The US Open: Why We Underestimate Tiger? I'll Never Know

The US Open

Okay... so Tiger Woods on his first hole of the day TODAY, with a double bogey, sounds less than impressive right? Well, he's still playing as of this moment so don't ever count the prodigy out.

Yesterday was a sight to be held, so Tiger gets a mulligan as far as I'm concerned. Tiger overcame 29 opponents by scoring a three under, 68.

Yesterday Tiger went from three over to one under, with four birdies in a five hole stretch- all occurring on the back nine. When all was said and done, Tiger shot a low, Low, LOW 68 on Friday!

"Whether you call it the zone or not, it just feels it's a nice rhythm," the two-time Open winner said. "Been there before. "

So Tiger's 3rd round put him one stroke off the pace, that is behind Stuart Appleby, for the lead in the US Open. Appelby as of yesterday was taking Tiger's pounce with a sence of humor:

"He wants to go play golf, we want to go play golf, and I'll be doing my best to accidentally throw a club toward his sore knee," Appleby said. "It would be an accident, of course."

Appelby has a certain luck on his side. For Tiger, the US Open has been the most elusive of titles, and he hasn't conquered the Open since 2002.

As far as the San Diego home town favorite, Phil Mickelson, his day was less than....uhhh....enthusiastic, positive, momentum changing...you get the idea!

Mickelson shares the record for most US Open runner-up finishes without a win- a very shitty record to hold if you ask me!!!

Phil shot a five-over par 76 for a nine-over 222 total. Most painful to watch was Phil's quadruple-bogey on the 614-yard par-five 13.

Tiger is still on course as of now...update tomorrow!!!!!!!!!

Blogorama: Until My Life Gets Re organized

Some NBA Nuggets....

Apparently being a Professional Athlete of ANY sort guarantees you a Super Model fiancee! Wait, why didn't I know that again? Congrats Marko and Adrianna! [Fanhouse]

Perhaps Kobe's pre game warm up was reason for that embarrassing loss the other night [USweekly]

Who is that guy? [TheSportsHernia]

The celeb Game 4 montage I never got to do, But how CUTE is Maria Sharapova's T-shirt??? I don't even really like her but they way she chose to support LA is adorable! [Ball Don't Lie]

And if the NBA finals is causing this much distress to someone, I suggest they check themselves into an institution [Metroville]

Some Random Instanity..... But First, This is why EVERY NBA GAME should be played in LA, am I right Ladies????

Baseball Fans are competing with NASCAR fans as to who is more unstable and trashy....

In the white people dancing event [Busted Coverage]

And in the wearing your team support inappropriately category [With Leather]

Morning Glories- Celebs Shine, Lakers Do Not in Game 4

NBA Championship Finals

Boston Celtics 97, Los Angeles Lakers 91

The Lakers blew a 24 point lead, a freakin 24 point lead at the half. The Lakers blew a 20 point lead with 7:08 left in the third, a 20 point lead with 7:08 left in the third quarter.

It was the biggest comeback in Finals history since the league began keeping track in 1970-71. But no team in the finals has ever ever overcome more than a 15-point deficit after the first quarter.

Paul Pierce scored 20 points, the MVP of the night; while Ray Allen kicked it up a notch adding 19points.

"We sucked it up," Pierce said. "I said, 'Don't look at the score. We just have to go out and compete and see where it is at the end of the day.' I know what it is to dig deep and get the win."

The clutch player award however goes to Celtics bench player Eddie House, in for Rajon Rondo, putting in only 25 minutes. But in those 25 minutes scored 11 points, 4-9 from the field, hitting 2 huge three pointers. With 4:07 left to play in the 4th he scored a long jumper which gave Boston their first lead of the game 84-83!

"I was part of the team that had the best record in the league, and I made a contribution to that," he said. "I'm in the Finals. It's very exciting.

Kobe Bryant scored 19 points on 6-of-19 shooting but the MVP seemed at a loss when the team needed him most. And perhaps this may be why according to Boston:

"Paul came to me at halftime and said, 'I want to guard Kobe. Let me guard him,' " coach Doc Rivers said. He pointed out that he had no fouls and had the leeway to bump Bryant. "So we went with it, and it was terrific," Rivers said. "I think we won the game because Paul was a tremendous defensive player tonight."

Kobe in his own defense, perhaps should not be such a whiner:

"They were determined not to let me beat them tonight," he said. "I saw three, four bodies every time I touched the ball."

Lamar Odom had 19 points - 15 in the first half, note to self: four points in the second half is not good. Pau Gasol, had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Not a offensively productive night for LA, but what stikes me is how the Lakers defensively collapsed while Boston overcame such an enormous deficit.

"Momentum is a strange girl. She jumped on the other side of the ship," said Lakers coach Phil Jackson. "We did some bad things on offense that helped them out."

Interesting insight coach...momentum is surely a strange girl, probably one of those dyed mowhawk, goth makeup, piercing latent ones for sure!

The Lakers are now down in the Series 3-1, no team has ever overcome a 3-1 deficit to win the Championships in NBA history. The Series also heads back to Boston, to throw some salt on the wound.

Boston is on the other hand is on the brink of winning its 17th title, their first since 1986. Boston isnt counting their chickens just yet though....

"It's a great position to be in. We're thrilled with the win and it's a great comeback, but we still have to win one game," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "It's a great comeback but you don't get anything for it."

"I'm happy for the win," Pierce said. "But Sam (Cassell), Pose, guys who have won championships, said the close-out game is the hardest game. I just want to win Game 5 on Father's Day. Then I can breathe. "Right now I'm waiting to exhale."

The US Open: Torrey Pines Preview

For golf lovers everywhere, this weekend's first 2 rounds of the PGA US Open will be like you have ascended into heaven, or gone to hell.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, the sport's two biggest draws by far, are paired TOGETHER- that means you only have to walk the course ONCE to see both the front runners for this Championship play their opening rounds.

" at around 8:07, when the first moron of the day bellows, 'You da man,' he'll need to be more specific. Their fans will stand shoulder to shoulder, but not arm in arm. They'll be yelping simultaneously, but hardly in harmony. They'll walk the same course, but there is no common ground. This is the national championship of our 50 states, but fans pledge allegiance to only one star on the flag. "

Phil Mickelson, the California kid, the lefty; will surely feel right at home ( and so will his fans). He is sure to have the greatest draw in numbers.

Now the mother of all story lines is surrounding Tiger's knee. After electing to have surgery and rehabbing slightly longer than intended; Tiger will play his first rounds of competition SINCE the Masters in April at Torrey Pines, on the fly! Tiger seems confident as ever ( predictable), while everyone else is waiting with baited breath.

"I feel like I'm getting there. I feel like I'm getting my leg stronger," he said this past week. "Hopefully it will be close to 100 percent, but if it's not, no big deal. I have won tournaments with it not like that before, so it's just a matter of going out there and really getting into the competitive flow."

But is he strong enough to go all 18 holes, every round, the entire weekend? Despite being one of golf's greatest, Tiger has many skeptics on this matter, including myself.

Anyway, here are some lovely thoughts on Torrey Pines and the upcoming event, which I will be posting on throughout the weekend!

[CbsSportsline]

[NYDailyNews]

[CbsSportsline]

MLB Insights- Papi no longer flees from Immagration

St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Card's Albert Pujols is out at least three weeks with a strained left calf, no euthanizing necessary. The first baseman and offensive staple for the Card's strained his calf running for a ground ball during a game versus the Cincinnati Reds.

This is not the first calf injury for Pujols, so the Card's were incredibly nervous that he tore his muscle- which would have been season ending.

"The first indication is that it's not the scenario that would have kept him out for six weeks to two months," manager Tony La Russa said. "We're holding our breath."

Boston Red Sox

David Ortiz is now as American as baseball itself! Ortiz was officially sworn in as a US citizen with 220 fellow illegals at the JFK Presidential Library. 'Big Papi' was imported from the Dominican Republic and has been with the Sox since 2003 and apart of both Sox World Series wins since '03.

"It's a great country. I'm proud to be here," said Ortiz, who wore a pinstriped suit and his signature dark sunglasses. He said he was eager "to be part of the American family."

A large man in a pinstripe suit and sunglasses singing the Pledge of Allegiance, nothing more American than that!

Chicago Cubs

The franchise books were sent out to future prospective buyers, nine of them who are said to be familiar with the business of owning a sports franchise. Apparently one includes a 'full package'- not only Wrigley but also Tribune's 25 percent stake in the Comcast sports channel in Chicago, fueling widespread speculation the total could reach $1 billion; the other for only Wrigley Stadium itself.

No estimates have been given, and those that are submitted with most likely be kept confidential.

Navigating the Bermuda Triangle that is the Blogosphere

Today's Winning Submissions!!! ( Again I apologize, school is kicking my butt, and I have no choice but to just RE-post other fantastic blog entries)

Michael Wilbon and Kendra, just your average LA Lakers after party! [Deadspin]

Red Sox Jonathan Papelbon enjoys random pictures of fans naked wives [Roto-World]

Whoa Whoa Whoa! Your telling me NASCAR is slightly racist on some level??? [Nation of Islam Sports]

Bruce Pearl; the man, the myth, the legend ( think Kyle Orton Status) l submerges again [Don-Chavez]

No Particular ( wink wink!) reason....[Awful Announcing]

Bobby Knight, enjoying a new fan base since he joined the ESPN NCAA basketball analyst team, Jay Bilas is sooo jealous [Busted Coverage]

Professional Sports Fan Trend Setting: the Rat Tail is making a comeback!!! Yesss!! [JoeSportsFan]

BlogoRama:NBA Cheating Some Sort of Surprise

Former NBA Referee currently being indicted for rigging and betting on NBA games he officiated, Tim Donaghy, is claiming that despite him being ousted, THE NBA IS STILL RIGGED!!!! Really? that Boston/ LA foul differential between Game 2 and Game 3 didn't hint favoritism or bias by NBA officials at ALL!!!

The Full Story [TheSportingNews]

Dan Shanoff is not really impressed by it [TheSportingBlog]

I helped fix NBA games, too [LarryBrownSports]

Yes, you can be offended and repulsed by this idea and the accusations [With Malice]

Upcoming allegations to be heard from the mouth of Tim Donaghy [EpicCarnival]

Now the Best Part of a Championship Game in LA!!!!

A Stary Night, As Game 3 Hoop-La Unfolds In La-La [BostonHerald]
Now, onto the Best Part of having the game in LA, The Hollywood Audience!!!!!!

The unbelievably handsome David Beckham has not only been a consistent front row fan for the Lakers, but a candidate for Dad of the Year, always bringing his sons with him court side for the games. Love Becks showing Lakers support and rocking casual sweats!

This photo is of him and oldest son Brooklyn, adorable name (even if I do hate it for Brooklyn Decker, only because shes engaged to Andy Roddick, and thus I'm jealous!)

Jack Nicholas I think may just sleep in a cot somewhere in the Staples Center, or has had his seat surgically attached to his ass.

What is up with Sylvester Stalone, he looks drunk/high/medicated or something. I do enjoy his masculine rugged outfit. Like Beckham in his Lakers gear, I like the relaxed look for sporting events; how can you get dressed up when your in the front row getting sweat on by the players?

Stalone sat next to Eddie Murphy last night, who rocked a tight black tee with tons of bling. Apparently over his quickie marriage it looked like he's been in the gym buffing up to impress the ladies.

Now, I adore the Girls Next Door and Heff. Despite them setting women back 20 years, they have great hearts and I think the show really shows them all in a tender and favorable light.

As ditzy as they may be, they embrace who they are and all really love and respect one and other, that I respect. Kendra and Heff were in the crowd for a little date!!

“This is a huge rivalry. Go Lakers,” said Kendra, who was dressed head to toe in sexy purple and gold gear.

“We WILL win this,” the ancient Bunny wrangler declared.

Hillary Duff brought boyfriend professional ice hockey player ( I don't know what NHL team he plays for. Example 2,456,688 that no one watched or cares about the NHL!) Mike Comrie.

They have been together forever in Hollywood time and despite the fact that she's very young there HAVE been engagement rumors. Because she only like 21 though ( he is older I know, but not by how much) I do totally respect that they HAVENT rushed anything, and I hope they dont, getting married young, especially with the celebrity factor, almost always ends in disaster. Also, Hillary looks like she's put on a little weight after being SCARY skinny last year, she looks healthy now. I think she is stunningly beautiful so I love that she looks healthy and happy.

And finally, let's talk about the music stars at the Staples Center Last night! Kanye West was in the house. So was Fergie showing her support rocking an ADORABLE lil Lakers hat.

No signs of her even MORE adorable fiancee Josh Dumel. But she is fabulous and I love that her beauty shines from within her, she's not stunningly beautiful but a normal relate-able beautiful. She is just talented and confident and that glows from her.

Finally, there was a star performing last night, newly crowned American Idol David Cook! ( Thank God he won over that David Archuletta kid Clay Aiken wannabe kid!) who sang the National Anthem.

Look at him being silly with the fake trophy! There is a great article about him in this week's People magazine you should def. read!!!

Home Sweet Home!

Work has side tracked me, so I've been on another planet right now! I don't foresee consistent posting today too, but as glad as I am to be home lying on my couch-the LAKERS are unbelievably happy to be at home in LA!

NBA Championships

LA Lakers 87, Boston Celtics 81 ( Celtics Lead Series 2-0)

The Lakers are now 9-0 at home in the Staples Center this postseason, and no one felt more at home last night then 2008 MVP Kobe Bryant who put up 36 points last night.

"What I tried to do with my teammates is just stay calm," he said. "It wasn't the end of the world. They did a great job of defending home court. We knew we had to come here and do the same. They feed off of my confidence and I have all the confidence in the world that we can come here and win."

but the biggest spark on the Lakers offense was Sasha Vujacic who scored 20 points. The self-proclaimed "Machine," made three 3-pointers including one with 1:53 left on the clock. Derek Fisher also made 2 crucial free throws with 1:33 left to help the Lakers hold onto the lead.

The Lakers looked confident despite knowing that no team has ever to win a championship after going down 3-0 in the final series.

"We just wanted to play," said Bryant "I don't think anyone was feeling desperate."

Ever apparent last night was a more blanaced foul calling and free throw attempts for both teams. While in Boston, the Celts achieved a huge free throw disparity, especially in Game two; shooting 38 free throws to 10 for the Lakers. But in LA last night, free throws were given about evenly LA 34 to Boston's 22.

"It was not a beautiful ballgame," LA Coach Phil Jackson said. "That's a transition game from East Coast to West Coast. But we'll have a day to catch up tomorrow and hopefully both of us will play better basketball on Thursday night."

The Lakers will look to win again tomorrow night on their home turf and go 10-o at home to even the Championship Series.

Blogorama: Because It's Too Hot To Do Anything Around Here

Life without ESPN? yeahhh riiiight! [The On Deck Circle]

Serena Williams may have lost the French Open, but you'd never know from these pics. [Bossip]

Darryl Strawberry inspiring America's youth, what could go wrong? [Deuce of Davenport]

on that note, Roger Clemens. enough said. [Deadspin]

Coach, put Carrie In! [MyChillPill]

The Yanks may be winning, but are they REALLY winning? [Why Don't We Get Drunk and Blog]

KSK would like to know upfront how inappropriate is TOO inappropriate when reporting on Olympic Gymnastics [KissingSuzyKolber]

Yes Will Leitch is still leaving Deadspin, the interview [AOL Fanhouse]

And finally, it's hot outside, but Charlize Theron is sizzling! [HollywoodDrag]

NFL Update: The NFL Thinks Terrell Owens Is Suspicious. Suspicious? I Would Have Said Flamboyant But...

Terrell Owens admitted Monday to having missed a random drug test scheduled for several weeks ago.

TO dismissed blame or suspicion by blaming "communication problem involving cell phone numbers."

So on the same day his contract extension was announced, including $13 million dollars guaranteed. Terrell could not celebrate by hittin the strip clubs of Dallas with new teammate Pacman Jones, or hoppin a flight to Mexico with "his quarterback" Romo. Instead he was in New York meeting with NFL owners and officials and was placed in the league's "reasonable cause" testing program for performance-enhancing drugs, sources.

TO was placed on Santa's naughty list following the meeting as well. Wait, didn't this same man try to commit suicide two years ago by trying to OD on his prescription meds? didn't this man just star in a sitcom episode with Flava Flav? and he's just NOW being put on this 'List' ?????

"I'm not really worried about anything," Owens said Monday afternoon in an interview with The Associated Press. "It's not a big deal. Anything I do is going to grab headlines. I have nothing to hide. I've made a statement and that's it. It's basically a dead issue."

TO was warned by the NFL that he would face suspension if another little incident of miscommunication should occur.

But he can continue to 'act' with Flava Flav, and get caught on TheDirty.com in porno pics....

Jerry Jones acknowledged that he knew prior to handing out millions of dollars to Terrell that this little avoiding of a random drug test had occurred.

"We were aware of all of the facts prior to Terrell's meeting in New York, and we had no reservations about extending his contract," Jones said. "We make those decisions based upon our knowledge of a player over the course of his entire career. We signed Terrell to the new contract because there are no issues with Terrell."

Coming from the man that just hired Pacman Jones, yes this sounds about right.

However it all comes out in the wash, because Owens has since passed a test for performance enhancers, sources said. The sources added that Owens has never had a positive test for any illegal substance. TO will live to entertain us on and off the field another day! [ESPN]

T.O Not Worried About Missing Random Drug Test [Fox Sports]

Morning Glories- Heat Wave Day 4

MLB Scores

Cincinnati Reds 9, Florida Marlins 4

Congratulations are in order, Ken Griffey Jr. got over the wall last night and made it into the history book, hitting his 600th career home run last night. The outfielder is just the 6th in history to achieve the milestone, and joins Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Sammy Sosa.

"I don't think I touched any of the bases because I just kind of floated around," Griffey said.

The 38 year old hit a 413 ft. ball off a 3-1 count. Griffey received a standing ovation from the Marlins crowd of 16,003 and thanked them by coming out of the Reds dugout and waving his helmet to the fans. It took 216 at-bats to get to 600 - his last homer was on May 31.

"I got a call about 10 days ago from Willie [Mays]," Griffey said. "The next day I got one from Hank [Aaron]. They said, 'Hey, keep going, have some fun.' I think that helped me."

"I've been swinging the bat a lot better the last 10 days or so," Griffey said. "I was able to get the ball in the air. I wasn't beating the ball into the ground like I had been."

Red's manager Dusty Baker has been fortunate enough to be managing 3 of the 6 600 club members ( Griffey Jr., Sosa, and Bonds)

``That was a monster home run,''Baker said in his postgame news conference. ``This isn't an easy place to hit them. He got us on the board, 2-0, in the very first inning and got it over with.''

"It's awesome every time you see a milestone like that," Baker said. "It doesn't take away from the others. It adds to it."

Ken Griffey Jr. Hits 600th Homer [LA Times]

The Triple Crown, Big Brown, Wrap up

Full Insights [The Gowanus Rotisserie]

Somebody was happy that Big Brown Lost? [JuicedSports Blog]

Big Brown actually wasn't the BIGGEST dud at the Belmont [AwfulAnnouncing]

That's it, goodbye Big Brown, go forth and reproduce!

NFL Update: Also Being Put Out To Stud

NY Football Giants 7 time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan is calling it quits after 15 years in the NFL. Strahan, 36 , is the NFL's active leader in sacks. Strahan considered retirement last year, but returned to help his Giants go all the way to win Super Bowl 42.

"It was important that my teammates knew which way I was going before they got on the field to start the work to defend our title," Strahan told the website. "It's time. I'm done."

"I knew it was going to (eventually) happen," quarterback Eli Manning said. "He had a tremendous career. If that is the case, he picked a great season to go out on."

According to his agent Tony Agnone, Strahan did struggle with the decision.

"His question to me all the time was: 'What else do I need to accomplish?' He's a driven guy. Do I think he can still play? Yes, and at a very high level," Agnone said. "But he's all about goals and motivation. I think the hardest thing here was thinking about a chance to repeat. That was gnawing at him a little bit."

Strahan apparently is looking forward to pursuing a career in television. Surprising? no. Enjoy retirement Michael, you earned it. [CBSSportsline]

Strahan says he's done with football [BleacherReport]

NFl Update: Get Over Yourself Jeremy Shockey

NY Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey broke his leg in December, right before the Giants started the playoffs, made it to the SuperBowl, and oh yeah, WON. I understand that missing out on that fun may make a man bitter, but probably the fact that your team played unbelievably better in your absence would probably make a man a bit MORE bitter.

Jeremy Shockey, having skipped out on the Super Bowl parade in NY, the ring ceremony, and the White House visit, because he feels bitter ( You still got a ring the size of my head though, so what if you didn't play in that silly game!) is now perhaps taking this whole 'Lets feel Bad for me' pity party to a new extreme.

Reports say Shockey is contemplating skipping out on yet another team event, a mandatory little thing called mini camp:

"Who knows? I might go to see my mother in Texas. I have no idea," Shockey said.

Jeremy also thinks it the press who's given him this bad rap of being a poor sport and un-supportive teammate by skipping out on events that happen, I don't know, once in a career.

"Unlike the Giants, I'm going to be quiet," he said. "They've released multiple things about myself and if you look back into the media, there's always a source. Well, I'd like to know who this source is and we'll go over here and we'll deal with it ourselves, because I haven't said one negative thing toward the Giants in the newspapers."

But he wants you to know that despite contemplating a move that would make him look like a bigger asshole than he already is, we should still sympathize with him.

"Obviously. I'm not 100 percent and if I do show to minicamp, it's going to be, I wouldn't imagine me doing much, just getting treatment on my leg," Shockey told reporters. [ESPN.COM]

Continue to keep it classy Shockey.

Morning Glories- Heat Wave

NBA Finals

Boston Celtics 108, LA Lakers 102 (Boston Leads Series 2-0)

Boston almost blew it, almost. With a 24 point with 7:30 remaining to play, the Lakers surged on a 31-9 run at the Garden, making the Celtics and their fans have to fight to squeak out the win.

You just keep playing," Bryant said. "You don't know what's going to happen. Mathematically we felt like if we cut it down to about 10 . . . the goal was to cut it down to 10 with about seven minutes to go. We weren't able to do that, so after that it was about slicing it and getting it to single digits and applying more and more pressure."

The Celtics are now 12-1 at home in the postseason. The Celts were dominant throughout the game, leading by 20 after 3 quarters, and shot over 52.9 percent, 9 of 14 for 3-pointers, and 27 of 38 free throws. But the Celts were disappointed at how lackadaisical they became mid way through the fourth quarter that allowed the Lakers to make a lake surge.

"I was a little disappointed in our play in the last six minutes of the game," said Pierce. "I thought we just weren't aggressive enough to put the game away. I thought we wanted the time to just run out. I was a little lackadaisical with the ball. It's a great win, but definitely a lesson to be learned in that last six minutes. But just down the stretch, we've got to be a little more aggressive."

Said Coach Rivers: "I thought the fourth quarter was awful."

Pierce obviously felt little to no pain in his right knee, playing 41 minutes, scoring 28 points and was 4 of 4 from 3-point range. Rajon Rondo had a game-high 16 assists. The Boston bench proved it's proficiency again scoring 35 points, 21 of them and nine free throws from reserve forward-center Leon Powe- stats that aggravated Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

"Leon Powe gets more foul shots than our whole team does in 14 minutes of play. That's ridiculous," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said.

Now Kobe scored 30 for the Lakers, 13 of those points coming in that late fourth quarter surge. The Lakers hit 7 of their12 3-pointers in the fourth as part of the comeback as well. Now the series heads to LA, where the Lakers are 8-0 at the Staples Center, while the Celts have struggled in postseason away games going 2-7.

"They took care of business at home, and we've got to go home and try to do the same thing," said Bryant.

MLB Final Scores

New York Yankees 6, Kansas City Royals 3

Joba Chaimberlain probably didn't deserve a second chance starting on the mound for NY, but like I said before; it couldn't have gone as badly as the first time around so why the hell not? Well last night he didn't fully redeem himself, but the kid did OK. He struck out 5 pitching into the fifth inning ( four more innings then the first time!), and pitched 2 2/3 hit less innings to earn his first major league win. Chamberlain allowed three runs -- two earned -- and five hits in 4 1/3 innings, and gave up one walk.

"As a competitor, you want to be out there as long as you can go and as hard as you can go," said Chamberlain, who opened the year in the bullpen and was limited to 78 pitches on a 95-degree afternoon. "But you also understand that it's a transition. You have to be patient and learn from it and try to get better every time out."
easier to say when your on the winning side, but well said Joba. Offensively Johnny Damon got off two more hits after yesterday's perfect 6-6 outing. Jason Giambi hit a tie breaking homer in the sixth and Bobby Abreu cleaned up and put the Yanks ahead with a home run and three RBI for the Yankees.

"It was a positive day," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

Philadelphia Phillies 6, Atlanta Braves 3

The Phil's swept this series with Atlanta with last night's win. Consistent hitter for Philly Ryan Howard drove in two runs in the ninth inning to nab the win. The Phils have now won 12 of their last 14, and despite playing yesterday in 93 degree weather, it was the Phils playing that was even hotter.

"I like playing in hot weather," Howard said. "I know what it's like, growing up in St. Louis."

Howard finished 3-for-5 with four RBI and the first three-double game of his career. The Phils now boast the best road record in the National league, winning 15 of 19 of their away games. Prior to this winning streak, the Phils had only been 1 game over .500.

"We're playing some great ball," Howard said. "I think our best play is still ahead. It's just a feeling. Our pitchers are throwing well right now and we're getting timely hitting."

Chicago White Sox 12, Minnesota Twins 2

The White Sox have won their sixth strait, and it's been quite an impressive run thus far. They've racked up fifty-four runs during this streak, scoring 10 or more in three consecutive games for the first time since July 15-17, 2000. Their lead over the second-place Minnesota in the AL Central is now 5½ games.

"You want to pull your own weight, individually or as a unit," Chicago's Paul Konerko said. "You don't have to score 10 runs every game. We should be able to score four to six runs a night on average to give these guys a chance to win. ... We've got to have some easy games, and the offense has to pull their weight on that."

Track and Field

Brad Walker, the defending world pole vault champion broke the eight year old American Record yesterday at the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon. Walker cleared 19 feet, 9¾ inches. The twenty six year old broke the record while competing against the former record holder, Jeff Hartwig who previously held it at 19-9¼ inches. On the same field three weeks from now, Walker will try to make the US Olympic team for the first time.

"The track's good, we'll say that," Walker said. "Eugene, when the weather's nice, is probably one of the best places to jump. The American record's here for me now. I know that it's a great place to jump. I know I'm confident that I can jump high here, so it just adds to my confidence for the trials."

"I always thought if I did it, I'd want to do it at a meet that Jeff was at," Walker said. "We're great friends. We've talked a lot over the years. He's given me pointers. He hugged me and told me 'Good job.' "