.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
In case you missed it, here were the top sports stories from FOX Sports Florida from Thursday, September 19:
* Andrew Astleford breaks down how Thursday night’s action impacted a tight race for the American League wild-card spots. Read More
* Left-hander Matt Moore lost a battle between two of the American League’s top pitchers, as he was tagged for five earned runs and the Rays’ bats struggled to do damage to Rangers ace Yu Darvish in Tampa Bay’s loss on Thursday night at home. Read More
* Brett Connolly scored twice and Steven Stamkos added his first goal of the preseason as the Lightning dominated the Predators to win 6-1 at home. Read More
* Right-hander Henderson Alvarez gave up a three-run home run to Bryce Harper, and that proved to be enough, as the Marlins came up short on the road against the surging Nationals. Read More
* Cornerback Darrelle Revis wanted his coach to know he was on board with the defense, so he called a meeting with Greg Schiano to stress that there is "zero truth" to rumors that the cornerback is displeased with the defensive schemes. Read More
* Safety Dwight Lowery, in his third season with the Jaguars, says the team has a "fresh start" this year, and he has high hopes about how Jacksonville rebuilding process is coming along. Read More
* Sure, the Gators are third in the nation in total defense early on this season, but senior defensive tackle Dominique Easley and other members of the defense aren’t satisfied with high rankings. They want to win. Read More
* Florida State will be without two defenders this Saturday against Bethune-Cookman, as both linebacker Christian Jones and defensive tackle Eddie Goldman have been suspended one game for violating team rules. Read More
* Reliever Jesse Crain, who was acquired by the Rays on July 29 and hasn’t pitching in the majors since June 29, threw in a Fall Instructional League game Thursday and could join Tampa Bay’s bullpen as early as this weekend if things go well. Read More
* After lackadaisical effort on a hit into right-center gave the Rangers the lead on Wednesday night, Rays rookie outfielder Wil Myers was relieved when his team was able to tie it up and eventually win in the 12th. Read More
* The Prep Zone Game of the Week features two unbeaten South Florida powerhouses as St. Thomas Aquinas hosts Miramar. Read More
* Speedy wide receiver Mike Wallace -- used mostly as a decoy in Week 1 before matching a career high with nine catches in Week 2 -- has the Dolphins off to a fast 2-0 start this season.
Read More
* Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Ahmad Black told reporters Thursday that he was fined $21,000 for a hit on Saints tight end Jimmy Graham on Sunday. Read More
* Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley, who spent four seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Seahawks, doesn’t think his familiarity with Seattle players or schemes will provide much of an edge on Sunday. Read More
* At this time last year, the Miami Hurricanes were bad on defense and the numbers would only get worse. Things have changed considerably so far this season. Read More
* Scott Carter caught up with George Edmondson -- aka Mr. Two Bits -- who is pleased to see his Gators cheer carry on. Read More
* FSU coach Jimbo Fisher has preached consistency with every position, but he's harped on the receivers for years. Kenny Shaw has been a good receiver the past three years, but he's poised for a breakout 2013 season. Read More
