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HAMILTON - It was a night of redemption for the Abbotsford Heat. Haloti Ngata Authentic Jersey . Three days after falling to Hamilton, Abbotsford scored three goals in 53 seconds en route to a convincing 5-1 win over the Bulldogs Saturday in American Hockey League play. "We wish that this could have come on Wednesday, but we played a complete game tonight," said Heat forward Corey Locke. "We had everything from power-play goals to big penalty kills, and it was a whole group effort. Everyone chipped in tonight, and thats how were going to win." Locke, Chad Billins, Ben Street, Sven Baertschi and Max Reinhart each had goals for the Heat (35-23-7), who dropped 10 of their past 11 games heading into Saturday, and Aaron Dell made 36 saves for the win. Nathan Beaulieu had the lone goal for the Bulldogs (28-32-5). Dustin Tokarski stopped 19 shots before being replaced to begin the third period. Devan Dubnyk stopped all five shots he faced in relief. Tokarski made an exceptional save to keep the game scoreless 12 minutes into the first period, sliding to his right to deny the Heat in close at his far post. But a night that started so well for the Hamilton goaltender quickly turned sour. Locke, who had set up the previous chance, provided the finish as the Heat opened the scoring at 14:28. Locke moved into the low slot with Kane Lafranchise holding the puck along the boards, and tipped a slap-pass from the defenceman high and past Tokarski. Abbotsford doubled its lead just 19 seconds later, when Billins fired a wrist shot from the point that moved through a screen and surprised Tokarski. The Heat scored their third goal in quick succession at 15:21. Tokarski sprawled to deny Josh Jooris initial shot as the forward crashed the net, but Street was on hand at the post to slot the rebound into the open net. Hamilton head coach Sylvain Lefebvre rued his teams missed opportunities on the power play early in the first period, that could have radically changed the outcome. "We started pretty well, and it would have been nice if our power play had clicked to start the game," he said. "We had some scoring chances as well, but when they scored their first goal on a power play, it deflated us and we had some bad shifts. "Down 3-0 after the first, its tough to get back." Dell worked hard to preserve his shutout bid in the second period. Nick Tarnasky was unguarded in the low slot, but Dell dropped into his butterfly to deny the Hamilton winger from point-blank range six minutes in. Louis Leblanc was whistled for closing his hand on the puck at 9:22, and Abbotsford quickly extended its lead on the ensuing power play. The combination of Greg Olsen, Derek Smith and Baertschi sprung a three-on-two rush, and after Olsen was turned back, Smith slipped a short pass to Baertschi, who slapped a one-time shot past Tokarski from close range at 10:00 of the second. Dell was forced into action late in period, and kicked aside a tipped shot before recovering to deny another hard wrist shot with his right pad. Teammates have been impressed by the young goaltender, who played just his sixth game for the Heat on Saturday. "Hes played great," said Locke of Dell. "He gave us a chance to win both of these games in Hamilton. We couldnt do it for him on Wednesday, but here he got some run support. "He looks confident in there now, and thats what you want from a goalie." Dubnyk came in to replace Tokarski to begin the third period after Tokarski allowed four goals on 23 shots. Lefebvre argued that his decision to change goaltenders was less an indictment of Tokarskis play than an attempt to re-energize his team. "Sometimes, you try to get the troops going and you use different tactics," he said. "(Tokarski) played really well in the first two games since he came back. Tonight, he didnt make the big saves that we needed, but Im not going to make him the culprit. Thats not the case. "I was thinking that I was going to go with Dubnyk [on Tuesday], so I thought I might as well give him the period to get ready." Dells shutout bid was spoiled at 3:59 of the third. Christian Thomas initial shot from the blue-line hit a Heat defender and bounced to Beaulieu at the left faceoff dot. But with Dell out of position, the defenceman easily fired a shot into the near side of the net. It was a letdown for the Heat, who Locke believed suffered a few sluggish moments despite the win. "We would have liked to keep pushing forward," he said. "We had a few lags and a bad start to the third period. They were all over us until the first timeout, and weve got to figure those sorts of things out. "But we got the two points and we got ourselves out of our slump." Reinhart added an empty-net goal at 19:11. Gino Gradkowski Authentic Jersey . Now shes ready to make waves in the U.S. Pace shot a 3-under 68 on Saturday to grab a share of the third-round lead with Laura Diaz in the Marathon Classic. She can barely express what a breakthrough win on the LPGA Tour might bring. Brandon Stokley Jersey . Fifth-seeded Cilic gained his fourth title in Zagreb and became the third Croat overall to win at least 10 career titles. Cilic also lifted his career record in Zagreb to 22-4, winning 20 of his last 21 matches at the event.WASHINGTON -- Trevor Ariza scored 26 points, Bradley Beal added 22, and the Washington Wizards took an early lead and never lost it Wednesday night, shooting 54 per cent in a 104-91 win over the Utah Jazz. John Wall had 14 points and 10 assists, and Marcin Gortat had 16 points and nine rebounds for the Wizards, who have won seven of eight. This one was noteworthy if only for substantial contributions from recent additions Drew Gooden and Andre Miller, two thirty-somethings who teamed up for a run that padded the lead in the first half. Alec Burks scored 19 points, and Trey Burke added 14 to lead the Jazz, who have dropped the first four games of their six-game road trip. Their 7-24 road record is the worst in the Western Conference. The Wizards led by as many as 15 in both the second and third quarters, but they never could put the Jazz away. Diante Garretts 3-pointer cut the deficit to five early in the fourth, and it wasnt until Ariza made it 96-85 with a 3-pointer with 4:11 to play that the Wizards could start to feel somewhat comfortable. Thirty-year-old Gooden and 37-year-old Miller made their marks early in the second quarter. Gooden, playing his fourth game of a 10-day contract after sitting idle since last summer, scored his first points of the season by rolling ooff eight quick points. Will Hill Kids. Three of the four baskets came on assists from Miller, who was acquired in a trade deadline deal two weeks ago from the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets shipped Miller after he had been excused from the team since his argument with the coach during a game on New Years Day. Gooden finished with 12 points, his first double-digit game since April 21, 2012. Miller finished with six assists, his most since Dec. 23. In addition, the quiet Verizon Center crowd got to see some buzzer-beaters. Jeremy Evans banked in a 21-footer to wrap up the first quarter after each team committed a turnover in the final two seconds. Wall ended the first half with a fast-break reverse slam after poking the ball away from Burke. Evans struck again at the end of the third quarter with a baseline jumper with one-tenth of a second on the clock. The Wizards improved to 4-1 since Nene was sidelined with a knee injury. Ariza and Gortat have noticeably stepped up in the Brazilian big mans absence. Ariza was 4 for 6 from 3-point range Wednesday and is 26 for 40 over his past six games. Notes: Wizards F Kevin Seraphin missed his fifth consecutive game with a sore right knee, while F Martell Webster sat out his second straight with a sore back. ... Gortat grabbed his 3,000th career rebound. ' ' '

The Edmonton Oilers have acquired defenceman Mark Fraser in exchange for forward Teemu Hartikainen and Cameron Abney. Deonte Thompson Authentic Jersey . In 19 games with the Maple Leafs this season, the 27-year-old Fraser has notched one assist and a minus-8 rating with 33 penalty minutes. He is currently on a one-year deal worth $1.275 million and is eligible for unrestricted free agency at seasons end. "Marks been a real good soldier for us and to be able to move a veteran player to an organization that wants them I think is a great thing," Leafs assistant general manager Claude Loiselle told TSN. "Secondly, cap-wise, were in a situation where we need to create space, because of the guys who are coming off, Bolland particularly, and then Smitty [Trevor Smith]. In the past, previously, we had John-Michael Liles, who gave us $925,000 in cap space when he went down and with Tim Gleason playing up we dont have that luxury so we had to make a move." The deal frees up more than $1 million in salary cap space for the Leafs, according to Capgeek.com. It may be enough to get injured Centre Dave Bolland off the long-term injured reserve once a couple players are assigned to the Marlies. Hartikainen, 23, is currently playing with Ufa in the Kontinental Hockey League where he has scored 13 goals and 14 assists in 43 games. "He wants to play in the NHL," Loiselle said. "Hes probably a third-line player, competes hard, hard on the puck and that our scouts think highly of. He has an out in his contract in the KHL so thats good." The Leafs plan to keep Hartikainen in Russia, while they will likely assign Abney to either the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League or the East Coast Hockey Leagues Orlando Solar Bears. The Finnish forward last played for the Oilers in 2012-13 when he scored one goal and two assists in 23 games. It was the final season of his three-year, entry-level deal with the Oilers. He was originally selected in the sixth round (163rd overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and has scored six goals and seven assists in 52 career games with the Oilers. Abney - an Oilers 2009 third-rounder - has scored two goals and three assists with the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL. He has never appeared in an NHL game. The Maple Leafs acquired Fraser in a 2012 trade that saw them send forward Dale Mitchell to the Anaheim Ducks. In 162 career NHL games with the Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils, he has scored three goals and added 14 assists. Matt Elam Jersey . Amid lusty boos from a modest crowd on a rainy, 46-degree night, Cano began his first game in the Bronx since joining Seattle this winter for $240 million with a wink -- at Yankees starter CC Sabathia (3-3). Tyrod Taylor Jersey . - Russell Wilson is getting on the diamond again. INDIANAPOLIS -- Steve Nash thought the game changed when the Phoenix Suns started controlling rebounds and loose balls. The Indiana Pacers thought the problem was not controlling Nash. Marcin Gortat had 23 points and eight rebounds, Nash added 12 points and tied his season high with 17 assists, and the Suns beat the Pacers 113-111 on Friday night. "We let Steve Nash control the tempo of the game," Pacers centre Roy Hibbert said. "We did not do a very good job of controlling them." Nash leads the league with more than 11 assists per game. Hes had 17 assists in three other games this season. Grant Hill scored 22 points for the Suns, who never gave up the lead in the fourth quarter. For Nash, it was just a matter of playing better in the second half and doing the little things necessary to pull off the win. "I think we came up with a lot of loose balls, some hustle plays," Nash said. "Got stops, rebounds, gave us a chance to get out and get some baskets. I thought we were just tougher in the third quarter than in the first half." Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry gave credit to his defence for being able to stay ahead of the Pacers. "We did a good job defensively in the second half," Gentry said. "We didnt come up with a lot of the 50-50 balls in the first half. We came up with defensive stops, but we still end up fumbling the ball or they come up with it. Thought we did a real good job with that in the second half." Danny Granger had 28 points and Roy Hibbert finished with 19 points and seven rebounds for the Pacers, who played their second game in a series of three games in three days. They beat the Washington Wizards, 85-83, on Thursday and go on the road to face Milwaukee on Saturday. The Suns are in the middle of a four-game road trip and avoided heading into the last game of the trip in Cleveland on Sunday with three losses. "It would have been real tough to go 0-for-4 on this trip or go into the Cleveland game 0-and-3 and put all that pressure on ourselves," Nash said. "We got some good feelings back. Got some confidence back. So weve got a big game in Cleveland weve got to win." Pacers coach Frank Vogel was ejected from the game with less than two minutes left after picking up his seccond technical. Jacoby Jones Authentic Jersey. Hill hit a jumper and Nashs free throw after Vogel was called for his first technical with 5:11 left in the game gave the Suns a 99-93 lead. The Pacers came back to get within 101-99 when Granger hit a 3-pointer with 2:31 left. He had 10 points in the fourth quarter. But thats when Hill went to the line and hit two free throws to make it 103-99 and Vogel was called for his second technical after the Pacers turned the ball over. Nash hit the free throw and the Suns led 104-99. Paul George followed with a jumper before Hibbert made two free throws to get the Pacers within a point. But Gortat answered with a layup and Frye hit his 3-pointer with less than 30 seconds to play. The Pacers nearly tied it in the final seconds. George was fouled with 1.7 seconds left and made the first free throw. He missed the second and grabbed the rebound, but missed the layup as time expired. "Could have been a little better with our defensive execution down the stretch and our guys other than Steve shooting free throws," Hill said. "Got in a really good rhythm there in that third quarter and it carried over to the fourth and did what we had to do down the stretch." The Pacers were never able to take more than a five-point lead in the first quarter and neither team took more than a seven-point lead throughout the entire game. "A tough loss, but Im proud of the way we competed," Vogel said. "I thought we outplayed the Suns for three quarters." Indiana made multiple roster changes. Pacers centre Jeff Foster announced his retirement on Wednesday because of chronic back problems and the Pacers announced Friday that they signed centre Kyrylo Fesenko from the Utah Jazz. Fesenko sat behind the bench in street clothes. Both moves came after the Pacers acquired Leandro Barbosa from Toronto on March 15. NOTES: The Suns are 10-4 since the All-Star break, second-best record since that point behind the Chicago Bulls, who are 12-2. . The Pacers are 10-4 against teams from the West this season. . The Suns have won four straight against the Pacers. This game was the first and only meeting between the two teams this season. The Suns game against the Pacers means the Suns have played every single team in the league now this season. ' ' '

CHICAGO -- Chicago Bulls fans chanted "MVP" when Joakim Noah made big plays. Julius Thomas Pink Jersey . Noah doesnt like the attention. "Thats not whats important to me," Noah said. "Its just all about this team right now. Weve been through so much. Its not about individual accolades." Noah turned in another MVP-type performance on Saturday night, finishing with 23 points and 11 rebounds in the Bulls 94-87 victory over the Sacramento Kings. "First thing is his game is through the roof right now. His confidence is through the roof," teammate Taj Gibson said. But Noah would rather focus the attention on the team and how it withstood the Kings comeback. Gibson scored seven of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, Mike Dunleavy added 16 and DJ Augustin had 12 for the Bulls (37-29), who are fourth in the Eastern Conference and improved to 3-2 on their six-game homestand. "It was very physical out there tonight," said Noah, who added eight assists, five blocked shots and three steals to his 33rd double-double. "That was a good win. We didnt let frustration get to us. We stuck with it." Isaiah Thomas led the Kings with 26 and DeMarcus Cousins had 25 points and 14 rebounds. The Kings (23-43) won the rebounding battle 55-40, but committed 16 turnovers and were 23 of 37 at the free-throw line. "Thats a lot of points to be left on the court," Kings coach Michael Malone said. "The reality is were just not good enough to not take advantage of all of those free throws." Both teams struggled on offence, with the Bulls shooting 40 per cent and the Kings 37 per cent. "The fact that we allowed a team that does not score a lot in transition score 20 fast-break points, obviously that wasnt part of our game plan," Malone said. The Kings are 2-4 on their seven-game road trip. Cousins hit a layup with 1:01 left to cut the Bulls lead to 88-85. Gibson responded with a jumper with 42.2 seconds left, and the Bulls made four of six free throws to seal the win. The Bulls led 48-43 at halftime before the Kings outscored them 20-16 in the third to pull within one. The Bulls have won four straight at home against the Kings, the only team below .500 to visit during the homestand. Noah had 17 points and five rebounds and Rudy Gay led the Kings with 10 points at halftime. Noah scored 12 points in the first quarter, which ended 23-23. "Noah is an incredible player. I say hes the heart and soul of that Bulls team," Cousins said. The game was more competitive than the teams previous meeting. The Kings routed the Bulls 99-70 at Sleep Train Arena on Feb. 3, when the Bulls finished with season lows in points and shooting percentage (28.2). "Thats a good team even though their record is not too well," Gibson said. "They tend to play well at times. It was a battle tonight." NOTES: Dunleavys right eye was black and blue and he wore tape above it. He received 10 stitches after he caught an elbow when he drew a charge Thursday in the Bulls 111-87 win over Houston. ... Evans started at power forward for the Kings to match up against the Bulls front line. Malone said the Kings will decide who plays the position based on each games matchup. Derrick Williams has played both forward positions. ... Malone was impressed with G Jimmer Fredette, who played 41 games with the Kings this season before he signed with the Bulls on March 2. "He was always in the gym, even on off days, committed to getting his work in," Malone said. "Even when he was not playing and part of the rotation, he never dropped his head, kept on working, kept on supporting his teammates. Thats why I think the Bulls at some point will be able to use him." ... The Kings are 10-24 on the road. Demaryius Thomas Jersey . -- Michael Bennett gambled last off-season that playing on a one-year deal in Seattle would pay off in the future with the long-term contract he always wanted. Aqib Talib Elite Jersey . The reported price for the Jays was Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez. Would you make that deal? The Blue Jays are in first place in the AL East.MINNEAPOLIS -- Austin Daye scored 12 points to help the Toronto Raptors win a sloppy preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 104-97 on Saturday night. Tyler Hansbrough was the only other Raptor in double figures with 11. The Raptors shot 50 per cent to overcome 35 fouls and three technicals for delay of game, which is a point of emphasis with officials this seasonn. T.J. Ward Jersey. Kevin Love had 28 points and 11 rebounds in 28 minutes for the Timberwolves. But the Wolves shot just 35 per cent and lost despite forcing 26 turnovers and going to the foul line for 50 shots. They missed 15 free throws. Corey Brewer scored 13 points for Minnesota. The starting backcourt of Ricky Rubio and Alexey Shved went 0 for 11. ' ' '

TAMPA, Fla. Authentic Greg Toler Jersey . -- Eric Fehr hopes a final-minute victory will jumpstart a positive stretch for the Washington Capitals. Fehr had two goals, including a tiebreaking redirection with 51.5 seconds left in the third period, as the Capitals beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 on Thursday night. "These are the kind of games that can be momentum builders for you," Fehr said. "It wasnt the prettiest way to win it, but scoring in the last couple of minutes, you could see the excitement on the bench. Hopefully we can carry that into tomorrow." Fehr was positioned in close when he tipped Mike Greens shot past Anders Lindback, helping the Capitals improve to 2-3-3 over their last eight games. Washington plays again Friday night at home against Toronto. Tampa Bay had pulled even at 3 on Ondrej Palats nifty tip-in of Matt Carles shot at 14:30 of the third. Martin St. Louis also assisted on the goal to move past Rick Tocchet into sole possession of 89th place on the NHLs career list with 953 points. The teams switched ends midway through each period due to what was called "poor ice" in the visitors crease. "I think the one crease, I dont know if it was a heating issue or something, but the ice was getting really soft," Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said. "There was a thought that it might be a disadvantage in that crease. It didnt have any effect on the game." "You kind of forget which end you were going to for a bit there," Fehr said. Washington also got goals from Mikhail Grabovski and Marcus Johansson. Tyler Johnson and B.J. Crombeen had the other goals for the Lightning. The Capitals won the first meeting this season 6-5 in a shootout on Dec. 10, a game in which Alex Ovechkin had four goals and Nicklas Backstrom contributed a goal and four assists. Ovechkin and Backstrom both had an assist Thursday. Washington took a 3-1 first-period lead, keyed by power-play goals from Grabovski and Johansson. After Grabovski scored on a redirection at 10:37, Johansson made it 3-1 from in close with 12 seconds left in the first. Crombeen stopped a personal 56-game goal drought from the right circle to get Tampa Bay within 3-2 at 6:45 of the second. A potential tying goal by Palat later in the period was disallowed when it was ruled he kicked the puck into the net. Johnson put the Lightning up 1-0 when he lifted a shot over Philipp Grubauer during a breakaway 4:08 into the game. Palat assisted on the goal to set a Tampa Bay rookie record by extending his point streak to eight games. Grubauer finished with 33 saves. Fehr tied it at 1 by beating Anders Lindback from the left circle at 7:04 of the first. Lindback stopped 16 shots, including 10 of 11 over the final two periods. "You hold them to 11 shots the last two periods, and its another one of those situations we had multiple chances to take the lead and we didnt," Cooper said. "We just broke down at the end." NOTES: Cooper believes Lightning star Steven Stamkos can return from a broken right shin in time for next months Olympics. Stamkos is on Canadas Olympic team and has been out since he was injured Nov. 11 at Boston. ... Lightning G Ben Bishop was placed on the injured list because of a sprained right wrist. ... Green assisted on Grabovskis goal for his 200th NHL assist. His assist on Fehrs game-winner was his 300th NHL point... Capitals RW Martin Erat was scratched. ... Tampa Bay D Radko Gudas left after the first period with a lower body injury. Authentic Johnny Unitas Jersey . During the morning loop on TSN, SportsCentre presents Purple Hearts, a TSN Original feature on Daron Richardson, daughter of former NHL defenceman Luke Richardson, who took her own life at the age of 14. Hugh Thornton Indianapolis Colts . The NFL club and Rogers Communications announced Wednesday theyve put the beleaguered Bills Toronto Series -- which features Buffalo playing exhibition and regular-season games at Rogers Centre -- on hold for at least a year.PITTSBURGH -- Ervin Santana said "everything" was off when he took the mound Monday. No matter. His Atlanta Braves teammates gave him a six-run lead before he threw a pitch. Jason Heyward and Andrelton Simmons homered to begin a big first inning, and the Braves beat the sliding Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3 on Monday night for their fourth consecutive victory. The early outburst was enough for Santana, who allowed three solo homers among nine hits in 5 1-3 innings. "I know I didnt have my stuff today, but for me it was one of my best games because I gave up three runs," said Santana (13-6), who improved to 8-1 over his past 10 starts. "Anytime you give up three runs or less, its a good outing. So Ill take it". Pittsburgh has lost six in a row. Starling Marte went deep twice, and Neil Walker added a homer that became the first to reach the Allegheny River beyond right field at PNC Park this season. Relievers Luis Avilan, David Hale and James Russell combined for 3 2-3 hitless innings for Atlanta, which broke a tie with Pittsburgh for third place in the National League wild-card standings. "We went through these tough stretches in April and early May and weve played really good baseball up until this last week," Pirates second baseman Neil Walker said. "Were still the same team." Heyward and Simmons started the game with the Braves fifth set of back-to-back home runs this season, and it got worse from there for Vance Worley (5-3). Chris Johnson and Gerald Laird had run-scoring singles as Atlanta bolted to a 6-0 lead. "I know we didnt score a whole lot the rest of the way," said Heyward, who had had three hits and a sacrifice fly. "But still, thats a lot of pressure for a team to come back agaainst. Adam Vinatieri Indianapolis Colts. " Worley managed to pitch six innings and was charged with five earned runs. He allowed nine hits, struck out four and walked two. "After (the first inning), I figured it out," Worley said. "It clicked, I was able to drive the ball down in the zone and get the results that I needed." TRAINERS ROOM Braves: During a rehabilitation outing for Triple-A Gwinnett, RHP Shae Simmons (right shoulder strain) did not record an out and was charged with four runs. He walked two and allowed two hits while throwing 21 pitches. Pirates: After taking live batting practice prior to the game, OF Andrew McCutchen (left rib fracture) said he expects to come off the DL on Tuesday. ... SS Jordy Mercer (right forearm tightness) was not in the lineup for the fourth consecutive game. A FIRST AT FIRST The Pirates Pedro Alvarez started at first base in his first career appearance at any spot other than third. Alvarez, whose 25 errors lead the majors, had seven put-outs. His first chance was an errant throw by second baseman Neil Walker that led to two runs being scored. LATE ARRIVAL Because the Braves did not get into Pittsburgh until 3 a.m. Monday morning, manager Fredi Gonzalez elected to rest regulars B.J. Upton and Evan Gattis. BACK-TO-BACK BEGINNING Heywards homer was his third of the season to lead off a game and sixth of his career. According to STATS, Monday was the fifth time the Braves began a game with consecutive home runs. UP NEXT Braves: Tuesday starter RHP Aaron Harang (9-7, 3.51 ERA) has 15 career wins against the Pirates. Pirates: Despite having a 2.36 ERA over 42 innings in seven starts since coming off the DL, LHP Francisco Liriano (3-9, 3.78 ERA) has lost three of five decisions. Hes lost his past two outings. ' ' '

LOS ANGELES -- Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson are among the few Los Angeles Kings who dont have a Stanley Cup ring from two years ago. Authentic Johnathan Joseph Jersey . Jeff Carter is grateful the youngsters are carrying him along on their own Cup chase after their line came up with another monster game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Carter had a goal and two assists, Toffoli scored the tiebreaking goal late in the second period, and the Kings beat Chicago 4-3 on Saturday night to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference finals. Drew Doughty had a third-period goal and an assist, and Jonathan Quick made 24 saves as the Kings returned to Staples Center with an impressive two-way effort against the defending Stanley Cup champions. "Im having so much fun with these guys," said Toffoli, who has scored a goal in every game of the conference finals. "Getting to play with a guy like Carter is a great opportunity, and (Pearson) and me are trying to live up to him." Game 4 is Monday night at Staples Center. Three days after Carter had four points in the third period of Game 2, Los Angeles got another dominant effort from the line centred by the veteran goal-scorer. In a 6:11 span of the second period of Game 3, Carter scored the tying goal off Pearsons pass before setting up the go-ahead score by Toffoli, who has a goal in every game of the conference finals. "They have a lot of chemistry from playing together" in the minors, Carter said. "They use their speed and their skill to create opportunities, and they kind of drag me along with them, so its fun." Toffoli and Pearson still hadnt cracked Los Angeles lineup in 2012 when the eighth-seeded Kings won the title. Toffoli became a regular for last seasons run to the conference finals, while Pearson made his NHL debut in a playoff game last spring. Theyve both become key components of the Kings four-line offensive attack. Slava Voynov also scored an early power-play goal as the Kings moved halfway to their second Stanley Cup final in three years. Captain Jonathan Toews scored twice in the first period for the Blackhawks, but they didnt score again until Patrick Sharps goal with 5 seconds left. Corey Crawford stopped 28 shots for the Blackhawks, who have lost the first road game in 10 consecutive playoff series since 2010. "Once they got the lead, they seemed to get the momentum, and we couldnt quite find our way back into the game," Toews said. "Its up to us to play better with those leads." Three days after the Kings evened the series by scoring six consecutive goals in the final 22 minutes of Game 2, Los Angeles didnt relax and rely on its NHL-best defence. Neither team played conservatively despite the stakes, instead trading tantalizing scoring chances for the first two periods. The Kings kept pushing for goals even while leading in the third, generating 18 shots and keeping the talented Blackhawks stuck in their own end for long stretches. "We all want to win in here, and Toews is obviously our captain and leader," Chicago defenceman Duncan Keith said. "He definitely led the way tonight, but we need everybody if we are going to beat this team and try to win one here. Toews came out and led the way. Its up to the rest of us to follow that." The Blackhawks beat Los Angeles in five games in the conference finals last season, but the rematch hasnt been nearly as smooth for Chicago. Patrick Kane and Bryan Bickell havent scored a goal in the conference finals, while Sharps last-gasp goal was his first of the series. The Blackhawks had their usual hundreds of red-clad fans in an otherwise black-and-white Staples Center crowd, and Toews put Chicago ahead just 5:26 into Game 3 with a spectacular short-handed goal, stealing the puck from Justin Williams and beating Quick between the legs. After Voynov tied it, Toews connected again later in the period on a rebound. The Kings evened it in the second period when Pearson corralled a puck that hit a referee behind the net and fed it to Carter in front for his eighth goal. Carter then chipped the puck ahead to Toffoli shortly after a Chicago power play ended. Toffoli broke in on Crawford, who lifted his left pad for only an instant -- right when Toffoli pushed the puck under him. The Kings kept up the pressure in the third period, and Doughty scored just his second goal of the post-season shortly after a power play expired in the third period. NOTES: F Andrew Shaw returned to Chicagos lineup after a seven-game injury absence. He took the lineup spot of Peter Regin, who had played the last four games. ... Toews had his first multigoal performance in 63 playoff games since May 7, 2010, when he had a hat trick against Vancouver. ... Guitarist Slash played the national anthem. Wayne Gretzky, Dick Butkus, David Beckham, Eric Stonestreet, Josh Duhamel, Taylor Kitsch and former Kings forward Dustin Penner attended the game. Authentic Shane Lechler Jersey . China defeated Myanmar 3-0 while South Korea blanked Thailand 4-0 at the AFC Womens Asian Cup to secure top-two finishes in the Group B standings. Three more Asian countries will book their World Cup tickets by Wednesday. Shiloh Keo Houston Texans . Wright sat out games on Tuesday and Wednesday after learning he broke his finger diving back to a base Monday night. He was examined by a hand specialist for the second straight day Thursday.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Peyton Manning is the only player in this Super Bowl who has won the big game. Hes also lost one. So, he knows both the elation of putting his fingerprints on the Lombardi Trophy and the anguish of watching it slip through his grasp, and he admonished his Denver Broncos teammates not to cut corners as they prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks on Feb. 2. "I think the biggest thing hes said is eliminate distractions, making sure youre taking care of the little details, doing extra, watching film, working out, getting your body right," receiver Eric Decker said. "And then I think the biggest thing is he says hes won one, hes lost one. And its a complete high; its a complete low. So, really understand to give everything youve got because this is the last game of the year." Tight end Jacob Tamme was also Mannings teammate in Indianapolis when the Colts lost to the Saints in the Super Bowl in 2010. "Its an empty feeling," Tamme said. "I mean, youre certainly proud of what you did to get that far. But its an empty feeling to get to this game and not win it. So, were going to prepare hard and do everything we can to let it loose on Sunday and just play our best ball. Thats all we can do, just play our best ball. We know weve got a stiff challenge." Wes Welker caught 11 passes for 103 yards for New England in the Super Bowl following the 2007 season, but the Patriots shot at perfection ended when Mannings brother, Eli, threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress with 35 seconds left to give the Giants a 17-14 win. Welker said Friday thats the lowest point of his career and the driving force in his life. "I think its the reason I get up in the morning in the off-season and even now," he said. "Were close again and Im just trying to make the most of it." Broncos cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie nearly won a ring with the 2008 Arizona Cardinals, when he had five solo tackles and broke up two passes against Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl only to watch Ben Roethlisbeergers 6-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds left give Pittsburgh a 27-23 victory. Whitney Mercilus Houston Texans. DRC said hes "excited, anxious, nervous, ready to get there" for his second chance at the ultimate prize. None of the Seattle Seahawks have ever played in a Super Bowl, the first team with zero previous Super Bowl experience since the Bills lost to the Giants in 1991. Besides the four Broncos who have played in the Super Bowl, three of their coaches have won rings: defensive co-ordinator Jack Del Rio (linebackers coach for Baltimore in 2000), offensive consultant Alex Gibbs (O-line coach in Denver 1997-98) and secondary coach Cory Undlin (defensive assistant with Patriots in 2004). Of course, Executive Vice-President John Elway has two rings from the back-to-back titles he won in the late 1990s following three trips to the Super Bowl that ended in losses. "Weve got some guys who know the drill and are trying to pass down whatever little bits of wisdom theyve been able to and hopefully well take advantage of that," Tamme said. "Its all about this one. Its about the preparation for this game and how we go out and play come next Sunday. Thats the bottom line." Notes: RB Knowshon Moreno said he was relieved X-rays after the AFC title game showed only bruised ribs and no fractures. "I knew it wasnt anything crazy," he said. "Feels good, its getting better so Ill be ready to go. You can play through anything, especially in a game like this." Moreno was limited Friday for the second straight day of practice. ... Welker said he was "never really worried" about getting fined for his hit that knocked Patriots CB Aqib Talib out of the AFC Championship even though Bill Belichick complained about it. Welker declined to respond to Belichicks comments that Welkers hit, which didnt draw a flag, was one of the worst plays hed seen in 39 years of coaching. "I dont really have any reaction," Welker said. "Im just happy we won the game and happy about going to the Super Bowl." ' ' '

SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Spurs knew the Philadelphia 76ers were coming in on a long losing streak. Justin Hunter Tennessee Titans . They had no intentions of taking it easy on them. Austin Daye had 22 points and Tim Duncan added 19 as the Spurs earned their 14th straight win with a 113-91 victory Monday night that sent the 76ers to their 25th consecutive loss. Philadelphia will face Houston on Thursday with the dubious distinction of being a loss shy of tying the NBA record for consecutive losses set by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010-11. Before the game, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he felt terrible for former assistant Brett Brown, now the 76ers coach. But he added that he did not feel sorry for "one of my best friends," because pity would upset his former protégé. "Obviously, its a rough season for them," Duncan said. "Its a rebuilding season for them. (Brown) knows that, they know that. They have a lot of young guys. Hes just trying to get the system in place that has them playing the way he wants them playing. Its a process. He knows that." Kawhi Leonard and Patty Mills scored 15 points each and Cory Joseph added 12 for San Antonio, which maintained the leagues best record at 54-16. The Spurs did not play starters Tony Parker, Tiago Splitter and Danny Green, but did not need them against the lowly 76ers. Thaddeus Young and Michael Carter-Williams each scored 19 points, Byron Mullens added 15 and Elliot Williams had 14 for Philadelphia (15-56). Daye, who was averaging 2.3 minutes while playing in only four games since being acquired from Toronto on Feb. 20, finished 6-for-10 on 3-pointers and had six rebounds in 29 minutes. It was familiar to Brown, who served as an assistant under Popovich for seven seasons. "Hes lucky," Brown said, "and Ive seen this over so many years — people can come into that system and shine. This system creates opportunities for everybody, and he took advantage of those. The attention you have to give others and the movement that they have in their structure allowed him to get freed up a lot. "He reaped the benefit of playing in that system." The Sixers kept pace early against the Spurs, with Carter-Williams fearlessly driving into the paint for a series of short jumpers and Hollis Thompson hitting a pair of 3s. Popovich called timeout with 3:44 left in the first quarter after Williams dunked over Duncan to tie it at 19. Philadelphias early success awoke the Spurs and brought out the best in Daye. His athleticism and energy were just what San Antonio needed after a listless start. "Hes a skilled guy," Popovich said. "Obviously he can shoot it. But hes also a good passer. He knows how to play the game. It was good to be able to get him some time tonight." San Antonio went on a 26-5 spurt bridging the first and second quarters, capped by a 19-0 run. Daye first ran down Carter-Williams, swatting his layup attempt from behind, leading to Leonards driving layup for a 23-19 lead with 3 minutes left in the opening quarter. Mullens 3-pointer snapped a 6 1/2-minute drought, but the Spurs were up 45-27 with 6:35 left in the first half. Daye then stole an outlet pass on the run, driving directly at a backpedalling Mullens on a 3-on-1 break. Daye faked a behind-the-back pass to Duncan on the left and dished to Joseph on the right, who fed an open Duncan for a layup and a 47-27 lead. "He got an opportunity," Duncan said. "He really stepped up and shot the ball really well. The boy is really long. He made some great plays defensively (and) rebounded the ball. He did a lot of good things out there." The Spurs started Ginobili to give the team another facilitator on the court with Parker out. Ginobili did that and more, scoring seven points and grabbing two rebounds in eight minutes. He drove to the basket for a series of reverse layups, but was blocked by the rim on a one-handed dunk attempt in starting 2 for 3 from the field. San Antonio finished with 31 assists while shooting 56 per cent from the field. "Its tough," Carter-Williams said. "They move the ball really well with the extra pass. They try to move the ball and almost tire you out on defence. You got to be able to rotate and play throughout the shot clock." The victory did little to satiate the Spurs or Popovich, who are hoping to return to the NBA Finals after falling to Miami last season in a heartbreaking seven-game series. "Were playing well through this stretch and winning some games," Duncan said. "Pop is still not satisfied, obviously, with what were doing. We want to stay healthy. We want to stay moving in the right direction. "Hopefully we can ride this into the playoffs and feel good going into the playoffs." NOTES: San Antonios Big Three of Duncan, Ginobili and Parker have played for 39 seasons, which is seven years more experience than the entire Philadelphia roster combined. The 76ers have six rookies on this years roster. ... Former Spurs F Malik Rose, a Philadelphia native, now serves as an analyst for 76ers television. He filled in for the Spurs in the same capacity before joining Philadelphias broadcast team. Curley Culp Jersey .C. -- Cameron Gaunce scored in overtime to lift the Texas Stars to a 4-3 win over the Abbotsford Heat in American Hockey League action Wednesday. Authentic Wesley Woodyard Jersey . Sabathia did not get a decision on Monday against Tampa Bay, as he allowed three runs and eight hits in seven innings. Hes 13-4 on the year to go along with a 3.42 ERA. Since winning six decisions over a nine-start stretch, Sabathia is 0-1 over his last two outings, but still has only allowed more than three runs once in his previous 10 trips to the hill.As the theatre and drama of the NBA Free Agency Season unfolds with LeBron James Decision 2.0, TSN Radio 1050s hosts of #1On1 with Will & Duane, Will Strickland and Duane Watson incorporate the help of long-suffering Cleveland sports fan and a host of TSN 1050s Game Night and Game Day, Andy McNamara to sort out where the dominoes fall for the rest of the NBA and its prime free agents. What does LeBron Jamess return to Cleveland mean to that city and the league? Strickland: It would seem that Ohios Prodigal Son returning to the place where his professional success began would be a significant part of his career narrative. The legend grows even more so if James is able to unite and sow the seeds of ultimate glory in the game with his new teammates to lead them to a title. LeBron exhibited how he could lord his power over the NBA with this decision and create semi-seismic ripples in leagues landscape. But the deeper, more meaningful aspect of this all is LeBron Raymone James had to leave, grow, learn to understand what may be his greater purpose in life. In his own words: "My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didnt realize that four years ago. I do now." McNamara: For the City of Cleveland LeBrons return means everything. The city nearly shut down on Friday to celebrate. Billboards were raised and t-shirts were released. It means a return to legitimacy, not just in the NBA, but in the North American sports scene.  When LeBron left bars, restaurants and tourism suffered. LeBrons letter provides commitment and hope to a struggling region and erases the pain of the last four years.  For the NBA LeBrons return provides a phenomenal feel good story and gives hope to an underdog franchise. Its great for the league and freshens up a stale Eastern Conference scene. Watson: It allows James to make a return home, make peace with the City of Cleveland and makes them viable contenders in the Eastern Conference. Its a storybook ending, really, and a chance for James to cement his legacy if he brings a championship to Cleveland. Oh, and more jersey sales for the league as its rumoured he will change his number to 32. In LeBrons open letter to the NBA in Sports Illustrated, he mentions several of his Cleveland teammates, but not Andrew Wiggins. Cause for alarm? Strickland: No. Alarm for whom? Canadian hoops fans who would like to see the four Canucks on that team, especially Wiggins, be integral parts of aiding the Cavaliers in their NBA title quest. Understandable. But, this is a business. And this is a business that requires deft asset management skills, those often lacking in the front office decision making in Cleveland. So, do the Cavs move Andrew Wiggins, an unproven commodity on the finest of hardwood courts in The Association as yet, but with an absolutely meteoric upside for a highly coveted three-time All-Star, 3-point shooting, voracious rebounding Olympic Gold Medalist entering his prime who accelerates your teams championship aspirations? McNamara: I dont believe the exclusions of those names was a secret message or hint of things to come. It was definitely interesting that the #1 overall draft pick was left out though. Maybe LeBron doesnt know Wiggins and mentioned people with whom he was more familiar. Watson: No. Despite his talent, Wiggins is a rookie and still has to prove his worth in the NBA. The balance of power shifted in the Eastern Conference. Who prevails ad why? Strickland: While Cleveland automatically becomes a prohibitive favourite with That Guy on their roster, consider Washingtons impressive showing in the playoffs as well as retaining centre Marcin Gortat in free agency, note that Miamis not completely dead and the Toronto Raptors wont creep up on anyone next season. However, after "meditating it", the Chicago Bulls hold the most intrigue. Pau Gasol may still be the most all-around skilled big on the planet, even at 34. Teamed with 2014 Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah, they could be the best passing bigs in the league. Rookie Doug McDermott, the solid Jimmy Butler & the emerging Taj Gibson all help Coach Tom Thibodeaus plans of Eastern Conference supremacy. A healthy Derrick Rose makes this close to a forgone conclusionn. Authentic Eddie George Jersey. McNamara: As it stands now the East is completely wide open, which makes for real interesting storylines that dont involve who will lose to Miami in the Eastern Conference. As it stands now, the major players have to include Cleveland (obviously), Indiana and Chicago. Free agency moves and trades can alter this of course. Right now I give the nod to the Cavaliers as favorites, but that takes into account a lot of assumptions that include whether Wiggins stays, if Wiggins can step in and contribute day one, how Bennett bounces back, and what trades or signings still take place. Watson: I dont necessarily know if it has shifted, I think it is just far more open and even overall. Every year the Heat were the dominant force to beat and now there isnt an overwhelming favourite. Teams have improved, (Bulls, Cavaliers), while others have are looking to take the next step after last years success (Raptors, Wizards), if some teams can figure it out, they can be dangerous (Pistons, Heat) and some have regressed (Heat, Pacers). The landscape has balanced out and its not as easy to call, with some free agents still unsigned, and moves to be made, its too early to call. Which player won the most this free agency period? Strickland: With spirited nods to the Madison Square Gardener, Carmelo Anthony (five years/$130M), Chris Bosh (five years/ $118M), Gordon Hayward (four years/$63M) and Chandler Parsons (three years/$46M), who all cashed out in dramatic fashion, LeBron James reigns here. The King didnt max out as he could have at two years/$42.1M. But the social/community currency, along with his personal peace of mind, may have the longest lasting impact and value. McNamara: No doubt LeBron. He looks like a superhero returning home and is savior to a city and region. Plus he goes to a team with assets to trade for a proven vet or just grow a stable of young studs. Watson: Chandler Parsons was a second round pick that earned $926,500 this past season with the Houston Rockets. Now the Dallas Mavericks are paying him $12 million a season on a three-year near max contract, talk about a pay day! Hes the Mavs highest player, but hes not the key to taking the Mavericks to the next level. Mark Cuban overpaid to stick it to his cross-state rival. Parsons is good, but not near-max money good. Youre the real MVP Chandler Parsons. Which player lost the most this free agency period? Strickland: Luol Deng, hands down. After dismissing several deals at $10M per year, which he felt were too low considering his stature and value, the oft-injured 29-year-old former All-Star signed a two year/$20M deal to "replace" LeBron James in Miami. More potentially lucrative offers existed with the Rockets, Mavericks, Hawks and Wizards. Negotiation is an art. Deng and his agents seem to be finger painting. And, as hard as it is to call $10 million per year "finger painting", tough to find kinder words for how this all shook out for Deng. McNamara: Chris Bosh. Why, Oh Why would he go back to Miami? There is no possible way he will be seen as anything other than a complete failure if he doesnt lead the Heat back to the Finals. Bosh going to Houston made much more sense since he would get a fresh start and different expectations on him. The only positive for CB about returning to South Beach is the extra year he gets on his contract. Watson: Chris Bosh signed a max contract with the wrong team, electing to sign a five-year $118 million to return to the Miami Heat (sans LeBron James). The Houston Rockets offered the power forward a four-year deal for $88 million to play alongside Dwight Howard and James Harden and stretch the floor and play defence in his home state, but he passed. Now he will have to work twice as hard, with Dwyane Wade on part-time duty and carry the Heat, as James made it easier for everyone on the team. He will effectively have to earn that salary, and bring his level of play back to what he did in Toronto. The Three-Man Weave contributors are co-hosts of TSN Radio 1050s 1-on-1 with Will and Duane, Will Strickland (@WallStrizzle1) and Duane Watson (@byDuaneWatson) and guest Pancakkon King (The second "k" is silent) Andy McNamara (@AndyMc81). ' ' '

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- Luis Suarez exits the World Cup with one of the longest bans in tournament history, and his reputation once again in tatters. DeMeco Ryans Jersey . The Uruguay forward, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, was banned by FIFA from all football for four months on Thursday for biting an Italian opponent in an incident that marred the teams victory and progression to the second round. Its the third time hes served a suspension for biting an opponent -- after similar incidents at both Ajax in the Dutch league and Liverpool in England -- and the second straight World Cup where Suarez exits in disgrace. The four-month ban will sideline Suarez for the first two months of Liverpools season. He was also suspended for Uruguays next nine matches, which extends beyond the four months and rules him out of next years Copa America, where his team is the defending champion. The Uruguayan football federation said it would appeal. Aside from Diego Maradonas 15-month suspension for a failed drug test at the 1994 tournament, its the longest ban handed out to a player at the World Cup. FIFA also fined Suarez 100,000 Swiss francs ($112,000). Suarez bit the left shoulder of defender Giorgio Chiellini on Tuesday in Natal during Uruguays 1-0 win over Italy, an incident that went unpunished by the referee but was witnessed by fans around the world on TV. Given Suarezs previous biting incidents, the images went viral immediately. "Such behaviour cannot be tolerated on any football pitch and in particular not at a FIFA World Cup, when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field," Claudio Sulser, chairman of the FIFA disciplinary committee, said in a statement. The Uruguayan federation was preparing an urgent appeal, as Suarez headed home. FIFA even barred him staying with teammates ahead of their round-of-16 game against Colombia on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro. "Luis in the next few hours will travel to Montevideo to be with the rest of his family to recover," federation president Wilmar Valdez told reporters. Suarez scored both goals in Uruguays 2-1 win over England, a performance that further enhanced a reputation that had gradually been rebuilt following a 10-game suspension for biting a Premier League opponent last May, and an eight-game ban for racially abusing an opponent in 2011. Suarez was voted the English leagues best player last season after a campaign void of any disciplinary issues. But now, the 27-year-old Suarez is the main actor in the World Cups most damaging episode for a second time. In the quarterfinals in 2010 in South Africa, his deliberate handball on the goal-line in the final minute of extra time denied Ghana an almost certain winning goal that would have made it the first ever African semifinalist. Suarez was sent off, and then refused to apologize for his celebratory dance near the players tunnel where he stayed to watch Ghana miss the resulting penalty. He also shrugged off criticism Tuesday of his bite. As usual, Uruguay officials and players defended their star player Thursday. "It feels like Uruguay has been thrown out of the World Cup," Valdez said, denouncing "a severe punishment." Veteran defender Diego Lugano wrote on his Facebook page that Suarezs family should be "proud of him, he deserves it." "A hug to Luis, who, as always, will rise," Lugano, captain on the 2010 team, wrote. "Outrage, impotence, I think thats what all of us feel. We all would like a fairer world, but that world simply doesnt exist." Even Uruguay fans who agreed Suarezs action was "stupid" did not agree with the sanction. "Uruguay is a small country that eliminated two big nations like Italy and England and its not for FIFAs benefit to let Uruguay continue playing," supporter Juan Jose Monzillo said in Montevideo. Suarezs ban extends one game more than Italy defender Mauro Tassottis eight-match international sanction for elbowing a Spanish opponent in a 1994 World Cup quarterfinal. That incident was also missed by match officials. By also banning Suarez from all football activities, FIFA also prohibited Suarez from entering a World Cup stadium. He cannot train with Liverpool until the ban ends in late October. "Hopefully he will realize now that behaviour of this type will not be tolerated under any circumstances," said FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce of Northern Ireland. The ban includes Liverpools first three Champions League games in the five-time European champions return after a five-year absence. Suarez will also miss the first nine Premier League matches. Suarez would still be allowed transfer to a different club during the ban, Fischer said. He has been linked to a move to Barcelona. Sports manufacturer adidas, which sponsors both Suarez and the World Cup, said it agreed with the ruling. The company said it will not use Suarez for "additional marketing" during the World Cup but would not immediately drop him as a client. "We will again be reminding him of the high standards we expect from our players," adidas said in a statement. White Jeremy Maclin Elite Youth Jersey . So on Friday, they went to work. The two-time Eastern Conference runner-ups announced they had signed three free agents -- backup big man Lavoy Allen, swingman C. Womens Black Cary Williams Elite Jersey . First reported by FOX Sports Ken Rosenthal, its unknown if the impetus for the deferral proposal came from players or management, but it never left the preliminary stages.CHICAGO -- Henderson Alvarezs scoreless streak came to an end, and the Miami Marlins didnt care one bit. They were just happy to hear the talented right-hander should be able to make his next start after a scary play at first base. Alvarez injured his left hip in the sixth, but Miami made the most of a wild afternoon for Pedro Strop in a 4-3 win over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday that averted a three-game series sweep. The Marlins trailed 3-2 before they pushed across two runs in the eighth. They loaded the bases with one out on a walk, a hit by pitch and a single from Casey McGehee. Christian Yelich then scored on Garrett Jones sacrifice fly and Giancarlo Stanton came home on a wild pitch from Strop (0-3). Steve Cishek then struck out two in a scoreless ninth that gave him 14 saves in 15 tries. The Cubs got six scoreless innings from Jake Arrieta, but came up just short in a bid for their first six-game winning streak since a seven-game run in 2011. "I think these guys should keep their heads up," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said. "Theyre very disappointed right now because we felt like we were on the cusp of being able to have a perfect homestand." Mike Dunn (5-3) got two outs for the win, but that was secondary for Miami after Alvarez went down. He began the day with a streak of 21 scoreless innings and is regarded as the Marlins best pitcher after Jose Fernandez was shelved by a season-ending elbow surgery. With one out in the sixth inning of a scoreless tie, Luis Valbuena grounded to Jones at first. Alvarez hustled over to cover the bag, but Jones toss was high. The pitcher reached to tap the base with his right foot but missed and landed awkwardly, straining his left hip. "He seems to be OK," manager Mike Redmond said. "Hes got enough time in between starts. He should be finne. Tommy McDonald. Obviously well know better tomorrow or the next couple of days." After Miamis training staff and Redmond came out to see him, Alvarez threw one warm-up pitch to see if he could continue but quickly left the mound. He was charged with two runs, one earned, and seven hits. "At first I felt like I fell (and) I banged myself on ground. I just continued on, I got up, I felt I could continue to pitch," Alvarez said through a translator. "I went out there, I did what I could to pitch. At the end of the day it was a decision by the manager." Nate Schierholtz then greeted Dan Jennings with a two-run triple down the right-field line that gave the Cubs a 2-0 lead. Alvarez is considered day to day, a relief for the surprising Marlins (33-30). "I feel good," he said. "Thank God." Jones, who was charged with an error on the play, also was relieved that Alvarez was OK. He said he needed a couple pitches during his seventh-inning at-bat to refocus. "You never want to be the guy to make the mistake to lose a game," Jones said. "But that play, hes been our best pitcher, and to lose him on a play like that, it stinks." Luckily for Miami, it probably wont be without Alvarez for long. "We cant afford any injuries - especially to those pitchers. Weve already had that happen and we cant afford anybody else to get hurt," Redmond said. "Definitely concerned (when Alvarez left) but it looks like hes going to be fine so hopefully we got lucky there." NOTES: The Marlins have a couple off days coming up and the plan is to keep its rotation intact. That could change if RHP Nathan Eovaldis pregnant wife hasnt given birth by Wednesday. ... Marlins C Jarrod Saltalamacchia was eligible to come off the seven-day concussion disabled list but wasnt activated. ' ' '