SporTech Matter

Bunch of mental errors last night spelled doom for the Marlins as they dropped the 1st of two to the Houston Astros. When you walk 10 batters and make blunders on the basepaths and in the field you will not win. Any other team would have run up the score last night but luckily the Astros are not that kind of team. The Heat on the other hand dropped their home finale last night on a last second hook shot from Al Jefferson. You would have thought the Celtics just clinched a playoff spot the way they were celebrating beating the Heat’s 7-12 rotation. Posey went down with a shoulder and wrist injury but should be ok for the playoffs as he was seen sitting on the bench with no ice during the game. Check the score breakdowns…

• Boston Celtics 91, Miami Heat 89 - The mission was simple for the Miami Heat. Stay healthy, and build momentum for the postseason. They failed on both counts. Al Jefferson hit a turnaround jump hook with one-tenth of a second to play for the deciding score, Delonte West scored 28 points for his second-biggest output of the season, and the Boston Celtics beat the Heat 91-89 on Monday night in the next-to-last regular season game for both teams.

• Houston Astros 4, Florida Marlins 3 - Several of Morgan Ensberg’s teammates said they knew he’d win the game for the Astros after Joe Borchard crashed into Dan Uggla, knocking the ninth-inning, bases-loaded foul pop out of the second baseman’s glove. They were right. Given another chance, Ensberg singled to left on the next pitch, giving Houston a 4-3 victory over the Florida Marlins on Monday night.

Here is what you missed on a busy day back at work…

• Dolphins signed RB Ray Perkins and OL Johnathan Ingram. Ingram is a practice squad type who’s spent time with Kansas City in previous seasons. Perkins was with Cam Cameron in San Diego for a period and will battle Jesse Chatman and Patrick Cobbs for a spot.

• The Dolphins are expected to try to trade Dan Wilkinson again if he decides he doesn’t want to retire. The Dolphins haven’t had contact with Wilkinson since he decided not to go for a physical to finalize a trade to Denver. Chase Page was assigned his old number and Wilkinson will probably end up being released.

• Pat Riley’s plan is to start Jason Kapono in the playoffs, a move that will send Eddie Jones to the bench. “Eddie’ll be the first guy off the bench with Pose,” Riley said, as the Heat hope to capture the magic they had with Kapono and Dwyane Wade before they both suffered devastating injuries earlier this season.

• Panther defenseman Bryan Allen is recovering from successful surgery to repair a sports hernia. He had the procedure on Friday and all went well. Allen should be ready to participate fully in all activities once Florida opens training camp in late August. Other Panther players who will be having surgery on Monday include: Olli Jokinen (wrist), Mike Van Ryn (wrist) and Steve Montador (nose).

• Despite a torn left calf muscle that is supposed to keep him out up to three weeks, Gary Payton participated in practice Sunday. Riley wouldn’t say whether Payton would be available for the playoffs.

• UCF officially will drop “Golden” as part of its nickname at a June 14 unveiling of its new logo. New “UCF Knights” merchandise goes on sale the next day. The event is part of a summer-long marketing campaign UCF announced Thursday called “The Knights Are Coming Home” that will promote the school’s new athletic markings.

The Heat are back in action tonight for their home finale before the playoffs. They take on the lottery ticket Celtics at 7:30 PM EST. Check out the tip on Sun Sports.

Check your Marlin preview after the jump…

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The Heat gave us a scare last night after running the Cavs to a 15 point 4th quarter lead. Luckily they were able to hold off a late surge from the Cavs to pull out the victory in OT. The win takes us one step closer to catching Toronto for the 3rd seed in the East. Let’s check the score breakdowns…

Yesterdays Games

• Miami Heat 94, Cleveland Cavaliers 90, OT - The NBA playoffs won’t go on without the defending champions. The Miami Heat didn’t let a season of bumps, bruises or bad luck stop them from making a run at another title. Antoine Walker and Shaquille O’Neal scored 20 points apiece and the Heat clinched a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs Thursday night, beating Cleveland 94-90 in overtime to drop the Cavaliers three places in the postseason seedings.

Todays Games

• 7:05 p.m.: Marlins-Phillies, FSNF, WQAM (560), WQBA (1140, Spanish) - Led by a first-time manager, the Florida Marlins got off to a fast start in their first series of the season. With a veteran skipper at the helm, the Phillies once again did not. The Marlins try to continue their strong start when they open their home schedule against the winless Phillies on Friday night.

• 7:30 p.m.: Heat-Celtics, Sun Sports; WIOD (610), WAQI (710, Spanish) - After clinching a playoff spot for the fourth consecutive season, the Miami Heat will try to improve their Eastern Conference position Friday by taking advantage of the injury-depleted and lottery-bound Boston Celtics. Miami (41-34), the reigning NBA champion, secured its postseason spot Thursday with a 94-90 overtime victory at Cleveland as Antoine Walker and Shaquille O’Neal scored 20 points each.

3 Things. The Cats are officially eliminated from the playoffs from a poor showing in Washington. The Marlins lay down some punishment in the capital starting the season 2-0. The Heat win an important game to take the tie breaker with the Dinosaurs. Let’s check the score breakdowns and highlights…

Yesterdays Games

• Washington Capitals 1, Florida Panthers 0 - Three days shy of his 37th birthday, Olie Kolzig posted a shutout for the aged. Goaltender Olie Kolzig made 27 saves and got his first shutout in more than three years during the Washington Capitals’ 1-0 victory over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.

• Miami Heat 92, Toronto Raptors 89 - Until the final seconds, James Posey’s night on offense was one to forget. He missed eight of nine shots, not even including a fourth-quarter dunk attempt that went awry and was scored as a turnover. Yet in those deciding moments, Posey sealed the Miami Heat’s most important win of the season. He was 4-for-4 from the line and grabbed two crucial defensive rebounds in the last 18.9 seconds, ensuring that the Heat would hold off the Toronto Raptors 92-89 on Tuesday night, a victory that pushed Miami past Washington and back into first place in the Southeast Division.

• Florida Marlins 9, Washington Nationals 3 - Scott Olsen was as good at the plate as he was on the mound. Olsen had a double, a single and an RBI, all while taking a two-hit shutout into the sixth inning Tuesday night and helping the Florida Marlins beat the Washington Nationals 9-3 to improve to 2-0 for only the second time in their 15 seasons.

Cabrera Web-Gem

Todays Games

• 1:05 p.m.: Marlins-Nationals, Sun Sports; WQAM (560), WQBA (1140, Spanish) - The Florida Marlins know it’s too early to get excited about their strong start, while the Washington Nationals are trying not to make too much out of their early struggles. The Marlins look to wrap up a three-game sweep Wednesday when the teams finish their season-opening series at RFK Stadium. The Nationals will try to solve Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez on Wednesday. Washington will counter with 23-year-old Matt Chico, who is making his major league debut. The left-hander was acquired by the Nationals in an August trade that sent Livan Hernandez to Arizona and made four starts for Washington’s Double-A affiliate in Harrisburg, going 2-0 with a 3.27 ERA.

I know it’s too early to get excited but the Marlins look good. Everyone get out to the ballpark this weekend for the home opener and support our exciting team!

The Fish got off to a great start yesterday giving the low powered Nationals a beating they can remember for years to come on opening day. Behind a strong outing from The D-Train and phenominal hitting from Cabrera and Ramirez, the Marlins got the 2007 season off on the right start. Let’s check the score breakdowns and highlights…

Yesterdays Games

• Florida Marlins 9, Washington Nationals 2 - An empty champagne bottle sat near Florida Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez after a half-dozen people helped him guzzle it. And why not? There was plenty to toast Monday: Gonzalez’s first game as a big league skipper, and a 9-2 victory over the Washington Nationals, thanks to Miguel Cabrera’s four RBIs, Hanley Ramirez’s four hits and four runs, and Dontrelle Willis’ six solid innings.

Dan Uggla RFK Upper Deck Shot

Todays Games

• 7:05 p.m.: Marlins-Nationals, FSNF; WQAM (560), WQBA (1140, Spanish) - Scott Olsen will take the mound for the Marlins on Tuesday. The 23-year-old left-hander went 12-10 with a 4.04 ERA last season, teaming with Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco to make Florida the first team to have four rookies with at least 10 wins. The Nationals will counter with Shawn Hill, who went 1-3 with a 4.66 ERA in six starts last season but did not pitch after June 28 because of elbow soreness. He also made three starts with Montreal three seasons ago, but had ligament replacement surgery on his elbow in September 2004 and missed all of 2005.

• 7 p.m.: Panthers-Capitals, WKAT (1360) - The Washington Capitals have had a lot to be frustrated about lately, including their play against the Florida Panthers. The Capitals try to end a dismal skid when they host the Panthers on Tuesday night in the season-series finale.

• 7:30 p.m.: Raptors-Heat, Sun Sports, WIOD (610), WAQI (710, Spanish) - Two nights after the Toronto Raptors clinched their first playoff berth in five years, they will be tested by last season’s NBA champions. The Raptors visit the Miami Heat on Tuesday in a matchup between Eastern Conference teams jockeying for postseason position. Toronto (41-32) has won five of its last six games to guarantee at least a .500 finish for the first time since 2001-02, but the Raptors have their sights set on loftier goals.

Small change in the format on SporTech Matter. As work has become quite busy lately I haven’t had time to supply you guys with more posts. I am going to keep the posting to around 3 a day now to allow me to concentrate on my job. I might slip and extra one or two in if time permits.

Hope everyone enjoyed yesterdays Fish win!

The Heat and Cats both lost some heart breakers this weekend. The Cats absolutely got screwed on a late penalty call which prompted pissed off Cat fans to throw objects on the ice. Way to close out the home opener. The Heat had the Pistons game in control all day until blowing a late 10 point lead in the 4th quarter. Let’s check the breakdowns…

Yesterdays Games

• Detroit Pistons 94, Miami Heat 88 - The Miami Heat knew that Richard Hamilton’s return would help the Detroit Pistons’ offense. They weren’t expecting him to boost Detroit’s defense as well, leading the Pistons to a 94-88 victory over the Heat on Sunday. “Rip Hamilton basically turned the game around with his pressure and his defense,” Miami coach Pat Riley said. “That got them aggressive.” Hamilton, who had missed four games with a concussion and the flu, scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half and limited Miami’s Jason Williams to eight points after he had scored 13 in the first half.

• Carolina 4, Florida 3, OT - Ray Whitney found a way to keep Carolina’s playoff hopes alive while eliminating Florida from the postseason. Whitney’s power-play goal 1:30 into overtime lifted the Hurricanes over the Panthers 4-3 on Sunday. Florida blew a two-goal lead in the third period and lost for the sixth time in seven games to the Hurricanes. It was the second time Carolina beat Florida on an overtime game-winner by Whitney.

Todays Games

• 1:05 p.m.: Marlins-Nationals, Sun Sports; WQAM (560), WQBA (1140, Spanish) - Lifted by strong performances from young players, the Florida Marlins were a big surprise last season. The Washington Nationals hope a similar formula works for them in 2007. The Marlins, with some of the majors’ top young talent, look to get off to a strong start as they open the season Monday against the Nationals. After starting 11-31 last year, Florida was one of baseball’s best teams over the final 120 games and finished 78-84. The Marlins did it with a roster comprised almost entirely of rookies.

Hope everyone has a lovely day back to work!

The Heat picked up a much needed win last night to slide into 4th in the conference while the Cats were at home taking on the Capitals. Martin Gelinas deflected an Olli Jokinen shot in OT for a 3-2 Cats win to move within 4 points of the 8th playoff spot. Check the score breakdowns and highlights…

Yesterdays Games

• Florida Panthers 3, Washington Capitals 2, OT - Martin Gelinas was in the right place at the right time — twice. Gelinas scored two goals, including the winner in overtime, leading the Florida Panthers over the Washington Capitals 3-2 on Friday night. Both goals were redirected shots from in front of the net. Gregory Campbell also scored and Ed Belfour made 30 saves for the Panthers, who have won five straight.

• Miami Heat 92, Minnesota Timberwolves 77 - Progressing in their pursuit of home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, the Miami Heat moved back into first place in the Southeast Division. With more complete games like this one, maybe they’ll stay there. Udonis Haslem had 19 points and 14 rebounds, and all five starters scored at least 15 points for the Heat, who led from start to finish and beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 92-77 on Friday night.

Capitals @ Panthers Highlights (03/30/2007)

Todays Games

• 2 p.m.: Marlins-Reds, WQAM (560) - The Marlins polish off their spring exhibition season today at 2:05 p.m. ET against the Reds in Dayton, Ohio. Listen to all the action live on 560 WQAM as Florida right-hander Sergio Mitre will get the start. Cincinnati plans to start veteran lefty Eric Milton.

Have a great Saturday.

Todays Games

• 7 p.m.: Capitals-Panthers, FSNF; WQAM (560) - The Florida Panthers are picking up points at every opportunity, but to stay in the playoff race, they’ll need to keep winning. The Panthers continue their push for a postseason berth when they host the lowly Washington Capitals on Friday night. Florida (33-30-14) is 12th in the Eastern Conference with 80 points, six behind the teams tied for seventh place. The Panthers have five games remaining to try and jump ahead of a handful of clubs in the standings and secure their first postseason berth since 1999-2000.

• 8 p.m.: Heat-Timberwolves, Sun Sports; WIOD (610), WQBA (1140, Spanish) - Following a brief stay atop the Southeast Division, the Miami Heat look to bounce back Friday when they visit the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves. Miami (38-33) lost 96-83 at Toronto on Wednesday and slipped a half-game behind Washington for the division lead because the Wizards beat Philadelphia on the same night.

TGIF.

The Cats are doing a good job at playing spoiler. Whether or not they make the playoffs we have good things to look forward too. Nathan Horton notched his 30th goal of the season and Olli Jokinen continues to play at an all time high. Let’s check the score breakdowns and highlights…

Yesterdays Games

• Florida Marlins 5, Baltimore Orioles 3 - If Jay Payton can’t play center field for the Baltimore Orioles on opening day, Corey Patterson is expected to start in his place. That means Patterson must go against Johan Santana, no small task for a player who batted only .207 against left-handed pitchers last year. Patterson expects to enjoy more success against lefties this season, and his performance against the Florida Marlins on Tuesday backed up the assertion. Patterson hit an RBI double off left-hander Rick Vanden Hurk and scored in the third inning of Baltimore’s 5-3 loss.

• Florida Panthers 5, Tampa Bay Lightning 2 - Seeking a share of first place in the Southeast Division, the Tampa Bay Lightning instead ended up with a bad loss. Olli Jokinen scored a goal and added two assists, and Ed Belfour stopped 27 shots to help the Florida Panthers beat Tampa Bay 5-2 on Tuesday night.

Panthers @ Lightning Highlights (03/28/2007)

Todays Games

• 7 p.m.: Heat-Raptors, Sun Sports; WIOD (610), WQBA (1140, Spanish) - The Miami Heat are back in first place thanks in part to a strong performance from big man Shaquille O’Neal. The Toronto Raptors hope to maintain their division lead despite the loss of starting forward Jorge Garbajosa. The teams put identical records on the line when they meet for the second time this season on Wednesday at the Air Canada Centre. Miami and Toronto are both 38-32, but the Heat currently hold the edge in the Eastern Conference standings due to their 99-77 win over the Raptors on Dec. 11 in the only meeting this season. Miami’s division lead, however, is much more tenuous than Toronto’s.

• 7:30 p.m.: Thrashers-Panthers, FSNF; WQAM (560) - The Atlanta Thrashers are closing in on the first playoff berth in franchise history. A good showing in their final six games also could give them the Southeast Division title. The Thrashers hope to rebound from consecutive losses and extend their slim Southeast lead on Wednesday night when they visit the Florida Panthers.

I’m going to have a busy day today so posting will be limited. Hope everyone has a good day!

The Heat came to work last night to prove a point, they only had a minor slippage the past few days. After last night’s win and Washington’s loss to Utah, the Heat now have a 1/2 point lead in the division and head to Toronto to face the surprising Raptors. Let’s check the score breakdowns and highlights…

Yesterdays Games

• St. Louis Cardinals 3, Florida Marlins 1 - Adam Wainwright’s final start in Florida was his best of the spring. Wainwright pitched six scoreless innings in the St. Louis Cardinals’ 3-1 victory over the Florida Marlins. He allowed four hits, struck out six and did not walk a batter. Marlins starter Sergio Mitre nearly matched Wainwright, allowing three hits in five innings. Mitre was named the team’s No. 5 starter when the team announced that Yusmeiro Petit had been traded to Arizona for closer Jorge Julio.

• Miami Heat 106, Atlanta Hawks 89 - After one particularly hard foul sent Shaquille O’Neal tumbling, the 7-foot-1 center rolled into a backward somersault before bouncing to his feet. “I’m known as The Big Baryshnikov,” O’Neal said afterward, proud of his newest self-dubbed moniker. Suffice to say, no ballet ever called for Mikhail Baryshnikov to take this kind of punishment. O’Neal shook off double- and triple-teams — and incessant hacking nearly every time he got position down low — to score 22 points, passing Reggie Miller for 12th on the NBA’s career list and leading the Miami Heat to a four-game season sweep of the Atlanta Hawks with an 106-89 win on Monday night.

Hawks @ Heat

Today’s Games

• 1:05 p.m.: Marlins-Orioles, WQAM (560) - The Marlins travel to Fort Lauderdale to take on the Orioles this afternoon at 1:05 ET in Grapefruit League action. Listen live on 560 WQAM as Minor League prospect Rick Vanden Hurk will make the start against Baltimore right-hander Steve Trachsel.

• 7 p.m.: Panthers-Lightning, FSNF; WQAM (560) - With less than two weeks to go in the regular season, the Tampa Bay Lightning could easily win their division or miss the playoffs entirely. The Lightning look to regroup following a disheartening loss and resume their push for the postseason when they host the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.