"I remember Omar Vizquel making 3 errors in one game, and that guy is the best fielder I've ever seen in my life. It happens. What irritates me is dogging it out of the batter's box. I hope that new contract he signed didn't come with a little extra mustard for that dog." - cardzfan

View full sizeChuck Crow/The Plain DealerWasn't the best day for Asdrubal Cabrera fielding yesterday.

"I remember Omar Vizquel making 3 errors in one game, and that guy is the best fielder I've ever seen in my life. It happens. What irritates me is dogging it out of the batter's box. I hope that new contract he signed didn't come with a little extra mustard for that dog."

Schmitt Boyer says she sees a more self-assured side of LeBron James during this year's playoffs. Watch video

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

Today's guest is Plain Dealer Cavaliers reporter Mary Schmitt Boyer, discussing the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat following Sunday night's 91-85 Heat win.

Schmitt Boyer says she sees a more self-assured side of LeBron James during this year's playoffs, maybe dating back to his talk with former high school coach Keith Dambrot during the lockout and proposing to his longtime girlfriend on New Year's Eve. 

Schmitt Boyer also discusses the 2-3-2 Finals schedule and does not believe it is working against the Thunder. She expects Oklahoma City to tie the series again on Tuesday.

SBTV will return Tuesday with Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff.

OSU will give Meyer a chance at bowl bonuses in 2012, even though the Buckeyes face a bowl ban, while Meyer's attorneys asked for an out clause if there are any more NCAA violations from before his hiring.

Lynn Ischay | The Plain DealerOhio State coach Urban Meyer at the news conference to announce his hiring on Nov. 28, 2011. His full contract was released today.

COLUMBUS - Though Ohio State is banned from a bowl game after the 2012 season, Urban Meyer can be paid like the Buckeyes are part of the postseason.

Meyer's bowl bonuses without a bowl game were just a few of the details revealed when Ohio State released Meyer's full contract Monday, more than six months after he was hired as Ohio State's head coach on Nov. 28, 2011.

Other remnants from Ohio State's problems with the NCAA show up in the specifics of the deal, which all told will pay Meyer $4.44 million per season for six years, if he stays through the length of the contract. Those monetary details were made available upon Meyer's hiring. New on Monday was the full contract and the language within it, which differs in some places from former coach Jim Tressel's usual deals.

One stipulation requested by Meyer's attorneys, OSU Athletic Director Gene Smith told the Plain Dealer, allows Meyer to be released from his contract, and paid $1.5 million per year for the rest of the deal, if any more major violations that were committed before his hiring come to light regarding the football team. Smith said he had no problem granting that provision.

"We're very confident we have no issues," Smith said. "We scrubbed everything very hard, so when his attorneys asked for that, we felt comfortable doing that."

Also included in the contract is more detail about NCAA violations and Meyer's duties in reporting them. All coaches are required to follow NCAA rules, but there are some tweaks compared to Tressel's contracts.

Tressel was forced to resign on May 30, 2011, after failing to tell Ohio State about potential NCAA violations committed by some of his players.

Comparing Meyer's deal to Tressel's last contract, section 5.1b mandates that Meyer could be fired with cause for any significant or repetitive or intentional NCAA violation committed by Meyer or any staff member or player. Tressel's deal had the same sentence. But Meyer's includes the extra phrase "which Coach knew about or should have (in Ohio State's determination) reasonably known about." That covers a lot more ground.

In section 5.1m, Meyer is required to report promptly, in writing, to the athletic director and the compliance office "any violations or potential violations" of NCAA or university rules. Tressel had the same provision, except his contract covered only "any violations" and didn't include "potential violations." Again, that was a distinction that became an important point at the end of Tressel's tenure.

"We talked to our attorneys and our compliance office and added a few more things in there," Smith said. "Considering the circumstances, we felt it was appropriate that we do that. It was more of a safeguard than anything."

In a statement released by Ohio State, Meyer said he was honored to be the school's head coach and that he accepted "the tremendous responsibility" in leading the program. So far, Smith told the Plain Dealer that he couldn't be happier with Meyer. He praised, for instance, Meyer's disciplining of players Jake Stoneburner and Jack Mewhort after their recent misdemeanor arrests. Meyer took each off scholarship for the summer and will not allow them to work out with their teammates.

"I thought that was a very strong message," Smith said.

Smith also praised Meyer for his work with Ohio State donors and in the community, and said of the OSU players: "The kids have really bought into his style and what he wants to achieve. He's the total package."

And now, pending the approval this week of the Ohio State board of trustees, Meyer's total package is in writing.

A fan dressed in a Union Jack knit cap crowed like a bird and jumped in front of the national television cameras as Simpson was being interviewed.

Associated PressA costumed fan is pulled away after making a nationally-televised bird call in front of Webb Simpson, interrupting the award ceremony after Simpson's U.S. Open win on Sunday. Simpson (second from left) was being interviewed by Bob Costas (left).

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The debate has begun on how many majors Webb Simpson might win, in the aftermath of his U.S. Open triumph on Sunday at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.

Whether it's the lone major that Simpson, 26, will win, or the first of several, it's unlikely he'd be part of any future award ceremony that would include a more bizarre moment than the one on Sunday.

Simpson had just been awarded the championship trophy, and was being interviewed on national television when, as the Associated Press reports:

A fan dressed in a Union Jack knit cap crowed like a bird and jumped in front of the cameras during Sunday's ceremony, then was pulled away and flung to the ground by USGA executive director Mike Davis.

Simpson did not allow the odd scene at The Olympic Club to spoil the greatest moment of his career. He laughed, then cracked: ''Enjoy the jail cell, pal.''

Afterward, Simpson said he thought the craziness might be part of the script.

Not quite.

The incident might be viewed as an opening volley for the Ryder Cup, the competition between United States golfers and their European counterparts, which will be held on Sept. 28-30 at Medinah (Ill.) Country Club. The fan was wearing a knit cap bearing a symbol of the Union Jack, a name for the national flag of the United Kingdom. Simpson is from Raleigh, North Carolina.

Video: A costumed fan interrupts the award ceremony after Webb Simpson wins the U.S. Open:

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians. Featured today are the Waiting For Next Year and Stepien Rules.

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

AP Photo/Mark DuncanWill Brad Smelley be the Browns fullback?

"Two interesting players are tight end Jordan Cameron and fullback Owen Marecic. It is hard to pinpoint where they stand on the roster. Both were fourth-round picks last year who were not utilized very much in the offensive gameplans. During the final set of organized team activity sessions, Shurmur praised Cameron, saying "he’s one of the players in my mind at his position that’s made the biggest jump in my eyes." How big of a jump can he make, though?

Certainly it won't be past veteran Benjamin Watson, at least not yet. Could it be past fan-favorite Evan Moore? Regarding Marecic, Shurmur said "he’s kind of a steady-Eddie guy in my mind." By that, he means that he makes very few mental mistakes. That sounds like someone who Eric Mangini might be proud of. We saw how little Marecic was involved on offense last year.

Will that change now that Richardson was drafted? Can a guy like Brad Smelley replace him? Tough to say. The person who loses out here is tight end Alex Smith. A featured tight end last year, he might be fourth on the depth chart at tight end, and Smelley/Marecic are probably more fit for fullback than him."

Chuck Crow/The Plain DealerAsdrubal had a rough Father's Day.

"Two of his errors led directly to the two Pedro Alvarez three-run bombs. The first in the fourth inning when Casey McGehee grounded out with two outs. Cabrera misses the throw, runners safe and advance and Alvarez goes deep a hitter later.

Then it got even worse in the fifth inning when the bases were loaded and McGehee again grounded to shortstop, this time with one out and the bases loaded. Cabrera simply got lazy fielding the ball, kicked it around and not only did the double play not happen (it would have ended the inning), it set the stage for Alvarez's second three run homer. So essentially you have five runs in the fifth score because of Cabrera and all three in the fourth score because of Cabrera."

AP Photo/Fred BeckhamWould you take Andre Drummond at No. 4?

"Of course, there is one obvious monkey wrench in this whole “perfect” scenario of drafting an explosive wing player who grows into the ideal tandem player with Kyrie. That monkey wrench’s name is Andre Drummond.

Drummond, the quintessential project pick, is the center out of UConn who supposedly has potential and upside for miles. Drummond’s biggest problem is that he, well, quite frankly, hasn’t actually shown any of that potential or upside in any kind of consistent basis. For the most part, he has primarily been an underwhelming basketball player who just so happens to be blessed with height and an incredibly athletic frame."

Indians are near first place and Reds lead their division. Sideshows include the on-going feud between Tribe pitcher Derek Lowe and Cincinnati skipper Dusty Baker, and whether Reds' 2B Brandon Phillips continues to feast on his old team. More Indians story links.

chuck Crow, The Plain DealerDerek Lowe makes the start tonight for the Indians against Cincinnati. Lowe and Reds manager Dusty Baker have an on-going feud.

Last Wednesday, Reds starter Mat Latos -- who will again square off with Lowe on Monday as the Reds look to extend their six-game winning streak -- threw an inside fastball to Lowe in the fifth inning. Baker later admitted to ordering Latos to deliver a brush-back pitch. Lowe immediately pointed his bat toward the Reds' dugout, and the skipper responded by waving his finger, which Lowe incorrectly took as Baker saying he had nothing to do with the inside pitch.

"I'm not denying anything. I didn't order anybody to hit him, but I told [Latos] to buzz him and make him uncomfortable. That's what happened," Baker said. "[Dikembe] Mutombo didn't shake his finger to say 'I had nothing to do with it.' That means don't mess with me, or my team. That's what that means. He better learn sign language."

"I have zero respect for the guy," Lowe said of Baker. "Not that it matters. I imagine he'd say the same about me."

Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff joined The Bull and Fox Show on WKRK FM/92.3 The Fan this afternoon to talk Colt McCoy, the NBA Finals and about the struggling Tribe.

Dennis Manoloff

This time, he'll have to develop talent and keep it.

Phil Long, Special to The Plain DealerNew Harvey boys basketball coach Dave Wojciechowski, pictured here on the VASJ sidelines, received a vote of confidence from former Red Raiders coach John D'Angelo.

One of baseball's all-time pitching greats was accused of perjury, making false statements and obstructing Congress when he testified at a nationally-televised hearing in February, 2008.

Associated PressRoger Clemens (left) and his attorney Rusty Hardin (far right) arrive at federal court in Washington, D.C., on Monday for the verdict in the trial that Clemens lied to Congress in 2008 when he denied having used performance-enhancing drugs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Roger Clemens has been acquitted on all charges by a jury that decided he didn't lie to Congress when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

Jurors returned their verdict Monday after close to 10 hours of deliberation. The outcome brings an end to a 10-week trial that capped an expensive, five-year investigation into one of the greatest pitchers in the history of baseball.

The 49-year-old Clemens was accused of perjury, making false statements and obstructing Congress when he testified at a deposition and at a nationally-televised hearing in February 2008. The charges centered on his repeated denials that he used steroids and human growth hormone during his 24-year career.

The verdict is the latest blow to the government's pursuit of athletes accused of drug use.

(Cleveland.com note: Clemens' major league debut with the Boston Red Sox was against the Indians at Cleveland Stadium on May 15, 1984)

Fujita said NFL ruling "has impacted my reputation . . . my ability to provide for my family now and in the future"

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerBrowns linebacker Scott Fujita says NFL has been "careless and irresponsible" in its investigation of the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal

After losing two games this weekend to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Tribe welcome the Reds to town for a three-game set. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes, @Hoynsie.

After losing two games this weekend to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Tribe welcome the Reds to town for a three-game set. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @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/Kathy WillensCincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker, left, congratulates starting pitcher Johnny Cueto, (47) after their baseball game victory over the New York Mets as Baker's son Darren greets closing pitcher Sean Marshall (51) at Citi Field in New York, Sunday, June 17, 2012.

Manny Acta, when talking about Asdrubal Cabrera's jog out of the batter's box on Sunday, hinted that Cabrera might be playing with a minor injury.

Scott Shaw, The Plain DealerShortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and manager Manny Acta met to discuss Cabrera not running hard in the ninth inning Sunday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Manager Manny Acta met with shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera about his lack of hustle in the ninth inning during Sunday's 9-5 loss to the Pirates.

Cabrera, who had already made three errors that led to eight Pittsburgh runs in the game, hit a fly ball to right field with one out. He jogged slowly out of the box, but had to start sprinting when the ball hit the outfield fence.

He was thrown out at second base to an add exclamation point on his worst day in the big leagues.

After the game, Cabrera said he slowed down because he thought the right fielder had a chance to catch the ball.

"I didn't notice that until later when I was watching some videos because you usually follow the ball," said Acta. "I spoke to him. We talked about it. We don't make a lot of things public, but Cabbie plays through a lot of pain at times. We respect him for that.

"But I spoke to him about it."

Missing lefty: Left-hander Rafael Perez hasn't pitched in a game since April 25. He's been on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left lat and was then moved to the 60-day disabled list.

He was reportedly eligible to be activated in late June, but so far there are no signs he's getting close to pitching again.

"He's still rehabbing," said Acta. "I think we'll pitch again this season, but we don't have a timetable."

Tonight's lineups:

Reds (38-27): SS Zack Cozart (R), CF Chris Heisey (R), 1B Joey Votto (L), 2B Brandon Phillips (R), RF Jay Bruce (L), LF Ryan Ludwick (R), 3B Scott Rolen (R), DH Todd Frazier (R), C Ryan Hanigan (R), RHP Mat Latos (5-2, 4.64).

Indians (33-32): RF Shin-Soo Choo (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), 2B Jason Kipnis (L),   DH Jose Lopez (R), CF Michael Brantley (L), C Carlos Santana (S), LF Johnny Damon (L), 1B Casey Kotchman (L), 3B Lonnie Chisenhall, RHP Derek Lowe (7-5, 3.78).

Lineup news: Rolen came off the disabled list and started at third for the Reds. Slumping Santana dropped to sixth in the lineup for the first time this year. Santana has hit third (two games), fourth (33) and fifth (19) this year.

Umpires: H Jim Wolf, 1B Derryl Cousins, 2B Ron Kulpa, 3B D.J. Reyburn.
 
Indians vs. Latos: Lopez is hitting .500 (2-for-4).
 
Reds vs. Lowe: Ludwick is hitting .429 (9-for-21) with four homers and 11 RBI.

Next: RHP Josh Tomlin (3-4, 5.56) vs. Cincinnati's Mike Leake (2-5, 5.05) Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at Progressive Field. STO/WTAM will carry the game.

Howie Chizek not only had a great voice, but the former Coliseum public address announcer was a very good man.

Plain Dealer file photographHowie Chizek at work during his talk show on WNIR FM/100

CLEVELAND -- WORLD . . . B . . . FREE . . .

FOR THA . . . REE!!!

That's how I'll always remember Howie Chizek, who was the public address announcer at the old Coliseum for the Cavaliers and other events.

He died Saturday of a heart attack at the age of 65.

Many in Akron loved Chizek as the conservative talk show host for 38 years on WNIR/100.1 FM.

That's 38 years at one station. Thirty-eight years of doing five hours of talk radio during the week, another four hours on Saturday.

That also was 38 years talking without a guest. Just Howie and the phones.

But I first met Howie -- and he always was "Howie" to those who listened to him or knew him -- when I covered the Cavaliers beat from 1985 to 1992 for the Akron Beacon Journal.

Howie sounded like the booming voice from basketball heaven in his 17 seasons with the Cavs (1977-95).

As Doug Groux posted on my Facebook page: "TWOOOO . . . minutes. TWOOOO! minutes remaining in the contest."

Or as Dennis Percy posted: "Craig EEEEhlo . . . for . . . THA . . . REE!"

Or Jason Rottinger posted: "I would always try to imitate (Howie) in the driveway when shooting long jumpers."

Or as Brendan Cosgrove posted: "Timeout . . . Cleveland Cavaliers . . . TIMEOUT!"

Just writing these memories makes me hear Howie's voice.

Howie was a student of Joe Tait, when the former Cavs radio voice taught at Ohio University in the late 1960s.

"He loved hockey, and he did color for those games at the student station," said Tait. "Howie also was supposed to do a late night show playing music, but he usually turned it into a talk show and took calls."

Tait marveled at Howie's ability to do talk, be it at the Coliseum or on the radio.

"He loved doing the games, but doctors told him that he had to quit or he was going to blow out his vocal cords," said Tait. "We talked about it. Either the radio show had to go, or all the announcing. Since he got paid a lot more for the radio, he cut back on the other stuff."

That's because Howie did so much more than the Cavaliers.

He was the Coliseum voice of different Cleveland hockey teams, the Force indoor soccer team and other big time events.

"But he also did the Benedictine home football games at Cleveland Heights field in the 1980s," emailed Paul Hrisko. "And he did the voice-over for the 1981 Benedictine state championship football highlight video."

Chizek grew up on Silsby Road in University Heights. He graduated from Cleveland Heights High and did some acting at Cain Park and the Cleveland Playhouse when he was younger.

Jim Rudloff posted: "I met Howie when I was doing an internship in the John Carroll athletic department in 1982. He was doing the Streaks' basketball PA announcing. Super nice guy, and wow, what a voice and style! I find it interesting that he, like Joe, were never "above" doing HS or small-college jobs."

Tait and Howie would talk about Mount Union football, where Tait did the television broadcasts of the Division III power.

But Tait's daughter, Karen, has a different memory of Howie as she expressed in this email: "As a kid, I remember terrorizing the adults in the media room after Cavs games. Howie was always patient . . . the adult to take time to just talk to us. One night he heard that my school was doing a production of 'The Pirates of Penzance.' He had once played the part of the Major General. He started singing the songs from the show with me, and I remember being amazed at what a great singing voice he had as well. I was a huge fan from that moment on!"

Chizek passed away in Florida as he was taking 10 kids on his annual trip to Disney World as part of his charity work.

"It really was a trip for kids who Howie thought would become leaders," said Randy Loeser. "I was one of those kids. Later, I became a chaperone. So did my dad. Howie always had 3-4 (chaperones) for the 10 kids on each trip."

Now the advertising director for the Cleveland Jewish news, Loeser graduated from Benedictine.

"It was his mother's dying wish that he be a mentor to young people," Loeser said. "There are countless kids at Benedictine and St. Ignatius who were helped by Howie with their tuition. I know he bought uniforms for basketball teams."

Loeser said Howie loved youth sports. He was an umpire in South Euclid. He coached football at St. Ann, St. Gregory and other Catholic grade schools.

"Howie was Jewish, but he wanted to help any group that he believed were helping kids," said Loeser. "He had such a huge heart."

Howie also was known to give money to friends in the media who lost jobs or had personal setbacks. His voice was loud and clear when it came to local politics or proclaiming: "Mark . . . PA . . . RICE . . . for THA-REE!"

But it's what he did quietly for others that says the most about Howie Chizek.

Browns president Mike Holmgren has talked of the team wanting to repair its relationship with running back great Brown. Fifty-five years ago, Brown was preparing for his rookie season. Links to more Browns stories.

AP/PD photo collectionLou Groza, with Bobby Franklin (24) holding, kicks an extra point during the Browns' 17-14 loss at Chicago on Dec. 10, 1961, setting the NFL record (since broken) for career points.

The football sailed almost lazily toward the goal posts, bucking a stiff breeze for the northeast.

As it concluded its long arc, a familiar figure, wearing the numerals 76 gave a leap of joy. That was the signal for a tremendous roar from the throng of 58,095.

Lou Groza had just kicked a 47-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining to give the Cleveland Browns a hard-earned victory over the New York Giants yesterday at the Stadium by the improbable score of 6-3.

The Toe, pummeled, pounded, pushed and punched by his congratulating teammates and happy as a rookie with his first three-pointer, also had provided the other points. They had come on a 29-yard field goal near the end of the first half.

Although neither offense was able to roll, Brown managed to fight free for a total of 89 yards in 21 attempts. His longest gain was one of 15 yards late in the second quarter. The Browns' top draft choice came out of the line clean, but was caught as he hesitated trying to pick up a block.

"I should have kept driving," Jim said later. "I think I might have gone in for the touchdown."

Barnes is considered a more advanced offensive player, while Kidd-Gilchrist excels on defense. Watch video

View full sizeEthan Hyman, Raleigh News & Observer via MCNorth Carolina sophomore Harrison Barnes is considered the top offensive small forward in the NBA Draft.

First in a series of position-by-position breakdowns heading into the 2012 NBA Draft on June 28.

CLEVELAND --They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that's certainly true this year when it comes to small forwards in the NBA Draft.

The top two small forwards are North Carolina's Harrison Barnes and Kentucky's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Which one is better? Depends on whom you ask.

Barnes, who worked out for the Cavs on Saturday, is more polished offensively, while Kidd-Gilchrist, who is scheduled to work out for the Cavs on Wednesday, is all about defense. That's good because he has serious offensive flaws. Because small forwards traditionally are one of the primary scoring positions in the NBA, Barnes is listed as the top small forward here.

St. Edward coach Eric Flannery coached Barnes in the McDonald's All-American game in Columbus in 2010, when Barnes was a high school senior.

"To be honest, I thought he if came out last year he would be a top two or three pick," Flannery said. "I don't know what changed over the course of this year that wouldn't make him a top three pick -- other than the other guys coming out this year."

But ESPN Insider Chad Ford likes Kidd-Gilchrist. A lot.

In his NBA Draft blog on ESPN.com on June 4, Ford wrote, "Kidd-Gilchrist might not be off the charts in skills or tools, but he knows how to win. In all my years of covering the draft, I've never scouted a player quite like him. There's an 'X factor' about him that you just have to experience. . . . So call him offensively challenged. Dissect his hitch. Wring your hands over his ball handling. Me? I'm not betting against Michael Kidd-Gilchrist."

SCOUTING REPORT

SMALL FORWARDS

The best

Harrison Barnes, North Carolina, 6-8, 228 pounds.

A polished product whose biggest flaw may be a tendency to overthink things. Mature and intelligent, he's an incredibly hard worker.

Best of the rest

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky, 6-71/2, 233.

A defense-first guy who is a great teammate -- a "glue" guy, as coaches like to say. He needs a lot of work on his shooting and ballhandling, but he's always willing to put in the time -- and make sure everybody else does, too.

Moe Harkness, St. John's, 6-83/4, 207.

Good length and size allow him to score and rebound, but there are questions about his defense. He can catch passes and shoot.

Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt, 6-6, 213.

A great athlete who has improved his perimeter game, including his 3-point shooting. A good ballhandler who had a negative assist-to-turnover ratio. Good defender. A little like Barnes, in that he can overthink things.

Draymond Green, Michigan State, 6-7, 236.

Smart and tough make up for lack of size. He has great hands and a high basketball IQ. A versatile defender, he can guard most positions. Great leader and locker-room guy.

Others to watch

Jae Crowder, Marquette; Royce White, Iowa State.

Will the Cavs take one?

Absolutely. The sooner the better.

-- Mary Schmitt Boyer

Childress coached the Minnesota Vikings in the 2009 NFC Championship

View full sizeAP fileBrowns offensive coordinator Brad Childress reportedly tipped off the NFL of a possibly New Orleans Saints bounty program when he was still head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.

Kent relief pitcher Josh Pierce escaped a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the top of the ninth inning.

OMAHA, Neb. -- Florida's Taylor Gushue had a 3-0 count in his favor against Kent relief pitcher Josh Pierce. With the bases full of Gators and only one out in the ninth inning, Kent State's season looked to be over and out.

But the resilient Flashes found a way to hold on for a 5-4 win over Florida, knocking the Gators out of the College World Series while living to play another day.

"It's 3-0, bases loaded, one out, it doesn't look any worse than that," Kent State coach Scott Stricklin said.

Pierce then got two strikes. The next pitch was close enough for Gushue to start his swing and then attempt to hold up on a pitch that appeared to be ball four. Stricklin was sure Gushue went far enough to be called out.

"I jumped out of the dugout," Stricklin said.

"The reason I jumped out is I felt it should have been called from behind the plate," Stricklin said. "C'mon. I looked at third-base (umpire) and he made the strike call. That's when I thought 'We got a shot.'

"If that's ball four, it's tie ballgame and they're still swinging. In that situation, the longer the catcher waits (to ask the third-base umpire), the longer the home plate umpire waits to ask, the tougher it is for that third-base umpire to call a strike.

"But we got it, and I think they got the call right."

The next batter flied out as the Flashes held on for their first College World Series victory. Kent plays Wednesday at 8 p.m. against South Carolina, which lost to Arkansas late Monday.

But the Flashes will likely be without one of the stars of Monday's game. Playing in his first CWS game, DH Jason Bagoly went 2-for-3 with a double, sacrifice bunt and a run scored. But Bagoly, whose mother died last week, is expected to return home for the funeral.

Bagoly's presence helped ignite the Kent offense. One game after the Flashes had four hits against Arkansas, they produced 12 against the No. 1 team in the nation.

Stricklin said he struggled with putting Bagoly in the lineup over struggling DH Nick Hamilton. But impressive workouts in the batting cage recently had caught nearly everyone's eye.

"He was putting on a show," Kent's top hitter, Jimmy Rider said. "He was ready and he stepped up."

Bagoly's single to start the second triggered a three-run frame that gave Kent a 4-0 lead. A run in the fourth made it 5-1 Kent. But victory has never come easy for the Golden Flashes in their postseason run.

Florida got a pair of runs in the seventh to close within 5-4 as Gushue nursed a leadoff walk which was followed by two singles before a double-play and popup ended the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh it looked as if Bagoly was about to give Kent an insurance run when he boomed a long fly to left-center.

"Off the bat I hit it pretty good," Bagoly said. "I knew it was at least going to be a double."

That's all it was as the ball hit the wall. Bagoly was taken out for a pinch-runner after that, and greeted by his teammates collectively in the dugout, but Kent could not capitalize on the hit.

The score stayed 5-4 into the ninth. Suddenly Kent's relief corps could not find the plate as the Gators loaded the bases against Michael Clark and then Pierce. But Pierce managed to wriggle out of the jam and there was no complaint from the Gators when it was over.

"I thought the umpire did a great job the whole game," said Florida catcher Mike Zunino, a first-round pick of the Seattle Mariners in the recent MLB draft who was on second base in the ninth. "I thought they were good calls."

Florida (47-20), ranked No. 1 in the nation going into the CWS, goes home while the Cinderella Golden Flashes (47-19) move on.

"I've got to credit Kent State's hitters," Florida head coach Kevin O'Sullivan said. "They battled and separated themselves. It's an unfortunate way to end the season, but I think Kent State deserves a lot of credit for the way they played today. Hung in there and got a big strikeout at the end."

The Indians need help if they're going to stay in the race in the AL Central. It could come from the current roster, the minors or a trade. Whichever path it takes, the sooner it arrives, the better.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerShortstop Asdrubal Cabrera had a rough day Sunday, making three errors and getting thrown out at second in the ninth inning after not hustling out of the batter's box.

CLEVELAND -- Help. The Indians need it.

GM Chris Antonetti is still waiting for the current roster to match the positive things it has done in the past. At the same time, Antonetti and manager Manny Acta know they could use jolt from the outside -- from a trade or the farm.

The Indians entered Monday's game having lost five of their past six games. They were ranked ninth in the American League in runs, 10th in batting average and 12th in homers and slugging percentage.

The rotation has been a mess. Tribe starters were 24-27 and ranked 11th with a 4.59 earned run average. Only three other rotations had pitched fewer innings. Their ERA overall was 4.58, second-highest in the AL.

"Everybody needs something," said Acta. "But it's not like going to the store and grabbing a can of tomato sauce. You have your necessities, but sometimes they're not there for you to grab. It takes two to tango, just like everything in life, guys.

"I think we do need some help. I think the Yankees probably need some help in some department. That's what you want to hear, right? You didn't really want me to sit here and say, 'No, I'm OK. We're going to cruise from here on out.' "

Enough said: Before Reds manager Dusty Baker met with reporters Monday afternoon, Rob Butcher, director of media relations, made this announcement: "Dusty is not discussing Derek Lowe. He discussed Lowe four days ago in Cincinnati, and he has no reason to do so today."

Last Wednesday, Lowe and Baker reignited an old feud during and after the Reds' 5-3 victory at Great American Ball Park. MLB is looking into the matter, and both men could face fines for their comments and actions.

Talk about hustle: Acta met with shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera about his lack of hustle in the ninth inning during Sunday's 9-5 loss to the Pirates.

Cabrera, who already had made three errors that led to eight Pittsburgh runs in the game, hit a fly ball to right field with one out. He jogged slowly out of the box but had to start sprinting when the ball hit the outfield fence.

He was thrown out at second base to add an exclamation point on his worst day in the big leagues.

After the game, Cabrera said he slowed down because he thought the right fielder had a chance to catch the ball.

"I didn't notice that until later, when I was watching some videos, because you usually follow the ball," said Acta. "I spoke to him. We talked about it. We don't make a lot of things public, but Cabbie plays through a lot of pain at times. We respect him for that.

"But I spoke to him about it."

Missing lefty: Left-hander Rafael Perez hasn't pitched in a game since April 25. He's been on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left lat and was then moved to the 60-day disabled list.

He reportedly was eligible to be activated in late June, but so far, there are no signs he's getting close to pitching again.

"He's still rehabbing," said Acta. "I think he'll pitch again this season, but we don't have a timetable."

Scuffling: Carlos Santana, locked in a 6-for-49 slump, batted sixth for the first time this season. He's hit third, fourth and fifth this year, but never sixth.

"He's been scuffling," said Acta. "We're just trying not to put any extra pressure to him."

In Santana's first at-bat Monday night, he singled, but he has work to do. In his recent slump, his average has dropped from .262 to .227.

Acta said it all goes back to too much body movement at the plate for the switch-hitting Santana.

Finally: The Reds activated veteran third baseman Scott Rolen before the game. Baker described Rolen as an "icing-on-the-cake player." Rolen singled in his first two at-bats Monday. . . . Acta said the Indians' lineup has been hurt by the absence of Travis Hafner because of his ability to reach base. As for the Indians having the second-highest ERA in the AL, Acta said he's been encouraged by the recent work of starters Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez, but added, "I haven't heard of too many teams making the playoffs with the second-highest ERA in the league."

The Indians overcome a shaky start by Derek Lowe with 13 hits, including homers by Lonnie Chisenhall, Shin-Soo Choo and Casey Kotchman. Chisenhall came within a double of hitting for the cycle.

Manny Acta wanted more noise from the bottom of the lineup. It wasn't like the Indians manager was stuffing cotton in his ears because of all the commotion coming from the top and middle of the lineup, but over the weekend, he singled out the last three spots in the order for a lack of production.

Monday night, the bottom of the lineup sounded like Times Square on New Year's Eve. They went 6-for-12 with two homers and seven RBI as the Indians beat the Reds, 10-9, in a wild game at Progressive Field.

"We got some contribution from the bottom of the order, which was great," said Acta. "It's nice to do that because that's how the game is. Our No. 2 and No. 3 guys [Asdrubal Cabrera and Jason Kipnis] didn't get a hit, and they needed to get picked up by somebody else."

The Reds led, 3-1, when the Tribe struck in the second. Michael Brantley doubled, and Carlos Santana singled to put runners on second and third with no one out. No. 7 hitter Johnny Damon scored Brantley on a high chopper to second. No. 9 hitter Lonnie Chisenhall hit a 0-2 pitch from Matt Latos 427-foot into the Reds' bullpen in right field for a 4-3 lead.

Derek Lowe, who leads American League pitchers with 105 hits allowed, could not stand prosperity.

The Reds reclaimed the lead, 5-4, with two runs in the third on Ryan Ludwick's double and Scott Rolen's single.

The bottom of the order came right back in the fourth for a 7-5 lead. Casey Kotchman hit a two-run homer for a 6-5 lead. Chisenhall tripled, and Shin-Soo Choo doubled off the left-field wall.

"The homers by Kotchman and Lonnie were huge," said Acta. "It was a great team effort. We didn't feel sorry for ourselves because we weren't playing well and rolled over. These guys really went after it today. I'm proud of them."

It was just the second win for the Tribe in the past seven games. It was the Indians' first win in four tries against the Reds this season. Cincinnati had its six-game winning streak end.

"This was a great win," said Acta. "We really needed a win like this where we just kept coming back and fighting. The Reds kept putting runs on the board, and our guys just kept getting up and getting after it."

The Reds were not done. They tied the game with two runs in the fifth as Joey Votto doubled and scored on Brandon Phillips' double past third. When the ball deflected off the grandstand and got past Damon for an error, Phillips came around to score.

"Everyone is well aware that Johnny is not a Gold Glove-caliber player," said Acta. "We know he's spent a lot of the past few years as a designated hitter. We got him over here to help us with our offense.

"Damon just tried to block the ball and didn't do it. . . . This guy gives us the effort, and that's all we're looking for."

The Indians finally took control with two runs in the sixth. Once again, it was the bottom of the order that produced. After Santana's leadoff single, Damon doubled him to third. Kotchman delivered Santana with a grounder for his third RBI. Chisenhall followed with a single to make it 9-7.

The Reds came back to make it 9-8 on Bruce's homer off Joe Smith (5-1) in the seventh, but the Indians added an insurance run in the seventh on Brantley's sacrifice fly. Chris Perez gave up a run in the ninth but earned his 22nd straight save. It's the second-longest single-season streak in franchise history behind Jose Mesa's 38 straight saves in 1995.

"It was interesting right until the end," said Acta. "A lot of credit has to go to those last three guys out of our bullpen [Smith, Vinnie Pestano and Perez]. They knew they might have to go multiple innings if they had to."

The 10 runs were the most the Indians have scored in a home game this year. They had a season-high eight extra-base hits, including three homers, among their 13 hits.

Lowe allowed seven runs on 11 hits in five innings. He struck out two and walked one.

"When a sinkerball pitcher starts giving up fly balls, it's a bad sign," said Acta. "His first two outs were fly balls. The third fly ball was a homer by Joey Votto [in the first]."

The start of the game was delayed 10 minutes by rain.

At least six appearances on ESPN have boosted Kent's national profile.

View full sizeEric Francis, Associated PressKent State's surprising run to the College World Series is generating plenty of publicity for the university.

Omaha, Neb. -- It's fair to say that what Kent State has reaped, in terms of branding and recognition from its NCAA College World Series appearance -- not to mention advertising value -- has been a plus for the university.

There's no doubt Kent baseball has received a lot of exposure. Certainly more than a college volleyball, soccer or hockey championship run made by other Mid-American Conference schools in recent years. But it apparently falls short of the exposure a school can get from playing in a high-quality football bowl game -- and may or may not be comparable to a Sweet 16 run in the NCAA basketball tournament.

"We haven't done a lot of work, to be honest, with the College World Series," said Eric Wright, president and executive director for research at Joyce Julius and Associates, by phone Monday. Joyce Julius is an independent sports and special-events program-evaluation firm in Ann Arbor, Mich., that has charted value received from TV viewership for advertisers and college sports teams since 1985.

"I don't really know what kind of viewership they are drawing for those games," Wright said. "But anytime you can get your school on prime time and there aren't any other schools stealing that limelight, that's pretty valuable, in terms of creating recognition for your brand -- Kent State being the brand."

Understand, Kent didn't get its first major TV exposure until reaching the super regional in Oregon. Unlike football and basketball, which have regular-season and conference championship games on ESPN, college baseball provides nationally televised appearances (three super regional games and now at least three in the CWS), which is huge.

"It certainly puts them on the map," Wright said.

Workhorse: Kent State pitcher Ryan Bores now stands 10-3 on the season after pitching six solid innings against Florida before exiting with a 5-1 lead and earning the victory. Several times, the Gators seemed to have Bores on the ropes, but double plays, pop flies, towering foul balls to catcher David Lyon and stellar defense by center fielder Evan Campbell bailed him out.

"I was trying to throw strikes and let them make plays behind me," Bores said. A case of jitters: Kent State pitcher Josh Pierce prides himself on his composure, but the yips certainly got to him in the ninth inning. He was called in to pitch with one runner on and two balls to the hitter at the plate. Two straight balls followed, then three straight to Florida's Cody Dent. After taking two strikes, Dent dropped a sacrifice bunt.

Then Pierce hit the next batter to load the bases and went 3-0 on the next. He then got a critical check-swing strikeout and a pop fly to end the game.

"To be honest, this was the first time I've ever been nervous pitching, even in the 21-inning game and that situation," Pierce said. "I never got nervous, but I did today. But I had to come out and clear my mind. It was fine. Nothing new." Mendoza Line: Going into Kent's elimination game against Florida, the Golden Flashes' batting averages underscored why there have been so many low-scoring, one-run games.

Granted, the numbers are a bit skewed due to the 21-inning game against Kentucky.

But after Jimmy Rider (.371) George Roberts (.324) and T.J. Sutton (.308), the bottom drops out for the Flashes. Next comes Derek Toadvine (.233), then a string of four Mendozas hitting from .207 (David Lyon) to .148 (Sawyer Polen).

Even Campbell (.152) is struggling, although his hits have been big ones and he is tied for the team lead in runs scored (seven); tied for second in walks (three); and is third in RBI (three). The player who has really struggled in the seven tournament games is DH Nick Hamilton (.172), who has struck out a team-high 11 times.