dimanche 29 avril 2012

Ugg! Investors boot Deckers shares 25%

It’s going to be tougher to scrape the mud off this time.

The maker of Ugg boots and Teva sandals shocked investors with a disappointing earnings report and outlook that sent its shares plunging more than 25 percent — their biggest single-day drop ever.

Deckers Outdoor, which until recently had been a Wall Street darling, said demand in Europe and Asia was weaker than expected amid the financial crisis, despite the fact that the company had already slashed its outlook in February.

CEO Angel Martinez blamed unseasonably warm weather and higher prices for the sheepskin used to make the bulky boots. Deckers now expects a second-quarter loss of 60 cents a share versus a year-ago loss of 19 cents a share.

AP

Tom Brady, who pitches Uggs, could be wearing a long face today after Deckers Outdoors, the footwear maker that produces the once-hot boot brand saw its shares get sacked yesterday, falling 25 percent.

But analysts blasted Martinez for missing his own forecasts twice in a row.

“Management’s credibility is shot,” said Susquehanna analyst Christopher Svezia. “There will be questions as to whether this is in fact the bottom and there is no longer risk to numbers.”

The results surprised investors accustomed to the staying power of Ugg boots, which had defied skeptics who insisted they were a fad.

While Uggs stretched their gains into a multi-year run, critics said the road ahead now looks rockier, as the woolen footwear appears to be losing its cachet with style mavens.

Declines in comparable sales at the company’s stores overseas were “alarming, since this is where the majority of new store openings are planned,” said Canaccord analyst Camilo Lyon, who cut his rating on Deckers shares to “hold” from “buy.”

Deckers expects full-year profit to fall as much as 10 percent, versus its earlier forecast for flat earnings.

Deckers shares plunged $17.63, or 25.6 percent, to close at $51.83.

jcovert@nypost.com

Ugg boots, Uggs, Deckers Outdoors, Angel Martinez, Teva sandals, Christopher Svezia, unseasonably warm weather

Nypost.com

Hop to it: Hopper's nine goals send Riverdale past rival Poly

Madeline Hopper didn’t like the effort she put forth in the first matchup against Poly Prep. This time she came out with something to prove and spoiled Poly’s Homecoming in the process.

Behind Hopper’s nine-goal performance, Riverdale defeated Poly Prep,14-10, in Ivy League girls lacrosse in Brooklyn Saturday. It was a performance so stellar that even Hopper couldn’t put it into words.

“It’s unreal,” she said. “This win is like nothing else.”

“She had a little stick in her craw,” added Riverdale coach Carol Pouliot. “She didn’t have a great game against them the first time, in her eyes. Today she came out to prove to Poly that she was a scorer.”

Denis Gostev

Riverdale's Madeline Hopper scored nine goals in a win over Poly Prep on Saturday.

She did so early and often.

Hopper scored five goals in the first half, none more important then the one she scored with 6.8 seconds left on the clock to knot the score up at 6-6. After a Jessica Dahldorf missed shot, Hopper took the ball coast-to-coast and scored to swing the momentum in favor of Riverdale, which they didn’t relinquish in the second half. Lindsay Picard scored four times for the Falcons.

“After we tied it up at halftime, we just wanted to come out and jump on them in the second," Hopper said.

The two traded goals early in the second half, with Hopper scoring three more within in the first six minutes. With her team leading 12-9 and 9:05 left to play, Hopper scored her ninth and final goal. Riverdale (5-2), ranked No. 2 in the city by The Post, remembered how Prep erased a five-goal lead to win 13-12 in their first matchup and eventually ended up winning the game by one.

They weren’t ready to let that happen again.

“The defense was really the key to the game,” Hopper said. “They really stepped it up and helped us land our first signature win.”

The defense held the Northwestern-bound Dalhdorf to only two goals, both coming in the first half. Along with strong goalie play and the defensive adjustment on Dalhdorf, Riverdale captured the victory, tying No. 1 Poly (5-2) for second in the Ivy League.

“I felt that even in the first matchup, we were the better team,” Pouliot said. “We just didn’t finish. This time we finished and we got the win.”

Pouliot and her girls wanted this win badly. After the final seconds ticked off the clock, the team celebrated on the field, which carried over to the sidelines, as Pouliot let out a little victory dance for her team.

“I’ve been talking about what a quality win is,” the coach said. “And the last few years it’s been Riverdale, Hackley, and Poly fighting for the league finals. Up until today, we had not captured one of those wins yet. Now we have one, so now we have to go back at Hackley and get another.”

Sam Domurat led Poly with three goals, on a day in which many of her teammates had trouble getting going.

“We didn’t have fresh legs out there and it showed,” Poly coach Anni Zukauskas said. “At this point of the season, everyone has seen everyone, we know what we’re in for. It’s all about preparation, showing up and performing. Riverdale performed today, Poly didn’t.”

Madeline Hopper, Poly Prep, Riverdale, Carol Pouliot, Hopper, Ivy League, Lindsay Picard

Nypost.com

Jets draft speedy WR Hill

Mark Sanchez has a new target.

The Jets moved up four picks in the second round of the NFL Draft in a trade with the Seahawks last night, and selected wide receiver Stephen Hill out of Georgia Tech.

Hill fills a huge hole for the Jets, who needed a No. 2 wide receiver to replace Plaxico Burress. Hill can now play opposite Santonio Holmes in the Jets offense and give Sanchez a fast-moving target downfield.

At Georgia Tech, Hill averaged 29.3 yards per catch last year as a junior, the best in Division I. His numbers were limited, though. He only caught 28 passes and had five touchdowns in the Yellow Jackets’ triple-option attack.

GONNA FLY NOW: Wide receiver Stephen Hill of Georgia Tech meets the media last night after being selected by the Jets in the second round of the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan. With 4.31 speed in the 40, Hill figures to give opposing defenses plenty of fits this season.

AP

GONNA FLY NOW: Wide receiver Stephen Hill of Georgia Tech meets the media last night after being selected by the Jets in the second round of the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan. With 4.31 speed in the 40, Hill figures to give opposing defenses plenty of fits this season.

Hill, who said he was thrilled to be a Jet, met with the team three times — at his pro day, in a private workout and in a visit to their Florham Park headquarters.

“Oh, man. I was happy,” Hill said. “We actually had a lot of conversation and I felt really home there.”

The Jets gave up their own second-round (47th overall) fifth-round (154) and seventh-round (232) picks to move up to the 43rd selection overall. The Jets desperately needed a wide receiver in this draft after getting little production from the position last season.

NFL DRAFT: ROUNDS 1-3

“We really wanted him,” Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. “Once he was within striking distance ... we felt like that was appropriate value for us.”

Hill is a deep threat with 4.31 speed. He is considered to be a good blocker after playing in the run-heavy Georgia Tech offense. That will be a plus for the Jets, who are planning on getting back to being a run-first team with Tim Tebow and Co.

“[I bring] a lot of big plays down the field and getting big touchdowns at the right time, of course,” Hill said. “I think I can bring a lot, especially blocking. I can definitely put somebody on their butt.”

A source said yesterday the Jets were planning on targeting a receiver in the second round despite needs at several positions. By trading up, they showed they clearly did not want to miss out on Hill.

“He’s a unique athlete,” vice president of college scouting Joey Clinkscales said. “He really is. Calvin Johnson, maybe. I’m not going to put that label on him but from a height-weight-speed moniker. He’s just a unique athlete.”

The negatives on Hill are his limited experience running a conventional offense. He did not run a full route tree at Georgia Tech and will now need to learn an NFL offense. Hill impressed teams with his performance in the pre-draft process to make up for his limited on-field production.

The Jets selected inside linebacker Demario Davis from Arkansas State with their third-round pick (77 th overall). The Jets chose him instead of an offensive tackle or safety, two need positions. He is projected as a special teams contributor immediately and an eventual starter.

After the trade, the Jets are left with five picks today, and do not pick again until the sixth round.

brian.costello@nypost.com

Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech, Georgia Tech, the Jets, NFL Draft, Jets, Georgia, happy,” Hill, Hill figures, wide receiver, Plaxico Burress

Nypost.com

samedi 28 avril 2012

S&P cuts Nokia's credit rating to junk

ESPOO, Finland -- Ratings agency Standard & Poor's cut Nokia's long-term credit rating one notch into junk Friday, forecasting a further drop in revenue on declining sales for its Symbian device this year, following downgrades by Moody's and Fitch in a chorus of growing concerns over the Finnish handset maker's financial position.

In reply to Standard & Poor's move, Nokia said that it is focusing on lowering the company's costs, improving cash flow and maintaining a strong financial position, while bringing attractive new products to market.

"As we have detailed in recent announcements, Nokia is in the middle of a transformation program which encompasses every aspect of our business," Timo Ihamuotila, Nokia's executive vice president and chief financial officer said, adding that the company is implementing a "decisive action plan to position our company for future growth and success."

The downgrades come after a tough few years for the company which has been deposed from its dominant position as the world's largest handset maker. It has lost out in the high-margin smartphone sector to Apple's iPhone, while phones using Google's Android software are hitting both the high end and, increasingly, the cheaper end of the market.

Standard & Poor's said it expects the troubled company to report significantly lower margins and cash flows in 2012 than previously expected.

"The outlook is negative, reflecting the possibility of a further downgrade if Nokia fails to stabilize revenues and margins and significantly cut its cash losses," Standard & Poor's said.

Earlier this week, Fitch downgraded Nokia's long-term credit rating to junk status, BB+, from investment grade rating BBB-, and last week Moody's Investors Service lowered Nokia's credit rating to the brink of junk territory, citing a sharp decline in mobile-phone sales and competition from makers of low-end phones.

Standard & Poor's said it still expects revenue from Lumia smartphones to grow over time but not sufficiently to offset a rapid decline in revenue from Symbian-based smartphones over the next few quarters and that the volume market share of the smartphone operations could decline below 10 percent from 12.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to market research company Strategy Analytics.

Nokia shares were down 0.5 percent in European afternoon trade.
Nypost.com

Bruins backers’tweet hatred

It had all the makings of a feel-good hockey moment — except the guy who scored the goal was black.

Soon after Joel Ward eliminated the defending Stanley Cup champion Bruins on Wednesday with a Game 7 overtime goal for the Capitals, Twitter erupted in a shower of n-words and other racial insults.

“Go play basketball, hockey is a white sport,” ‘‘4th line black trash” and “white power” were some of the nicer phrases tweeted by angry Boston fans. One said the fact a black player scored “makes this loss hurt a lot more.”

The Bruins and the NHL quickly condemned the tweets. But the outburst was a reminder of the difficulties hockey has had overcoming the idea that black people are unwelcome on the ice or in the stands.

Stanley Cup champion Bruins, hockey moment, Joel Ward, Capitals, The Bruins, NHL

Nypost.com

vendredi 27 avril 2012

Yankees captain Jeter credits mechanics for quick start

The stopwatches instruct us Yankees captain Derek Jeter is running from home plate to first base faster than last year and is well under the major league average of 4.3 seconds from the right side. One watch got him at 4.16 on Tampa Bay’s turf; others at 4.2 on dirt.

But his legs aren’t the only limbs quicker according to several scouts who have watched/marveled at the 37-year-old shortstop’s April.

“He has a lot more bat speed,’’ said a scout who watched Jeter for three games in Texas. “Compared to last year, it’s a lot more. I don’t know what he did, but it has worked.’’

Jeter insists his blistering start — he takes a 15-game hitting streak and a .420 (34-81) average into tonight’s game against Tigers ace Justin Verlander at Yankee Stadium — is the result of sound mechanics that allow him to see the ball longer and not lunge at pitches.

The scout didn’t need to point out Jeter is driving the ball to the outfield better as an example of the increased bat speed. Instead he used a single that went up the middle but didn’t reach the outfield grass.

“The other night against Derek Holland, he got a 95-mph fastball on the hands and was quick enough to steer it up the middle,’’ the scout said. “If you don’t have bat speed you can’t do that.’’

* Nick Swisher fouled a pitch off his left knee in Wednesday’s 7-3 loss to the Rangers in the sixth inning and was limping in the clubhouse afterward and had a big wrap on it to reduce the swelling.

However, the Yankees’ RBI leader (21) said he believed he would be able to face Verlander tonight, which isn’t a comfortable assignment when healthy.

* Very quietly Boone Logan is having a solid first month. In 10 appearances the left-handed reliever has worked nine innings, allowed five hits and fanned 13. Opposing hitters are 0-for-5 against Logan with runners in scoring position.

* Brett Gardner expects to start taking batting practice today. It will be the first time since going on the disabled list on April 18 he will test the strained right elbow.

“Maybe 10 to 12 swings,’’ Gardner said.

According to Gardner, the Yankees want him to play in at least one minor league rehab game before being activated.

* Since appearing in back-to-back games on April 19 and 20, David Robertson hasn’t surfaced from the Yankees’ bullpen because the situations haven’t called for the premier eighth-inning reliever.

*

Robinson Cano went 7-for-21 (.333) on the five-game road trip but still has one homer and just three RBIs.

george.king@nypost.com

Derek Jeter, Nick Swisher, Derek Holland, the Yankees, Brett Gardner, Boone Logan, bat speed, major league

Nypost.com

mercredi 25 avril 2012

Credit Suisse first-quarter profit plunges, but tops forecasts

ZURICH -- Credit Suisse reported Wednesday a sharp drop in net profit for the first quarter, pressured by an accounting loss on its own debt and lower revenue at the investment bank, which shed risky assets to adapt to a tougher regulatory and market environment.

Credit Suisse said net profit fell to 44 million Swiss francs ($48 million) in the first quarter from 1.14 billion francs last year. The result was better than a net loss expected by analysts.

Excluding a raft of one-off items, net profit came in at 1.36 billion Swiss francs, Credit Suisse said.

Revenue fell to 5.88 billion Swiss francs in the quarter ended March 31, from 7.81 billion francs.

Credit Suisse did not provide an outlook statement.

Its shares were up one percent in early Zurich trading.

Credit Suisse, net profit, Swiss francs, investment bank

Nypost.com

mardi 24 avril 2012

On RomneyCare

When Ann Romney takes a break from the dusting and washing, she likes to relax with these magazines. Maybe there’ll be tips on what to do with the leftovers.

Woman’s Day’s new editor-in-chief, Susan Spencer, publishes her first issue and asks for reader feedback. Our take: Not bad — but perhaps a few more features and not so many rankings. The cover story is an interview with Dr. Oz, whose advice on healthy living is to “Do only one task at a time.” Moms might like the mom physical makeover story. The endless reams of rankings deal with everything from financial tips to fun finds for under $20 like perky flowerpots. The 75 best-ever beauty tips is also a pullout bonus.

Family Circle, long a chronicler of stay-at-home moms, sniffs the winds of change with a cover story on moms getting out of the house to earn bucks. The article, “Start Your Own Business — These Moms Did,” tells how four mothers took the plunge into entrepreneurial dreams with help from their families. The magazine is waging a price war with its rivals, trumpeting the lowest cover price of the group at $1.99, which has helped boost circulation by 3.5 percent to 3.21 million while higher-priced rivals are suffering flat or declining circulation. Despite the mag’s salute to working moms, it hasn’t forsaken its stay-at-home core, offering reads on 30-minute meals, ways to clean and de-clutter your home and secrets to dropping 15 pounds in just two months.

In the “Wow, that was random” department, Good Housekeeping runs an advice column that relates “life lessons” from Bruce Lee — yes, that Bruce Lee. “Starting in 1970 I will achieve world fame and from then onward till the end of 1980 I will have in my possession $10,000,000,” the martial-arts legend said in a handwritten note dated 1969, according to columnist Karen Walrond. “I love that, for the most part, it happened,” Walrond says, though she also admits there’s a small fly in the ointment — namely, that Lee died in 1973.

Ladies’ Home Journal flips the script this month, letting daughters give the lessons while moms learn, but the feature “My Daughter My Role Model” sounds more like mom stealing the spotlight. Sure she means well, but one mom got back to writing after her daughter wrote a script, because “if she could do it, I figured I could too.” Right, Michael Jordan’s dad could have played hoops. Melissa McCarthy of “Bridesmaids” fame is this month’s cover girl, but brings nothing new as last year’s it-girl. She does reveal that she used to have blue hair and wear Kabuki makeup as a standup comic, but the magazine fails to get a picture. There is a picture on the back page from a contributor’s 1989 prom: Oh, the hair-sanity. Hopefully, the ladies’ journal can tease its circulation up; it’s down 15 percent to 2.93 million.

Stanford recently dropped a bid to build an engineering campus on Roosevelt Island, and the New Yorker leaves us wondering if we’re sorry. The smug, money-obsessed West Coast mint for tech tycoons cultivates cozy ties with Silicon Valley “where participants profess a sometimes inflated belief that their work is changing the world for the better,” the mag observes. Elsewhere in the “gag-me” department, rich Californians are agitating for their right to drink raw milk, safety hazards be damned. Indeed, among the few subjects that we didn’t find irritating in this week’s issue were the poor citizens of Kerala, India, who don’t want a recently discovered temple treasure trove worth billions to be disbursed to the public. They’re smart enough to know it wouldn’t “reach the right hands.”

In New York, Frank Rich attacks right-wing billionaires like the Koch brothers who are funding the Mitt Romney campaign, feeding concerns that American democracy has indeed become a sham, hijacked by high-roller capitalists. So why doesn’t this piece have more impact? There’s the usual reflux from Rich’s well-fed prose, of course. But maybe it’s also the fact that in 2010, this magazine shamefully collaborated with the Koch brothers to publish a softball profile to help them blunt the impact of a hard-hitting exposé that was coming from the New Yorker. It’s not just the restaurant rankings that keep this supposed liberal rag laissez-faire and limp.

It wasn’t far into Time’s global “100 Most Influential” list before we got dizzy. After a sleep-inducing essay on Jeremy Lin by US Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Lin himself sings the praises of Tim Tebow, noting that the QB “lives a life that consistently reflects his values, day in and day out.” We imagine Tebow would be pleased to see this on the printed page, except for the fact that he’s sharing that page with an entry on E L James, erotica’s new heroine. Turning to the next page, Joan Rivers tells us that potty-mouth comedian Louis CK is “Steven Spielberg without the beard and with humor.” Here, the editors apparently failed to note that CK, as usual and as pictured, is sporting a beard.

Bruce Lee, Karen Walrond, Susan Spencer, cover story, circulation, circulation

Nypost.com

Trinniberg to play rabbit in full Kentucky Derby field

A full field of 20, with -- for the first time -- four also-eligibles, is lined up for the May 5 Kentucky Derby, just 12 days away, and never before have so many of the previous season’s top 2-year-olds been primed to run for the roses.

Eight of the 13 starters in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs figure to make the starting gate: Hansen (1st), Union Rags (2nd), Creative Cause (3rd), Dullahan (4th), Take Charge Indy (5th), Alpha (11th), Daddy Long Legs (12th) and Prospective (13th), with Optimizer (8th) a possibility if a couple of horses above him on the graded-stakes earnings list drop out between now and Derby Day.

Of the 15 horses listed at the top of the Experimental Free Handicap ranking the top 2-year-olds of 2011 (from 126 to 116 pounds), nine are Derby-bound.

One of these, Trinniberg whose owner, Shivananda Parbhoo, recently decided to pursue the “once-in-a-lifetime dream” of running in the Derby rather than awaiting the Preakness, radically impacts the dynamic of the race.

Second in last year’s Hopeful and Nashua, Trinniberg finished seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint after setting a blistering pace, the first quarter-mile in :20.96! This year, the son of Teuflesberg went gate to wire winning the Swale by six lengths and the Bay Shore by three, the latter so easily it looked like a morning workout.

Both of those wins came at seven furlongs, the longest distance Trinniberg has ever run.

Parbhoo said he decided to go in the Derby when Secret Circle, the colt that dueled with him in the Juvenile Sprint, emerged from his runner-up finish in the Arkansas Derby a bit worse for wear.

“With him out of the race, there isnt another horse in the Derby with the kind of speed my horse has,” Parbhoo said. “We’ll know after the first half-mile what the result will be. I’m not worried about anyone else in the race if my horse gets in front.’’

With Trinniberg committed to gun for the lead, taking the field as far and as fast as he can, that could put the other horses with sharp early speed — Hansen, Bodemeister, Take Charge Indy, Gemologist — in a pickle, setting the Derby up for a closer. Or Trinniberg could help them by providing a target to run at, allowing them to settle off the pace and save something for the long stretch run.

ed.fountaine@nypost.com

Kentucky Derby, Shivananda Parbhoo, Daddy Long Legs, Arkansas Derby, Union Rags, Creative Cause, Cup Juvenile Sprint, Trinniberg, Derby

Nypost.com

lundi 23 avril 2012

Donald Trump lends his name to skycraper in ex-Soviet Georgia

BATUMI, Georgia — Donald Trump lent his name Sunday to a new luxury skyscraper project in ex-Soviet Georgia, which is emerging from a 2008 war with Russia and seeking Western tourists and funds.

The property mogul unveiled the planned building in the Black Sea resort of Batumi at a ceremony attended by President Mikheil Saakashvili, who hailed Trump's presence as "a sign that the country is on the path of an irreversible success."

"The whole world is speaking about the transformation that is underway in Georgia," Trump replied.

The Trump Tower Batumi will be neither owned nor developed by the tycoon. Georgia's Silk Road Group will use Trump's name and brand under license in a deal whose financial details were not disclosed.

Designed by New York-based John Fotiadis Architects, the project involves a 47-story residential building and accompanying marina "with the highest level of Trump luxury standards," Silk Road Group said.

The firm hopes to complete the complex by early 2014.

Donald Trump, President Mikheil Saakashvili, Trump Tower Batumi, Silk Road Group, BATUMI, Georgia, Georgia, John Fotiadis Architects, Batumi, Western tourists

Nypost.com

samedi 21 avril 2012

Yonkers Results

FIRST-1 mile; pace; $12,000; cl.

1

AwsomArmbrN(BSrs)

4.00

2.70

2.20

5

Tugboat (M MacDonald)

7.40

4.30

2

Fritzie Rocket (J Stratton)

2.20

* Exacta (1-5) $30.60 * Triple (1-5-2) $66.00Scr: Armageddon Hanover.

SECOND-1 mile; trot; $17,000; cond.

7

PerfctPctur(LStlbum)

4.90

3.90

2.40

2

Ima Spur (J Gregory)

2.70

2.10

4

Crypto Man (G Brennan)

2.50

* Exacta (7-2) $14.00 * Triple (7-2-4) $44.40 * Daily double (1-7) $13.00Scr: He's Lucky.

Exacta picked by Smith
THIRD-1 mile; trot; $20,000; cond.

2

ForceNine(GBrennan)

13.80

7.80

5.00

3

MysticalStarlght(EGoodell)

4.50

3.30

4

Armbro Casino (S Vallee)

7.20

* Exacta (2-3) $68.00 * Triple (2-3-4) $387.00 * Superfecta (2-3-4-5) $1,120.00Scr: South Jersey Honey.

FOURTH-1 mile; pace; $40,000; Bluechip

1

KrispyApple(TTetrck)

4.80

2.30

2.10

4

Western Silk (G Brennan)

2.10

2.10

5

Breakheart Pass (J Bartlett)

3.50

* Exacta (1-4) $7.60 * Triple (1-4-5) $36.00 * Pick 3 (5,7-2-1) $169.00Scr: Lightning Treasure.

FIFTH-1 mile; trot; $33,000; Open

4

Farifant (G Brennan)

4.70

2.80

2.60

3

WutherngHnover(TTetrck)

4.50

3.30

7

Flex The Muscle (J Gregory)

4.40

* Exacta (4-3) $19.80 * Triple (4-3-7) $85.00 * Superfecta (4-3-7-1) $454.00

Winner picked by Smith

SIXTH-1 mile; pace; $40,000; Bluechip

2

BllmrScootr(EGoodll)

10.20

4.20

2.20

1

Mystical Diva (B Sears)

4.20

2.90

5

Chancey Lady (T Tetrick)

2.10

* Exacta (2-1) $33.20 * Triple (2-1-5) $61.00 * Pick 4 (2-1-4-2) $1,630.00

SEVENTH-1 mile; pace; $40,000; Bluechip

7

See You At Peelers (B Sears)

2.10

4

Keepers Destiny (E Goodell)

2.10

6

Ginger And Fred (J Bartlett)

2.10

* Exacta (7-4) $14.80 * Triple (7-4-6) $56.00 * Pick 3 (4-2-7) $76.00

Winner picked by Smith

EIGHTH-1 mile; pace; $17,000; cond.

5

I'mJustSpecl(GBrnnn)

5.60

3.20

2.60

3

Cs Kentucky (T Tetrick)

5.50

4.20

2

My Miss Bliss (M Kimelman)

6.90

* Exacta (5-3) $32.80 * Triple (5-3-2) $116.50 * Superfecta (5-3-2-1) $554.00

NINTH-1 mile; pace; $40,000; Bluechip

4

Rocklamation (B Sears)

5.80

2

Hula's Z Tam (P Lachance)

5.80

1

P Note Blue Chip (G Brennan)

5.80

* Exacta (4-2) $26.60 * Triple (4-2-1) $100.50

TENTH-1 mile; pace; $20,000; cond.

4

FeelngYou(GBrennan)

2.40

2.10

2.10

7

It's De Lovely (J Gregory)

21.20

12.20

8

Hello Great Mate (B Holland)

6.10

* Exacta (4-7) $65.50 * Triple (4-7-8) $492.00 * Superfecta (4-7-8-2) $2,693.00 * Pick 3 (5-4-4) $73.00 * Pick 4 (7-5-4-4) $57.50

ELEVENTH-1 mile; pace; $27,000; handicap

4

FourStrzRoe(TTetrck)

3.60

2.60

2.10

1

Stormunn (E Goodell)

19.00

7.80

6

Omen Hanover (G Brennan)

2.80

* Exacta (4-1) $40.80 * Triple (4-1-6) $191.50

Winner picked by Smith

TWELFTH-1 mile trot; $23,000; cond.

1

Aisling (B Sears)

3.40

2.10

2.10

4

Some Like ItHot(GBrennan)

2.80

2.30

3

Grain Of Truth (J Gregory)

2.80

* Exacta (1-4) $7.10 * Triple (1-4-3) $20.60 * Superfecta (1-4-3-5) $175.50 * Late double (4-1) $4.90

Attendance: Unavailable

Total Handle-$790,779

J Gregory, J Gregory online, J Gregory, G Brennan, G Brennan, mile

Nypost.com

Yankees defeat Twins; Granderson hits 3 HRs

After Curtis Granderson’s dazzling performance last night was finished, Nick Swisher gave his Yankees teammate some ribbing.

“Curt, you hit three,” Swisher said. “You can’t hit four?”

Swisher’s quip came after Granderson delivered one of the greatest showings in the history of the Yankees franchise. The center fielder blasted three home runs — in his first three at-bats — in last night’s 7-6 victory over the Twins in The Bronx and finished with five hits and four RBIs.

RED SOX TROUBLES, YANKEES RIVALRY HIGHLIGHT FENWAY ANNIVERSARY

YANKEES BOX SCORE

Anthony J. Causi

TWIN KILLER: Curtis Granderson watches his third home run of the game, a fourth-inning solo homer.

No Yankee had ever delivered three homers and five hits in one game. Almost 80 years after Lou Gehrig hit four homers in a game, the Grandy Man just missed matching The Iron Horse.

“What he did today is a special day,” manager Joe Girardi said, “and it doesn’t happen very often.”

Three homers in a game had never happened in the new Yankee Stadium, which opened in 2009. Granderson is the 20th different Yankee to hit three homers, with the accomplishment done by Yankees a cumulative 28 times in the regular season.

The list includes all the greats — Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Bill Dickey, Alex Rodriguez. Ruth and Reggie Jackson also did it in the World Series.

“I just walked over and congratulated him,” Jackson said. “I enjoyed it. I think the nicest part is, he had two more chances to hit four. I was watching the TV.”

Thanks mainly to Granderson — with help from Mark Teixeira (who homered for the first time in 45 at-bats this season) and the bullpen (3 2/3 scoreless innings) — the Yankees overcame another uninspiring Phil Hughes outing. They now head to Fenway to meet the hated Red Sox for a three-game set beginning this afternoon.

Granderson’s heroics began with one out in the first inning when he smashed an Anthony Swarzak fastball over the right-field wall for a solo homer. The next inning, this time with Derek Jeter on first, he clobbered a fastball into the second deck in right.

Up next was reliever Jeff Gray in the fourth. Granderson took him deep on a changeup, lining a solo homer to right.

“I was surprised that one got out,” Granderson said.

In the sixth, Granderson lined a single to right off Alex Burnett. Finally in the eighth, his last bid to tie Gehrig, Granderson chopped an infield single off reliever Glen Perkins.

Granderson insisted he wasn’t thinking about going deep in his last two at-bats.

“It never crosses my mind,” he said.

Rodriguez was the most recent Yankee to hit three homers, doing it on Aug. 14, 2010, in Kansas City. He also was the most recent Yankee to do it in The Bronx, that coming on April 26, 2005, versus the Angels in the old Yankee Stadium.

Unfortunately for the Yankees, Hughes’ outing was relatively unimpressive. Because of Eduardo Nunez’s first-inning error, only two of Hughes’ six runs allowed were earned. But the struggling righty went only went 5 1/3 innings. He surrendered a two-run double to Danny Valencia and a two-run homer to Ryan Doumit.

“Not a great outing,” Hughes said, “but happy to get the win out of it.”

In his last 26 starts dating back to 2010 and including the postseason, Hughes’ ERA is a staggering 5.96.

Granderson’s performance, has been a bit better. Last season, he smacked 41 homers and finished fourth in the AL MVP balloting, and now he leads the American League with six homers.

“The kid,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said, “can hit.”

mark.hale@nypost.com

Curtis Granderson, Granderson, Nick Swisher, Yankees, Lou Gehrig, Phil Hughes, Yankee Stadium, the Yankees, the Yankees, Yankee, Yankee

Nypost.com

vendredi 20 avril 2012

Verizon backs Microsoft in mobile war with Apple, Android

Verizon is looking to ignite an Apple-Microsoft rivalry for the smartphone era.

The telecom giant, feeling the pinch of Apple’s expensive iPhone, said yesterday it wants to help Microsoft succeed in creating an alternative mobile platform.

“It is important that there is a third ecosystem that is brought into the mix here, and we are fully supportive of that with Microsoft,” said Verizon Wireless CFO Fran Shammo.

Microsoft and its hardware partner, Nokia, are trying to make a dent in Apple and Google’s dominance in smartphone software. Earlier this month, the Nokia Lumia 900, running Windows Phone software, started selling in the US.

Reuters

Tim Cook

While the Microsoft ecosystem is just barely out of the gate and not now a threat to Google’s Android or Apple’s platforms, with fewer high-profile app developers on board, Windows is still seen as a future rival to the twosome especially as RIM’s BlackBerry continues to fall off, industry analysts said.

A third competitor in the space would lessen carriers’ dependence on Apple and its iPhone, which is popular but costs carriers $600 apiece and is sold at a loss.

Verizon and rivals, like AT&T, offset some of the margin squeeze through costly data plans.

Ironically, news that Verizon was actively looking to lessen its reliance on the iPhone came as the carrier reported sales of Apple’s most profitable device fell to 3.2 million units in the first quarter from 4.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.

That helped send Apple shares tumbling. They closed down 3.4 percent to $587.44.

Meanwhile, Verizon shares rose 1.3 percent after it reported its wireless unit gained 501,000 new customers in a quarter that featured no blockbuster phones.

Smartphone users are turning on the data spigot and paid Verizon 16 percent more last quarter, $23.80 a month, to surf the Web, watch videos and stream music.

The data revenue helped boost the monthly average revenue per user by 3.6 percent to $55.43. Overall, Verizon’s $1.69 billion in earnings on $28.24 billion in revenue beat Wall Street’s expectations.

While Verizon’s iPhone activations were down 25 percent quarter over quarter, analysts expect strong numbers when Apple reports next week.

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster estimates that Apple sold 33 million iPhones. Still, the iPhone outsold Google Android phones.

Verizon made it clear that it would like to lessen its dependence on the double-edged iPhone. It recently started charging customers $30 if they upgrade phones in the middle of their contracts.

Munster told clients that he expects the iPhone 5 to launch in October, keeping it on the schedule Apple set with the iPhone 4S last fall.

gsloane@nypost.com

Verizon, Verizon Wireless, Microsoft, Apple, Google, iPhone, Nokia Lumia 900, smartphone software

Nypost.com

Brickner brings it, striking out 11 in Fieldston's win over Riverdale

It was only fitting that Fieldston prevailed on a strikeout.

After all, Eagles starting pitcher Daniel Brickner fanned 11 Riverdale hitters en route to a complete-game 4-1 victory in Ivy Prep League baseball at Fieldston HS in The Bronx.

Brickner, who made his first start on the hill after battling mononucleosis, struck out Matt Hans with the bases empty in the top of the seventh to secure the win. After the final out, the senior received a shaving cream pie in the face from his teammates for his effort.

“This was a big confidence booster for me,” Brickner said. “It’s my senior year, I really want to pitch well, especially on my first outing.”

Robert Cole

Daniel Brickner picked up the win in Fieldston's 4-1 win over Riverdale on Wednesday.

Brickner dazzled with his curveball and only allowed one earned run on four hits in seven innings. He only got stronger as the game went on, striking out six of the final 10 batters he faced and retiring nine straight hitters to close out the win.

“Brickner is our ace,” Fieldston coach Tony Marro said. “He was in the zone today and had great command.”

The win wasn’t easy for Fieldston (6-0, 4-0) as Riverdale (1-4, 1-3) boasted its own ace in Cole Dreyfuss. Dreyfuss was solid throughout, and if not for a rough defensive first inning for Riverdale, the game easily could have gone the other way.

After Will Savage drew a leadoff walk and stole second for the Eagles in the first, Riverdale shortstop Stephen Brand botched a Matt Nunez grounder. Savage scored on the error and Kevin Fich then hit a ball to third that was booted by Tyler Lane and plated Nunez to give the Eagles a 2-0 lead.

Following the errors, Dreyfuss settled down, retiring the next 10 batters in a row. During that stretch, Riverdale scratched a run across in the third inning on an RBI single by Alec Silverman.

Despite leading, Fieldston was actually being no-hit until centerfielder Dawit Heck scorched a base hit to center field to break up the bid in the bottom of the fourth. The ball was misplayed in right field by Charlie Davis, allowing Heck to advance to second. Heck took third on a wild pitch and then scored on a bunt single by Zach Jaffe.

Riverdale tried to claw back, but couldn’t seem to solve Brickner despite getting a great effort out of Dreyfuss. The senior went 5-1/3 innings while allowing four runs, only three earned, striking out four and walking three. Dreyfuss only allowed four hits, but the defensive miscues behind him were too much to overcome.

“I was really happy with the way I pitched,” Dreyfuss said. “I just wish we pulled out with the win. Brickner kept us off balance and we didn’t make the adjustments.”

Hans took over for Dreyfuss in the bottom of the sixth, inheriting two runners with Matt Guzman on third and Jacob Hochberger on first. When Hans went to pick-off Hochberger, Guzman broke for home and slid in safely with Fieldston’s fourth run of the game.

With the win, the Eagles remained all alone atop the Ivy League, a game ahead of five-time champion Poly Prep and Horace Mann.

“We are like a little family here,” Marro said. “Right now, we’re a pretty confident bunch but we still need to make some improvements.”

Daniel Brickner, Riverdale, Fieldston, Cole Dreyfuss, Fieldston HS, Matt Hans, Brickner, Brickner, Eagles, the Eagles, the Eagles, Dreyfuss, Ivy Prep League baseball

Nypost.com

jeudi 19 avril 2012

Giants QB Manning 'enjoying every second' of big year

It was less than a year ago that Eli Manning unintentionally sparked “The Great Eli-te Debate,” by saying he belonged in the same class of quarterback as Tom Brady.

Now there is no debate.

The Giants quarterback is a two-time Super Bowl champion. He is willing to take off the helmet and let the masses see there is more to Elisha Nelson Manning than the reserved Southerner with a big right arm.

Manning, following in the footsteps of his brother Peyton and the Patriots’ Brady, will host “Saturday Night Live” on May 5.

“I’m going to keep my day job,’’ he said jokingly.

2012 GIANTS SCHEDULE

Yesterday, Manning was the celebrity of celebrities at BTIG’s 10th annual Commissions for Charity Day in Midtown, which has raised about $20 million benefitting hundreds of charities.

Surrounded by the likes of Joe Namath, Mariano Rivera and John McEnroe, it was Manning who found himself surrounded by autograph seekers and well wishers. He is embracing his new life as an elite quarterback.

“It’s been a wild year in a lot of different ways,’’ Manning told The Post. “From a career standpoint, you know last year I was coming off a rough year, a lot of interceptions, [we] didn’t make the playoffs again. I knew I needed to play better football than what I was playing.

“I never doubted that I could. I was making a lot of plays but then I’d make that one bad decision. I knew if I could change that, we had the offense — along with our defense — to be a good team. We did that. We made the playoffs and got hot at the right time and won another championship which was fun.

“I had the addition of my daughter [Ava] also. So it’s been a big year. It’s been a lot of fun. I’m just enjoying every second of it.’’

Every second.

When asked what is tougher, changing a diaper or reading defenses, Manning showed the sense of humor he has guarded, but those around him appreciate.

“I’ve had more practice reading defenses, let’s say that,’’ he said. “Both of them sometimes will surprise you and you get something that’s unexpected.’’

Manning said he could not reveal much about his SNL host gig, but he hopes it will be entertaining.

“Once you’re around him, once he gets into that certain personality mode where he is like he is when he’s with his teammates, he’s very funny,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said.

Manning also remains serious about his craft. He said the 2011 season taught him there are levels of greatness that require levels of commitment in the NFL.

“You know, make every mistake there is to make and try to learn from it, not repeating the same mistake,’’ said Manning. “That’s the first step. And then there’s that process of knowing the rules [of an offense] and knowing when to go outside the rules and making yourself even better. You never stop learning this game.’’

Nor do you stop learning the business. Two years ago, Peyton was the hot Manning. Now he will suit up for a new team and try to make the Denver Broncos an elite team. He’s won one ring.

But Eli is one Super Bowl win away from joining Brady and Troy Aikman as three-time champion quarterbacks, and one MVP away from joining Joe Montana as the only three-time winners of that award.

“I’m really just worried about working on my skill set and being ready to be at my best for next year,’’ Manning said. “Make the plays. Whatever the result of that is, that’s what it will be.’’

lenn.robbins@nypost.com

Exclusive Super Bowl merchandise featuring New York Post front pages

Eli Manning, Elisha Nelson Manning, Super Bowl, GIANTS, quarterback, Joe Namath online

Nypost.com

Debbie Little at Monticello

Post Time: Quiet Hero (10th)

FIRST: mile; trot; $2700; cond

1 EngmerBennsBest

(JTggrtJr)

3-6-4

3-1

8 El Hombre Dan

(ASchwartz)

4-1-1

5-2

4 Tornado Alley

(CPoynton)

3-3-2

7-2

2 Lady Marmalade

(WPrkerJr)

6-2-2

10-1

3 Lively Moment

(KSwitzerJr)

4-4-2

4-1

5 Galleons Assassin

(WMann)

2-8-3

6-1

6 Righteous

(JMarohnJr)

7-5-6

9-2

7 Four Starz Ransom

(MSpano)

2-7-5

12-1

SECOND: mile; pace; $3400; cond

4 Bettorthanicecrem

(JTggrtJr)

3-6-5

5-2

8 Iroquoindianfllw

(ASchwrtz)

1-2-1

9-2

7 Uncle David

(CStratton)

2-2-3

7-2

1 Ideal Phanny Man

(TGale)

5-7-4

12-1

2 Sams Fortune

(JMarohnJr)

4-7-6

8-1

3 Kc Sunshine

(MZuccarello)

3-1-5

4-1

5 Needles and Pins

(MMerton)

8-1-7

3-1

6 Tross The Way

(RVinci)

8-4-5

10-1

THIRD: mile; pace; $2700; cond

6 Dougs Boy

(ASchwartz)

1-3-1

3-1

4 Best of Times

(MForte)

7-6-1

5-1

2 Mr Express

(JMarohnJr)

3-1-5

5-2

1 Gateway Jet

(MMerton)

6-2-3

7-2

3 Hi Hopes Cruiser

(TGale)

8-4-3

10-1

5 Simple Lease

(JTaggartJr)

7-6-3

8-1

7 AllamericanMster

(WPrkrJr)

7-5-5

9-2

FOURTH: mile; trot; $2700; cond

6 Bet I Win It

(KDevaux)

5-1-4

5-2

4 The Bean

(WParkerJr)

5-6-8

7-2

1 Halls A Sizzlin

(MForte)

7-7-3

9-2

2 TlbtcreekExcel

(GMessnger)

x-x-x

8-1

3 Stay All Day

(RPetitto)

6-6-7

3-1

5 Potomac Hall

(MMiller)

7-6-5

12-1

7 Edom Up Blue Boy

(RVinci)

6-1-4

4-1

8 Sari Sue

(JTaggartJr)

3-8-4

10-1

FIFTH: mile; pace; $2800; cond

6 Sinspirational

(JMarohnJr)

2-7-5

5-2

4 Straightistheway

(KDevaux)

2-3-4

3-1

2 Bitter Sweet

(GMerton)

3-5-6

4-1

1 Bigtownenhowie

(RHarp)

6-3-3

8-1

3 SouthernFriedchic

(JTggrtJr)

2-3-2

7-2

5 Dimitry

(JClouser)

5-4-5

5-1

7 Windmill Fella

(KSwitzerJr)

8-6-3

10-1

8 Actor Hall

(TGale)

5-8-5

12-1

SIXTH: mile; trot; $2700; cond

1 Dear Prudence

(RKrikorian)

4-1-2

5-2

2 High Star

(RWilliams)

8-x-x

3-1

6 ExcellentVcation

(WPrkerJr)

4-4-5

8-1

3 Mighty Arm

(TGale)

2-6-5

7-2

4 Frisky Flight

(MMiller)

4-7-3

10-1

5 SecretEnergy

(CWashington)

2-3-3

4-1

7 EastCreekNicolle

(JTaggrtJr)

x-x-x

9-2

8 Strong Arm

(MForte)

5-8-10

12-1

SEVENTH: mile; pace; $2000; cond

1 Tree Light

(MMerton)

7-3-2

5-2

3 Big Reuben

(JMarohnJr)

6-3-3

3-1

4 Safe Sex

(MForte)

5-7-5

4-1

2 Helioscope

(FMacedonio)

8-6-7

12-1

5 WonTheBattle

(CWashingtn)

8-8-7

10-1

6 Mr Manhattan

(JOney)

7-3-7

9-2

7 Huntoon

(TGale)

8-8-2

7-2

8 Super Killean

(DdMiller)

6-7-7

8-1

EIGHTH: mile; trot; $3400; cond

3 Sweeties Girl

(MMerton)

4-8-7

5-2

4 Metropolitan Chip

(RVinci)

3-10-5

7-2

2 Reconnected

(SGastelu)

7-6-3

3-1

1 OrderByCorleone

(TDonnlly)

4-5-3

5-1

5 QuantumBushman

(JMrhnJr)

5-6-7

6-1

6 Majestic Jo

(MForte)

3-8-9

9-2

7 Skit Er Done

(WParkerJr)

8-8-3

10-1

8 Borincana

(JTaggartJr)

4-1-2

12-1

NINTH: mile; trot; $2000; cond

2 Our Special Girl

(WParkerJr)

5-4-7

4-1

3 Billboard King

(RKrikorian)

1-5-8

5-2

7 Marquee T

(TGale)

8-5-2

7-2

1 Zann Fancisco Bay

(MMiller)

8-7-8

10-1

4 Bonair

(JJuckas)

6-5-4

12-1

5 Hunting Lodge

(MForte)

8-8-7

8-1

6 Leaves and Twigs

(JClouser)

4-5-4

9-2

8 Stormont Wales

(GMerton)

8-6-3

3-1

TENTH: mile; pace; $3400; cond

2 Quiet Hero

(WParkerJr)

1-2-6

3-1

4 Lucky Turn

(MKimelman)

6-8-5

5-2

5 Myyankeegirl

(MForte)

1-7-2

6-1

1 Bettor Next Time

(MMerton)

7-5-5

4-1

3 Western Dog

(KSwitzerJr)

6-4-8

10-1

6 My Mellow Amrican

(RHarp)

4-5-1

7-2

7 Little Carmen

(GMerton)

6-6-3

9-2

8 PrincessofDreams

(JTggrtJr)

6-7-8

12-1

ELEVENTH: mile; pace; $4100; cond

2 Are You Nuts

(GMerton)

3-3-1

5-2

6 MtVernonHanover

(MMertn)

2-2-1

7-2

1 Big Game

(KSwitzerJr)

7-1-6

5-1

3 G W Mclintock

(AButtitta)

4-3-2

9-2

4 GlasscuttersAtm

(JTaggrtJr)

5-7-5

3-1

5 Garcenier

(CStratton)

4-2-2

10-1

7 Indys Z Tam

(DdMiller)

5-5-3

12-1

8 Shady Idea

(TGale)

1-5-4

8-1

mile, pace, pace, El Hombre Dan

Nypost.com

Senators seek 'somebody' to score vs. Rangers

KANATA, Ont. — Senators’ coach Paul MacLean knows success in the playoffs takes individual players raising their game, but when scanning his team for a possible hero, he points the finger directly at a group.

“We need somebody, and I think it’s our power play to step up and get us some goals,” MacLean said Tuesday at Scotiabank Place as he prepared his team for Wednesday night’s Game 4 of its opening-round playoff series against the Rangers. “It’s been a big part of us winning games in the regular season and we need to get it to produce something more.”

MacLean’s team is down 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, and with the shift back to Madison Square Garden for Saturday’s Game 5, he knows evening the ledger is paramount if they want a chance to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Yet the Rangers’ relentless penalty killing has made it tough for his man-advantage, ranked 11th in the NHL during the regular season, to gain any momentum. It is 1-for-10 in the series.

“The Rangers are checking pretty close,” MacLean said, also noting his team has just five goals in three games. “I think we need to handle the pressure, first of all. Right now, we’re a little bit panicky with it.”

The failure of the Senators’ power play also has led to their top scorers not producing in the quantity they’re used to. Between the three players on their top line — Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek and Colin Greening — they have a combined two assists.

“Special teams is huge in the playoffs,” Ryan Callahan said. “I think our PK has stood in there tall and come up big against a really good power play.”

***

When the Rangers’ lines had to be shuffled in Game 3 because of Carl Hagelin’s three-game suspension, Callahan was reunited with the two teammates he played the majority of last season next to, Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov.

“It’s like muscle memory, we played together so long,” Callahan said. “We complement each other in the style of game we playIt’s not anything different. So it’s pretty [easy] to get back with them.”

Dubinsky also said the game he and Callahan play is predicated on getting the puck deep.

“We have to have the puck below the hash and we need all the lines to contribute,” he said.

***

Senators’ captain Daniel Alfredsson did not participate in the morning skate and is likely to miss his second consecutive game after suffering a concussion on a hit from Hagelin in Game 2.

Alfredsson did skate before Monday’s 1-0 Rangers’ win in Game 3, but MacLean said between the morning and game time he encountered “a setback.”

“We’re not replacing Daniel Alfredsson. We don’t have that player,” MacLean said. “But everybody that’s in the lineup can step up and make a difference.”

bcyrgalis@nypost.com

Rangers, Ryan Callahan, Paul MacLean, MacLean, Daniel Alfredsson, power play, Carl Hagelin, Milan Michalek, Jason Spezza

Nypost.com

Lopez, Tottenville start big stretch with win over rival Madison

Cheryl Lopez and Tottenville survived a shaky start to the game to gain a strong beginning to a big week.

The Pirates ace struggled with her control in the opening inning, gave up a hit to Victoria Slavik and walked Samantha Rodriguez with two outs. A double steal put runners on second and third. Lopez was able to wiggle out of trouble by getting Jennie Hosty to pop to right.

“I was struggling in the beginning with the mound, but I started to get into it and found a groove,” Lopez said.

Over the next six innings she allowed just one hit, a walk and finished with 12 strikeouts while retiring the final 11 batters she faced in an eventual 3-0 win over rival James Madison in a PSAL Class A softball crossover game Monday in Huguenot.

William Thomas

Tottenville's Cheryl Lopez struck out 12 against Madison.

Photos: Tottenville-James Madison

William Thomas

Tottenville picked up a big win over rival Madison Monday.

Photos: Tottenville-James Madison

“It’s definitely a confidence boost,” Lopez said.

The game was a rematch of the last three PSAL city finals, with Tottenville winning twice. The Pirates won 1-0 in 10 innings last year. Lopez got stronger as the game went on Monday and has now allowed just two runs in 24 innings of work against Madison, including 17 straight shutout frames.

“This is a big game for us,” Tottenville coach Cathy Morano said. “This was kind of a statement game. She did what she had to do.”

Madison ace Cheyenne Tatesure, who kept the ball down, was equal to the task for five innings as Tottenville (6-0), ranked No. 1 in the city by The Post, struggled to time her and had just four base runners. The Pirates finally broke through in the fourth against No. 9 Madison (6-1). Lopez delivered a leadoff single and pinch runner Genevieve Buccigrossi went to second on a wild pitch. Buccigrossi reached third when Jillian Regan grounded to short for the second out. Freshman Nylah Ramirez got a pitch up and drove it to the gap in left center for an RBI single.

“I was waiting for that pitch the whole game,” said Ramirez, who had two hits. “I hopped on top of it and knew that I had to get that RBI in.”

Tottenville hit Tatesure hard in the bottom of the sixth. Three straight line-drive hits, including a two-out, two-run double by Jillian Giuffre extended the lead to 3-0. Tatesure allowed six hits and struck out four. First-year Madison coach Brian Friedman harkened back to the first inning, saying a hit would have opened things up in their favor and raised his team’s confidence level.

“They are an extremely good team, the best team we’ve seen so far,” he said. “But I don’t want any of my girls to leave here thinking that they are better than us. … I think we have a very good chance of beating them anytime we step on the field."

The Pirates will get a chance to continue to prove how good they are following a win to start a season defining stretch. They face Island foe McKee/Staten Island Tech on Thursday, PSAL contender Construction on Friday and rival Susan Wagner on Monday.

“It’s big, considering the next teams we are playing are big teams,” Lopez said. “It’s good to get a win off them considering they are our main competitors. It’s good for the team’s energy.”

jstaszewski@nypost.com

James Madison, Tottenville, Cheryl Lopez, The Pirates, PSAL, PSAL, Victoria Slavik, Samantha Rodriguez, Madison ace Cheyenne Tatesure, Jennie Hosty

Nypost.com

mercredi 18 avril 2012

Johan demolished by Braves in loss

ATLANTA — Johan Santana departed the mound with his left shoulder intact and footprints on his back.

In a return to the scene of his worst career moment — Santana was pitching here on Sept. 2, 2010 when he tore the anterior capsule in his left shoulder — the Mets ace last night was tomahawk-chopped to a pulp.

“I felt fine [physically],” Santana said after his shortest career start of 1 1/3 innings helped sink the Mets in a 9-3 loss to the Braves at Turner Field. “It was a rough one. They made me throw a lot of pitches and even though I felt good, that’s one of those days things didn’t work out the way I wanted.

THIS STINKS! Johan Santana, who allowed four hits and six runs (four earned) over 1¹/3 innings, walks back to the mound in the second inning of the Mets’ 9-3 loss to the Braves last night.

AP

THIS STINKS! Johan Santana, who allowed four hits and six runs (four earned) over 1¹/3 innings, walks back to the mound in the second inning of the Mets’ 9-3 loss to the Braves last night.

BOX SCORE

“I didn’t even sweat. It’s just one of those things that is going to happen sometimes. It’s part of the game. I can’t wait to go back again and do my job.”

Santana’s final line included six runs allowed, four earned, on four hits and one walk. He left after 55 pitches, following Jason Heyward’s RBI single in the second that gave the Braves a 6-0 lead.

Santana (0-2) had allowed only one earned run in his previous 10 innings, spanning two starts. He survived a first inning in which the Braves scored an unearned run after Jason Bay turned Michael Bourn’s drive to left field into a two-base error, but then folded in the second.

Freddie Freeman doubled in a run and Tyler Pastronicky stroked a two-run double that made it 4-0 before Ike Davis, in an attempt to nail the lead runner at third, threw away Randall Delgado’s sacrifice bunt for another run. Heyward’s RBI single ended Santana’s night.

“It’s tough when you prepare like we did, and you’ve got to wait five days,” catcher Josh Thole said. “It’s a bit disheartening to see that, and especially that guy.”

Santana’s previous shortest career outing was three innings, on three different occasions — last occurring on June 14, 2009 against the Yankees in The Bronx.

Santana admitted he had bad flashbacks leading into last night’s start, considering he was back where he sustained the career-threatening shoulder injury that caused him to miss last season.

“When I went to the bullpen I pictured the whole thing,” Santana said. “Even when I walked to the mound in the first inning, I pictured — I looked at the rubber and was like, ‘OK.’ But I put it away. I just got another short outing here ... again.”

Mets starting pitchers entered with a 2.26 ERA, which ranked second in the major leagues behind the Nationals, and Santana was a big part of that equation with two strong starts before last night, including the no-decision he took against the Braves on Opening Day at Citi Field after pitching five shutout innings.

The schedule early has allowed manager Terry Collins to give Santana an extra day off between starts, but that will soon change. Santana will again pitch on five days’ rest when the Mets face the Giants on Monday, but then would make his first start on four days’ rest, a week from Saturday at Colorado.

In spring training Collins had mentioned the possibility of inserting another arm into the rotation if the Mets wanted to continue giving Santana extra rest, but yesterday the manager said he probably won’t go that route.

Collins said he isn’t concerned on Santana based on last night.

“Nobody goes through the whole year without having a rough outing some time,” Collins said. “He will bounce back from it.”

mpuma@nypost.com

Johan Santana, Santana, the Mets, the Mets, Mets, the Braves

Nypost.com

Knicks' 3 party silences Celtics

Boston’s attempt to clinch the Atlantic Division crown in the Knicks’ house Tuesday night came crashing down under a hail of 3-pointers and a rare offensive explosion by Mike Woodson’s Knicks.

A triple tag-team of Carmelo Anthony and reserves J.R. Smith and Steve Novak buried the Celtics in a rollicking, 118-110 victory at the giddy Garden, keeping the Knicks’ slim division title hopes alive for at least another couple of days.

Anthony posted his second career triple-double, with 35 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, many of them occurring on Novak and Smith bombs. Anthony’s only other triple-double came with Denver in 2007.

Anthony J. Causi

Carmelo Anthony

35 points,

12 rebounds,

Smith and Novak each had 25 points off the bench and the trio led the Knicks to a wild, season-high 72-point first half. Center Tyson Chandler also contributed 20 points, dominating inside with nine of 10 buckets.

”I had nine and nine before,’’ Anthony said. “I’ve been missing it throughout my whole career. But tonight, coming into a game like this, it wasn’t me. It was Novak and J.R. making those shots. They wouldn’t have made the shots, I wouldn’t have had the triple-double.’’

Novak finished 8-of-10 from 3-point land, including back-to-back triples that knocked the Celtics out for good in the final three minutes. Smith was 7 of 10 from beyond the arc and scored 21 first-half points. The Knicks bagged 19 triples on the night — one off their franchise record — in a dizzying display reminiscent of the Mike D’Antoni era.

“He is the best 3-point shooter in our league,’’ Smith said of Novak. “It is not even close. People are starting to catch on to it, but not fast enough. To be honest, when I get the ball, he’s the first person I’m trying to find.’’

The victory pulled the Knicks within three games of the Celtics in the loss column of the Atlantic Division standings with five games remaining. The Knicks will have to win out to get there, but they mathematically stayed alive. For now, the Knicks (32-29) are in seventh place and would line up against the Heat in the opening round of the playoffs.

Smith said he and Novak battle in 3-point shooting contests during practice.

“It’s fun and he does actually win,’’ Smith said. “Even today, I was 7-of- 10. He was 8-of-10. He won again.’’

As the 3-point bombs fell in the first half, with the Knicks making 14 of 21 and building a 72-53 lead, the Garden was at its loudest all season.

“The fans really get into it,’’ Smith said. “You can feel the roar. It is a great feeling. When you are playing at home, it is great, period, when you play here at the Garden. It is indescribable.’’

Next >

1

2

Steve Novak, Carmelo Anthony, Knicks, Celtics ebook download, J.R. Smith, Smith, Center Tyson Chandler

Nypost.com

mardi 17 avril 2012

Debbie Little at Monticello

Best Bet: Strength’s Victory (8th)

FIRST: mile; trot; $3400; cond

4 Big Z Fortune

(JTaggartJr)

6-1-2

5-2

6 Contract Hit

(WParkerJr)

1-4-3

3-1

1 Beach Vacation

(MMerton)

1-6-5

5-1

2 Fair Lady J

(KDIBenedetto)

4-3-3

4-1

3 Auro Hanover

(TGale)

7-1-6

10-1

5 Tonto Goldberg

(RKrikorian)

1-5-6

12-1

7 Indian Hill Laser

(KDevaux)

5-4-2

7-2

SECOND: mile; pace; $4000; cl($2300)

1 Edies Desire

(JDevaux)

7-8-1

5-2

7 Space Chalet

(ASchwartz)

1-5-4

3-1

2 BlueridgeMagdlen

(JTggrtJr)

2-2-6

7-2

3 Please Sweetie

(JMarohn)

4-8-5

4-1

4 TheOtherSide

(KDIBenedett)

5-4-2

10-1

5 Olady Be Good

(MMerton)

4-2-2

9-2

6 G G Delight

(TGale)

3-7-1

6-1

8 Cutting In Line

(CStratton)

8-2-1

12-1

THIRD: mile; pace; $2000; cond

7 Trance N

(JTaggartJr)

7-8-2

5-2

3 Squeakmunn

(CPoynton)

3-2-5

4-1

4 B Major

(MForte)

6-6-4

9-2

1 Mare Supply

(WParkerJr)

5-5-2

3-1

2 St Lads Juicyfruit

(JOney)

8-6-7

8-1

5 Kyrah Can

(RVinci)

5-7-1

7-2

6 Lightning Madison

(TFinch)

8-7-6

12-1

8 Livinwell Hanover

(JDevaux)

7-5-7

10-1

FOURTH: mile; trot; $2700; cond

4 Cimmaron Hall

(RHarp)

2-3-2

5-2

6 S A Poster Boy

(KSwitzerJr)

7-2-1

3-1

2 Wonderful Race

(WParkerJr)

8-1-4

4-1

1 Millbrook Millie

(GMerton)

5-6-8

5-1

3 Highmaker

(MForte)

7-2-5

9-2

5 Thergosmyvacation

(RPetitt)

4-2-3

10-1

7 Kash Now

(CMcCracken)

5-3-4

8-1

8 Campotosto

(JTaggartJr)

7-6-8

12-1

FIFTH: mile; pace; $4000; cl($2300)

2 PembrokeBoogie

(ASchwrtz)

1-1-5

3-1

1 Classy Ivory

(WParkerJr)

1-5-4

5-2

3 Whiskey Gal

(KSwitzerJr)

3-1-1

7-2

4 Isnt She Lovely

(CStratton)

6-2-7

4-1

5 Early Morning

(MMerton)

2-3-1

9-2

6 Model Magnate

(MForte)

1-5-3

12-1

7 Bet On Lindy

(JTaggartJr)

5-2-3

8-1

8 Pinepitch Cam

(JDevaux)

7-3-2

10-1

SIXTH: mile; pace; $2000; cond

3 Late Bloomer

(JMarohn)

5-3-7

5-2

4 Kz Bezz

(MMerton)

2-4-4

3-1

1 Velvety Smooth

(RHarp)

4-6-5

4-1

2 Fly Italia

(JOney)

6-4-5

10-1

5 Stormin Jordan

(JDevaux)

6-6-5

7-2

6 Mary Lou

(WParkerJr)

4-8-3

6-1

7 Moonlit Tori

(KSwitzerJr)

2-6-2

9-2

8 Roll The Di

(JTaggartJr)

6-6-4

12-1

SEVENTH: mile; pace; $2700; cond

1 Metro Blast

(MMerton)

2-4-7

5-2

3 Allikait Fighter

(TGale)

1-2-2

3-1

5 Jim Jam Gigolett

(MForte)

4-5-6

4-1

2 Romi Mystic

(JDevaux)

3-3-1

9-2

4 LadyOnTheAttck

(KSwtzerJr)

4-1-1

7-2

6 WesternSeduction

(JTggrtJr)

5-8-5

10-1

7 Jessalilmixup

(WParkerJr)

3-7-3

8-1

EIGHTH: mile; trot; $3400; cond

1 StrengthsVictory

(WPrkerJr)

2-2-1

5-2

4 Winfinity

(RHarp)

3-2-1

3-1

7 Strongbow

(JTaggartJr)

2-4-2

8-1

2 Gotta Luv It

(GMerton)

1-6-5

7-2

3 Absolutely Certain

(MForte)

7-3-2

9-2

5 Only On Broadway

(JDevaux)

6-3-4

5-1

6 CrestwdKtchMe

(CMcCrcken

3-2-3

10-1

NINTH: mile; pace; $2000; cond

1 Ashley Cruiser

(WParkerJr)

2-5-3

5-2

5 Kewlgurl

(JDevaux)

7-6-8

3-1

8 Docs Whisky

(ASchwartz)

1-6-8

7-2

2 Torrid Pace

(TGale)

6-1-3

4-1

3 Idealized Print

(JOney)

7-6-5

10-1

4 True Gritty

(RVinci)

8-6-6

9-2

6 We Shall See N

(MForte)

7-3-2

6-1

7 Luvtochngthewrld

(JTggrtJr)

8-7-6

12-1

TENTH: mile; pace; $2700; cond

6 Sixth Sense

(KSwitzerJr)

1-3-5

5-2

5 Mcdonna

(WParkerJr)

5-1-5

7-2

8 May Night

(TGale)

1-1-6

9-2

1 Yes We Did

(JTaggartJr)

8-6-3

3-1

2 Jennys Tune

(MForte)

7-6-5

6-1

3 Chesca Girl

(JDevaux)

7-2-5

4-1

4 AdmirlsChnce

(KDIBenedett)

3-7-4

10-1

7 Aunt Faith

(MMerton)

3-2-2

12-1

ELEVENTH: mile; pace; $2700; cond

1 Community Spirit

(JDevaux)

8-2-1

5-2

5 Dixie Allstar

(MMerton)

2-4-3

3-1

3 Pascals Wager

(KSwitzerJr)

5-1-3

7-2

2 You Cant Fool Me

(GMerton)

7-3-6

9-2

4 Winsmith Molly

(JTaggartJr)

7-4-1

10-1

6 Im All Sporty

(WParkerJr)

2-6-6

6-1

7 Cardine Hanover

(MForte)

3-6-2

4-1

8 Issie Blue By You

(TGale)

6-6-5

12-1

TWELFTH: mile; pace; $3400; cond

3 Jetta Baran

(GMerton)

1-1-9

3-1

4 Pembroke Lil

(WParkerJr)

1-4-1

5-2

5 Shania Twain

(JDevaux)

4-2-2

7-2

1 Jordans Jewell

(JPrimeau)

6-1-8

5-1

2 TheFillyPrincess

(KSwitzrJr)

4-3-5

9-2

6 Golden Opt

(MForte)

5-4-5

8-1

7 BlindSpotHanover

(CStrattn)

5-1-6

12-1

8 Notimefordrmng

(JTggrtJr)

6-3-5

10-1

Auro Hanover online, mile, Tonto Goldberg

Nypost.com

samedi 14 avril 2012

Bruins clip Caps

Chris Kelly scored on a long slap shot 1:18 into overtime and the defending Stanley Cup champion Bruins beat the Capitals 1-0 in Boston last night in the opener of their first-round playoff series.

Braden Holtby made 29 saves for the Capitals.

Tim Thomas stopped all 17 shots he faced for Boston.

The game was physical and scoreless until Thomas turned back a Washington attack early in the extra period. Brian Rolston dropped it for Benoit Pouliot to clear the zone and he pushed it up to Kelly, who slapped it over Holtby’s glove for the game-winner.

The reigning Vezina and Conn Smythe Trophy-winner, Thomas had an easy game for much of the night, including a middle period in which Washington managed just two shots on goal.

STOPPED COLD: Tim Thomas makes a save during the Bruins’ 1-0 overtime win over the Capitals last night in Boston.

Getty Images

STOPPED COLD: Tim Thomas makes a save during the Bruins’ 1-0 overtime win over the Capitals last night in Boston.

Blues 3, Sharks 2 ( 2 OT)

In St. Louis, Martin Havlat scored his second goal of the game 3:34 into the second overtime as San Jose beat the Blues in Game 1 of their playoff series.

Andrew Desjardins tied it for San Jose with 5:16 in regulation, banging in a one-timer from the slot from Tommy Wingels, and Dan Boyle had two assists. Antti Niemmi made 40 saves.

Coyotes 3, B’hawks 2 (OT)

Martin Hanzal scored 9:29 into overtime as Phoenix won Game 1 of their playoff series.

Despite losing leading goal scorer Radim Vrbata to an injury early, Phoenix had a 2-1 lead after Taylor Pyatt and Antoine Vermette scored in the second period. Jonathan Toews scored for Chicago in his first game back from a concussion.

Capitals, Stanley Cup champion Bruins, Thomas, Tim Thomas, Benoit Pouliot, Martin Havlat, Conn Smythe Trophy-winner, Brian Rolston, Chris Kelly, overtime, Boston, Martin Hanzal, Tommy Wingels, Washington, Antoine Vermette

Nypost.com

vendredi 13 avril 2012

A-Rod, Pujols have big deals but small numbers in 2012

The best hitter in baseball will be at a corner infield position today when the Yankees celebrate a home opener in The Bronx.

How they do will depend heavily on how the man who used to wear that crown performs.

Usually, all it takes to get the tri-state area baseball fans stoked is the first game of the year at Yankee Stadium that often feels like a holiday.

Today, we get an extra shot with another olive when Albert Pujols pours his powerful body into an Angels road uniform to face the Yankees in the first of three games between teams expected to make it to the postseason.

Trevor Collens

Alex Rodriguez

AP

Albert Pujols

As hard as it is to ignore a talent such as Pujols, all eyes in the Stadium will be on Alex Rodriguez, who used to be the most feared right-handed hitter in the game and once a lock to take Barry Bonds’ all-time home run record, if not slug 800 homers.

Of course, Pujols doesn’t pitch to Rodriguez and Rodriguez doesn’t pitch to Pujols. But it is hard to dismiss the presence of the sluggers in the same room. Pujols, 32, signed a 10-year, $240 million deal last December; Rodriguez is in the fifth year of the most expensive contract in baseball (10 years; $275 million) and makes $29 million plus a $1 million bonus this season.

Naturally, Yankees fans care far more about what Rodriguez does because the love-hate relationship they have with the third baseman and cleanup hitter never stops.

With Rodriguez off to a slow start in the first six games, self-loathing fans already are anxious the 36-year-old is well into the back nine of a brilliant and controversial career. In six games Rodriguez is batting .174 (4-for-23) and looking for his first homer and RBI.

While scouts are not ready to count Rodriguez out, they did see some eyebrow-raising traits in the Yankees’ three-game sweep of the Orioles in Baltimore, in which Rodriguez’s biggest contribution was moving Robinson Cano from second to third with no outs in the 12th inning Tuesday with a ground ball to the right side. Cano scored the eventual winning run on Raul Ibanez’s double.

That is a winning play by Rodriguez, but so much more is expected from somebody with 629 homers and the money the Yankees pay him.

“He was getting tied up inside a lot,’’ a scout said of Rodriguez, who went 1-for-13 and hitless in five at-bats with runners in scoring position against the O’s. “Hitting-wise it didn’t look like he was using his hips real well.’’

Another scout didn’t see the explosiveness in Rodriguez’s swing.

“His bat didn’t look all that quick by any means. I know the last two nights were brutal [cold] to play in but it looked like he was cheating a little bit,’’ the scout said. “There is no coverage away, and he used to drive the ball that way.’’

Rodriguez did hit a ball Tuesday night that a strong wind kept in the park and forced it to die on the warning track in right-center. But in the same game, Rodriguez had a 2-0 count with Derek Jeter on second with the score tied, 4-4, in the ninth and fouled out to first with an anemic swing.

It’s not like Pujols is killing it, either. In six games he is hitting .217 (5-for-23) without a homer and two RBIs. His .612 OPS was six points higher than Rodriguez’ (.606).

Rodriguez needs one homer to tie former Seattle teammate Ken Griffey, Jr. for fifth place on the all-time list with 630.

So among all the pageantry that a Yankees home opener delivers, the bonus is Pujols and Rodriguez in the same building.

Bet which one the house will be looking at closer?

george.king@nypost.com

Alex Rodriguez, Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, the Yankees, the Yankees

Nypost.com

Rangers use big 2nd period to top Senators in Game 1

Marian Gaborik and Brian Boyle scored minutes apart in the second period to break open a tight game, and the top-seeded Rangers opened their first-round Eastern Conference series with a 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.

The Rangers, the No. 1 seed in the East for the first time since they won the Stanley Cup in 1994, shook off their 1-2-1 regular-season mark against the Senators and easily dispatched them in Game 1.

Ryan Callahan scored in the first period, Gaborik and Boyle pushed the lead to 3-0, and Brad Richards added a goal in the third for the Rangers. New York will host the No. 8 Senators again on Saturday night before the best-of-seven series shifts to Ottawa for Games 3 and 4.

Anthony J. Causi

Ryan Callahan roars after he scores a goal during the first period.

Henrik Lundqvist was sharp early, stopping Jason Spezza on a partial breakaway and then turning aside Jim O'Brien, who weaved his way through the New York defense before getting off an in-close drive that was knocked away.

Lundqvist's only blemishes came in the third period. Daniel Alfredsson wrecked his shutout bid at 10:05, and Erik Condra made it 4-2 with 2:19 left. Lundqvist finished with 30 saves.

Craig Anderson stopped 27 shots, but it wasn't enough for him to maintain his perfect mark at Madison Square Garden.

The Senators dominated play throughout the second period, but a couple of late lapses turned a tight game into a virtual runaway.

Ottawa kept up constant pressure in the New York end. It just didn't produce any results. The Senators hemmed in the Rangers several times and forced a handful of icing calls. It got so bad in the middle of the second that New York coach John Tortorella was forced to use his lone timeout just to give his guys a breather after back-to-back icings.

Even with three straight power plays that spanned the first and second periods, the Senators were frustrated by either Lundqvist or players in front of him who dived to block shots from ever getting through.

After the Rangers killed a questionable tripping call against defenseman Ryan McDonagh, while they nursed a 1-0 lead, Gaborik gave his club a bit of insurance.

The Rangers' leading scorer got the puck along the right wing boards, after the Senators turned it over in their own end, and drove toward the net. He stopped short in front of Anderson, shifted the puck to either side of his stick while looking for an opening, and then slid a shot into the net to make it 2-0 with 3:36 left in the second.

Gaborik, who scored 41 goals in the regular season, had another in-close chance earlier in the period, but elected to pass instead of shoot. He did it all himself this time in netting the unassisted goal.

The Rangers spent much of the two off days before the series opener working on their anemic power play. It didn't click late in the second, while Filip Kuba served a hooking call, but New York connected 13 seconds after the defenseman left the box.

Pressure continued to mount in the Ottawa end after the power play expired, and Artem Anisimov lunged to nudge a bouncing rebound in the slot back to Boyle in the right circle. He got just enough of it to set up Boyle, who snapped in a shot with just 53.8 seconds left in the second — 2:42 after Gaborik's goal — to push the lead to 3-0.

The Senators were outshot 12-11 in the second, but it seemed much more one-sided in Ottawa's favor until the Rangers' late strikes.

Callahan was itching to play in the postseason after being forced to miss New York's first-round loss to Washington last year because of a broken ankle. He made his presence felt throughout the spirited first period.

Callahan netted the first goal of the series when he got to a rebound of Anisimov's shot from the right point at the bottom edge of the right circle and whipped the puck around Kuba along the ice and between Anderson's pads with 7:59 left in the first.

The Rangers captain also stepped up at center ice and thwarted a Senators rush when he laid a crushing hit on Ottawa forward Jesse Winchester and sent him flying to the ice with just over two minutes left in the first. Chants of "Call-ie, Call-ie" echoed through the towel-waving crowd at Madison Square Garden, that hosted Game 1 of a playoff series for the first time since the first round in 1996 against Montreal.

NOTES: Boyle, who had 11 goals in the regular season, scored five of them in the final nine games. ... The Rangers outshot Ottawa 8-2 in the second period after the timeout with 10:02 remaining. ... Lundqvist, who has never advanced past the second round, is 16-20 in 36 postseason games. ... Anderson had been 6-0 with a 1.13 goals-against average and two shutouts in his previous Madison Square Garden starts.

-AP

Rangers, New York, New York, Marian Gaborik, Ottawa Senators, Senators, Ottawa, Ottawa, New York, Madison Square Garden, Lundqvist

Nypost.com

jeudi 12 avril 2012

Private baseball roundup: Riverdale knocks off Dalton in eight innings

Cole Dreyfuss had four hits, two triples and four RBIs and Armando Perez had two hits, scored twice and drove in a run as Riverdale topped Dalton, 14-9, in eight innings in Ivy Prep League baseball Wednesday afternoon.

Shane Gaer added two hits and scored twice, Stephen Brand drove in the game-winning run and Charlie Thau struck out four in two innings of relief for the win for the Falcons (2-2, 1-1), who rebounded nicely from Monday’s loss to Berkeley Carroll. Riverdale visits Horace Mann on Friday.

Isaac Shapiro had two RBIs and Cal Barnett had two hits and three stolen bases for Dalton (2-1, 1-1), which takes on Collegiate Friday at 7 p.m. at Staten Island Yankee Stadium.

Poly Prep 11, Collegiate 0: Matt Coposio, Rob Calabrese and Christian Pellegrino each had two hits and two RBIs, Andrew Doar added two hits and two runs scored, Morgan Grey went three innings for the win and Andrew Zapata also delivered two shutout innings for Poly Prep (3-1, 2-0). The Blue Devils visit Fieldston Friday at 4 p.m. while Collegiate (0-2) visits Berkeley Carroll Thursday at 4 p.m. at Floyd Bennett Field.

Fieldston 7, Trinity 3: Will Savage had two hits and scored three runs, Matt Nunez followed with two hits and two RBIs and John Minzi went the distance on the mound, allowed two hits, struck out two and walked four for Fieldston (2-0), which hosts Poly Prep Friday at 4 p.m. Trinity is 0-3 overall, 0-2 in league and takes on Hackley Friday at 4:30 p.m. on Randall’s Island.

Horace Mann 7, Hackley 5: Harrison Bader homered, Jesse Roth had two RBIs, Brad McCandless doubled twice and had three hits, Elias Wacht had two hits, Danny Baudoin threw five innings of four-run ball and Cameron Brown worked 1-2/3 innings for his first varsity victory for Horace Mann (3-1, 2-1), which hosts rival Riverdale Friday at 4 p.m.

NON-LEAGUE

Packer Collegiate 20, Trevor Day School 5: Nick Morton had two hits, two RBIs and scored three runs, Mikey Savino and Henry Butler each had two hits and three RBIs, Michael Waken scored twice and Butler went three innings for the win for Packer, which exploded for 11 runs in the second inning. The Pelicans (4-1) face Cathedral Prep Friday at 4:15 p.m. in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

zbraziller@nypost.com

Horace Mann, Horace Mann, Ivy Prep League baseball, Riverdale, Riverdale, Berkeley Carroll, Poly Prep, Armando Perez ebook download, Staten Island Yankee, Matt Coposio, Andrew Zapata, Fieldston, Christian Pellegrino, Andrew Doar, Collegiate, Dalton, shutout innings, Matt Nunez, Danny Baudoin, Charlie Thau, John Minzi, Blue Devils, Rob Calabrese, Stephen Brand

Nypost.com

NY appeals court freed ex-Goldman programmer because law used to convict was misinterpreted

A New York federal appeals court says it freed a former Goldman Sachs computer programmer from prison because a law used to convict and imprison him was misinterpreted.

At least one member of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel said Wednesday that Congress should revisit the law.

That judge says the law is ambiguous and required that Sergey Aleynikov be freed. But he added that he hopes Congress rewrites the law and clarifies what it meant to say was criminal.

The resident of North Caldwell, N.J., was freed in February, shortly after lawyers argued the case.

He was serving a sentence of more than eight years after a jury convicted him in December 2010 of stealing trade secrets.

Goldman Sachs, 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel, Sergey Aleynikov, Congress, federal appeals court

Nypost.com

mardi 10 avril 2012

NYPost.com Poll: Who is the city's best baseball pitcher?

What makes an ace? Is it overpowering stuff, pinpoint control or the ability to keep a lineup off balance? Is it a combination of all of that?

New York City has had an influx of talent recently and it starts on the pitcher’s mound. Poly Prep’s Andrew Zapata has high Division I looks, Tottenville’s Mike Sullivan and Xaverian’s Blaise Scerbo are being sought after by Big East programs and Nick DiLeo is heading to one: St. John’s.

So who is the best? Is it one of the above or something else altogether? We’ll let you decide. Vote early and often below until 11:59 p.m. Monday.

Who is the city's best baseball pitcher?online surveys

Andrew Zapata, Blaise Scerbo, Mike Sullivan, Nick DiLeo, York City, influx, Big East, Poly Prep

Nypost.com

lundi 9 avril 2012

Judge issues gag order in Sandusky child molestation case

BELLEFONTE, Pa. -- The judge in the Jerry Sandusky child molestation case issued a gag order Monday covering prosecutors and the former Penn State football coach's defense attorneys.

Judge John Cleland wrote in the order that both sides are now barred from publicly voicing any opinions about the defendant's guilt or innocence or speaking to the media about the evidence in the case.

Sandusky, 68, is accused of sexually assaulting 10 boys over a 15-year period and is scheduled to go on trial June 5. The former Penn State defensive coordinator has pleaded not guilty and is under house arrest.

In his order, Cleland cited "the unprecedented publicity generated by the case" and restricted both sides from making statements about "the reputation, character, credibility or criminal record of the Defendant or any witness" who is expected to testify at trial.

The order comes after a hearing last Thursday in which defense attorney Joe Amendola withdrew his motion for the charges to be dismissed.

The reversal by Amendola prompted an angry response from senior deputy attorney general Joseph McGettigan III, who derided the hearing as "pointless" and accused Amendola of deliberately trying to delay the trial.

Cleland has already pushed the trial back by three weeks after Amendola said he needed more time to prepare his defense.

John Cleland, Cleland, Penn State, Jerry Sandusky, BELLEFONTE, Pa., Joe Amendola, defense attorney

Nypost.com

Judge issues gag order in Sandusky child molestation case

BELLEFONTE, Pa. -- The judge in the Jerry Sandusky child molestation case issued a gag order Monday covering prosecutors and the former Penn State football coach's defense attorneys.

Judge John Cleland wrote in the order that both sides are now barred from publicly voicing any opinions about the defendant's guilt or innocence or speaking to the media about the evidence in the case.

Sandusky, 68, is accused of sexually assaulting 10 boys over a 15-year period and is scheduled to go on trial June 5. The former Penn State defensive coordinator has pleaded not guilty and is under house arrest.

In his order, Cleland cited "the unprecedented publicity generated by the case" and restricted both sides from making statements about "the reputation, character, credibility or criminal record of the Defendant or any witness" who is expected to testify at trial.

The order comes after a hearing last Thursday in which defense attorney Joe Amendola withdrew his motion for the charges to be dismissed.

The reversal by Amendola prompted an angry response from senior deputy attorney general Joseph McGettigan III, who derided the hearing as "pointless" and accused Amendola of deliberately trying to delay the trial.

Cleland has already pushed the trial back by three weeks after Amendola said he needed more time to prepare his defense.

John Cleland, Cleland, Penn State, Jerry Sandusky, BELLEFONTE, Pa., Joe Amendola, defense attorney

Nypost.com