[Times photo: Michael Rondou] Winner Jesus Colome combined with Victor Zambrano to allow one hit in the final four innings.

Payroll dwindles to majors' lowest
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays have reached their first goal of the season: having the lowest payroll in the majors, according to a study by the Associated Press.

Relaxed Rupe is ready
After good spring, confident right-hander is scheduled to start today against Tigers.

Hall's play sparks Rays
The catcher goes 4-for-5, including a bunt single in the seventh that gets Tampa Bay going.

John Romano
Hot start tempered by fiscal reality for LaMar
ST. PETERSBURG -- The season has just begun and already the Rays have distinguished themselves from the pack. They lead the league in frugal.

Lightning
Goaltending is no help as Tampa Bay spirals
CAPS 4, LIGHTNING 1: Nikolai Khabibulin and Deiter Kochan have given up 27 goals in seven-game span.

Right wing catches a break
WASHINGTON -- Lightning forward Gaetan Royer was glad to get his first NHL game behind him Monday against the Rangers. Maybe now his career can move forward.

Colleges
Dreams come true as Gators hire Peck
New women's basketball coach, UF talk in terms of "perfect fit."

Texas track likely to be the fastest
Junior loves speed.

UCF, FSU chasing collegiate crowns
The Central Florida men's team and Florida State women's squad are in the Sweet 16 of the Intercollegiate Bowling Championships April 17-20 in Buffalo, N.Y.

Arena football
Milanovich redeems himself
The former Bucs quarterback leads the Storm to winning points in its preseason opener.

Golf
Is Classic in driver's seat to lure Tiger?
The task now is to get Tiger Woods.

Balancing act
Wilson Golf would have you believe many of today's balls are unevenly weighted. Could this mean it is the ball's fault you're missing all those putts?

Baseball
Hard thrower has good DNA
Right-hander Seth McClung comes from a family of athletes and, after a shaky start, has moved up in the Rays system.

Outdoors
Daily fishing report
Yes, it's king mackerel season. And it's the start of tarpon season.

Preps
Team effort lifts Hurricanes to title
Citrus meets its offseason goal, edging Springstead 52-51 with two individual championships and overall team depth.

All-star setting might help Packer forget
After being upset by Clearwater in the playoffs, Largo's Billy McDade plans to enjoy tonight's game.

Barons in search of answers
As the postseason nears, St. Petersburg Catholic is eager for tough games to find out just how good it can be.

Terriers' Wood jumps out from Batman's shadow
Hillsborough senior Marlon Wood wants to be better than his famous father.

Distance stars head to Alabama
Rolf Steier and Andy Biladeau take their record times to the Mobile Meet of Champions.

Around the county
Signing