Marco Pappa scored on a free kick in the 83rd minute, giving Guatemala a 1-1 tie with the United States in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.

AP PhotoUnited States Clint Dempsey celebrates after scoring against Guatemala during a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Guatemala City, Tuesday, June 12, 2012.

Marco Pappa scored on a free kick in the 83rd minute, giving Guatemala a 1-1 tie with the United States in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.

Clint Dempsey put the United States ahead in the 40th minute, but Fabian Johnson pulled down Carlos Ruiz just outside the penalty area to set up the late free kick in a dangerous position. Pappa, a Chicago Fire midfielder, put a 24-yard shot just under the crossbar that froze goalkeeper Tim Howard.

It was a disappointing result for the 28th-ranked Americans, who failed for long stretches to impose their will against 85th-ranked Guatemala, a team that has never qualified for the World Cup.

Seeking its seventh straight appearance in soccer's showcase, the U.S. (1-0-1) tops Group A of North and Central America and the Caribbean on goal difference over Jamaica (1-0-1), which tied 0-0 tie at Antigua and Barbuda. Guatemala (0-1-1) is last with one point.

The top two teams advance to next year's six-nation regional finals, which will produce three qualifiers for the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

The Americans extended their unbeaten streak against Guatemala to 18 games (12-0-6) since 1988 and improved to 6-0-5 against the Guatemalans in World Cup qualifying.

Dempsey scored his 27th international goal off a play that started with a short pass from Johnson on the left. Dempsey cut across to his right, talking touches as he sidestepped Carlos Gallardo and Erwin Morales, then wrong-footed Ricardo Jerez Jr. with a right-footed shot from 16 yards to the goalkeeper's right.

It was Dempsey's 28th goal of the season for club and country, including 23 for England's Fulham.

Just before the goal, Howard made a diving save on Carlos Figueroa's open 10-yard shot from an angle. Ruiz nearly tied the score in first-half injury time, hooking just wide on a left-footed shot from the top of the arc. When the second half started, Guatemala just missed with a header that went narrowly over the crossbar following a corner kick.

Johnson returned to left back after missing Friday's game because of a strained calf muscle.

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann gave Geoff Cameron his World Cup qualifying debut, bringing him in to start the second half in place of Clarence Goodson, who had gotten a yellow card in the 23rd.

Guatemala coach Ever Hugo Almeida used all three substitutes to start the second half, just as he did Friday. Pappa, Manuel Leon and Dwight Pezzarossi replaced Figueroa, Jose Contreras and Mario Rodriguez.

Guatemala argued unsuccessfully for a penalty kick early in the second half after American defender Carlos Bocanegra kicked a clearance up off his own hand. Jozy Altidore entered at forward for Herculez Gomez in the 64th minute.

Howard made a diving stop on Rodriguez's 5-yard in shot in the 69th after a corner kick was headed in front of the goal. Then, with the net wide open, Ruiz skied the rebound over the crossbar.

Altidore was played open and put the ball in the net in the 79th, only play has been whistled by referee Joel Aguilar of El Salvador.

NOTES: The game was shown on pay-per-view in the U.S. after the Guatemalan federation, which owns the rights, sold them to Traffic Sports. ... The U.S. next plays in an exhibition on Aug. 15, most likely at Mexico. The Americans resume qualifying Sept. 7 at Jamaica, then host the Reggae Boyz four days later at Columbus, Ohio. ... Johnson received a yellow card for the foul that led to the tying goal. Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu also received yellow cards.

For Kent State's baseball team and Scott Stricklin, Omaha is the Field of Dreams.

View full sizePhil Masturzo, Akron Beacon-Journal"I'm so proud of these guys," Kent State coach Scott Stricklin says of his College World Series-bound Kent State baseball team. "First, we had to win the MAC tournament, and that's never easy. Then we had to beat the winner of the Big Ten [Purdue], the No. 2 team in the SEC [Kentucky] and then travel 2,500 miles to play the No. 5 team in the country [Oregon] on their home field. Who would have expected this?"

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Omaha.

That one word is on one of the walls of the Kent State baseball dressing room.

Omaha in June has been the home of College World Series (CWS) since 1950. It is where no Mid-American Conference baseball team has been since 1976, when Eastern Michigan made the CWS.

Omaha in June is where Kent State plays its first-ever CWS game, facing Arkansas on Saturday.

"Omaha says it all to anyone involved in college baseball," said Scott Stricklin, Kent State's coach. "It's the dream of every player and coach to make it to Omaha at least once."

From 1950-2010, the CWS was held at Omaha's Rosenblatt Stadium. It's now at a new downtown stadium (TD Ameritrade Park), where it will be at least until 2035 based on the new deal signed with the NCAA.

Stricklin played at Kent State from 1992-95, and has some stories of his teams being one hit or one play away from moving along that postseason road to Omaha. But it never happened. Last season, Stricklin had four players picked in the top 10 rounds of the major-league draft, including pitcher Andrew Chafin (the 44th overall pick to Arizona).

"If any Kent team was going to make it to Omaha, I thought it might be that one," said Stricklin. "We had six players sign pro contracts. We gave Texas a good run [in the sub-region], but couldn't do it."

And this year's team?

"We always put "Omaha" on the wall because it's our goal," he said. "When I was hired [as head coach in 2005], I said our goal was to get to Omaha."

But what about this year's team?

"I didn't see it coming. We lost so much talent. I thought we could win the MAC and get back to the tournament, but this..."

His voice trailed off as he gathered his composure.

"I'm so proud of these guys. First, we had to win the MAC tournament, and that's never easy. Then we had to beat the winner of the Big Ten [Purdue], the No. 2 team in the SEC [Kentucky] and then travel 2,500-miles to play the No. 5 team in the country [Oregon] on their home field. Who would have expected this?"

The Flashes were 24-3 in the MAC, and had a 21-game winning streak.

"We were rated all over the place," said Stricklin. "We were 13 in one poll, 25 in another, 39 in another, not rated in another. We're one of eight teams left playing, so that had to put us in the top 8, right?"

The College Baseball Newspaper agreed, ranking the Flashes No. 8 on Tuesday.

It's a homegrown roster

View full sizeRoss William Hamilton, The OregonianWhen Derek Toadvine crossed the plate Monday afternoon, he and the Golden Flashes cemented their place in school history.

Every Kent State player is from Ohio or Pennsylvania. Part of it is the Flashes' history of MAC success dating back to the days of Thurman Munson, Steve Stone and Rich Rollins. Part of it is pitching coach Mike Birkbeck, an Orrville native who pitched in the majors before joining the Flashes.

"He has to be the best [college] pitching coach in the country," said Stricklin. Birkbeck has had 21 pitchers drafted in his 14 years at KSU.

Our recruiting budget is only $6,800," said Stricklin. "So we recruit a lot out of our cars, doing day trips."

Kent State's ace is David Starn (11-3, 2.21), a non-scholarship recruit who walked-on. The Walsh product turned into the two-time MAC Pitcher of the Year and was a seventh-round pick of the Atlanta Braves last week.

Evan Campbell (.327, 7 HR, 40 RBI) hit a game-winning homer to beat Kentucky, and then made a diving game-saving catch at Oregon. He was a walk-on from West Branch High School.

Nick Hamilton (.344) was a non-scholarship player after starting his career at Xavier and transferring to Kent State. Ryan Mace (3.57, 4 saves) was a walk-on from Tallmadge.

College baseball teams are allowed to give only 11.7 scholarships, so those are broken up and combined with academic and other aid. Few players receive a full baseball scholarship. No more than 27 players can receive some type of baseball scholarship.

Stricklin said .364-hitting Jimmy Rider -- the career all-time MAC hits leader -- had one Division I scholarship offer, from Kent. The same for George Roberts (.368, 8 HR, 64), the MAC Player of the Year. Star catcher David Lyon receives a lot of academic aid, as does Rider.

Kent State's top three starting pitchers are Starn (Walsh), Ryan Bores (Strongsville) and Tyler Skulina (Walsh). His top three relievers are Josh Pierce (Avon), Casey Wilson (Akron Hoban) and Brian Clark (Stow).

"We're as local as you can get," Stricklin said, who has a 315-163 record at Kent State with five trips in eight seasons to the NCAA tournament.

Beating the odds

For all the talent and the superb coaching in this area, schools such as Kent State are at a huge disadvantage.

"Warm weather schools in large states attract a lot of kids," Stricklin said. "They also tend to have big parks and big budgets."

Stricklin said Skulina (11-2. 3.63) was a blue-chip recruit coming out of Walsh. "We got him after he went to Virginia first, then transferred here to be closer to home," he said. "We were not close to getting Tyler out of high school."

Here are the top six schools in the CWS: Florida, Florida State, South Carolina (won the last two years), UCLA, Arizona and Arkansas. All major powers in sunshine states. But Kent State isn't the only gate-crasher.

Say hello to Stony Brook, a school from Long Island making its first appearance in the CWS. Stony Brook is the first school from the Northeast to make the CWS since Maine in 1986.

"What they did was incredible," said Stricklin. "We had to beat Oregon in front of more than 4,500 fans in the loudest college baseball crowd that I've been around. Stony Brook beat LSU in Baton Rouge in front of 10,000 fans. It's amazing."

Stricklin has one more dream -- facing Stony Brook in the title game of this double-elimination tournament.

"I'm not sure ESPN would like that too much since I don't know what it would do for the ratings," he said. "But wouldn't that be something?"

Former Ohio State star David Lighty has a workout scheduled with Cavs on June 28.

View full sizeMichael Conroy, Associated PressHe has tryouts scheduled with several NBA teams this summer, but David Lighty admits getting a chance with the Cavaliers would be special.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- David Lighty has dreamed of playing in the NBA since he was 6 years old, playing in his Cleveland backyard and launching a jumper as he counted down, "3-2-1..."

Now, with workouts scheduled with several NBA teams, including the Cavs on June 28, the 6-5 swingman from Ohio State is as close as he ever has been to reaching that goal. But it's not just for him. He wants to make the NBA to please his mom, Emily.

"That's one of my goals -- to get her to see me play more," Lighty said in a telephone interview Tuesday night.

How much would his mother love it if he wound up playing for the Cavs?

"'Love' would be an understatement," Lighty said, laughing. "That's big for her. She came to Italy and saw me play last year and told me, 'I just miss seeing you play.' Being back here would make that possible."

Lighty, who was not drafted last year, spent the season in Italy. He averaged 7.5 points and 15.3 minutes in eight games with Bennet Cantu. Seeking more playing time, he averaged 10.7 points and 30.9 minutes in 23 games with Vanoli. He returned to Cleveland on May 12, and now is working toward having a chance to stay.

He just got back from working out for the San Antonio Spurs, will visit the Indiana Pacers on June 21 and then the Cavs on June 28. He also may work out for Atlanta, or possibly go to the summer league with Atlanta. The summer league was cancelled last year because of the NBA lockout.

Instead of waiting to see what might happen, Lighty opted to play overseas, a decision he does not regret.

"I enjoyed it, a great experience for me -- like a paid-for vacation," said Lighty, who traveled to France, Spain and Turkey while he was overseas. "I got to see things I always read about or saw pictures of, and play the game that I love. I had a great experience and got better as well.

"Guys sit in the paint, there's no three seconds, so you've got to learn how to create your own shot and create for others -- a lot of ball screening and you've got to knock your shot down when you're open. You don't get too many layups."

A good defender who can play both guard positions, he even played both forward positions overseas.

"He said he made the biggest improvement in all of his career this past year," said his former coach at Villa Angela-St. Joseph, Dave Wojciechowski, now the coach at Harvey. "It's a testament to him. He's always been that type of worker. He's so cerebral when it comes to it that when he says he improved, it's overall."

Lighty said he had offers to return to Europe, but he really hopes he doesn't have to.

"We have some things going on, so we'll see what happens," he said. "This is the beginning stages. I'm no where near signing a contract. Until someone tells me sign on this line, then I'll get excited and everything else will fall into place."

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

UPDATED: LeBron James has 30 points, but it's not enough as Durant scores 17 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Thunder to a 105-94 victory.

View full sizeSue Ogrocki, Associated PressLeBron James' pursuit of an NBA title gets off to a poor start on Tuesday as the Heat falls to the Thunder in Oklahoma City in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Durant scored 17 of his 36 points in another nightmarish final period for James and his team, leading a Thunder storm that overwhelmed the Heat and gave Oklahoma City a 105-94 victory over Miami in Game 1 on Tuesday night.

"That's what they do, they keep on coming," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "They're relentless."

Teaming with Russell Westbrook to outscore the Heat in the second half by themselves, Durant struck first in his head-to-head matchup with James, who had seven points in the final quarter and was helpless to stop the league's three-time scoring champion.

"Well, those guys, they came out on fire. They were passing the ball well, knocking down shots. We just wanted to continue to keep playing," Durant said. "It's a long game, and every time our coach was just saying play harder, play harder, and that's what we did."

Westbrook turned around a poor shooting start to finish with 27 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds for the Thunder, keying a strong finish to the third period that gave the Thunder the lead for good.

Durant took over from there.

Scoring in nearly every way possible, Durant finished 12-of-20 from the field and added eight rebounds. He and Westbrook outscored the Heat, 41-40, over the final two periods, showing that maybe this time it will be offense that wins championships.

James finished with 30 points, his most in any of his 11 finals games, but had only one basket over the first 8:15 of the fourth, when the Thunder seized control of a game they trailed for all but the final few seconds of the first three quarters.

James averaged just three points in the fourth quarters of the Heat's six-game loss to Dallas last year, taking almost all the heat for Miami's finals failure. He was good in this one, Durant was just better.

View full sizeAP Kevin Durant was unstoppable in the fourth quarter.

"They didn't make many mistakes in the fourth quarter," James said.

And when fans chanted "MVP! MVP!" late in the game, they weren't talking about James, the guy who won the regular-season award.

They meant Durant, who is in a race with James for his first ring — and maybe the title of best player in the game.

Game 2 is Thursday night in Oklahoma City.

Dwyane Wade had 19 points but shot just 7-of-19 for the Heat, while Shane Battier provided some rare offense by scoring 17 points, his high this postseason.

Turning to a small lineup late in the third quarter, the Thunder improved to 9-0 at home in the postseason. Defensive ace Thabo Sefolosha helped defend James during the Thunder's comeback, relieving Durant of the burden so he could focus on his scoring.

And right now, nobody does it better.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said his team, pushed to seven games against Boston in a grueling conference finals the Heat finally won Saturday, preferred this quick turnaround. But perhaps they ran out of gas against the young Thunder, whose core players are all 23 and younger and look as if they could keep playing all night.

"Honestly, I think we just came out with a lot more intensity on the defensive end. Made them feel us a little bit," Westbrook said of the second half, when the Thunder outscored the Heat, 58-40.

James and Wade both were bent over, hands on knees, during one stoppage with about 7 minutes remaining. Durant kept pouring it on, racing down the court to throw down a fast-break dunk and later adding a 3-pointer that pushed it to 87-81 with 6 1/2 minutes remaining.

The Heat got within four points, but Durant hit two quick baskets and Westbrook added another for a 10-point lead with 3:35 to go.

It's been a rapid rise toward the top for the Thunder, who started 3-29 in 2008-09, their first season here after moving from Seattle. Fans were clearly embracing the finals' arrival in Oklahoma City, where cars, buildings and even fans' hair seemed to be painted some form or orange or blue.

Fans standing until the Thunder's first basket didn't have to wait long, Durant knocking down a baseline jumper 70 seconds in. He made his first three shots, including two 3-pointers, but his teammates missed their first six attempts in falling into an early hole.

Durant made sure they were fine at the end.

Both superstars tried to downplay their individual matchup, Durant insisting it was about the team and James adamant that he didn't care about the best player in the game argument.

It was James' supporting cast that stepped up bigger to start, the Heat hitting five of their six 3-point attempts in jumping to a 29-22 lead after one quarter. Spoelstra kept Chris Bosh as a reserve, the role he has played since returning from a nine-game absence with a strained lower abdominal muscle. Smart decision, as Battier hit his first three 3-point attempts in the opening minutes to spark Miami's strong start.

Durant took only one shot in the second quarter, and it wasn't until nine minutes had passed. By then, the Heat had built a lead as large as 13 points, keeping it in or near double digits most of the period before the Thunder sliced it to 54-47 at halftime.

Seemingly every fan was wearing the blue shirts hung on their chairs before the game — an exception being rapper Lil Wayne, who caused a stir during the Western Conference finals when he posted on Twitter that the Thunder wouldn't let him into their arena, with the team saying simply that he needed to buy tickets if he wanted to come. He did, he and his guest both wearing black.

The sea of blue around the court looked like the scene last year in Dallas, where James struggled so badly when it mattered most. He admitted letting his team down, vowing he would have no regrets about his performance this time around.

Unfortunately, the result was all too familiar to the Heat.

James quickly answered after Oklahoma City tied the game for the first time at 60-all midway through the third, banking in a shot and powering in for a layup and a quick four-point lead. The Heat pushed the lead back to five but the Thunder kept coming, finally pulling ahead for the first time when Westbrook darted into the lane and was fouled while scoring with 16.4 seconds remaining, the free throw making it 74-73.

Baskets by Durant and Sefolosha to open the fourth pushed it to a five-point lead, and the Heat never recovered.

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians. Featured today are the SB Nation, Wahoo's On First and Fear The Sword.

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.

AP Photo/Elise AmendolaShould the Indians try to add Marlon Byrd?

"But in spite of his struggles, signing Marlon Byrd would be a low-cost gamble who could help the Indians right away. Byrd would give the Tribe a more potent right-handed outfielder than Aaron Cunningham, whose role at this point is to be a late-game defensive replacement for Johnny Damon or Shelley Duncan. He has appeared in 34 games (just 14 starts) and is hitting .200/.284/.233. Perhaps more significantly in terms of his role with Cleveland, he has failed to produce against left handed pitching, hitting .172 (5-for-29).

Like Cunningham, Byrd is a right-handed hitters who plays all three outfield position. He has a history of success against southpaws with a career .283/.338/.443 triple-slash, and even through his struggles this year he’s managed to put up an impressive .327/.353/.408 line against left-handed pitching in 2012. He turns 35 at the end of August so he is well suited for a part-time role as a traditional fourth outfielder, which the Indians lack right now."

AP Photo/Tony DejakShould the Cavs target Delonte West this offseason?

"Omer Asik, Chicago Bulls: Asik has been a name that has been linked to the Cavaliers for a while now. Asik is a young big man that plays superb defense. He was basically the anchor of the Bulls bench unit which was among the best defensive groups in the entire league. He's just 25 years old and it's not easy to find 7-footers that protect the rim quite like he can. He is incredibly raw on offense, but that's not why we'd want him. Two problems with signing Asik: 1) His limited offensive game means that Cleveland would need some sort of scoring threat in the post. Having a big man rotation of Asik, Tristan Thompson, and Anderson Varejao would be elite defensively, but incompetent on offense. 2) He was drafted in the second round and therefore falls under the Gilbert Arenas Rule. That means he is a restricted free agent and can only be offered $5 million per year from any team. The Bulls have a chance to re-sign him, but are pretty far over the salary cap. It may come down to whether they want to keep Taj Gibson or Omer Asik.

Delonte West, Dallas Mavericks: I'm not sure how he left things with the Cavaliers, but West had some solid years in Wine and Gold. West has also expressed interest in staying in Dallas, but as they turn their attention to Deron Williams, the Cavaliers may be able to bring West back. If the Cavaliers don't draft a starting caliber shooting guard, they could do a lot worse than Delonte West. West has been a plus-defender throughout his career and has the ability to handle the ball well enough to play some backup point."

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer spoke today at a coaches' clinic in Michigan, which makes for fun offseason discussion, PD reporter says. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Branson Wright and Chuck Yarborough.

The Ohio State Buckeyes enter the 2012 football season with a new coach in Urban Meyer. Do you think he will have such success that he will be named Big Ten coach of the year? Or will it be a coach from another school? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter Doug Lesmerises. Doug is picking a candidate from the Big Ten's Legends Division, Nebraska's Bo Pelini.

Doug also discusses Meyer's appearance today at a high school coaches clinic in Michigan, and what that means for the OSU-Michigan rivalry; and he also talks recruiting; and where OSU basketball players Jared Sullinger and William Buford might end up in the June 28 NBA Draft.

SBTV will return Thursday with Plain Dealer reporter Elton Alexander sharing his thoughts on the amazing Kent State baseball team and the Flashes' trip to the College World Series this weekend.

Who will be sent down from the bullpen? Should the Indians target any right-handed bats? The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

View full sizeChuck Crow/The Plain DealerDon't expect to see Grady Sizemore back until August, says Paul Hoynes during his weekly podcast.

Who will be sent down from the bullpen? Should the Indians target any right-handed bats?

The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Among other topics discussed:

• Ubaldo Jimenez's and the starting pitching performances from over the weekend.

• Should Matt LaPorta get more playing time?

• When can we expect to have Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner back?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to follow Hoynes on Twitter.

The decision was roundly booed Saturday night by the crowd in Las Vegas. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum has said that he has submitted a formal request for an inquiry to the Nevada attorney general's office.

Associated PressManny Pacquiao (left) and Timothy Bradley (right) during their welterweight title fight on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Bradley won by a controversial split decision, which the WBO says it will now review.

The quarterbacks battle for the No. 2 spot in the rotation.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerSeneca Wallace

Cleveland, Ohio - Even in the tag football world of OTAs - where the biggest chance of an injury is a pulled muscle -  rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden is clearly the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.

The official word won't happen until later this summer, but the Browns staff will give Weeden every chance to prove he is the guy.

So that means the battle for No. 2 is on between Colt McCoy, Seneca Wallace and Thaddeus Lewis, an undrafted free agent in 2011 who was released by the St. Louis Rams last year.

Reporter Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald writes how Weeden has had moments during spring practice when he hasn't been perfect, but he has thrown passes with more accuracy and velocity than those thrown by McCoy or Wallace:

"That question leads into the assumption that Colt is the backup with Seneca, and again sooner than later I'll make sure I name a starter for you," coach Pat Shurmur said. "I don't see the urgency right there, but in terms of the backup situation, I can see a scenario where all three of the players you're talking about will be here. I think that's fair." 

More Cleveland Browns

QB Seneca Wallace does not want to be No. 3 (Cleveland.com).

Slimmer and trimmer and ready for action (Ohio.com).

Pat Shurmur's press conference (Cleveland.com).

Joe Haden is on a list to have a breakout season (ESPN).

Josh Cooper is looking to make a home in Cleveland (Cleveland.com).

Trying to figure Colt McCoy's place on the depth chart (WKNR).

Brandon Weeden picks OKC in the NBA Finals (Cleveland.com).

Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed report on final OTA session (Cleveland.com).

Cleveland Browns Foundation golf outing (Cleveland.com).

Reggie Hodges is the unknown punter, and that's fine with him. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio - Cleveland Browns punter Reggie Hodges enjoys living a life of anonymity. Unlike many of his teammates, Hodges is just another guy when he is in public.

He easily blends in while dining at local resturants. Hodges rarely gets a second look when he's dining at local resturants.

"That's just the way I like it," said Hodges, in a video interview with Branson Wright "I'm not noticed unless it's a die-hard Browns fan." 

Hodges, however, didn't get much football attention last year due to a season-ending injury. Last August while practicing, Hodges planted his non-kicking left foot and suffered a torn left Achilles' tendon. He was out for the season.

Hodges has since healed and he says he's ready to return. Before the injury, Hodges averaged 43.9 yards per punt. That was also the same year Hodges set an NFL record for the longest run for a punter when he ran for 68 yards on a fake punt.

"The rest of the country looks at our "playmakers" and assumes we will certainly suck again. That's okay in my book. Let them overlook us. What they do not see is that we have patiently put together a very fine young and gifted OL, and a fine young gifted DL." - DoobieBros01

View full sizeAP Photo/Mark DuncanOne cleveland.com reader is happy the rest of the NFL will be overlooking the Browns.

"The rest of the country looks at our "playmakers" and assumes we will certainly suck again.

That's okay in my book. Let them overlook us.

What they do not see is that we have patiently put together a very fine young and gifted OL, and a fine young gifted DL.

We also have a depth of youth and upside at QB, and at RB. The depth and youth at RB are the best group we have had in probably 20 years, + OL the same. DL the same. We are pretty deep at TE. We are pretty deep at LB.

We will not shock the world into a Super Bowl this year, BUT, we ARE going to beat more teams up on the Line of scrimmage than beat us.

And that is the start of good things to follow.

I hope the whole league overlooks us."

Hey, people, the Golden Flashes' superb baseball team represents a university in the city of Kent, in Ohio.

AP/The OregonianKent State, not Kentucky State, celebrates its 3-2 win over Oregon in an NCAA Super Regional championship game on Monday night.

Check out the second one from the bottom: “Kentucky St.” In fact, that should be Kent State. The Golden Flashes are from Kent, Ohio, a few miles southeast of Cleveland.

Kentucky State — home of the the green and gold “Thorobreds” — is in Frankfort, Ky. And, no: They are not playing in the College World Series.

Thanks to Rhett Umphress of ESPN The Magazine for tweeting this one today.

Indians acquired Rogers on Tuesday from the Colorado Rockies for cash considerations

PD fileMatt LaPorta

CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Cleveland Indians today sent first baseman/DH Matt LaPorta to Class AAA Columbus to make room on the roster for right-handed reliever Esmil Rogers.

The Indians acquired Rogers on Tuesday from the Colorado Rockies for cash considerations. Because Rogers was out of options, he needed to be added to the major-league roster.

Rogers went 0-2 with an 8.06 ERA in 23 appearances for Colorado this season.

This was LaPorta's first stint with the Indians after he failed to make the team coming out of spring training. He appeared in three games with the Tribe. In 11 at-bats, he had two hits and two strikeouts.

The Indians recalled LaPorta from Class AAA Columbus on June 3 after placing left fielder Johnny Damon on the paternity list. At the time of his promotion, LaPorta was hitting .307 with eight doubles, 14 homers and 32 RBI in 46 games for the Clippers. The numbers included .333 (19-for-57) with four homers against lefties.

Before being called up, he appeared in 19 games in left field and 18 games at first for the Clippers, and had cooled after a blazing start.

LaPorta, acquired from Milwaukee in the CC Sabathia trade in July 2008, played a combined 113 games with the Clippers the previous three seasons. As a member of the Indians in that span, he was a .238 hitter in 269 games.

"I am not sold on JS. Unless he really improves his outside shot, i don't think he will be a big contributor in the league because of his lack of jumping ability. His size will only go so far in a league with great athletes." - bluebengal

View full sizeAP Photo/Mark HumphreyWill Jared Sullinger be a disappointment in the NBA?

"I am not sold on JS. Unless he really improves his outside shot, i don't think he will be a big contributor in the league because of his lack of jumping ability. His size will only go so far in a league with great athletes."

Plain Dealer Indians reporter Paul Hoynes joined The Bull and The Fox Show on 92.3 The Fan (WKRK-FM) this afternoon to talk Tribe and discuss whether the Indians will make any moves before the trading deadline.

Paul Hoynes

Former world heavyweight champ sings about James, "He makes Cleveland irate. He was born in Ohio, and that's where Cleveland is."

Associated PressMike Tyson may have found a musical niche for himself with the ballad "LeBron James."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has made more than his share of mistakes.

Tyson, though, may have forever endeared himself to Cleveland Cavaliers fans who still rue "The Decision" made by LeBron James to leave the Cavs for the Miami Heat as a free agent in July, 2010.

On the show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," Tyson played guitar and sang the ditty he apparently penned, "LeBron James."

Kimmel introduced Tyson, now 45, as "one of the great athletes and one of the great singers of our generation."

Then, in a style that blends Tiny Tim and Yoko Ono, Tyson sang about James, in part:

"He makes Cleveland irate. He was born in Ohio, and that's where Cleveland is."

Tyson infamously lost his championship belt to unknown Buster Douglas in 1990. At least he had a title to lose, though. His song tweaks James for his failure, so far, to win an NBA championship. James and the Heat lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.

Tyson once lived in Southington, Ohio, toward Warren, so maybe he relates to Cavs' supporters.

Video: From YouTube.com, Mike Tyson sings "LeBron James" on Jimmy Kimmel Live:

Seattle's pain recalls Cleveland's during Baltimore's Super Bowl season. Still, few fans here will pull for the Miami Heat with LeBron James.

View full sizeAP fileIt's been four seasons since the Seattle SuperSonics were moved from the Pacific Northwest to Oklahoma City, but the NBA fans in the region are confronted with the likelihood of their old franchise winning the NBA title this season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Clevelanders suffered through the Browns' desertion and then the insult of "The Decision" in LeBron James' defection. But in a choose-your-poison NBA Finals, while Clevelanders would overwhelmingly root for Oklahoma City, Seattleites (which, honest, is what they call themselves), jilted by the Thunder, choose Miami -- LeBron James and all.

In a story that appeared in the Seattle Times on Monday, on the eve of the first game of the NBA Finals, the headline on it read, "What kind of NBA fan roots for the Heat? An ex-Sonics fan, that's who."

In a poll the paper conducted, 22 percent of respondents wanted the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team born as the Seattle SuperSonics, to win the NBA Finals, while 47 percent were for the Miami Heat, the team James joined as a free agent after leaving the Cavaliers. Some 31 percent said they didn't care who won.

It might be hard to find 22 percent of northeast Ohioans who don't think of James as a turncoat/quitter/agent of Satanic forces, but it doesn't mean some can't empathize with Seattle. Still, most here are hoping the young Oklahoma City team lays another raging electrical storm of offense on the Heat in the NBA Finals, which resume with Game 2 Thursday night in Oklahoma. The Thunder leads, 1-0.

Steve Kelley, a veteran Seattle Times sports columnist, said he understands how OKC is an easy team to relate to. He remembers the Thunder when they were the Sonics.

"Kevin Durant was Rookie of the Year here. Serge Ibaka and Nick Collison were drafted here. Scottie Brooks was an assistant coach here," Kelley said.

"Durant was so young [turning pro after his freshman year at Texas at age 19] that he had kids in the neighborhood over to his house to play instead of teammates. You know, a 12-year-old kid or Kurt Thomas?" Kelley said, referring to a Sonic who was 35 in Durant's rookie season. "Who do you think he'd pick?"

There are more similarities than expected in the two cities' trauma. The Browns were the heart and soul of Cleveland sports. The Sonics were the first big-time pro team in Seattle, and the only one to win a championship (under former Cavaliers coach Lenny Wilkens in the 1978-79 season). Kelley said the Sonics had been the signature team in Seattle for 40 years until moving.

The Seattle columnist thought he was dealing with the Thunder's playoff run well until Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett hoisted the Western Conference championship trophy. Bennett moved the Sonics quickly after the 2007-08 season, following his purchase of them from Starbucks chairman Howard Schultz.

Kelley reserves his deepest anger for Schultz. "He was one of us," Kelley said. So, Cleveland fans thought, were Art Modell and James. The difference so far is that Modell lifted the big trophy in his sport five seasons after the move.

Like Cleveland with the Browns, Seattle retains the colors and records of the SuperSonics.

Asked what it would be like in Seattle if Oklahoma City wins it all, Kelley said, "I think it's resignation. They're so young, if they don't win it this year, they will soon."

More than a few here feel much the same way about the Heat.

If the push to build a new arena in the "SoDo" (south of downtown) area doesn't succeed, Kelley fears Seattle will never get another NBA team. Objections raised include fear of traffic congestion on streets around the proposed arena near the Mariners' Safeco Field.

Cleveland, however, handled traffic well enough around The Q and Progressive Field in 2007, when the Cavs reached the NBA Finals and the Indians made the ALCS.

Shawn Kemp, Mike Holmgren, Mike Hargrove, Eric Wedge, Brooks (a former Cavs player), Wilkens, Charlie Frye, Shin-Soo Choo, Ben Broussard, Omar Vizquel and Felix Fermin are players, team executives, coaches and managers since the mid-1990s who all plied their trade in both Seattle and Cleveland.

Speaking of Kemp, he and Kelley appeared in a recent Seattle Shakespeare company's production of "The Taming of the Shrew," updated to an "Odd Couple" theme.

Kelley -- "I know this was a stretch for me," he said -- played the sloppy sportswriter, Oscar Madison. Kemp played finicky Felix Unger. At one point, Kelley's "Oscar" rejected several dinner suggestions by Kemp's "Felix," until he finally suggested beef.

Beef would be fine, Kelly's "Oscar" noted. Dressed in a Sonics green apron with his old Seattle number on it, Kemp growled, to a roar of applause and cheers, "No beef for you!"

Ah, but Seattle certainly has one with the NBA. As does Cleveland.

For his part, asked whom he would most like to see win the NBA Finals, Kelley said, "Boston."

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Shaker Heights grad Shaniqua McGinnis talks about her career in a short film.

PD FileFormer Shaker Heights sprinter Shaniqua McGinnis recently finished her career at Ohio State.

Cleveland, Ohio - Ohio State sprinter and four-time Big Ten Champion Shaniqua McGinnis is featured in short film produced by Cleveland native Gezus Zaire.

McGinnis, a graduate of Shaker Heights, became the first Ohio State runner in 10 years to capture the 400 meters at the Big Ten Indoor Championships in 2010.

In 2011, she became the first OSU sprinter to win the 400 Big Ten Outdoor Championship in a decade.

McGinnis also set a school record in the the 600 meters, becoming the first OSU sprinter to win this event since 1980.

The documentary explores McGinnis' struggles and triumphs from high school to Ohio State.

More Ohio State Buckeyes

Michigan and Ohio State continue to compete, even in the offseason (Cleveland.com).

Examining the cost of recruiting (ESPN).

Ex-Buckeye David Lighty will get a tryout with the Cleveland Cavaliers (Cleveland.com).

Urban Meyer has a little BBQ in Michigan (Detroit Free Press).

Michigan unretires three of five numbers, should OSU follow? (Columbus Dispatch)

After last night's loss, the Tribe look to even up their series against the Reds in Cincinnati. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Dennis Manoloff, @dmansworldpd.

After last night's loss, the Tribe look to even up their series against the Reds in Cincinnati. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Dennis Manoloff @dmansworldpd or click here for a live game box score. You can also download our Cleveland Indians app for Android to get Tribe updates on your mobile device. Read on for a game preview.

View full sizeAP Photo/Tom UhlmanThe Tribe play the Reds tonight in Cincinnati and will look to even up their series.

Could the Tribe end up short-handed in a National League park, if multiple pinch-hitters are needed? In two of Lowe's last three starts, he yielded 15 runs in 7 1/3 innings. More Indians story links.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerThe Indians Derek Lowe, who starts tonight at Cincinnati, is 7-4 with a still-respectable 3.72 ERA, despite struggling in two of his last three outings.

Lowe showed as much frustration as he has all season when he was pulled from the game against the Tigers after only 80 pitches. On his way to the dugout, Lowe picked up an orange cooler and slammed it to the ground in anger. He's thrown too many sinkers without enough sink in two of his last three starts, and he's tired of getting beat.

"This is my first time facing a lot of these teams in a long, long time," Lowe said after the latest loss. "Some teams, you may be able to throw a lot of sinkers early in the game. And there's going to be some teams that, now that you've faced them, you learn from it."

Lowe is plenty familiar with the Reds after pitching in the National League for most of his career. He enters with a 4-3 record and a 4.26 ERA in seven career starts against them, but figures to have his hands full with a loaded Cincinnati lineup.