Pirate Galaxy » Altoona Curve, in 2016. Cor

Thirteenth-ranked Oklahoma State controls its own destiny heading into their final two games of Big 12 Conference play. But the road to a Big 12 championship still has two potentially very big potholes to navigate starting with Saturday afternoons contest at well-rested TCU (Noon ET, Fox Sports 1).Get past Gary Pattersons Horned Frogs, who have had two weeks to prepare after delivering a 62-22 spanking of Baylor in Waco, and the Cowboys (8-2, 6-1 Big 12) could play for all the marbles against Bedlam rival Oklahoma (8-2, 7-0) on Dec. 3 in Norman provided the Sooners defeat West Virginia on Saturday.Not bad for a team that was pretty much written off following a 2-2 start that included a very controversial 30-27 home loss to Central Michigan on Sept. 10 and a 35-24 defeat at Baylor to open Big 12 play.Oklahoma State has rattled off six consecutive victories since, including a 43-37 upset of No. 10 West Virginia on Oct. 29. The Cowboys come into this one off a wild 45-44 home victory over Texas Tech last week.Each week I talk to them about the importance of focus, and fortunately, weve had big wins, and whether you have a big win or you have a loss youre not happy with, you have to re-focus on Sunday, OklahomaState coach Mike Gundy said. Were not good enough to even look past tomorrows practice, and TCU, in my opinion, is a considerably different team than they were even three weeks ago.The Horned Frogs (5-4, 3-3), who were a combined 23-3 over the past two seasons, are attempting to become bowl-eligible and must win one of their final three games to do so. After hosting the Cowboys, Gary Pattersons squad plays at Texas (5-5) and ends the season with a home game against Kansas State (5-4).Were excited about the challenges, junior weak safety Nick Orr told reporters. We know weve got some tough teams in the next three games and were trying to become bowl-eligible. We know its going to be a tough task, but I feel like we can get it done.Although one victory makes TCU bowl-eligible, the Horned Frogs need two wins to assure a winning campaign. TCU has experienced only one losing season over the past 11 years -- that coming in 2013 in its second season in the Big 12.The Horned Frogs are coming off a bye and that qualifies as good timing for junior running back Kyle Hicks.Hicks injured his left ankle against Texas Tech on Oct. 29 and played the following Saturday against Baylor despite not practicing all week due to soreness. He sure wasnt affected on game day as he rushed for a career-high 192 yards and five touchdowns in a 62-22 trouncing of the Bears.The week off gave Hicks a chance to heal up and coach Gary Patterson said Monday that Hicks is running at full speed.Having Hicks healthy down the stretch is crucial for the Horned Frogs as he leads the squad with 789 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns (12 rushing, two receiving). He also is tied for the team lead with 33 receptions.Hicks presents an entirely defensive challenge for the Cowboys than they faced last week in edging pass-happy Texas Tech.While the 45-44 victory did not reflect a great defensive performance, the Red Raiders were limited to a pedestrian (for them) 389 total yards as the Cowboys removed a down lineman and lined up in a 3-3-5 scheme. The change confused Tech into three three-and-outs to begin the game.It got us a few series, said defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer, then after that its just great players making great plays.Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes was still magnificent at times throwing for 344 yards but had just one connection for 30-plus yards.Among those who surfaced as playmakers for the Cowboys were sophomore linebacker Justin Phillips, who started in place of injured Chad Whitener and led Oklahoma State in tackles, and cornerback A.J. Green, a freshman pressed into fourth-quarter duty.All but two of the wins the Cowboys have recorded during current six-game streak were by single digits.No fear, no frustration and no fatigue is what we talk about, Gundy said. Truthfully I talk to the players about the core values and the accountability we have in our program. I wish I could give you the Xs and Os, or say that I could give a Vince Lombardi pregame and halftime speech. I think its the overall concept of our program. Tony Cingrani .com) - The Pittsburgh Penguins placed forward James Neal on injured reserve Tuesday. Tony La Russa . Neymar curled home a free kick from just outside the area to put the 2014 World Cup host ahead in the 44th minute. Three minutes after the break, a simple through pass from Paulinho freed Oscar and the Chelsea star rounded goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong to extend Brazils lead. http://www.custommlbcardinalsjersey.com/custom-mike-shannon-jersey-large-461q.html . Having already announced that the race will start May 9 with three stages in Northern Ireland and Ireland and finish in Trieste on June 1, the rest of the route was unveiled Monday. Tim McCarver . -- Sergey Tolchinksy scored his second goal of the game 3:56 into overtime as the Sault Ste. Tyler Webb .B. - Sebastien Auger made 44 saves as the Saint John Sea Dogs edged the visiting Acadie-Bathurst Titan 2-1 on Saturday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates have hired former major leaguer Joey Cora to serve as the teams infield and third base coach.Cora spent 11 seasons as an infielder for four clubs from 1987-98 and made the All-Star team in 1997 while playing for the Seattle Mariners. Cora served as the manager of Pittsburghs Double-A affiliate, the Altoona Curve, in 2016. Cora led the club to a 76-64 record and a playoff berth.Cora replaces Rick Sofield, who was fired last week.Pittsburgh also selected Kimera Barrtee as outfield, base-running and first base coach.dddddddddddd Bartee spent parts of six seasons in the majors from 1996-2001. Bartee has served as Pittsburghs Minor Leagues Outfield/Base-running Coordinator since being hired in 2008.The Pirates promoted Tom Prince to bench coach. The former big-league catcher spent the past 11 years managing in Pittsburghs farm system. ' ' '