nations leading mid-major programs match up at UD Arena.Its a hostile venue few volunteer to visit because of the frenetic pac

PHILADELPHIA -- Chase Utley got curtain calls after each of his two home runs -- including a grand slam -- in his first game in Philadelphia since a trade last season to the Los Angeles Dodgers.Those cheers came after fans greeted him with a 1 1/2-minute ovation before he struck out leading off the game Tuesday night.Utley was a six-time All-Star in 13 seasons as Philadelphias second baseman, helping the team win five straight NL East titles and the 2008 World Series. Fans showed their appreciation with a long cheer before he struck out in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park.In the fifth, Utley hit a two-out solo homer and raced around the bases in customary fashion. Fans clamored for a rare curtain call by a visiting player, and Utley obliged to another standing ovation.In the seventh, Utley hit a grand slam off Michael Mariot, and fans again cheered him back out of the dugout. It was Utleys seventh career grand slam. His first career hit was a grand slam at Veterans Stadium.We had a lot of great times here at this stadium, Utley said prior to the game. I spent so much time here, so many great memories. I cant really say enough about the support I received. Obviously we had some great players and great coaches, but the fans kind of took us to the next level.Utleys presence put a buzz in Philadelphias ballpark during whats been a lackluster season. Fans applauded when he jogged to the outfield for warmups, and he twice stopped to sign autographs between conversations with former teammate Ryan Howard in center field. There were signs throughout the ballpark welcoming Utley back.As Utley hit leadoff wearing his familiar No. 26, public address announcer Dan Baker introduced him to shouts and applause, including from players on both teams. Utley doffed his helmet and waved to the crowd, and when he tried to step to the plate, fans continued their ovation. Plate umpire Ron Kulpa moved to clean home plate while Utley stepped out again, touching his heart and raising his fist in appreciation.I truly believe without their support and without them pushing us to be better, we would not have had the team that we had, Utley said of the fans.Utley was traded last Aug. 19 and never got a chance to acknowledge the fans because the trade wasnt finalized until after the game that night.I didnt really have an opportunity to say goodbye, Utley said. If I were to write up a script (last year), it would have gone a bit differently.He departed the Phillies after playing 1,551 games, compiling 1,623 hits, 142 homers and 916 RBI. Utley remains one of the most beloved Philadelphia athletes ever for his talent, hustle and grit.There are so many times Id meet a father with his son, or even a mother, who would praise the way I played and would tell me they want their son to play that way, Utley said. To me, thats a true compliment. John Brebbia Cardinals Jersey . -- Team after team passed on Andre Ellington in the draft. Randy Arozarena Jersey . Jeff Green scored 13 points and Kris Humphries 12 for the Celtics, who nearly blew an 18-point, second-half lead. Sullingers 20-20 was the first by a Celtics player since Kevin Garnetts first game in Boston in 2007. Garnett was dealt -- along with Paul Pierce -- to Brooklyn during the off-season. https://www.cheapcardinalsonline.com/1044t-albert-pujols-jersey-cardinals.html . Tuesdays surgery at Atlantas Piedmont Hospital was performed by Dr. Xavier Duralde and Hawks team physician Dr. Michael Bernot. Mike Shannon Jersey . But when it comes to determining if Raymond will find a place on the Leafs roster when training camp concludes in a week, well, that decision will ultimately fall to the head coach. Jack Flaherty Cardinals Jersey . -- Running backs Darren McFadden and Rashad Jennings were back at practice for the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday despite being hampered by hamstring injuries. Guard play wins in March by consistently passing tests all season.No. 17 Saint Marys and Dayton are driven by dynamic guards setting the table, which could make for a riveting Saturday afternoon (2 p.m. ET) meeting with two of the nations leading mid-major programs match up at UD Arena.Its a hostile venue few volunteer to visit because of the frenetic pace and style of play encountered, as coach Archie Miller pointed out recently.We had a lot of things fall through that prevented us from really moving faster, Miller said of the scheduling oddity that brought the reigning West Coast Conference champion to Ohio. The thing we wanted to do the best was secure a series this year starting at home with a bona-fide NCAA tournament team. We were able to get that later than we wanted.Dayton returns the favor next season with a visit to the 3,500-seat home of the Gaels.For the Flyers, who are knocking on the door in the AP poll, the game could be meaningful, but Millers rotation is down two key players from an athletic frontcourt. That trusts even more of the burden on battle-tested backcourt mates Scoochie Smith and Charles Cooke.Flyers forwards Josh Cunningham and Kendall Pollard are sidelined indefinitely and Miller has used sophomore forward Sam Miller and junior guard Darrell Davis for increased minutes to stretch his rotation.The Gaels are fighting for the type of consistent national prominence Archie Miller and the Flyers -- whose senior class stands 17 wins shy of the school record for victories by one class -- have achieved. Randy Bennett, the all-time wins leader at Saint Marys College, has driven thhe program to consistent success even as Gonzaga lords over the West Coast Conference.ddddddddddddThe 2016-17 program is chasing an NCAA Tournament appearance after missing the field despite 29 wins last season. The engine at both ends of the court is point guard Emmett Naar. He controls the offense and dominates the ball for a club averaging only 6.0 turnovers per game. Saint Marys relies on balanced scoring and perimeter shooting. Keeping the tempo in their favor wont be easy against Daytons in-your-shirt pressing defense.Naar believes the difference in this years team is depth. Even in scoring 110 points to get to 2-0 on Wednesday night in pounding Prairie View A&M, Naar was focused on balance.I dont think anyone scored 20, which is pretty good, Naar added. Having a deep bench like that is amazing. For the other team its more guys to worry about, more guys to scout. It just adds a lot to our team.The only previous meeting between these teams was a Dayton win in 1957. But Bennett brought his 2013 team to this venue for the 2013 tournament play-in game.All youve got to do is look them up. Theyve had great success. (Bennett) does a great job. They return just about everybody from a team a year ago that won the regular-season WCC, said Archie Miller.Up next for SMC are games against San Jose State and UAB before the Nov. 30 visit to Pac-12 neighbor Stanford.Dayton plays Nebraska at 8:30 p.m. Thanksgiving night in the first round Wooden Legacy tournament in Anaheim, Calif. ' ' '