Chone Figgins hit a tie-breaking two-run single in the eighth inning and saved two runs with a sparkling play at third base, leading the Angels to a 3-1 victory over the Dodgers in an all-Los Angeles clash in interleague play on Friday.
Kendry Morales and Gary Matthews Jr opened the eighth with singles. After getting a force on a bunt, Dodgers pitcher Cory Wade walked Maicer Izturis and Figgins followed with his clutch hit to right field.
Reliever Darren Oliver got the win, allowing one hit over one-and-a-third innings, and Jose Arredondo pitched a perfect eighth.
BRAVES 1, BLUE JAYS 0
In Atlanta, Georgia, home pitcher Kenshin Kawakami outlasted Toronto ace Roy Halladay.
Kawakami lasted eight innings — his longest outing of the season — and gave up only three hits with no walks and seven strikeouts.
Casey Kotchman drove in the only run with an eighth-inning sacrifice fly.
PHILLIES 7, YANKEES 3
In New York, Jimmy Rollins sent the first pitch of the game deep over the right-field scoreboard, kickstarting a Philadelphia victory that ended New York’s nine-game winning streak.
Jayson Werth, Carlos Ruiz and Raul Ibanez also homered for the defending World Series champions in the first interleague game at the new Yankee Stadium.
There were seven homers in all, three by the hosts, but the Phillies won to make it seven victories in eight games.
In other MLB action, it was:
• Mets 5, Red Sox 3
• Twins 11, Brewers 3
• Cardinals 5, Royals 0
• Rangers 6, Astros 5, 10 inns
• Padres 4, Cubs 0
• Tigers 4, Rockies 3
• Rays 15, Marlins 2
• Mariners 2, Giants 1, 12 inns
• Reds 3, Indians 1
• White Sox 2, Pirates 0
• Diamondbacks 2, Athletics 1
• Orioles 4, Nationals 2
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely