TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Kevin Sumlin and Texas A&M have celebrated a colossal win and endured a humiliating loss at Alabamas Bryant-Denny Stadium.Now, theyre back.The sixth-ranked Aggies return Saturday to face No. 1 Alabama in a matchup of the Southeastern Conferences last unbeaten teams and a game thats every bit as important as any previous meeting.Its even more intriguing with the Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0) having edged closer to the Texas A&M style of speedy tempo and quarterback runs. The Aggies (6-0, 4-0) havent abandoned that formula by any stretch but have taken over the role of the SECs top running team that would seem more `Bamas domain traditionally.No wonder Tide coach Nick Saban said were full of challenges for this week.This is one of those season-defining games for us, Saban said.For both teams. Its the second time in four seasons that the SEC West showdown has featured No. 1 versus No. 6 and the third Top 10 matchup in that span. The budding rivalry has produced classics like the Johnny Manziel-led 2012 upset by the Aggies in Tuscaloosa and `Bamas 49-42 win a year later. Its also supplied Alabamas biggest beatdown against a ranked team, a 59-0 win on the Aggies last visit two seasons ago.Such a one-sided outcome seems unlikely this time but Alabama is a whopping 18-point favorite coming off dominating performances against Tennessee and Arkansas.Texas A&M quarterback Trevor Knight, who led Oklahoma to a Sugar Bowl win over Alabama as a redshirt freshman, said the Aggies have this game in its proper perspective.Were not over-emphasizing this week and thats not discrediting Alabama and what theyve done, he said. But this isnt the end all, be all. This is the seventh game of our season. We still have a bunch of games after that and we realize and respect the opponent that were playing but were not making it on a pedestal or anything like that.Here are some things to watch in Saturdays Texas A&M-Alabama game:TOP 10 LIST: Alabama has grown accustomed to playing much-hyped games, going 23-6 against Top 10 teams since 2008. The Aggies have fared pretty well, too. Theyve won a school-record three road games against Top 10 teams under Sumlin, including that 29-24 win in 2012 that was the programs second win over a top-ranked team.RUNNING QBS: Both defenses will have to be wary of quarterback runs. Tide freshman Jalen Hurts and Knight rank second on their respective teams in rushing, but nobody comes close in reaching the end zone on the ground. Knight has run for nine touchdowns and 502 yards, Hurts has produced 428 yards and eight TDs.NON-OFFENSIVE TDS: Alabamas special teams and defense are on a roll when it comes to scoring, accounting for 11 touchdowns this season and at least one in nine straight games. It would be hard to top the last meeting with the Aggies, when the Tide scored on three interception returns . Sumlin cites a number of factors, luck not being among them.A lot of them are two-way players in high school and frustrated they only get to play defense, he said. They are letting the world know about it.PASS RUSHERS GALORE: The game features some of college footballs premier quarterback chasers. Texas A&M has bookends Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall and ranks third in the nation in tackles for loss (9.7 per game). Alabama counters with Jonathan Allen, Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson. All five players rank among the Top 86 in sacks.Their front is ridiculous, best way I can put it, Sumlin said. As good as there is in football.YOUNG RUNNERS: Led by Texas A&M freshman Trayveon Williams, this game features five of the SECs top 20 runners. All but Knight are freshmen or sophomores. Williams is leading the league with 117.3 rushing yards per game.---AP Sports Writer Kristie Rieken contributed to this report---AP college football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org Cheap Air Max For Sale .Y. -- Injured Buffalo Sabres forward Marcus Foligno did not practice with the team Monday and head coach Ron Rolston said its unlikely hell play in Wednesdays season opener in Detroit. Wholesale Air Max . Bryzgalov stopped 25 shots on Saturday in the Oklahoma City Barons 4-1 victory over the Abbotsford Heat. The Oilers signed Bryzgalov to a one-year $2 million contract last Friday after shedding payroll by dealing defenceman Ladislav Smid to the Flames. https://www.airmaxchina.us/ . 1, meaning problems for the doping controls at both major international sports events next year. The World Anti-Doping Agency provisionally suspended the Moscow Antidoping Center on Sunday, saying its operations must improve or a six-month ban on the facilitys accreditation will be imposed. Discount Air Max .C. Lions has come to an end. Banks told TSN on Jan 2 that he had no interest in playing out the option year of his contract with the Lions in 2014, and he again made that clear in a conversation with Lions GM Wally Buono last week. Clearance Air Max . -- The Magic have their first victory of the new year. MIAMI -- Dwyane Wade got a win in his return to Miami, with Jimmy Butler scoring 20 points and Rajon Rondo adding 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Chicago Bulls topped the Heat 98-95 on Thursday night.Robin Lopez had 16 points for Chicago, which prevailed in a game that had 14 ties and 19 lead changes.Wade scored 13 points on 5-for-17 shooting in his first game at Miami as an opponent, after spending his first 13 NBA seasons with the Heat.Hassan Whiteside led Miami with 20 points and 20 rebounds. Dion Waiters and Josh Richardson each scored 16 for the Heat, who lost point guard Goran Dragic to a sprained left ankle in the third quarter.Justise Winslow scored 15 and Tyler Johnson added 14 for Miami.WARRIORS 125, NUGGETS 101DENVER -- Stephen Curry scored 33 points and Golden State beat Denver on a night Kevin Durants string of 72 straight regular-season games with at least 20 points ended.Durant finished with 18 points. He remained tied with Michael Jordan for the fourth-longest streak of 20 or more points in league history.Curry tweaked his ankle in a win over Dallas on Wednesday, but it didnt appear to hamper him. He finished 7 of 13 from 3-point range, including one that he turned into a four-point play.Rookie Jamal Murray had 14 points for the Nuggets, who are 0-2 at Pepsi Center this season after stressing the importance of regaining a home-court advantage. Fellow rookie Malik Beasley scored his first NBA points on a 3-pointer in the third quarter. He finished with 12 points.PELICANS 112, BUCKS 106MILWAUKEE -- Anthony Davis hit a pair of free throws with 12 seconds left and scored 32 points, and New Orleans got its first victory after losing its first eight by beating Milwaukee.ddddddddddddThe Philadelphia 76ers (0-7) are the remaining winless team in the NBA.Jabari Parker scored a season-high 33 points for Milwaukee, which lost its second straight game to a team that was winless. In their last game Sunday, the Bucks fell 86-75 in overtime to Dallas, which was 0-5 coming into that game.ETwaun Moore added 20 points for New Orleans, playing its third game in four nights.Milwaukees Giannis Antetokounmpo had 17 points, 10 rebounds and one assist in 35 minutes.LAKERS 101, KINGS 91SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Lou Williams scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter to help Los Angeles rally past Sacramento.The Lakers took control by breaking away from a tie game with 10 straight points, the final five by Young, to go ahead 92-82 with 3:36 left. Los Angeles has four wins in a five-game stretch for the first time since November 2013.DeMarcus Cousins had 28 points and nine rebounds, and Rudy Gay had 15 points and eight rebounds for the Kings, who had their modest two-game win streak snapped. Sacramento had won the last seven meetings with the Lakers.DAngelo Russell had 17 points and Nick Young 16 for the Lakers. Julius Randle had 15 points and eight rebounds, and Timothy Mozgov added 10 points. ' ' '

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- David Price limited his old team to two hits in eight scoreless innings, helping the Boston Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2 on Monday night to move into a tie for first place in the AL East.Price (12-8) walked two, struck out eight and didnt allow a runner past first base while extending Tampa Bays scoring drought against Boston to 25 innings dating to a series at Fenway Park before the All-Star break. Evan Longoria stopped the streak with a two-run homer off Matt Barnes in the ninth.Blake Snell (4-6) allowed two runs and needed 94 pitches to get through 3 2/3 innings.The victory was the ninth in 11 games for the Red Sox and lifted them into a tie with Toronto, which was idle Monday.ORIOLES 4, NATIONALS 3BALTIMORE -- Mark Trumbo hit his major league-leading 38th home run, Jonathan Schoop also went deep and Baltimore won a matchup between neighboring contenders.Rookie Dylan Bundy (7-4) pitched six innings of three-hit ball for the Orioles, who had lost five of their previous six games -- all at home. The victory lifted Baltimore within two games of first-place Toronto and Boston in the AL East.Zach Britton worked a perfect ninth for his 38th save. The left-hander has not allowed an earned run in 43 games since May 5.The Orioles did all their scoring against A.J. Cole (0-1) in his season debut. Cole was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to replace scheduled starter Stephen Strasburg, who was placed on the 15-day disabled.DODGERS 18, REDS 9CINCINNATI -- Adrian Gonzalez hit three of the Dodgers seven homers -- driving in a career-high eight runs -- and rookie Corey Seager had a noteworthy homer as well.The NL West leaders enjoyed their biggest home run splurge in 10 years. Theyve won 10 of their last 12 games against Cincinnati.Gonzalez started it with a three-run shot in the first inning off Homer Bailey (2-2), who had his worst showing since returning from Tommy John surgery. The first baseman also had a solo shot in the fifth, when the Dodgers connected four times overall.Gonzalezs three-run shot in the seventh tied his career high for homers.Joey Votto singled home a run off reliever Jesse Chavez (1-0), one of his four RBI.ASTROS 3, PIRATES 1PITTSBURGH -- Doug Fister pitched seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball, Teoscar Hernandez hit a two-run homer and Houston beat Pittsburgh.Hernandez connected off fellow rookie Jameson Taillon (3-3) in the fifth inning after A.J. Reeds leadoff walk.Alex Bregman, another Astros rookie, hit his fourth homer in the ninth inning off Neftali Feliz.Fister struck out six, walked one and retired 11 of the first 12 batters.Ken Giles got his fourth save despite allowing David Freeses RBI single in the ninth.BREWERS 4, ROCKIES 2MILWAUKEE -- Chris Carter homered and Jimmy Nelson won for the first time in seven starts.Nelson (7-13) gave up two runs and seven hits in six innings.Carters solo homer to left in the third, his 30th of the season, off Chad Bettis (10-7) extended Milwaukees lead to 4-1. NHL Jerseys Outlet . Bryzgalov stopped 25 shots on Saturday in the Oklahoma City Barons 4-1 victory over the Abbotsford Heat. The Oilers signed Bryzgalov to a one-year $2 million contract last Friday after shedding payroll by dealing defenceman Ladislav Smid to the Flames. Discount NHL Jerseys . -- PGA TOUR Canada member Steve Saunders took a three-stroke lead Saturday in the Web. https://www.chinanhljerseys.us/ . Canada is now down to its 22-player limit, although but players wont be registered until Christmas Day. Changes could still be made as a result of a suspension or injury. Clearance NHL Jerseys .J. -- Marty Brodeur beat the Pittsburgh Penguins yet again. Custom NHL Jerseys . The Australian is competing in his final season in Formula One and still looking for his first win this year. He will look to end Vettels run of six straight race wins on Sunday. Webber, who is fifth in the championship, earned his second pole from the past three races and 13th of his career. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- They were always close as friends. They used to be just as close as golfers.Russell Knox and Duncan Stewart grew up 30 miles apart in the Scottish Highlands and spent four years as teammates at Jacksonville University. Their careers went in wildly different directions since they last played in the same tournament at the Atlantic Sun Conference championship.That was more than nine years ago.Neither could have imagined the circumstances for such a dream reunion.Knox is No. 18 in the world, the winner of a World Golf Championship and a sympathetic figure this summer for being left off the Ryder Cup team.Stewart, who worked in a slaughterhouse and drove a delivery van to help pay the bills, took out a bank loan to give his golf career one last shot, and he made it pay off. He won a Challenge Tour event in Spain on a sponsors exemption in April, moved up nearly 1,000 spots in the world ranking to No. 315 and finally earned a European Tour card.Knox never forgot his friend.As the highest-ranked player in Scotland, Knox was allowed to pick his partner for the World Cup next week at Kingston Heath in Australia, provided his teammate was among the top 500 in the world. He picked Stewart.It was a surprising choice for some because three other Scots are ranked ahead of Stewart.It was an easy choice for Knox.Were going to talk about this forever, the rest of our lives, Knox said. Were going to have the best time. Its going to be epic.Knox first raised the prospect in May, and Stewart figured he was joking. But after Knox won his second PGA Tour title at the Travelers Championship, he sent Stewart a text asking him his plans the week of the World Cup.The last thing he said was, `Lets go win this, Stewart said.Paul Lawrie was among the first to raise questions about the pick, saying on Twitter, Is Duncan Stewart the second highest-ranked Scot? The former British Open champion believes the two best players available should have represented Scotland. Then again, only Knox and Martin Laird have earned more ranking points than Stewart this year.Besides, the World Cup is as much about team as simply two players from the same country.Ever since I picked Duncan, hes only played awesome, Knox said. He was better than I was in college. Our paths have gone in slightly different directions. It could have easily been the otheer way around.dddddddddddd If the roles were reversed, he would have picked me.Knox used a recruiting company to help find a college in the U.S., and while Jacksonville was not a golf powerhouse, the weather there was a wee bit better than in Inverness. His late coach, Mike Fleming, was looking to fill out Jacksonvilles roster and Knox mentioned his friend from home.Knox had a slightly better scoring average over their four years. Stewart won more tournaments and was the Atlantic Sun player of the year as a sophomore. Stewart made more birdies. Knox was more consistent. They even worked at the same country club in the cart barn to pocket spare cash for the mini-tours when they graduated.Thats when it changed.Knox has joint citizenship (his father is American) and had a stronger financial backing. Stewart said he would stay until he could no longer afford it, and the money ran out about the time the engine blew up in his $600 car. He headed home to Scotland where he could stay with his parents and pay less in entry fees to small tournaments.If he would have stayed, I know he would have made it to the tour, Knox said.Stewart took a hard road. He played the EuroPro Tour, one year missing his Challenge Tour card by 300 pounds. He tried to change his swing to get more distance and figures that cost him two years. He took whatever jobs he could find and stopped playing for eight months out of frustration.Knox, meanwhile, made his way onto the Web.com Tour as a Monday qualifier, won a tournament, graduated to the PGA Tour and steadily improved each year until he broke through in a big way by winning the HSBC Champions in Shanghai.It was fantastic to see on the one hand, Stewart said. And it motivated me on the other.Stewart worked harder than ever, and then decided to take out the bank loan to give himself a proper chance. He missed his Challenge Tour card by one spot on the money list but saw enough progress to keep going. He started this year with no status on the Challenge Tour and wound up with his European Tour card.If you had told me at the start of the year I would finish 10th on the Challenge Tour and play in the World Cup with Russell, I would have laughed, he said. Were both really excited. ' ' '

How high are expectations for the revamped New York Knicks? New point guard Derrick Rose curiously said some people have put New York in the same super team class as the Golden State Warriors.With these teams right now, theyre saying us and Golden State are the super teams, and theyre trying not to build that many super teams, and [commissioner] Adam Silver came out with the statement and this and that, Rose said during a recent interview with NBA.com.And the expectations I think of us, we just want to win. Talking to [Carmelo Anthony] and all the guys whove been around. Youve got Brandon [Jennings] who just signed for one year, hes got to show why hes there. Ive got to show why Im there. Joakim [Noah] has to show why hes there. Everybodys trying to prove themselves.Rose added that expectations for the Knicks are high for the coming season, but he didnt specifically identify who has put the Knicks in the same class as the Warriors.The comparison to Golden State, however, would be a clumsy one, considering the Warriors are coming off of a 73-win season, have reached back-to-back NBA Finals and signed free agent Kevin Durant this summer.The Knicks, coming off of a 32-win season, added Rose, Noah, Jennings and Courtney Lee in the offseason. New York has an improved roster but likely not one that many would put in the same class as Golden State.In addition to talking expectations for the Knicks, Rose said hes looking forward to his opportunity to play in the New York market. The former MVP has been limited to playing in just 40 percent of his games since the start of the 2013-14 season because of various ailments, including two significant knee injuries.Im going into a great market, Rose said. Im going into a city where they love basketball -- basketball is a culture there, and they love players that play hard. And I think I fit that. ... I think this is a huge opportunity for me, and Im preparing myself right now. Cheap Jordan From China . PETERSBURG, Fla. Clearance Air Jordan Store .C. -- Manny Malhotra had two goals and an assist, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. https://www.jordanchina.us/ . With the first unit struggling of late and Amir Johnson - one of the teams iron men - hobbling on an injured right ankle, Patterson knew he could get the nod in a challenging matchup against one of the leagues up and coming players at his position. Air Jordan China . -- Charline Labonte couldnt have asked for a better homecoming. Air Jordan Outlet . PETERSBURG, Fla. RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico -- U.S. Amateur champion Curtis Luck shot a 9-under 63 on Friday to help Australia open a 16-stroke lead in the World Amateur Team Championship.After lagging behind teammates Cameron Davis and Harrison Endycott in the event that counts the two best scores from the three-man teams, Luck had nine birdies in a bogey-free round at Iberostar Playa Paraiso. Davis added a 68 for a round total of 13-under 131 and three-day total of 32-under 398 , one off the 54-hole record set by the United States in 2014.I had a good day at the office, Luck said. I felt like I let the team down a bit yesterday shooting even par and the boys obviously having good scores. It was great to come out, put a good round together and a 63 looks really nice on the scoreboard.Australia is trying to win the Eisenhower Trophy for the fourth time, following victories in 1958, 1966 and 1996.I dont want to look too far ahead, but its exciting to be in the hunt, Australian captain Matt Cutler said. To be quite considerably ahead is a great position to be, but we are excited about the prospect of what could occur.ddddddddddddDavis topped the individual standings at 14-under 201, two strokes ahead of Luck.Endycott had a non-counting 73.Ireland was second. Jack Hume shot 66, Paul McBride 69, and Stuart Grehan 71.Were not thinking about a medal just yet, there is still a bit of work to do, Irish captain Tony Goode said. Tomorrow is the important round, the fourth quarter as they say in American football, so well have to put something together for the last quarter. The boys are up for it, theyre on good form.The two-time defending champion United States was third at 15 under. Texas Scottie Scheffler had a 69, Stanfords Maverick McNealy shot 71, and Oklahomas Brad Dalke 72.Scheffler played alongside luck.Watching Curtis make so many birdies helped me out a bit, Scheffler said. I was watching good shots all day. ' ' '

PITTSBURGH -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a chance to play Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, even as a backup quarterback.Coach Mike Tomlin was asked Tuesday whether Roethlisberger -- who underwent torn left meniscus surgery Oct. 17 -- could dress but not start in Week 9.All the cards are on the table, said Tomlin about Roethlisberger and all his injured players.In Week 10 last season against the Cleveland Browns, Roethlisberger was the backup to Landry Jones while nursing a foot injury but threw for 379 yards in relief to guide a 30-9 Steelers win.Jones might make his second consecutive start after throwing for 281 yards in Week 7 against the New England Patriots. The Steelers and Ravens are both coming off bye weeks.The Steelers are looking to get several key players back, including right tackle Marcus Gilbert (foot, ankle), defensive end Cameron Heyward (hamstring), running back DeAngelo Williams (knee) and safety Shamarko Thomas (groin). Those players have a chance for Sunday, depending on their reaction to work in practice and the quality of that work.Roethlisberger ran some first-team reps in Mondays practice, which Gilbert considers very encouraging for a potential return, though adding the Steelers want Big Ben at full strength without risking long-term health.ESPNs Chris Mortensen reported Roethlisberger could be out up to four to six weeks with his injury. The Steelers have remained hopeful Roethlisberger could return for the game against the Ravens, who have defeated the Steelers in five of the last six matchups.I thought it was generally positive, said Tomlin about Roethlisbergers practice work Monday. We hadnt spent a lot of time analyzing it. Its just been giving him the work and him taking the work and hes done a really good job with it.Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday that his team expects Roethlisberger to play Sunday.Well prepare as if hes going to play, Harbaugh said Monday. Well operate under that assumption.Since Roethlisberger entered the league in 2004, the Ravens are 6-1 against the Steelers in the regular season when Roethlisberger doesnt play and 8-9 when he does.ESPNs Jamison Hensley contributed to this report. Air Max Pas Cher Chine Paypal . Each of Houstons starters scored in double figures as the Rockets improved to 2-0 against the Spurs this season, with both victories coming on the road. They also moved within 3 1/2 games of San Antonio (22-7) for the lead the Southwest Division. Air Max 720 Moins Cher . DAmigo scored twice in regulation and added the shootout winner as the Toronto Marlies edged the San Antonio Rampage 5-4 in American Hockey League action. http://www.airmaxpaschersite.fr/basket-air-max-270-outlet.html . Anthony Calvillo, through 20 CFL seasons, was frequently invincible and largely stoic in the heat of competition. But underneath the professional exterior he was, and is, compellingly human. Destockage Air Max 97 . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. Site Air Max Pas Cher Fiable . -- Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Farmar will be out for roughly four weeks after tearing his left hamstring. SAN FRANCISCO -- Sure is hard to send these San Francisco Giants home in October.Joe Panik doubled off the right-center wall in the 13th inning to drive in Brandon Crawford, and the Giants outlasted the Chicago Cubs 6-5 on Monday night in Game 3 to extend their NL Division Series.Boosted by Conor Gillaspies go-ahead triple in the eighth off Aroldis Chapman, the Giants rallied from a three-run deficit and won their 10th straight game when facing postseason elimination.San Francisco overcame Kris Bryants two-run homer off closer Sergio Romo that tied it 5-all in the ninth, and an early three-run shot by pitcher Jake Arrieta against Giants ace Madison Bumgarner.Just because were down, were not out. If were breathing, were still fighting, Panik said.The wild-card Giants forced Game 4 at their raucous ballpark, postponing a potential Cubs clinch party in the visitors clubhouse.Chicago leads the best-of-five playoff 2-1 and will send John Lackey to the mound Tuesday night opposite lefty Matt Moore.We played it hard, we played it right -- and they beat us, Cubs manager Joe Maddon said.Teammates piled on Panik in celebration after he came through on the 57th pitch from Mike Montgomery, beginning his fifth inning of relief. Crawford hit a leadoff double on an 0-2 curve, bringing Panik to the plate.His big hit ended a 5-hour, 4-minute game that was only 29 minutes shy of the total time it took to play the first two series games combined last week at Wrigley Field.Somehow we always just find a way with our backs up against the wall, Panik said. Its always somebody.Gillaspie hit a two-run triple in the eighth and Crawford added an RBI single to give the Giants a 5-3 lead.Rookie left-hander Ty Blach earned the win, escaping a 13th-inning jam when pinch-hitter David Ross bounced into a double play.Theres a sense of calmness, Panik said. Its like weve been there before.Bryants tying drive hit the top of the left-field fence and bounced into the seats, silencing the orange towel-swirling sellout crowd. The slugger received a warm hug of congratulations in the dugout from Chapman, who had just given up the lead.On a night when the early focus was the marquee pitching matchup between Bumgarner and Arrieta, the bullpens decided this one hours later.Arrietas three-run drive in the second held up most of the way.The game had everything -- pitching, timely hitting on both sides. It was just a fun game to be involved with, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.Arrietas shot ended Bumgarners postseason scoreless streak at 24 innings. The left-hander had also thrown 24 straight shutout innings wiith the Giants facing postseason elimination, a separate string that was snapped as well.ddddddddddddBuster Posey hit an RBI single for the Giants in the third, and Brandon Belt had a sacrifice fly in the fifth.Chapman relieved with two on in the eighth, trying for the second six-out save of his career, and Gillaspie tripled to deep right-center to put San Francisco ahead 4-3.Starting at third base for a banged-up Eduardo Nunez, Gillaspie also hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning for all the runs in Bumgarners wild-card win over the Mets last Wednesday in New York.In the bottom of the ninth, Albert Almora Jr. made a diving catch in deep right field on Poseys sinking liner and doubled up Belt at first base for an inning-ending double play that kept the Cubs in it.The Giants won the World Series in 2010, `12 and `14, and still believe they can get by Chicago and do it again given their remarkable track record with the season at stake.In 2012 against the Reds, San Francisco became the first team to come back from an 0-2 deficit and win a best-of-five series with three straight road victories. After that, the Giants came back from 3-1 down to beat the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Championship Series.I just think its part of our DNA, Belt said. We never think were out of it.CHAPMAN GIVES IT UPChapman entered in the eighth and struck out Hunter Pence with five consecutive pitches clocked at 101 or 102 mph. That brought up Gillaspie, who grounded out his first three times up. He fouled off the first offering before driving the ball beyond a diving Almora in right-center.Gillaspie has knocked in five of San Franciscos 11 runs this postseason.Give Gillaspie credit, Maddon said. He did it a couple days ago. He got an elevated fastball and hit it to the far part of the ballpark. I think it surprised a lot of people.It was the 10th extra-base hit Chapman has allowed to a left-handed batter in his career -- and the first triple.PAGAN SCRATCHEDThe only Giants player with strong numbers against Arrieta was a late scratch. Left fielder Angel Pagan got pulled from the lineup about an hour before the first pitch because of back spasms. Pagan had a .455 average (5 for 11) against Arrieta with a double and two strikeouts. Gregor Blanco replaced him.UP NEXTLackey will try to pitch the Cubs into their second straight NLCS, while Moore looks to build on his success down the stretch after the Giants acquired him at the Aug. 1 trade deadline from Tampa Bay. ' ' '

ROME -- Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi, who has long opposed the citys bid for the 2024 Olympics as unsustainable, will formally announce her decision on the candidacy Wednesday.The mayor has scheduled a news conference on the bid at City Hall atop ancient Capitoline Hill.Raggi has expressed her opposition for the bid since her candidacy earlier this year but hasnt made any announcement on the issue since being elected in June.It could mark Romes second withdrawal in four years after then-premier Mario Monti stopped the citys plans to bid for the 2020 Games in 2012 because of financial conditions.If Rome withdraws, only Los Angeles, Paris and Budapest, Hungary, would remain in the running for the 2024 Summer Games.The IOC will decide the host in September, 2017. Nike Air Max 95 Nederland . The Swede became the first golfer to win the PGA Tours FedEx Cup and European Tours Race to Dubai in the same season. "It is still taking a little time to sink in what Ive achieved this week as was the case when I won the FedEx Cup but then it just kept getting better and better as the days went on and I am sure this will be the same," he said. Nike Air Max 270 Heren Goedkoop . -- Nate Robinson has played for seven teams, so beating one of them is no longer a rare occurrence. http://www.airmaxkopennederland.com/uitverkoop-air-max-97/max-97-heren.html . - The Oakland Raiders re-signed offensive lineman Khalif Barnes on Friday. Nike Air Max 98 Heren Sale . Team physician Dr. Steve Traina performed the surgery Friday. Robinson was injured in a spill underneath the Nuggets basket during the first quarter of Wednesday nights loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. Nike Air Max 270 Dames Goedkoop . -- Anaheim Ducks defenceman Luca Sbisa will be out at least six weeks with a torn tendon in his right hand. SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short said he wont hold out while awaiting a new contract from the Carolina Panthers.Short reported to training camp on time Wednesday, the same day the Panthers announced they gave safety Kurt Coleman a three-year extension that runs through the 2019 season. Financial terms were not released.Short said hell play this season under his current deal if he doesnt receive a contract extension. The defending NFC champions begin practice Thursday night at Wofford College.Its not about the contract, its about helping this team, Short said. I love the Carolina Panthers. Hopefully things will get done.Short, entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, is set to cost $1.47 million under this years salary cap.He significantly outperformed that deal last season when he finished with 11 sacks and three forced fumbles and became the first defensive tackle to win NFC Defensive Player of the Month twice in a season. Short is expected to command a huge deal comparable to the five-year, $86 million contract the New York Jets gave to Muhammad Wilkerson and the six-year, $103 million deal the Philadelphia Eagles handed Fletcher Cox.Both deals averaged more than $17 million per season.Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman is hopeful a long-term deal can be worked out with Short.We are in conversations (with his agent) and as long as you are in conversation something good can happen, so well see, Gettleman said. Contracts will get done when they are supposed to.Short said hes happy to see interior defensive linemen collecting big money.Its like the point guard and center thing, Short said. You want to play point guard sometimes (when you are) a center. But big guys need love, too. To see big guys get rewarded like that is a blessing.But he said his focus right now is on football, not finances.While thhe Panthers are continuing to negotiate with Short, he wouldnt say if the two sides are close to reaching a deal.dddddddddddd.Its going to take time, but Im patient, Short said.When asked if he thinks a deal will get done by the end of training camp, Short replied: I dont know. Its hard to tell. If so, I will be happy for it. Last year was a great year for me, but I need to do even better this year.Coleman was rewarded Wednesday for his outstanding season.He led the Panthers and finished tied for third in the NFL with career-high seven interceptions in his first season in Carolina. He contributed to a team that ranked sixth in the NFL in total defense and led the NFL in interceptions (24), takeaways (39) and points off turnovers (148).Said Gettleman: Kurt is a pros pro and hes a great fit for us. He had a career year last year and does everything we ask. And he adds a veteran presence in the DB (defensive back) room.The 28-year-old Coleman finished third on the team with 103 tackles.When you go through situations you want whats best for your family and whats best for the team, and Im really excited, Coleman said. Im fortunate to be a part of this team for three more years.Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin and linebacker Luke Kuechly are all go for training camp as expected, according to coach Ron Rivera. Cornerback Bene Benwikere has been placed on the PUP list but can be activated at any time.Overall, Rivera said he feels good about his team, although he knows the heat is on -- and hes not just talking about the 100 degree temperatures in Spartanburg.My feeling is we are the hunted, Rivera said. We are where a lot of people want to be.---Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '

NEW YORK -- Catcher Gary Sanchez has been recalled by the New York Yankees from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and could see time at designated hitter as part of the teams youth movement.New York announced the move before Wednesdays game against the Mets. With the Subway Series moving to the Bronx, the DH was once again in use.Sanchez will be the DH against Steven Matz and bat eighth against the Mets.Sanchez, 23, has hit .282 with 10 homers and 50 RBI at Scranton. He made his big league debut with the Yankees last October, going 0 for 2 over two games, and he was 0 for 4 against the Chicago White Sox on May 13.To clear a roster spot, the Yankees optioned outfielder Ben Gamel to the RailRiders. USA Soccer Pro Shop . Meanwhile, there were huge victories for Sunderland and West Ham over fellow relegation rivals, leaving the battle to avoid the drop up for grabs with the bottom 11 teams separated by just six points. Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres scored second-half goals to seal a fourth straight victory for Chelsea, which climbed above Arsenal and Manchester City in the standings ahead of their games on Monday and Sunday respectively. Wholesale USA Soccer Jerseys . At a news conference Tuesday where it was thought that the fiery Schallibaum may be shown the door after a dismal finish to the Major League Soccer season, team president Joey Saputo said no decision has been made on whether the Swiss Volcano will be back in 2014. https://www.cheapusasoccer.com/ . LOUIS -- Heading into the final stretch of the season, the issues for the Chicago Bears banged-up defence only seem to be getting worse. USA Soccer Jerseys 2020 . -- In one brief spurt, Brazil turned a close game into a rout and proved again it will be a strong World Cup favourite. USA Soccer Jerseys 2019 . Self was acquired from the Buffalo Bandits in a trade for Alex Hill midway through last season, and made his debut in Rochester on March 16, 2013. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue sophomore forward Caleb Swanigan joined some elite company Friday night during the 15th-ranked Boilermakers 109-65 season-opening victory over McNeese State.With 23 points, 20 rebounds and six assists, Swanigan joined No. 1 overall draft pick Ben Simmons of LSU and NBA star Blake Griffin as the only college players in the past 10 years to amass at least 20 points, 20 rebounds and five assists in a game.We needed to get the momentum going and moving our way, Swanigan said of his dominant 17-point, 10-rebound first half. We knew we came out a little slow. McNeese State really competed in those first few minutes, so we had to turn it up.Center Isaac Haas added 22 points and six rebounds for Purdue, and forward Vince Edwards had 19 points and 11 rebounds.The Cowboys led 19-14 with 10:16 remaining in the first half when Swanigan and Edwards fueled a 22-3 run that turned a five-point deficit into a 36-22 lead.Purdue features one of the nations top front lines, and that was evident as the Boilermakers dominated inside, enjoying a 32-15 rebounding advantage through 20 minutes.Swanigan, Haas and Edwards combined for 64 points and 37 rebounds, making 23 of 36 field goal attempts.Swanigan and Edwards, a junior, both declared for the NBA Draft in the spring, but after workouts with professional teams, the forwards opted to return to college for the 2016-17 season.Sometimes we seem to forget that we have size, Purdue coach Matt Painter said. But what I liked is that Caleb is getting assists now and is becoming a complete player. There was a time in the first half that it seemed like he was getting every rebound. Then Vince Edwards had a great start to the second half.Freshman guard Carsen Edwards scored 18 points and guard Dakota Mathias added 13 for the Boilermakers.Five guys getting in double figures .dddddddddddd.. thats just sharing the ball and having fun as a team, Vince Edwards said.Richard Laku scored 16 points and James Harvey and Jamaya Burr each had 15 to lead McNeese State.BIG PICTURE:McNeese State: The Cowboys were competitive for almost 15 minutes, making 7 of 13 first-half 3-point attempts but had no answer for Swanigan, Edwards and Haas, kinds of players rarely seen in the Southland Conference.Purdue: The Boilermakers played without three scholarship players -- F/C Jacquil Taylor, F Basil Smotherman and G Ryan Cline -- but had plenty of interior strength to win. Taylor underwent ankle surgery on Tuesday, and Smotherman and Cline each was suspended for Fridays game for summer arrests involving marijuana use. Smotherman will return for Mondays game against No. 4 Villanova.POLL IMPLICATIONSPurdue certainly did not hurt its chances of climbing in the Top 25 poll with its 44-point victory and will have a chance to open even more eyes Monday night when it plays No. 4 Villanova in Mackey Arena.STAT TO NOTE:Big men Swanigan, Vince Edwards and Haas were a collective 15 of 19 from the free throw line. Guard Carsen Edwards was only 1 of 6 from the line.UP NEXT:McNeese State: The Cowboys will play host to Louisiana College on Tuesday night, hoping to use their perimeter shooting and quickness to get into the win column after facing a Big Ten opponent loaded with frontcourt strength.Purdue: The Boilermakers will have an opportunity to open some eyes nationally on Monday night when they entertain reigning national champion and No. 4 Villanova. Purdue has never beaten a Top 5, non-conference opponent in Mackey Arena, posting an 0-5 record from the time the building opened in December 1967. ' ' '

Now that the Cubs have the NL Central wrapped up, its time for the real fun to begin.?We asked our experts if this is finally Chicagos year and what (or who) could stand in the way of a parade 108 years in the making on the North Side. Nike Air Max 90 Dames Goedkoop . -- The Bishops Gaiters are showing they belong among the countrys top varsity football teams. Nike Air Max 98 Dames Sale . LOUIS -- Valtteri Filppula assisted on three of Tampa Bays four goals, and the Lightning beat the St. http://www.airmaxkopennederland.com/uitverkoop-air-max-270.html . Badenhop was 2-3 with a 3.47 ERA in 63 relief appearances for Milwaukee this season. He is 18-20 in his career with three saves and a 3. Nike Air Max 90 Dames Uitverkoop .ca! Hi Kerry, Heres an interesting one. I know its common knowledge that all players are responsible for their sticks. We witnessed that when Zack Kassian hit Edmontons Sam Gagner in the face after a missed check. Nike Air Max 90 Aanbieding . PETERSBURG, Fla. BOSTON -- Bryan Bickell and Dave Bolland scored goals 17 seconds apart Monday as the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in dramatic fashion with an amazing 3-2 last-minute comeback victory over the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of the final. Milan Lucics third-period goal had seemed to give the Bruins a 2-1 victory and a new lease of life in the final. But with Chicago goalie Corey Crawford out for an extra attacker, Bickell tied it up at 18:44 after Jonathan Toews circled out of the corner when Boston was unable to clear the puck. With two teammates waiting for him in front of goal, Toews chose Bickell and the game was suddenly tied. Bolland then won the Cup seconds after the puck drop, tucking in a rebound of a Johnny Oduya point shot that hit the goal-post. Bolland nipped between two defenders to redirect the puck in at 19:01 to stun the Bruins and previously raucous crowd at TD Garden. Toews, reduced to a spectator the final minutes of Game 5, added a goal and an assist for Chicago as the Blackhawks clawed their way back into the game. The captain was the first to hoist the Cup as his teammates jumped up and down. Crawford finished with 23 saves in the victory that marked Chicagos fifth championship and second in four years. "That team in 2010, we didnt really know what we were doing," Toews said. "We played great hockey, and we were kind of oblivious to how good we were playing. This time around we know definitely how much work it takes and how much sacrifice it takes to get back here, and this is an unbelievable group. "Weve been through a lot together this year, and this is a sweet way to finish it off." Added Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville: "Its always the greatest feeling in the world, so it cant be any better. So its always a tie, and once you do it, you cant wait to do it again. The stories, the ups and downs and the process of trying to win a Cup, thats what makes it so special. Chris Kelly had the other goal for Boston, while Tuukka Rask made 28 saves. The Bruins offence was limited by a power play that went 0-for-4 on the night. Lucic had taken advantage of a Crawford handling error behind the goal to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead at 12:11. The bruising forward disrupted the Chicago goalie and when the puck came back in front from David Krejci in the corner, Lucic wristed it in. The Bruins, who won the Stanley Cup in 2011, had their way with the Blackhawks in the first period, but only managed to turn that dominance into a 1-0 lead. Chicago rallied in the second to tie it up and make a contest out of it before completing the memorable comeback. Tied 1-1 going into the third, the game was up for grabs. And the stakes were high, ratcheting up the pressure for the capacity crowd of 17,565 -- Bostons 165th straight sellout. It made for a fast-placed third period, with both teams getting chances in what felt like overtime. A lot of hearts were in throats as pucks flew through the crease or just missed sticks. Both goalies -- Rask for Boston and Crawford for Chicago -- were in the zone. They never really left it during a series where goals were hard to come by most nights. Both teams endured a bumpy ride to get to Game 6. There were question marks over the health of Chicagos Toews and Boston star Patrice Bergeron. It was revealed that Toews had his bell rung in Game 5, while Bergeron had a broken rib and cartilage damage before separating his shoulder in Game 6. Chicagos Marian Hossa, who was dealing with a back injury, and Bostons Nathan Horton were also playing hurt. The players also had to contend with searing summer heat in the low 30s that did little for the ice. It was warmer in Beantown than Libya. A thin layer of fog was visible over the ice as the Bruins started their morning skate over some bumpy ice. Monday matched the deepest the Stanley Cup playoffs have stretched into the summer. New Jersey capped its sweep of Detroit on June 24, 1995, in the last lockout-shortened season. The last time the Cup was presented on Boston ice was in 1990 when John Mucklers Edmonton Oilers defeated Mike Milburys Bruins four games to one. Craig Simpson, who was in CBCs commentary booth for the 2013 final, scored the winning goal. Milbury is a studio analyst for NBC. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was once again booed after the game. Chicago sniper Patrick Kane won the Conn Smythe award as playoff MVP. The final, the first to feature Original Six teams since Montreal defeated the New York Rangers in 1979, did not disappoint. There were three overtime games and plenty of drama as the speed and skill of Chicago was matched against the hard-hitting Bruins who balanced talent with truculence. But in truth, both teams had a bit of everything including clutch goaltending and a high pain threshold. If Chicago is a sleek Porsche, Boston is a muscle car. Both have power, but one was built to give and take some more knocks. Going into Game 6, Chicago led in shots (204-175) and goals (14-13). Boston had the edge in hits (237-176). Chicago, with a full-season salary tab of US$79.8 million, ranked fourth in the league in payroll. Boston was eighth at $73.2. The Blackhawks become the first team in the salary cap era to win the Cup twice. Chicago also won the Cup in 2010,, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2.dddddddddddd Given the Hawks recent success, it is easy to forget that the 2010 championship was the first for Chicago since 1961 -- at the time the leagues longest active Stanley Cup drought. The franchise had to shed players in the wake of that Cup run because of salary cap issues. But once again it finds itself celebrating on enemy ice, thanks to GM Stan Bowmans refreshing of the roster. Dustin Byfuglien, Troy Brouwer, Brian Campbell, Ben Eager, Tomas Kopecky, Andrew Ladd, John Madden, Antti Niemi and Kris Versteeg all moved on after the 2010 Cup win. Boston, meanwhile, seemed to run out of weapons in the final. Krejci had nine goals and 12 assists in the first three rounds of the playoffs but only managed two assists in the first five games of the final. That was two more points than Brad Marchand, who led the team in scoring this season. Tyler Seguin, fourth on the team in scoring during the season, was 11th on the team going into Mondays game with one playoff goal and six assists. It said something that going into Game 6 defencemen had scored 17 of Bostons 63 goals (27.0 per cent), the most among all playoff clubs. And Chicago seemed to have solved Bruins beanpole Zdeno Chara. The Bruins captain was on the ice for eight of the nine Chicago goals in the Hawks Game 4 and 5 wins. The game had Prime Minister Stephen Harpers attention. "Original 6/Game 6 - fans like us cant lose," he tweeted prior to the game. After falling victim to several Chicago fast starts, Boston came out buzzing and soon had the Hawks on their heels. Hard work paid off for the Bruins third line as Kelly won a faceoff in Chicagos defensive end and the Bruins kept the puck in. Seguin batted the puck down out of the air and passed over to Kelly, who snapped a shot past Crawford before the goalie could slide across the crease. Kellys second goal of the playoffs came at 7:19. With 4:01 remaining in the period, Chicagos Andrew Shaw went down after taking a Shawn Thornton shot to the face. That required workers to clean blood off the ice, while Shaw needed repairs of his own. The fast-paced game was taking its toll. Jaromir Jagr played just three minutes three seconds of the first period with Rich Peverley taking his place alongside Marchand and Bergeron. Jagr returned for the second period, took one shift then headed back to the dressing room, with Seguin filling in. The first period was all Boston, who led the shot attempts category 32-8. The Bruins outshot Chicago 12-6 and won 17 faceoffs to the Hawks seven. They also outhit Chicago 16-13. It could have been worse but the Blackhawks blocked 13 shots to the Bruins one. Still it was only 1-0 on the scoreboard. And that soon changed. Toews tied it up at 4:24 of the second period with his third of the post-season, winning a faceoff and then -- after Michael Rozsival chipped the puck ahead -- beating Chara down the boards before swooping in to rifle a shot past Rask at 4:24. To make matters worse, the goal came at the end of a Boston power play -- the exact second that a Shaw roughing penalty expired as the Blackhawks killed off their fourth penalty of the game. It was Toews second goal in his last three outings, equalling his total from his prior 22 playoff contests. For Chara, it meant he had been on the ice for nine of Chicagos last 10 goals. But it was Chara to the rescue later in the period on a Chicago power play, clearing the puck away with Rask out of position after a pair of saves and Kane ready to stuff the rebound in. Chicago outshot Boston 9-6 in the second period. And the Hawks were working hard to limit the Bruins chances, leading 20-4 in blocked shots after two periods. Bergeron, clearly not 100 per cent, won three of seven faceoffs in the first 40 minutes. Jagr was back on the bench to start the third period and returned to the ice. The Hawks -- who also won the Cup in 1934, 1938 and 1961 -- opened the lockout-shortened season with a statement, picking up at least a point in 24 straight outings. Colorado won 6-2 on March 8 to end the streak. Chicago had won 11 in a row and were unbeaten in regulation in 30 straight games (24-0-6) dating to last season. Prior to the defeat at the hands of the Avalanche, the last regulation loss for the Blackhawks was a 6-1 home defeat to the Nashville Predators almost a year before. Only the 1979-80 Philadelphia Flyers (25-0-10) have enjoyed a longer unbeaten NHL run. They did it in an era before regular season overtime. Chicago finished the regular season with 36-7-5 record to lead the league. Boston was 15 points behind, in fifth spot overall in the league. The Blackhawks become the first Presidents Trophy winner to win the Cup since the Red Wings did it in 2008. The Bruins finished with a 28-14-6 record, winning just two of their last nine in an end-of-season schedule disrupted by the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings. In the playoffs, the Chicago dispatched Minnesota (4-1), Detroit (4-3, a series they trailed 3-1) and Los Angeles (4-1). Boston survived the Toronto Maple Leafs, barely (4-3, mounting a historic three-goal comeback in the third period of Game 7 to win in OT), the New York Rangers (4-1) and Pittsburgh (4-0). ' ' '

MINNEAPOLIS -- University of Minnesota basketball player Reggie Lynch will not be charged following his arrest on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct in May, a prosecutor said Monday.The Hennepin County Attorneys office found insufficient evidence to prove that a crime was committed, spokesman Chuck Laszewski told the St. Paul Pioneer Press (http://bit.ly/2aKYq4g ).Lynch, 21, was arrested May 8. He was released from jail when a 36-hour hold expired and the prosecutor delayed a decision on whether to charge him.Lynchs attorney, David Valentini, told The Associated Press he is very happy no charges will be filed.He told his version of the facts. I just was confident that after a thorough investigation that no charges would be brought, Valentini said.Minnesota earlier suspended Lynch pending an investigation. The 6-foot-9 player from suburban Edina didnt play last season as he sat out following his transfer from Illinois State.Lynch was at the school Monday and was going to sit out another practice, Valentini said.Asked if Lynch was still suspended, team spokesman Dan Reisig told the AP: We do not have any additional information to share at this time.At Illinois State, Lynch led the Missouri Valley Conference in blocked shots as both a freshman and a sophomore, averaging 2.8 per game. In the 2014-15 season, he averaged 9.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 22.2 minutes per game for the Redbirds.Lynch, who was ineligible to play last season after transferring from Illinois State, is the nephew of former Gophers star Kevin Lynch. Hes being counted on to help lift the Gophers out of the hole they fell into in coach Richard Pitinos third year, which finished with an 8-23 record, the most losses in the programs 121-year history.Theyve made more news for developments off the court, lately.Three guards, Kevin Dorsey, Nate Mason and Dupree McBrayer, were suspended for the last four games after a sex video briefly appeared on Dorseys social media accounts. Dorsey has left the program with the intent to transfer. Mason and McBrayer have been reinstated.Guard Daquein McNeil was dismissed during the 2014-15 season after being charged with two felony counts of assault for allegedly choking his girlfriend and whipping her with a belt.---Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press, http://www.twincities.com Cheap Air Jordan Free Shipping . The Nashville Predators were glad their captain was still on their side. Weber had a goal and two assists, and Roman Josi scored the shootout winner to lift the Predators to a 4-3 win over the Flyers on Thursday night. Cheap Jordan From China . Cote was eligible to become a free agent Feb. 15. Cote helped running back Jon Cornish run for a league-high 1,813 rushing yards en route to being named the leagues most outstanding player. https://www.jordanchina.us/ . Numbers Game examines the deal that sees Michael Del Zotto and Kevin Klein switch places. The Predators Get: D Michael Del Zotto. Wholesale Air Jordan .7 million, one-year contract, a raise of $2.2 million. Wieters had asked for $8.75 million and the Orioles had offered $6. Air Jordan China . Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC failed to make the postseason while Montreal Impact fell at the first hurdle losing heavily to Houston Dynamo in the Eastern Conference Knockout Round. Its possible that by the time the Jon Lester takes the mound to start tonights game that five of the six division champs will have been crowned, including all of the National League titles. However, with a three-teams-for-two-spots wild-card race in the NL in progress, tonights match-up of NL Central rivals is far from meaningless.While their wild-card foes, the Mets and the Giants, spent the weekend facing opponents that may lose 90-plus games this year, the Cardinals were tasked with traveling to Wrigley Field to play the best team in baseball. Through two games of the series, though, the Cardinals havent lost any ground as all three teams split their Friday and Saturday contests. St. Louis will send its best pitcher this year, and presumed starter of the NL wild-card game should they get there, Carlos Martinez to the mound. Thanks to a rotation otherwise full of starters witth ERAs well above 4.dddddddddddd.00, the Cardinals have to feel confident with Martinez and his 3.16 ERA manning the bump, but their enthusiasm must be tempered by the realization theyll be facing the Cubs ace, Jon Lester. Since joining the Cubs as a free-agent signing before the 2015 season, Lester has pitched 45 1/3 innings against St. Louis and has a 2.18 ERA.With this marking the end of Sunday Night Baseball telecasts, it means our Chalk handicappers will be gearing up for the postseason as well, and for the second year in a row, our team of handicappers will enter October as net winners over the course of the regular season. Tonight we get divergent side plays from Joe Peta (11-8, +5.08 units on the season) and Andrew Lange (6-8, -2.08 units). ' ' '

FRANKFURT, Germany -- Germany will kick off the 2017 international soccer season with a friendly against England in March.The German soccer federation says the March 22 match will be played in Dortmund at Germanys largest stadium.The game against England comes four days before Germany plays Azerbaijan in Baku in a qualifying match for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where Germany hopes to defend its title.Federation president Reinhard Grindel says the match against England is a traditional prestige contest that should please the fans in the great atmosphere of Dortmunds stadium. Cheap Nike MLB Jerseys . LOUIS -- Heading into the final stretch of the season, the issues for the Chicago Bears banged-up defence only seem to be getting worse. Wholesale Baseball Jerseys . But when it comes to determining if Raymond will find a place on the Leafs roster when training camp concludes in a week, well, that decision will ultimately fall to the head coach. https://www.mlbjerseyschina.us/ . But by the time the game started, the Toronto Raptors forward felt even worse. And, for three quarters, it showed as Gay shot a woeful three-for-13 from the field. Clearance MLB Jerseys . The third-ranked Ivanovic, who won the event in 2008 and 10, served five aces and broke Wickmayer, also a former winner in 2009, five times. "The result looked easier than it really was," Ivanovic said. Cheap MLB Jerseys From China .H. -- Matt Kenseth made it 2 for 2 in the Chase, holding off teammate Kyle Busch to win Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. NASSAU, Bahamas -- Golf is a game fraught with failure -- frustration far outdistancing triumph. Think of the baseball player who is deemed a success for getting a hit 30 percent of the time. In golf that standard is more stringent, with the best player of 2016 (Dustin Johnson) winning at a rate of 13.6 percent.Even within those weeks of tournament titles, there are moments of distress: penalties, poor swings, bad holes, over-par rounds. Golfers are always lamenting what could have been, few scores ever written down without a thought that it could have been lower.So consider Tiger Woods as he is about to return to competitive golf after a 15-month layoff this week at the Hero World Challenge.Woods has won 25.2 percent of his professional starts on the PGA Tour (79-of-313). He has missed just 15 cuts on the PGA Tour in 19 seasons. Hes had 10 seasons of at least five victories and has 186 top-10 finishes -- nearly 60 percent of his starts.Even before he turned pro, Woods had six straight years of winning the United States Golf Associations biggest tournament (three U.S. Juniors, followed by three U.S. Amateurs). He won an NCAA individual title. And he won dozens of tournaments prior to that.Woods rarely tasted failure, certainly not at the rate expected in the game. Remarkably, hes finished in the top 3 in 40 percent (127-of-313) of his PGA Tour starts as a pro.(Phil Mickelson, for example, is a Hall of Famer with 42 victories in his career. Hes missed 78 cuts as a pro, and despite playing over 200 more tournaments than Woods, he has fewer top-10 finishes with 182.)But now there is doubt for Woods. Considerable doubt. As his 41st birthday approaches on Dec. 30, Woods will try to play golf again in the public eye, one that is unforgiving. Every swing is chronicled, every hole documented, every round dissected unlike any player, ever. It will be no different at Albany Golf Club, where Woods will be the host for his annual tournament playing against a top-notch cast of players, including defending champion Bubba Watson, 2016 major winners Dustin Johnson, Henrik Stenson and Jimmy Walker, not to mention Jordan Spieth, Zach Johnson and Hideki Matsuyama.No wonder even Woods has hinted at his own insecurities, saying last month before his aborted comeback at the Safeway Open that his game was vulnerable and not at the level needed to compete against the best in the world.All of which makes it fair to wonder if Woods is having difficulty with the idea of not being, well ... Tiger Woods.Most people just dont understand how mental and emotional great golf is, said LPGA Hall of Famer Mickey Wright, 81, in an email. Wright won 82 tournaments but basically stopped playing at age 34 because she had, among other issues, difficulty with the idea of being less than her best.They think purely about athletic ability. Tiger will always be the great athlete hes been, but for a while hell be thinking about playing shots rather than just stepping up and hitting them. There are a lot of new good players who have built their confidence over the last couple of years who are in their early 20s and at their strongest. Big difference being in your 40s.Even before two back procedures in the fall of 2015 sidelined him for all of 2016 so far, Woods was having difficulty with his game -- and most of it can be traced to a back problem that first started bothering him late in the 2013 season when he won five times.He tried to manage it through a fall in which there were a few hints of discomfort. He contended at the Barclays -- where he fell to the ground due to back pain after hitting a shot during the final. He contended at a European Tour event in Turkey. He lost in a playoff at the Hero World Challenge in California.Rest and rehabilitation were supposed to take care of the issues heading into 2014, but after just four tournaments, Woods shut it down to have a microdiscectomy -- a procedure to deal with a disk issue in his lower back. Woods returned after just three months but has not been the same since.In the 15 official tournaments hes played since the surgery on March 31, 2014, Woods has missed six cuts, withdrawn twice and posted a best finish of a tie for 10th -- and had two more surgeries.Having shot in the 80s just once as a pro heading into 2015 -- at the 2002 Open in horrific weather -- he did so three times in 2015, including a third-round 85 at the Memorial and a first-round 80 at the U.S. Open. He took nine weeks off prior to the Masters that year to sort out chipping problems. At St. Andrews -- where he had won twice at the Old Course -- he shot rounds of 76 and 75 to miss the cut.Ten years earlier, at the same historic place, Jack Nicklaus shot 75-72 to miss the cut by two strokes in his last competitive round in a major championship. Fans cheered him every step of the way, and he birdied the 18th for good measure.My biggest fear coming here was I didnt want to finish shooting a pair of 80-somethings, Nicklaus said that day.But Nicklaus was 65 years old, not 40, and all knew it was his last round in a major. Few would have minded if he shot 90 -- such was the adulation he received as he played his way.Woods is not being afforded that kind of reverence yet. Hes at an age where he is expected to still be competitive despite all the setbacks. And it has to be unnerving -- even to him -- to put his game on display with so much going against him: the injuries, the swing changes, the lack of competition.Bob Jones famously retired from competitive golf after capturing the Grand Slam in 1930, having won 13 major championships (when the amateur champions of both the U.S. and Britain were counted) in seven yeaars.dddddddddddd He was just 28 but had grown weary of the pressure and strain of championship golf.When he founded Augusta National a few years later and began what would become known as the Masters Tournament, Jones was the events top draw for years, with the expectation -- even from himself, briefly -- that he might win again. Jones shot numerous low scores in practice rounds and exhibitions leading up to his return.But in 12 appearances, Jones never bettered his 13th-place finish in 1934, the first year of the tournament. And he never broke par in 46 rounds. I grew nervous when I played in the Masters, and it hurt my game, he said. Its perfectly obvious why. I wasnt keyed for the tension anymore.Jones biographer Sidney L. Matthew, an attorney based in Tallahassee, Florida, noted that newspaper headlines every year suggested Jones -- even though he played no other tournament golf -- was the favorite. From his extensive archives, Matthew noted that Jones wrote: I realized that this return to competition was not going to be too much fun. I realized too that I simply had not the desire nor willingness to take the punishment necessary to compete in that kind of company.I think I realized, too, that whatever part I might have in the Masters Tournament from then on would not be as a serious contender.And from a 1958 Saturday Evening Post story that Matthew cited, Jones might have well been talking about Woods today.When your confidence is high, your reaction to strain is quite different than when you havent played a lot of competitive golf, and youre not certain how youre going to react, Jones said.I was keyed up, but I just didnt react the same way. I had abandoned the whole damn business for four years and I couldnt condition myself mentally. If I was going to do it, I had to get right back in things, which I had no intention of doing.Annika Sorenstam, now 46, stopped playing competitively at the end of the 2008 season after having won 72 LPGA Tour events and 10 major championships. A perfectionist during her career, Sorenstam said she had to learn to not be so demanding of herself in her post-career golf.I was extremely dedicated and practiced so hard for so long, and then basically, I stopped completely, Sorenstam said. Its only natural that my game will decline in time. I try to hit some balls on occasion before a clinic or sponsor event, but my expectations are certainly not what they used to be. I have moved on, and Im at peace with my level of play.That is much different than what Woods now faces as a competitor. Throughout his career, he has been resilient and determined. Pride is a big part. Certainly, Woods does not want to play poorly or look foolish doing so, factors that must mesh somewhere in his mind with all the physical and technical issues he faces in getting a golf swing to work under pressure.There is no more of an optimist in these matters than nine-time major champion Gary Player, who at age 81 continues to break his age and is a strong advocate for fitness and athleticism in golf. Player said he has not spoken to Woods, but he is confident Woods can be successful again.Jack [Nicklaus] and I both won the Masters in our 40s, so I have no doubt Tiger can, too, if he really wants to make the commitment, Player said. I was always positive about playing well and being competitive as I got older, and I believed my fitness, determination and attitude allowed me to think this way.Frankly, I see no reason, as long as Tiger is healthy, for him not to do exactly the same. And nobody is pulling for him any harder to do so than me.While Nicklaus and Player had long, fulfilling careers, and Sorenstam and Jones stopped on their own terms, Woods situation probably most mirrors that of Wright, considered by many to be the best female golfer of all time.Wright -- who grew up in San Diego (Woods grew up near Anaheim) and now lives in Port St. Lucie, Florida, (not far from Woods) -- has some remarkable similarities to his career.She won 82 LPGA Tour events, surpassed only by Kathy Whitworths 88. Woods has won 79 PGA Tour events, surpassed only by Sam Sneads 82. Wright won 13 major championships to finish second to the 15 won by Patty Berg. Woods has 14 majors, second to Nicklaus 18.And while it remains to be seen what is ahead for Woods, Wright left potentially years of competitive golf ahead of her when she played her last full season in 1969, due in part to foot problems, but also because of the competitive grind and the burden of being the face of the LPGA Tour. She won her last tournament in 1973.I was too demanding of myself, Wright said. Playing badly was intolerable. When I was in my 40s and playing fewer and fewer tournaments, I found myself disappointed often. [That] had something to do with my stopping full-time competing at quite a young age. I really never played golf casually.If I could go back and do it again, I would hope to be a little kinder to myself and probably enjoy the game more.Will Woods do that? Can he? At this stage, after all hes been through physically, it might be his best path back even if success is judged differently now.It is difficult to envision Woods being any type of ceremonial golfer or of him accepting of mediocrity. Can he live with the idea of only occasionally contending? Or finishing far back? Or missing cuts?His expectations may be hard for him to overcome, Wright said. I hope Tiger keeps his expectations in check and can just enjoy hitting the ball and being out there -- would be a tad surprised if he could. ' ' '

New York Knicks point guard Brandon Jennings seemed to poke fun Sunday on Twitter at the fact that Team USA reserve forward Harrison Barnes barely played during the U.S. mens Olympic basketball teams eight-game journey to a gold medal.A fan then countered that Barnes at least made the Olympic team, to which Jennings replied that Barnes only made the 12-man roster because several notable star players -- including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook and James Harden -- stayed home from Rio.After Team USA had all but clinched the gold-medal game against Serbia midway through the fourth quarter, head coach Mike Krzyzewski inserted Barnes for the first time, which appeared to please Jennings.All in all, Barnes averaged a team-low 7.8 minutes per game in Rio, and played in only half of Team USAs eight contests. The next-closest teammate in terms of fewest minutes played was Barnes former teammate, Draymond Green, who averaged 9.8 minutes per game. Still, Green played in all eight of Team USAs games (DeMar DeRozan was the only other American to sit out a game, and he missed one contest).Jennings is notably active on Twitter and has been known to speak his mind on a number of topics over the years. Cheap NFL Jerseys China . There was no hesitation from the 40th-ranked Pospisil, from Vernon, B.C., who admitted that he cut back on his training sessions over the last few days to conserve energy as the long ATP season finishes next week at the Paris Masters. NFL Jerseys China . The 26-year-old Ireland striker, who has four goals this season, has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with his new club. https://www.chinajerseysnfl.us/ .Y. -- Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo had little trouble picking up his first shutout of the season against a Buffalo Sabres team thats having trouble scoring goals. Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Free Shipping .C. United of Major League Soccer. United chose the defender in the second round of the 2013 MLS re-entry draft. Wholesale NFL Jerseys China . Dukurs winning time was 1 minute, 45.76 seconds, a quarter-second better than Russias Alexander Tretiakov. Lativas Tomass Dukurs was third, 1.41 seconds off the pace. Jon Montgomery of Eckville, Alta. HOUSTON -- In its first test since star closer Aroldis Chapman was traded, the New York Yankees bullpen came through just fine.Austin Romine hit a tiebreaking double in the eighth inning to make a winner of Michael Pineda, and the Yankees held off the Houston Astros 2-1 on Monday night.Hours after New York shipped Chapman to the Chicago Cubs, All-Star relievers Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller closed out Houston to help the fourth-place Yankees (51-48) move three games above .500 for the first time this season.Youre not asking a young kid to maybe step into something that hes never done before, manager Joe Girardi said. We still have a lot of experience down there; the bridge becomes very important. Obviously we didnt need it tonight, but that becomes very important.Betances struck out the side in the eighth before Miller, back in the ninth-inning role following Chapmans departure, earned his eighth save. The fired-up lefty pumped his fist when he got Carlos Gomez to ground into a game-ending double play with two on.A frustrated Gomez spiked his helmet and kicked at the ground after he was out at first base.Obviously, hes pretty good at what he does, so were going to have to find a way to fill the hole that he leaves, Miller said about Chapman. Weve got talented guys who are capable of stepping up, and its up to them to do it. I think they will.Pineda (5-9) pitched seven strong innings to beat Yankees nemesis Dallas Keuchel (6-10), last years AL Cy Young Award winner.I didnt want to make any mistakes because I knew this team is aggressive for the first pitch, Pineda said. I threw my best pitch for the first pitch.George Springer hit a leadoff homer and Luis Valbuena had three hits for Houston, which had won four straight. Top prospect Alex Bregman went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts in his major league debut.Romines double to deep center field scored Chase Headley, who singled to start the eighth.Hes done a really good job all around, Girardi said about Romine. This is a kid thats really persevered. Hes really fought to get to this spot and hes had a really good year.Headley singled in the fifth to drive in Didi Gregorius, tying it at 1.Pineda allowed five hits and struck out eight in his second straighht solid outing after throwing six scoreless innings Wednesday against Baltimore.ddddddddddddhe big right-hander retired 14 of 15 during one stretch, but ran into trouble in the sixth. He loaded the bases with two outs before Bregman flied out to the right-field warning track.Springers fifth leadoff home run of the year was the 11th for the Astros this season, surpassing the previous club record of 10 set in 2001.Keuchel gave up two runs and six hits with five strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings. He has allowed two runs or fewer in four straight starts.The left-hander retired 13 of his first 14 batters. The only hit he gave up was Romines single in the third until Gregorius double in the fifth.I felt like today was the first time even through this whole stretch that I was able to command both sides of the plate, Keuchel said. Fastballs to both sides. The only thing lacking were a few sliders to Romine.BIG DEALChapman was sent to the Cubs for pitcher Adam Warren and three minor league prospects.TRAINERS ROOMAstros: INF Marwin Gonzalez sat out after spraining his left ankle in the fifth inning Sunday. Hes doing OK, manager A.J. Hinch said. We are keeping him out of some baseball activities to monitor his ankle. Well give him the day off, but I would really like him to play tomorrow if hes capable.A-ROD OPTIMISTICYankees DH Alex Rodriguez was out of the lineup for a third straight game. Rodriguez, who is 4 for 31 with one home run in July, is batting .206 this season with nine home runs and 29 RBI, but hes optimistic after speaking to the Yankees sabermetrics department. Theres no question that for the first two months, my mechanics were out of whack, Rodriguez said. I think I found something, and Im excited to put it into play.UP NEXTYankees: LHP CC Sabathia (5-8) will start his 18th game of the season Tuesday. Sabathia has allowed 31 runs -- 29 earned -- in his last 35 innings, spanning six starts.Astros: RHP Doug Fister (10-6) will make his 20th start of the season and look to follow up one of his best outings of the year when he threw seven scoreless innings Wednesday at Oakland. ' ' '