Lab Museum United earns redemption, tops Morris for first PSAL 'B' softball crown

Lab Museum United has a special cheer before every game, “One team. Two schools. Go Gators.”

They now have one title to share.

The Manhattan squad, made up of Lab and Museum High Schools, topped Morris 14-2 in the PSAL Class B softball title game Wednesday afternoon at St. John’s University . It’s the second-seeded Gators' first-ever crown and earns them a bit of redemption after losing in the final two years ago and in the semifinals last season.

While the two schools are on different floors, there is a special bound that has formed between this group.

Denis Gostev

Lab Museum celebrates its victory over Morris for the PSAL Class B softball title.

Photos: Lab Museum-Morris

Denis Gostev

Lab Museum celebrates its victory over Morris.

Photos: Lab Museum-Morris

“We have been trying to get back here ever since,” Gators senior ace Sarah D’Amico said. …“We really, really wanted it.”

D’Amico was in the circle when her team lost to LaGuardia in 2010. She and starting classmates Jenny Ramirez and Ashanti Plummer were bent on making this year’s outcome very different. D’Amico tossed an absolute gem. She struck out 15 batters, including a four-strikeout inning because of a throwing error in the first, gave up three hits and allowed just one earned run.

“She did amazing,” second baseman Lindsey Bernstein said. “She always does amazing.”

The Lab Museum bats were special as well. Head coach Charles Jessup had his team face lob pitching in practice in preparation for facing Morris’ Chasity Quinones. The Gators (19-0) were attacking pitches early, leading to a nine-run first inning. They tacked on five more in the fifth. Bernstein was 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Kaylee Cimino had three RBIs. including a two-run triple. and Plummer had two hits, two RBIs and a run scored. Ramirez walked three times and scored three runs.

“We had to focus on slow pitch,” Jessup said. “We knew that they were a strong defensive team.”

No. 9 Morris (18-3) finally showed why it made a run to the final, knocking off top-seeded Frank Sinatra in the quarters and a red-hot No. 12 Brooklyn Tech team in the semifinals. The Bulldogs made some sparkling plays in the field, especially athletic shortstop Tiara Brown. The senior turned a 6-6-3 double play to end the second and made a barehanded stop in the fifth leading to an out. Jennifer Bronson delivered an RBI single in the seventh, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a rough first inning.

The nerves, the family, girls were very hyped,” Morris coach Christopher O'Mara. “It was our first time being in the championship and I think the girls got a little tight.”

For the Gators, this was where they expected to be.

“I’m so proud of them,” D’Amico said. “I’m so proud of myself. I’m so excited that we did it. We finally got it.”

jstaszewski@nypost.com

Lab and Museum High Schools, Gators, Gators, Lab Museum-MorrisDenis GostevLab Museum, Lab Museum United, St. John’s University, Ashanti Plummer, Morris, Morris coach Christopher O'Mara, Jenny Ramirez, Charles Jessup

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Ewing told by Jordan he won’t get Bobcats job: report

It looks like another year will pass without Knicks great Patrick Ewing landing a head-coaching job.

Yahoo.com reports that Bobcats owner Michael Jordan informed Ewing that he will not get the vacant head-coaching job he interviewed for two weeks ago. Ewing faced competition for the position from former Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, former Blazers coach Nate McMillan and Warriors assistant Mike Malone. A handful of other candidates had also interviewed with Charlotte.

Ewing has served as an assistant coach for the Magic the past five season, but with Stan Van Gundy’s recent firing he will now look for another assistant’s position.

Despite their rivalry on the court, Ewing and Jordan were close friends off it.

Patrick Ewing, Michael Jordan, Jordan, assistant coach online, Mike Malone, Nate McMillan, Knicks, Bobcats, Blazers, Jazz coach Jerry Sloan

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Menlo Park approves expansion of Facebook headquarters

Menlo Park, Calif. — A Silicon Valley city where Facebook has opened its new headquarters voted Tuesday to support an environmental impact report and development agreement for a project that will allow the social media giant to employ thousands more people at the campus.

Under the deal, Facebook could base about 6,600 workers at the sprawling headquarters in Menlo Park, up from the current limit of 3,600 employees that was placed on the campus' previous occupant, Sun Microsystems. Facebook moved its headquarters to the campus from Palo Alto last year and now has about 2,200 employees at the site.

In exchange, Facebook will pay the city an average of $850,000 a year over 10 years to cover the impact of the additional workers on city infrastructure. Facebook also will make a one-time payment of more than $1 million for capital improvements, establish a $500,000 community improvement fund and set up high school internship and job training programs.

Facebook eventually wants to expand to another campus across the street that would allow it to employ a total of 9,400 people. The company plans to construct five new buildings totaling approximately 440,000 square feet as part of that project, which was included in the environmental impact report approved Tuesday.

All five members of the Menlo Park City Council voted yes at the lengthy meeting Tuesday night.

"Welcome to Menlo Park and we're happy to have you here," Mayor Kirsten Keith told company representatives.

Facebook's plans have raised concerns about traffic among some residents who live in the company's shadow. The neighboring city of Atherton has threatened a lawsuit, saying the environmental impact report doesn't adequately address an expected increase in traffic at one particular intersection.

Menlo Park City Manager Alex McIntyre said the two cities are continuing to discuss the issue. Facebook has said it will encourage employees to carpool, take public transit or walk or bike to work.

Tuesday's vote will have to be seconded by the city council next week before it could go into effect, McIntyre said.

Facebook, environmental impact report, MENLO PARK, Calif., Menlo Park, headquarters, Silicon Valley city, Menlo Park City Council, Sun Microsystems, employees, city infrastructure, Mayor Kirsten Keith

Nypost.com

NYPost.com Poll: Who is the city's top pure baseball hitter?

Pitchers draw most of the headlines this time of year and New York City has plenty of good ones. But the five borough has plenty of pure hitters, too, guys who can turn around a game with one swing of the bat, who can roll out of bed and lace line drives to all fields.

There are plenty of options, from Xaverian’s Eric Kalman to Grand Street Campus’ Ernesto Lopez and Archbishop Molloy’s Jonathan Ramon to name a few. We’re asking you, who is the best pure hitter in the city?

Vote early often below until 11:59 p.m. Monday for your choice.

Who is the city's best pure baseball hitter?online surveys

Eric Kalman, New York City, Ernesto Lopez, Jonathan Ramon, hitter, hitters, Grand Street Campus

Nypost.com

Pitching Form

(Game time)

2012

'12 vs OPP

CAREER

LAST 3 STARTS

LINE

W-L

ERA

*REC

W-L

ERA

vs OPP

W-L

IP

ERA

*AHW

Yankees

Hughes (R)

(9:05pm)

4-5

4.94

4-5

—

—

3-2

2-1

19.0

2.37

10.9

Angels

Weaver (R)

7-8

6-1

2.61

7-3

1-0

1.80

5-2

1-1

18.1

5.40

10.8

Phillies

Hamels (L)

6-7

7-1

2.17

8-1

1-2

6.86

4-10

3-0

22.0

1.64

9.0

Mets

Niese (L)

(1:10pm)

3-2

4.29

5-4

2-3

5.53

4-4

1-1

16.2

4.86

13.5

Nationals

Zmmermann (R)

(1:10pm)

3-4

2.47

5-4

0-1

5.68

0-2

2-1

19.0

2.84

10.9

Marlins

Zambrano (R)

6-7

2-3

2.85

4-5

—

—

8-4

1-1

19.0

4.74

11.8

Cardinals

Lynn (R)

(1:10pm)

7-1

2.54

7-2

—

—

0-1

1-1

18.0

5.00

14.5

Braves

Hanson (R)

Even-6

5-3

3.12

6-4

—

—

1-0

2-0

18.0

2.00

11.0

Reds

Arroyo (R)

(1:35pm)

2-2

3.22

6-3

0-2

8.18

6-6

0-1

19.1

4.19

13.0

Pirates

McDonald (R)

Even-6

3-2

2.51

5-4

2-1

3.49

4-1

1-1

20.2

2.18

7.4

Padres

Suppan (R)

(2:20pm)

2-3

4.21

2-3

—

—

6-11

0-3

15.2

6.32

16.7

Cubs

Wood (L)

5 1/2-6 1/2

0-1

3.86

1-1

0-0

1.17

0-0

0-1

11.2

3.86

7.7

Astros

Rodriguez (L)

(3:10pm)

4-4

2.14

4-6

0-0

6.00

4-3

1-1

21.0

2.14

10.3

Rockies

Nicasio (R)

6-7

2-2

4.83

4-5

—

—

0-0

0-1

16.2

3.78

13.0

D'Backs

Cahill (R)

(5:05pm)

2-4

3.74

4-5

1-0

1.29

3-1

0-1

16.2

4.86

14.0

Giants

Zito (L)

Even-6

3-2

3.53

5-4

0-0

13.50

4-8

2-1

14.1

6.91

14.4

Brewers

Marcum (R)

Even-6

2-3

3.93

2-7

1-0

1.29

2-0

1-2

18.0

5.00

11.0

Dodgers

Harang (R)

(8:10pm)

3-2

4.36

5-4

0-0

0.00

6-5

2-0

19.1

2.79

8.8

Astros

Lyles (R)

(8:10pm)

0-1

5.29

0-3

0-1

13.50

0-1

0-1

17.0

5.29

13.8

Rockies

White (R)

7 1/2-8 1/2

1-3

5.32

1-3

0-1

8.44

0-1

1-2

17.1

6.23

12.5

Tigers

Fister (R)

(1:35pm)

0-2

1.84

1-4

1-0

0.00

1-2

0-2

18.2

2.89

12.1

Red Sox

Doubront (L)

Even-6

4-2

3.96

6-3

—

—

0-0

2-1

17.2

2.04

10.7

Athletics

Blackley (L)

(2:10pm)

0-0

4.09

0-0

—

—

0-0

---

----

----

----

Twins

Diamond (L)

6 1/2-7 1/2

3-1

1.78

3-1

—

—

0-0

2-1

18.1

2.45

11.8

White Sox

Sale (L)

(3:10pm)

5-2

2.50

5-3

0-0

3.86

0-0

2-1

17.1

2.08

9.9

Rays

Moore (L)

Even-6

1-4

5.07

3-6

—

—

0-0

0-2

15.0

3.60

12.6

Royals

Adcock (R)

(4:05pm)

0-2

2.33

0-1

0-0

1.93

0-0

0-1

5.0

1.80

10.8

Indians

Tomlin (R)

6 1/2-7 1/2

1-2

4.67

3-2

2-0

1.86

4-2

0-1

18.0

4.50

12.0

Orioles

Hunter (R)

(7:07pm)

2-2

5.07

6-3

0-2

5.57

2-3

0-1

19.0

5.21

10.9

Blue Jays

Hutchison (R)

6 1/2-7 1/2

3-2

5.73

4-3

—

—

0-0

2-1

16.0

4.50

12.9

Mariners

Millwood (R)

(8:05pm)

3-4

3.72

4-5

—

—

1-2

3-0

22.0

0.41

5.7

Rangers

Harrison (L)

8 1/2-10

5-3

4.72

5-4

4-0

1.98

7-1

1-1

18.1

3.93

13.3

* REC: Won-lost record of pitcher's team in games he has started.

* AHW: Average total of hits and walks yielded per nine innings.
Nypost.com

Torts’ shot-blocking edict could hamper Rangers’ growth

Larry Brooks
Follow Larry on Twitter
Blog: Slap Shots

SLAP SHOTS

If you’re a Rangers fan, the last thing you want to see the first month of next season is Chris Kreider flinging himself in front of shots from the blue line.

Check that: If you’re a Rangers fan, the last thing you want to see the first month of next season is Kreider in street clothes, scratched from a game because he hadn’t flung himself in front of shots from the blue line.

Personnel questions await the Blueshirts following their run through the regular season and their stop-and-go trek to the Eastern Conference finals, but the larger question concerns the team’s style of play going forward under coach John Tortorella, who has cast himself as a true believer that shot-blocking is at the very foundation of an NHL team’s pyramid of success.

Neil Miller (2)

TAKING A SHOT: Stu Bickel (pictured) throws himself in front of a shot as Henrik Lundqvist looks on earlier this season, a perfect example of the game coach John Tortorella wants the team to play, which Larry Brooks says could hurt the team’s opportunities to improve in the offseason.

John Tortorella

VOTE: WHICH RANGERS TO KEEP?

Actually, the two questions are interlocked just like the letters on the hats worn by the Yankees, because if the Rangers are going to insist every player in the organization fit into the same round hole and there’s no room for diverse styles under this coach, then that is severely going to limit the options available to general manager Glen Sather as he seeks to upgrade the team’s talent level.

Tortorella insisted during the conference finals that his current philosophy is essentially unchanged from the one he had at Tampa Bay in 2004, when the Lightning won the Stanley Cup. The coach said he had emphasized shot-blocking as much then as he does now.

No one is in position to know better what they did than Tortorella, as he once said in 2007, but I have to tell you, not only do I have no memory of Marty St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier, Brad Richards and Dan Boyle flinging themselves in front of shots during the seven-game finals against Calgary that I covered, there isn’t a single reference to shot-blocking from the coach in my notebook.

Instead, there is this from the Game 1 morning skate on May 25, 2004: “We play one style — that’s attack.”

There is, however, also this: “I think every coaching staff and organization looks at the team and [determines] which is the best style to be successful. I don’t think there’s any right or wrong system.”

So bringing it forward, do the Rangers play the way they do, where blocking shots is mandatory and the team packs the defensive zone, because Tortorella believes that’s the style that gives the club its best shot at winning, or do the Blueshirts play that way because the coach has become a zealot in the manner of a reformed sinner?

The Rangers provided the evidence a team can be enormously successful during the regular season by giving playoff-caliber effort 82 nights a year because the fact of the matter is few teams are willing to pay that enormous price through a six-month grind.

The Black-and-Blueshirts proved they could thrive by spending shift after shift in their own end during the regular season, frustrating opponents by diving in front of shots, allowing foes to keep the puck on the outside, as long as the effort was supported by world-class goaltending.

But not so much in the playoffs, when every team is willing to pay the ultimate price, and not so much in the playoffs when the more talented teams and more adroit coaches can adjust to that style of play, as the Devils did under Pete DeBoer once Martin Brodeur rang an alarm bell following Game 1 of the Battle of the Hudson.

It is incontrovertible that the damage players incur by recklessly throwing their bodies in harm’s way takes a considerable toll once six months and 82 games become eight months and up to 110 games.

Nobody is suggesting the Rangers haven’t built a work ethic and cornerstone of sacrifice worthy of envy and admiration. They have. And for whatever role Tortorella has had in instilling that, the coach is worthy of praise.

But the Rangers are going to have to be a more diversified team with a more diversified look in order to get from Game 6 of the conference finals to the Canyon of Heroes.

That means adding talent, but there’s no use in adding talent if Tortorella won’t exploit it. For instance, if the answer to the question, “Could Alexander Radulov help the Rangers?” is “He’d never be able to play for Tortorella,” then something is askew because that’s pretty much what everyone was saying about Ilya Kovalchuk two years ago.

Do the Rangers play this way because they have to or because Tortorella wants them to or is it a combination of both through a growth process from which the Blueshirts went from 18th overall to second overall this year?

It’s impossible to know for sure, because while there is what Tortorella said in Tampa on May 25, 2004, there is also what the coach said in Pittsburgh on the morning of Feb. 21, this year:

“If you’re not blocking shots, you’re not playing.”

larry.brooks@nypost.com

John Tortorella, Rangers fan, Blueshirts, Blueshirts, Blueshirts, Chris Kreider, Tortorella, Tortorella, Rangers, Rangers, Rangers, Eastern Conference finals, Larry BrooksFollow Larry, Larry Brooks, conference finals, conference finals

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Hondo still a Cain man

Hondo’s prayers were answered last night when the Angels preyed on King Felix to reduce the accounts payable to 1,675 lumpes.

Today, Mr. Aitch will give the ball to his ace — 10 units on Cain to gut the Fish. Also, he’ll put another 10 on Old Man Moyer to get smacked around by the Reds.

-$

House ’Crats will hold a fundraiser this week to honor the 25th anniversary of Barney Frank coming out of the closet. If that’s worthy of a donation, wait till they find out it’s also the 23-year anniversary of when a gay brothel was being run of Barney’s basement — the cash will be pouring in . . . Obama, aka Puff The Magic President, reportedly made a reference in a Colorado campaign speech about Jesse Owens’ success in the 1938 Olympics. So big deal, he made a mistake (it was the ’36 Olympics) -- Democrats in all 57 states couldn’t care less.

hondo@nypost.com

Barney Frank, accounts payable

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NFL union hits owners on collusion

The players union claimed yesterday that the NFL imposed a secret salary cap during the uncapped 2010 season that cost the players at least $1 billion.

The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, which oversees the Reggie White settlement covering NFL labor matters. But the league says the union has no grounds for the action and is prohibited from filing it by the collective bargaining agreement.

The complaint claims a “conspiracy” to set a $123 million salary cap for the 2010 season, when owners did not have the authority to do so. The Cowboys and Redskins have had their future salary caps lowered for overspending in 2010, Dallas by $10 million over two seasons, Washington by a whopping $36 million.

Both teams lost a grievance against those reductions on Tuesday.

“When the rules are broken in a way that hurts the game, we have an obligation to act. We cannot stand by when we now know that the owners conspired to collude,” union chief DeMaurice Smith said yesterday.

In response to the reopening of the Reggie White lawsuit, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said, “There was no collusion. There was no agreement. These claims are totally unfounded.”

The NFL has considered the 2010 uncapped season a closed matter ever since the new labor deal was signed last summer. Clearly, the players do not, and now are seeking compensation for lost wages caused by collusion among the teams.

“Our union recently learned that there was a secret salary cap agreement in an uncapped year,” NFL Players Association President Domonique Foxworth said. “The complaint is our effort to fulfill our duty to every NFL player. They deserve to know, above all, the facts and the truth about this conspiracy.”

Reggie White, NFL, NFL player, U.S. District Court, salary cap, salary caps, The Cowboys, NFL Players Association President Domonique Foxworth

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Callahan a standout in tough Rangers loss

It was a performance exemplifying Ryan Callahan’s Ranger captaincy in all but one facet — his team lost.

Last night at the Garden, in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Devils, Callahan was the best player on the ice just about every time his skates came over the boards. But he was only one man, and after a 5-3 loss, his team now stares elimination in the face for the third time in as many playoff series, down 3-2 in this Battle of the Hudson.

“We’ve just got to win one game,” Callahan said. “We’ve been in this situation in the Ottawa series. We’ve just got to win one road game.”

NHLI via Getty Images

CHECK YOURSELF: Ryan Callahan sends Marek Zidlicky into the boards during last night’s 5-3 Devils victory in Game 5 at the Garden.

That Ottawa series was the first time Callahan and his Blueshirts faced a summer of watching instead of playing, losing that Game 5 in a similar fashion before going on to win Games 6 and 7 for their only consecutive victories within a series this postseason. That was followed by a seven-game series against the Capitals during which wins were alternated and the Rangers prevailed by winning Game 7 at home.

Now, with tomorrow night’s Game 6 at the Prudential Center, they are again on the edge, teetering with a history that will paint their rugged style of play — exemplified by Callahan — as too draining to sustain throughout a long playoff run.

“We’ve been good on the road all year,” Callahan said, who finished with a game-high six hits. “We’ll go in there and try to win a game and bring it back here.”

In the first period, with his team having given up three goals in the first 10 minutes, it was Callahan’s new line with Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky that began to fight back. The small change in momentum resulted in a breakaway goal for Brandon Prust, who cut the lead to 3-1 as the first period ended.

STANLEY CUP SCHEDULE

“There wasn’t too much said in the room,” Callahan said about the first intermission. “We knew the situation we were in. We knew we had to try to claw our way back, and we did that.”

It started with Callahan, the 27-year-old from Rochester in his first season with the ‘C’ on his sweater, as he charged to the goal just 32 seconds into the second period and managed to redirect an Anisimov centering feed off his skate and past Martin Brodeur.

The play was reviewed to see if Callahan had kicked it in, but when the goal was upheld, the Devils’ lead was sliced to 3-2. As he has so many times this season, Callahan had the Garden fans standing and cheering in full voice.

“He played well,” coach John Tortorella said. “He found a way to score a goal.”

Three minutes later, while on the power play, Callahan muscled his way to a loose puck just left of the crease, Brodeur down on the ice after stopping a hard low shot from Brad Richards.

With the gaping net in front of him, just a flick of the wrist away from tying the game, Callahan corralled the puck on his backhand and lifted it high.

The ding from the crossbar was loud enough to hear near the Garden roof, and for the guy who hasn’t scored an even-strength goal with an opposing goalie in net since the first game of the playoffs, Lady Luck kept him that close from full-on hero status.

“He did all the things you need to do as a leader to try and get us a win, right to the bitter end,” Tortorella said. “He’ll do the same thing next game.”

bcyrgalis@nypost.com

Ryan Callahan, Callahan, the Devils, playoff series

Nypost.com

PSAL Class B softball roundup: Lab Museum United returns to final

Lab Museum United is headed back to the PSAL Class B championship. All it took was some late-inning heroics.

Cheyenne DeJesus tied the score with a bases-loaded walk and Talia Greenberg produced the walk-off hit in the seventh inning to lead No. 2 LMU to a thrilling, 4-3 win over No. 11 Scholars Academy in the PSAL Class B semifinals Wednesday at Lincoln in Brooklyn.

“It was like a finals game,” Lab Museum United coach Charles Jessup said. “Definitely a nailbiter.”

The Gators (18-0) will be making their second trip to the finals in two years when they meet No. 9 Morris at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s University. Most of the seniors on this team were starters as sophomores then and are looking to complete some unfinished business.

“They’re really gonna want it this time,” Jessup said. “It should be good.”

Lindsey Bernstein singled to lead off the seventh and Kaylee Cimino followed with a hit of her own. Ashanti Plummer followed with a walk to load the bases with no outs. DeJesus walked for her second RBI of the game and Greenberg finished it in dramatic fashion.

“Most teams would probably just quit and say [we’re down] 3-0, forget about it,” Jessup said.

Sarah D’Amico gave up no earned runs on seven hits with five strikeouts in seven innings for LMU. Bernstein and Plummer both had three hits and DeJesus and Ramirez had two hits apiece.

D’Amico, Plummer and Ramirez, all seniors, were all important cogs in the finals run two years ago when they were sophomores. Plummer and Ramirez led the school’s girls basketball program to the PSAL Class A semifinals this year and both are playing Division I hoops next year – Plummer at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Ramirez at Marshall. D’Amico, meanwhile, has been the ace from Day One as a freshman.

Now they’re trying to add a championship to go along with their list of accomplishments.

“The seniors have definitely carried us,” Jessup said. “Just their drive.”

No. 9 Morris 9, No. 12 Brooklyn Tech 4: Tiara Brown went 1-for-2 with four RBIs and two runs scored and Chasity Quinones went 2-for-4 with three RBIs to lead Morris (18-2), which meets Lab Museum United in the championship game 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s University. Brooklyn Tech finishes 15-2.

mraimondi@nypost.com

Lab Museum United, Lab Museum United, Lab Museum United coach Charles Jessup, Talia Greenberg, PSAL, Ashanti Plummer, St. John’s University, LMU, Brooklyn Tech, Lindsey Bernstein, championship game

Nypost.com

Dunkin’ debt may rise

Dunkin’ Brands may take on more debt to buy back shares from its private-equity backers, including Bain Capital.

“The most likely use of cash would be a share repurchase, not a public float,” Dunkin’ CFO Neil Moses said yesterday said at a Morgan Stanley investor conference. “It might take the form of a share repurchase from our private-equity owners.”

Moses said the buyback would increase the company’s debt to more than five times earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or Ebidta, up from 4.2 times now.

By that calculation, the company would be taking on somewhere in the range of $200 million to $350 million in additional debt.

Dunkin’s PE owners — Bain, Carlyle Group and THL Partners — took the company public less than a year ago. Six of Dunkin’s 10 directors are from the PE firms.

The share repurchase would likely cut the PE firms’ combined equity stake from 30 percent to roughly 20 percent.

The move could be more fodder for attacks on the private-equity industry. Critics say the firms take money out in the form of dividends and buybacks, while saddling companies with burdensome debt.

Dunkin’ shares, whose shares are up 72 percent since it went public, rose 1.5 percent yesterday to close at $32.62.

“The risk to Dunkin’ shareholders is that Dunkin’ might not have the money to back up international growth” as planned, said John Gordon, a restaurant consultant from Pacific Management Consulting.

share repurchase, Dunkin’ Brands, Neil Moses, Morgan Stanley, debt, Carlyle Group

Nypost.com

Walk this way: Lewis edges Madison to reach second straight semis

Francis Lewis walked its way back to the semifinals.

“Patience gets you far,” Alina Cerda said.

The sixth-ranked Patriots extended their season by drawing 11 walks, three with the bases loaded, in a 4-2 win over No. 3 James Madison in the PSAL Class A softball quarterfinals Tuesday at Bergen Beach in Brooklyn. It is Lewis' second straight trip the final four and its second win over Madison, the city runnerup a year ago, this season. The Fresh Meadows school, not known for being an offensive juggernaut, faces No. 2 Susan Wagner in the semifinals Thursday.

William Thomas

Francis Lewis celebrates its victory over James Madison.

Photos: Francis Lewis-James Madison

William Thomas

Francis Lewis's Amanda Nardo catches a pop up.

Photos: Francis Lewis-James Madison

“I thought we did a great job taking walks,” Lewis coach Bryan Brown said. “We didn’t get hits, we got hits in the final innings. … We kept plugging away.”

The Patriots didn’t get a hit until until Kiara Libreros, Bianca Concepcion and Samantha Stelloh strung together three straight to start the top of the seventh inning. Cerda and Samantha Lallave both drew two-out walks to give their team a 4-2 lead. Madison attempted to rally in the seventh after Jennie Hosty singled and Danielle Mulle fouled off numerous pitches to work a walk, putting runners on first and second. Priscilla Lallave, who struck out five, proceeded to get the final three outs, ending with a pop up that hung in the air before settling into Concepcion’s glove at third.

“I saw the popup go and I didn’t even look at her catch it,” said Cerda, the designated player. “I just ran to the gate and I was like, ‘I know we got this.”

Madison (16-2) got a run in the first inning when Gina Gerone doubled and scored on an error. Lewis (16-3) evened the score in the top of the second with three one-out walks against Knights starter Cheyenne Tatesure. Neleini Esmeral’s two-out walk put the Pats up 2-1. Lewis took a one-run lead in the sixth when Maidson catcher Samantha Rodriguez threw down to first with the bases loaded to try to pick off Taylor Stanton. Hosty got tangled making the tag and Selina Lallave score from third.

“A lot of people doubted us, like our team it wasn’t the strongest,” Priscilla Lallave said. “Everyone was like they made it to the top four they’re not making it again.”

Knights coach Brian Friedman, in his first year at the helm, was pleased with the season his team had after losing ace Kayla Hill to graduation. The windmiller led Madison, which won their division, to three straight championship game appearances and a city title two year ago. Gerone tried to spark her team back against Lewis. Two pitches after a questionable ball call, the star shortstop drilled a solo home run into left center to tie the score at 2 in the sixth.

“They have a lot to be proud of,” Friedman said of his players. “It’s tough if you give them gifts like that. … Not to take anything away from [Lewis]. They did what they had to do.”

When the season began, Brown called his club the forgotten team of the semifinalists from a year ago. Lewis had a rocky regular season finishing tied for second with Bayside in Queen A-I. Through all that, it’s the Patriots who are again playing for a chance to compete for a city title.

“Hopefully we break the door down and get to the finals now,” Brown said. “This is building something for us.”

jstaszewski@nypost.com

Francis Lewis, James Madison, Patriots, Alina Cerda, Priscilla Lallave, James Madison.Photos, Lewis coach Bryan Brown, Samantha Lallave, Samantha Stelloh

Nypost.com

CHSAA/Private baseball rankings

The regular season has finished up and the postseason heats up in a big way this week for the CHSAA.

Monday begins two rounds of elimination games and then Thursday commences the third-round, best-of-three series. Meanwhile, the seeding round begins between the division winners on Wednesday.

In the private schools Wednesday is also a big day – Poly Prep and Fieldston will meet for the NYSAISAA title.

Here’s how everything looks:

1. Xaverian (16-1) (Last week: 2)

There hasn’t been a more dominant team this year in the CHSAA, a loss to St. Francis Prep notwithstanding. Xaverian finished up its regular season with a non-league victory Saturday over Tottenville and will play in the seeding round this week.

Lauren Marsh

Moore Catholic has moved up to No. 3 in the CHSAA/Private rankings.

Next: Fordham Prep/Iona Prep, CHSAA seeding first round (May 23, 4 p.m.)

2. Poly Prep (19-4) (3)

Morgan Gray’s standout sophomore season continued on Sunday in the NYSAISAA semifinals as he tossed 5-2/3 innings of one-run ball and also scored the game-winning run on a Phil Maldari triple in the bottom of the seventh inning. The win sent Poly Prep back to the private school state tournament final for a sixth straight year. It will be looking for its second straight crown and third in five years Wednesday against rival Fieldston.

Next: No. 8 Fieldston, NYSAISAA finals (May 23, 3:30 p.m. @ Manhattanville College)

3. Moore Catholic (12-2) (4)

Shea Spitzbarth and John Baggs were tremendous last week as Moore beat St. Joseph by the Sea twice to capture the team’s first Staten Island division title since 2008. That means a bye into the championship round of the playoffs.

Next: No. 6 St. Raymond, CHSAA seeding first round (May 23, 4 p.m.)

4. St. Joseph by the Sea (13-3) (1)

Up until the last two weeks, Sea had owned the CHSAA with a perfect record, but Moore Catholic beat the Vikings twice last week after Monsignor Farrell did it a few days earlier. Sea will now be stuck in a third-round, best-of-three series.

Next: TBA, CHSAA third round Game 1 (May 24, TBA @ TBA)

5. Iona Prep (12-5) (9)

The Gaels started the season as a favorite to win the CHSAA city title, tapered off midseason and now are back among the elite after tying Fordham Prep for first place in Bronx/Westchester last week. They meet in a tiebreaker Monday.

Next: No. 7 Fordham Prep, Bronx/Westchester first-place tiebreaker (May 21, 4 p.m. @ Fordham University)

6. St. Raymond (12-4) (5)

The Ravens worked their way into the No. 3 spot in the CHSAA seeding round this week despite a loss to Xavier. St. Raymond, the Bronx/Manhattan champ, faces Moore Catholic on Wednesday in the round that determines seeds for division winners.

Next: No. 3 Moore Catholic, CHSAA seeding first round (May 23, 4 p.m. @ Richmond County Youth Complex)

7. Fordham Prep (12-5) (6)

The Rams are still trying to find some consistency after a red-hot start. Their late-season struggles allowed Iona Prep to catch up in CHSAA Bronx/Westchester and the two will play a tiebreaker Monday at Fordham University.

Next: No. 5 Iona Prep (May 21, 4 p.m. @ Fordham University)

8. Fieldston (16-3) (10)

Senior Daniel Brickner pitched Fieldston to its first NYSAISAA finals berth in program history on Sunday, tossing six sterling innings in a 5-3 win over Rye Country Day School. In just three years, coach Tony Marro has elevated the previously middling program. The Bronx school does have a huge hurdle upcoming: Andrew Zapata, arguably the best pitcher in the city, and Poly Prep.

Next: No. 2 Poly Prep, NYSAISAA finals (May 23, 3:30 p.m. @ Manhattanville College)

9. Archbishop Molloy (11-6) (NR)

Somehow, despite some struggles in the middle of the season, Molloy came back and earned second place in Brooklyn/Queens. The return of slugging third baseman/pitcher Jonathan Ramon has been a huge boon for the Stanners.

Next: TBA, CHSAA third round Game 1 (May 24, TBA @ TBA)

10. All Hallows (9-7) (7)

Jason Reyes came up with the game-winning RBI hit to lead All Hallows past Regis on Saturday, a win that clinched second place in CHSAA Bronx/Manhattan. That means the Gaels go right into the third round, best-of-three series starting Thursday.

Next: TBA, CHSAA third round Game 1(May 24, TBA @ TBA)

New: Archbishop Molloy (11-6)

Dropped out: St. Francis Prep (11-6)

On the bubble: St. Francis Prep (11-6), Cardinal Spellman (9-8), Bishop Ford (10-7), Horace Mann (11-9), Berkeley Carroll (17-4), Holy Cross (9-8), Xavier (8-8) and St. Ann's (10-7)

zbraziller@nypost.com

mraimondi@nypost.com

Poly Prep, Poly Prep, CHSAA, Fordham Prep, St. Francis Prep, St. Francis Prep, Iona Prep, NYSAISAA, Fieldston, Fieldston, Moore Catholic, St. Raymond, Fordham University, Manhattanville College, Archbishop Molloy

Nypost.com

Drogba’s shootout goal lifts Chelsea

MUNICH — Didier Drogba scored the decisive penalty in the shootout as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich to win the Champions League final after a 1-1 draw last night.

The unlikely storyline of an English team beating a German team on penalties in a high-profile match provided a fitting end to a dramatic night, as Chelsea became Europe's champion club for the first time.

The often theatrical figure of 34-year-old Drogba, playing possibly his last game for the club as his Chelsea contract expires next month, was at the heart of the show.

Drogba sent goalkeeper Manuel Neuer the wrong way to win the shootout 4-3 in front of massed Bayern fans in their home Allianz Arena. Bayern's Bastian Schweinsteiger missed the previous penalty.

The shootout was needed after Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech saved Arjen Robben's spot-kick early in extra time.

Robben’s kick was awarded for a foul by Drogba, whose 88th-minute header earned an unlikely reprieve.

After 83 minutes of Bayern domination, Thomas Mueller broke dogged Chelsea resistance with a header past Cech.

Chelsea's first Champions League title came four years after losing in a shootout to Manchester United.

Drogba succeeded where his captain, John Terry, who was suspended for the finale, failed in missing the fifth penalty in Moscow four years ago.

The victory also sealed Chelsea's last remaining route into next season's competition, which is crucial to its elite status and finances.

Everything seemed stacked against Chelsea when Bayern won the toss to send the shootout to the home end of its stadium. After Bayern captain Philipp Lahm scored first, Juan Mata saw his kick saved by Neuer.

Cech then saved Ivica Olic's fourth penalty for Bayern to put the otherwise excellent Schweinsteiger in the spotlight.

He struck the post to Cech's left and covered his face with his shirt. Drogba then sealed the victory and awaited the adulation of his onrushing teammates.

Didier Drogba, Drogba, Bayern Munich, Bayern, Champions League, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Chelsea, Petr Cech, Manuel Neuer, Arjen Robben

Nypost.com

Yankees can't deliver clutch hit, but should turnaround

Ken Davidoff
Follow Ken on Twitter
Blog: Baseball Insider

Yesterday brought more missed opportunities with runners in scoring position and another home-team loss at Yankee Stadium, so we welcome you to the Great Bronx Drought of 2012.

Your reigning American League East champions fell to the Reds, 6-5, for their fourth defeat in five games, and they have scored a total of 13 runs in those contests. While this game signified progress, the trouble in clutch situations still makes Yankees baseball feel like a Deadball Era production at modern-day Tiffany prices.

“People are jumping off bridges,” said Nick Swisher, who delivered one of the team’s two hits with runners in scoring position, both during a ninth-inning rally. “In here, we’re calm.”

the Yankees’ struggles with runners in scoring position cost them in yesterday’s 6-5 home loss to the Reds." title="APPLE SCORE: Raul Ibanez contributes an RBI double in the fourth inning, but the Yankees’ struggles with runners in scoring position cost them in yesterday’s 6-5 home loss to the Reds." width="300" height="250" src="/rw/nypost/2012/05/20/sports/web_photos/20.1s089.DavidoffC--300x250.jpg" />

Christopher Pasatieri

APPLE SCORE: Raul Ibanez contributes an RBI double in the fourth inning, but the Yankees’ struggles with runners in scoring position cost them in yesterday’s 6-5 home loss to the Reds.

It may not be a good sign for the Yankees that the excitable Swisher emerged as a voice of reason. Yet you can’t argue with his point. As frustrating as the team’s hitting has been as of late for the fans, there’s a paucity of evidence to believe there’s a real problem.

The oddest part of looking at these Yankees, now 21-19, is most of the lineup is performing somewhere in the neighborhood of reasonable expectations. Even the recently power-deprived Alex Rodriguez isn’t killing his team, not with a .377 on-base percentage.

The two very notable exceptions are Mark Teixeira, who sat out again yesterday and likely will miss today to deal with severely inflamed bronchial airways, and Russell Martin, who stroked a solo, third-inning homer but struck out in the crucial ninth.

No, the key culprit is, once again, that inability to hit with runners in scoring position. For the season, the Yankees have a .231 batting average (77-for-334), .326 on-base percentage and .407 slugging percentage, compared with a line of .273/.361/.455 last year. After going 2-for-7 yesterday, they are mired in a 5-for-55 funk.

“As of late, we haven’t been getting the job done,” Martin said. “It takes one day for that to change.”

Yesterday looked like it could be that day. Just when it seemed like they would rally to victory against Reds closer Sean Marshall, manager Dusty Baker aggressively lifted Marshall — with two runs in, Yankees on first and second and one out — for Jose Arredondo to go after Derek Jeter. The Yankees’ captain beat out a double-play grounder, keeping the game alive while advancing Andruw Jones to third, yet Curtis Granderson’s groundout to first left the Yankees 90 feet short.

Fans tend to view such results as some sort of moral failing. Men with bigger hearts and guts would come through more often in these situations, after all.

The truth is probably far more boring. These things run in cycles. First the Yankees went into a pitching slump, and now they’re in a hitting slump. The greater problem occurs when a team doesn’t get anyone on base at all, and the Yankees rank among the American League leaders with a .338 on-base percentage.

A-Rod, who hasn’t hit a homer in 45 plate appearances, said the team should focus on scoring “at least four runs a game.” That would work. With yesterday’s loss, they’re now 20-5 in such efforts.

More to the point, though, “You have to worry about the process,” Rodriguez said. “Not only my process, but the team’s process. We’re going to be fine.”

Joe Girardi, while conceding his team has been pressing in important moments, added, “It will turn, though. I know it will turn.”

On a day when the Yankees wound up delivering 11 hits and put Granderson — one of their best hitters — in an optimal position to tie the game, Girardi’s words seemed more rational than disingenuous.

If the drought continues for weeks, however? Then Swisher’s vows of the team being “chill” will seem more like a club in denial. For now, they get the benefit of the doubt.

kdavidoff@nypost.com

Nick Swisher, the Yankees, Yankees, American League, Ken DavidoffFollow Ken ebook download, Sean Marshall, Alex Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson

Nypost.com

Through The Binocs

Today, Belmont and Aqueduct will offer wagering on the 13-race Black-Eyed Susan Day card at Pimlico, as well as advance wagering on tomorrow’ Preakness. Also available is wagering on the Pimlico Special/Preakness Double. Advance and race day wagering will also be available through Telebet (opening at 9 a.m. both days) and NYRARewards.com<http://www.nyrarewards.com/>. NYRA will offer wagering on tomorrow’s President’s Cup Arabian Race, but will not offer today’s Jockey Challenge wager.

First race post at Pimlico on Black-Eyed Susan Day is 12 noon and parking lots at Belmont Park (free general parking) and Aqueduct ($2 parking fee) will open as regularly scheduled at 11:15 a.m., with admission gates opening at 11:30 a.m. Voucher sellers and self-service windows will open at 11:30 a.m.

Live tellers will be available from 12:15 p.m. until after the Pimlico Special (approximate post 5:51 p.m.). Clerks will then be available only on the first floor at Aqueduct and the Belmont Café at Belmont.

Tomorrow, first post at Pimlico is 10:30 a.m.

Accordingly, parking gates at Aqueduct and Belmont will open at 9:45 a.m., with admission gates following at 10 a.m.

Voucher sellers, live tellers and self-service windows will commence business at 10 a.m. on the first floor at both tracks and the Belmont Café at Belmont. Windows will remain open in all areas until after the Preakness (approximate post 6:18 p.m.), after which clerks will be available only on the first floor at Aqueduct and the Belmont Café at Belmont.

THIRD RACE: Trickmeister took control at the start and held off a challenge from favored Stay Thirsty to win the $88,200, Vanlandingham Stakes. Ramon Dominguez rode the Richard Dutrow Jr. trainee to victory. This was the sixth victory in seven career starts for Trickmeister, who ran the mile and a sixteenth in 1:39.86, just .48 of a second off the track record set by Birdrun on Oct. 21, 2009.

NINTH RACE: Going into the last race, there was only one horse, She Is a Lioness, that would give one lucky person a Pick Six payoff of $319,939.

But favored Margaret Lilian took care of that by drawing off to an impressive maiden victory in the finale. She Is a Lioness was never a serious threat but did finish third.

PICK SIX

Winning numbers:

8-2-6-6-6-4

No winners

Cons. (5of6) paid $6,231

Carryover: $319,939.89

Preakness, Preakness, Pimlico, Pimlico Special, Aqueduct, Belmont Park, Belmont, Richard Dutrow Jr., Black-Eyed Susan Day card, Vanlandingham Stakes

Nypost.com

Ewing closer to first head-coaching gig

With Mike Woodson’s contract being hammered out this week, Patrick Ewing won’t be getting any head-coaching interviews with the Knicks any time soon. But Thursday, the Big Fella moved a step closer to his first head-coaching job when he interviewed for the Bobcats position in Charlotte.

If Ewing is going to land a head-coaching job in the near future, this could be his best shot as the friendship and mutual respect he shares with Bobcats owner Michael Jordan can’t be overstated. The interviews are being conducted by president Rod Higgins and general manager Rich Cho, but Jordan is expected to make the final call.

One person familiar with the situation said this was hardly a courtesy interview, that Ewing has a “good chance’’ of being Paul Silas’ successor.

Ewing completed his fifth season with the Magic and has been an assistant for nine seasons, also serving in Washington and Houston. Ewing has one year left on his Magic pact, but Orlando may part ways with Stan Van Gundy and perhaps the staff. So Ewing could be out of a job soon.

According to a source, Ewing would not be considered for the head job with Orlando and it’s believed his relationship with maligned center Dwight Howard is not as tight as it used to be.

“My goal is to be a head coach,’’ Ewing told The Post in late March when the Magic visited the Garden. “I hope to get interviews everywhere there’s a job open. I think [Mike Woodson] is a fine coach. He’s done an outstanding jobs in the eight games he’s taken over. But any opportunity I get, I’m ready.’’

If Ewing becomes unemployed, the buzz will be for Woodson to bring him aboard, but there’s no indication he is adding to his staff of Darrell Walker, Jim Todd, Herb Williams and Kenny Atkinson.

Former Knicks coach and current ABC broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy, who had Ewing on his Rockets staff, told The Post yesterday, “He has worked hard at the job and significantly improved. ... I think he would do well.’’

If Jeff’s brother, Stan, moves on, Mike D’Antoni is expected to be on the Magic’s short list, according to a source.

Word continues out of the D’Antoni inner circle the former Knicks coach is content sitting out next NBA season unless “ a very compelling opportunity’’ arises. D’Antoni wants to see his son, Michael Jr., graduate high school in Westchester and will get enough satisfaction coaching the U.S. Olympic Team.

The Bobcats position isn’t the most appetizing, having set the record for worst winning percentage in NBA history this season (7-59, .106). That helps Ewing’s chances. Also on the candidate list is Paul Silas’ son, Bobcats assistant Stephen Silas, Warriors assistant Michael Malone, Memphis assistant Dave Joerger and Cavs assistant Nate Tibbetts.

marc.berman@nypost.com

Patrick Ewing, Mike Woodson, Mike Woodson, Knicks, Knicks, Michael Jordan, Stan Van Gundy, Bobcats, Bobcats, Big Fella, Jeff Van Gundy, Mike D’Antoni, Rod Higgins

Nypost.com

Parx Racing Charts

May 15th, 2012 clear And Fast.

©2012 Equibase. All Rights Reserved

FIRST-6 1/2f; $25,000; cl($5,000); 3up

Off: 12:26. Good. wide, wore down leader

Time: ..

Trainer: Michael Catalano, Jr.

Winner: DK B/ G, 5, by Afleet Alex-Eze

Scr: Liger, Rhyad, Score the Gold.

Horse

Wt.

PP

1/4

1/2

Str.

Fin

Jockey

Odds

Eze Does It

120

3

3

3

2 4

1 1 1/4

Frey

1.70

Quay Lime Guy

120

1

1

1

1 3

2 4

Hiraldo

1.80

Unbridled Dispute

120

2

4

4

3 1/2

3 3

Moya

8.00

Hobbitontherocks

122

4

2

2

4

4

Flores

1.60

5-Eze Does It

5.40

2.80

out

2-Quay Lime Guy

3.40

out

4-Unbridled Dispute

out

out

* Exacta (5-2) $15.20 *

Winner picked by Affrunti, DaSIlva, Fountaine, Vic C., Consensus

SECOND-1m&70y; $22,000; cl($7,500); 3up

Off: 12:53. Good. clear throughout drive

Time: 1:45.25.

Trainer: Cynthia Reese

Winner: DK B/ G, 5, by Pleasantly Perfect-Earthrawindandfire

Horse

Wt.

PP

1/4

1/2

Str.

Fin

Jockey

Odds

Pleasant Earth

120

3

1

1

1 3

1 4 1/2

Flores

9.90

Indio Carlos

117

2

5

3

2 8

2 8

Carmche

1.70

Pleasant Crown

120

6

2

4

4 2

3 2

Castillo

41.20

Dewanna Cat

120

7

7

7

6 1

4 1/2

Swan

13.20

El Ratijo

113

1

4

5

7

5 1

Frey

4.50

Premium Justice

120

5

6

6

5 1/2

6 1/2

Rivera

1.90

Cottonpickinwabbit

116

4

3

2

3 3

7

Hmpse,J.

6.40

3-Pleasant Earth

21.80

8.40

5.00

2-Indio Carlos

3.40

3.00

6-Pleasant Crown

11.80

* Daily Double (5-3) $80.80 * Exacta (3-2) $107.20 * Trifecta (3-2-6) $1,342.60 *

Double and Exacta picked by Vic C.

THIRD-1m; $23,000; cl($7,500); 3up

Off: 1:20. Good. wide rally, edged off

Time: 1:39.94.

Trainer: Kathleen Demasi

Winner: CH G, 6, by Graeme Hall-Aspiring Sue

Scr: Love to Be Wicked.

Horse

Wt.

PP

1/4

1/2

Str.

Fin

Jockey

Odds

Aspiring Nick

122

3

5

5

1 2

1 3

Garcia

0.50

Lake Friends

119

2

4

4

2 5

2 5

Pellot

2.80

Mistycal Light

113

5

1

2

3 hd

3 2

Angulo

8.50

Zosogood

120

1

2

1

4 4

4 6

Burke

7.40

Striking Power

122

4

3

3

5

5

Flores

9.70

4-Aspiring Nick

3.00

2.20

2.10

2-Lake Friends

2.80

2.20

6-Mistycal Light

2.40

* $1 Pick 3 (5-3-3/4) 3 Correct $69.90 * Exacta (4-2) $7.00 * Trifecta (4-2-6) $19.80 *

Exacta picked by Affrunti, (Best Bet), Cnsensus, (Best Bet), Trifecta picked by DaSIlva, Winner picked by Debbie L.

FOURTH-7f; $23,000; cl($7,500); 3up

Off: 1:48. Good. wide, going away

Time: 23.44, 46.07, 1:11.12, 1:24.35.

Trainer: Daniel Velazquez

Winner: CH G, 3, by Pollard's Vision-Jana

Horse

Wt.

PP

1/4

1/2

Str.

Fin

Jockey

Odds

Triple Vision

115

6

2

3

3 2

1 2 3/4

Hiraldo

13.10

R U Smokin

122

5

3

2

2 1 1/2

2 no

Carmche

1.90

Gentleman Jim

120

4

4

5

4 1

3 no

Montnez

3.60

Spanish Country

113

2

1

1

1 hd

4 3 1/4

Suarez

8.00

Rick the Bartender

120

7

5

4

5 3 1/2

5 1 3/4

Hmpse,J.

2.50

Buzzards Roost

122

3

6

6

6 3

6 4

HerneOe

5.80

Caylee's Song

120

1

7

7

7

7

Garcia

20.10

6-Triple Vision

28.20

9.00

5.40

5-R U Smokin

3.40

3.00

4-Gentleman Jim

3.20

Next >

1

2

Michael Catalano, cl ebook download, Cynthia ReeseWinner

Nypost.com

I'll Have Another takes day off at Preakness

Baltimore -- Four days before the Preakness, I’ll Have Another trainer Doug O’Neill was feeling very skittish about his pending appearance on the grand stage.

His nervousness had nothing to do with saddling up the Kentucky Derby winner Saturday with the Triple Crown hanging in the balance. O’Neill didn’t care that it was too wet to send I’ll Have Another out on the track, and he certainly wasn’t uneasy about the Preakness coming down to another duel between his horse and Derby pace-setter Bodemeister.

No, the usually laid-back O’Neill was fretting over his assignment Tuesday night at Camden Yards: Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in my hotel room throwing shampoo bottles at pillows,” he said Tuesday morning. “My biggest thing is not bouncing it. The more people say don’t bounce it, the more likely you will bounce it. I’m just trying to stay focused on throwing it straight and strong and not embarrassing the I’ll Have Another team.”

He did a fine job. Standing in front of the mound, O’Neill peered for an imaginary sign from Orioles infielder Ryan Flaherty, who was poised behind the plate. O’Neill then went into an exaggerated windup and unleashed a high pitch that Flaherty snagged after leaping from his crouch.

O’Neill broke a trend by shipping the his horse to Pimlico Race Course just two days after the Derby, and he arrived in town two days after that. Since then, he’s been preparing I’ll Have Another for the Preakness and doing all things Baltimore.

O’Neill watched the Baltimore Ravens rookies practice last weekend and had lunch with coach John Harbaugh. On Monday night, he tried crabs for the first time.

“It’s a lot of work with a mallet. I felt like a carpenter,” O’Neill said. “It was good. We experienced the common food of Baltimore. I think next time I’ll look for the crab cakes. That’s the lazy man’s way of eating crab. Pulling the legs and cracking this and that, it does seem like too much work.”

On the topic of work, O’Neill decided I’ll Have Another didn’t have to do any Tuesday on a wet, dreary morning at Pimlico.

“With I’ll Have Another being as fit as he is and the fact he’s doing so good, we figured the weather forecast is supposed to be nice starting tomorrow, so why take him out there?” O’Neill said. “Like the rest of us, we all like a day off. We gave the whole barn a day off. He looks fantastic.

“You would expect good energy, which he has. We needed a lip chain to keep him on the ground. He was prancing around there. He’s happy. We’ll probably walk him a couple of more times throughout the day. He’ll probably be a little stir crazy without going to the track. I just thought it was the safest, smartest move.”

Since rallying past Bodemeister in the Derby, I’ll Have Another has showed absolutely no sign of fatigue. If the rousing run to the finish took anything out of him, it sure didn’t show in his appetite.

“Every morning we find a clean, licked-up feed tub,” O’Neill said. “He’s a really mellow horse in the stall. He’s a horse that every morning looks like he had a good night’s sleep.”

Many of the horses that ran in the Derby, including Union Rags and Hansen, have opted out of the Preakness. O’Neill, on the other hand, threw I’ll Have Another into the Preakness mix at the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs.

“You need a special horse to do it,” he said in front of Barn D at Pimlico, the temporary home of I’ll Have Another. “I could see where those guys probably want a little more time to recover. Fortunately, I’ll Have Another has recovered super quickly. It’s still going to be a tough race with Bodemeister and Graham Motion’s horse (Went The Day Well).”

Win or lose, O’Neill won’t soon forget this magical two-week stay in Baltimore — even if he does bounce that first-pitch fastball at Camden Yards.

“The fact we get paid to do something we all love is incredible,” he said. “As friends and family come visit the barn, you can see how they just love the whole environment. We’re enjoying every minute of it. Who knows if we’ll ever be back again with a Derby winner? Hopefully we will be. We are just soaking it all in. We’re so blessed to have a brilliant horse like him.”

Doug O’Neill, Preakness, Preakness ebook download, O’Neill, Baltimore, Baltimore Orioles, Derby

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Teams pay now & later for huge contracts

Joel Sherman
Blog: Hardball

The reaction to Josh Hamilton’s four-homer game last week was revealing. The sounds of congratulations quickly

were washed away by the ka-chinging of cash registers.

The calculus was not about the odds of becoming the 16th man ever to hit four homers in a game, but what this meant financially for a star in his walk year. How many dollars? Over how many seasons? Where? When? There was renewed pressure on the Rangers to sign their best player long term — immediately.

Not to get too sociological here, but if you are wondering why this country has staggering credit card debt, this is it. The heck with tomorrow, forget history, ignore common sense. The shiny object is attracting us now and so we must have it, regardless of cost.

Getty Images

Josh Hamilton

In this case, though, the object may not even be as shiny as you think. Hamilton’s drug history is long and worrisome, and so are his two known relapses while with the Rangers. He has proven injury prone and even he has wondered at times if his long substance abuse has made his body older than his chronological age — Hamilton turns 31 in eight days.

Remember the last time we wondered if someone was truly 31? That was Albert Pujols during his walk year. There long had been a whispering campaign within the game that Pujols was older than he claimed, which he always has denied.

Before Hamilton’s pyrotechnics at Camden Yards, the last time there was a chain reaction of sound of bat meeting ball, sound of awe, sound of cash register was when Pujols homered three times in World Series Game 3 last year against Hamilton’s Rangers. How could the Cardinals not keep arguably their greatest player ever?

They didn’t. They say they tried. But I think their attempts were designed to fail, to look earnest to their fans while assuring the Cardinals did not have to take such a staggering long-term risk. Instead, St. Louis gambled short term (two years each) on two brittle, but talented players in Carlos Beltran and Rafael Furcal (who are playing like All-Stars) plus their own winning culture and pipeline (homegrown players such as Jon Jay, David Freese and Lance Lynn are blossoming). St. Louis, minus Pujols, arguably is the best team in the NL.

Pujols got a 10-year, $245 million contract that was supposed to make the Angels a devilish AL West threat to Hamilton’s Rangers. But Pujols’ power outage has sapped the life from the Angels. It is still early. He is Albert Pujols. A rebound is likely. But we barely are out of the first month of the 10-season commitment and we have a glimpse into the future as Pujols ages — whatever his true age — and his skills diminish. Do you think knowing what he knows today, Angels owner Arte Moreno still would do this contract?

Next >

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Josh Hamilton, Albert Pujols, Albert Pujols, Rangers, chain reaction, cash register

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Belmont Park Analysis

Post Time: 12:50 p.m.

All horses appear in post position order

1. 7f(T); $32,000; mdn cl($25,000); 3up; (f&m)

PRINCESS MALIA cuts back in distance and drops in class after showing some closing ability last out. RED CODE ran evenly this level when making turf debut. BANGZOOMTOTHEMOON chased the pace and tired in an off the turf race.

PN Horse, Wt.

Jockey

Last 3

Trainer

Odds

1 She Talks too Much(L),118

J Ortiz

4-5-7

Shivmangal

50-1

2 Dem Aah Watch Meh(L),118

A Lezcano

6-8-4

Persaud

20-1

3 Rennina(L),118

S Camacho, Jr

10-10-10

Bond

12-1

4 Bangzoomtothemoon(L),123

E Castro

7-2-4

Schettino

5-2

5 Tina's Note(L),118

A Smith

12-5-7

P Kelly

12-1

6 Western Gal(L),118

J Davis

3-10-8

Hooper

20-1

7 Red Code(L),118

I Ortiz, Jr

5-6-7

Sciacca

5-1

8 Tati(L),118

D Cohen

6-x-x

Bush

6-1

9 St. Jean(L),118

J Leparoux

2-10-9

McPeek

3-1

10 Chubbalita's Joy(L),111

W Garcia

12-4-5

Quiles

30-1

11 Siberian Wildcat(L),118

C Nakatani

6-6-2

Contessa

6-1

12 Three Grand City(L),123

J Espinoza

8-10-7

Turner

30-1

13 La Billos(L),118

R Dominguez

3-5-x

Lakeman

7-2

14 Princess Malia(L),118

E Prado

7-7-2

R Dutrow

2-1

15 Havana Girl(L),118

R Maragh

7-6-x

Duggan

12-1

16 Touch of Revenge(L),118

J Alvarado

2-4-7

Reed

5-2

PRINCESS MALIA, Jr5-6-7Sciacca5-18 Tati

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CHSAA/Private baseball roundup: Fondu, Fordham rout Farrell

Perhaps all it took was a trip to Staten Island to bring Fordham Prep’s bats back to life.

Furman-bound Steve Fondu went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and a run scored and Zach Leone had a pair of RBIs to lead Fordham to a 10-5 win over Monsignor Farrell in CHSAA Class AA baseball Thursday at the College of Staten Island.

Andrew Velazquez and Ryan Mahoney each had two hits and Sean McNamara gave up four earned runs on eight hits in seven innings for Fordham (10-3). Rob DeAngelis had two RBIs and Joe Venturino laced two hits for Farrell (4-7).

Xaverian 12, Christ the King 0: Tommy Anselmo went four innings and Anthony Amatuzzi pitched the fifth to combine on a no-hitter for Xaverian (13-0). Julian Lanfranco had three hits, including a triple and a double, and Sal Taormina had three RBIs and two hits. Jason Ramos crushed a three-run home run. CK is 1-13.

Moore Catholic 12, St. Peter’s 2: Shea Spitzbarth and Anthony LoBello each had three RBIs apiece and Matt Diorio and Ronnie McBratney both had three hits for Moore (10-1). Spitzbarth gave up no runs on one hit with seven strikeouts in four innings. Danny Monzi had two RBIs for St. Peter’s (3-8).

Archbishop Stepinac, Regis suspended: The CHSAA Class AA league game was halted due to darkness with Stepinac leading 13-10 in the sixth inning. Regis had been up 10-5.

IVY PREP LEAGUE

Riverdale 6, Collegiate 2: Cole Dreyfuss struck out four and allowed four hits in five innings for the win, he also had two hits, Alex Silverman doubled and drove in three runs and Shane Gaer added two RBIs for Riverdale (8-6, 6-5), which takes on Bronx Science Friday at 4:15 p.m. on Randall’s Island. Collegiate (4-8, 4-7) visits Horace Mann Friday at 4 p.m.

Riverdale 13, Collegiate 12 (10 innings): In the continuation of a suspended game, Cole Dreyfuss went three innings, allowed no hits and struck out three, Armando Perez had two hits, scored twice and drove in three runs and Alec Silverman had the walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th.

Horace Mann 5, Dalton 1: Danny Baudoin and Cammy Brown combined on a two-hitter with Baudoin going the first six innings and striking out six, Harrison Bader had two RBIs and stole home and Elias Wacht added two hits and Baudoin added two hits apiece for Horace Mann (9-6, 7-5), which hosts College Friday at 4 p.m. Dalton (5-8, 3-8) faces Fieldston Friday at 4:15 p.m.

NYCAL

Columbia Prep 18, Loyola 8: Ross Mirskin picked up the win on the mound, he also had two hits, homered and drove in four runs and Will Glavin went 4-for-4 with four RBIs and four runs scored for Columbia Prep in the NYCAL semifinals. The Lions (15-4) face Trevor Day School in the championship game Friday at 4 p.m.

OTHER SCORES

Bishop Ford 18, Monsignor McClancy 6

Cardinal Hayes 6, Cardinal Spellman 5

zbraziller@nypost.com

mraimondi@nypost.com

Monsignor Farrell, Fordham Prep, Fordham, Staten Island, College of Staten, Cole Dreyfuss, Shea Spitzbarth, Horace Mann, Ryan Mahoney, Joe Venturino, Danny Baudoin, Steve Fondu, Anthony Amatuzzi, innings

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Knicks to shop for point guard to partner with Jeremy

When interim coach Mike Woodson stopped short of anointing Jeremy Lin the Knicks’ starting point guard for next season, he did so with a reason. The Knicks have eyes on landing a veteran point guard to share the load and do not want to close the door on any point-guard recruits.

The Knicks have their list of capable point guards to pursue in free agency, which begins July 1, either for the veteran’s minimum at about $1.4 million or their lower exception of $2 million. Their $5 million mid-level exception is expected to go to Lin, 24, who not only adds another dimension to Woodson’s sickly playoff offense but adds a boatload of cash to owner James Dolan’s coffers.

Anthony J. Causi

LIN THE MIX: The Knicks are likely to form a point-guard tandem of Jeremy Lin and a free agent — such as Raymond Felton, Kirk Hinrich or Jonny Flynn.

Some of the cheaper veteran free agents include Derek Fisher, Gary Neal, Kirk Hinrich, Ramon Sessions and even ex-Knick Raymond Felton. The Knicks are helped because the market for mid-tier players is suppressed by the new collective bargaining agreement, and most teams already have their starting point guard.

VOTE: KNICKS NEXT YEAR

Other young free-agent point guards include Amityville’s A.J. Price, Jannero Pargo and former Syracuse star Jonny Flynn, whom the Knicks staff likes. Goran Dragic and Steve Nash are out of reach, and Andre Miller and Jameer Nelson also appear pie-in-the-sky.

The Knicks want to build around Linsanity. General manager Glen Grunwald does not believe the Knicks’ 8-1 February run with Lin at the controls was a fluke. But management has questions as Lin rehabs from last month’s left knee surgery, starting with: Will he be durable enough to last a full 82-game schedule as a starter, especially given his style of barreling into the paint?

Jared Jeffries, in his weekly appearance on ESPN radio Friday, said he feels Lin is the answer to lead the Amar’e Stoudemire-Carmelo Anthony Knicks.

“We’ve got to have a point guard,’’ Jeffries said. “I think that a point guard that demands the respect of both of them [Stoudemire and Anthony] will do a lot better. I think the big key is for Jeremy to take the next step as a point guard. He has to command the ball, have control of the offense and get guys in the right spot.

“I have in full confidence in Jeremy [being the leader] because a guy that plays as hard as he does, understands the game the way he does, you can’t help but follow his example.’’

In his exit meeting, J.R. Smith, who may exercise a player option in his contract for next season, was told by Woodson to work on his point-guard skills because the Knicks could use him in a backup spot.

“My defense is my No. 1 emphasis in my game,’’ Smith said. “Secondly, being a combo guard. Hopefully it won’t come down to that next year, but I will work on the point-guard skills, keep being a better ball-handler and watching a lot of film.’’

Though Toney Douglas is signed through next season, he is in Woodson’s doghouse and viewed as more of a shooting guard. Re-signing Mike Bibby, a Woodson favorite, is also possible as point-guard insurance.

Lin said he still has a slew of areas to work on. He told The Post he will pass on playing in the Las Vegas Summer League but would accept an invitation to the Select Team practicing against Team USA during its Olympic training camp in Las Vegas.

“I don’t think I’ve mastered anything,’’ Lin said. “Becoming more explosive, the catch-and-shoot, passing, limiting turnovers, reading the game, getting stronger, defense. That’s the good thing of this season. I’ve had struggles to know how much further I have to go.’’

The Knicks won’t have combo guard Iman Shumpert (torn ACL) to start training camp, so re-signing Landry Fields looks to be a lock. Fields forms a good tandem with his buddy Lin. Because Fields has early Bird rights, the Knicks don’t need an exception to bring him back.

“I would love to,’’ Fields said. “With the character we have, the players and coaching staff we have, the organization is on the way up. I want to be part of it.’’

Especially if they lose sharpshooter Steve Novak, the Knicks will consider bringing back swingman Bill Walker, the starting small forward during much of the Linsanity run. Walker was cut by Grunwald in April to make room for center Dan Gadzuric, who was not in NBA condition.

Jeffries, also a free agent who wants to return despite chronic knee pain, said the Knicks should add “a young, athletic 3 that can come in and give Melo a break.’’

marc.berman@nypost.com

Knicks, Knicks, Knicks ebook download, Jeremy Lin, The Knicks, The Knicks, Mike Woodson, point guards, Raymond Felton, Kirk Hinrich, combo guard

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Apple's iTV is coming, FoxConn chief says

CUPERTINO, Calif. -- Apple Inc. is making preparations to produce its highly anticipated TV product called Apple iTV, China Daily reported Friday.

In an interview published by the Chinese newspaper, Terry Gou, the chairman of Apple-supplier Foxconn, said the electronics maker is preparing to contribute to manufacturing efforts for the new Apple TV set.

The "iTV" will reportedly feature an aluminum body, the voice-activated virtual assistant Siri, and FaceTime video calling, according to China Daily.

Development and manufacturing have not yet  begun for the product, Gou said.

Earlier this week, technology blog Cult of Mac reported that the iTV prototype closely resembled the cinema display monitor of a current Apple computer, but much larger.

A new Apple TV product has been rumored to be in development for the last several years. Hype over the machine peaked after Walter Isaacson's biography of late Apple founder Steve Jobs suggested that Jobs had been intensively working on an Apple-branded TV before his death.

Apple Inc., CUPERTINO, Calif., Apple iTV, Terry Gou, China Daily, Apple TV, Apple computer, Apple, iTV

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Jones not cleared for Giants minicamp

Though his presence at the Giants offseason workout program is uplifting for him and his teammates, Chad Jones is not close to making his NFL debut, and he will not participate in the three-day rookie mini-camp that begins Friday.

Jones, the Giants’ third-round draft pick in 2010, is attempting to resume a football career that was thrown off course in June of 2010 when a horrific car accident nearly cost him his life and his left leg. A long an arduous rehabilitation program has brought about remarkable progress but a few weeks ago Giants officials warned that Jones still has “a long way to go’’ and cautioned that he remains in the rehab portion of his recovery.

Jones, a safety from LSU, has not been cleared to participate in this week’s rookie camp. He most likely won’t be cleared to partake in the veteran camp June 12-14. The Giants are hopeful Jones one day can play for them but at this point they are not planning on him for the upcoming season.

***

The Giants agreed to terms with offensive tackle Matt McCants, a sixth-round pick from Alabama-Birmingham. Tight end Adrien Robinson, a fourth-round pick from Cincinnati, was the first draft pick to reach a contract agreement.

paul.schwartz@nypost.com

Exclusive Super Bowl merchandise featuring New York Post front pages

Chad Jones ebook download, the Giants, Giants, the Giants offseason, rookie camp, Matt McCants

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Rangers show mettle turning defeat to victory

Mike Vaccaro
Follow Mike on Twitter

The King had already started looking ahead. Of course he had. Hadn’t you? Hadn’t everyone? Henrik Lundqvist was on the bench, the seconds were spinning off the clock at Madison Square Garden, the puck was twisting on the ice, there were 20 seconds left, then 15, then 10.

“In your mind,” Lundqvist said, “you start thinking, ‘OK, we’ve been here before, we’ve been down 3-2, we know what we need to do.’”

In your mind too, right? And in your living room, where you’d paced the rug bare, or in the saloon where you were ready to order one for the road, one to make you forget. Or in your seat at the Garden, watching the seconds spinning off, melting away, trying to muster a sound, any sound, something that would make the nausea go away …

Rangers’ Brad Richards prepares to shoot the puck for what proved to be the game-tying goal with 6.6 seconds left in regulation last night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Marc Staal scored 1:35 into overtime and the Rangers had taken a 3-2 series lead on the Capitals." title="NOT BRAD: The Rangers’ Brad Richards prepares to shoot the puck for what proved to be the game-tying goal with 6.6 seconds left in regulation last night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Marc Staal scored 1:35 into overtime and the Rangers had taken a 3-2 series lead on the Capitals." width="300" height="300" src="/rw/nypost/2012/05/08/sports/web_photos/08.2s064.vaccaro.c--300x300.jpg" />

Paul J. Bereswill

NOT BRAD: The Rangers’ Brad Richards prepares to shoot the puck for what proved to be the game-tying goal with 6.6 seconds left in regulation last night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Marc Staal scored 1:35 into overtime and the Rangers had taken a 3-2 series lead on the Capitals.

… and then …

… and then …

… and then …

“And then,” Lundqvist said, “you’re thinking of something very different.”

It took a full heartbeat for the Garden to register with its voice what it had already seen with its eyes. Had the puck really squirted over the line? That wasn’t an optical illusion? Ryan Callahan had really started that one final push, and Brad Richards had ended it, and that was really the red light spinning behind the Washington goal?

It was really a 2-2 hockey game?

There were [ital] really [ital] only 6.6 seconds left, 6.6 seconds that had separated the Rangers from having to make another trip to another national capital trying to liberate their season from another band of low-seeded pirates?

“You’re on the brink of feeling the worst you could possibly feel,” center Brian Boyle said. “And then you’re just flying as high as you possibly can.”

They wouldn’t torture you this time, either. Less than a minute and a half into overtime, still enjoying a power play, Marc Staal beat Braden Holtby, the scoreboard clicked to 3-2, and the stands went nuclear. The Rangers exploded off the bench and you did the same, didn’t you? This was one of those games you feel a part of, right down to the sweat pouring down your face at the end, right to the point where you collapsed into your La-Z-Boy, needing a breather.

“It’s awesome,” Callahan, the captain, said of the joyous thunderstorm that crackled once, 6.6 seconds before the end of regulation, and again, less than a minute and a half into OT. “Twenty seconds left, they’re standing up and chanting ‘Let’s go, Rangers!’ and that fuels you. That makes you feel good. To be able to get that one and hear the Garden explode … I haven’t heard it that loud since I’ve been here.”

He’d better get used to it, because you want to know what this was, when you get right down to it? It was precisely the kind of game champions win, the kind they look back on in July, in October, in 10 years, in 30. It’s precisely the kind of game that fans talk about forever, that they relive, that kids re-enact on the street.

Six-point-six? Are you kidding?

“You feel like you have a chance coming down the stretch,” Richards said, “and someone has to bury it.”

Richards buried it. And then Staal buried another. All night long the Rangers occupied the Caps’ end of the ice, kept rushing at Holtby, kept peppering him with shots and chances and pressure. And for 59 minutes and 53.4 seconds, it seemed like the most fruitless task in the world. The Caps were going to survive. The Rangers were going to have to do in Washington what they’d already done in Ottawa.

They were flirting with fire.

And instead wound up dancing on stars.

“In overtime, you know it’s gonna end quick and one team’s gonna get kicked in the gut,” said John Tortorella, the Rangers coach who’d seen his team get kicked in the gut seven straight times until surviving Game 3’s marathon, whose quiet confidence in all of the season’s gravest moments so far ennobles his team with the belief it can make moments like this happen simply by wanting them to happen, by willing them to happen.

“We found a way,” Tortorella said, and you have to believe this won’t be the last time you’ll hear the coach singing those lyrics before the this spring is done.

michael.vaccaro@nypost.com

Henrik Lundqvist, Lundqvist, Brad Richards, Marc Staal, Madison Square Garden, Rangers, Rangers, Mike VaccaroFollow Mike, Braden Holtby

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CHSAA/Private softball rankings

The playoffs are approaching and St. Joseph by the Sea has distinguished itself as the cream of the crop in the CHSAA and Fieldston has done the same in the Ivy League.

The Vikings shutout rival Moore Catholic twice in two convincing wins last week to move within a win of claiming another CHSAA Staten Island crown. The Eagles, behind star Kate Miller, avenged a loss to Poly Prep and are the favorite to win a division crown. Mary Louis remains one of the city’s hottest teams – winners of four straight – after beating Fontbonne Hall. The home stretch is upon us.

Denis Gostev

Moore Catholic's Maxine Jasko has her team at No. 3 in this week's rankings.

Check out the rest of the rankings:

1. St. Joseph by the Sea (9-0) (Last week: 1)

The Vikings pitching trio continues to roll along. Lianna Jordan and Alexa Tedeschi both tossed two-hit shutouts of rival Moore Catholic. Alannah Dawson provided a homer and three RBIs in Friday’s win and Stefanie Abolt was the spark during its annual breast cancer awareness game Sunday.

Next: St. John Villa (May 10, 4 p.m.)

2. Moore Catholic (7-3) (2)

Moore’s bats were again silent against rival St. Joseph by the Sea. The Mavericks have gone scoreless in 20 innings against the Vikings and combine for just four hits in two meetings last week. One bright spot was the pitching of sophomore Nicole Guzzone in Friday’s matchup.

Next: @ St. Joseph Hill (May 10, 4 p.m.)

3. Preston (10-0) (3)

Preston continued to run through CHSAA Bronx/Westchester competition beating Sacred Heart, Maria Regina and St. Catharine last week. It can lock up a division title next week with three teams below them having three losses apiece. Megan Kelly racked up five RBIs on three hits against St. Catharine.

Next: @ Maria Regina (May 7, 4:15 p.m.)

4. Archbishop Molloy (7-2) (4)

Maria Palmeri was a welcome sight in the circle Monday against St. Francis Prep and picked up her first league win. The C.W.-Post bound star was working her way back from a back injury and was pitching for the third time since then. Her return gives Molloy its pitching combo back with Victoria Goldbach.

Next: Christ the King (TBA, 3:45 p.m.)

5. St. Francis Prep (7-4) (5)

The Terriers were unable to find any offense in their final regular-season meeting with Molloy and again finish second in CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens. SFP will try to complete its own regular-season sweep when its rained out game with Fontbonne Hall is made up.

Next: No. 7 Fontbonne Hall (TBA, 3:45 p.m.)

6. Mary Louis (7-5) (6)

The streaking Hilltoppers continue their winning ways by picking up their fourth straight and second consecutive victory against Fontbonne Hall. Speaking of hot, star Shannon Minihane kept hitting as she picked up a two-run homer and three RBIs in the win.

Next: @ St. Francis Prep, CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens semifinals (May 14, 3:45 p.m.)

7. Fontbonne Hall (5-6) (7)

The Bonnies missed chances to keep their hope at a third-place finish alive by falling to Mary Louis Monday on Senior Day. It will set up a likely semifinal matchup with Molloy, which Fontbonne stunned in its season opener. Nicole Trapani and Co. will be a tough out.

Next: @ No. 5 St. Francis Prep (TBA, 3:45 p.m.)

8. Cardinal Spellman (5-3) (8)

Rain wreaked some havoc on the Pilots schedule last week. They fell 4-2 to Maria Regina, placing those two teams in a three-way tie along with Sacred Heart. Victoria Quinones continued to swing a hot bat as she went 2-for-3 with an RBI double.

Next: @ Good Counsel (May 7, 4:15 p.m.)

9. Fieldston (7-1) (9)

Kate Miller made up for not being at the first Poly Prep game, a Fieldston loss. The Princeton-bound pitcher/shortstop had two home runs and drove in four runs in an 11-6 win over the defending NYSAISAA champ Blue Devils on Wednesday to give the Eagles sole possession of first in the Ivy League.

Next: Riverdale (May 9, 4:15 p.m.)

10. Poly Prep (7-2) (NR)

The Blue Devils rebounded from a loss Wednesday to Fieldston by beating Horace Mann in a tight one, 3-1, on Friday. Ciara Schirripa danced out of a jam in the seventh inning and Jacquie Kennedy had another big offensive game as Poly kept pace with Fieldston, remaining second in the Ivy League.

Next: Trinity (May 8, 4:30 p.m.)

New: Poly Prep (7-2)

Dropped out: St. John Villa (3-4)

On the bubble: Horace Mann (6-3) Notre Dame Academy (2-6), Bishop Kearney (8-1) and St. Edmund (11-1)

mraimondi@nypost.com

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Fontbonne Hall, Fontbonne Hall, CHSAA, Moore Catholic, Poly Prep, Poly Prep, St. Francis Prep, St. John Villa, St. John Villa, Maria Regina, Maria Regina, Mary Louis, Mary Louis, The Eagles, Fieldston, Fieldston, St. Joseph, Kate Miller, Archbishop Molloy, Sacred Heart

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Gene Ween, Roses Are Red

Beverly Hills, Calif.

Robust and energetic, Rod McKuen welcomes a visitor into his home and quickly proves the ideal host. Now 79, Mr. McKuen is no longer the angular, towheaded young man he was in the 1960s, when he was a dominant presence in pop culture with his albums, concerts, film scores and poetry—an experience that's filled him with rich stories about Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Perry Como and others who have covered his tunes. His beard gray, hair in retreat, and wearing sneakers and jeans, Mr. McKuen exudes humility. "I felt that some of my work was OK," he said. "If I could do it over, I'd do better."

Getty Images

'Marvelous Clouds,' by Ween's Aaron Freeman, covers Rod McKuen's songs with charm and reverence.

Mr. McKuen stays away from the spotlight these days, but is back for an unexpected and delightful reason. Aaron Freeman, better known as Gene Ween of the band Ween, is releasing an album of McKuen songs this week: "Marvelous Clouds" (Partisan), a loving review of Mr. McKuen's most familiar compositions, performed with charm and reverence.

"This came out of the blue," said Mr. McKuen, sitting before an Andy Warhol portrait of Richard M. Nixon with the words "Vote for McGovern" scrawled underneath. Before Mr. Freeman visited here in March, the two musicians had never met. And until producer Ben Vaughn played a few of Mr. McKuen's records for him, the 42-year-old Mr. Freeman had not heard much of Mr. McKuen's music, though he knew the composer had something to do with Terry Jacks's 1974 hit "Seasons in the Sun." (Mr. McKuen wrote the lyrics based on a song by his friend Jacques Brel.) A self-styled "child of the '80s," Mr. Freeman is too young to recall the McKuen phenomenon, when singers clamored to record his tunes. In 1969, Sinatra released "A Man Alone," an album of McKuen compositions.

During their sole meeting, Mr. Freeman recalled, "I said to him: 'You're part of the Great American Songbook.' He said, 'Oh no. That means I'm old.' But he's part of the culture whether you know him or not."

On "Marvelous Clouds," Mr. Freeman made the album's 13 songs his own. Featuring Ryan Maynes on celeste and harpsichord—giving the arrangements a retro feel—Mr. Freeman's band creates an unobtrusive backdrop for his tender, straightforward vocals. "We kept it simple," he said by phone from his New Jersey home. Mr. Freeman overdubbed all the parts for the vocal harmonies. On his leads, he emphasizes the lyrics and thus the composer's intent.

"Here was a guy who really did it in his own voice," Mr. McKuen said. "He didn't copy anybody."

In "Jean," a massive hit in 1969 for the singer Oliver, Mr. Freeman eases his voice over a nylon-stringed guitar and Mr. Maynes's warm orchestration. "The Lovers" gallops along on Kevin Jarvis's double-time drumming. (The Arctic Monkeys' 2009 version is truer to Mr. McKuen's original arrangement.) With his reading of "A Man Alone," Mr. Freeman doesn't aim for Sinatra-style swing; he lets the song float above guitars and chiming keys.

Mr. McKuen said he appreciated Mr. Freeman's respect for his lyrics. In these melisma-crazy times, singers can distort a writer's intent with vocal trickery. A poet in an era when overt expressions of emotion seemed a rebuke to the World War II generation's stoicism, Mr. McKuen wrote without filter; though he used imagery and metaphor, he never disguised a sensitive, sentimental heart and a restless mind. Once Mr. Freeman began studying the lyrics, he felt an affinity with the composer. "It was clear he meant every word," Mr. Freeman said. "He really didn't care what you thought. He was doing his thing and would write about it and sing about it."

"For many people, I was a phase, a part of the period of growing up," Mr. McKuen said. "People ask me why I connected. It was presumptuous of me to say, but I'm Everyman. The difference is I put my thoughts into words."

In his glory days, Mr. McKuen took a beating from critics who found his work, particularly his poetry, treacly and affected. Even in Mr. Freeman's renditions, the songs can seem mawkish and obvious, especially the spoken-word interpolations. But, as "Marvelous Clouds" reveals, any objective exploration of the McKuen canon will present a writer groping for a way to explore and understand his experiences and in turn share his joy in simple pleasures. In a period of social upheaval, Mr. McKuen gave a gentle voice to a cultural earthquake.

Mr. Freeman said he believes Mr. McKuen's work trumps its critics' harsh assessment. "You can think it's cheesy, but as long as the man stands behind it, you can believe in it," he said. "He gets the last laugh."

Mr. Fusilli is the Journal's rock and pop music critic. Email him at jfusilli@wsj.com or follow him on Twitter: @wsjrock.

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