The Atlanta Dream ended the Los Angeles Sparks quest to record the best start to a WNBA season the last time the two teams met. The Dream could deliver another blow to the Sparks on Thursday, when they visit Staples Center in a big game for both teams playoff seeding.The Sparks fell off their first-place perch after dropping a low-scoring slugfest with the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday. Los Angeles fell behind early, suffered through a third-quarter scoring drought and couldnt complete a fourth-quarter comeback in a 77-74 loss to the Lynx, who moved into sole possession of first place.The loss snapped the Sparks three-game win streak and continued their uneven performance since returning from the Olympic break. Los Angeles is just 3-3 since the break.The Dream (15-14) are coming off a 91-87 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday. It was a bounce-back win for Atlanta, which lost to the Seattle Storm at home over the weekend.Sometimes it takes a difficult loss, like the last game against Seattle, to turn things around, Atlanta coach Michael Cooper told reporters. Obviously, we want to go out and win every game we play but that game really let us know that we have to keep our focus and come and play with energy in every single game. When we are able to do that we are one of the best teams in this league.Atlanta has alternated wins and losses and is 2-2 since returning from the Olympic break. With five contests remaining, the Dream sit in fifth place in the league standings, but only three games separate the teams in fourth through eighth.The top eight teams in the league standings, regardless of conference, qualify for the postseason.Los Angeles trails Minnesota by one game in the standings with four to play. The Sparks lost the season series with the Lynx and would need a remarkable finish to regain the top seed in the playoffs.A win over the Dream would be a good start.Atlanta and Los Angeles have split their previous two meetings this season, with each squad winning on its home court.The Dream pounded the Sparks 91-74 on July 17 in Atlanta, thwarting Los Angeles bid to record the best start in WNBA history. The Sparks had won 20 of their first 21 games, but Atlantas Layshia Clarendon and Angel McCoughtry each scored 17 points in the Dreams win. Zack Wheeler Jersey . Roman Josi had a goal and an assist to lead the Predators to a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Monday night. Mookie Wilson Jersey . -- Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Alrdridge were again the go-to duo for the Trail Blazers against the Kings. http://www.metsbaseballauthentic.com/carlos-gomez-mets-jersey/ . According to a report from the Vancouver Province, the Lions are expected to replace former DC Rich Stubler with defensive backs coach Mark Washington. Gary Carter Mets Jersey . The 18-year-old American had five birdies in her bogey-free round for a 17-under total of 196. Lee held the overnight lead but mixed three birdies with two bogeys for a 70. Jason Vargas Mets Jersey . A big centre with all the tools to be an elite player, Johansen paced the Blue Jackets with a standout game Saturday night. He had a goal and two assists for a career-high three points as Columbus beat the New York Islanders 5-2 to snap a five-game losing streak.SAN DIEGO, California - Brandon Morrow had hoped to make his next scheduled start on Sunday against the Padres. It wont be happening. Morrow was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday with a right forearm strain. Its the same injury that forced him out of his most recent start after only two innings on Tuesday against the Braves. Ramon Ortiz returns to the club three days after being designated for assignment. Ordinarily, Ortiz would have had to spend 10 days off the 40-man roster but an exception is made for injury replacement. In order to create space for Ortiz on the 40-man roster, struggling left-hander Ricky Romero first cleared waivers and was then outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo. While there has been no formal announcement, its reasonable to expect Ortiz will start on Sunday. In a straight-up move, right-hander Mickey Storey was recalled from Buffalo and Chad Jenkins, effective in three starts for Toronto, was optioned out. Storey wwill work the role of long man in a Blue Jays bullpen further depleted by Fridays 4-3, 17-inning marathon loss to the Padres.dddddddddddd Seven relievers worked 11 scoreless innings from the sixth to the 16th before the game was lost with two outs in the 17th. Jenkins demotion makes sense because the Blue Jays have off days on Monday and Thursday. Coupled with Josh Johnsons return from triceps inflammation on Tuesday in San Francisco, the club doesnt need a fifth starter until June 11th. Romeros removal from the 40-man roster represents the latest significant moment in the fall of a once-promising career. The 28-year-old has struggled mightily for the Bisons, posting a 13.85 ERA in four starts. Hes walked 20 over his 13 innings of work while striking out three. Ortiz, 40, is 1-2 with a 5.01 ERA in six appearances, three starts for the Blue Jays. Storey, 27, has made two appearances for the Blue Jays, both in relief. He has a 7.36 ERA in 3 2/3 innings. ' ' '