Sports

[AP photo]
Rays starter Wilson Alvarez delivers en route to his first win of the season, allowing two runs in six innings against the Blue Jays. In Alvarez's previous start this season against Toronto, he pitched into the sixth April 14 before pulling a muscle in his rib cage and going on the DL.

Lecture is taken to heart
RAYS 8, JAYS 6: After pregame talk from Hal McRae, Tampa Bay puts together 16 hits.

Rays extra
TODAY: RAYS AT BLUE JAYS

Step 1 a success for Bierbrodt
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The road back to St. Petersburg for Nick Bierbrodt began here Wednesday night.

Year later, Kennedy back where it began
TORONTO -- The past year has been so hectic that Joe Kennedy was not remotely aware of the upcoming anniversary.

Bucs
One receiver visits Bucs; another visiting today
TAMPA -- The Bucs entertained free-agent receiver Derrick Alexander on Wednesday and Keenan McCardell is expected in town today.

Horse racing
Prince Salman gets his money's worth
The Saudi royal is happy to have bought a Triple Crown title shot with War Emblem.

Triple Crown memory
Gallant Fox was not only the second Triple Crown winner, he was a turning point in American thoroughbred breeding.

Stanley Cup
Quiet legend's leadership puts Hurricanes on track
Ron Francis has provided more than goals and assists in the playoffs.

Wings don't like the ice after series-opening loss
DETROIT -- Red Wings players said there is an easy way to break the trapping defense the Hurricanes used so effectively in Game 1.

NBA Finals 2002
Favorites off and running
LAKERS 99, NETS 94: L.A. takes Game 1 by opening big lead, then withstanding rally.

Baseball
Second pick can't get on field soon enough
ST. PETERSBURG -- Jason Pridie just wants to go out and play.

Trojans boast seven draftees
The spotlight was on St. Petersburg College the second day of the draft.

Pitcher's path to draft reading like a tall tale
At 6 feet 10, Shaun O'Connor is one of the tallest players in this year's draft. The 23-year-old pitcher who spent the past year at a baseball academy in Zephyrhills is turning into one of its most intriguing prospects as well.

Lions shortstop has backup plan
TAMPA -- Around 3:40 on Wednesday afternoon, way later than he had hoped, Jermaine Smith got his call.

Corbett's career gets shot in arm thanks to Anaheim
The Palm Harbor pitcher wasn't expecting to be drafted after sitting out the Hurricanes' season.

Six Tampa Yankees on all-star team
Befitting a team with the best record (38-22) in the first half of the season, the Tampa Yankees were well-represented when the Florida State League all-star teams were announced Wednesday.

Golf
Growing up with golf
Summer programs keep springing up around Tampa Bay as children flock to the game.

Collegian not fazed by Open berth
A new day dawned, and Kevin Warrick was still in the U.S. Open. Really.

Colleges
UT hires Mitchell boys coach
Tom Jessee will coach the Spartans' women's team next season.

Outdoors
Daily fishing report
School's out for summer and youngsters are ready to go fishing. Sharks make a perfect target as they are relatively plentiful and generally willing to eat. Plus, most youngsters seem to be intrigued by sharks.

Preps
West Seminole takes it easy in win
Host Seminole took another big stride in the District 5 senior softball Tournament of Champions with a 13-0 victory over Baypoint on Wednesday night.

Around the county
Signings

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