Sports

Rays
Without luck, Rays bats have nothing
JAYS 3, RAYS 1: Stellar defensive play helps keep Tampa Bay's offense in its extended funk.

Rays tackle a shortfall
B.J. Upton, regarded as draft's top player, gives Tampa Bay first star-caliber shortstop.

Club gambles pitcher won't say no 3 times
ST. PETERSBURG -- When Matt Harrington came out of California's Palmdale High in 2000, he was considered the top right-handed prep pitcher in the country and was the seventh overall pick by Colorado.

Alvarez hoping rust from DL has passed
TORONTO -- For the first five innings of their game against the Blue Jays on April 14, the Rays beheld the kind of pitcher Wilson Alvarez could be when healthy.
NBA playoffs
Nets betting against the odds
The Lakers are heavy favorites for the NBA title, but New Jersey won't give in easily.

O'Neal warms up at the line
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Imagine Superman immune to kryptonite.

NHL playoffs
Carolina takes first step
'CANES 3, WINGS 2 (OT): Ron Francis gets the winner 58 seconds into extra period.

Road teams have held their own in playoffs
DETROIT -- Home, sweet home? Not this season. Through the first three playoffs rounds, teams were a mediocre 45-41 at home.

Tennis
First loss as a pro won't faze DeHeart
Jesuit graduate Ryler DeHeart lost his pro tournament debut two weeks ago at the Men's Futures at Harbour Island, but he came away with confidence and experience.

Golf
Norman, Huston earn Open spots
TAMPA -- Surely there was some business deal to consummate, perhaps another golf course to design, a wine to introduce.

John Romano
Draftee chance to get it right
ST. PETERSBURG -- The story begins with heartbreak and maybe it ends that way too. Only Elijah Dukes knows for sure. You see, it's his story to tell.

Baseball draft
No sure thing with top picks
With the annual amateur draft finishing up today, the Rays have high hopes for their top pick, B.J. Upton.

Span bridged to Twins
Tampa Catholic's Denard Span is taken 20th and becomes 15th Hillsborough player drafted in first round.

Outcome excites Murray but disappoints Madson
TAMPA -- Josh Murray's house was a makeshift call center, complete with his 9-year-old sister, Stephanie, screening his personal cell phone calls.

Murray eager to begin career
TAMPA -- Josh Murray's house was a makeshift call center, complete with his 9-year-old sister, Stephanie, screening his personal cell phone calls.

Cubs snare Dopirak early; Doetsch drops to Phillies
For the biggest day of his life, Dunedin slugger Brian Dopirak expected at least a few hours filled with the anticipation and nerves that come with waiting to be drafted by a major-league team.

Teams select Falcons pair
For the biggest day of his life, Dunedin slugger Brian Dopirak expected at least a few hours filled with the anticipation and nerves that come with waiting to be drafted by a major-league team.

Triple Crown
Affirmed's status secureeven if War Emblem wins
The 1978 Triple Crown winner, who died this year, gave "the racing world a real show."

Triple Crown moments
Sir Barton never was meant to be a champion.

Outdoors
Daily fishing report
Some days the glamor species just don't bite. Other times, they may be unreachable because of the weather. What if you're an inshore angler with a fish dinner on the agenda and trout are out of season, snook are closed and the tides are not right for redfish?

Etc.
W. Tampa has room to improve
TAMPA -- Pop Cuesta saw plenty of things he liked about his team during the first American Legion tournament of the year. He also saw a few things he didn't.

USF gets $500,000 for facility
TAMPA -- South Florida athletic director Lee Roy Selmon on Tuesday announced a gift of $500,000 toward an academic enrichment center in the school's proposed Intercollegiate Athletic Facility.

On The Wire
Arizona Regains No. 1 Ranking in AP Poll
Garnett Eclipsed by Jordan Farewell
Report: Creditors O.K. Bid for Senators
Green Surprises Earnhardt at Daytona
UConn Remains Unanimous in Women's Poll

Americans Lose in 1st Round of Davis Cup

World Cup soccer

South Korea Thanks Soccer Teams

Brazil Celebration Turns Ugly

World's Worst Claims Soccer Honors