bailey on the second line. He has two goals in 25 games, scoring on an absurd 3.8% of his shots, but the lack of production isnt all bad luck -- hes generating a career-low 2.12 shots on goal per game. 12. Hurricanes LW Jeff Skinner had a three-point game at Washington Tuesday, a bit of a breakout performance while skating with Tuomo Ruutu and Eric Staal on Carolinas top line. Prior to that game, Skinner had two points and 11 shots on goal in the previous six games since coming off the injured list. Considering how much Eric Staals line has struggled this year, its probably worth checking out to see if Skinner can fit in that role. 13. Blue Jackets G Sergei Bobrovsky is out for more than a month with a groin strain, leaving Curtis McElhinney to man the crease. McElhinney has been great this season, with a .925 save percentage in eight appearances, and he was good in the AHL last season (.923 SV% in 49 GP with Springfield), but he has never played more than 28 games in an NHL season and has a save percentage of .902 in 77 career games, numbers that will not stack up well if McElhinney is making the next dozen or more starts for Columbus. FIRST NHL GAMES Alex Grant, D, Anaheim - The 24-year-old was acquired from Pittsburgh in the summer for Harrison Zolnierczyk and has 74 points ni 144 career AHL games. He scored a goal in his NHL debut, at San Jose on November 30. John Albert, C, Winnipeg - A sixth-round pick for Atlanta in 2007, Albert played four years at Ohio State, scoring 103 points in 118 games over his last three seasons, and has 40 points in 111 AHL games since. He played a modest 8:29 in his first NHL game with Anthony Peluso and James Wright on the fourth line, but scored on a breakaway. Erik Haula, LW, Minnesota - Drafted in the seventh round in 2009, Haula had 100 points in 80 games during his last two seasons at the University of Minnesota. He has a dozen points in 24 AHL games since and has been fitting in a depth role for the Wild over the last three games. Kevan Miller, D, Boston - Undrafted stay-at-home defenceman who played at the University of Vermont was an injury fill-in for three games and held his own, enough that hell be on call when injuries hit the defence again. Zach Sill, LW, Pittsburgh - A late bloomer who was undrafted and only played in the QMJHL as a 19-and-20-year-old, Sill isnt a big scorer, with 72 points in 273 AHL games, but that kind of experience makes him useful in limited fourth-line minutes. Connor Murphy, D, Phoenix - The 6-foot-5 blueliner was a first-round pick in 2011, Mruphy has ascended quickly, limited to 68 games over two OHL seasons due to injury, then getting the call after a dozen games in the American Hockey League. He scored in his NHL debut, playing more than 22 minutes, but has been working on the third pair since. Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay - Taken in the second round in 2011, Kucherov scored 63 points in 33 QMJHL games last season, then opened his first pro campaign with 13 goals and 24 points in 17 games. Hes a skilled forward and, upon being called up, was put on a line with Teddy Purcell and Alex Killorn. Kucherov hasnt scored since lighting the lamp in his debut but, with 11 shots on goal in four games, hes generating opportunities. Reid Boucher, LW, New Jersey - Picked in the fourth round in 2011, Boucher has a heavy shot and scord 62 goals in 68 games for Sarnia of the OHL last season, then got off to a quick start in the AHL this year, with 10 goals and 18 points in 21 games. Making his debut against Montreal Wednesday, Boucher had an assist and scored in the shootout. With injuries in New Jersey, there is an opportunity for Boucher to earn regular time in a scoring role. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. Sandy Alomar Jr. Jersey .com) - Former New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya is joining the Major League Baseball Players Association staff as a senior advisor to executive director Tony Clark. Dwight Gooden Jersey . The two were in the batting cage moments before game time. Bautista was taking final warm up cuts. Pillar was hitting soft toss. The one-time utility player turned All-Star pulled aside the clubs young, fourth outfielder and offered him some advice. https://www.cheapindiansonline.com/2778u-zoilo-versalles-jersey-indians.html . The club says its first-choice centre back "underwent medical tests on Wednesday morning" which confirmed he has injured his right hamstring. The injury was caused in the second minute of Tuesdays 4-1 league win over Real Sociedad in the Camp Nou when teammate Sergio Busquets accidentally struck Mascherano just above the knee with an outstretched boot. LAS VEGAS -- TJ Dillashaw pulled off a stunning upset, dominating bantamweight champion Renan Barao until the fight was stopped at 2:26 of the fifth round at UFC 173 on Saturday night. "Ive dreamed it for so long, its unbelievable," Dillashaw said. "If you can dream it, it can happen." Dillashaw, a 9-1 underdog entering the fight, ended Baraos 35-fight unbeaten streak. "Barao is the best in the world in my eyes," Dillashaw said. "I had to bring my A game to become the champion." The challenger utilized excellent footwork to attack from different angles, finding his range early and limiting the damage Barao was able to inflict. Dillashaw (11-2) landed a hard overhand right in the second that hurt Barao, and nearly had him finished just before the end of the round. He maintained control throughout the next two rounds, switching between southpaw and orthodox stances while peppering Barao with a barrage of punches. Dillashaw was well on his way to victory when he landed a left kick to Baraos head midway through the final round. Barao (34-2-1) fell to the mat and Dillashaw quickly followed with punches, forcing referee Herb Dean to stop the fight. "Thats who I am, Im aggressive," Dillashaw said. In the co-main event, fourth-ranked Daniel Cormier dominnated MMA great Dan Henderson (30-12), winning with a rear naked choke in the third round. Dennis Eckersley Indians Jersey. Cormier (15-0) is expected to challenge for the light heavyweight title and called out champion Jon Jones. "Jones, you cant run from me forever," Cormier said. "If I decide to take Jon Jones down 100 times, Ill take him down 100 times. Im coming!" Jones is set to fight Alexander Gustaffson in a title rematch, with Cormier expected to face the winner. On the undercard, top welterweight contender Robbie Lawler was dominant in a third-round TKO over fifth-ranked Jake Ellenberger. Lawler improved the 23-10 and will likely earn another shot at the title. "I wanted to go out there and showcase what I can do," said Lawler, who is fresh off a loss to champion Johny Hendricks. "I want everyone to know that Im coming for the title." Sixth-ranked Takeya Mizugaki will continue his climb up the bantamweight ladder after a unanimous decision over 10th-ranked Francisco Rivera, and James Krause stopped Jamie Varner via TKO when Varner was unable to answer the bell for the second round due to a leg injury. In the preliminary bouts, Michael Chiesa, Tony Ferguson, Chris Holdsworth, Mitch Clark, Vinc Pichel, Sam Sicilia and Li Jingliang each earned victories. ' ' '

SAN DIEGO -- Nick Hardwicks 11th NFL season ended after only 15 plays. Texas Rangers Gear . His career might be over, too, after the San Diego Chargers put the veteran centre on injured reserve Wednesday with a recurring neck stinger. "For me, personally, with all the time Ive had with him, what makes it so sad for me is that he may not ever put a helmet on again," said quarterback Philip Rivers, who came into the league with Hardwick in 2004. Rivers knows that decision is down the road. But Hardwick is 33 and in the final year of his contract. He contemplated retiring in the off-season before deciding to come back. Hardwick will be replaced by Rich Ohrnberger, whos in his sixth NFL season and second with the Chargers. "I was so sorry to hear it," said Ohrnberger, who will make his sixth career start Sunday when the Chargers (0-1) play their home opener against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks (1-0). "He talked to me last night about it. While Im excited for the opportunity, I would love to have him out there and be playing with him. Its a tough loss for the room, its a tough loss for the team. But thats football. Weve got to move forward." By comparison, Hardwick had been the starter since his rookie season of 2004. Hardwick started all 136 games he has played in, including the last 67 straight. Ohrnberger stepped in for Hardwick after he was hurt Monday night in an 18-17 loss at Arizona. Ohrnberger also replaced Hardwick early in a wild-card playoff victory at Cincinnati in January. "Its the next-man up philosophy," Ohrnberger said. "What a boon to have a successful season learning from a guy like Nick. Ive relied on him this past year and all through the off-season and Ill be using him as a source of advice this year, too." "Were all upset," Ohrnberger said. "We wish it would have worked out differently. Thats football. Its a great game. Its the people you fall in love with. You have guys like that show up and take over a program for a long time and become an important part of the community and the driving force of a team. This season is over, unfortunately." Hardwick came out of Monday nights game with what was announced as an ankle injury. "We had to make a decision yesterday. He had the ankle injury during the game and then he informed us of the stinger after the game was over and we came off the field," coach Mike McCoy said. "When I came in the locker room thats when I found that out. Were looking at the best interests of him and moving forward." Rivers said it was tough losing Hardwick so early. "Were just starting the season, youre so fired up, and obviously he and I, shoot, from a personal standpoint have been through so much, and were looking forward to a heck of a year. Its always tough getting that news, about any of your teammates, but especially him because of how close we worked together and, shoot, how many games weve been out there together. "I even told Rich, You know now how I feel about Nick and what Im going to say about Nick and were going to miss him. Its tough when you lose a guy thats been playing the way hes played centre here for so long and how awesome he is in the preparation and protection. But I wanted Rich to know at the same time I believe in him and I think our team does, too. We believe Rich can do it." Rivers and Ohrnberger do have some work to do. Rivers couldnt handle a shotgun snap from Ohrnberger on third-and-8 from the Arizona 29 with seven minutes left, forcing San Diego to punt on fourth-and-22 from the 43 while leading 17-12. That set up a drive capped by John Browns winning 13-yard touchdown reception from Carson Palmer with 2:25 left. Wholesale Rangers Jerseys . Pekovic had an MRI test Tuesday on his right ankle that revealed bursitis, which is inflammation of the fluid-filled pad that cushions the joint. Fake Rangers Jerseys . This is the final meeting of the season between these teams.? The Capitals were 5-4 winners in a shootout Oct. https://www.cheaprangersbaseball.com/ . A top pitching prospect, one who the ball club is pinning some of its future hopes, takes the spot of a veteran who once was viewed as a future ace but who, to this point, hasnt realized his potential and may never.KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Tampa Bay left-hander Matt Moore left Monday nights game against the Royals in the fifth inning with an apparent injury. Moore grimaced after throwing a pitch to Nori Aoki and Rays manager Joe Maddon and a member of the teams athletic training staff went to the mound. After a brief conversation, Madden called for left-hander Cesar Ramos out of the bullpen and Moore departed without trying a warm-up pitch. Rangers Jerseys 2019. Moore was 17-4 with a 3.29 ERA in 27 starts last year. He had thrown 78 pitches against the Royals and left trailing 1-0. ' ' '

TORONTO -- World Cup host Brazil will play Chile in an international soccer friendly at Torontos Rogers Centre on Nov. Angels Jerseys 2019 . 19. The match is part of the Gillette International Soccer Series which also includes Argentina versus Ecuador in New York on Nov. 15, Brazil versus Honduras in Miami on Nov. 16, and Argentina versus Bosnia-Herzegovina in St. Louis on Nov. 18. The contest will be played on real grass at Rogers Centre. It will mark Brazils first game in Canada in almost 20 years and the first ever in Toronto. The five-time World Cup winners last played in Canada in June 1994 in Edmonton, settling for a 1-1 tie after Eddy Berdusco equalized for Canada before 51,936 fans at Commonwealth Stadium. Brazil went on to win the World Cup later that year. The Brazilian men are currently ranked 11th in the world, one place ahead of Chile. The Chileans, coached by Argentine Jorge Sampaoli, will make their 10th World Cup appearance next summer after finishing third in South American qualifying. Los Angeles Angels Pro Shop .Y. - The Buffalo Sabres reassigned forward Sam Reinhart to the WHLs Kootenay Ice on Friday. Los Angeles Angels Store . The bout served as the headlining matchup of Saturdays "UFC Fight Night: Brown vs. Silva" event, which took place at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati. It was Silva who looked well on his way to victory in the early going, delivering a pair of crushing kicks to the body that sent Brown crashing to the floor, doubled over in pain. https://www.cheapangels.com/ .twitter.com/TeZD3KOvlA — Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) September 24, 2014 Sorry for the delay, we just got back from lunch at Papa Vons #NBAFastFood pic.WASHINGTON -- With the NBA regular season in the final stretch, Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic are pushing the Phoenix Suns in the right direction, with a five-game winning streak keeping them in the Western Conference playoff chase. John Walls Washington Wizards, meanwhile, are headed the opposite way, losing four of their last five games to let teams behind them in the East inch closer. After letting a 25-point lead dwindle to three Wednesday night, Bledsoe and Dragic got back to business and combined to finish with 48 points, 13 assists and 13 rebounds in Phoenixs 99-93 victory over Washington. "Im glad," Dragic said, "that we didnt panic." The surprising Suns moved into a tie with the Dallas Mavericks for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Both clubs are 43-29 with 10 games remaining. "We dont care what other people think," Dragic said. "Before the season, they were saying were going to win 15 games." The Suns have won seven of their last eight, coinciding with Bledsoes return to the starting lineup after missing 33 games because of knee surgery. He had 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and Dragic wound up with 25 points, six assists and seven rebounds. "We were missing him those two months," Dragic said about his backcourt mate. "Now hes back and he looks good. Its much easier for me to play with him. He can handle the ball, I can handle the ball." Wizards centre Marcin Gortat, who used to play for the Suns, offered high praise for their pair of guards. "These guys are hungry. They bring it every night. They compete every night. They know what theyre playing for," Gortat said. "They have character, a lot of will to win the game." Gortat was not nearly as complimentary about his current teammates, who are sixth in the Eastern Conference but now are only 1 1/2 games ahead of No. 7 Charlotte, which beat Brooklyn 116-111 in overtime Wednesday. Gortat called Washingtons showing "embarrassing" and added: "Sometimes we show that mentally we are weak and just not competing. Cheap Angels Jerseys. Thats it." Wall, who led Washington with 29 points and six assists, and coach Randy Wittman preferred to put the blame on poor defence that allowed Phoenix to shoot 50 per cent on 3-pointers for the game (14 of 28). Phoenix made 7 of 9 field-goal tries during a 17-4 run to open the second half. The Suns led by as much as 75-50 in the third quarter, but Washington kept chipping away at that, getting as close as 83-79 on Walls three-point play with a little more than 8 minutes remaining. But an 8-0 run by Phoenix that closed with Dragics 3-pointer followed by his reverse layup gave the Suns some breathing room. Washington again cut into the lead, though, and when Wall made consecutive driving layups, it was 93-90 with 1 1/2 minutes left. Sure enough, Dragic and Bledsoe again responded. Bledsoe hit a 3 off Dragics assist, and then Dragic fed Gerald Green, who was fouled and made two free throws. And that was pretty much that. Bledsoe called it "a sloppy win," but knows that his team is going to fare well when six players each make at least one 3-pointer, as happened Wednesday. "We live by the 3, die by the 3, most likely. Thats how it is," Bledsoe said. "When were making 3, its tough to beat us." Notes: Wizards G Bradley Beal missed the end of the first half and beginning of the second because he went to the locker room for treatment of a right hip pointer after a Suns player landed on him. Beal said he hopes to play Friday against visiting Indiana. ... The Suns had lost their previous three games against the Wizards, including at Phoenix in January. ... Wall reached 100 3-pointers for the season for the first time in his NBA career, and he joins Beal, Trevor Ariza and Martell Webster to give Washington a franchise-high four players with at least that many. ' ' '

OTTAWA -- Canadas Colette Bourgonje, a 10-time Paralympic medallist, retired Wednesday to end a 24-year career. Randall Cobb Cowboys Jersey . The Prince Albert, Sask., native is the only athlete in the world to have competed in all seven Paralympic Winter Games from 1992-2014. Bourgonje, 52, also competed at three Paralympic Summer Games in wheelchair athletics. She won three silver and three bronze medals in the Winter Games while taking four bronze in the Summer Games. Bourgonje was the first Canadian to win a Paralympic medal at home after taking silver in womens 10-kilometre sit-ski at the 2010 Vancouver Games. "On behalf of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, a heartfelt thank you to Colette for her contributions to Paralympic sport and congratulations on an unparalleled career," said Karen ONeill, CEO of the CPC, in a statement. "Colette has been a great leader on the national para-nordic team through her accomplishments and experience. We wish her well in retirement." Tony Pollard Womens Jersey . The team of Lars Nelson, Daniel Richardsson, Johan Olsson, and anchor Marcus Hellner cruised to victory in the 4x10 km event, winning in a time of one hour, 28 minutes, and 42. Michael Gallup Cowboys Jersey . Seager had another triple, a home run and a double in a rare feat not seen in more than 40 years, leading Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners past the New York Yankees 10-2. "It was a weird play," Seager said of the triple in the fourth inning. https://www.cowboyssportsgoods.com/Womens-Jaylon-Smith-Inverted-Jersey/ . Rodgers was ruled out on Friday by Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. Matt Flynn will make his second consecutive start for the Packers.Sam Allardyce is the new England manager, the Football Association has confirmed. The 61-year-old leaves his post at Sunderland with immediate effect to succeed Roy Hodgson and has been handed an initial two-year contract.Allardyce said: I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager, especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted. For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football. Who will Allardyce play? Five questions for Englands new manager over his squad selection... I will do everything I can to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud.While my main focus will be on the senior team and getting positive results, I want to add my influence to the great work being done across the development teams at St Georges Park - a facility I have used with my previous clubs. Former England defender Jamie Carragher believes Sam Allardyce was the best candidate for the job I know we have talented, committed players and it is time for us to deliver.Allardyce will hold a news conference on Monday at St Georges Park and his first match in charge will be a friendly at Wembley on Thursday 1 September against yet-to-be-named opponents, ahead of the World Cup 2018 qualifier in Slovakia on 4 September. Clarke nominated FA chairman Greg Clarke set to replace Greg Dyke in role An experienced Premier League manager with Bolton, West Ham and Sunderland, Allardyce narrowly missed out on the England job when it was given to Steve McClaren 10 years ago and has frequently spoken of his desire to manage his country.Hodgson stepped down after a shock 2-1 defeat to Iceland ended Englands Euro 2016 participation at the round-of-16 stage, and Allardyce and Steve Bruce interviewed for the vacant position earlier this month. Kevin Davies, a former player of Sam Allardyce, believes he can be a success with England And Sky sources reported on Thursday that the FAs three-man selection panel - chief executive Martin Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth and vice-chairman David Gill - had told the FA board that they were recommending Allardyce.Agreement on a compensation package was subsequently reached with Sunderland, allowing the FA to confirm the hiring of Allardyce on Friday afternoon. What they say about Sam Allardyces passion for sports science, statistics and psychology And Glenn said after the appointment was confirmed: Sam Allardyce is the right man for the England job. Jason Witten Cowboys Jersey. His excellent managerial credentials, including his ability to realise the potential of players and teams, develop a strong team ethos and embrace modern methods that enhance performance, made him the outstanding choice. Carlton Cole believes Allardyce is the right man to instill confidence into the England squad That was underlined when we sat down to talk, and we could not help but be energised by his personal perspective on Englands future and how it complemented the extensive work that we are looking to build on at St Georges Park.Dan Ashworth, David Gill and I have carried out a thorough process in the last three weeks and ultimately we could not look beyond Sam as the ideal candidate. On Wednesday, chief executive Martin Glenn said the FA were looking for a long-term England boss and not a short term mercenary Current and former Manchester United managers Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson are among those to have expressed their support for Allardyce in the role.Although Allardyces initial deal only extends to the end of the 2018 World Cup, there appears to be scope for him to remain at the helm for a longer period. Heres a look at the style of play you can expect from Allardyce as Englands manager An FA statement read: Alongside his primary target of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Allardyce has a mandate to shape a strong, purposeful team identity and maximise the performance potential of a young, talented England squad at a major tournament.Allardyce is also charged with helping Ashworth integrate and strengthen the FAs elite performance and coaching programme across the England senior and development teams at St Georges Park. Also See: Who will Allardyce play? How England made the decision What of Englands DNA? England fixtures ' ' '

VANCOUVER - The B. Ben McLemore Rockets Jersey .C. Lions and Calgary Stampeders will put on a quarterbacking show Friday in their final game of the 2014 CFL regular season at B.C. Place Stadium. Both clubs plan to use two signal-callers as they get ready for the playoffs. Kevin Glenn will start as usual for the Lions (9-8) as they attempt to lock up third place in the West Division. But rarely used backup John Beck, the leagues oldest rookie quarterback at 33, will also see action. Catch the all the action on TSN Radio 1040 starting at 5:30pm PT. Its one of those situations where Im going to let (Glenn) play as much as he needs to, said Lions coach Mike Benevides. I dont have any thoughts of having a sequence in and out. Backup Drew Tate will start for the Stampeders (14-3), who have secured first place and a bye to the Western Final at home. Starter Bo Levi Mitchell will see limited duty as Calgary attempts to bounce back from an upset loss to Winnipeg during a snowstorm at home last weekend. With a win, the Lions can clinch third and a road game against the Edmonton Eskimos. If B.C. loses, a possible cross-over to the East Division playoffs could result. To be honest with you, as anybody says, nobody really cares (about playing in the West or East), as long as we get an opportunity, said Benevides. But I do think that, in order to have any sort of momentum and feel the way we should feel as a football team, or need to feel, we have to find a way to play well (Friday). While using multiple quarterbacks, both clubs will also make numerous lineup changes as they attempt to make up for embarrassing losses. The Lions are looking to bounce back after an embarrassing 37-3 loss in Edmonton last weekend. Glenn said its important for the Lions to play well even though the Stampeders will not be as strong as usual. The 14-year veteran said he understands his team needs to rest him, but he also has a strong desire to play. He does not need considerable playing time to tune up for the playoffs. Its the time that (coaches are) willing to give, he said. Ive been in this league long enough to know that I dont necessarily have to play the whole game to be ready, if thats the given situation and they want to play other guys, to see other guys. Beck, a former NFL journeyman was initially slated to be No. 3 but moved into a backup role after Glenn assumed the No. 1 role in wake of Travis Lulays shoulder troubles. Beck could see his most minutes yet behind centre. Thats exciting for me, said Beck. So whatever happens, happens. Nothings really been set out (in terms of) specifics. B.C.s other most notable change on offence will see running back Stefan Logan assume the starting tailback role after he missed four games — two due to injury and two more after being displaced from the roster. Linebacker Adam Bighills absence (hand) will be the most significant one on defence. Despite the fact that the game is shaping up as a quasi-exhibition contest due to all of the lineup changes, B.C. defensive back Ryan Phillips said the Lions have a renewed sense of urgency in wake of the one-sided loss to Edmonton. Were not looking at this game as a meaningless game or anything like that, said Phillips. Every game counts. Meanwhile, Calgary general manager and coach John Hufnagel plans to play QBs Tate and Mitchell on a 50-50 or 60-40 basis depending on how the game goes. Hufnagel chose to start Tate in order to give him added pressure in case he has to play in the post-season. The Stamps want to play well heading into a bye in order to avoid a repeat home loss in the West Final after they fell to eventual Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan last year. We definitely dont want to have that happen again, and (we want to) just take advantage of the opportunity that we all have (Friday), said Tate. The Stamps will try to regain their offensive momentum without CFL rushing leader Jon Cornish, who had to leave Saturdays game against Winnipeg in the second quarter after bouncing his head off the McMahon Stadium turf. Martell Mallett will see the lions share, so to speak in his place, said Hufnagel. While many teammates are rested, Calgary receiver Marquay McDaniel will return after being out since Sept. 13 with a broken wrist. (The game) might not mean anything, but it means something to me just being out there, said McDaniel. Clyde Drexler Jersey . After not scoring 40 points in the opening quarter in the last five seasons, the Rockets have done it five times this season and twice in the last three games. Brandon Knight Jersey . The hard-serving 22-year-old from Thornhill, Ont., became the first Canadian to be ranked in the Top 10 on the ATP World Tour thanks to his runner-up performance at Rogers Cup in Montreal. https://www.rocketsrookiesshop.com/Vincent-Edwards-City-Edition-Jersey/ . While he was away, it was the division-rival Baltimore Orioles conducting a little business of their own, scooping up Ubaldo Jimenez on Monday evening to a reported four-year, $50-million contract.VICTORIA -- Cory Conway scored a hat trick as the Victoria Shamrocks downed the Six Nations Chiefs 8-6 on Monday in Game 3 of the Mann Cup. Victoria now has a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series for Canadas senior indoor lacrosse championship. Jeff Shattler had a pair of goals and four assists for the Shamrocks, while Scott Ranger, Karsen Leung and Mitch Jones chipped in as well. Goaltender Matt Vinc made 37 saves for the winn. Ryan Anderson Rockets Jersey. Steven Keogh and Kasey Beirnes scored two goals each for Six Nations, while Roger Vyse and Cody Jamieson had goals too. Brandon Miller and Evan Kirk split time in the Chiefs net. Miller stopped 28-of-31 shots in 42:18 of work, while Kirk turned aside 10 of 15 in 17:42. Six Nations squandered a 6-4 lead after two periods, letting Victoria outscore the Chiefs 5-2 in the final 20 minutes of play. ' ' '

OTTAWA -- The Ottawa Redblacks have added veteran receivers Aaron Hargreaves and Kierrie Johnson to their roster. Adidas Nmd Levně Damske . Hargreaves began his career in 2008 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and has played with the Edmonton Eskimos and last season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Johnson, an import, began his CFL career in 2011 with the B.C. Lions before also joining Saskatchewan prior to last season. Hargreaves has 56 career catches for 548 yards in the CFL and Johnson caught 34 passes for 512 yards and one touchdown in two seasons for the Lions. He also ran the ball 14 times for 76 yards in two seasons with B.C. and returned kicks. Adidas Nmd Sleva .J. -- The NHL reduced its penalty against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday for signing Ilya Kovalchuk in 2010. Adidas Nmd Pánská . The 2014 edition will be the ninth meeting between the Caps and Vikes in a tradition that dates back to 2005. "Since the original Whitecaps, the club has enjoyed fantastic support from fans in Victoria and all across Vancouver Island," said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. http://www.botynmdlevne.com/yeezy-powerphase-levne.html . - Even with a new coach, the Denver Nuggets still love to push the basketball.CINCINNATI, Ohio -- A three-game sweep left the Pirates with 94 wins and home-field advantage for the wild-card playoff. Now, its back home to PNC Park to get the post-season started. Quite a weekend, no? "The big thing about that is: It means absolutely nothing," outfielder Marlon Byrd said. "Everything youve done for 162 games now means absolutely nothing." Tell that to the revved-up Pirates fans ready to pack PNC Park on Tuesday night for their first playoff game in 21 years. The Pirates headed into the playoffs with a lot of momentum on Sunday, beating the Cincinnati Reds 4-2 in a game that was mostly an afterthought for teams looking ahead to their rematch in two days. "Im happy with where were at," said Pedro Alvarez, who had a chance to share the NLs home run title. "Obviously we have a lot to accomplish and get done, but weve gone out there and played some pretty good baseball. Weve just got to keep going." The Pirates and Reds have met five times in the playoffs: 1970, 1972, 1975, 1979 and 1990, when the Reds won their last World Series title. The wild-card matchup features right-hander Johnny Cueto (5-2), who is 8-2 career at PNC Park, against left-hander Francisco Liriano (16-8), who is 0-3 in four starts against Cincinnati this season. First, there was one game to finish the schedule, and it meant little to either team. Pittsburgh played mostly backups. Alvarez was in the lineup, giving him a chance to try to win the NL home run crown outright. He walked, was hit by a pitch and popped out, finishing the season tied with Arizonas Paul Goldschmidt at 36 homers. The last Pirate to lead the league in homers was Willie Stargell in 1973 with 44. "This is something extra," Alvarez said. "Im not worried about that at all." Reds manager Dusty Baker started his regulars but began substituting after the third inning. Corky Miller had a two-run double. The Reds dropped their last five games, matching their season high. "I dont think were worried about the way we finished the season," catcher Ryan Hanigan said. "I think everybodys excited about the opportunity. All of that is in the past. Everything is ahead of us." Jordy Mercer got the Pirates second inside-the-park homer of the season when right fielder Jay Bruce dived and missed his sinking liner in the second inning. Mercer also had a triple off Greg Reynolds (1-3) and scored twice. Garrett Jones homered for the Pirates, who hiit nine in all during the series. Boty Adidas Nmd Levně. Brandon Cumpton (2-1) gave up a pair of hits in five shutout innings. Kyle Farnsworth got his second save. On Tuesday, the Ohio River cities will add to a rivalry that has long been second-best for both cities. Cincinnati has its in-state grudge match with Cleveland. Pittsburgh also has a long-standing rivalry with Cleveland, a pair of steel cities that share a love for polkas and pierogies. Lately, the river rivalry has moved to the forefront. The Bengals beat the Steelers at Heinz Field last December to clinch the AFC North title and knock the Steelers out of the post-season. They signed one of Pittsburghs best players -- linebacker James Harrison -- as a free agent and beat the Steelers again in a Monday night game at Paul Brown Stadium this month. And now, its spilling over to baseball with an edgy series that got both cities attention during the summer -- 28 batters plunked overall, the most in the majors. All those hit batters have left a mark. It feels like a rivalry again. "I think weve gotten each others attention since Ive been here," said Clint Hurdle, in his third season as the Pirates manager. "I think theres a professional respect and theres a desire to go out and win. "I think the content of the games and the quality of the games over the past three years have probably led to that a little bit. Its kind of refreshing. Thats the way it was back when I was a kid watching these two teams play." The Reds are trying to get past the disappointment of their closing week. They clinched a playoff spot on Monday night, but went in to a batting slump that allowed the Pirates to get home-field advantage for the wild card. "As bad as things have been this weekend, we should be very happy and thankful that were going to Pittsburgh to play instead of being down and sad about whats transpired," Baker said. "Our goal is to go to Atlanta or St. Louis (in the division series) and then give our people some more games." NOTES: Alvarez also led the NL with 186 strikeouts. Bruce was second with 185. ... Reds 2B Brandon Phillips was out of the lineup with a bruised left shin, hit by a foul ball on Saturday. Hes expected to play on Tuesday. ... Joey Votto and Shin-Soo Choo finished first and second in the NL in on-base percentage. Votto led the NL in walks for the third straight season with a club-record 135. ... The Reds drew 2,492,059 fans for 80 home dates, a season record at Great American Ball Park. ' ' '

Chris Neil has left the Ottawa Senators Monday night game against the Washington Capitals with a lower body injury. Terrance Ferguson Thunder Jersey . Neil tried to hit Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin early in the first period but sustained an injury on the play and went immediately to the bench. The Senators announced that Neil would not return to the game through the teams official Twitter account. Hamidou Diallo Thunder Jersey . Sources tell TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun the international tournament will likely return in September 2016 rather than 2015. Hamidou Diallo Jersey . While hell be dialed in to that tournament on a course he loves, you can forgive him if his eyes glance down the calendar just a bit, towards April. https://www.thunderrookiesshop.com/Abdel-Nader-City-Edition-Jersey/ . Reimer told TSNs Mark Masters on Tuesday that he doesnt know if he will be moved leading up to the March 5 trade deadline but added he wasnt interested in discussing it. "Who knows whats going to happen on the horizon here and right now I dont know if I want to talk about it too much.VANCOUVER -- Perspective is always important. Maybe thats why midfielder Russell Teibert managed to sound enthusiastic about a schedule that sees the Vancouver Whitecaps play their third Major League Soccer game in eight days. The Whitecaps match against Real Salt Lake Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium comes on the heels of a 1-1 draw Wednesday in Toronto against Toronto FC and a 3-1 loss to Chivas USA Saturday at home in BC Place Stadium. The Whitecaps will have travelled over 7,300 kilometres by the time they return to Vancouver. The stretch can be physically exhausting but Teiberts rational is more games in a short time period means increased playing minutes for everyone on the team. "I think its the most exciting stretch to be going through, especially with the squad we have this year," said the 21-year-old from Niagara Falls, Ont., who played 82 minutes against Toronto after not getting on the field against Chivas. "You never know when you are going to have the chance to be on the field. Now that we have more games theres a better chance you have in playing. Its exciting and it keeps all the guys on their toes." A win would help Vancouver gain ground in MLSs competitive Western Conference. Heading into the weekend the Whitecaps are sixth in the West with 26 points from a 6-4-8 record. That leaves them just two points back of Salt Lake, which has a 7-4-7 record. "Each point, each win is vital," said Teibert. "Hopefully we get a good result and can jump back up there." Perspective can also be applied in analyzing the Whitecaps recent fortunes. For three months Vancouver rode a franchise-record eight game unbeaten streak (3-0-5). During that stretch the team scored 18 goals but allowed 14. Over their last four games the Whitecaps are 1-2-1. The team has managed just three goals and allowed six. "You are always going to have ups and downs in a season, thats professional sport," said Teibert. "Its how you handle those up and downs. "We have got a couple of draws and we did lose an unfortunate game last weekend. Its all about moving forward." Defender Steven Beitashour cant explain why the ball suddenly isnt going into the net for the Whitecaps. "I dont know what the reason is for that," said Beitashour, a member of Irans team at the recent World Cup in Brazil. "Any time we play we try to put up as many goals as possible and give up zero goals."t; Teams often improve defensively as the season progresses, said Beitashour, who is playing in his fifth MLS season. Ray Allen Thunder Jersey. The Whitecaps are also still adapting to new coach Carl Robinson. "The coaching staff has more time with the team," he said. "Guys are getting used to each others tendencies and things like that. "With Carl being new here we are all trying to understand exactly what he wants defensively and we are starting to jell together." Real Salt Lake has struggled of late and is winless in their last five games (0-3-2). One problem is goal scoring. In the first five games of the season Salt Lake scored 23 goals. In their next seven the team managed just four, with two of those coming on penalty kicks in one match. In the first 11 games Salt Lake was shutout once. In the last seven games they have been shut out four times. Defender Tony Beltran said no one is panicking. "I feel like we talk about that every year at a certain point," he told the Real Salt Lake website. "We trust our forwards. We trust our midfielders. "We know theyre capable of finishing chances when they get them. For whatever reasons theyre not going in right now." Coach Jeff Cassar wants more production from his forwards, but said scoring is a team effort. "Scoring chances dont just come from the forwards," he said. "It comes from the build up. Getting numbers forward. "We need that final pass to not be close, but to be perfect, so that they (forwards) are then able to do their thing." The last time the two teams met Real Salt Lake took an early 2-0 lead only to see the Whitecaps battle back for a 2-2 draw. Teibert said the Whitecaps will be playing with fire if they let Salt Lake take an early lead in the rematch. "They are a very possession-based side," he said. "They play their style of game very well. "They know what they are good at. They can pass through teams. Its important for us to really key in on that. It will be a great match." The Whitecaps recent struggles havent dented the teams confidence. "Were not trying to change for anybody," said Teibert. "We are always going to stick to our game plan. Some days it works, some days it doesnt. "We always want to be an exciting team to watch. We have a never-say-die attitude. We have a sense of togetherness. We believe we can go out and win games." ' ' '

SANTA CLARA, Calif. Nike Air Max 720 Rebajas . - San Francisco 49ers running back Marcus Lattimore is weighing his football future less than a week after returning to the practice field following a two-year struggle with a devastating knee injury from college.Coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that Lattimore is going to talk to his family and the team should know more in the coming days.Hes weighing his options, well have an announcement about that, Harbaugh said.Lattimore, San Franciscos 2013 fourth-round draft pick, practiced last Wednesday and Thursday but not Friday. He was eligible to return after Week 6.He spent his rookie season last year on injured reserve after tearing major ligaments in both knees during college at South Carolina. The serious knee injuries derailed his 2011 and 12 seasons before the Niners took a chance on him in the draft anyway. He underwent surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in 2011.The 23-year-old Lattimore wasnt around for Sundays 13-10 loss to St. Louis. Last week, he expressed how thankful he was to finally get on the field, calling it a big moment, while adding, its a blessing, thats what it is.Lattimores agent, Michael Perrett, posted on Twitter on Monday that no decision has been made on @MarcusLattimores future. Messages left for Perrett and Lattimore werent immediately returned.Lattimore hurt his right knee just before halftime of a 38-35 win by South Carolina against Tennessee in 2012, the second straight season his year was ended by a serious knee injury. Tennessee players came out as a group while Lattimore was being carted off that afternoon to wish him well and show support.Harbaugh declined Monday to share anything from his discussions with Lattimore or say how difficult it would be to see Lattimores career end after such a rigorous commitment to his rehab.Last Wednesday started the teams 21-day window to determine whether to activate him to the 53-man roster or place him on season-ending injured reserve.In interesting timing, San Francisco announced it had re-signed running back Kendall Hunter to a one-year contract extension through the 2015 season. He is out for the season after tearing his right ACL in training camp.The 49ers coach was still trying to regroup from an ugly home loss to the Rams in which quarterback Colin Kaepernick was sacked eight times and fumbled at the goal line with 2 seconds remaining while trying to score the go-ahead touchdown.Harbaughs play-calling came into question, while running back Frank Gore defended offensive co-ordinator Greg Roman. Harbaugh reiterated Monday his faith in Roman.Were not going to be concerned what other people think or point out, Harbaugh said. What were going to do, were going to take action to improve and get on to the next ballgame. ... Were going to address the areas we need improvement and attack it.He declined to point out certain players struggles, preferring to meet with his entire team Tuesday to discuss what went wrong and how to move forward.While Kaepernick was working with a new centre, rookie Marcus Martin making his NFL debut, Harbaugh said the two didnt have issues with their timing on snaps during practice last week.For the most part it was good, he said. As you watch the tape you see where we all have fingerprints on this.And he had already watched the film a few times as of lunchtime Monday.San Francisco (4-4) knows it has work to do to make another post-season run. The Niners have reached three straight NFC championship games, but find themselves in third place in the tough NFC West — with two games against Seattle and one with first-place Arizona still remaining.There are two tough road trips the next two weeks, beginning at New Orleans this Sunday then a trip to New York.The ship didnt sink, were still in it, tight end Vernon Davis said.Notes: Harbaugh said LB Dan Skuta (ankle) and WR Brandon Lloyd (hamstring) were being examined further. ... Of Tramaine Brock, who missed Sundays game with turf toe after playing against the Broncos on Oct. 19, Harbaugh would only say, well continue to assess that.___AP Sports Writer Pete Iacobelli in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Nike Air Max 90 Rebajas . Mohamed Diame put West Ham ahead in the 47th minute before goals by substitutes Carlton Cole and Joe Cole condemned Fulham to a fifth straight defeat, keeping the visitors in the bottom three. Nike Air Max 720 Hombre Baratas . The 31-year-old Spain midfielder hasnt played since Madrid lost in the Copa del Rey final to Atletico Madrid in May due to back and foot injuries. http://www.tiendasairmaxbaratas.com/zapatillas-air-max-90.html . “The shootout, theres nothing wrong with it, I think its an exciting part of the game but its just one small aspect,” said Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman. “Its a skill exhibition. If you can get it back closer to regular hockey and have it decided that way; that would be my preference.” “I dont think its a knock on the shootout, I think more of the managers would like to see it end in overtime,” added Washington Capitals GM George McPhee. ATLANTA -- David Ortiz homered and drove in four runs as the Boston Red Sox ended their 10-game losing streak, rallying from a five-run deficit to defeat the Atlanta Braves 8-6 on Monday. The defending World Series champions trailed 6-1 after the fourth, with starter Clay Buchholz walking a career-high eight in only three-plus innings. But Ortiz tied it by hitting a three-run homer off Ervin Santana in the fifth. With Red Sox fans at Turner Field chanting "Papi! Papi!" the World Series MVP then gave Boston the lead with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly off Ian Thomas (1-2) in the seventh. Following pregame declarations of confidence from manager John Farrell and general manager Ben Cherington, the Red Sox came back to end their worst skid since an 11-game slide in 1994. The losing streak was the longest for a defending World Series champion since the depleted 1998 Marlins had two 11-game skids. Justin Upton drove in three runs with two hits for Atlanta. Edward Mujica (2-1) got the win with a scoreless sixth inning following a 1 1/2-hour rain delay. Chris Johnson singled with one out in the ninth before Koji Uehara capped his 10th save with Andrelton Simmons game-ending double-play grounder. Uehara was Bostons seventh pitcher. Buchholz began the day with an unsightly 6.32 ERA, but even with his poor start he hadnt walked more than three batters in a game. He couldnt overcome unprecedented control problems, as he allowed six runs and four hits. Buchholz was wild from the start. He walked leadoff hitter Jason Heyward and catcher A.J. Pierzynski visited after a first-pitch ball to the next hitter, B.J. Upton. Pitching coach Juan Nieves made his first walk to the mound when Buchholz walked Freddie Freeman. Buchholz matched his season high of three walks in the second inning and added three walks in the Braves three-run third. Justin Upton had a two-run double and Gerald Laird had a run-scoring singlle off Buchholzs left foot. Air Max 200 Baratas. Buchholz didnt get out of Atlantas three-run fourth. Heyward walked and scored on B.J. Uptons double, and Justin Upton and Simmons added RBI singles. As Bostons early deficit grew, the frustration from its players became more obvious. After his groundout in the fourth, star Dustin Pedroia stalked around the dugout, shouting in anger before slamming his hand on the bench. He seemed to be upset about a ball-strike call earlier in the at-bat. The Red Sox rallied with five runs in the fifth against Santana. Pedroia drove in two runs with a single before Ortiz hit his tying homer to left-centre. It marked the third straight start Santana allowed at least five earned runs. He gave up five runs on six hits and three walks in five innings. Following the rain delay, Thomas walked two batters following an infield hit by Brock Holt, loading the bases. Ortiz drove in Holt with a fly ball to right field, giving Boston a 7-6 lead. Pierzynskis single up the middle pushed the lead to two runs. Heyward led off the eighth with a single to centre field off Andrew Miller but slid past second base trying for a double. He was tagged by Pedroia while reaching back for the bag. NOTES: The crowd was a sellout of 48,501. Most fans remained during the rain delay. ... Buchholz singled in the second inning for his second hit in the majors. ... Holt had two hits and scored twice. ... The Red Sox recalled C-1B Ryan Lavarnway from Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned RHP Alex Wilson to Pawtucket. Lavarnway had a pinch-hit groundout in the seventh. ... Ortiz made his first start of the season at first base. The team placed 1B Mike Napoli (sprained finger) on the 15-day DL on Sunday. ... Braves LHP Jonny Venters, trying to return from his second Tommy John surgery, had more discomfort throwing from the mound before the game. ... Braves RHP Aaron Harang will face Red Sox LHP Jon Lester on Tuesday night. ' ' '