Owings' pinch-homer rallies D-backs past Astros

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Mired in 7-for-51 slump, Indians' Hafner sits out

Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner, in a 7-for-51 slump, was out of the starting lineup for Wednesday night's game against Seattle.

Cleanup sitter: A-Rod makes rare DL appearance

Alex Rodriguez officially went on the disabled list for the first time since 2000 on Wednesday.

Giants' Alfonzo suspended for positive drug test

Giants catcher Eliezer Alfonzo was suspended 50 games for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, the first player penalized this year under Major League Baseball's drug program.

BCS officials reject four-team playoff proposal

Saying the BCS was in an "unprecedented state of health," ACC commissioner John Swofford announced that college football will not change the way it determines its national champion.

Source: Johnson ousted after Mavs' playoff exit

The Dallas Mavericks parted company with coach Avery Johnson on Wednesday, a day following the team's first-round exit from the NBA playoffs, ESPN.com has learned.

NCAA, Omaha reach deal on College World Series

The city of Omaha and the NCAA have agreed in principle to a new contract that keeps the College World Series in Omaha past 2010.

Mets' Schneider out of hospital after six-day stay

Mets catcher Brian Schneider was released from a hospital after six days of treatment for a staph infection in his left thumb.

Judge throws out $5M verdict for Alabama booster

A judge has thrown out the $5 million verdict an Alabama football fan won in his lawsuit accusing the NCAA of slander.

Rangers: Avery hospitalized with lacerated spleen

The Rangers said forward Sean Avery suffered a lacerated spleen in Tuesday night's Stanley Cup playoff game.

Full field of 20 horses entered into Kentucky Derby

Unbeaten Big Brown and the filly Eight Belles are among a full field of 20 horses entered for the Kentucky Derby.

Daly says coach has apologized for dropping him

Coach Butch Harmon has apologized for firing John Daly over suspicions of heavy drinking, the twice major champion said Wednesday.

Report: Sonics' Durant named NBA's top rookie

Sonics guard Kevin Durant will be named NBA Rookie of the Year, the Seattle Times reported, citing two anonymous league sources.

Report: Smoltz willing to return to Braves' bullpen

John Smoltz, who dominated the National League as a closer for 3.5 years, is willing to return to the Braves' bullpen when he returns from the disabled list, according to a published report.

Pats' Moss has new group, hopes to race trucks

Patriots receiver Randy Moss is putting together a motorsports group and hopes to race trucks.

Cameron's debut a success as Brewers top Cubs

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Hamels, Phillies deny Maddux 350th career win

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Olson, Orioles cut Rays' winning streak off at six

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Cameron debuts with Brewers after suspension

Mike Cameron had to wait 25 games to debut with the Brewers. So he was relieved -- and antsy -- to play against the Cubs on Tuesday.

Sharks looking to escape tanking in Dallas

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Rangers hoping to stop hot Penguins at home

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Politics to court: Obama plays hoops with UNC

Barack Obama played basketball with players from North Carolina on Tuesday.

A-Rod not in Yanks' starting lineup against Tigers

Alex Rodriguez was out of the Yankees' listed starting lineup for Tuesday night's game against Detroit.

Braves' Smoltz heads to DL; no surgery needed

Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz went on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with an ailing right shoulder, though the Braves were told he can get over the problem without surgery.

Sitting down? All-Star Game tickets start at $150

Fans will pay starry prices for this year's All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.

Experts: What now for the Suns?

With the Suns and Mavs on the brink of elimination, our experts take a look at the futures of both teams.

Avs' Forsberg, Hannan in, Smyth out for Game 3

The Avalanche expect to have center Peter Forsberg and defenseman Scott Hannan back for Game 3 against the Red Wings, but forward Ryan Smyth is out with a foot injury.

Schrader to replace injured Franchitti in No. 40 car

Ken Schrader will replace the injured Dario Franchitti in Saturday night's NASCAR race at Richmond International Raceway.

Big Ten commish: Little support for BCS change

"The perception that the Big Ten and Pac 10 are holding [BCS change] back is not right," Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said

Younger Hansbrough to transfer to Notre Dame

Ben Hansbrough, who helped Mississippi State advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament last month, is transferring to Notre Dame.

Experts: What happens next for the Mavs?

With the Mavs on the brink of elimination, our experts take a look at the future in Dallas.

Nepal deports U.S. climber with 'Free Tibet' banner

Nepal has imposed a near-blackout on communications on its side of Mount Everest, trekking company officials said Tuesday, hours after the government acknowledged it had deported an American mountaineer caught at base camp with a "Free Tibet" banner.

Report: Taylor miffed at Parcells' silent treatment

The NFL draft passed without the Miami Dolphins trading Jason Taylor but that doesn't mean all is well with the team's star defensive player and new football czar Bill Parcells.

McShay: Initial 2009 mock draft

Sure, the 2008 NFL draft just finished up, but that doesn't mean Todd McShay and Scouts Inc. can't take a stab at projecting the first round in 2009.

Sheridan: Expect LB and MJ to clash

With a decision to make about Emeka Okafor, we'll get an early read on whether Larry Brown and Michael Jordan can coexist, Chris Sheridan writes.

Pens' AHL captain charged with indecent exposure

The captain of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins was charged with indecent exposure after a police officer saw him running naked on a downtown street early Sunday, and a teammate was arrested for public drunkenness.

Brown returns to Carolina as coach of Bobcats

Larry Brown has returned to coaching in the NBA, returning back to North Carolina to lead the Charlotte Bobcats.

Ovechkin, Malkin, Iginla are Hart Trophy finalists

Calgary Flames right wing Jarome Iginla, Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin and Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin have been nominated for the Hart Trophy, the NHL's most valuable player award.

Initial reports: Posada's injury not season-ending

Jorge Posada's shoulder injury does not appear to be season-threatening. That's the early word on the Yankees catcher following an exam by Dr. James Andrews on Monday.

Great Scott: Hornets' boss named NBA's top coach

Byron Scott has been voted NBA coach of the year after leading the New Orleans Hornets to their first playoff appearance in four years.

World's fastest man Powell to miss two months

World-record holder Asafa Powell won't race for the next two months because of a chest injury.

Delgado certain he didn't need to take curtain call

A steady rainfall and a dicey evening forecast gave Carlos Delgado a one-day respite from Mets fans and how they might react to what some in the New York media are calling "the snub."

Report: Aggravated quad to sideline A-Rod again

Alex Rodriguez said he felt a "pull" while running the bases on against the Indians on Monday and told MLB.com there's "no way" he could play Tuesday.

Eagles file lawsuit against T.O. for bonus money

The Philadelphia Eagles sued their former wide receiver Terrell Owens for bonus money he has not repaid the team.

Report: Brown agrees to be next Bobcats coach

A source told The Associated Press that Larry Brown has reached agreement to coach the Bobcats.

Johnson heats up in 4th, Hawks even series at 2-2

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Tranny mess: Ronaldo questioned about hookers

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Mussina picks up win as Yanks chip away at Tribe

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Flyers hold off Canadiens to take 2-1 series lead

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Sources: Giants sending winless Zito to bullpen

San Francisco moved Barry Zito into the bullpen on Monday, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

Reports: Hornets' Scott to get Coach of Year honor

Multiple media reports say that Hornets coach Byron Scott will be named NBA Coach of the Year.

Haywood to LeBron: Stop whining and play ball

Overrated hasn't worked. Now one of the Washington Wizards is calling LeBron James another name: Crybaby.

Raiders release Rhodes, get some cap space back

Oakland Raiders notified halfback Dominic Rhodes that he is being released.

Kidd won't be suspended for flagrant foul on Pargo

The NBA has ruled that Jason Kidd will not be suspended for Game 5 in New Orleans after his hard takedown of Hornets guard Jannero Pargo in Game 4.

Hollinger: Biggest surprises in playoffs so far

John Hollinger takes a look at the biggest surprises in the playoffs so far.

DEI picks up Truex's option, aiming for longer deal

Dale Earnhardt Inc. has picked up the option on Martin Truex's contract for next season and hopes to sign him to a long-term deal for 2010 and beyond.

Reports: Riley likely to step down as Heat coach

It looks like suffering through a 15-67 season is enough to move Pat Riley off the bench and back into the front office. According to multiple media reports, the future Hall of Famer is expected to step down as the Heat's head coach.

Robinson dies, was 1st black D-I basketball coach

Basketball pioneer Will Robinson has died at 96.

QB Bennett transfers from Ga. Tech to La. Tech

Taylor Bennett, Georgia Tech's starting quarterback in 2007, will transfer to Louisiana Tech and be eligible for the 2008 season.

Report: Clemens had relationship with country star

Lawyers for Roger Clemens' former personal trainer Brian McNamee say they intend to capitalize on allegations of an extra-marital affair involving Clemens and a country music singer in defending a defamation suit Clemens filed against McNamee.

Teammates disagree with Melo's 'quit' comments

Not everyone on the Denver Nuggets shared Carmelo Anthony's sentiment that the team "quit" during a 102-84 rout at the hands of the Lakers in Game 3 of their Western Conference first round playoff series Saturday.

Jets' draft of tight end leaves starter Baker upset

Chris Baker, who has been trying to get the Jets to rework his contract, was frustrated when he heard the team had moved up to draft another tight end, Dustin Keller.

Kiper: Team-by-team grades for 2008 NFL draft

Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. grades the drafts of all 32 NFL teams.

With Glavine set to return, Smoltz has 'discomfort'

With Tom Glavine ready to return from his first career stint on the disabled list, the Atlanta Braves are awaiting news about John Smoltz's shoulder woes.

Report: Turkoglu is NBA's most improved player

Hedo Turkoglu didn't get the call for a mid-season honor when the Eastern Conference All-Star roster was announced. But the Orlando Magic forward did get the nod at the end of the year when he posted career highs in three separate offensive categories.

Hornets outhustle Mavs to take 3-1 series lead

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Kiper: Team-by-team grades for 2008 NFL draft

Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. grades the drafts of all 32 NFL teams.

Stars attack Sharks with four goals in third period

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Olympic torch begins first-ever North Korea leg

The Olympic torch began its first-ever run through North Korea on Monday, where the flame was assured of a trip free of the anti-Chinese protests that marked other legs of the relay.

Diaw, Suns stay alive with blowout Game 4 victory

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West's 3-pointer lifts Cavaliers to 3-1 series lead

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Stars aim to give Sharks another wakeup call

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Scott sinks Moore in playoff, wins Byron Nelson

Adam Scott made a 9-foot birdie putt on No. 18 to force a playoff, then made a 48-footer playing it again on the third playoff hole to beat Ryan Moore in the EDS Byron Nelson Championship on Sunday.

D-backs' Webb outduels Peavy to improve to 6-0

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Braves' Smoltz complains of shoulder discomfort

John Smoltz left Atlanta's 6-3 loss to the Mets on Sunday with what he called "discomfort" in his throwing shoulder.

Fleury, Penguins blank Rangers for 2-0 series lead

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Shields outduels Beckett as Rays sweep Red Sox

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Kyle Busch nabs win under caution at Talladega

Kyle Busch won at Talladega Superspeedway, coasting to victory Sunday when a caution came out on the final lap and froze the field.

Yanks' Wang outduels Sabathia to improve to 5-0

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Franchitti's return uncertain after fracturing ankle

Steve Hmeil, the director of competition for Chip Ganassi Racing, said Sunday morning he isn't sure when Dario Franchitti will be able to return as the driver of the No. 40 Dodge.

Sprint Cup at Talladega; Nemecheck on pole

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UConn's 7-3 center Thabeet to remain in college

Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut's 7-foot-3 center, says he will return to school for his junior season.

UCLA quarterback Cowan to miss all of '08 season

While not the way UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel had planned, his quarterback decision was made easier after he found out Patrick Cowan will undergo surgery on the ACL in his left knee and will miss the entire season, according to L.A.-area media reports.

Rangers look to even series with Penguins

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Umpire out of hospital after taking fastball to jaw

An umpire who took a 96 mph fastball to the right side of his jaw was released from a hospital, hours after briefly losing consciousness when the pitch slammed into his face mask.

Pacman's a Cowboy: NFL OKs Titans-Dallas deal

The NFL has finally approved the first trade in league history involving a suspended player: Pacman Jones is officially a Dallas Cowboy.

Pirates make struggling vet Morris walk the plank

Matt Morris, the veteran right-hander added by the Pittsburgh Pirates late last season to stabilize a young rotation, was released Sunday after failing to pitch past the second inning in his latest start.

Big Papi to sit out again because of knee bruise

Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz was out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive game Sunday with a bruised right knee.

Monte Carlo master: Nadal owns Federer yet again

Spaniard Rafael Nadal won the Monte Carlo Masters with a 7-5, 7-5 victory over world No. 1 Roger Federer of Switzerland in the final on Sunday.

Raikkonen widens F1 points lead, wins Spanish GP

Kimi Raikkonen has won the Spanish Grand Prix for a second straight weekend win for Ferrari.

A.I., 'Melo struggle as Lakers cruise to 3-0 lead

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Clarke earns first win since his wife died of cancer

Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland made a 30-foot birdie putt to beat Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen by a stroke to clinch the Asian Open on Sunday.

Man tries to set himself on fire on Seoul torch run

A North Korean defector tried to set himself on fire to halt the Olympic torch relay through Seoul, while thousands of police guarded the flame Sunday from protesters blasting China's treatment of North Korean refugees.

Russia rolls Americans to reach Fed Cup final

Vera Zvonareva beat Vania King 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the first reverse singles on Sunday to give Russia an insurmountable 3-0 lead over the United States in their Fed Cup semifinal and send the defending champions into the final.

Jazz survive Rockets' late push to take 3-1 lead

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Dodgers roll behind 10-run first; plate ump injured

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Smith, high-flying Hawks grab Game 3 from Celts

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Outside shots lift Magic to 3-1 lead on Raptors

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