MAYFIELD WINS OPENER
Austin Adams worked five innings in relief as Mayfield blasted Morehead 13-4 in the opening round of the state American Legion baseball tournament at Shelbyville. Tanner Richerson was 3-for-5 with a walk in the leadoff slot. Mayfield plays Danville today after they posted a 13-10 win over Henderson. The tournament was delayed by rain on Wednesday afternoon and the schedule pushed back nearly an entire day. Because of the various delays, Mayfield (14-18) had to use three different pitchers against Morehead and will go with Ryan Hayden against Henderson, with Dylan Dwyer available in relief. Lyon County, the District 1 runner-up, was beaten 17-15 by Metcalfe County in its first-round game and moves to the losers bracket.
SYPHER TRIAL CONTINUES
Rick Pitino asked a longtime aide to give $3,000 to a woman now accused of trying to extort millions from the Louisville men's basketball coach after she claimed Pitino got her pregnant in a one-night fling at a restaurant, the aide testified. Tim Sypher told jurors on Thursday that Pitino asked him to take his now ex-wife Karen Cunagin Sypher to get medical aid and counseling in August 2003. Sypher ended her pregnancy with an abortion in Cincinnati and pocketed the bulk of the money given by Pitino, Tim Sypher said. Tim Sypher drove her to the appointment and the trip started a romance, he said. Tim Sypher is due to continue testifying on Friday. Karen Sypher, 50, has pleaded not guilty to extortion, lying to the FBI and retaliating against a witness.
CARDS TAMED BY DICKEY
R.A. Dickey allowed just four hits over eight-and-a-third scoreless innings as the Mets shut out the Cardinals 4-0 at Citi Field. Dickey fanned two and walked two as New York took two-of-three in the series. Francisco Rodriguez got the final two outs for his 22nd save. Ike Davis slugged a three-run homer in the win. The Mets are just 4-and-10 since the All-Star break. Blake Hawksworth took the loss of the Cards. He allowed four runs on seven hits over six frames. Jon Jay had a double and a walk for the Redbirds, who lost for the fifth time in their last seven games.
The Cardinals come home to open a six-game homestand tonight with the first-of-three against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cards went 2-and-4 on their six game road trip to Chicago and New York and have lost five of their last seven games overall. Chris Carpenter tries to get the Redbirds back on track tonight as he puts his 11-and-3 up against the Bucs' Jeff Karstans, who is 2-and-6. The Cardinals will also host the Houston Astros on this homestand. St. Louis is 56-and-46, a half-game behind first-place Cincinnati in the NL Central. Airtime tonight is 6:32 on 1340 WNBS.
There is just one day left until Major League Baseball's non-waiver trade deadline. While the Cardinals have been reported to be seeking starting pitching and middle infield help over the last few weeks, two targets they've had their eye on were dealt to different teams yesterday. Reports say the Cardinals may try to trade for Indians pitcher Jake Westbrook or the Rockies' Aaron Cook instead.
KEENLAND SETS SALE DATE
Keeneland says nearly 5,000 horses are expected to go through the auction ring at its annual yearling sale in September. The Lexington racetrack said in a news release that it has catalogued 4,857 horses for the sale, which begins Sept. 12. This year's sale features a new format with the first two sessions held at night.
RAMS BEGIN CAMP
The St., Louis Rams held their first workouts of training camp Thursday, with signed rookies, quarterbacks and other select veterans taking part. The team held a morning session and then another 90-minute session during the afternoon at Russell Training Center. Second year tackle Jason Smith, who suffered a broken toe during workouts this spring, participated on a limited basis in the morning session and then just on the sideline during the afternoon. There was no indication of a setback. Rookies, quarterbacks and select veterans will work out again this morning, with the rest of the full-squad set to report during the day. The first full-squad practice will take place on Saturday. The Titans begin their training camp Saturday at Baptist Sports Park in Nashville.
Albert Pujols RBI single in the 13th inning gave the Cardinals a win over the Mets last night.
THURSDAY SPORTS
RAIN HAMPERS LEGION TOURNAMENT
Rain postponed the American Legion state baseball tournament in Shelbyville on Wednesday. Mayfield’s game against Morehead was suspended in the bottom of the fourth inning with Mayfield batting with a 7-3 lead. Joe Mike hit two two-run singles to put Mayfield up 5-0 after two innings. The game will resume at 9 a.m. today. Lyon County’s game against Metcalfe County will immediately follow.
RUMPH OKAYED FOR CATS
UK Coach Joker Phillips announced during the Governor's Cup Luncheon on Wednesday that defensive lineman Donte Rumph had qualified. Rumph signed with Kentucky in 2008 but did not meet the academic requirements to enroll. He then spent two seasons at Fork Union Military Academy. Kentucky re-signed Rumph in 2009 and he once again failed to qualify. UK signed Rumph for a third time in February. Phillips said he learned late Tuesday night that Rumph was good to go. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound Rumph hasn’t played competitive football since 2008 but is expected to contribue for immediate playing time at a tackle position that is thin following the loss of third-round NFL Draft choice Corey Peters.
PITINO BACK ON STAND TODAY
Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino is used to answering questions from reporters. Today, Pitino faces questions unlike anything he's answered at a press conference. Pitino will retake the stand in the trial of woman accused of demanding millions from him to stay quiet about a sexual liaison between them at an Italian restaurant in Louisville in 2003. When he does, Karen Cunagin Sypher's attorney will fire questions in an attempt to shake his denials of rape and accusations of extortion.
CARDS WIN IN 13
Albert Pujols singled in the go-ahead run in the top of the 13th inning as the Cardinals blew a 6 run lead but then outlasted the Mets 8-7 in the second of a three-game series at Citi Field. Matt Holliday hit a two-run homer and starting pitcher Jaime Garcia added a two-run single in a six-run first inning for St. Louis. Holliday also doubled in a run in the sixth to give the Cards a 7-2 lead. Carlos Beltran hit a solo homer in the sixth and Angel Pagan added a two-run shot in the eighth for New York. Ike Davis knotted the game at seven with a two-run single later in the eighth to set up extra innings for the Mets. Mike MacDougal, called up earlier in the day, got the win in his return to the big leagues and Ryan Franklin notched his 19th save. Pedro Feliciano took the loss for the Mets. Starter Johan Santana gave up 13 hits and seven runs in less than six innings.
The Cardinals will look to win the series when they play the finale of their three-game matchup with the Mets this afternoon at Citi Field. The teams have split the first two games. Blake Hawksworth gets the mound assignment today for St. Louis. He's 4-and-6. New York will counter with knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, who is 6-and-4. The Cards remain tied with Cincinnati atop the NL Central after the Reds beat the Brewers 10-2 yesterday. First pitch today is set for 11:10 a.m. and airtime is 10:27 on 1340 WNBS.
NOTHING SOLID ON TEJADA
With pitcher Roy Oswalt reportedly just an approval away from a trade to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Cardinals have instead been linked to interest in Baltimore Orioles third baseman Miguel Tejada. The "Post-Dispatch" cited a source as saying the Cardinals did contact the Birds about Tejada but there was no traction for a deal. The Redbirds interest in Tejada may indicate they are nervous about the status of rookie third baseman David Freese, who is currently sidelined with injuries to both feet. Freese has a bone bruise in his right ankle and a broken toe on his left foot. General Manager John Mozeliak says his preference, if need be, is to add a starting middle infielder and not another utiliy player. Tejada, a former shortstop, could play several spots.
RAMS START CAMP
The St. Louis Rams officially opened training camp yesterday at Russell Training Center. Rookies, quarterbacks and a selection of other veterans arrived. Practice for those in camp begin today with both morning and afternoon sessions. The rest of the team is required to show up tomorrow, with the first full-squad practice set for Saturday at 3 p.m. Meanwhile, the Rams signed second-round draft pick offensive tackle Rodger Saffold and sixth-round pick tight end Fendi Onobun yesterday. Saffold was the 33rd-overall pick out of Indiana, while Onobun was taken 170th overall out of Houston. The Rams are still working on a deal with top pick quarterback Sam Bradford.
Calloway County's Dylan Dwyer and his Mayfield American Legion team begins State Tournament play today in Shelbyville.
WEDNESDAY SPORTS
AMERICAN LEGION TOURNAMENT UNDERWAY
The American Legion State Tournament will get underway today with Mayfield playing in the double elimination event as a District Champion. The Tournament will be played at Robert Stratton Park in Shelbyville. Mayfield plays in today's second game when they battle Morehead. Lyon County will play Metcalfe County after that game. If Mayfield loses, they will play at 9 in the morning, but if they win, they will play at 4pm tomorrow. The Tournament continues through Saturday with Henderson, Danville, Shelbyville, and Ashland also earning spots in the 8 team event. Since Calloway County has no American Legion team, players from both Calloway County and Murray High dot the Mayfield roster and have played significant roles in the team's success.
PITINO EXPECTED IN COURT TODAY
Jurors in the case of Karen Cunagin Sypher are expected to hear from Rick Pitino today. Pitino's attorney, Steve Pence, said the coach will likely testify on the third day of the trial of Sypher, who is charged with trying to extort cash, cars and a house to stay quiet about a sexual liaison between the two in 2003. Sypher has pleaded not guilty. Jurors yesterday heard from multiple people who were at Porcini Restuarant the night Pitino and Sypher met. Pitino has said he had a consensual sexual encounter with Sypher that night after the restaurant closed. Sypher claimed it was rape, a charge dismissed by police and prosecutors as lacking merit. Jurors also heard from multiple witnesses who described Sypher's efforts to meet Pitino.
METS HAMMER WAINO
Jeff Francoeur clubbed a three-run homer as the Mets crushed Adam Wainwright and the Cardinals 8-2 in the first of a three-game series at Citi Field. Jose Reyes added a two-run blast for the Mets, who won for only the third time in 12 games since the All-Star break. In his first home game of the season, Carlos Beltran went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Jon Niese fired six-plus innings of one-run ball to improve to 7-and-4. Wainwright was lit up for six runs in only six frames to fall to 14-and-6. Ryan Ludwick had two hits and an RBI to pace St. Louis.
The Cardinals will play the second of their three-game series with the Mets tonight at Citi Field. Jaime Garcia gets the call tonight as he puts his 9-and-4 record up against Hisanori Takahashi, who is 7-and-5. St. Louis and Cincinnati are now tied atop the NL Central after the Cards' loss last night and the Reds' win over the Brewers in Milwaukee. The Cardinals are 55-and-45, while the Reds are 56-and-46. St. Louis has lost four of its last five games. Airtime is 5:22 on 1340 WNBS. In other NL action:
Stan "The Man" Musial will be on the cover of the new "Sports Illustrated," which hits newsstands today. The issue features a "where are they now" look at sports icons. This will be the first time "The Man" appears on the cover by himself, according to the "Post-Dispatch." The other six times he's been on the front of "S.I.," he shared the honor. Musial will turn 90 in November.
VOLS TO OPEN 2011 WITH MONTANA
The University of Montana football team will open its 2011 season with a game at the University of Tennessee. The matchup, scheduled for September 3rd, is the first between the visitors from the Big Sky Conference and the Southeastern Conference power. The Grizzlies, who will receive a 500-thousand-dollar guarantee for the game, will likely play in front of the largest crowd in school history.
RAMS OPEN TRAINING CAMP TODAY
The Rams are set to open training camp today at the Russell Training Center. Rookies, quarterbacks and selected veterans are scheduled to report today, but the Rams are still negotiating a contract with first-round draft pick Sam Bradford.The limited squad will work out both in the morning and afternoon on Thursday, with another short workout Friday morning. The rest of the Rams veterans report to camp later that day, with the first full-squad practice scheduled for Saturday.
The Rams expect to have veteran running back Steven Jackson on the field when the team has its first full-squad workout on Saturday. Jackson missed all of the practice sessions during the spring as he rehabbed from lower back surgery, but has been cleared to practice with one final check by doctors before Saturday. Jackson had surgery to repair a herniated disc in April. Head coach Steve Spagnuolo said they'll be cautious with Jackson during camp, but he'll participate fully.
TUESDAY SPORTS
ST. LOUIS AT NEW YORK
The Cardinals are in the Big Apple to open a three-game series with the Mets tonight at Citi Field. Jaime Garcia puts his 9-and-4 mark up against the Mets. The Cards are a full game ahead of Cincinnati for first place in the NL Central. The Cardinals have the second-best home record in the NL at 34-and-16, but are just 21-and-28 on the road this season. The Mets have been in a tailspin. New York went just 2-and-9 on its 11-game road trip to open the second half of the season. Airtime tonight is 5:27 on 1340 WNBS.
ALBERT HAS A LATE NIGHT
While the rest of the Cardinals enjoyed a day off, slugger Albert Pujols made a trip to Manhattan to do an appearance on the CBS' "Late Night with David Letterman." The Redbirds first baseman talked with Letterman in studio before venturing outside to take some swings in the street. Police barricades helped turn a block-long portion of the street into a makeshift batting cage, with Pujols taking cuts against actor and diehard Red Sox fan Denis Leary. Leary was sporting Red Sox paraphernalia, attempting to mock Pujols for Boston's 2004 World Series sweep.
LOHSE HAS POSITIVE OUTING
Cardinals pitcher Kyle Lohse surrendered two runs, but just one earned, in three innings of work in his first rehab start for the Memphis Redbirds Monday. The Redbirds beat Oklahama City 5-2. Lohse gave up two hits, struck out three and walked none in his first game action since surgery on his right forearm in last May. He threw 30 of his 43 pitches on the evening for strikes.
SYPHER TRIAL UNDERWAY
While a federal prosecutor is trying to show a jury that Karen Cunagin Sypher was a liar who tried to extort money from University of Louisville hoops coach Rick Pitino, her attorney claims he will prove the coach raped Sypher twice. During opening statements in the much-awaited trial of Sypher, her attorney, James Earhart said, the case is about is power, money and influence. But U.S. Attorney John Kuhn told the jury that once the trial concludes, jurors won't believe a word Sypher has said about anything. Sypher is facing six federal charges and she could spend 26 years behind bars.
TITANS SUE KIFFIN
The Tennessee Titans have filed a lawsuit against the University of Southern California and head coach Lane Kiffin in the wake of the hiring flap surrounding Kennedy Pola. On Saturday, USC announced the hiring of Pola as offensive coordinator. Pola was also hired to be the Titans' running backs coach in January. Almost immediately following the announcement by USC on Saturday, Fisher, a former USC player, fired away at Kiffin, saying there was "a lack of professionalism" and that he was "disappointed in Kiffin's approach." Kiffin bolted Tennessee to take the job at USC earlier this year.
SEARCH ON FOR WRIGHT
Collierville Tennessee police have considered the recent disappearance of former University of Memphis basketball star Lorenzen Wright as a missing-person case. Wright, a 13-year NBA veteran who was drafted number-seven overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 1996, was last seen on July 19th at a Memphis barbershop. His family reported the disappearance last Thursday. The 6-foot-11 former baller had several financial and personal setbacks, including a divorce and two house foreclosures, which could be tied to the disappearance. Wright last played in the NBA in 2009 with the Cleveland Cavaliers before fracturing his thumb.
