Sports – Page 550 – North Platte Post Archive

Conferences to Start Series in 2015-16

Posted on May 4, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) — The Big Ten and Big East will begin a series of games in 2015 and the multi-day event will be named for the late Dave Gavitt.

The conferences will have a news conference on Monday to announce the deal. The games will take place the first Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the regular season. The games will be played at home sites, four from each conference.

The first series of the Gavitt Tipoff Games will be at the start of the 2015-16 season. The matchups will be announced.

The Big Ten will continue its challenge with the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Gavitt, a Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer, was the founder of the Big East.

Gee Guides Mets to 5-1 Win over Rockies

Posted on May 4, 2014

DENVER (AP) — Dillon Gee threw six scoreless innings and David Wright had one of New York’s four RBI doubles as the Mets salvaged the final game of their series against Colorado, beating the Rockies 5-1 on Sunday.

Gee (3-1) kept the Rockies off balance to run his scoreless string to a career-best 16 innings. The righty, 13-6 with a 2.66 since last May 30, surrendered six hits and struck out five, helping the Mets avoid being swept for the first time in a four-game series at Coors Field.

Jhoulys Chacin (0-1) was rather rusty his first start this season, lasting five innings and giving up four runs. Chacin spent the first month on the disabled list with a strained right shoulder.

Nolan Arenado ran his hitting streak to 24 games with a double in the fourth, the second-longest hitting streak in Rockies history. Justin Morneau accounted for Colorado’s only run with a ninth-inning homer off Jeurys Familia.

Verlander Leads Tigers over Royals 9-4

Posted on May 4, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Justin Verlander took a no-hit bid into the sixth inning and won his fourth straight decision, leading Detroit over the Kansas City Royals 9-4 Sunday and extending the Tigers’ winning streak to a season-high five games.

Billy Butler singled to right on a 1-2 pitch with two outs in the sixth, leaving him with a .432 career average in 74 at-bats against the Detroit ace,

Verlander (4-1) allowed three runs, four hits and four walks in seven innings with seven strikeouts. Jarrod Dyson hit a two-run triple in the seventh and scored on a sacrifice fly by Nori Aoki, who walked his first three times up.

Verlander pitched no-hitters against Milwaukee in June 2007 and versus Toronto in May 2011. He improved to 17-5 against the Royals, the best winning percentage (.773) among active pitchers with 10 decisions or more.

Rockies Recall McKenry, Option Bettis to Minors

Posted on May 4, 2014

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Rockies reliever Chad Bettis has been optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs, and catcher Michael McKenry has been recalled from the minors.

McKenry’s promotion from Colorado Springs coincided catcher Wilin Rosario being unavailable for Saturday’s game against the New York Mets because of the flu.

Earlier this week, the club placed infielder Josh Rutledge on the 15-day disabled list because of the flu and recalled infielder Ryan Wheeler from Colorado Springs.

McKenry, 29, began the season at Colorado Springs, where he was batting .300 with two home runs and 11 RBIs.

Bettis, 24, was optioned to Colorado Springs for the second time this season. In 12 appearances with the Rockies, Bettis is 0-1 with an 8.78 ERA.

Tulowitzki Gets 1,000th Hit

Posted on May 4, 2014

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki singled up the middle in the seventh inning Saturday night against the New York Mets for his 1,000th career hit.

Tulowitzki, who is in his ninth year in the big leagues, became the fifth Rockies player with 1,000 hits and the 78th active player to reach that milestone.

The milestone hit came off reliever Daisuke Matsuzaka. The feat was announced over the public address system and the crowd at Coors Field responded with a standing ovation for Tulowitzki.

He acknowledged the tribute as he stood on first base, tipping his batting helmet to the crowd.

Culberson’s HR Lifts Rockies over Mets 11-10

Posted on May 4, 2014

DENVER (AP) — Pinch-hitter Charlie Culberson hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning off Kyle Farnsworth, and the Colorado Rockies, down by six runs early, rallied again to beat the New York Mets 11-10 in a wild affair on Saturday night.

The Mets had weathered an eight-run fifth inning by Colorado, that included Nolan Arenado’s grand slam, and took a 10-9 lead on Juan Lagares’ RBI single in the ninth inning off LaTroy Hawkins (1-0).

But Troy Tulowitzki, who recorded his 1,000th career hit earlier, singled off Farnsworth (0-2) to start the bottom of the ninth. He advanced to second on a deep flyout by Arenado, and Culberson followed with a drive that cleared the center field wall.

The crowd erupted as he rounded the bases. As he neared the plate, he tossed his helmet and jumped onto home plate as he was mobbed by his teammates.

California Chrome Breaks Away for Derby Win

Posted on May 4, 2014

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A horse with a humble pedigree. A couple of working stiff owners. A 77-year-old trainer with his first Kentucky Derby horse.

Even Hollywood couldn’t have made this up.

California Chrome made it look easy on Saturday, pulling away down the stretch to win the Derby by 1 3/4 lengths.

In a sport dominated by wealthy owners and regally bred horses from Kentucky’s bluegrass country, this was a victory for the little guys. Owners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn bred an $8,000 mare to a $2,500 stallion to produce the winner of the world’s most famous race with their one-horse stable.

“This is just a dream come true and a great birthday present,'” said Coburn, who turned 61 on Saturday.

California Chrome ran 1¼ miles in 2:03.66 and paid $7, $5.60 and $4.20. The chestnut colt was sent off as the 5-2 favorite by the crowd of 164,906, the second-largest in the Derby’s 140-year history.

His trainer, Art Sherman, became the oldest trainer to win the Derby, 59 years after he traveled from California as an exercise rider for Derby winner Swaps. He watched that race from the barn area; this time he smelled red roses in the winner’s circle.

Sherman was all smiles after the race. “He gave me the biggest thrill I ever had in my life,” he said.

California Chrome has the unlikeliest pedigree for a Derby champion. His mother, named Love the Chase, won just one race. She was purchased by Coburn and Martin, a move that prompted a trainer to call them “dumb asses” for getting involved in racing.

Feeling inspired, they named their operation DAP Racing, which stands for Dumb Ass Partners. Their silks include an image of a donkey.

Coburn lives near Reno, Nevada, rising at 4:30 a.m. for his job as a press operator at a 13-employee company that makes magnetic strips for credit cards and driver licenses.

Martin lives on the California side of the border near Reno, running a laboratory that tests high-reliability equipment, like car air bags and medical equipment.

Coburn and Martin’s partnership is based on a handshake, and their wives are friends who enjoy the sport, too. The group came up with California Chrome’s name by drawing it out of a hat. The horse hadn’t even been out of his home state until this week.

“Sometimes you don’t get a lot of respect,” Sherman said. “We’re in Kentucky and you know most of the Derby winners are bred here and few outside of Kentucky.”

Sherman visited Swaps’ grave near the Derby museum earlier in the week and whispered a prayer: “I hope he’s another Swaps.”

He sure was.

California Chrome extended his winning streak to five races, won by a combined 26 lengths. It was the second Derby win for Espinoza, who rode War Emblem to victory in 2002.

“I thought he rode him perfect,” said Sherman, a former jockey. “I was riding the last 70 yards with Victor, so I think he was riding two. He had a lot of weight on him, I can tell you that.”

Espinoza had California Chrome sitting comfortably in third in the 19-horse field as Uncle Sigh and Chitu set the early pace.

California Chrome made his move on the final turn in tandem with Samraat. It looked like those two would decide the outcome, until California Chrome sped away to become the first California-bred to win the Derby since Decidedly in 1962.

“This horse has so much talent,” Espinoza said. “By the three-eighths pole I knew that was it. I could see other horses struggling a little bit, and he was just smooth.”

Dale Romans, who trained eighth-place Medal Count, quickly changed his tune about California Chrome after believing the colt had no chance to win.

“I’m very impressed the way he came into it, the way he looked, the way he was prepared and the way he ran,” Romans said. “Now he has a new fan.”

Commanding Curve, a 37-1 shot, rallied for second, with Danza third. Wicked Strong was fourth and Samraat finished fifth.

Commanding Curve returned $31.80 and $15.40, giving trainer Dallas Stewart his second straight runner-up finish with a double-digit longshot. Danza, named for actor Tony Danza of “Who’s the Boss?” fame, paid $6 to show as the 8-1 third choice.

Trainer Todd Pletcher came up empty with his four starters, finishing third with Danza, 10th with We Miss Artie, 12th with Intense Holiday, and 17th with Vinceremos.

Wicked Strong, the 6-1 second choice, was fourth. Samraat was fifth, followed by Dance With Fate, Ride On Curlin, Medal Count, Chitu, We Miss Artie, General a Rod, Intense Holiday, Candy Boy, Uncle Sigh, Tapiture, Harry’s Holiday, Vinceremos, and Wildcat Red. Vicar’s In Trouble, ridden by Rosie Napravnik, finished last.

Before the Derby, Coburn had told anyone who would listen that California Chrome “would go down in history.” He remains just as unabashed.

“I believe this horse will win the Triple Crown,” he said, something that hasn’t been done since 1978, when Affirmed swept the Derby, Preakness and Belmont in a five-week span.

“That’s where we’re going.”

Arnold Wins 2014 Cornhusker Cup

Posted on May 4, 2014

DONIPHAN – Nathan Arnold of Omaha Creighton Prep on Saturday won the Cornhusker Cup at the 45th Cornhusker Trapshoot.

Combined with his perfect 75 shot Friday, Arnold earned the overall Cup with a two-day 148-for-150 after shooting a 73 in excellent conditions in the handicap Saturday.

“I was a little bit nervous,” the senior said. “That’s what made if fun, though. The handicap is not usually my strong suit, but I had to keep my head cool and shoot a good score.”

Arnold has been competing at the shoot since he was in the sixth grade. “I was celebrating with my dad when I hit 14 or 15 targets my first year,” he said. “This is pretty exciting.”

Warm temperatures and calm winds were welcomed Saturday. “Today was perfect. The rocks just lobbed out and floated,” Arnold said.

Katlin Marley of the Beatrice was the top girl shooter. Omaha Creighton Prep Blue, including Arnold, was the top team, Lincoln Southwest Pink was the top girls’ team and Karp and Krow led the 4-H teams.

A record 2,394 shooters in junior and senior high competed over three days at the home grounds of the Nebraska Trapshooting Association (NTA). The event is hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the NTA.

Results from Saturday are:

Overall

Top 10 Individuals – 1. Nathan Arnold, Omaha Creighton Prep, 148 of 150; 2. Lumir Drahota, Mount Michael, 146; 3. Bradyn Snell, Gibbon, 143; 4. Brady Parrish, Spring Creek 4-H (won shoot-off), 142; 5. Jake Whipple, Republican Valley 4-H, 142; 6. Nick Kuklinski, Papillion/LaVista, 142; 7. Zack Krzyzanowski, North Platte, 142; 8. Alexander Webb, Northwest, 142; 9. Daniel Liess, Rock Port, Mo., 142; 10. Ryan Essink, Norris, 142.

Top Teams – 1. Omaha Creighton Prep Blue (Nick Peterson, Adam Misek, Brandon Kreikemeier, Nathan Arnold, Noah Walz), 698 of 750; 2. Omaha Marian Blue (won shoot-off), 685; 3. Waverly Maroon, 685; 4. Norris Senior No. 1, 681 (won shoot-off); 5. Mount Michael Black, 681; 6. North Platte, 678.

Top Three Girls – 1. Katlin Marley, Beatrice, 142 of 150; 2. Sadey Mitchell, Karp and Krow, 141; 3. Lori Nevole, Omaha Marian, 140.

Top Three Girls Teams – 1. Lincoln Southwest Pink (Alexis Philson, Kylee Plager, Brooke Emmert, Markee Tripp, Bailey Gasseling), 672 of 750; 2. Norris Lady No. 1, 640; 3. Papillion-LaVista Titan Lady, 639.

Top Three 4-H Teams – 1. Karp and Krow (Keenan Kremke, Colin Oakley, Sadey Mitchell, Jordan Christen, Taygen Psota), 691 of 750; 2. Boulder County, Colo., 4-H, 690; 3. Ashland 4-H No. 5, 682.

Handicap

Top Three Girls – 1. Justine Cherovsky, Wahoo Bishop Neuman, 72 (won shoot-off); 2. Taylor Benes, Wahoo Bishop Neuman, 72; 3. Anna Vasko, Omaha Marian, 70.

Top Three Individuals – 1. Nathaniel Stapaules, Fairbury, 75; 2. Nathan Arnold, Omaha Creighton Prep, 73 (won shoot-off); 3. Bradyn Snell, Gibbon, 73.

Top Teams – 1. Omaha Creighton Prep Blue (Nick Peterson, Nathan Arnold, Adam Misek, Noah Walz, Brandon Kreikemeier), 347 of 375; 2. Lincoln Pius X Bolts, 339; 3. Lincoln Pius X Thunder, 337; 4. Millard West Senior A, 335 (won shoot-off); 5. Waverly Maroon, 335; 6. Mount Michael Black, 334.

Top Three 4-H Teams – 1. Karp and Krow 4-H No. 1 (Keenan Kremke, Jordan Christen, Colin Oakley, Taygen Psota, Sadey Mitchell), 342 of 375; 2. Wilber 5 Clovers 4-H No. 1, 338; 3. Sarpy County 4-H No. 1, 332.

Top Three Girls High School Teams – 1. Omaha Marian Blue (Katie Petersen, Maddie Worth, Hannah Knight, Lori Nevole, Anna Vasko), 330 of 375; 2. Papillion-LaVista Monarch L, 316; 3. Lincoln Southwest Pink, 311.

Yardage Winners

18-19 Yards – 1. Alex Dewald, Lincoln Pius X, 71 of 75; 2. Austin Farley, Lincoln North Star, 70; 3. Wyatt Lindstrom, Norris, 70/forfeit; 4. Zach Epperson, Omaha Skutt, 69 (won shoot-off); 5. Spencer Hogancamp, Millard West, 69; 6. Samantha Ugarcina, Lincoln North Star, 69; 7. Joseph Wichtner, Omaha Gross, 68 (won shoot-off); 8. Hank Schaardt, Pawnee City, 68; 9. Jacob Reisdorff, Oak Creek 4-H, 68; 10. Madison Jones, Papillion/LaVista, 68.

20-21 Yards – 1. Mason Steele, Lincoln Pius X, 71 (won shoot-off); 2. Kyle Rowin, Ashland 4-H, 71; 3. Trever Herrick, Republican Valley Trap, 71; 4. Matt Belford, Omaha Creighton Prep, 71; 5. Taylor Gardner, Omaha Gross, 70 (won shoot-off); 6. Christian McSweeney, Omaha Creighton Prep, 70; 7. Harrison Peetz, Lincoln Pius X, 70; 8. Michael Vazquez, Omaha Creighton Prep, 70; 9. Andrew Rempe, Lincoln Pius X, 70; 10. Brevann Nun, Fillmore County 4-H, 69.

22-23 Yards – 1. Taygen Psota, Karp & Krow, 73; 2. Brandon Kreikemeier, Omaha Creighton Prep, 72 (won shoot-off); 3. J.R. Manthei, Waverly, 72; 4. Drew VonSeggren, Fremont, 71 (won shoot-off); 5. Cole Anderson, Norris, 71; 6. Justin DeSchepper, Blue River 4-H, 71; 7. Jeffrey Katz, Louisville, 71; 8. Evan Horak, Papillion/LaVista, 71.

24-25 Yards – 1. Danial Liess, Rock Port, Mo., 72; 2. Lumir Drahota, Mount Michael, 71 (won shoot-off); 3. Jonathan Swanson, Wahoo Bishop Neuman, 71; 4. Ryan Essink, Norris, 71; 5. Jackson Struyk, Millard West, 70 (won shoot-off); 6. Spencer Breckenridge, Elkhorn, 70; 7. Seth Keller, Wilber 5 Clovers, 70; 8. Kaitlin Marley, Beatrice, 70.

Broncos’ Welker Shares Benefits of Sports

Posted on May 4, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) — Wes Welker has joined a movement to develop a healthy lifestyle for amateur athletes and couch potatoes, using best practices from sports.

The star receiver of the Denver Broncos is a member of the Global Alliance for Health and Performance, which he believes can make a difference in people’s lives.

Welker says he has “experienced all the ups and downs firsthand” in his career, and that it “makes sense” that people of all ages and various positions can learn to improve their fitness from what athletes do to stay in top shape.

Heading into his 11th NFL season, Welker recognizes the benefits he’s gotten from sports “mentally, physical, and emotionally.” He sees no reason why others, regardless of their athletic skills, can’t gain from the disciplines used by elite athletes.

The Bulldogs Lose Regular Season Finale in a Shootout

Posted on May 2, 2014

The North Platte Bulldogs boys soccer team fell at home to Scottsbluff 3-2 in a shootout Friday to end regular season play.

The match was even 1-1 at halftime and after each team scored a second half goal it went to a shootout with Scottsbluff (11-7) earning the win. Brady Mason and Rashawn Bryant each scored a goal for North Platte. Mason added an assist along with Brian Kennedy. Dakota Guenin had five saves in the net for North Platte.

North Platte finishes the regular season with a 5-10 record as they head in to the A-6 District tournament on Monday. The Dawgs play Papillion-La Vista South at 7:00 pm Monday at Memorial Stadium in Grand Island. North Platte is the No. 3 seed with Papillion-La Vista South the No. 2. The host school, GI, is the No. 1 seed and will play No. 4 Lincoln High at 5:00 pm. The winners will meet in the district finals on Thursday, May 8 at 7:00 pm in Grand Island.