Kritik und Lob » in the seventh when Kevin Plawecki lined

COL DU GALIBIER, France -- A superb solo ride up the grueling Col du Galibier gave Giovanni Visconti victory in a weather-affected 15th stage of the Giro dItalia Sunday, and favourite Vincenzo Nibali retained the overall lead as atrocious weather conditions once again altered the race course. Heavy snow fell at the finish as Visconti won in a time of 4 hours, 40 minutes, 52 seconds, beating Carlos Betancur and Przemyslaw Niemiec by 42 seconds. Nibali, who finished third and second in his two previous Giros, maintained his 1:26 lead over Cadel Evans. Saturdays leg was changed because of avalanche threats. Sundays leg was also affected by the sub-zero temperatures, with the final 4.25km up the famous Galibier removed. The stage instead finished at the monument to deceased Italian cyclist Marco Pantani, whose extraordinary climb up the Galibier ultimately enabled him to win the 1998 Tour de France. It was a superb ride from Visconti, who was part of an early move before dropping his fellow escapees on the Col du Telegraphe. The race was neutralized on the category-1 climb up the Col du Mont Cenis and across into France, in what appeared to be a demonstration of solidarity among riders. Everyone rode at the same pace through the snow-filled landscapes. Pieter Weening broke clear on the descent and built a lead of about three minutes on the peloton, with a chasing group of six riders attempting to bridge the gap. The Dutchman was caught by the chasers and they had an advantage of more than six minutes in approaching the Telegraphe, although the gap had dropped to little more than two minutes at the start of the category-2 climb. Visconti made his move more than 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) from the finish and built a lead of nearly two minutes. That advantage was eroded by Weening, Stefano Pirazzi and Matteo Rabottini as Visconti looked to be struggling at the start of the Galibier. But the 30-year-old Italian dug deep and stretched his lead again. Visconti held on in the final kilometre -- which had a gradient of 11 per cent -- to claim a first Grand Tour stage victory. Monday is a rest day, which will be welcomed after two tough mountain stages in awful conditions. The Giro starts again Tuesday with a hilly 238-kilometre (148-mile) route from Valloire, France, to Ivrea. The race ends May 26 in Brescia. Michael Hutchinson Jersey .com) - Richie Incognito has reportedly been admitted to a psychiatric care unit in Arizona. Zach Hyman Jersey . Howard Ganz, an MLB lawyer, said in a letter to U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos that Rodriguezs claims do not come "remotely close" to what is needed to overturn an arbitration decision in federal court. http://www.officialmapleleafsfanstore.com/authentic-mike-palmateer-maple-leafs-jersey/ . Roman Josi had a goal and an assist to lead the Predators to a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Monday night. Kris Versteeg Maple Leafs Jersey .com) - The Montreal Canadiens embark on their first road trip of the season as they head out west to battle the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night. Kasperi Kapanen Maple Leafs Jersey . -- There were a lot of firsts for the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. PHILADELPHIA -- Ryan Howards farewell game with the Philadelphia Phillies was filled with standing ovations and ended with a win.Cesar Hernandez hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the seventh inning, and the Phillies beat the playoff-bound New York Mets 5-2 on Sunday.Howard, the last player remaining from the 2008 World Series championship team, was honored in a pregame ceremony. The Phillies are planning to pay Howard a $10 million buyout instead of exercising a $23 million club option for 2017.Its amazing the appreciation from the organization and the fans, Howard said. To have it recognized, itll live with me forever.Howard, who turns 37 next month, thanked fans and the organization and saluted teammates in an emotional speech. The 2006 NL MVP choked up a few times and fought back tears when he told the crowd: My family has grown with all of you.Howard was 0 for 4, but he received several standing ovations and got a curtain call after popping out in the eighth. He finished the season with a .196 batting average and hit 25 homers, tying Maikel Franco for the team lead.Howard got a final ovation after Tommy Joseph replaced him to start the ninth. He embraced Joseph near first base while Phillies and Mets players clapped. Howard then walked through the dugout and hugged everyone before coming out to wave to fans.I didnt know what to expect, Howard said. Seeing the people and the videos, it hit me all at once. It was great. Philadelphia will always be home.Howard isnt ready to call it a career, especially after a strong finish -- he hit .267 with 11 homers and 29 RBI in only 101 at-bats from Aug. 1 on.I know theres more in the tank, he said. Ill know when its time.The defending NL champion Mets clinched the top wild-card spot on Saturday and will play the Giants at Citi Field on Wednesday.Manager Terry Collins gave most of his regulars a day off and ace Noah Syyndergaard was pushed back to start the wild-card game.ddddddddddddWere really excited, Collins said. Its great for the fans and our guys are pumped up.Mets starter Gabriel Ynoa allowed one run and five hits in 4 2/3 innings. Defensive miscues cost New York in the seventh.Andres Blanco started the inning against Erik Goeddel (2-2) with a single, advanced to second on a passed ball and scored the tying run on a double error by first baseman Lucas Duda, who booted pinch hitter Cody Asches grounder and then threw it wild to first.Hernandez ripped a single to right to make it 3-2 and Jimmy Paredes followed with a sacrifice fly for a 4-2 lead.Franco was 4 for 4, including an RBI single in the third that gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead.Colton Murray (1-1) pitched one inning in relief of Jerad Eickhoff to earn his first career win despite allowing a run. Hector Neris finished for his second save.The Mets took a 2-1 lead in the seventh when Kevin Plawecki lined a double to right-center. The ball initially froze center fielder Odubel Herrera, who couldnt recover in time to track it down.Matt Reynolds hit a double with two outs in the sixth and scored on Alejandro De Azas single to tie it at 1-1.ONTO THE NEXT ONEThe Mets have won at least one series in each of their last four trips to the postseason.STARTING TIMEEickhoff gave up one run and four hits, striking out eight in six innings. He finished the season 11-14 with a 3.65 ERA.BABY STEPSThe Phillies improved their win total from 63 in 2015 to 71. They have missed the postseason five straight seasons after winning the NL East title five consecutive years from 2007-11.UP NEXTSyndergaard (14-9, 2.60 ERA) was 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA in four postseason appearances last year, including three starts. ' ' '