Haftungsausschluss » broke for second moments later, Maile

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Derek Carrs comfort level in changing plays at the line of scrimmage is a part of his game that has gone largely unnoticed while the Raiders worked their way into a tie for first in the AFC West.Its something that Carr is doing with more frequency and with more success -- like on his fourth-down touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree that put Oakland ahead to stay in its 34-31 win over the San Diego Chargers last week.Thats the way I love to play, Carr said Wednesday. I love having a lot put on my back. Any quarterback does. (Offensive coordinator Bill) Musgrave talks to me about his time with Matt Ryan, how he loved that and how were similar in that way. We just love that kind of stuff. I absolutely love it.Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said its just part of the natural progression for his third-year quarterback, who had a tremendous first month of the season while helping guide Oakland to its best start in more than a decade.Through five games, Carr has 11 touchdown passes with just two interceptions to go with a 102.3 rating and 66.8 completion percentage -- the latter two numbers being career-highs. The former second-round draft pick has also led the Raiders on seven game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime during his brief NFL career, including twice already this season.Thats helped propel Oakland to a 4-1 start and a share of first place in the AFC West with defending Super Bowl champion Denver.While Carr certainly isnt at the level of autonomy that Peyton Manning had when he called every play at the line for the Colts and Broncos, his freedom to alter the calls coming in have added another layer to Oaklands fifth-ranked offense.Del Rio said allowing Carr to do more was something he and his coaching staff discussed during the offseason.As hes made good decisions and made accurate throws, and in those situations, we give him more leeway to do those things, Del Rio said. He sees it. He can understand what leverage hes getting. We dont have to guess from the sideline and make a call and then try to make it perfect, in terms of execution. You can see what you see and make the adjustment and make a play.Carr did just that in the third quarter against the Chargers after Del Rio made the decision to go for it on 4th-and-3 from San Diegos 21-yard line rather than settle for a chip-in field goal attempt from Sebastian Janikowski.Musgrave initially called for a passing play that had wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper running crossing patterns. Carr, noticing that Crabtree was in man-to-man coverage against Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward, switched up and audibled a fade to Crabtree.Crabtree easily beat Hayward down the field into the end zone to make his fifth touchdown reception of the year and help give the Raiders the lead.Carrs teammates say it was just another example of the young quarterbacks maturity and his confidence.The thing is, he wouldnt do it if he wasnt doing the right thing, Cooper said. Hell only audible if he feels like its the right thing to do, the right play to call. And he has the confidence in us that well go up and make the play for him.For the most part the Raiders give Carr a handful of plays to check into if a change needs to be made at the line. At other times, the quarterback is allowed to freelance and come up with his own plays.Most of the time the results have been good, like on the touchdown pass to Crabtree. Even then, Carr notices the coaching staff raising an eyebrow in his direction.As soon as the ball goes up, I laugh because I know what they were thinking, like `We didnt call that, Carr said with a laugh. Its nothing outside the framework of what they want me to do or being aggressive and those kinds of things. I would never do that kind of stuff, be an insubordinate. Im not like that.Game notes Austin Howard could be in line to start at right tackle. Rookie Vadal Alexander, who has started the previous two games while Menelik Watson and Howard nursed their way back from injuries, did not practice Wednesday because of a sore ankle he injured against San Diego. Watson (calf) was also held out along with running back Latavius Murray (toe).---Online:AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Custom Nike Baseball Jerseys 2020 . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. Custom Tampa Bay Rays Nike Jerseys . 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LOS ANGELES -- If Matt Moores performance in Hollywood was an audition, the Tampa Bay left-hander definitely helped his chances to get the part with the Los Angeles Dodgers.And if it wasnt, hes more than happy to keep starring for the Rays.Moore pitched four-hit ball into the seventh inning, Evan Longoria hit a two-run homer and Tampa Bay won at Dodger Stadium for the first time, 3-1 over Los Angeles on Wednesday.Moore (7-7) performed admirably against the Dodgers, who are thought to be interested in several Tampa Bay starters with the trade deadline looming. He looked ready for a pennant race, striking out five and only allowing an unearned run.Im here (with the Rays), and it doesnt feel like Im going anywhere, said Moore, who also walked four.This season hasnt quite gone the way that a lot of us in clubhouse expected it to go, but were still here. Were going to keep putting one foot in front of the other and see where were at in September. If (were) not (in the playoffs), Im pretty sure weve got another season next year, so hopefully I can be a part of that as well.Luke Maile had an RBI double in a three-run fourth inning as Tampa Bay wrapped up a nine-game West Coast road swing by snapping a four-game skid.The Rays (39-61) still have the majors third-worst record and the teams worst mark after 100 games since 2007.Since the All-Star break, weve played a lot closer to the true colors of our team, Moore said.The Rays were swept in a three-game series at Chavez Ravine in 2013, the only other time theyve visited the Dodgers hallowed home turf.The Dodgers three-game winning streak ended with a meager offensive effort. Howie Kendrick had two of Los Angeles five hits, all singles.Brandon McCarthy (2-1) lasted just four innings in his first loss since Sept. 23, 2014 and his first in a Dodgers uniform. He allowed four hits and three runs with seven strikeouts in the shortest start of his otherwise strong comeback from Tommy John surgery.The Dodgers pulled McCarthy after 83 pitches, but the right-hander said his repaired arm wasnt the reason.It was actually kind of a body letdown, McCarthy said. You can fool yourself for a while. `I can keep going, I can keep going. But eventually (the heat) sucks it out of you.After managing just one single in the first three innings, the Rays jumped on McCarthy in the fourth.ddddddddddddBrad Miller chipped a leadoff double down the right-field line and scored on Longorias 23rd homer of the season, his first at Dodger Stadium, on a full-count breaking ball down the middle.I dont want to say I was sitting on it ... but Im sure he didnt want to do that, Longoria said.SAVING GRACEAlex Colome pitched a perfect ninth for his 22nd save in 23 chances, rebounding nicely from his first blown save of the season last Saturday at Oakland.BIG CATCHLogan Morrison ended the seventh inning in spectacular fashion, tumbling into the stands to grab a foul pop by Kendrick. Morrison dislodged a large protective pad from the railing down the first-base line, but hung on to the ball while falling backward onto the concrete.With the high sky and the sun, I was just trying to keep my eye on the ball, Morrison said. I didnt know where the wall was. I knew it hit my glove, so I was just hoping it stayed in.QUITE A STEALThe Dodgers had an early lead thanks to the first stolen base in the 537-game big-league career of catcher A.J. Ellis.Joc Pederson walked in the second inning and advanced to third on Ellis single. When Ellis unexpectedly broke for second moments later, Maile tried to throw him out -- but the ball got away for an error, allowing Pederson to score.Clayton Kershaw apparently made sure the Dodgers grabbed second base as a souvenir for Ellis, who has spent his entire nine-year career with Los Angeles.Last winter, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts promised an expensive dinner to Ellis if he stole a base.I think he was pretty pleased, Roberts said. Big steak dinner.TRAINERS ROOMRays: Morrison was pulled from the lineup shortly after his catch, but manager Kevin Cash said it was strictly a tactical decision.Dodgers: OF Yasiel Puig sat out again with an injured right hamstring. He hasnt played since last Friday, but isnt on the disabled list.UP NEXTRays: Jake Odorizzi (4-5, 4.10 ERA) is coming off the longest scoreless start of his career when Tampa Bay hosts the New York Yankees on Friday.Dodgers: After a day off, Kenta Maeda (9-7, 3.25 ERA) takes the mound Friday for the opener of a weekend home series against Arizona. ' ' '