Tuesday Roundup: Former Braves struggle, UNC takes title

The Atlanta Braves had Monday off after opening the 2009 season with a 4-1 win Sunday, but several former Braves had Opening Days to forget on Monday. Former Braves first baseman and Georgia Tech standout Mark Teixeira in his Yankee debut went 0-4 and left five men on base as New York lost in Baltimore 10-5 to the Orioles. Meanwhile north of the border, Josh Anderson was the target of more than boos from Toronto fans: several fans threw baseballs at Anderson and the field had to be clearedat one point. Anderson was 0-3 in the game and played left field.

The University of North Carolina Tar Heels rushed out to a huge lead and coasted to its second national title in five years, fifth overall with a 89-72 win. Ty Lawson led all scorers with 21 points and Wayne Ellington added 19 with Tyler Hansbrough chipping in 18. The Heels were off and running from the tip and held a 55-34 halftime lead, the biggest in tournament history. Wayne Ellington was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player for his efforts. The Spartans were attempting to win the school’s third titleand Izzo’s second, but instead it is Roy Williams who is celebrating his second title.

With the Masters first round scheduled to tee off in just two days, the traditional champions dinner will be held tonight and defending champ Trevor Immelman will have a special guest introducing him. Fellow countryman Gary Player will present Immelman tonight as the champions convene to introduce another into their prestigious fraternity. Player has also said that this will be his final Masters. Today will find many players arriving to the grounds and playing a practice round. Wednesday will feature the famous Par 3 tournament.

Finally, the Atlanta Falcons have sent reserve WR Laurent Robinson to the St. Louis Rams in a deal that also includes exchanging of draft picks. As part of the deal, the Falcons will now move up 22 spots in the fifth round from the 160th pick to 138 as well as 20 spots in the sixth round from No. 196 to No. 176. Following a 37-catch rookie season in 2007, Robinson played in only 6 games last season as he battled injuries.