Thursday Sports News And Notes…

A promotion for a former Gator pitcher, some big league baseball action and an honor for a Florida women’s tennis player…all in our Thursday Sports News And Notes…

** Former Gator pitcher Nick Maronde has been called up to the big leagues by the Los Angeles Angels.  It is the second time Maronde has spent time with the club; he was up for a short time last season as well.

** In MLB action from Wednesday, Colorado rallied to beat Atlanta 6-5 in 12 innings while Tampa Bay tops the New York Yankees 3-0.  Tonight, the Miami Marlins host the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay travels to play the Chicago White Sox.   The Braves are off.

** UF women’s tennis star Lauren Embree has been named the SEC Player of the Year for a record third time.  In addition, coach Roland Thornqvist is the SEC Coach of the Year for the fourth time.

** NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth was hit with a stiff penalty after a secondary inspection of his car that won last week in Kansas failed an inspection.  He was docked 50 driver points and his win will not count toward a spot in the Chase For The Cup.

** The College Football Playoff will be hosted in its first year by Dallas.  In addition, the BCS is expected to announce that the Cotton, Chick-Fil-A and Fiesta Bowls will join the Rose, Orange and Sugar as bowls that will be in the six bowl semi-final rotation.