ng Tuesday, having long ago reduced his travel.REMEMB

Perhaps it was the need to push on for runs and a fourth-innings target, perhaps it was something deeper. Either way, some uncharacteristic flourishes in Chris Rogers final innings for Somerset this season tended to indicate these were the parting shots of a prolific and valuable career.For many a year, Rogers had been crease-bound against spin, leaning heavily on advice conveyed by Lance Klusener in their time together at Northamptonshire: build a solid defence against spinners and wait for the bad ball. But here he was, dancing down to Samit Patel and lofting over long-on.More recently, Rogers had been haunted by the threat of the short ball, his fears exacerbated by the death of Phillip Hughes then maintained by numerous head knocks over the course of his last few Test assignments for Australia. Yet the last scoring stroke with which he moved to a 76th first-class hundred - only eight Australians have more - was a hook shot.Proof, then, that Rogers always had these shots in his locker, and perhaps a flightier personality would have used them more frequently. Instead, these moments in innings No. 554 were the exceptions that prove the rule: by knowing his limitations and working within them, Rogers carved out a batting method that stood up to more examinations than most. He also earned the belated validation of a memorable stint in the Australian Test side, years after he had given up hope of getting there for longer than his earlier solitary appearance.To finish in England was fitting, for it was largely on those northern shores that Rogers sculpted his way of batting. When he first travelled to play there his technique was more or less classically Australian: back and across to cover bounce and be in position to play cross bat strokes on the hard and true expanses of the WACA Ground.But the means by which Rogers would become a consistent and heavy run scorer were to come later, via help from the likes of Paul Nixon and Klusener. A double hundred against the touring Australian Ashes team of 2005 was significant not only as the innings that put Rogers on the map back home, but also as the first sign his English lessons were starting to take root. In the simplest terms, he worked on playing in straight lines down the pitch, and covering off stump without letting the bat get outside his eyeline to adjust for lateral movement.Combined with a flinty determination at the batting crease and an agile mind eager to make adjustments for the challenges posed by different bowlers, teams and circumstances, those fundamentals led Rogers to major run-making feats. Over the past decade only twice - once through injury and once through international commitments - did Rogers fail to top 1000 runs for the English season, sharing his runs and expertise with Northants, Derbyshire, Middlesex and Somerset.These sides, plus Australia, benefited too from Rogers the thoughtful leader, and Rogers the sociable after-hours organiser. At both Derbyshire and Middlesex he did not arrive as captain but was effectively promoted to the rank in the field. By the time he signed on to play at Taunton this year there was expectation of the battling club being given the Rogers touch, characterised by example with the bat, sound ideas in the field, dedication in training and yarn-spinning in the dressing room.An attentive brand of leadership has found its greatest 2016 exemplar in the growth of the left-arm spinner Jack Leach, proficient in his craft but also shy and reticent in a way Rogers doubtless recognised in his younger self. The following words were spoken after Leach had bowled Somerset to victory over Yorkshire at Headingley, as blunt as they were empathetic:I am still a big believer that you need more than one good season to play for England. With Jack, I think his games in order, I think emotionally he still has a bit of a way to go and I dont think hed be upset with me saying that. He is still a young guy, he has only ever been in Somerset and the challenges in international cricket are a lot more difficult. If they pick him then good luck to him but theyd better look after him.Protective of his men but honest with them also, Rogers parting gift to Somerset was to drive them to within a days good fortune of the clubs first ever County Championship. That his batting and leadership will be missed to the game is beyond dispute. But it is equally easy to conclude that the lessons learned over the past 18 years will be rare gold for Rogers in coaching ranks. Adidas Shoes Discount Sale Online . 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Lack made 20 saves for his third shutout of the season as the Canucks blanked the St. Louis Blues 1-0 in the first post-Olympic game for both teams night. Discount Adidas Shoes Uk . But by the time the game started, the Toronto Raptors forward felt even worse. And, for three quarters, it showed as Gay shot a woeful three-for-13 from the field. LOS ANGELES -- Sprayed champagne and beer flooded the blue carpet in the Dodgers clubhouse. The stench of alcohol hung in the damp air. Wives, kids and a puppy were in on the party with music blaring.The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated clinching their fourth straight NL West title with the kind of storybook ending this city was built on: winning the crown in Vin Scullys final home game when Charlie Culberson homered with two outs in the 10th inning to beat the Colorado Rockies 4-3 Sunday.It hasnt really sunk in, said Culberson, who made the opening day roster only to flip-flop between the majors and minors during the season.Scully eluded the clubhouse chaos and throng of fans waiting outside the press box named for him, having quietly exited after broadcasting his last game at Dodger Stadium.The 88-year-old Hall of Famer, who has just three games at San Francisco next weekend before ending his 67-year career, bid a public farewell to the team and its 51,962 fans at games end.I was hoping the team would win the game 10-0 and there would be no tension, and it would be a nice easy day, Scully said, looking out at the sea of faces turned toward his booth. Believe me when I tell you, Ive needed you far more than youve needed me.At that, he asked the crowd to indulge what he called a loving gesture and listen to him singing Wind Beneath My Wings that he recorded for his wife, Sandi. As the song played, the couple stood with their arms around each other.A lot of history this weekend, ace Clayton Kershaw said.Under Dave Roberts, the Dodgers became the first NL West team to win four straight division titles, also a first in franchise history. Roberts joined Tom Lasorda (1977) as the only rookie managers to lead the club to a division title.It was a work in progress all year, said Roberts, his eyes burning from champagne. Were going to enjoy it.Culbersons first homer of the season and just sixth of his career landed in the lower left-field seats, touching off wild cheers and a raucous celebration at home plate. The Dodgers charged out of their dugout and surrounded Culberson, jumping up and down. They donned championship T-shirts and hats from carts wheeled on the field.I wanted to see how they did it because everybody on this team believes and thinks that were going to do that next year, Colorado starter Tyler Anderson said after his teams 83rd defeat.The Dodgers took off their caps, turned toward the broadcast booth and held them in a salute to Scully, nattily attired in his usual long-sleeved shirt and tie despite the 95-degree heat. He began with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1950 and is the longest tenured broadcaster with a single team in professional sports.What a special day, third baseman Justin Turner said. Its an incredible feeling.Catcher Yasmani Grandal partied with his puppy, Taz, after the players jogged the warning track exchanging high-fives with fans.The Dodgers provided plenty of drama for Scully to describe.Yeah, Vin has a lot of pull, Colorado manager Walt Weiss said.Corey Seager homered with two outs in the ninth off Adam Ottavino, tying the game 3-all. It was the roookies 190th hit of the season to go with a single in the first and triple in the seventh.ddddddddddddDavid Dahls two-out homer snapped a 2-all tie in the ninth off closer Kenley JansenSeagers triple rolled into the right-field corner, tying the game 2-all and chasing Rockies starter Tyler Anderson.Culberson contributed three hits, tying his career high, and is 7 for 14 in seven games this month.Its the way its been all year, different guys doing different things to win games, said Kershaw, his hair soaked and wife Ellen and young daughter Cali nearby.Joe Blanton (7-2) pitched the 10th to get the victory.Boone Logan (2-5) took the loss in relief.The Dodgers trailed 2-1 after Yasiel Puigs sacrifice fly in the third.Colorado took a 2-0 lead in the third on Dustin Garneaus RBI double in the right field corner and Charlie Blackmons sacrifice fly.Brandon McCarthy came off the disabled list (right hip stiffness) earlier in the day to make his first start for the Dodgers since Aug. 13. He replaced Rich Hill, who skipped his scheduled start for precautionary reasons because of a recurrence of blisters on the index finger of his left pitching hand.McCarthy gave up two runs and four hits in 5 1/3 innings, struck out six and walked one. He hasnt won since July 9 against San Diego.Anderson allowed two runs and 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings. The left-hander struck out one and walked two.Several Dodgers tipped their helmets or saluted toward Scully in his booth before stepping into the box for their first at-bats.Some of Scullys grandchildren popped into the booth between innings, sharing hugs and kisses before he put his headset back on. Fans chanted VIN! VIN! VIN! between innings when video tributes to him were aired. A sheepish Scully covered his face with his hands, having said earlier that all the attention was embarrassing.COUNTING DOWNScullys final three games will be next weekend at San Francisco. He wont do the three-game series in San Diego starting Tuesday, having long ago reduced his travel.REMEMBERING FERNANDEZThere was a moment of silence for Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez before the game. He was killed in a boating accident early Sunday in Miami. Fellow Cuban Yasiel Puig used pieces of white athletic tape to secure Fernandezs jersey to the wall of the Dodgers dugout. The flags in center field were lowered to half-staff.TURNSTILES CLICKINGThe announced attendance of 51,962 brought the Dodgers season total to 3,703,312, their fourth consecutive year leading the major leagues.UP NEXTRockies: Theyre off Monday before opening a three-game series at San Francisco. RHP German Marquez (1-0, 3.48 ERA) makes his first major league start on the road, where he has a 6.23 ERA. He has yet to allow a homer.Dodgers: After an off-day Monday, RHP Jose De Leon (2-0, 5.52) starts the series opener at San Diego. He beat the Padres 7-4 in his major league debut on Sept. 4, allowing four runs (three earned) and five hits in six innings. He had nine strikeouts and no walks. ' ' '