12-27-2019, 12:49 AM
While many people will debate why goaltending has improved so much by using explanations that include the size of equipment, the articles author Neil Payne has his own explanation "During the 1980s, the prevailing style was still the so-called stand-up method, in which a goalie largely remains upright on his skates while making saves, using his stick and skates to stop low shots. Green Bay Packers Pro Shop . In the middle of the decade, though, goaltending phenom Patrick Roy made his NHL debut. Emboldened by recent advances in arm and chest protectors, Roy used a different technique — the “butterfly” — wherein the goaltender drops to his knees to make saves, effectively sealing off most shooting targets along the bottom third of the net."Whether Gretzky had it easy or not will always be a topic for discussion. His stats still are beyond anything achieved by individual athletes in teams sports and his did have an uncanny knack for finishing. Packers Jerseys 2020 . Off-Season Game Plan looks at what the Blue Jackets may do to build upon last seasons success to return to the playoffs again next year. Custom Green Bay Packers Jerseys . PETERSBURG, Fla. https://www.packersjerseysale.com/ . The result means Atletico Madrid now tops the table, with Madrid level on points in second and Barcelona a point behind in third with nine games remaining as the title race shapes up to be the closest in years.BOSTON -- Shane Victorino homered twice and added a two-run double. He also walked once and got on another time when he was hit by a pitch. He reached base safely five times in all. Four times he scored. And a career-high seven RBIs in all for Victorino in Bostons 13-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night. "I dont think he could do much better," said Red Sox manager John Farrell, whose top three batters had three hits apiece. "Thats why theyre at the top of the order, to have that kind of on-base (percentage) ahead of our power hitters." But that wasnt good enough for Victorino, the No. 2 hitter, who drove in most of Bostons runs on his own. It was the second two-homer game of his career, and his most RBIs in a game ever -- topping his previous high of five. "Hes been playing great all year," second baseman Dustin Pedroia said. "And the plays he made in the outfield -- I dont remember anything like it." Felix Doubront pitched 6 2-3 innings of four-hit ball, and Mike Napoli also homered for AL East-leading Boston. Pedroia and leadoff hitter Jacoby Ellsbury had three hits apiece for the Red Sox, who improved to 2 1/2 games ahead of Tampa Bay in the division when the Rays lost to the Los Angeles Angels 6-5 later Tuesday night. "Every game is big from here on out," Pedroia said. "We played great tonight, but it doesnt carry over for tomorrow." J.J. Hardy and Danny Valencia each had two of Baltimores four hits. Wei-Yin Chen (7-7) lasted just 3 2-3 innings, allowing eight runs on eight hits and three walks. He struck out five and hit a batter and allowed three homers to lose for the fourth time in five starts. Chen, who has allowed six homers in his last three starts after allowing six for the rest of the season, called it the worst game of his career. "Its hard to believe we were ahead in this game 2-1," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "Youve got a team playing well over there. Thats why they are where they are. If you make some mistakes, especially in this park, youre going to pay for it." Doubront (10-6) had only one bad inning, allowing the first four batters in Baltimores two-run third to reach. But he retired 14 of the next 16 before leavving to a standing ovation from the Fenway Park crowd of 36,226. Green Bay Packers Shirts. In all, Doubront gave up two runs on four hits, a walk and a hit batsman. He struck out seven and has allowed three or fewer runs in 21 of 24 starts. "We had one opportunity against him and cashed in two, but there was potential for more," Showalter said. "He pitched well and we did not pitch well." Victorino started the scoring in the first when he walked, took third on Pedroias double and scored on David Ortizs sacrifice fly. After Doubront allowed his only runs in the third to give the Orioles a 2-1 lead, Boston came back in the bottom half with two of their own when Will Middlebrooks singled and scored on Victorinos two-run shot -- the 100th homer of his career. Napoli led off the fourth with a homer to spark a five-run inning and chase Chen. Boston added three more in the fifth on Victorinos second homer. The Red Sox started a nine game homestand after playing 16 of the previous 19 on the road. They were 4-2 on their most recent trip, to California to play the Giants and Dodgers. In all, the Red Sox will play 18 of their final 30 games at home. NOTES: Red Sox infield prospect Xander Bogaerts made his Fenway debut as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning. ... To honour their connection with the Jimmy Fund, "God Bless America" was sung during the seventh-inning stretch by a patient at the Dana Farber cancer clinic, 4-year-old Darla Holloway, who has acute lymphoblastic leukemia. ... Red Sox starters have held opponents to two or fewer runs in seven straight games. ... Pedroia is batting .424 (14-for-33) with 6 doubles, a triple, 4 RBIs, and 7 runs over his current eight-game hit streak. ... It was Chens fourth loss in five starts. ... Victorino is the first Red Sox player with four runs and seven RBIs in a game since Dwight Evans in 1988. ... Baltimore INF Wilson Betemit made his 2013 debut after sustaining a knee injury in spring training. He grounded out to third for the final out of the game in his only at-bat. To make room for him, the Orioles optioned infielder Ryan Flaherty to Single-A Frederick. ... The Red Sox made a minor-league trade, sending RHP Clayton Mortensen to Kansas City for OF Quintin Berry. ' ' '