Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. ó Derek Jeter finally got to experience playing against the New York Yankees.
“It was strange running to the other dugout. I almost ran to the other side a couple times,” he said.
Normally the Yankees captain, Jeter played for the United States ahead of the World Baseball Classic and hit a two-run single in the third inning of the Americans’ 6-5 victory over New York on Tuesday.
Jeter went 2-for-4 with a walk in a contest that “seemed like an intrasquad game” to him.
After the Yankees went up in the first on Jorge Posada’s RBI single, Jeter put the U.S. ahead 2-1 with a two-out single off Phil Hughes.
“It’s a good feeling,” Jeter said. “You have a sense of pride when you’re out there playing.”
Jeter started the day as a Yankee, working out in New York’s weight room before the game and then returning to his regular clubhouse. Yankees manager Joe Girardi spotted the four-time World Series champion and yelled “Out!” before laughing.
– KISSIMMEE, Fla. ó The Atlanta Braves were hoping to give top pitching prospect Tommy Hanson at least one more year in their minor league system.
He may not need it.
Hanson was impressive in his second spring outing, allowing an unearned run and two hits in three innings of the Braves’ 11-2 victory Tuesday over Panama.
The 22-year-old Hanson struck out the side in the first.
SEARCH ENDS
CLEARWATER, Fla. ó After three days of combing 24,000 miles of ocean, the Coast Guard on Tuesday stopped searching for two NFL players and a third man lost in rough, chilly Gulf of Mexico waters off the Florida coast.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper, free-agent defensive lineman Corey Smith, who played with the Detroit Lions last season, and former South Florida player William Bleakley, had been missing since Saturday when their boat capsized during a fishing trip.
Bleakley’s father said he thought the Coast Guard did everything it could and that his expectations lowered after only one survivor was found Monday, nearly two days after the four friends were knocked out of their 21-foot boat.
“I think they were not to be found,” Bleakley said.
NFL
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. ó The Denver Broncos insisted Tuesday Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler isn’t on the trading block.
NHL
WASHINGTON ó Carolina’s Patrick Eaves scored twice, and the Hurricanes produced all sorts of goals ó penalty shot, short-handed, power play, even strength ó in a 5-2 victory Tuesday night, the Capitals’ second consecutive lopsided loss in Washington.
Eric Staal scored on a penalty shot, Eaves and Matt Cullen put in short-handed goals less than four minutes apart, Chad LaRose tallied during a 5-on-5, and Eaves’ power-play goal made it 5-0 with about two minutes left in the second period.
Predators 6, Oilers 5, OT
NASHVILLE, Tenn. ó Jason Arnott scored a power-play goal at 2:31 of overtime, and the Nashville Predators beat Edmonton 6-5 for their season-high fifth straight win.
Blackhawks 3, Ducks 2, OT
CHICAGO ó Martin Havlat scored 1:40 into overtime to give the Chicago Blackhawks a 3-2 win.
Penguins 3, Lightning 1
TAMPA, Fla. ó Chris Kunitz had two goals to lead Pittsburgh.
Flyers 4, Bruins 2
BOSTON ó Simon Gagne had two goals and an assist and Mike Knuble had a goal and two assists.
Panthers 4, Thrashers 3
ATLANTA ó Rookie Michael Frolik scored two goals, Stephen Weiss had three assists.
Devils 3, Maple Leafs 2
TORONTO ó Johnny Oduya scored on a rebound while sliding into the crease 4:48 into overtime to help Martin Brodeur improve to 4-0 since returning from an elbow injury.
Red Wings 5, Blues 0
ST. LOUIS ó The Detroit Red Wings overcame an early injury to star forward Marian Hossa, getting Chris Osgood’s first shutout of the season.
Flames 6, Senators 3
OTTAWA ó David Moss got his first career hat trick and Warren Peters added his first NHL goal.