Unhappy Reunion: Yanks down Dodgers in first game against Torre

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06/26/2010 - Los Angeles, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Alex Rodriguez hit the eventual game- winning homer in the sixth inning to back CC Sabathia's solid pitching performance, as the New York Yankees snuck past the Los Angeles Dodgers, 2-1, in the opener of a three-game series between these two storied franchises.

Sabathia (9-3) gave up one run on four hits in eight innings to win his fifth straight start for the Yankees, who have won three in a row and five of six overall. The 2007 AL Cy Young Award recipient also fanned seven batters and walked three. The durable left-hander has worked at least seven innings in every start during his winning streak.

The story of the night was Los Angeles manager Joe Torre facing New York for the first time as a player or manager since 2007. Torre led the Yankees to four World Series titles and six American League pennants in each of his 12 seasons as manager from 1996-2007. The relationship between Torre and the Yankees didn't end well, however, with the two-time AL Manager of the Year rejecting the team's offer of a reduced salary following an early exit in the 2007 playoffs. Shortly afterward, the Dodgers signed Torre to a three-year deal to serve as their manager.

The Dodgers' lone offense came from Manny Ramirez, who had two hits and an RBI.

Vicente Padilla (1-2), making his second start since being activated from a two month-long stint on the disabled list, allowed two runs on six hits in seven full frames to take the hard-luck loss. The right-hander also struck out seven and walked one for Los Angeles, which has dropped 10 of its last 13 contests.

The Dodgers drew first blood in the first inning. Rafael Furcal walked, stole second, advanced to third on Andre Ethier's groundout, and scored on Ramirez's single.

New York tied the game in the second. Rodriguez led off with a double and crossed the plate two batters later on Jorge Posada's base hit.

The Yankees went ahead 2-1 on Rodriguez's blast to left in the sixth.

Mariano Rivera struck out the side in the ninth to pick up his 17th save of the year.

Game Notes

These two storied franchises have opposed one another 11 times in the World Series, but their only regular-season meetings occurred from June 18-20, 2004 at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles won two of the three tilts...Pau Gasol of the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers threw out the ceremonial first pitch...The Yankees are 40-5 this season when holding their opponent to four-or-fewer runs...The Dodgers recalled pitcher Jon Link from Triple-A Albuquerque and designated pitcher Charlie Haeger for assignment...Dodger hitting coach Don Mattingly played his entire 14-year career in pinstripes from 1982-95, winning an American League MVP Award in 1985 and nine Rawlings Gold Glove Awards at first base.

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Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

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