http://www.kentucky.com/sports/index.xml News, sports, and entertainment from Kentucky.com en-us Copyright 2008 Kentucky.com Sports 60 Sat, 17 May 2008 21:52:12 EDT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's Workbench webmaster@kentucky.com http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407603.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407603.html Sat, 17 May 2008 10:57 EDT
James Paxton twirled a complete-game shutout Friday night as Kentucky blanked Mississippi 9-0 and clinched a spot in next week's Southeastern Conference tournament. The Cats almost certainly will receive an NCAA Tournament bid, too.

"It's been real exciting as of late in the dugout and in the locker room," said senior first baseman Brian Spear, who went 2-for-5 with three RBI on Senior Night at Cliff Hagan Stadium. "We're looking forward to the post-season. We seem to be clicking at the right time."

UK (41-14 overall, 16-13 SEC) takes a seven-game winning streak into Saturday's series and regular-season finale.

"If we win, we've got a possibility to go ahead and host a (NCAA) regional," Spear said. "So we're going to go out and compete."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407539.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407539.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:04 EDT
No SEC Tournament.

No NCAA Tournament.

This year, they can pack their bags.

Kentucky saw to that last night. With a vengeance. James Paxton pitched the deepest and best game of his life, nine innings, no runs allowed.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407609.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407609.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:05 EDT
Last year, he threw 42 straight scoreless innings. Now Arizona's ace has won his first nine starts.

It's a remarkable feat. But it's really no big deal to the laid-back Kentuckian.

"I haven't done anything that I think's unbelievable," said Webb, who extended his string with an 8-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday night.

"Now if I was going out there throwing nine innings at a time and not having any help, and feeling like I'm totally dominating each team, then I'd be like, 'Man, this is pretty good.' But I've had a lot of help with the bullpen and scoring runs, and that just helps you all the way around."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407415.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407415.html Sat, 17 May 2008 07:24 EDT
The Reds got homers from Brandon Phillips and Dunn, then won it with the only run in the game not produced by a homer.

Cincinnati loaded the bases in the eighth on Joey Votto's double and a pair of walks from Jensen Lewis (0-2), who was pitching in his hometown. Dunn drew a full-count walk to force in the go-ahead run.

David Weathers (1-2) escaped a threat in the eighth, forcing the Indians to strand a runner at third. Francisco Cordero pitched a perfect ninth for his eighth save in nine chances.

The interleague series matched two teams from opposite ends of the state and opposite ends of the standings. The Indians lead the AL Central, while the Reds are last in the NL's counterpart division.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407582.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407582.html Sat, 17 May 2008 06:39 EDT
Can he position himself for a possible Triple Crown by adding the Preakness to the Kentucky Derby that he won two weeks ago by 43/4 lengths?

It might all come down to the start when 12 horses (Behindatthebar has scratched) break from the gate for this 13/16-mile race.

That's the opinion of his trainer, Rick Dutrow, and of others whose horses will try to beat the undefeated and seemingly invincible Big Brown.

"It's all about the break," said Dutrow at Pimlico on Friday. He cited the best example from recent history: War Emblem, a horse used to running only on the lead, losing the 2002 Belmont Stakes after breaking nearly last.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407605.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407605.html Sat, 17 May 2008 07:51 EDT
The former Miss Basketball from Scott County is joining Kentucky's basketball team, Coach Matthew Mitchell confirmed late Friday night.

The two met Thursday, a little more than a week after Gray was granted her release by North Carolina, where she played her freshman year.

"She knew where she wanted to go and she wanted to come to Kentucky and get back to her family," Mitchell said. "And we knew we wanted her here. It was an easy process."

Per NCAA transfer rules, the 5-foot-10 shooting guard will sit out next season and have three years of eligibility remaining at UK.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407390.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407390.html Sat, 17 May 2008 07:50 EDT
LeBron James scored 32 points - 19 in the second half - and the Cavaliers forced a decisive and fitting finale to this home-sweet-home playoff series with a 74-69 victory Friday night over the Celtics, who have gone from regular-season road kings to postseason road kill.

"It was either win or go home," James said. "I'm not ready to go home."

James, whose jump shot has mysteriously been missing in this series, made two key baskets midway through the fourth quarter to slow a Boston comeback, Wally Szczerbiak hit a 3-pointer with 2:10 remaining and Joe Smith dropped two free throws with 14 seconds left as the Cavs moved the series back to the East Coast.

The Cavs are attempting to become the 14th team to overcome an 0-2 deficit and win a series, and to do so, the defending Eastern Conference champions will have to win in Boston, where the Celtics are 7-0 in the postseason and play like a team with title potential.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407575.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407575.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:05 EDT
They've got at least one more game left, and in the NBA, it's as big as they ever get -- Game 7 -- on Sunday, in Boston.

LeBron James scored 32 points -- 19 in the second half -- and the Cavaliers forced a decisive and fitting finale to this home-sweet-home playoff series with a 74-69 victory Friday night over the Celtics, who have gone from regular-season road kings to post-season road kill.

"It was either win or go home," James said. "I'm not ready to go home."

James, whose jump shot has mysteriously been missing in this series, made two key baskets midway through the fourth quarter to slow a Boston comeback, Wally Szczerbiak hit a three-pointer with 2:10 remaining and Joe Smith dropped two free throws with 14 seconds left as the Cavs moved the series back to the East Coast.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407574.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407574.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:04 EDT
Prince slows down opponents with his lanky 6-foot-9, 215-pound frame and basketball IQ.

He scores on an array of runners and spin moves around the lane and from the outside with an awkward stroke.

In subtle ways, the former Kentucky star has evolved as more than just a sidekick in the shadow of Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace.

Prince has become more aggressive offensively instead of deferring to his veteran teammates.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407509.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/407509.html Sat, 17 May 2008 01:24 EDT
Danville coasted to the win on the girls' side by dominating the track events.

On a Henry Clay team anchored by experience, it was an inexperienced runner that stole the show. Eighth-grader Brandon Nichols won the 400-meter dash and was a part of three relay teams -- the 4x100, 4x200 and the 4x400 -- that finished first.

"He's still got some room to grow," Henry Clay Coach Demetrius Gay said, "But the more practice I get with him, the better he's going to end up being."

Nichols' performance was no surprise to his teammates.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407960.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407960.html Sat, 17 May 2008 18:01 EDT
Billy Wagner got four outs for his ninth save in nine chances - one day after manager Willie Randolph held a closed-door meeting in response to remarks by the closer that some perceived as critical of his teammates.

After clearing the air, the Mets clocked reliever Kyle Farnsworth. They got key throws from outfielders Ryan Church and Carlos Beltran, beating Andy Pettitte (3-5) after Friday night's scheduled game was rained out.

Wright and Beltran each had three hits for the Mets.

Santana (5-2) started them off on the right track. He gave up three more homers but lasted 7 2-3 innings, his longest outing this year.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407992.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407992.html Sat, 17 May 2008 17:56 EDT
The Pirates had lost 10 straight to the Cubs and were 0-7 against them this year before McLouth came through with the big hit.

Freddy Sanchez beat shortstop Ryan Theriot's throw to first on a grounder up the middle with one out before McLouth's drive off Marmol (1-1) to the basket above the right-field wall. Pittsburgh won for the ninth time in 12 games.

Matt Capps gave up a two-out RBI single to Ryan Theriot after Soriano doubled for his fifth hit of the game, but retired Derrek Lee on a fly to right for his 10th save.

Damaso Marte (3-0) pitched a perfect eighth.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407871.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407871.html Sat, 17 May 2008 17:11 EDT
The New York Daily News reported the details late Friday night of a letter filed by U.S. Attorneys in Brooklyn Federal Court. Donaghy has pleaded guilty to passing inside info and betting recommendations, and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. The Daily News said, however, that the 41-year-old former ref will likely face a more lenient penalty when he is sentenced on July 14, due to his cooperation with federal authorities.

Donaghy placed wagers for 30 to 40 game per season starting in 2003, according to the Daily News. For each winning pick he was paid $5,000, the story said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408178.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408178.html Sat, 17 May 2008 21:51 EDT
With Club Wolverine teammate Michael Phelps cheering him on, Vanderkaay dominated the race from start to finish, touching the wall well ahead of Erik Vendt.

A gold medalist on the 800 relay team in the 2004 Olympics,

"I felt good this morning, had a good swim last night so I wanted to see how fast I could go," Vanderkaay said. "I didn't really expect to (beat) the record but it feels great."

Vanderkaay broke the mark of 3:44.11 set by Klete Keller on Aug. 14, 2004. It was the sixth-fastest time ever in the event. Ian Thorpe holds the world record of 3:40.08.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408094.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408094.html Sat, 17 May 2008 21:26 EDT
His big bay colt ran away with the Preakness on Saturday and now is pointed squarely down the path toward the Triple Crown.

The 3-year-old with the perfect record heads for the Belmont Stakes in three weeks as the fourth horse this decade to try for the triple, a sweep last accomplished by Affirmed in 1978. The last to try was Smarty Jones in 2004.

"Wow is all I can say," Steve Cauthen, who rode Affirmed, said by telephone from Kentucky. "He looks pretty special. It was like a cakewalk for him. The important thing to me is he keeps passing all the tests."

Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr., who called his shot at both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, sounded nearly as confident after Big Brown came back full of run after putting away the field of 11 with ease.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408144.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408144.html Sat, 17 May 2008 21:06 EDT
"Yes, there's your answer," he said, laughing. "Finished second to (Paul) Goydos."

Howell shot a 5-under 67 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead over Kenny Perry into the final round of the AT&T Classic.

An Augusta native seeking his first victory since the 2007 Nissan Open, Howell had a 13-under 203 total at TPC Sugarloaf.

Perry shot a 69. David Toms (69), Ryan Palmer (70) and second-round leader Jonathan Byrd (73) were two strokes back at 11 under.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408128.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408128.html Sat, 17 May 2008 21:06 EDT
Turned out, Desormeaux would have been just fine without it on Saturday.

There was no need to push this horse. All Big Brown's jockey had to do was take a couple of quick looks at the fading pack to see just how large their margin of victory would be.

"I started slowing him down and watching TV - make sure nothing went crazy," Desormeaux said.

Later, while he was off getting all the pats on the back for his winning ride, Desormeaux's son Jacob was too distracted to notice his dad's accolades.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408149.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408149.html Sat, 17 May 2008 20:56 EDT
Sam Hornish Jr. finished second to also advance into the $1 million main event at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Kasey Kahne also advanced into the All-Star race as the winner of the fan vote.

For Allmendinger and Hornish, it was their best showing yet in their short NASCAR careers. Granted, it came in a 40-lap sprint absent of NASCAR's biggest stars. They were already qualified for the All-Star race and sat out the preliminary, which was for drivers not already in the show.

But it didn't matter to Allmendinger, who has struggled mightily since moving to NASCAR from the now defunct Champ Car Series. He had a difficult rookie season with Red Bull Racing, and the team pulled him from the car for five races earlier this season so he could learn while Mike Skinner temporarily filled his seat.

"Heck, I feel I won the Daytona 500," Allmendinger said. "Nobody understands how much this means to me after what we went through as a team. It may be just an All-Star challenge, but it means the world to me."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407446.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407446.html Sat, 17 May 2008 20:41 EDT
Albert Pujols also homered and had two RBIs a day after his 42-game streak of reaching base ended, helping the Cardinals win for only the third time in 11 games. The AL East-leading Rays lost for just the second time in 10 games.

Ludwick hit the first pitch from Wheeler (0-3) with one out in the 10th an estimated 402 feet over the wall in left-center for the second winning homer of his career. He has four career two-homer games, including two this season.

Ryan Franklin (2-1) allowed two walks in two scoreless innings.

The Rays erased a pair of four-run deficits behind a season-high 18 hits that topped their previous best by three. Carlos Pena's three-run homer off Randy Flores in the seventh made it a one-run game and Evan Longoria's bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the eighth off Kyle McClellan tied it.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408134.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408134.html Sat, 17 May 2008 20:26 EDT
The Speedway's medical staff said he was awake and alert and would remain overnight at Methodist Hospital.

In separate crashes, rookies Hideki Mutoh and Mario Dominguez and veteran Max Papis hit the wall but were not hurt. They were taken to the infield hospital for routine exams and were released and cleared to drive.

Giebler was the Indy 500 rookie of the year last year. He didn't have a ride this year until this week, when a deal developed with American Dream Motorsports. He got on the track for the first time Saturday morning, then managed a top lap of just more than 218 mph in practice before hitting the wall in the second turn.

The 28-year-old Californian started last and finished 29th as a rookie last year.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408049.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408049.html Sat, 17 May 2008 20:26 EDT
Ochoa will enter Sunday's final round of the now 54-hole tournament with a 9-under 135 total and a two-shot lead over third-year tour player Teresa Lu and veteran Sophie Gustafson. South Koreans H.J. Choi and Na Yeon Choi - no relation - were three behind.

Brittany Lang was four back and Sorenstam, who announced Tuesday that this would be her final year on the LPGA Tour, was five behind after a 1-over 73 that included a double bogey after hitting a tree on a par 5, and a bogey on her final hole.

"I don't need any more motivation," said Ochoa, looking for her sixth win of the year. "I am pretty motivated to win. And about Annika having all this time from the media, she deserves it. She knows I like to win, and I want to be on the top this year."

Ochoa has won 16 of 23 LPGA Tour events in which she has taken the lead into the final round, including all five this year and six in a row dating to last year.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407515.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407515.html Sat, 17 May 2008 20:26 EDT
Chan Ho Park made his first start for the Dodgers in almost seven years, limiting the Angels to two runs - one earned - over four innings. The 34-year-old right-hander gave up three hits, walked two, hit Vladimir Guerrero with a pitch and struck out three. He left with the Dodgers up 4-2.

Because Park pitched just four innings, Hong-Chih Kuo (3-1) earned the win by shutting out the Angels for four innings. He held the Angels to two hits, struck out four and walked none.

Santana (6-1), coming off his worst outing of the season, gave up four runs on five hits in six innings. He walked three, hit a batter and struck out five.

The Angels' right-hander was tagged for nine hits and five runs in 5 2-3 innings at Tampa Bay last Sunday, but didn't get a decision in the 8-5 loss.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407277.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407277.html Sat, 17 May 2008 19:11 EDT
Loren Roberts and Denis Watson were just two strokes behind after closing the gap with matching 66s. Bean capped a second-round 68 with a 15 1/2-foot birdie putt on the 7,356-yard Ross Bridge course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, moving to 11 under.

"I was sure when it was halfway there it was in," Bean said. "That's a great feeling."

The 5-foot-7 Goodes nearly matched the strong finish to preserve the tie for first place for a second straight day, but settled for par when his try for birdie fell inches from the hole.

"I just can't shake the little guy," said the 6-foot-4 Bean, an 11-time PGA Tour winner seeking his second win in five-plus years on the Champions Tour.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408030.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408030.html Sat, 17 May 2008 18:46 EDT
The previous high in a WNBA debut was 25 points by Cynthia Cooper in 1997.

"It obviously was better than I expected," said the 6-foot-4 Parker, who led Tennessee to back-to-back national titles. "Coming out, I just wanted to play hard. I was a little nervous, and I think my teammates did a good job of just keeping me in it mentally and just not allowing me to get frustrated."

The game was tied at 79 early in the fourth quarter when Parker took over. She scored 10 straight points to give the Sparks an 89-86 lead with 3:15 to play.

Parker, who made 6-of-7 shots in the final quarter, hit a short hook shot to put the Sparks up 97-94 with 12 seconds to go.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407996.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407996.html Sat, 17 May 2008 18:31 EDT
If finally happened this year, thanks to the unification of the two American open-wheel series, and the 19-year-old Rahal has taken full advantage.

He was among 22 drivers who qualified Saturday, filling the 33-car field for the May 25 race.

"I really wanted to race here last year," said Rahal, who drove in the now-defunct Champ Car World Series in 2007 for eight-time champion Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. "Last year, I was here with Carl (Haas) and Mike (Lanigan), up in Mike's suite. I was trying to convince them to run a car with my dad this year.

"It would be a joint venture. We would use my (crew) guys and my dad's cars."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407941.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407941.html Sat, 17 May 2008 18:16 EDT
Eight years later, she could truly appreciate the thrill.

The 33-year-old mother of three finally fulfilled her Olympic dream Saturday, having overcome the back injury that ruined her expected trip to Sydney.

Roach was the top-rated lifter at the U.S. weightlifting trials, claiming one of four female spots allotted to the Americans. She'll be joined in Beijing by Carissa Gump, Natalie Woolfolk and third-time Olympian Cheryl Haworth.

"This is far better than anything I expected," Roach said. "If I had made the team in 2000, I wouldn't appreciate it nearly as much as I do now."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408008.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/408008.html Sat, 17 May 2008 18:31 EDT
Can he position himself for a possible Triple Crown by adding the Preakness to the Kentucky Derby that he won two weeks ago by 4 } lengths?

It might all come down to the start when 12 horses (Behindatthebar has scratched) break from the gate for this 1 3/16-mile race.

That's the opinion of his trainer, Rick Dutrow, and of others whose horses will try to beat the undefeated and seemingly invincible Big Brown.

"It's all about the break," said Dutrow at Pimlico on Friday. He cited the best example from recent history: War Emblem, a horse used to running only on the lead, losing the 2002 Belmont Stakes after breaking nearly last.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407865.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407865.html Sat, 17 May 2008 18:01 EDT
"It's probably the best I've felt in this building ever," he said.

Trevor Daley scored in the first period and Joel Lundqvist had a go-ahead goal in the second to help the Stars pull to 3-2 in the series after losing the first three games.

Game 6 is Monday night in Dallas. If necessary, the final game will be Wednesday night in Detroit.

Turco had been 0-9-2 as a pro at The Joe after starring in college at Michigan. While in goal for the Wolverines, he was 18-5 in the arena.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407896.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407896.html Sat, 17 May 2008 17:56 EDT
The top-ranked Federer overwhelmed Andreas Seppi 6-3, 6-1 in the other semifinal. He won his fourth Hamburg title last year by beating Nadal in the final.

Nadal's No. 2 ranking was at stake against Djokovic but the Spaniard prevailed in an often spectacular match that had both players clenching fists and thumping chests after amazing winners.

Djokovic was seeking back-to-back titles after winning last week's Rome Masters, where Nadal lost in an early round after suffering from a painful blister in his foot.

The third-ranked Serb raced to a 3-0 lead in the first set and held two break points to make it 4-0. But Nadal held and then broke Djokovic before making it 3-3, and the Serb looked disheartened for the rest of the set.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407864.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407864.html Sat, 17 May 2008 17:51 EDT
Sharapova said the injury would not affect her preparations for the French Open, which begins next weekend.

"I don't think so. It's a strain," the second-seeded Russian said. "They said I need maybe three days off before they test it again."

Sharapova had been scheduled to play defending champion Jelena Jankovic. In Sunday's final, Jankovic will meet France's Alize Cornet.

Cornet became the first female qualifier to reach the Italian Open final in several decades by defeating sixth-seeded Anna Chakvetadze 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. The 18-year-old Cornet, last year's French Open junior champion, is ranked 34th, but by beating Jankovic could join the top 20 when the rankings are released Monday.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/sports/story/407555.html http://www.kentucky.com/sports/story/407555.html Sat, 17 May 2008 08:04 EDT
Kaufman, a former NCAA Division II All-American at Bellarmine and a former Louisville club pro who lives in Bluffton, S.C., shot the low round of the NGA Hooters Tour event in the second round, a 6-under 66, to join Bertoni atop the leader board. Bertoni, from Paso Robles, Calif., followed his opening 67 with a 70.

Former University of Kentucky player Mark Blakefield, from Maysville, is tied for third, one shot behind the leaders.

Second-round play was not completed Friday after a backup caused by a suspension of play because of rain during the opening round Thursday.

Fifty-six players failed to finish Friday and will return Saturday morning.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/sports/story/407533.html http://www.kentucky.com/sports/story/407533.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:04 EDT
AMPUTEE RUNNER WINS APPEAL

Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius won his appeal Friday and can compete for a place in the Beijing Olympics.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the 21-year-old South African is eligible to race against able-bodied athletes, overturning a ban imposed by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

CAS said the unanimous ruling goes into effect immediately.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/sports/story/407600.html http://www.kentucky.com/sports/story/407600.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:05 EDT
BASEBALL

Major League Baseball

MLB--Suspended unaffiliated RHP Aaron Jackson 50 games after a positive drug test.

American League]]> http://www.kentucky.com/sports/story/407552.html http://www.kentucky.com/sports/story/407552.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:04 EDT
Byrd, seeking his fourth PGA Tour victory, shared the lead with Kentuckian Kenny Perry, Ryan Palmer and two others when the second round began.

The course was drenched with over an inch of rain Thursday and, though no precipitation fell in the second round, overcast conditions kept the sun from drying off the fairways and greens and making the course play faster.

Perry and Palmer shot 69s to drop into a tie for second. Parker McLachlin, another first-round leader, shot a 70 to drop into a three-way tie for fourth with Charles Howell III (69) and David Toms (69) at 8 under.

Defending champion Zach Johnson (70) and Sugarloaf resident Stewart Cink (71) were seven strokes back at 5 under.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/279/story/407605.html http://www.kentucky.com/279/story/407605.html Sat, 17 May 2008 07:51 EDT
The former Miss Basketball from Scott County is joining Kentucky's basketball team, Coach Matthew Mitchell confirmed late Friday night.

The two met Thursday, a little more than a week after Gray was granted her release by North Carolina, where she played her freshman year.

"She knew where she wanted to go and she wanted to come to Kentucky and get back to her family," Mitchell said. "And we knew we wanted her here. It was an easy process."

Per NCAA transfer rules, the 5-foot-10 shooting guard will sit out next season and have three years of eligibility remaining at UK.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407960.html http://www.kentucky.com/529/story/407960.html Sat, 17 May 2008 18:01 EDT
Billy Wagner got four outs for his ninth save in nine chances - one day after manager Willie Randolph held a closed-door meeting in response to remarks by the closer that some perceived as critical of his teammates.

After clearing the air, the Mets clocked reliever Kyle Farnsworth. They got key throws from outfielders Ryan Church and Carlos Beltran, beating Andy Pettitte (3-5) after Friday night's scheduled game was rained out.

Wright and Beltran each had three hits for the Mets.

Santana (5-2) started them off on the right track. He gave up three more homers but lasted 7 2-3 innings, his longest outing this year.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/292/story/406486.html http://www.kentucky.com/292/story/406486.html Fri, 16 May 2008 02:04 EDT
CLASS A

District 1: Ballard Memorial, Crittenden Co., Fulton City, Fulton Co., Mayfield

District 2: Beth Haven, Bethlehem, Caverna, Lou. Holy Cross, Ky. Country Day

District 3: Beechwood, Bellevue, Bishop Brossart, Dayton, Ludlow, Walton-Verona]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/406858.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/406858.html Fri, 16 May 2008 15:56 EDT
Stripling played in 34 career games for the Cardinals, recording 1,338 yards and 13 touchdowns. His best season came in 2005 when he rushed for 621 yards and seven touchdowns.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/275/story/404263.html http://www.kentucky.com/275/story/404263.html Wed, 14 May 2008 02:06 EDT
Breeden was introduced as the Commodores' new boys' coach Tuesday.

He takes over a program that has been a consistent winner but has reached the state tournament only once in its 42-year history.

"Why would Wayne Breeden want to come to Tates Creek?" he asked. "Because we can be the best. ... We're going to produce winners on the court and off the court. ...

"We want to go back to Rupp Arena not only as a spectator. We want to go back there as a participant."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/384790.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/384790.html Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:39 EDT
Caracter announced his intention to enter the draft following Louisville's loss to North Carolina in the NCAA tournament last month, but has since approached Pitino about staying in school.

Pitino told Caracter, who averaged 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds this season, his game wasn't NBA ready.

"I think he's been looking in the mirror and conning himself for a long, long time," Pitino said. "Now he's got to go and find out what the real world is like."

Caracter is enrolled at Louisville and has yet to hire an agent, leaving open the possibility of his return in the fall. Pitino however, doesn't think Caracter will be back in the fall.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/407977.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/407977.html Sat, 17 May 2008 18:57 EDT win the $1 million Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Saturday.

"He just keeps on showing everybody that he is special," said Rick Dutrow,
who trains the undefeated Big Brown for IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr.
Finishing second of the 12 starters was Macho Again, followed in third by
Icabad Crane.

Big Brown, the 1-5 favorite with jockey Kent Desormeaux up, paid $2.40,
$2.60 and $2.40.

For Big Brown, who won the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago, itıs off to the
Belmont Stakes on June 7 and a shot at winning the Triple Crown. Only 11
others have managed that feat.

Big Brown, a son of Boundary, joined only three others as undefeated winners
of the Preakness Stakes: Majestic Prince, Seattle Slew, and Smarty Jones.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/407603.html http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/407603.html Sat, 17 May 2008 10:57 EDT
James Paxton twirled a complete-game shutout Friday night as Kentucky blanked Mississippi 9-0 and clinched a spot in next week's Southeastern Conference tournament. The Cats almost certainly will receive an NCAA Tournament bid, too.

"It's been real exciting as of late in the dugout and in the locker room," said senior first baseman Brian Spear, who went 2-for-5 with three RBI on Senior Night at Cliff Hagan Stadium. "We're looking forward to the post-season. We seem to be clicking at the right time."

UK (41-14 overall, 16-13 SEC) takes a seven-game winning streak into Saturday's series and regular-season finale.

"If we win, we've got a possibility to go ahead and host a (NCAA) regional," Spear said. "So we're going to go out and compete."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/271/story/407560.html http://www.kentucky.com/271/story/407560.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:04 EDT
The Legends, down by two in the top of the third, scored their only runs off Captains starter Ryan Morris.

Center fielder Collin DeLome doubled with two outs to start the rally. Catcher Max Sapp's line drive to center scored DeLome, and a ground-ball single by first baseman Eric Taylor brought in Sapp.

The score remained tied until the bottom of the eighth, when Legends reliever Matt Koons got into trouble, giving up three runs, including one on a wild pitch.

In the ninth, Captains pitcher Vinnie Pestano struck out Catlin Everett, got Matthew Cusick to fly out to center and struck out Craig Corrado to quickly end the game and earn the save.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/276/story/403203.html http://www.kentucky.com/276/story/403203.html Tue, 13 May 2008 02:03 EDT
On Sunday, UK offered a scholarship to Jeremiah Davis III, who is completing his ninth-grade year at Muncie (Ind.) Central High School.

"I was honored," Davis said Monday about the offer. "I don't know if I'm going to take it yet. I'm still a freshman."

Indiana, Ohio State and Tennessee are among the schools that also have expressed a recruiting interest in Davis. None has yet offered a scholarship, the player's father said.

UK Coach Billy Gillispie saw Davis play in the same recent Akron, Ohio, basketball event that led to commitments from eighth-grader Michael Avery and ninth-grader Vinny Zollo. Davis played on the same AAU team, Indiana Elite.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/295/story/401515.html http://www.kentucky.com/295/story/401515.html Sun, 11 May 2008 02:03 EDT
"Well, first of all, I was shocked that Andre fell so low," Lorenzen said this week. "And then I was shocked from the standpoint that we already have four quarterbacks. But I do think it was a great value pick. Andre is a second- or third-round guy and you get him in the sixth round."

Woodson is participating in the Giants' rookie mini-camp this weekend. He'll be trying to put himself in a quarterback rotation that already includes Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning , Lorenzen, former No. 1 overall pick David Carr and journeyman Anthony Wright .

Lorenzen, who served as Manning's backup last season, is no stranger to quarterback competitions. Former UK coach Hal Mumme made waves when he gave Lorenzen, then a redshirt freshman, the job over incumbent Dusty Bonner in the summer before the 2000 season, and Lorenzen also battled with Shane Boyd to keep his job later in his career.

But now Lorenzen is firmly entrenched in what he calls the "most intense competition of my career."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/285/story/407539.html http://www.kentucky.com/285/story/407539.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:04 EDT
No SEC Tournament.

No NCAA Tournament.

This year, they can pack their bags.

Kentucky saw to that last night. With a vengeance. James Paxton pitched the deepest and best game of his life, nine innings, no runs allowed.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/287/story/403197.html http://www.kentucky.com/287/story/403197.html Tue, 13 May 2008 07:50 EDT
During the course of the conversation, he mentioned in passing that he had just seen the best high school basketball player in the state of Kentucky.

Who, I asked.

This sixth-grade kid over at Rose Hill, said he.

You're insane, said I.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/289/story/406487.html http://www.kentucky.com/289/story/406487.html Fri, 16 May 2008 02:04 EDT
Several other current big-league pitchers rose from our high school ranks. Paul Byrd (St. Xavier) is a reliable arm for the Cleveland Indians. Joe Blanton (Franklin-Simpson) is a consistent winner with the Oakland A's. Jeremy Sowers (Ballard) is a promising left-hander with the Indians. Trever Miller (Trinity) is a reliever with the Tampa Bay Rays. Scott Downs (Pleasure Ridge Park) is seeing spot duty with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The way Webb has started this season, he could be on track to win his second Cy Young Award. By the time he retires, he might be the best pitcher Kentucky high school baseball has ever produced.

Until then, who should be considered the best?

Jim Bunning , a Hall of Famer (224 career wins) and current U.S. Senator? Technically, no. He was born and lived in Southgate in northern Kentucky, but he played high school baseball at Cincinnati St. Xavier.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/270/story/407557.html http://www.kentucky.com/270/story/407557.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:04 EDT
In 2004, Sayre, the small school that goes up against baseball powerhouses like Henry Clay, Scott County and Bryan Station, had just enough players to field a team and zero upperclassmen. There was talk among the parents to skip out on the varsity season and play a junior varsity schedule because of the youth.

Ultimately, Sutton and his squad decided to play a varsity schedule with two eighth-graders and one seventh-grader in the starting lineup and no juniors or seniors on the roster. The Spartans managed just five wins, but Sutton had found a solid core of players.

The next three seasons, Sayre went a combined 59-25, including a 20-8 mark last year, all while playing in one of the toughest regions in Kentucky. Sutton said without their struggles in 2004, the team might have never experienced the success they have had the last three years.

"It was the best thing we ever did," Sutton said of the decision to play in 2004. "We grew from there. The core of that team was the group that did so well the last three years."]]>