Day: September 22, 2007

Hawpe’s HR lifts Rockies by Padres in 14Hawpe’s HR lifts Rockies by Padres in 14

Colorado Rockies' Brad Hawpe, right, watches the flight of his solo home run while San Diego Padres catcher Michael Barrett, right, looks on in the fourteenth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres Friday Sept. 21, 2007 in San Diego. The Rockies won the game 2-1.

Brad Hawpe is helping to put the wild in the wild-card chase. Hawpe hit an impressive opposite-field homer with two outs in the 14th inning and the Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 2-1 on Friday night to tighten the wild-card race. The Rockies snapped a seven-game winning streak by the Padres, who saw their wild-card lead trimmed to 1 1/2 games over Philadelphia.

Diamondbacks keep West lead, rip DodgersDiamondbacks keep West lead, rip Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers' Tony Abreu, left, of the Dominican Republic, throws the ball to James Loney, right, at first base in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Friday, Sept. 21, 2007 in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks defeated the Dodgers 12-3.

One at-bat by Tony Clark on Friday night exemplified everything that’s gone right this season for Arizona, and everything that’s gone wrong lately for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Given new life after the Dodgers misplayed what should have been an easy pop foul out with two outs in the third inning, Clark tied the game with a two-run, opposite field homer to left.

Ex-Pro Bowl C Robbins faces extraditionEx-Pro Bowl C Robbins faces extradition

Former Pro Bowl center Barret Robbins is facing extradition to Florida after a warrant was issued for a probation violation. Florida authorities have not be able to locate the former Oakland Raiders lineman, Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office spokesman Ed Griffith said Friday. Robbins was placed on probation in 2005 and ordered to continue treatment for bipolar disorder under a plea agreement…

Yankees lose to Jays in 14 on Zaun’s HRYankees lose to Jays in 14 on Zaun’s HR

New York Yankees pitcher Brian Bruney reacts as he leaves the field after allowing a home run in the 14th inning by Toronto Blue Jays' Gregg Zaun during MLB baseball Friday night, Sept. 21, 2007, at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Blue Jays won 5-4.

After an improbable rally against Roy Halladay, the New York Yankees had a chance to complete one of those signature comebacks they’re famous for. Then, Gregg Zaun halted New York’s playoff charge with one sudden swing. Zaun homered in the 14th inning and the Toronto Blue Jays regrouped for a 5-4 victory over the Yankees after blowing a four-run lead in the ninth.

Mets take advantage of sloppy MarlinsMets take advantage of sloppy Marlins

Baseball fans wave flags from the Dominican Republic during a baseball game between the Florida Marlins and the New York Mets at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Friday, Sept. 21, 2007. The Mets won 9-6.

Trying to avert a September collapse, the New York Mets stumbled upon a simple solution: Hit the ball to the Florida Marlins. Florida committed a team record six errors while allowing eight unearned runs, and the Mets put the brakes on their free fall by winning 9-6 on Friday night. New York retained a 1 1/2 -game lead in the NL East over the second-place Philadelphia Phillies, who beat Washington…

Pavelski scores twice, Sharks top DucksPavelski scores twice, Sharks top Ducks

San Jose Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov, of Kazakhstan, stops a shot on goal against the Anaheim Ducks in the third period of an NHL pre-season hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Friday, Sept. 21, 2007.

Joe Pavelski scored his first two goals of the preseason and San Jose beat the defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks 3-1 on Friday night. Pavelski’s second goal came at 15:48 of the third period, breaking up a close game that San Jose (2-0-1) dominated, outshooting the Ducks 36-19. It was San Jose’s second win over the Ducks (2-3-1) in three nights.

Vikings coach chooses QB, won’t say whoVikings coach chooses QB, won’t say who

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress knows who is going to play quarterback on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. All three quarterbacks on the roster know who is going to play against the Chiefs. But Childress is withholding that information from the rest of the team, and the public, for now. The coach said Friday that he doesn’t want to take away the competitive advantage he feels he has by…