Tigers entertain Yankees

DETROIT (AP) — The New York Yankees are in need of a victory over the Detroit Tigers. They dropped the first two games of the best-of-seven series in New York and face the Tigers and their ace, Justin Verlander, tonight in Detroit. The Yankees are pinning their hopes on the right arm of Phil Hughes. During the regular season, Hughes was 16-13 while Verlander was 17-8.

The Tigers won the opening game of the series 6-4 and then took the second contest 3-0. It was in the first game that the Yankees lost their captain, Derek Jeter, to a fractured left ankle.

Mavs star hurting

DALLAS (AP) — Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki hopes to avoid surgery after experiencing more swelling in his troublesome right knee. Nowitzki missed his second straight preseason game as Dallas beat Houston 123-104 last night. The 11-time All-Star said after the game he is going to reduce his workload over the next week and see if the swelling goes down in his knee, which has been drained twice over the past month.

The 2011 NBA Finals MVP said if there is no improvement over the next few days, he may have no choice other than to have surgery, which would probably sideline him into the regular season.

Armstrong’s doctor wants to study report

ROME (AP) — Lance Armstrong’s former physician says he needs time to study the thick file of U.S. Anti-Doping Agency documents accusing him of advising widespread drug use before responding. Dr. Michele Ferrari tells Cyclingnews.com “it’s taken them 2½ years to gather the documents, so it’s going to take me some time to go through them.”

USADA traced more than $1 million in payments from Armstrong to Ferrari from 1996 to 2006 and the report details how the physician allegedly told Armstrong and other riders to dope. In July, USADA banned Ferrari for life.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
N-Y Yankees at Detroit 7:07 p.m. (LISTEN LIVE on ESPN Radio 1410)

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PRESEASON
Atlanta at Indiana 6:00 p.m.
Brooklyn at Boston 6:30 p.m.
Orlando at Detroit 6:30 p.m.
Charlotte at Oklahoma City 7:00 p.m.
Milwaukee at Chicago 7:00 p.m.
Utah at L-A Lakers 9:00 p.m.

Giants get even

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The National League Championship Series is headed to St. Louis with the Cardinals and Giants tied at a game apiece.

Ryan Vogelsong worked seven impressive innings and the Giants got four RBIs from their second basemen in a 7-1 rout of the Redbirds in San Francisco on Monday night.

Vogelsong scattered four hits and struck out four to help the Giants earn their first home victory of the postseason. He blanked the Cardinals after pitcher Chris Carpenter tied the game with an RBI double in the second inning.

Marco Scutaro hit a two-run single while the Giants were scoring four times in the fourth to take a 4-1 lead. Three of the runs were unearned following errors by Carpenter and left fielder Matt Holliday.

Scutaro left the game in the fifth with a hip injury, four innings after he absorbed a hard slide by Holliday. X-rays were negative, but Giants manager Bruce Bochy says Scutaro will undergo an MRI on Tuesday. Bochy said Holliday’s slide wasn’t legal.

Scutaro was replaced by Ryan Theriot, who poked a two-run single in the eighth inning to cap the scoring.

Carpenter was reached for five runs and six hits in four innings to take the loss.

The series resumes on Wednesday at Busch Stadium, with Matt Cain pitching for the Giants against Kyle Lohse in a matchup of 16-game winners.

Bochy says Tim Lincecum is set to start Game 4 in St. Louis on Thursday. Lincecum tossed two hitless innings of relief on Sunday and has suddenly become the team’s most effective pitcher out of the bullpen after going 10-15 with a league-worst 5.18 ERA as a starter in the regular season.

Vilma takes bounty matter back to federal court

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Jonathan Vilma is again asking a federal judge to overturn his suspension in the NFL’s bounty probe of the New Orleans Saints. The NFL Players Association is making a similar request on behalf of three other players.

In papers filed in U.S. District Court in New Orleans, Vilma says NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (guh-DEHL’) engaged in a “farcical review” of his previously vacated disciplinary action before reaffirming the veteran linebacker’s full-season ban last week.

Vilma has an appeal pending within the framework of the NFL’s labor agreement, but he argues that Goodell has continued to abuse his power and demonstrate bias, leaving no hope for a fair process that would respect Vilma’s “industrial due process rights.”

Vilma also asks the judge to bar the commissioner from handling any further action in the bounty matter and appoint a neutral arbitrator.

Lewis to miss rest of season

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis will miss the remainder of the season with an arm injury, an enormous blow to an already depleted defense that has uncharacteristically struggled this year. Lewis tore his right triceps during Sunday’s 31-29 victory over Dallas. The 37-year-old leads Baltimore in tackles.

Over a spectacular 17-year career, Lewis has been invited to 13 Pro Bowls, was named Super Bowl MVP and is a two-time NFL defensive player of the year.

Baltimore also lost cornerback Lardarius Webb for the year after he tore the ACL in his left knee Sunday. The injury occurred when Webb collided with Dallas wide receiver Dez Bryant in the first quarter.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
San Francisco 7 St. Louis 1

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Denver 35 San Diego 24

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PRESEASON
Philadelphia 107 Boston 75
Cleveland 114 Orlando 111, OT
Brooklyn 98 Washington 88
Dallas 123 Houston 104
Denver 104 Golden State 98
Sacramento 117 Portland 100

A tale of two halves saw the Denver Broncos complete a stunning comeback with a 35-24 victory over the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football. The Broncos fell behind 24-0 at the half but scored 35 unanswered second-half points, including two defensive touchdowns. Denver gave up 10 first-quarter points after a pair of special teams miscues. San Diego would find the end zone twice more, including a pick-six off of Peyton Manning, before the half ended. But the Broncos fought all the way back from the 24-point half time deficit, and took the lead with nine minutes left when Manning found Brandon Stokely for his third touchdown pass of the game. Chris Harris’s pick-six with two minutes left sealed the stunning win. The Broncos are 3-3, 2-0 in AFC West play, and have tied the Chargers for the division lead. They’re on a bye this week.

The Nebraska football team practiced for two hours in full pads on the Ed and Joyanne Gass practice fields Monday afternoon, as the Huskers began preparations for Saturday’s Legends Division showdown against the Northwestern Wildcats.

Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck addressed the media after practice. Beck said that the offense will have its work cut out for it on Saturday against the Wildcats defense. The Wildcats are second in the Big Ten and 22^nd nationally against the run, allowing just 109.9 yards per game on the ground.

“They are a well-coached and very disciplined football team.” Beck said, “They do a good job stopping the run, so we will have our hands full.”

Beck also gave praise to Northwestern Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald on how he has built up Northwestern program. The Wildcats enter Saturday’s game with a 6-1 record following a win at Minnesota on Saturday. With six wins, Northwestern is bowl-eligible for a fifth straight season.

“I think they love playing the game of football, and they are well coached like I said before.”

Expect to see the Husker offense continue to run the ball this weekend and throughout the rest of the season, as Beck said, “We are a good running football team, not to say we aren’t a good passing team. We are just trying to establish positive yards on first down.”

Beck added that he thinks the team has responded well to the loss in the bye week. “I think that it has been good for the kids physically and mentally.”

Senior wide receiver Tim Marlowe will return to the field this weekend after recovering from an injury suffered in the season opener against Southern Mississippi.

Tim Beck’s post-practice comments can be heard by clicking the link: Tim Beck 10.15.12

— Gage Peake, Nebraska Sports Information

 

Nebraska senior tight end Kyler Reed earned recognition for his play on the field on Monday, as he was named to the John Mackey Award midseason watch list.

A senior and four-year performer for the Huskers, Reed has played a vital role in Nebraska leading the Big Ten in total offense and scoring offensive coming into Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. central game at Northwestern.

This year, Reed is third on the team in receptions (11) and yards (141) and average per catch (12.8) while his two touchdowns ranks second on the team.

One of the most prolific pass-catching tight ends in school history, Reed’s 54 career receptions are the sixth-most ever among Husker tight ends and he is just one of seven tight ends in school history with 50 or more receptions. He is also 11 catches from having the second-most catches in school history by a tight end. The Kansas City area product has 847 career receiving yards and needs 153 yards in the second half of the season to become the fifth Husker tight end with 1,000 career receiving yards.

The eight Mackey Award semifinalists will be named on Nov. 12, with the three finalists announced on Nov. 19. The winner will be announced on the Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on Dec. 6.

— Shamus McKnight, Nebraska Sports Information

Lincoln, Neb. – Nebraska senior Lauren Cook was tabbed the Big Ten Setter of the Week for the second consecutive week on Monday as announced by the Big Ten Conference. The award marks her third Setter of the Week honor this season.

The Lincoln, Neb., native earned the award after averaging 11.6 assists and 2.3 digs per set in wins over No. 10 Minnesota (3-1) and Wisconsin (3-0) over the weekend. She led the third-ranked Huskers to a .361 hitting percentage for the weekend, including a .396 clip against the Badgers, where she dished out 37 assists.

Nebraska will travel to Iowa on Wednesday, Oct. 17 for a 7 p.m. match with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

— Hilary Winter, Nebraska Sports Information

Giants hoping to salvage split

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco Giants have to figure out a way to win on their own field if they want to play in the World Series. The NL West champions dropped a 6-4 decision to the St. Louis Cardinals in last night’s NLCS opener and are now 0-3 at home this postseason.

The Giants also have to find a way to cool off Carlos Beltran, who belted his third home run of the playoffs in Game 1. Ryan Vogelsong gets the opportunity to do that tonight in Game 2 of the best-of-seven get together. The Redbirds counter with Chris Carpenter.

Tigers in command

DETROIT (AP) — The setting for the American League Championship Series is shifting from New York to Detroit. The Tigers will bring a 2-0 advantage over the Yankees into Game 3 of the best-of-seven pennant showdown on Tuesday following last night’s 3-0 shutout of the Bombers in the Bronx.

Neither team has a scheduled workout today.

Week 6 finale in Southern California

UNDATED (AP) — Two AFC West rivals looking to bounce back from last week’s disappointments will hook up this evening in San Diego. The division-leading Chargers are 3-2 following a 31-24 loss to previously winless New Orleans. The second-place Denver Broncos sit 2-3 after a 31-21 loss to New England.

Denver quarterback Peyton Manning has won 11 of 15 Monday starts.

Traditional American sports teaming up for Olympic bid

ROME (AP) — The International baseball and softball federations have signed an agreement to join forces in a bid to get back into the Olympics. They are proposing a shortened tournament in hopes of attracting Major League Baseball players.

Baseball and softball were voted off the Olympic program in 2005, making their last appearance at the 2008 Beijing Games. They are bidding to be reinstated for the 2020 Games.

The IOC will vote in September 2013 to add one sport. Karate, roller sports, squash, sport climbing, wakeboard and wushu also are in contention. Wushu is derived from traditional Chinese martial arts.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
St. Louis at San Francisco 7:07 p.m.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Denver at San Diego 7:30 p.m. (LISTEN LIVE on ESPN Radio 1410)

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PRESEASON
Boston at Philadelphia 6:00 p.m.
Orlando at Cleveland 6:00 p.m.
Washington at Brooklyn 6:30 p.m.
Houston at Dallas 7:30 p.m.
Golden State at Denver 8:00 p.m.
Portland at Sacramento 9:00 p.m.

Cardinals looking for two in a row

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals will be trying to take command of the National League Championship Series tonight in San Francisco.

The Redbirds jumped out to a 6-0 lead in last night’s opener and held off the Giants 6-4. David Freese and Carlos Beltran hit two-run homers for the winners. Beltran’s 14th career postseason home run was his third this month.

The Giants made a game of it with four runs in the bottom of the fourth. Gregor Blanco had a two-run triple, while Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford also knocked in runs. The rally sent St. Louis starter Lance Lynn to the showers after just 3 2-3 innings.

But San Francisco only managed two hits in 5 1-3 innings against the St. Louis bullpen.

The Giants have lost all three home games so far in the post-season. They’ll send Ryan Vogelsong to the mound tonight against Chris Carpenter.

Tigers take control of ALCS

NEW YORK (AP) — Anibal Sanchez shut down a Yankees lineup minus injured Derek Jeter, and Detroit capitalized on a missed call by an umpire to beat New York 3-0 for a 2-0 lead in the AL championship series.

Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda pitched perfect ball into the sixth inning. But the slumping New York hitters looked lost a day after Jeter broke his ankle in the 12th inning of a 6-4 loss.

Sanchez pitched three-hit ball deep into the game.

The Tigers scored twice in the eighth after second base umpire Jeff Nelson missed a call at second base. Avisail Garcia and Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera took advantage of the gift to come with insurance rbi hits.

Game 3 in the best-of-seven series is Tuesday night in Detroit, with reigning AL MVP Justin Verlander starting for the Tigers.

The Yankees offensive woes are illustrated by All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano, who has set a record by going hitless in 26 post-season at-bats. The Yankees managed just four hits.

And then there was one

UNDATED (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are the NFL’s only undefeated team following the Texans’ 42-24 loss to Green Bay last night in Houston.

Aaron Rodgers threw for 338 yards and a franchise record-tying six touchdown passes to hand the Texans their first loss in six games this season.

Jordy Nelson had 9 receptions for 121 yards and three scores for the 3-3 Packers.

Earlier Sunday:

— Matt Bryant booted a 55-yard field goal with a second left to lift Atlanta to a 23-20 win over upset-minded Oakland. The Falcons overcame three interceptions by Matt Ryan while improving to 6-0.

— Quarterback Russell Wilson connected with Sidney Ride on a 46-yard touchdown pass with 1:18 to go to rally Seattle over Tom Brady and New England 24-23. Wilson hooked up with Braylon Edwards on a fourth down, 10-yard touchdown pass to set the stage for the game winner. The Seattle defense did its part by stopping the Patriots on fourth down to seal the win. Seattle is now 4-2 tied with the 49ers and Arizona for first in the NFC West.

— The Giants defense intercepted Alex Smith three times in a 26-3 win over San Francisco. Eli Manning threw for 193 yards and a score, while Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown. Lawrence Tynes booted four field goals for the 4-2 Giants.

— Robert Griffin III rushed for 138 yards and two touchdowns to pace Washington to a 38-26 win over Minnesota. That snapped a Redskins eight-game home losing streak. Griffin sealed the deal with a 76-yard TD scamper with 2:43 to go.

— Jason Hanson’s 45-yard field goal in overtime capped a Detroit comeback and gave the Lions a 26-23 win over Philadelphia. Matthew Stafford recovered from an ineffective start to rally the Lions from a 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit. He scored a touchdown and threw for one to help get into the overtime. Hanson’s 19-yard field goal at the end of the regulation deadlocked it.

— Jacoby Jones tied the NFL record with a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to help 5-1 Baltimore hold off the Cowboys 31-29. Dallas dominated the game with 481 yards including 227 on the ground. They held the ball for more than 40 minutes. Tony Romo hit Dez Bryant on a 4-yard touchdown pass with 32 seconds left, but the two-point conversion failed.

— Shonn Greene rushed for a career-high 161 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Jets to a 35-9 rout of Indianapolis. Colts rookie quarterback Andrew Luck finished 22 of 44 for 280 yards, two interceptions and a lost fumble on a day he misfired a handful of times.

— Josh Freeman threw for a season-high 328 yards and three TDs to lead Tampa Bay to a 38-10 win over Kansas City. Ronde Barber returned an interception 78 yard for a score for the Buccaneers.

— Rookie Brandon Weeden threw two touchdown passes on his 29th birthday to help Cleveland top Cincinnati 34-24 and snap an 11-game losing streak.

— Ryan Tannehill tossed two touchdown passes to lead Miami to a 17-14 win over St. Louis. Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein was wide left on what would have been an NFL record 66-yard field goal as time expired.

— Rian Lindell’s 25-yard field goal with under four minutes to go in overtime, gave Buffalo a 19-16 win over Arizona. Jarius Byrd set up the game winner with an interception of Cardinals quarterback John Skelton that he returned to the Arizona 6.

Tide, Gators top first BCS standings

UNDATED (AP) — Alabama and Florida are at the top of the season’s first BCS standings, making it yet another all-SEC top two, with Oregon and Kansas State close behind the Gators.

The Crimson Tide in first was no surprise. Alabama is an overwhelming No. 1 in both polls used in the BCS formula. Florida in second was less anticipated. The Gators are No. 3 in the polls, but rated best by the computer rankings that gave them a slight edge over Oregon and Kansas State when the numbers were crunched. Florida’s BCS average is .9092. Oregon’s is .8993 and Kansas State’s is .8963.

Notre Dame is fifth and not too far back at .8774.

Despite the strong showing by the Southeastern Conference, another all-SEC national championship game is still a long shot. Oregon’s schedule is back loaded with strong opponents and the Ducks will likely be able to close the gap in the computers if they keep winning.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Detroit 3 N-Y Yankees 0
St. Louis 6 San Francisco 4

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Cleveland 34 Cincinnati 24
Baltimore 31 Dallas 29
Detroit 26 Philadelphia 23, OT
N-Y Jets 35 Indianapolis 9
Tampa Bay 38 Kansas City 10
Atlanta 23 Oakland 20
Miami 17 St. Louis 14
Buffalo 19 Arizona 16, OT
Seattle 24 New England 23
Washington 38 Minnesota 26
N-Y Giants 26 San Francisco 3
Green Bay 42 Houston 24

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PRESEASON
L-A Clippers 99 Miami 89
San Antonio 116 Houston 107
Memphis 110 Atlanta 102