Sports News and Scores - NFL - NBA - NHL - PGA Tour - LPGA Tour - Nascar - ATP Tennis -WTA Tennis- International Soccer - Boxing - Horse Racing and Major sports Events

Google
 

Saturday, June 2, 2007

WNBA: Sun hold off Mercury

Uncasville, CT (Sports Network) - Asjha Jones scored 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds as the Connecticut Sun held off the Phoenix Mercury, 76-67, at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Katie Douglas and Nykesha Sales each scored 18 points, while Douglas had a team-high nine rebounds and five assists for the Sun, who held Phoenix to 36.2 percent shooting and won the rebounding battle, 47-38.

Tangela Smith, acquired in an offseason trade with Minnesota, scored 18 points and Cappie Pondexter contributed 14 for the Mercury, who were looking to match their best start in nine years.

IRL: Castroneves on top at Milwaukee

West Allis, WI (Sports Network) - Helio Castroneves captured the pole for Sunday's ABC Supply/A.J. Foyt Indy 225 at the historic Milwaukee Mile. The No.3 Penske Racing Honda circled the flat one-mile oval in 21.3596 seconds (171.071 m.p.h.).
The pole win was Castroneves' fourth of the season and 21st of his IndyCar career.
"Another great effort from Team Penske," said Castroneves. "The car was awesome. We were able to manage the changing conditions and I'm extremely happy."
Starting on the front row with Castroneves will be points leader Scott Dixon who posted a time of 21.5873 seconds.
Tony Kanaan (21.6011) and Dan Wheldon (21.6089) will be in the second row.
Having just completed their most prestigious race of the year at Indianapolis, the IndyCar Series continues on, though with much less fanfare. At Milwaukee they will race in front of 45,000 fans instead of 450,000 and first prize will be worth in the neighborhood of $125,000 instead of $1,645,233 for the "500."
But in the championship race, a win on the flat oval of Milwaukee is worth the same as Dario Franchitti's historic win at Indy. The newly crowned Indianapolis 500 champion struggled in qualifying and will start 10th.
The win at Indy brought Franchitti (181 points) to within three points of Dixon (184), the series points leader. Dixon was the runner-up at Indianapolis. Between Dixon and Franchitti is Dixon's Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Wheldon just one point behind the leader. Castroneves (-13), Kanaan (-33) and defending series champion Sam Hornish Jr. (-33) are all within striking distance.
Kanaan won last year's race at Milwaukee crossing the finish line a solid 1.8276-seconds ahead of Hornish Jr.
The race is scheduled to drop the green flag at 4 p.m. (et).

MLB: Mets rout Diamondbacks

Flushing, NY (Sports Network) - Ruben Gotay was 3-for-4 with a three-run homer to lead New York past Arizona, 7-1, in the second of a three-game series at Shea Stadium.
Jorge Sosa (5-1) allowed five hits and one run over 6 2/3 innings, fanning four and walking one.
Jose Reyes had two hits and an RBI, Carlos Delgado had a double and a home run, and Ramon Castro had two hits and scored once for the Mets, who have won two of three. Ben Johnson and David Newhan drove in runs.
Livan Hernandez (5-3) gave up eight hits and three runs over six innings, striking out two and walking two in the loss.
Eric Byrnes extended his hit streak to 10 games with a solo home run for the D-Backs, who saw their eight-game win streak halted.
Byrnes' ninth homer of the season put Arizona on the board in the third.
Delgado's leadoff blast in the fourth tied the game, and the Mets picked up two more runs in the inning on Newhan's RBI single and Johnson's sacrifice fly.
The Mets boosted their lead to 6-1 in the seventh on Gotay's three-run homer with two outs. David Wright started off the inning with a one-out walk followed by Delgado's double.
Reyes added another run on an RBI triple in the eighth to cap the scoring.

PGA Tour: Stanford wins NCAA golf crown

Williamsburg, VA (Sports Network) - The Stanford University men's golf team rolled to the NCAA Men's Golf Championship title on Saturday at the Golden Horseshoe Gold Course.
The Cardinal finished at 11-under-par 1109, which was good for an eye-opening, 12-shot victory over the University of Georgia.
Stanford, the alma mater of world No. 1 Tiger Woods, teamed for a one-over 281 in the final round to win its first NCAA Championship since 1994.
In this tournament, the scores of the top-four players for each school count. Stanford's scores were accounted for by Joseph Bramlett (69), Daniel Lim (69), Rob Grube (70) and Zack Miller (73).
"It really hasn't hit home," said Miller, a senior. "This was a great course that set up perfect for us. Everyone is really elated."
The Georgia Bulldogs combined for a one-over 281 on Saturday and finished in second at one-over-par 1121.
Lamar University shot a five-under 275 on Saturday to tie for third place with Charlotte, which struggled to a seven-over 287 in round four. The two schools came in at plus-five.
Jamie Lovemark of Southern California fired a final-round, six-under 64 to win the Individual title at nine-under-par 271.
Kyle Stanley of Clemson and Grube shared the overnight lead, but were passed by Lovemark. Stanley shot a one-under 69 for second at minus-seven, while Grube's 70 left him in third at six-under-par 274.
Last year's individual champion, Jonathan Moore of Oklahoma State, tied for 64th at plus-12.

LPGA Tour: Ochoa maintains lead in Mt. Pleasant

Mt. Pleasant, SC (Sports Network) - Lorena Ochoa, the No. 1 ranked player in the world, bogeyed three of her last six holes Saturday, but still shot a two-under 70 and maintained her three-shot lead after 54 holes of the Ginn Tribute Hosted by Annika.
Ochoa finished three rounds at 11-under-par 205 and is ahead of Nicole Castrale, who shot a four-under 68 to come in at minus-eight.
LPGA Tour rookie Angela Park (71) and tour star Cristie Kerr (67) are knotted in third place at seven-under-par 209. Angela Stanford posted a one-under 71 and is alone in fifth place at minus-five.
Tournament host Annika Sorenstam, playing for the first time in weeks due to an injured neck and back, struggled to a two-over 74 on Saturday and is part of a group tied for 28th place at plus-one.
Sorenstam traded a bogey and a birdie over her first two holes, then parred her next six. She bogeyed nine and bogeyed 15 to have virtually no chance of winning her own event in her return to the tour.
Ochoa, already a two-time winner this season, supplanted Sorenstam atop the Rolex Rankings while the Swede was gone. On Saturday, she also bogeyed the first, but recorded three birdies on her front nine.
She eagled the par-five ninth to reach 13-under par for the championship.
Ochoa birdied the par-four 12th and seemed to be in complete control of the tournament. Unfortunately, the Mexican star bogeyed 13, 16 and 17 to bring others back into the tournament.
Castrale was flawless on her round with five birdies over the first 17 holes. She bogeyed the last to give Ochoa a three-shot cushion.
Paula Creamer (73) and Sarah Lee (70) share sixth place at four-under-par 212.
Becky Morgan (68), Meaghan Francella (66), Mi Hyun Kim (69) and Karin Sjodin (71) are knotted in eighth place at minus-three.

NHL: Ducks' Kunitz cleared to play for Game 3

OTTAWA (AP) -- Anaheim Ducks forward Chris Kunitz has been cleared to play three weeks after breaking a bone in his right hand and could return Saturday for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals.

Kunitz, part of the team's top line, would provide an added boost to a Ducks team leading Ottawa 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. Coach Randy Carlyle said it will be decided at game-time if Kunitz will play.

"The last question we asked the doctor is that, 'If this was your son, would you allow him to play?' And the answer, obviously, was yes," Carlyle said. The coach's only concern is Kunitz's conditioning.

Kunitz, a gritty left wing, had a goal and five assists in 11 games playing alongside Teemu Selanne and Andy McDonald. He has missed seven games since being hurt May 11 in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against Detroit.

Kunitz has been skating with the team since at least Tuesday, and said he felt good after practice Saturday morning.

"It's going to be a little tight, but nothing I can't work through," Kunitz said. "I'll probably be thrown into the fire because it's such a high level right now. It's going to be exciting to see. Hopefully, I'm in."

The team had all but ruled him out from the playoffs after he was hurt.

"It's been painful watching," Kunitz said. "It's a great relief that I might have a chance now."

Selanne was pleased to hear the news.

ATP: Nadal, Djokovic reach round of 16 in Paris

Paris, France (Sports Network) - Two-time defending champion Rafael Nadal and rising Serbian Novak Djokovic highlighted Saturday's third-round winners at the French Open.

The second-seeded Nadal blitzed fellow Spaniard Albert Montanes 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 for his 17th straight victory at Roland Garros. Nadal topped Roger Federer in last year's French finale.

A sloppy Montanes piled up 73 unforced errors and 13 double faults on Saturday. Nadal held his serve throughout the match, while the overmatched Montanes was broken six-of-12 times.

Nadal has won 84 of his last 85 matches on red clay. He's trying to become the first man to win three straight French Opens since the great Bjorn Borg won four in a row from 1978-81.

The sixth-seeded Djokovic battled heavy French crowd favorite Olivier Patience, and himself, on Day 7. The talented Serb was already trailing two- sets-to-one when he was pushed into a fourth-set tiebreak.

Djokovic fought his way past Patience in the tiebreak before ultimately prevailing in the fifth set for a 7-6 (7-2), 2-6, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 decision on a sunny day in Paris. The Serb star, broken fives times in the entertaining match, needed just over four hours to advance.

The 20-year-old Djokovic captured a Masters Series event in Miami earlier this season.

European PGA Tour: Dredge a co-leader in his native Wales

Newport, Wales (Sports Network) - There's probably a few things Bradley Dredge would like to accomplish that Padraig Harrington already has.Sunday, he'll be concentrating on just one.
"I really want to win this," Dredge said Saturday after shooting a four-under 65 to claim a share of the lead heading into the final round of the Wales Open.
Two weeks ago, Harrington became the first Irishman in 25 years to win the Irish Open when he beat Dredge in a playoff. If Dredge pulls through this week, he would become the first Welshman to win his national championship in its eight-year history.
He is tied with Germany's Martin Kaymer at 10-under 197.
"Padraig said after beating me that, after the majors, your home open is the one you want to win the most," said Dredge, "and he hit the nail right on the head. You always want to win your national title."
Dredge came into the tournament as the highest-ranked Welshman in the world at No. 66, but with so many top European players in the field, the two-time tour winner was hardly a favorite.
After opening with back-to-back 66s in the first two rounds, he posted six birdies and two bogeys for his 65 on Saturday and earned a share of the lead only after Kaymer closed with two straight bogeys.
Kaymer, a 22-year-old rookie, matched Dredge's 65 in the third round. Before his two-hole meltdown, he had been bogey-free since the first round.

Auto Racing: Hamlin on pole for Dover 200

Dover, DE (Sports Network) - Nextel Cup driver Denny Hamlin earned the pole for this afternoon's Dover 200 at the Dover International Speedway. The No.20 Joe Gibbs Racing Chevrolet driver circled the one mile "Monster Mile" in 23.443 seconds (153.561 m.p.h.).

The pole victory was Hamlin's third in the last four races and ninth of his Busch career.

Starting alongside Hamlin will be Scott Wimmer who posted a second-best time of 23.534 seconds.

Marcos Ambrose (23.545) and Dave Blaney (23.556) will make up row two.

Other drivers of note: Greg Biffle (6th), David Ragan (7th), Casey Mears (9th), Kasey Kahne (12th), Jeff Burton (15th), Matt Kenseth (19th) and Kevin Harvick (29th).

Edwards continues to pace the series without serious challenge. He owns a 423- point lead over Kevin Harvick and 592 over third place Dave Blaney. Edwards owns two wins and an amazing nine top-fives in 13 starts. The No.60 Ford driver qualified eighth, but did scrape the wall during his run.

The race is set to drop the green flag at 3 p.m. (et).

MLB: Cubs fine Barrett and Zambrano

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett and pitcher Carlos Zambrano were both fined on Saturday for their actions in two separate altercations on Friday.

"I have talked to both players and told them there was no need for what happened," said Cubs manager Lou Piniella before Saturday's contest against Atlanta. "They have both been fined."

During Chicago's 8-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field on Friday, Barrett and Zambrano engaged in two separate incidents.

After seeing the Braves take a 7-1 lead courtesy of a five-run fifth inning helped by Barrett's passed ball and throwing error, both players engaged in a heated argument in the dugout prior to the bottom of the inning.

Zambrano and Barrett came together and attempted to throw punches before both players were restrained and separated from each other, and neither player returned to the lineup.

"It was all my fault," Zambrano said. "Everything was all my fault. I want to apologize to the Cubs organization and the fans."

Barrett was later taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and received six stitches in his lip, after scuffling with Zambrano a second time in the Cubs' clubhouse.

"I love all of my teammates and I love Carlos Zambrano," explained Barrett. "We had our differences and now we don't."

PGA Tour: Mickelson's wrist not broken

Dublin, OH (Sports Network) - MRI and CT scans showed no break in Phil Mickelson's left wrist, but his plans to play next week in Memphis are still up in the air.

Mickelson withdrew 11 holes into the Memorial on Thursday with a left wrist injury he said he may have suffered chipping from the rough at Oakmont Country Club while preparing for the U.S. Open in two weeks.

His name is listed in the field for next week's St. Jude Championship, although it is unclear whether or not he will play.

"My intention still is to play in Memphis," Mickelson said in a statement posted on his Web site, "but at this point, realistically the chances are probably 50-50. I don't want to jeopardize the opportunity to compete in the U.S. Open."

Mickelson gave up the lead at the 72nd hole of last year's U.S. Open at Winged Foot.

He was playing competitively Thursday for the first time since winning the Players Championship three weeks ago and was two-over at Muirfield before withdrawing.

The statement said Mickelson will take anti-inflammatory medication for a few days and begin therapy on the wrist Monday.

NHL: Senators host Ducks in Game 3 of Stanley Cup finals

(Sports Network) - The Ottawa Senators will try to get back in the Stanley Cup finals this evening, when they host the Anaheim Ducks in Game 3 at Scotiabank Place.

The Ducks have grabbed a 2-0 edge in the best-of-seven series after winning the first two games of the set on their home ice. Game 4 is scheduled for Monday evening in Ottawa.

After posting a 3-2 victory in the series opener on Monday, Anaheim extended its series lead with an impressive 1-0 triumph over the Senators on Wednesday at the Honda Center. Samuel Pahlsson scored the lone goal of Game 2 with less than six minutes remaining to lift the Ducks.

The story for most of the game was Senators netminder Ray Emery, who was assault all evening by an array of Anaheim shots, but would not cave in. That was, until Pahlsson created a turnover in the neutral zone, and turned it into the eventual game-winning goal.

After gaining control of the puck, Pahlsson flew into the Ottawa zone with a full head of steam before hitting the breaks once inside the right circle. From there, he feathered a shot through a defender's legs that beat Emery stick side with 5:44 on the clock.

NBA: LeBron, Cavaliers attempt to eliminate Pistons

(Sports Network) - The Cleveland Cavaliers try to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, as they welcome the Detroit Pistons tonight to Quicken Loans Arena for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Cleveland leads this best-of-seven series 3-2. If necessary, Game 7 of the set is scheduled for Monday at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

After losing the first two games of the set, the Cavaliers bounced back and won the last three contests of the series, including a double-overtime thriller in Game 5 at The Palace.

On Thursday, superstar LeBron James put together one of the great postseason performances in NBA history as he lifted No. 2 Cleveland past the top-seeded Pistons, 109-107, in double overtime to capture the pivotal Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals in Detroit.

James scored a playoff career-high 48 points, pulled down nine rebounds and dished out seven assists for the Cavaliers. The All-Star forward scored the final 25 points of the game for Cleveland and netted all 18 points the team scored in the two extra frames. Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas ended with 16 points and eight boards before fouling out.

Richard Hamilton tallied 26 points in the loss for the Pistons, while Chauncey Billups finished with 21 points and seven rebounds. Chris Webber ended with 20 points and seven boards in defeat.

Friday, June 1, 2007

Soccer: France and Ukraine to clash for top spot

PARIS (AFP) - France and Ukraine go head to head in Paris on Saturday with both teams deprived of some of their star players and the top spot in Group B of Euro 2008 qualifying at stake for the winner.
France will be without veteran stars Willy Sagnol, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry due to injuries.
Boss Raymond Domenech has also overlooked Euro 2000 winners, David Trezeguet and Sylvain Wiltord.

France's lack of seasoned campaigners however is less significant than the injuries to three Ukrainian strikers. Chelsea's Andrey Shevchenko and Dynamo Kiev pair Sergey Rebrov and Artem Milevski are all out of action.
These losses have left Ukrainian boss Oleg Blokhine more than a little frustrated. "We're going to have to do without three of our key players," he said.
As well as injuries to his players, he also has to face the problem that many have lost their places in the starting line-ups at their club sides.
Spartak Moscow midfielder Maxim Kalinchenko and Shakhtar Donetsk forwards Alexei Bielik and Andrey Vorobei all lost their starting berths for their clubs.

France coach Raymond Domenech has hit out at the choice of match referee, Spain's Luis Medina Cantalejo, who played a part in the sending off of Zinedine Zidane in last year's World Cup final.

Horse Racing: Dettori bids to end winless English Derby run on favorite Authorized

LONDON (AP) -- Frankie Dettori looks to have his best chance of winning the $2.4 million English Derby on favorite Authorized.
The Italian jockey, who once won all seven races at an Ascot meet, has never had a Derby win in 14 attempts. He has 11 victories in the four other Classics, and hopes to add the Derby title Saturday in the 1 1/2 - mile race at Epsom.

Dettori's best finish was second on Lamtarra 12 years ago, despite riding some of the better 3-year-old colts.
Authorized, the 4-5 favorite with most British bookmakers, will run on soft ground after several days of rain. The last time an odds-on favorite won the race was Shergar in 1981.
Dettori usually rides for Godolphin Racing, but he'll go with Peter Chapple-Hyam's Authorized after winning the Dante Stakes with him last month.
Aqaleem, with Richard Hills aboard, won the Derby Trial at Lingfield and is the 8-1 second favorite. Then comes Archipenko, one of eight colts in the field trained in Ireland by Aidan O'Brien.
The field was reduced to 18 Friday when Arabian Gulf was pulled by trainer Michael Stoute because of a leg infection.
In the English Oaks on Friday, Light Shift held off Peeping Fawn in the final stages, giving trainer Henry Cecil his eighth victory in the classic for fillies.
With Ted Durcan aboard, the 13-2 shot took the lead 400 yards from home in the 1 1/2 -mile race and moved three lengths in front.
But Peeping Fawn, ridden by Martin Dwyer, made a charge and got within a half-length before Light Shift held on. All My Loving finished third.

Soccer: Bayern's Pizarro joins Chelsea on a free

LONDON, June 1 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich striker Claudio Pizarro joined Chelsea on a free transfer on Friday.

The Peru international became the London club's second signing of the close season after Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell moved to Stamford Bridge on another free transfer last month.
"I think it's very important for me to win some titles and I have the chance to win them here," Pizarro told the club's official Web site (www.chelseafc.com).
"I had some interesting offers but the most important thing was that I talked to the coach (Jose Mourinho), I talked to the people here and they were very interested."
Chelsea completed the FA Cup-League Cup double last season, finished second in the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The Peruvian joined Bayern in 2001 after a two-year spell at Bundesliga rivals Werder Bremen.
He scored 15 goals in each of his first two seasons in Munich but has since found them harder to come by, netting 41 in the league in the next four campaigns.
Bayern pledged to rebuild their squad after failing to qualify for next season's Champions League and announced last month he could leave.
The Bavarians have since signed Luca Toni of Italy as a replacement.
Pizarro will be reunited at Chelsea with former Bayern colleague Michael Ballack.

NBA: Pistons will have McDyess in Game 6

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Detroit Pistons forward Antonio McDyess will not be further penalized by the NBA for his rough foul in the first quarter on Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejao in Game 5 on Thursday night.
McDyess received a flagrant-2 foul after he unexpectedly clotheslined Varejao under the basket and was ejected. On Friday, league spokesman Tim Frank said McDyess will not face any more discipline.
That's good news for the Pistons, who trail 3-2 in the Eastern Conference finals going into Saturday's Game 6 at Quicken Loans Arena. One of Detroit's top reserves, McDyess played just four minutes in the Pistons' 109-107 double-overtime loss.
McDyess' hard foul on Varejao drew a passionate response from Cleveland's
LeBron James, who jumped over his fallen teammate and tried to confront McDyess as the referees and other players tried to keep order.
James was given a technical foul for charging after McDyess.
McDyess' ejection forced Pistons coach Flip Saunders to alter his rotations and he had to play
Jason Maxiell and Dale Davis more than usual. James was able to exploit Maxiell, twice driving around the second-year forward for dunks down the stretch on his way to a career playoff-high 48 points.

NHL: Flames sign Lombardi, Nilson to extensions

Calgary, AB (Sports Network) - The Calgary Flames have signed forwards Matthew Lombardi and Marcus Nilson to contract extensions.
Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed, but Lombardi inked a three- year extension and Nilson signed a two-year pact.
Lombardi, a 25-year-old center, registered career highs with 20 goals, 26 assists and 46 points in 81 games this past season. The Montreal native was a third-round pick by the Flames in 2002 and has recorded 42 goals with 59 assists for 101 points in 215 NHL games.
Nilson, a 29-year-old left wing, registered five goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 63 games this past season. The eight-year NHL veteran from Sweden has 64 goals and 99 assists for 163 points in 474 games with Florida and Calgary.

WTA: Henin, Serena advance; Venus eclipsed in Paris

Paris, France (Sports Network) - Former champions Justine Henin and Serena Williams were easy third-round winners on Friday at the French Open, but Venus Williams was not as fortunate.
Henin, the top seed and three-time champion, cruised past Italy's Mara Santangelo 6-2, 6-3. The Belgian star is gunning for her third straight crown at Roland Garros and fourth overall. She won in 2003, 2005 and '06.
Serena Williams, seeded eighth this year, won the title in 2002 with a victory over her sister. She advanced to the round of 16 this year with a 6-3, 6-4 triumph over Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands.
Venus, meanwhile, was bounced by surging Serb Jelena Jankovic. The fourth seed posted a 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 victory to continue her strong play of late and her recent success against Venus.
"I was really going for my shots and I never had in my mind that I'm going to lose the match," Jankovic said. "I just wanted to go for it. In the second set I was a little bit tired. But in the third set I gave my best, and it paid off."
Jankovic has won three tournaments in 2007, including clay-court titles in Charleston and Rome. Her win at the Family Circle Cup in April included a semifinal victory over Venus. In addition to the victory in Charleston, Jankovic also won a three-setter against Venus last year in the third round at Wimbledon.

ATP: Federer rolls on at French Open

Paris, France (Sports Network) - Roger Federer was among the third-round winners Friday at the French Open.
The top-seeded Swiss superstar polished off Italy's Potito Starace in just 91 minutes with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-0 rout. It wasn't much of a contest, as Federer broke serve six times and saved each of three break points against his own serve.
Federer will continue his quest to win the only Grand Slam event that has eluded him against Russia's Mikhail Youzhny. The 13th seed eliminated 2003 French Open champ Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain, 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-3), 6-2, 6-2.
Ferrero has failed to make it past the third round at Roland Garros since capturing his lone Grand Slam title four years ago, but many speculated that his strong clay-court background could have made it tough for Federer in the round of 16.
Instead it will be Youzhny, who has struggled mightily against Federer. He has not won a match in nine all-time tries against the world No. 1, including losses this year at the Australian Open and in the final at Dubai.
Federer finished as the runner-up last year to Spanish clay sensation Rafael Nadal and needs a French Open crown to complete a coveted career Grand Slam. A victory here would also make him the current holder of all four major championships. The 10-time Grand Slam champ followed his French Open loss last year with wins at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, then started 2007 with a victory at the Australian Open.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

NBA Official: Donovan leaving Florida to coach Orlando Magic

ORLANDO (AP) -- After leading Florida to two national titles, Billy Donovan has agreed to leave the Gators to coach the Orlando Magic, an official in the NBA told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn't been finalized, said Donovan agreed to a five-year, $27.5 million contract.
Donovan, who turned down an offer in April to coach Kentucky, replaces Brian Hill, who was fired after two consecutive losing seasons.
Donovan, his agent and Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley didn't return phone messages left by The AP. School president Bernie Machen, who was attending a meeting of Southeastern Conference officials, declined comment.
Speculation that Donovan would leave Gainesville seemed to end after he turned down Kentucky and said, "I love the University of Florida." He was also linked to the Memphis Grizzlies' job, but never had formal talks with them and repeatedly refused to comment about any open coaching positions.
He said he intended to sign an extension at Florida, where he was making $1.7 million annually.

MLB: Braves nearing injury updates on Chipper Jones, Smoltz

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Braves are awaiting updates on injured stars Chipper Jones John Smoltz before the team opens a weekend series against the Cubs in Chicago on Friday.
The Braves will watch closely as Jones tests his sore right thumb and Smoltz finds out if a sore shoulder and finger hamper his ability to throw.
Jones, a third baseman, has missed seven consecutive games and could be placed on the disabled list on Friday if he can't play.
Smoltz, who said he felt fine after playing catch on Wednesday, may be able to determine if he'll be ready for Sunday's scheduled start against the Cubs when he tries to throw harder in a side session.
Jones and Smoltz lead the Braves in seniority and also are keys to the team's hopes in the NL East. The Braves, who are off Thursday, are four games behind New York entering the Mets' game against San Francisco on Thursday night.
Smoltz, 40, left Tuesday night's game in the fourth inning. He irritated a sore little finger on his pitching hand while batting and then felt discomfort in his right shoulder while warming up on the mound.


Nascar: Truex could become new face of DEI

By Scott Serrano PA SportsTicker Staff Writer

With the recent announcement that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the end of the NASCAR Nextel Cup season, Martin Truex Jr. is ready to step up and become the new face of the organization.
That also means he will be taking over for the man most responsible for helping him get his start in the top levels of NASCAR racing.
"He was my teammate and I was able to go to him for information," Truex said. "He kind of helped me along the way with anything I ever needed help with. So, yeah, he was my mentor, more or less."
In addition, Truex faces the challenge of filling the shoes of one of the circuit's most popular drivers.
"Well, I think it will kind of put me a little bit more in the limelight or spotlight, so to speak," Truex said. "I think I'll have more opportunities with some sponsors coming into DEI working with me instead of everybody wanting to come here and work with Dale, Jr.
"It's kind of been a little difficult at times playing second fiddle to him. So in that aspect, it will open some doors for me, give me some new opportunities, which I look forward to."
Along with those opportunities come added leadership responsibilities as the team's top driver.

European PGA Tour: Nine share lead at Wales Open

Newport, Wales (Sports Network) - Paul Lawrie was the first among nine players to post a four-under 65 Thursday for a share of the lead after one round of the Wales Open.

Lawrie, the 2002 champion, was joined at the top of the leaderboard by fellow Scotsmen Steven O'Hara and Gary Orr, as well as Brett Rumford, Jose Manuel Lara, Soren Kjeldsen, Ricardo Gonzalez, Steve Alker and Paul Broadhurst.

They share a one-shot lead over 13 players who are tied at three-under 66.

The tight leaderboard shaped up only after heavy rains soaked the course and forced a two-hour weather delay in the afternoon.

England's Soccer: Owen backs Beckham recall

LONDON (AFP) - Newcastle striker Michael Owen has backed former Real Madrid team-mate David Beckham's return to the England squad.
The pair, who spent a season together at the Santiago Bernabeu before Owen transfered to Newcastle, will play together for the first time since last year's World Cup in Saturday's friendly against Brazil.
And while Owen has been away from England duty due to injury, Beckham's absence owed to manager Steve McClaren's desire to take the team in a new direction.
LONDON (AFP) - Newcastle striker Michael Owen has backed former Real Madrid team-mate David Beckham's return to the England squad.
The pair, who spent a season together at the Santiago Bernabeu before Owen transfered to Newcastle, will play together for the first time since last year's World Cup in Saturday's friendly against Brazil.
And while Owen has been away from England duty due to injury, Beckham's absence owed to manager Steve McClaren's desire to take the team in a new direction.

Soccer: Schneider to captain Germany

BERLIN (AFP) - Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Bernd Schneider will captain Germany against minnows San Marino in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Nuremberg, it was announced on Thursday.
Schneider will be handed the captain's arm-band, usually worn by Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack, who is injured, for Saturday's Group D qualifying match.
With Ballack's fellow midfield play-maker Tim Borowski also injured, Schneider, 32, has the added responsibility of organising the attack as well as captaining Germany for the first time on his 77th appearance for his country.
"Bernd will be running the midfield and will organise the attack," said national assistant coach Dieter Flick.
Having smashed San Marino 13-0 last September, Germany are expected to run up a cricket score but the German camp are doing their best to talk down any prospects of a big win.
Werder Bremen striker Miroslav Klose, the top goal-scorer at last year's World Cup, is expected to partner Schalke 04 striker Kevin Kuranyi up front.
As well as Ballack, who had an ankle operation last April, and Borowski, striker Lukas Podolski, midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and forward Oliver Neuville are all missing with injuries.
Germany, who play Slovakia in Hamburg on June 6, top Group D with 13 points from the Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland, but with at least a game in hand over their rivals.

NBA: Pacers name O'Brien head coach

Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - The Indiana Pacers named Jim O'Brien head coach on Thursday.
The 55-year-old O'Brien becomes the 13th head coach in franchise history.
"I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to be the coach of the Indiana Pacers," said O'Brien, who previously has been the head coach of the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. "The tradition of this franchise and the passion that this state has for the game of basketball has been well- documented. Since this job became available, it has been my dream to get in front of Larry and Donnie (Walsh) to talk about my strong interest in this job. I've been very fortunate to get in front of them and feel great about the outcome."
O'Brien spent four seasons at the helm for the Celtics, posting a 139-119 record with trips to the playoffs in 2002 and 2003, including a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2002.
O'Brien then coached the 76ers for one season in 2004-05, compiling a 43-39. He has sat out the last two seasons.

NHL: Pens' Crosby becomes youngest captain in NHL history

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Sidney Crosby became the youngest captain in NHL history on Thursday when he was awarded the post by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Crosby, at just 19 years and nine months (297 days), surpassed Tampa Bay's Vincent Lecavalier, at 19 years and 10 months (324 days), when he was named Lightning captain in March, 2000.
"Sidney has done so much for this franchise in his first two seasons, made so much history, that you have to keep reminding yourself that he is only 19 years old," Penguins general manager Ray Shero said. "But Sid's contributions extend far beyond statistics and his incredible achievements on the ice. It is obvious to all of us -- coaches, players, management, staff -- that he has grown into the acknowledged leader of the Pittsburgh Penguins. It is only appropriate that he wears the 'C' as team captain."
Crosby was the team's first overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, and as an 18-year-old rookie in 2005-06, he tallied 39 goals and 63 assists in 81 games. He also played for Team Canada in the 2006 World Championships and became the youngest player ever to lead that tournament in scoring, collecting 16 points in nine games.
This season, the star center became the youngest scoring champion in NHL history, recording 36 goals and 84 assists in 79 games.
Crosby is also the youngest player in NHL history to record 100 points in a season and 200 points in a career.
Mario Lemieux, who retired in January 2006, was the last to captain the Penguins. Four players -- Mark Recchi, Sergei Gonchar, John LeClair and Crosby -- served as alternate captains this season.

Horse Racing: Street Sense skipping Belmont Stakes

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense will skip the Belmont Stakes so trainer Carl Nafzger can prepare his colt for the Travers Stakes and Breeders' Cup Classic later this year.
Nafzger said he talked to owner James Tafel for two hours Wednesday night before deciding against a rematch with Preakness winner Curlin in the final leg of the Triple Crown.
Street Sense and jockey Calvin Borel appeared headed to the Belmont to chase the Triple Crown when he took the lead deep in the stretch at the Preakness, only to have Curlin and jockey Robby Albarado slip by at the wire.
So with the opportunity of being the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978 gone, Tafel wants his colt to chase the possibility of becoming the first horse to win the Derby, the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, the Travers and the Breeders' Cup Classic.

NHL: Hurricanes sign Ward to three-year deal

Raleigh, NC (Sports Network) - The Carolina Hurricanes signed goaltender Cam Ward to a three-year contract on Thursday.

The deal will pay the young netminder $2 million next season, $2.5 million in 2008-09 and $3.5 million in 2009-10.

The 23-year-old Ward wrapped up his second year in the league this past season and set career highs in games played (60), wins (30), goals-against average (2.93), save percentage (.897) and shutouts (2).

"Cam is one of the cornerstones of our team moving forward," said Carolina president and general manager Jim Rutherford. "He has already built an impressive resume for himself at a young age, and we believe he is going to be one of the elite goaltenders in the National Hockey League for a long time."

In his rookie campaign in 2005-06, Ward helped guide the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player for the playoffs. The Hurricanes, though, missed the playoffs this year and became the first team to fail to qualify for the postseason the year after winning the Stanley Cup since New Jersey in 1995-96.

In 88 career games, Ward is 44-29-8 with a 3.16 GAA and .892 save percentage.

LPGA: Wie struggles, withdraws from Ginn Tribute

Mt. Pleasant, SC (Sports Network) - Michelle Wie struggled mightily Thursday in her first competitive round in four months and withdrew after 16 holes of the Ginn Tribute.

Wie was 14-over par after just making bogey at RiverTowne's par-four seventh when she withdrew from the newest tournament hosted by Annika Sorenstam. Her round included a quintuple-bogey and a triple-bogey.

The 17-year-old Hawaiian was playing this week on a sponsor's exemption. She had been sidelined since February after suffering a left wrist injury while running.

Wie also had an injury to her right wrist and was playing with it taped when she missed the cut at the PGA Tour's Sony Open in January, her only other start in 2007.

Last week, she accepted a sponsor's exemption to play in the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic for the third year in a row.

PGA Tour: Mickelson withdraws from Memorial

Dublin, OH (Sports Network) - An injury to his left wrist forced Phil Mickelson to withdraw 11 holes into the first round of the Memorial on Thursday.
Mickelson was two-over par through 11 holes at Muirfield when he withdrew. After going birdie-bogey-birdie from No. 3, he made a double-bogey at No. 8 and a bogey at the 11th.
The world No. 2 was playing for the first time since winning the Players Championship three weeks ago.
His withdrawal comes just two weeks before the start of the U.S. Open at Oakmont. Mickelson gave up the lead at the 72nd hole of last year's U.S. Open.

NHL:Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Mike Sullivan was named the new assistant coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.

Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Mike Sullivan was named the new assistant coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.

Sullivan, who becomes the 12th assistant coach in franchise history, replaces Craig Ramsay on head coach John Tortorella's staff. Ramsay was fired by the club on May 24.

"Mike Sullivan is a very bright, energetic, innovative and dynamic hockey coach," said Tampa general manager Jay Feaster. "He has experience as a head coach in the NHL and at the international level. Moreover, he was very successful as a head coach in the AHL. He has played professionally under Torts [Tortorella] and he shares with John a belief in how to coach and develop players. We believe he is the ideal candidate to help John Tortorella get the best and the most out of our players."

The 39-year-old Sullivan most recently was the head coach of the United State's men's team at the 2007 World Championships. Sullivan guided the Americans to a fifth place finish in the tournament.

Sullivan has also served as head coach with the Boston Bruins and was also the head man of their minor league club in Providence of the American Hockey League.

WTA: Sharapova, Serena move on at French Open

Paris, France (Sports Network) - Former world No. 1s Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams were among Thursday's second-round winners at the 2007 French Open.

The second-seeded Sharapova, the reigning U.S. Open champion and Aussie Open runner-up, had little trouble with veteran Jill Craybas, as the Russian easily downed the American 6-2, 6-1. The two-time major titlist Sharapova is seeking her third straight trip to a Grand Slam final.

The eighth-seeded Williams got past Venezuelan Milagros Sequera 6-0, 7-6 (7-3) for her ninth straight Grand Slam match victory. The eight-time major titlist Williams captured the Australian Open in January by beating Sharapova in the finale.

Williams was the French Open champ back in 2002, when she beat her older sister Venus in the final.

Seventh-seeded Serbian Ana Ivanovic also reached the third round, by defeating Indian Sania Mirza 6-1, 6-4.

Other seeded winners so far on Thursday were No. 14 Swiss Patty Schnyder, No. 15 Israeli Shahar Peer and No. 17 Slovenian Katarina Srebotnik. Schnyder downed Ukrainian Kateryna Bondarenko 6-3, 6-2, Peer bested Romanian Edina Gallovits 6-4, 6-1 and Srebotnik defeated Russian Vera Dushevina 6-4, 6-2.

ATP: Nadal, Djokovic, Hewitt reach third round at French Open

Paris, France (Sports Network) - Two-time defending champion Rafael Nadal of Spain, rising Serbian star Novak Djokovic and former world No. 1 Aussie Lleyton Hewitt were a trio of second-round winners Thursday at the French Open.

The second-seeded Nadal improved to 83-1 in his last 84 clay-court matches with an easy 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Italian qualifier Flavio Cipolla on Day 5 of this fortnight. Nadal moved on in 1 hour, 53 minutes despite striking only nine winners against 33 unforced errors. He did, however, break his overmatched opponent's serve on seven occasions.

Nadal is riding a 16-match winning streak at Roland Garros, which includes a victory over world No. 1 superstar Roger Federer in last year's finale.

The sixth-seeded Djokovic, a quarterfinalist last year at Roland Garros, defeated 306th-ranked French qualifier Laurent Recouderc, the lowest-ranked player left in the draw, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1. The surging Serbian captured the Masters Series event in Miami earlier this season.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

NBA: Spurs heading back to NBA Finals

San Antonio, TX (Sports Network) - The San Antonio Spurs are headed back to the NBA Finals for the fourth time in nine seasons, as Tony Parker and Tim Duncan each recorded 21 points in just three quarters during San Antonio's 109-84 trouncing of Utah in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.

Both stars, along with the supporting cast of Michael Finley, Bruce Bowen and Manu Ginobili basked in the glory of another NBA Finals appearance from the bench throughout the fourth stanza.

Ginobili scored 12 points off the bench and the Spurs jumped on the unseasoned Jazz to the tune of 34-15 in the first quarter.

With still over eight minutes remaining in the game, all that was left for Spurs fans was the beginning of another celebration, joining in a rendition of the wave as Utah star guard Deron Williams sat on the bench with head in hand.

Williams scored a game-high 27 points with 10 assists while fighting through a stomach flu during the Game 4 defeat, but a sprained ankle and mounting fatigue sapped all energy from the Illinois product, who finished with only 11 points and two assists to two turnovers.

MLB: Clemens to start Monday at Chicago

Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Roger Clemens will make his return to the majors in a Yankees uniform against the Chicago White Sox for the start of a four-game series on Monday.

The seven-time Cy Young Award winner pitched in three minor league starts, most recently on Memorial Day for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The Yankees, though, avoided pitching him against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park this upcoming weekend.

The Yankees are hoping the 44-year-old Clemens, who was signed to a prorated $28 million contract on May 6, will help the team make a major turnaround this season. They are 22-29, tied with Tampa Bay for last place in the AL East, 13 1/2 games behind first-place Boston.

The Yankees have used seven rookie pitchers and 11 different starters this season. One of them, Tyler Clippard, got the victory Wednesday night, as the Yankees snapped a five-game skid.

Clemens spent the past three seasons with the Houston Astros after his first retirement following the 2003 campaign with New York. He pitched with the Yankees from 1999 through 2003, winning a pair of World Series titles during his five years with the club.

MLB: Yanks snap skid with win over Toronto

Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Johnny Damon led off the game with a homer, starting a five-run inning, and the Yankees got a break during a four-run ninth to beat the Blue Jays, 10-5, and avoid a three-game sweep at Rogers Centre.

Jason Giambi drove in three runs and Robinson Cano went 4-for-4 with three doubles and an RBI for New York, which snapped a five-game skid. Josh Phelps had a two-run single in the victory, but the Yankees remained tied with Tampa Bay for last place in the AL East, 13 1/2 games behind first-place Boston.

Tyler Clippard (2-1) allowed four hits, including a pair of homers, and three runs over five innings to get the victory. The rookie right-hander also walked five and struck out three, and Mariano Rivera recorded the final four outs for his fourth save of the season, but his first since May 3rd.

MLB: Harang goes the distance as Reds down Astros

Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Aaron Harang tossed the ninth complete game of his career as the Cincinnati Reds downed the helpless Houston Astros, 4-3, in the middle portion of a three-game set at Minute Maid Park.

Harang (6-2) was charged with three runs -- two earned -- on six hits with seven strikeouts. Harang led the majors last season with six complete games. He is also the fourth different Cincinnati pitcher to toss a complete game this season.

Alex Gonzalez went 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored while Norris Hooper had three hits and scored twice for the Reds, who have won three straight.

Wandy Rodriguez (2-5) dropped his second straight start as he gave up three runs on seven hits in five innings of work for the Astros, who have now dropped 10 straight games.

Carlos Lee went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for Houston, which is one loss away from the club record set from August 17-28, 1995, when the team dropped 11 straight.

MLB: Marlins complete first-ever three-game sweep at Wrigley

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Dan Uggla hit a pair of homers and drove in four runs to lead the Florida Marlins over the Chicago Cubs, 9-0, and complete their first three-game series sweep at Wrigley Field in franchise history.

Miguel Cabrera and Josh Willingham also homered for the Marlins, who have started their 11-game road trip perfect after being swept in three games at the hands of the Mets at home over the weekend.

Cabrera finished 2-for-5 with two runs scored and Aaron Boone had two hits and scored three times for Florida, which jumped ahead early and never looked back.

Florida starter Sergio Mitre was cruising through four innings of work before he had to leave the game with an injury. After laying down a sacrifice bunt attempt, the throw to first by Chicago starter Ted Lilly hit Mitre in the neck area. However, it was a cramp in his right hamstring that forced him from the game.

Randy Messenger (1-1) took over on the hill and got credit with the win. Mitre allowed just three hits and struck out seven with one walk. Messenger yielded two hits and whiffed a pair over two innings. Renyel Pinto, Justin Miller and Lee Gardner completed the five-hit shutout.

NHL: Ducks grab 2-0 series lead over Sens

Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - Samuel Pahlsson scored the lone goal of the game with less than six minutes remaining, as the Anaheim Ducks assumed a 2-0 series lead with a 1-0 victory over Ottawa in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals at the Honda Center.
The story for most of the game was Senators netminder Ray Emery, who was assaulted all evening by an array of Anaheim shots but would not cave in.
That was, until Pahlsson created a turnover in the neutral zone, and turned it into the eventual game-winning goal.
After gaining control of the puck, Pahlsson flew into the Ottawa zone with a full head of steam before hitting the breaks once inside the right circle. From there, he feathered a shot through a defender's legs that beat Emery stick side with 5:44 on the clock.
The Ducks put forth one last surge and skated 6-on-5 in the closing seconds with Emery pulled, but could not net the equalizer.
Jean-Sebastien Giguere pitched a shutout by stopping all 16 shots he faced, while Emery finished with 30 saves in a losing effort.
The best-of-seven series shifts to Ottawa for Games 3 and 4. The teams will meet at Scotiabank Place for the third meeting of this series on Saturday evening.

WNBA: Shock stay hot, down Mystics

Auburn Hills, MI (Sports Network) - Swin Cash netted 21 points, as the Detroit Shock downed the Washington Mystics, 94-79.
Katie Smith and Plenette Pierson each added 14 for the defending WNBA-champion Shock, who overcame 24 turnovers to win their third straight.
Delisha Milton-Jones scored 18 points for the Mysticsz who lost their fourth straight. Alana Beard netted 16 points, while Monique Currie, acquired earlier in the week from Chicago, added five points in her first game wearing a Mystics uniform.
Detroit held a 45-36 lead at halftime, thanks to notching 17 assists to Washington's five.
The Mystics started to rally in the third, after the Shock turned the ball over three times in less than a minute, but Deanna Nolan and Smith drilled three-pointers down the stretch for a 66-59 Detroit lead heading into the fourth.

MLB: Shields stays hot, D-Ray down Tigers

St. Petersburg, FL (Sports Network) - James Shields tossed a seven-hitter and Brendan Harris' homer in the sixth put Tampa Bay ahead for good, as the Devil Rays downed the Detroit Tigers, 5-3, in the rubber match of a three-game set at Tropicana Field.
Shields (4-0) allowed three runs with a walk and four strikeouts in the second complete game of his career.
Elijah Dukes also homered for the Rays, who have won three of four. Akinori Iwamura finished 3-for-4 and scored a run, while B.J. Upton ended 2-for-4 with an RBI and scored a run in the win.
Marcus Thames finished 2-for-4 with an RBI for Detroit, which has lost five of six. Gary Sheffield went 2-for-4 and scored a run for the Tigers, who won Tuesday's game 14-2.
Nate Robertson (4-5) allowed four runs on nine hits with three walks and three strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings.
With the score knotted at three, Tampa Bay got the eventual winning runs in the sixth. Harris belted a solo shot to right-center field on a 1-0 pitch. Dukes then walked, and scored on Upton's double.

MLB: Phils' ninth-inning rally falls short as D-Backs complete sweep

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Ryan Howard lined right into the shift, and Orlando Hudson doubled off pinch-runner Michael Bourn at second base to cut the comeback short, as Arizona survived to complete the sweep with a 4-3 victory over Philadelphia.
Entering the ninth with just one hit, the Phillies eventually brought the winning run to the plate in the person of the National League's reigning Most Valuable Player.
In the ninth, Brandon Lyon hit Aaron Rowand in the back before Shane Victorino hit what looked like a dead double play. Hudson booted it at second and the runners moved up to second and third.
Jimmy Rollins then sliced a ball just out of the reach of a diving Chris Young in center, allowing both runners to score as Rollins legged out a triple.
Jose Valverde entered to face the heart of the Phillies order. Chase Utley punched a fly to center before Pat Burrell slapped a high fastball back through the middle, scoring Rollins for a 4-3 game.
That set up Howard and the game's stunning conclusion.
Bourn pinch ran for Burrell and stole second base on a 2-2 count, leaving the base open for Howard with a full count. Valverde throw an offspeed pitch and Howard hooked it hard right at Hudson, who flipped to the third baseman covering second as Bourn ran on contact.

MLB: Zito stars as Giants blank Mets

Flushing, NY (Sports Network) - Barry Zito threw seven solid innings and Pedro Feliz drove in all three runs as the San Francisco Giants beat the New York Mets, 3-0, at Shea Stadium.

Zito (5-5) won his second straight decision, allowing just six hits, walking one and striking out a season-high seven. The left-hander showed Mets fans first hand what they missed out on when the club decided not to increase its bid this past offseason for the Cy Young Award winner. He decided to sign a seven-year, $136 million deal with the Giants, instead of joining New York, which was unwilling to offer him that much cash and that many years.

He improved to 2-0 versus New York this season, having also beaten the Mets on May 7 in San Francisco.

Feliz ended 2-for-4 and Rich Aurilia went 4-for-4 for the Giants, who ended a four-game losing streak and evened this three-game set at a game apiece. On Tuesday night, San Francisco closer Armando Benitez blew a one-run lead in the 12th inning and New York escaped with a 5-4 win.

Benitez did not get a chance to relinquish this lead. Jack Taschner tossed a perfect eighth and Brad Hennessey worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save of the season, completing the six-hit shutout.

MLB: Young dominates Pirates again; Greene belts slam for Padres

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Khalil Greene hit a grand slam in the eighth inning and Chris Young tossed seven solid innings as San Diego blanked Pittsburgh, 9-0, in the middle contest of a three-game set.

Young (6-3) scattered four hits and a walk while striking out seven for the Padres, who have won four of five. Young is 3-0 with a 0.76 ERA lifetime against the Pirates.

Mike Cameron went 3-for-4 with three RBI for San Diego, while Young helped his own cause with an RBI single in the fifth inning.

Leading 2-0, San Diego blew the game open in the eighth inning. Cameron ripped a two-out RBI single that chased Pirates starter Paul Maholm from the game. Cameron stole second and Jonah Bayliss, in place of Maholm, issued two straight walks -- one intentional -- to load the bases for Greene, who crushed a 2-1 pitch over the center field wall to make it 7-0.

NBA: Pistons not sweating problems in finals

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- Chauncey Billups has earned the nickname Mr. Big Shot.

In each of his five seasons with the Detroit Pistons, the sturdy point guard made a number of clutch shots late in games to help them at least reach the Eastern Conference finals.

The 2004 NBA finals MVP has a knack for making 3-pointers on the fastbreak or in halfcourt sets, dribbling and bumping his way into the lane for shots.

But Billups seemed to be at his worst when Detroit needed him most in Game 4 against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Billups missed all three of his shots in the fourth quarter and had only one assist to go with three turnovers in Cleveland's series-evening 91-87 victory Tuesday.

He finished with 23 points on 6-of-16 shooting with two assists, five turnovers and nine rebounds. Good numbers but nothing came late.

NHL: Sens-Ducks scoreless after first period

Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - Netminders Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Ray Emery stole the show in the first period, fending off heavy action on both sides of the ice to keep Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals scoreless after 20 minutes of play.
There were plenty of scoring chances in the stanza thanks to six combined power-play opportunities.
That included a two-man advantage for Ottawa, starting with just over six minutes remaining after Chris Pronger was whistled for slashing. The Senators swarmed the net for the ensuing 1:08 of 5-on-3 time, generating chance after quality chance. Mike Comrie's point-blank shot kicked off the post, though, and Giguere did the rest to keep the visitors off the board.
The Ducks rallied for a victory in the series opener on Monday, as they scored twice in the final six minutes of play to post a 3-2 triumph and gain an early edge in the series.

NHL: Coyotes sign Hanzal

Glendale, AZ (Sports Network) - The Phoenix Coyotes signed center Martin Hanzal to a three-year entry level contract. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Hanzal, 20, was the Coyotes No. 1 pick (17th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
He played for Red Deer in the Western Hockey League this season and registered 26 goals and 59 assists in 60 games.
The Pisek, Czech Republic native also led all WHL rookies and his team in both scoring and assists.
Also, he tallied two goals and one assist as a member of the Czech Republic team in the 2007 World Junior Championships.

NBA: Kobe backs off on trade demand

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Kobe Bryant has made conflicting statements about whether he wants to be traded from the Los Angeles Lakers.
At first on Wednesday, in an interview with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN Radio in New York, Bryant said he wanted to be dealt, saying the Lakers "obviously want to move in a different direction in terms of rebuilding." Later in the afternoon, on the same network, Bryant said he spoke to Lakers coach Phil Jackson after his comments to Smith, but felt better about the situation with his current team.
"I don't want to go anyplace else," the nine-time All-Star said later in the afternoon. "I want to be a Laker. I want to be here for the rest of my career. It was encouraging to hear that."
The 28-year-old Bryant still has four years and nearly $89 million left on a seven-year contract he signed in 2004, but has butted heads with Los Angeles general manager Mitch Kupchak over the inability to garner more talent for the franchise.

Live Scores

Live Top Sports News Feeds