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Cleveland has another Pittsburgh rival as Power joins Gladiators in Arena Football League

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The Cleveland-Pittsburgh football rivalry will be moving indoors when the Pittsburgh Power will begin play in the Arena Football League for the 2011 season.

cleveland gladiators logo
CLEVELAND - The Cleveland-Pittsburgh football rivalry will be moving indoors.

The Pittsburgh Power will begin play in the Arena Football League for the 2011 season, one of four expansion teams joining the league for next season. The other expansion teams are Kansas City, San Jose, and Philadelphia. It is the largest single-season expansion in AFL history. The Cleveland Gladiators were one of the 15 teams that played last season after the league shut down for the 2009 season with financial problems.

The Power, with former Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann as part of the ownership group, will carry on a Pittsburgh tradition by wearing black and gold colors. They will play their home games in the new Consol Energy Center, which opened this week. The NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins operate the new arena but are not part of the Power ownership.

Pittsburgh was one of the four original AFL franchises in 1987 and hosted the league's first game, before relocating to Tampa Bay in 1991.

The nickname for the original team?

The Gladiators.

League honors: Three Cleveland Gladiators earned All-Arena honors for the past season. Wide receiver Ben Nelson and offensive lineman Adam Tadisch were named to the All-Arena first team, and defensive lineman Anthony Hoke was named to the second team.


Buckeyes regard backup safety Aaron Gant as Ohio State's hardest hitter

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Fifth-year backup safety Aaron Gant may not have a reputation among Ohio State fans, but among his teammates, the Michigan native is known as the Buckeyes' hardest hitter.

o.jpgView full sizeOhio State players are in unison on who the hardest hitter on the team is this season.

COLUMBUS -- From Tyler Moeller to Jermale Hines to Brian Rolle to Ross Homan, the back of Ohio State's defense features multiple players who carry reputations as hitters, safeties and linebackers that offer reasons for opponents to hesitate in the open field.

"There's a lot of hitters on this team," Moeller said. "I think the coaches look for that. If you don't have that toughness, you can't play."

There's one player, though, whom Hines said sets the standard for the Buckeyes defense in this area, a fifth-year senior consistently known among his teammates, even if diehard fans might have a tough time remembering his name.

"Aaron Gant has been holding the crown around here for the last few years," Hines said of the Buckeyes' biggest hitter competition. "So you've got guys around him trying to take it."

Today's jersey scrimmage at Ohio Stadium may be the most critical day of preseason camp, and not because it determines whether the offense or defense wears gets to wear scarlet jerseys during practice. The scrimmage is a chance for any players fighting for starting jobs or for backup minutes to impress coaches in an extended game simulation.

Gant, however -- battling among the second-team safeties after first earning a role on the two-deep as a true freshman in 2006 -- doesn't have much left to prove in practice.

"He doesn't even surprise us now," senior cornerback Chimdi Chekwa said. "When we see Aaron get a big hit, at first you're like, 'Ooohhhh.' And then you're like, 'Oh, that's just Aaron.' Other guys when you see them get a big hit, you jump up. But when Aaron hits somebody, you just think that's Aaron doing what he does."

So why has Gant, at 6-foot and 206 pounds, played just 71 minutes in his Ohio State career, when former safety Anderson Russell, for example, graduated last season after taking the field for more than 1,000 minutes?

Maybe Gant hits too hard, though he says there's no such thing, and his body can't handle it.

Gant was forced into action as a freshman after Russell injured his knee, and he was on the field as much as nearly any freshman defender four years ago. Teammates later told a story of Gant delivering a blow that knocked truck-like running back Beanie Wells on his back in practice, but left Gant dizzy and stumbling around the secondary before the next snap.

Over the next several seasons, Gant said he dealt with a foot injury and multiple concussions, and they prevented him from getting any consistent playing time. As a sophomore, he was running with the first team during spring football, for example, before a concussion sent him to the sidelines.

"It's a physical sport." Gant said. "Injuries will happen. A university like this, there's always going to be somebody that can come in and take your position. That's the kind of depth Ohio State has."

Last season, Gant missed the entire year after knee surgery, so he's back now for a fifth season, hoping he can stay healthy enough to provide depth on the defense and lead the way on special teams.

Of course, as he talked after practice this week, he did so with a cast on his left hand that Chekwa said was covering a broken finger. Gant just smiled and called it bumps and bruises.

"His hand's a little banged up, but he's not letting that hold him back," Hines said. "He's handled it all very well. He comes to work with no complaints."

Even if Gant, a Michigan native, ends his career with fewer than 50 tackles -- he has 23 in 32 career games so far -- he has obviously helped set a tone for this defense.

"I don't ask for hits, they just come my way," Gant said. "I don't really look for one big hit. When I'm on the field, [Chekwa] told me today, there's nothing else you can show them [to prove] that you can hit. You already established that. So every time I'm on the field, they kind of expect that out of me."

No near perfecto tonight for Detroit's Armando Gallaraga: Cleveland Indians briefing

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The Indians didn't place Michael Brantley on the disabled list, but they still don't know when he'll be able to play after spraining left ankle.

michael brantley.jpgCenter fielder Michael Brantley returned to Cleveland on Friday to have an MRI on his left ankle.

UPDATED: 9:02 p.m.

DETROIT, Mich. -- This is a daily briefing of the Indians 2010 regular season. The Indians play the Tigers tonight in the first game of a three-game series at Comerica Park.

 Comerica Park's dimensions: Left field line 345 feet, left field power alley 370 feet, center field 420, right center field power alley 365, right field line 330.

In-game notes:

Score: Tigers 5, Indians 0 after 6 1/2 innings.

No perfecto: Armando Galarraga lost a perfect game the last time he faced the Indians when umpire Jim Joyce missed a call on what should have been the 27th and final out.

There was no such drama Friday night, but Galarraga gave it a try. He retired 14 straight before Jayson Nix doubled to deep left field with two out  in the fifth to ruin the perfect game and no-hitter.

Robbed of perfection on June 2, Galarrage settled for a one-hitter. But he could not repeat that feat Friday. Lou Marson collected the Indians second hit with a single in the sixth and Shin-Soo Choo added a third hit in the seventh.

Early lead: The Tigers took advantage of some more shoddy defense by the Indians to take an early lead against Justin Masterson. Austin Jackson opened the game with a single. Will Rhymes bunted him to second, but he ended up scoring as Marson threw the ball down the right field line.

In the process he almost broke second baseman Luis Valbuena's arm. Valbuena came over to cover first, but Marson threw the ball into the runner. Valbuena tried to reach around Rhmes and make the play, but collided with the Tigers second baseman.

Valbuiena was down for several minutes, but stayed in the game. Rhymes, who went to second on the error, scored when Miguel Cabrera singled over Choo's head in right field. Choo recovered in time to throw him out at second.

More runs: The Tigers made it 4-0 with two more runs in the second.  The two runs came on four straight hits off Masterson. After Brandon Inge and Don Kelly singled, Gerald Laird delivered Inge with a single to left and Jackson singled home Kelly.

The Tigers made it 5-0 on Rhymes two-out single in the fifth. 

The line: Masterson was gone after six. He allowed five runs on 11 hits and one walk. He struck out five and threw 113 pitches, 76 for strikes.  
 
 Pre-game notes:

 Game 122: The Indians have acquired right-hander Zach McAllister from the Yankees to complete the Austin Kearns trade. McAllister is 8-10 with a 5.09 ERA in 24 starts at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre.

The 6-5, 230-pound McAllister was a third round pick of the Yankees in 2006. This year he has 88 strikeouts and 38 walks in 132 2/3 innings. He's allowed 165 hits and 82 runs.

McAllister's career minor league record is 38-32 with a 3.40 ERA. McAllister will reporter to Class AAA Columbus.

Brantley update: Center fielder Michael Brantley returned to Cleveland on Friday to have an MRI on his left ankle. The Indians waited until a half hour before Friday's game before deciding not to put Brantley on the disabled list.

 If the Indians had to place Brantley on the DL, it's believed they had a player stashed in Detroit so they could activate him before the game.

"All the tests before the the MRI were good," said manager Manny Acta..

Brantley twisted his left ankle coming out of the batter's box in the ninth inning Thursday after hitting a grounder to short that drove in a run. He had to be helped off the field.

 This was Brantley's third tour with the Tribe this year and he was just starting to look relaxed. He was hitting .327 (16-for-49) with 12 runs, one triple, two homers and seven RBI in 12 games since his latest recall.

 He was also playing well in center field.

 Quick hits:

 -Armando Galarraga started against the Indians on Friday for the first time since he lost his perfect game to an umpire's poor call on June 2 at Comerica Park. Jason Donald should have been the 27th consecutive out, but first base Jim Joyce called him safe on an infield hit that was clearly an out.

 "We were flying into Detroit after Thursday night's game," said Donald. "Someone asked who was pitching? They said it was Galarraga and everyone started laughing.

 "It seems like such a long time ago. What I remember is how well everybody handled the situation from Galarraga to Jim Joyce. I think it did the game good."

 Donald was not in the starting lineup Friday.

 Said Acta, "We all remember what happened. Tonight I hope we get that first hit out of the way fast."

  Indians (48-71): CF Trevor Crowe (S), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), RF Shin-Soo Choo (L), DH Travis Hafner (L), LF Shelley Duncan (R), 3B Jayson Nix (R), 2B Luis Valbuena (L), C Lou Marson (R) and RHP Justin Masterson (4-11, 5.23).

 Tigers (58-63): Austin Jackson (R), 2B Will Rhymes (L), DH Jhonny Damon (L), 1B Miguel Cabrera (R), RF Brennan Boesch (L), SS Jhonny Peralta (R), 3B Brandon Inge (R), LF Don Kelly (L), C Gerald Laird (R) and RHP Armando Galarraga (3-5, 4.53). 

 Umpires: H Brian Gorman, 1B Ted Barrett, 2B, Tony Randazzo, 3B Paul Nauert.

 Quote of the day: "Have you ever thrown a ball 100 miles an hour? Everything hurts. Even your butt hurts. I see pictures of my face and say, 'Holy bleep', but that's the strain you feel when you throw. I had one of those faces you look at it, man, and say, 'Man he's a bleep.' Could be, depends on if you pissed me off or not," Hall of Famer Bob Gibson, from Baseball Almanac.

 Next: RHP Josh Tomlin (1-2, 2.96) vs. RHP Max Scherzer (8-9, 3.86) tonight at 7:05.

 

 

Girls high school soccer preview

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See notable players, top schools and biggest games for this year's girls soccer season.

allison_stucky.jpgMidfielder Allison Stucky anchors a deep Brecksville-Broadview Heights girls soccer team.

NOTABLE PLAYERS

Alyssa Balasko, North Olmsted, Sr., F: Ohio University recruit was a Division I second-teamer. Led the Eagles with 15 goals and 11 assists.

Devon Beckwith, Chardon, Sr., F: Top Division I scorer in area with 33 goals and 19 assists.

Alex Brown, Bay, Soph., F: Top point scorer for Rockets after scoring eight goals and dishing out 15 assists as a freshman. Member of capable group of underclassmen.

Taylor Burke, Medina, Sr., GK: Florida recruit recorded 18 shutouts for the Division I state champions. Has the ability to make one-of-a-kind saves. She is also a two-time state high jump champion.

Kori Chapic, West Geauga, Sr., MF: First-team All-Ohio selection plays all over the defensive side. Still managed 11 goals and five assists.

Jillian Graf, Medina, Sr., F: Florida recruit is top returning scorer. She notched 18 goals and had 12 assists for the Division I state champions.

Morgan Lieber, Chagrin Falls, Sr., GK: Third-year starter will be called upon to keep the Tigers in games. Had 11 shutouts last season.

Ashley Meier, Strongsville, Jr., MF: Spent the summer playing with the USA Youth-17 team. Signature center player has the all-around game.

Stephanie Poeppelman, Westlake, Sr., GK: Allowed only four goals during the regular season, seven overall. Recorded 15 shutouts.

Grace Redmon, Hathaway Brown, Sr., GK: Strong presence in goal. Recorded 13 shutouts last season, allowing 12 goals in 23 games.

Lysette Roman, Hathaway Brown, Soph., MF: Scored goal in state title game. Counted on to be a key contributor as an underclassman.

Haliegh Shingary, Holy Name, Jr., F: Leading scorer for the Green Wave with 17 goals. She has the finishing game to spearhead the offense.

Tori Shokles, North Royalton, Jr., GK: Paid her dues a year ago and has the technical skills to come into her own against tough competition.

Kelsey Smigel, Walsh Jesuit, Sr., F: Dayton recruit scored 21 goals and had 13 assists last season as an All-Ohio first-teamer. Has led the Warriors in scoring for three seasons.

Sarah Stachowiak, Westlake, Sr., D: As the last line of defense, proved her worth by being named Southwestern Conference MVP.

Allison Stucky, Brecksville, Soph., MF: National team age player led the Bees with nine assists.

Alyssa Tindal, Holy Name, Sr., MF: Xavier recruit has excelled in set-up role. Major focus has been controlling ball on opponent's side.

Nicolle Varney, Medina, Sr., D: Ohio University recruit was first team all-conference for the state champion Bees. Defense allowed six goals all season.

Megan Waskowski, Strongsville, Jr., F: Leading scorer with 25 goals. Makes the most of opportunity with uncanny knack for finding openings.

Christen Westphal, Walsh Jesuit, Jr., MF: Scored 13 goals and had eight assists last season.

walsh-jesuit-sandra-yu.JPGView full sizeWalsh Jesuit sophomore midfielder Sandra Yu (16).


Sandra Yu, Walsh Jesuit, Soph., MF: A member of the junior national team, she scored 11 goals and had 12 assists for the Warriors.

NOTABLE TEAMS

Bay (13-3-3 last season): The Rockets return 14 players, 10 starters, to a club that got to the district semifinal. Bay allowed 11 goals as goalkeeper Margaret Francati recorded eight shutouts in 11 games as a freshman.

Brecksville (10-6-2): The Bees return nearly everyone to a team that played a rugged schedule. Senior Amanda Sivic, all-state as a sophomore, and sophomore Sarah Sivic return after missing last season with injuries to further bolster lineup.

Chagrin Falls (17-1-2): The Tigers lost in double overtime to Hathaway Brown in the Division II regional final. They lost eight starters, so it's either reloading or rebuilding.

Hathaway Brown (17-2-3): The Blazers had to relinquish their Division II state championship because of an ineligible player last year and got more bad news when Elizabeth "Birdie" Wargo suffered a season-ending knee injury. They should regroup with seven returning players playing 13 games against Division I competition.

Holy Name (12-6-3): The Green Wave returns 14 players, seven starters, from district semifinal team. There is enough talent to extend the season past that.

Medina (21-1-2): The Bees allowed six goals in 24 games, none in their final 12, in winning their second Division I state title since 1997. With seven starters back, they are more than ready to defend as they are ranked No. 1 in the country by ESPN/Rise.

North Royalton (10-5-3): The Bears return 14 players with plenty of experience after a learning-curve season. They play five nationally-ranked teams and can be dangerous come playoff time.

Strongsville (18-2-1): The Mustangs lost to Medina in the district semifinals. They return 13 players, with seven starters, and will be a force come playoff time after playing a rugged schedule.

Walsh Jesuit (18-1-2): The Warriors' lone loss was to champion Medina in the state semifinal. They lost one starter and will be playoff ready after competing against tough competition.

Westlake (16-2-3): Reached the regional semifinals for the second straight year. With seven returning starters, the Demons are out to take the next step.

KEY DATES

Monday: Season starts.

Oct. 18-23: Sectional tournaments.

Oct. 25-30: District tournaments.

Nov. 3 and 6: Regional tournaments.

Nov. 9-13: State tournament.

Boys high school soccer preview

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See notable players, top schools and biggest games for this year's boys soccer season.

yianni.jpgSt. Ignatius midfielder Yianni Sarris, left, and the rest of the Wildcats should be in the hunt for another state championship.

NOTABLE PLAYERS

Luke Blades, St. Ignatius, Sr., MF: Davidson recruit plays left midfield and has the ability to create problems from the wing.

Kenny Cunningham, Brecksville, Sr., MF: Division I second-teamer scored 15 goals and had six assists to help Bees reach district semifinals. Team captain moves to front line at times. He has 30 career goals.

Toby Frohlich, St. Edward, Sr., GK: Most experienced player on the squad will be called on for leadership role for young team. Recorded nine shutouts last season.

Jackson Heller, Bay, Sr., F: The team's top returning scorer with 10 goals and four assists a year ago. A workhorse up front, good instincts around the net make him difficult to mark.

Ryan Ivancic, St. Ignatius, Sr., MF: Plays the right side with good speed up and down the wings to serve the ball.

Vlad Lekarev, Strongsville, Sr., MF: Versatile player can go in back or up front. Led the Mustangs with 15 goals and three assists. Named to the U.S. Soccer Academy starting 11.

David Murrow, Strongsville, Sr., MF: Attacking midfielder considered one of the best in the state. Led Mustangs in assists with 10.

Nick Parianos, Walsh Jesuit, Soph., F: Made his presence felt as a freshman with six goals and five assists.

Kam Patterson, Brecksville, Sr., F: With 16 career goals, he has become a dangerous player up front with a good goal sense.

bay-alec-petro.JPGView full sizeBay senior Alec Petro (in white) will move from midfield to forward this season.


Alec Petro, Bay, Sr., F: Scored five goals with eight assists last year playing midfield. Will move into the scorer's role this season. Good on restarts. Does the punting and kicking for the football team.

Brian Potocnik, Aurora, Sr., MF: One of three starting seniors on team, scored 11 goals and had 11 assists. Experienced varsity player will be called on to lead strong group of underclassmen.

Jake Russell, Twinsburg, Sr., GK: Posted seven shutouts against strong opponents. He has been able to keep his club in games and has shown improved game during off-season.

Cory Ricketts, Chagrin Falls, Sr., F: Four-year player moves from midfield to striker. He will be counted on to finish as Division II Tigers lost nearly all of their scoring punch.

Yianni Sarris, St. Ignatius, Sr., MF: Creative midfielder is on the varsity for his fourth season.

Josh Sandoval, North Olmsted, Sr., F: Helped get the Eagles to regionals with 20 goals and eight assists.

Ian Stalker, St. Edward, Sr., MF: Key defender covers a lot of ground. Starts the attack out of the back with his ability advance the ball.

Simon Sugerman, Orange, Jr., F: Target player with size and speed. Scored 11 goals as a sophomore.

Jack Thompson, CVCA, Sr., MF: Scored 18 goals, with two assists, to help the Royals reach the Division III final.

Brent Townsend, Walsh Jesuit, Sr., F: Leading returning scorer with eight goals and two assists. Plays bigger than 5-5 size, has a quick shot.

Brett Restivo, Orange, Sr., D: Anchor on defense returns for second starting role as sweeper.

Bryan Wolanksi, Strongsville, Jr., F: Pure finisher was second in goals for the Mustangs with 10.

NOTABLE TEAMS

Aurora (13-4-1 last season): Expectations are high for the Division II Greenmen, who were a sophomore-laden squad a year ago. Eight starters return, including three seniors, for a team that allowed 16 goals. Schedule includes six Division I opponents.

Bay (17-2-2): The Rockets lost the Division II final to Columbus DeSales, who they play at home Aug. 28. Consistent program has been to two state finals, a semifinal and a regional final since 2005. There are 14 seniors on the club, with seven starters returning.

Brecksville (10-3-5): Lost district semifinal to North Royalton. There are 15 seniors on the team, with 10 starters returning, so the experience is there. Tough schedule will have Bees ready come playoff time.

Chagrin Falls (15-2-1): Division II Tigers lost to Lake Catholic in district final. They scored 58 goals last season, 50 of them by departed seniors, so new offensive leaders are a must. Only three starters return.

CVCA (16-1-5): The Royals' lone loss came in the Division III title game to Worthington Christian, 2-1. Coach Jon Taylor has enough back to make another run.

Gilmour Academy (11-4-5): The Lancers return 10 players that went 3-1 in the postseason, their best showing since 2001.

Orange (6-9-3): The Lions graduated 11 seniors, but return seven starters for a competitive club. Mixture of youth and experience can pay off in stacked Chagrin Valley Conference.

St. Edward (8-7-4): After a down year, the Eagles look to reload. They still reached the district semifinals before losing to rival St. Ignatius. Five senior starters return, but strong group of learning underclassmen will be put to the test.

St. Ignatius (22-1): The Wildcats nearly won their second straight Division I title, but fell in a shootout to Gahanna Lincoln. They will be in the hunt again with five returnees and an influx of new talent.

Strongsville (17-2-3): Both losses were to St. Ignatius last season, including the state semifinals. Seven starters return to get the job done.

Twinsburg, 7-5-6: The Tigers lost to Massillon Jackson in the district semifinals. Six starters are back for a club with solid goalkeeping that can be a spoiler.

Walsh Jesuit (7-8-4): The Warriors suffered their second losing season in 32 years, but still made it to the Division II regional semifinals where they lost to Lake Catholic. The Warriors will be a veteran team with 15 players back, including 12 seniors and eight starters.

KEY DATES

Monday: Season starts.

Oct. 18-23: Sectional tournaments.

Oct. 25-30: District tournaments.

Nov. 2 and 6: Regional tournaments.

Nov. 9-12: State tournament.

Ohio State offensive tackle Marcus Hall will redshirt this season

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Ohio State offensive tackle Marcus Hall, who played solid minutes at right tackle last season as a true freshman, will redshirt this season for academic reasons.

mhallosu.jpgMarcus Hall will redshirt this season.

COLUMBUS - Ohio State offensive tackle Marcus Hall, who played solid minutes at right tackle last season as a true freshman, will redshirt this season for academic reasons and have three seasons of eligibility remaining starting in 2011.

Hall, who has been working as the third-team left tackle, will continue to practice with the Buckeyes throughout the season.

The Glenville grad recently had indicated he accomplished what he needed to academically, which proved not to be the case. The move does thin Ohio State's depth on the line. Junior Mike Adams and senior Andrew Miller continue their battle for the starting left tackle job, while true freshman Andrew Norwell should be the backup right tackle behind J.B. Shugarts.

"Due to the fact that I didn't satisfactorily complete my academic responsibilities, I will be redshirting during the 2010 season," Hall said in a statement released by Ohio State. "I'm looking at this in a positive way -- as an opportunity to get better on and off the field, to get stronger in the classroom, and be better prepared all-around for the rest of my time at Ohio State."

Cleveland Indians former 3B Jhonny Peralta happy to be a Tiger: Indians Insider

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DETROIT -- Jhonny Peralta isn't upset the Indians traded him to Detroit. He's not surprised either. "They do this every year," Peralta said. "I understood that this was the last year of my contract and that something was going to happen. In my mind, I was ready for that." The one thing that did surprise Peralta is that the...

DETROIT -- Jhonny Peralta isn't upset the Indians traded him to Detroit. He's not surprised either.

"They do this every year," Peralta said. "I understood that this was the last year of my contract and that something was going to happen. In my mind, I was ready for that."

The one thing that did surprise Peralta is that the Indians traded him to the Tigers.

"I had heard Colorado," he said. "I had heard the Yankees. But I never [thought] about Detroit."

jhonny-peralta.JPGView full sizeFormer Indian Jhonny Peralta holds no grudges toward the Tribe fans who weren't Peralta fans.


Peralta spent nearly 11 seasons with the Indians in the big leagues and minors. He knows he was not always a fan favorite.

"I know a lot of fans wanted more out of me," Peralta said. "I tried to do the best I can. Some people don't understand how hard baseball is.

"I had a couple of good years there. I had a couple of bad years there. That happens to everybody in baseball. I hope the people understand. Some of the fans liked me, some of them didn't. That's the way it is."

Peralta started at shortstop and batted sixth against his old team Friday night at Comerica Park. He's made 12 starts at shortstop, six at third and one at DH since the deal.

The Indians moved him from short to third last season. He's their all-time home run leader among shortstops.

"When I first went back to shortstop, it looked huge to me," Peralta said. "After the first groundball I had, I felt, 'OK, I can do this thing.' I thought it would be harder, but I got used to it fast."

Indians third basemen can't catch a cold since Peralta was traded. He made five errors in 91 games at third. Jayson Nix, who started at third Friday, has made five in nine games. Andy Marte has made nine in 23 games and Luis Valbuena has made one in five games.

"That's what I heard," Peralta said with a laugh. "What's going on over there? You know, third base is not easy."

Peralta said he's comfortable in Detroit. He knows the players, the coaches and he knows the AL Central.

"It's not too hard for me to be here," Peralta said. "I like it."

Peralta is hitting only .197 (14-for-71) with five homers and eight RBI since the deal.

"I'm not hitting for average, but more than anything, I'm not hitting in good luck," Peralta said. "I'm hitting the ball hard. They know I'm hitting the ball good."

There have been rumblings the Tigers might pick up Peralta's $7.25 million club option for 2011.

New arm: The Indians acquired right-hander Zach McAllister, 22, from the Yankees to complete the Austin Kearns trade. McAllister is 8-10 with a 5.09 ERA in 24 starts at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Pa.).

He will report to Class AAA Columbus.

McAllister (6-5, 230) was a Yankees third-round pick in 2006. This season he has 88 strikeouts and 38 walks in 132 2/3 innings. He's allowed 165 hits and 82 runs.

Brantley update: Michael Brantley returned to Cleveland on Friday to have an MRI exam on his left ankle. The Indians did not put Brantley on the disabled list, but it's still a possibility.

He is not expected to rejoin the Indians today.

"All the tests before the MRI were good," manager Manny Acta said.

Brantley twisted his left ankle coming out of the batter's box in the ninth inning Thursday after hitting a grounder to short that drove in a run. He had to be helped off the field.

Hot corner update: When asked about the dismal defense at third, Acta said: "We're just going to have to ride it out. We want Nix to be in the lineup because of his offense. We do feel Marte is in a funk right now. I know he's an above-average third baseman."

When asked if he felt there was a third baseman on his club right now who could be relied on for next year, Acta said: "That's what we're trying to find out. . . . But things are not looking too good right now when it comes to that."

Cleveland Indians' Matt LaPorta has strange game Thursday: Indians Chatter

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INDIANS CHATTER Clubhouse confidential: First baseman Matt LaPorta had a game for the ages Thursday and not in a good way. He made one error and had a mental mistake that helped push the Indians toward almost certain defeat. LaPorta did find a bit of redemption in the eighth inning. He ended a 13-pitch at-bat against Kansas City starter...

INDIANS CHATTER

Clubhouse confidential: First baseman Matt LaPorta had a game for the ages Thursday and not in a good way. He made one error and had a mental mistake that helped push the Indians toward almost certain defeat.

LaPorta did find a bit of redemption in the eighth inning. He ended a 13-pitch at-bat against Kansas City starter Kyle Davies with an RBI single. LaPorta's hit started a five-run rally that saw the Indians erase a 3-0 deficit en route to a 7-3 victory.

cleveland-indians-matt-laporta.JPGView full sizeIndians first baseman Matt LaPorta made this play but botched two Thursday that almost cost the Tribe the game. He redeemed himself with a rally-starting single.


"The whole game came down to the LaPorta at-bat," Davies told Kansas City reporters. "I threw him everything I had, and he was able to foul off some really tough pitches. I had to throw a strike 3-2. I hung a cutter, and he hit it."

Emergency measures: Manny Acta didn't know if Luis Valbuena had ever played left field or not. He didn't care.

"We had no choice," Acta said. "He had to go over there. It was either that or reshuffle the whole deck."

Valbuena played left field in the ninth inning Thursday after center fielder Michael Brantley left the game with a twisted left ankle during his at-bat in the top of the ninth.

Stat of the day: Shelley Duncan's six pinch hits are the second most in the AL.


Detroit's Armando Galarraga isn't quite perfect, but he still beats Cleveland Indians, 6-0

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Armando Galarraga and two relievers blank Indians on three-hitters. Justin Masterson loses his 12th game of the season.

Gallery preview

UPDATED: 10:22 p.m.

DETROIT, Mich. -- There would be no heartbreak tempered by victory tonight for Armando Galarraga. Just a solid victory over the team he should have thrown a perfect game against on June 2.

 Galarraga threw seven scoreless innings as the Tigers shut out the Indians, 6-0, Friday night at Comerica Park. Galarraga, Ryan Perry and Phil Coke combined on a three-hitter.

 The Indians have lost 10 of their last 14 games. The Tigers won for just the seventh time in their last 18 games.

 On June 2, Galarraga was robbed of a perfect when umpire Jim Joyce missed a call on what should have been the 27th and final out. He called Jason Donald safe when he was clearly out.

 There was no such drama Friday, but Galarraga gave it a try. He retired 14 straight before Jayson Nix doubled to deep left field with two out in the fifth to ruin the perfect game and no-hitter.

 On June 2, Galarraga settled for a one-hitter. He could not repeat that feat Friday. Lou Marson collected the Indians second hit with a single in the sixth and Shin-Soo Choo added a third hit in the seventh.

 The win was Galarraga's first since June 24. Galarrage (3-5, 4.41) matched a career high with eight strikeouts. He allowed three hits and threw 100 pitches, including 73 strikes.

 The Tigers took advantage of some more shoddy defense by the Indians to take an early lead against Justin Masterson (4-12, 5.33). Austin Jackson opened the game with a single. Will Rhymes bunted him to second, but Jackson scored when Marson threw the ball down the right field line.

 Marson almost broke second baseman Luis Valbuena's arm on the throw. Valbuena came over to cover first, but Marson threw the ball into the runner. Valbuena tried to reach around Rhmes and make the play, but collided with the Tigers second baseman.

 Valbuiena was down for several minutes, but stayed in the game. Rhymes, who went to second on the error, scored when Miguel Cabrera singled over Choo's head in right field. Choo recovered in time to throw him out at second.

 The Tigers made it 4-0 with two more runs in the second.  The two runs came on four straight hits off Masterson. After Brandon Inge and Don Kelly singled, Gerald Laird delivered Inge with a single to left and Jackson singled home Kelly.

 The Tigers closed out the scoring with single runs in the fourth and eighth innings.

 Masterson allowed five runs on 11 hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out five and threw 113 pitches, 76 for strikes.

 He is 1-5 in his last nine starts. In those starts, he's allowed 35 earned runs, 64 hits and 25 walks in 40 2/3 innings. His ERA in that stretch is 7.75.

 This was the 10th time the Indians have been shut out this season.

 
 

 

Minor-league report: Columbus Clippers, Akron Aeros lose

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The Clippers and Aeros both lose, while Kinston and Lake County come away winners.

columbus clippers new logo.jpg

AAA Columbus Clippers

Yankees 7, Clippers 5 RHP Yohan Pino (9-8, 5.60 ERA) allowed six runs on 13 hits and one walk in 4 innings as host Columbus lost an International League game Friday to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 2B Cord Phelps (.327) and SS Josh Rodriguez (.280) each had two hits, and CF Jose Constanza (.313) doubled, walked and scored two runs for the Clippers.

AA Akron Aeros

Senators 5, Aeros 1 RHP Alex White (7-7, 2.44) gave up four runs -- two earned -- in 51/3 innings as host Akron lost an Eastern League game against Harrisburg, Pa. LF Tim Fedroff (.278) homered and singled for the Aeros.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Indians 6, Pelicans 4 RF Abner Abreu (.244) drove in two runs as Kinston won a Carolina League game over host Myrtle Beach, S.C.

A Lake County Captains

Captains 5, Hot Rods 3 RHP Jason Knapp (0.00) did not allow a hit in four innings during his first appearance for host Lake County, 3B Adam Abraham (.262) had a three-run double and SS Jason Frawley (.269) hit a go-ahead homer in the seventh as the Captains downed Bowling Green, Ky., in Midwest League play. Knapp struck out seven and walked two. Frawley went 3-for-3.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Muckdogs 6, Scrappers 4 RHP Alex Kaminsky (5-4, 2.79) allowed six runs in 2 innings as host Mahoning Valley lost to Batavia, N.Y., in New York-Penn League play. Scrappers' 2B Aaron Fields (.232) had a two-run triple.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Miners 7, Crushers 3 (10) Travis Risser allowed one run, three hits and two walks in seven innings, but Lake Erie lost a Frontier League game against visiting Southern Illinois.

Akron's Nicolai 'Nick' Firtha wins Ohio heavyweight boxing title

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Akron's Nicolai "Nick" Firtha wins the state heavyweight boxing title with a majority decision at the Nautica Pavilion in the Flats.

CLEVELAND - There's a lot to be said for punching power. Perseverance, too.

Nicolai "Nick" Firtha had more of the latter to win a majority decision against Mike Sheppard for the state heavyweight boxing title on a balmy Friday night at the Nautica Pavilion in Cleveland's Flats. It was a case of Sheppard landing the biggest shots, but Akron's Firtha connecting with more punches.

While it would have been nice if Firtha (18-7-1, 8 KOs) could have finished matters inside of the scheduled 10 rounds, which he nearly did in the second, he proved he had the staying power and wits to hold off Sheppard's wild slugging. By pushing the pace for the most part, Firtha was in front on two judges' scorecards at the final bell, the third calling it even.

Scores were 97-93 twice for Firtha and 95-95. The Plain Dealer had it 97-93 for Firtha.

Both men were out of gas as they staged a wild 10th round, both trying to finish off the other with roundhouse potshots.

"It takes two guys to make a fight," said Firtha, who was coming off his biggest win, a June stoppage of then-undefeated Tony Grano (17-1-1). "I didn't want to get into his game. He was savvy and slick."

Sheppard (15-10-1, 8 KOs), from Palestine, W.Va., had gone 5-2 since being stopped in September 2007.

"He was the better boxer," said Sheppard, both eyes swollen. "I'm more of a fighter. He took some big shots. It's hard coming into the other guy's town."

On the undercard, Cleveland's Dante Moore and Corey Rodriguez (4-1-2, 3 KOs) fought to a technical draw in their six-round junior middleweight bout.

After a tactical opening round, action picked up in the second round as both fighters took their shots. Rodriguez suffered a cut to the side of his right eye midway through the round.

Both men began working the body in a solid third, but Moore (6-0-1, 4 KOs) lost his advantage after that as Rodriguez pressed the pace. It cost Moore as two judges split their decisions, 58-56, and the third called it even, 57-57.

Lorain's Wilkins Santiago (2-0, 1 KO) dished out most of the punishment during his second-round stoppage of middleweight Matt Keglovic (1-2, 1 KO) of Cleveland. Wilkins landed all of big punches.

With his fighter taking too many hits, trainer Casey Gacic threw in the towel two minutes into the round to preserve his guy's safety.

Heavyweight Jason Massie of Cleveland improved to 6-0 (4 KOs) with a four-round unanimous decision against Mujaheed Moor (4-4, 3 KOs) of Shaker Heights. Massie got the nod from all three judges for being more active and landing the better punches. There were no knockdowns.

Cleveland middleweight Michael Moore improved to 3-0 with a fourth-round stoppage of Eric Draper (1-4) of Indianapolis. Moore scored three knockdowns before the bout was stopped two minutes into the final round.

Browns vs. Rams: Live from the press box tonight at 7:30 p.m.

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Interact live with our producer in the press box at Cleveland Browns Stadium as he describes the action on the field and posts scoring updates, plus get updates and analysis from The Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot via Twitter.

Cleveland Browns StadiumJoin cleveland.com's live chat from Browns Stadium Saturday at 7 p.m.
Can the Browns build upon their impressive win over Green Bay in the preseason opener? How will No. 1 draft pick Sam Bradford do in his second game with the Rams? Will we finally see the Seneca Wallace-Josh Cribbs 'Wildcat' formation we've been hearing so much about?

Get answers to these questions and more during cleveland.com's live chat during the Browns vs. Rams game this Saturday at 7:30 p.m.  Interact with our producer in the press box at Cleveland Browns Stadium as he describes the action on the field and posts scoring updates, plus get updates and analysis from The Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot via Twitter.

Click here to open the game box score in a new window.

Note: This is a moderated chat. All comments must be approved prior to appearing in the live chat. Approval is based on content of post, volume of incoming posts and other factors.

Browns' Fujita and Garey of Columbus Crew toil to save Louisiana wetlands

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NFL linebacker Scott Fujita and MLS forward Jason Garey are pro athletes.While their sports are worlds apart, both wear a passion for Lousiana's wetlands on their sleeves.

 Browns linebacker Scott Fujita and Major League Soccer forward Jason Garey are pro athletes.While their sports are worlds apart, both wear a passion for Lousiana's wetlands on their sleeves. 

 Fujita, who joined the Cleveland Browns for his ninth season in the NFL, began a personal campaign to save coastal wetlands while playing for the New Orleans Saints. After winning the Super Bowl last year, he donated a big chunk of his  playoff earnings to the cause.

 Garey, who has spent the past five seasons with the Columbus Crew in the MLS, grew up fishing and hunting the bayous of coastal Louisiana. He has watched his beloved wetlands - and a way of life for his Louisiana family, friends and neighbors - slowly disappear. He is a spokesman for Vanishing Paradise, a wetlands program developed by Ducks Unlimited and the National Wildlife Federation.

 Fujita: Savings wetlands can save New Orleans

 "The coastal wetlands issue had been on my mind since my wife, Jaclyn, and I first got to New Orleans five years ago," said Fujita, 31, after a Browns practice this week. "We wanted to find out why everything went so badly after Hurricane Katrina. We  watched 'Hurricane in the Bayou,' an IMAX film about Katrina, and got some of the answers.

"For the first time, I discovered how wetlands worked and why wetlands were the first line of defense for New Orleans. I quickly realized it wasn't the storm itself, but the depletion of wetlands that created all of the damage."

Fujita grew up in Ventura, Calif., was a walk-on star at California, made the all-Academic Pac-10 team and graduated with a degree in political science and a masters in education. He has long been an environmentalist and social activist. 

 "In Louisiana, it all starts with saving the wetlands," said Fujita. "Other areas need help, but if you ultimately want to defend the City of New Orleans, saving the wetlands is the way to do it."

A favorite of both his New Orleans teammates and fans, Fujita and his wife decided to take advantage of last year's Super Bowl appearance to spotlight the need for wetlands restoration.

 "The way I look at it, the average NFL career is about 3 1/2 years," said Fujita. "I've been lucky to have played nine years, and hope I have a few more years left. Being an NFL player is a window of opportunity to do something good, something you believe in. When you're playing football, doing those types of things are part of the experience, not just the games on Sunday."

 Garey: Politicians wrangle while wetlands ignored

"Growing up, my brothers and I spent all of our time in the marshes, where we developed a love of the outdoors and fishing," said Garey. "There's nothing finer than paddling a little pirogue on a marsh morning, casting for redfish. To me, the coastal marsh is one of the loveliest places in America.

"And day-by-day, the Louisiana wetlands are disappearing."

Experts say 2,100 square miles of Louisiana wetlands are gone, disappearing at the rate of 25 square miles per day. That is about the size of a soccer field every 40 minutes. 

 The Gulf oil disaster that followed Hurricane Katrina has devastated Garey, his family and neighbors. The marshes in peril from the oil spill have always been an integral part of their lives. Most frustrating, Garey said, has been the constant political wrangling while critical wetlands problems have been shoved aside or ignored.

Garey, 26, is in his fifth season with the Columbus Crew of the MLS. He grew up in the small town of Gonzalez, La., holding state high school soccer records for most goals in a season (73) and in a career (170). A walk-on at the University of Maryland, he became a first-team All-American, won the Hermann Trophy as the best college player, and led the Terrapins to the College Cup.

Garey will meet with federal legislators in the coming weeks when the Columbus Crew plays in the Washington, D.C. area.  He is joining a radio tour in the fall with Vanishing Paradise to spotlight the wetlands problems, especially trying to reach people outside his home state.

While wetlands protection and restoration consumes him, Garey also needs to find time to go fishing.

"I love fishing," said Garey, with a laugh. "I fish Hoover Lake and other lakes in the Columbus area, and really want to try Lake Erie. It's not the marsh fishing I grew up with, but it's fishing."

Ohio State No. 2 in preseason AP poll behind No. 1 Alabama

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Check back this afternoon for updates on the Buckeyes' scrimmage today.

rollepickmf.jpgBrian Rolle and the Buckeyes are No. 2 in the AP preseason poll

Ohio State is ranked No. 2 in the preseason Associated Press poll released this morning, behind No. 1 Alabama. The Buckeyes are in the same position in the previously released coaches poll.

In the AP poll, Alabama received 54 of 60 first-place votes, while three went to Ohio State and Boise State, Texas and Oklahoma each got one.

In the coaches poll, Alabama had 55 of 59 and Ohio State received the other four.

Here's the full AP top 25, followed by the ballot submitted by Doug Lesmerises for the AP poll.

Ohio State is holding its team jersey scrimmage today to determine whether the offense or defense gets to wear the coveted scarlet jerseys for fall practice. It is closed to the public but open to reporters, so check back later this afternoon for updates on what is typically the most important day of camp for players to prove themselves.

AP preseason poll

1. Alabama (55)

2. Ohio State (3)

3. Boise State (1)

4. Florida

5. Texas (1)

6. TCU

7. Oklahoma (1)

8. Nebraska

9. Iowa

10. Virginia Tech

11. Oregon

12. Wisconsin

13. Miami

14. USC

15. Pittsburgh

16. Georgia Tech

17. Arkansas

18. North Carolina

19. Penn State

20. Florida State

21. LSU

22. Auburn

23. Georgia

24. Oregon State

25. West Virginia

Doug Lesmerises AP ballot

1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Boise State
4. Oklahoma
5. Florida 
6. TCU
7. Nebraska
8. Wisconsin
9. Texas
10. Iowa
11. Virginia Tech
12. Oregon
13. Arkansas
14. Miami
15. Stanford
16. Southern Cal
17. Georgia
18. Florida State
19. North Carolina
20. West Virginia
21. Penn State
22. LSU
23. Clemson
24. Pitt
25. Utah

 

 

 

 


 

 

P.M. Cleveland Browns links: Josh Cribbs stands up for Cleveland

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Cribbs supports Cleveland and its sports fans in a story on USAToday.com. Also, looks at tonight's Browns-Rams game; position competitions; Jake Delhomme, and more.

josh-cribbs-browns-fans.jpgThe Browns' Josh Cribbs signing autographs during Family Day at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Aug. 7.

Cleveland, Ohio -- Given that a self-absorbed basketball player recently left the Cleveland Cavaliers to take his talents to South Beach, there is an opportunity for athletes and individuals in other vocations to represent northeast Ohio.

The Cleveland Browns' versatile playmaker, Josh Cribbs, seems intent on doing that. Skip Wood writes a feature story on Cribbs for USAToday.com. Wood writes how Cribbs spends time with family, friends and fans after practices open to the public (the final open practice was on Thursday) and, later in his story, writes:

Cribbs simply is happy to have the chance to expand his game, and do it here.

For the kids. And for the other fans. That rings trite in some circles. Not here, particularly where a certain professional basketball player decided to do his thing elsewhere.

"When anybody asks me about what Cleveland has to offer," Cribbs says, "(I answer that) they are the most die-hard fans ever. That's what I tell them. I don't tell them about the Rock and Roll of Fame...

"I tell them about the city, the people of Cleveland and how die-hard they are and how much they'll fight for you in any type of weather."

Cribbs has their hand-warmers, as well as their back.

Cribbs and the Browns play the St. Louis Rams in a preseason game tonight at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot writes about the Browns as they go into the game, and also previews the contest.

The Plain Dealer and the cleveland.com/browns section on The PD's cleveland.com website feature extensive Browns coverage.

Coverage includes Pat Galbincea's report on how Browns' fans must be aware of prohibited parking areas around the stadium; a video by David I. Andersen of Browns training camp highlights; D'Arcy Egan's report on Browns linebacker Scott Fujita's interest in the Louisiana wetlands.

Opportunity knocks

The Browns were 5-11 last season, and they are in the mormal mode for a team trying to improve. Many starting jobs and roster spots are up for grabs. Steve Doerschuk writes for the Canton Repository that some surprises could be in store, such as at running back:

Even the known quantity, Jerome Harrison, isn’t well known. He averaged more than 30 carries a game in the last three games, a shocking volume in a league whose workhorses maybe get 20 lugs a game.

It will be a surprise if Harrison gets as many as 20 carries in any game in the first half while the Mike Holmgren directive — develop a passing game — kicks in.

The surprise could be Peyton Hillis, James Davis or Chris Jennings. All three should get extended work tonight. One of them could persuade the brass to make rookie Montario Hardesty wait indefinitely until he gets his shot to prove he was worth a Round 2 pick.

Now that Hardesty has missed the entire training camp with a knee problem, the team risks a dropoff in production if it tries to force-feed him into the rotation.

If Hillis, Davis or Jennings light it up, one of them could get as many carries in the real games as Harrison.

Jake Delhomme, welcome

Tonight, quarterback Jake Delhomme will play in Cleveland for the first time as a Brown. Nate Ulrich writes for the Akron Beacon Journal:

He's a 35-year-old veteran who's played in a Super Bowl, but those facts don't exempt him from feeling nervous during special occasions. The Browns' preseason game against the St. Louis Rams will provide such a moment.

''When you're new to a place, anytime you suit up, there's always those butterflies or that feeling you get before you play,'' Delhomme said. ''And that's something I still get. The day I don't get that, it's time to hang it up. It'll be fun to be at home. It'll be good. Hopefully we can try to take another step.''

No Dave Zastudil boots

Scott Petrak looks at some of the happenings during Browns' training camp for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina County Gazette, including:

Worst injury: Dave Zastudil

The fact that the punter from Bay Village won’t be able to play this year isn’t a huge surprise. That doesn’t make his placement on injured reserve any less painful for him or the Browns.

His right knee wasn’t recovered from patellar tendon surgery in December and flared up the day camp opened. He’s in the final year of his contract, so this could be the end of his Browns career.

Reggie Hodges was an adequate replacement last season, but he doesn’t have the leg or consistency of Zastudil.

Sideline to sideline

Don Delco previews tonight's game for the Orange and Brown Report on Scout.com.

A report on the Browns' tight ends by Mike McLain for the Warren Tribune-Chronicle.

James Walker answers a question about the Browns and includes a couple Browns' fans comments on his AFC North Blog for ESPN.com.

Jeff Schudel writes about Jake Delhomme and also tonight's game for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

Brian Dulik writes about Delhomme and Rams rookie quarterback (and first overall draft pick) Sam Bradford for the Medina County Gazette and Elyria Chronicle-Telegram.

Don't expect much national interest in tonight's game. Typically, the ESPN.com power rankings have the Browns ranked very low and the Rams as low as it gets. Also on ESPN.com, Mike Sando analyzes the Rams and some of their problems and hopes -- such as the feeling that Bradford will be a fine quarterback.

From Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "Rams vs. Browns: 5 things to watch"

 

 

 

 


Jay Mariotti, ESPN personality and AOL sports columnist, arrested on felony charge following 'domestic incident'

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Los Angeles police officer says Mariotti was arrested early Saturday following a "domestic incident." Officer declined to provide further details. Mariotti was released on $50,000 bail.

jay-mariotti.jpgJay Mariotti in a 2002 photo.

LOS ANGELES — ESPN personality and AOL sports columnist Jay Mariotti has been arrested on a felony charge in Los Angeles.

Officer Norma Eisenman says the 51-year-old Mariotti was arrested early Saturday in the police department's Pacific Division following a "domestic incident." Eisenman declined to provide further details.

The Sheriff's Department website confirms Mariotti was booked on an undisclosed felony charge at 5:45 a.m. He was released on $50,000 bail just after noon Saturday.

Mariotti lives in Los Angeles. He is a panelist on the ESPN show "Around the Horn" and writes a regular column for the sports website FanHouse.com, which is owned by AOL.

He was a longtime columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.

ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz declined comment. Calls to AOL were not immediately returned.

(ESPN.com report on Mariotti's arrest)

 

Ohio State offense wins scrimmage, Terrelle Pryor throws one TD

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The Ohio State offense won the scrimmage by turning the ball over just once in about 140 plays.

 

pryorkr.jpgTerrelle Pryor threw one touchdown in today's Ohio State scrimmage and no interceptions.

Ohio State's offense won the team scrimmage 53-48 at Ohio Stadium this afternoon. In about 140 plays, the offense scored just one touchdown, on a 25-yard pass over the middle from Terrelle Pryor to Taurian Washington, but the offense also limited its turnovers, which greatly helps its cause in the scoring system imposed by coach Jim Tressel.

Unofficially, Pryor was 10 of 22 for 146 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. He looked Ok but not great, having two passes dropped, throwing three passes away out of bounds and nearly having one pass picked off in the endzone. He hit tight end Jake Stoneburner with a great throw down the seam and also had a typical Pryor scramble after a shotgun snap over his head, turning it into a 12-yard gain.

Wearing a black jersey, Pryor was not allowed to be tackled by the defense, which led to some touch sacks and took away his running opportunities.

Some standouts in the scrimmage included redshirt freshman defensive lineman Adam Bellamy and backup running back Jordan Hall.

Several players, especially on the defense, sat out all of most of the scrimmage with injuries, including starting cornerbacks Devon Torrence and Chimdi Chekwa, linebacker Ross Homan, safety Orhian Johnson and defensive end Nathan Williams. Only Williams had an injury that was anything more than minor, and Jim Tressel said he still thinks Williams' left knee could be ready for the opener with Marshall on Sept. 2.

Startin Something roars to victory in $50,000 Miss Ohio

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Startin Something settled behind leader and stablemate Throws It Down for a half of a mile, then roared to a six-length victory with Jason Lumpkins in the saddle in the six furlong $50,000 Miss Ohio Stakes at Thistledown on Saturday.

 
Startin Something settled behind leader and stablemate Throws It Down for a half of a mile, then roared to a six-length victory with Jason Lumpkins in the saddle in the six furlong $50,000 Miss Ohio Stakes at Thistledown on Saturday.

Trainer Tim Hamm's Blazing Meadows Farm in Warren dominated the race by entering five two-year-old fillies in the seven-horse field. Startin Something was part of a three-horse entry that went off as the prohibitive 2-5 favorite. Hamm captured the top three spots with Startin Something ($2.80, 2.10), Throws It Down ($3.20) and Mini Reward ($2.80, 2.,10), who was a length behind in third.

Startin Something broke on top out of the starting gate. Lumpkins, the Thistledown riding champ from 1997-99, was satisfied to let Throws It Down take over until they were heading to the final turn. Roaring into the lead, the freshman filly grabbed a two-length lead at the top of the stretch and cruised to her second win in six outings in 1:13 1/5.

Startin Something had won the Tah Dah Stakes at River Downs on July 24, a non-wagering exhibition. Saturday's victory boosted her career earnings to $51,230. Hamm tentatively plans to bring the swift filly back to Thistledown on Oct. 2 for the $75,000 John W. Galbreath Memorial on the Best of Ohio program.
 

Cleveland Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi inactive vs. Rams tonight

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Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi is inactive for tonight's game against Rams. He'll be replaced by Josh Cribbs.

 

massaquoijg.jpgBrowns rookie Mohamed Massaquoi is getting at least a small chance at some playing time, which is more than can be said for fellow rookie Brian Robiskie.

CLEVELAND -- Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi is inactive tonight against the Rams because of a strained hamstring suffered last week in Green Bay. Joshua Cribbs is expected to start in his place.

Massaquoi was off to a great start last week, catching three passes for 36 yards on the opening drive before succumbing to the hamstring injury. He sat out most of the practice week, but returned for limited action Thursday night.

Right guard Floyd Womack, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last week, will be replaced by Billy Yates.

Other inactives include running back Montario Hardesty, linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, guard Shawn Lauvao and right tackle Tony Pashos.  Lauvao is back home in Hawaii dealing with a personal issue.

 

Cleveland Browns Stadium a soggy place with lightning in the forecast

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Bedford's Rodger Saffold starting at left tackle for Rams and other pre-game notes.

CLEVELAND -- Pre-game observations from soggy Cleveland Browns Stadium ...

• Seems lately like there is always one preseason game affected by storms. Rain has fallen steadily all day and the tarp's been off since about 6 p.m. Lightning is in the forecast, too.

• Rams rookie quarterback Sam Bradford was brutalized for four sacks in his preseason debut last week. The good news for him is he'll have his No. 1 offensive line intact tonight. That includes Bedford native Rodger Saffold at left tackle. It's not a comfortable situation breaking in a rookie left tackle and rookie franchise quarterback in the same season. But Atlanta survived it in 2008 with Sam Baker and Matt Ryan.

• The Browns are still listing John St. Clair as their starting right tackle after he missed most of the practice week. We'll see when they take the field if Scott Kooistra slides over there instead. Billy Yates will start at right guard with Shawn Lauvao still tending to personal business.

• The de-activation of Mohamed Massaquoi (hamstring) may be a blessing. It will force Jake Delhomme to acquaint himself with Josh Cribbs. Seneca Wallace and Cribbs might have good chemistry going at practice, but Delhomme seldom throws to him.

• It will be a good test for the Browns' defense if Rams franchise back Steve Jackson plays. Jackson sat out the Rams' preseason opener. He had surgery on a herniated disk in April. Given the field conditions, though, the Rams might re-think playing Jackson. He's all they've got on offense.

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