First Step: Kobe Bryant scores 40 as focused Lakers rout Magic 100-75 in Game 1 of NBA finalsLOS ANGELES — One step toward redemption, one step toward a ring. Bryant scores 40, Lakers roll to 100-75 victory over Magic in Game 1 of NBA finalsLOS ANGELES — One step toward redemption, one step toward a ring. Cubs-Braves game rained out, makeup date expected to be announcedATLANTA — A rainout forced the Atlanta Braves to wait a day for their first look at their new center fielder and No. 3 hitter. Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson returns from shoulder injury for Game 1 of NBA finalsLOS ANGELES — All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson returned to the Orlando Magic for Game 1 of the NBA finals, playing the entire second quarter before struggling in the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. NASCAR implements double-file restarts starting this week at PoconoDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — In a midseason attempt to add some excitement to Cup racing, NASCAR has moved to double-file restarts beginning with this weekend’s race at Pocono Raceway. McCutchen’s impressive debut, Jaramillo’s 4 RBIs lead Pirates past Mets 11-6 for sweepPITTSBURGH — Jason Jaramillo drove in a career-high four runs, prized prospect Andrew McCutchen had a productive major league debut and the Pittsburgh Pirates completed a rain-shortened, three-game sweep of the New York Mets 11-6 on Thursday. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria should be back in the starting lineup for series against YankeesST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria is likely to return to the starting lineup by Saturday. What a day! Braves release 305-game winner Glavine, acquire All-Star OF McLouth from PiratesATLANTA — The Braves headed out to batting practice, but the doors to the Atlanta clubhouse remained shut — the first inkling that something was up. Redeem Team II: Kobe Bryant, Lakers hoping to atone for last year’s finals failureLOS ANGELES — His smile has vanished, replaced by something closer to a scowl. His days of joking around are seemingly on hold. Kobe Bryant has gotten deadly serious. He has that look, you’ve seen the one. It’s the cold-blooded, get-out-of-my-way-or-pay glare he’ll shoot at a teammate who messes up or an opponent who dares to try and stop him. Hoffpauir’s bloop single sends Cubs to 3-2 win; no comeback this time for BravesATLANTA — Pinch-hitter Micah Hoffpauir blooped an RBI single to left field in the 11th inning, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 Wednesday night. Indians’ Asdrubal Cabrera put on DL with sprained shoulder, Barfield called up from Triple-AMINNEAPOLIS — The Cleveland Indians are testing the limits of their medical staff. On a day of big moves, Braves acquire All-Star OF Nate McLouth from Pirates for 3 prospectsATLANTA — The Braves acquired All-Star center fielder Nate McLouth from the Pittsburgh Pirates for three minor leaguers on Wednesday, a move to beef up Atlanta’s offense in hopes of contending in the NL East. Braves release 305-game winner Tom Glavine before he can return to mound from injuryATLANTA — Tom Glavine wanted to end his career with the Braves. If this is the end, it wasn’t on his terms. Atlanta released the winningest active pitcher in the big leagues on Wednesday, a stunning move just when it seemed he was ready to return to the Braves. SD State star Strasburg among 5 finalists for Golden Spikes AwardDURHAM, N.C. — San Diego State pitcher Stephen Strasburg is among five finalists for the Golden Spikes Award, given to the nation’s top amateur baseball player. NASCAR appeals board upholds Carl Long’s record 12-race suspension, penaltyAlthough the National Stock Car Racing Commission said it was tempting to give Carl Long and his crew chief penalties they could “more-readily bear,” the driver’s appeal was denied Tuesday. Magic players: Jameer Nelson will play in NBA finals against Lakers despite shoulder injuryORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Magic players say Jameer Nelson will play in the NBA finals, even though the All-Star point guard and his coach remain publicly pessimistic. Rich Hill bounces back with 7 innings of 2-hit ball to lead Orioles to 1-0 win over MarinersSEATTLE — That trade to Baltimore is haunting the Mariners. And not just their 5-for-1 swap to get Erik Bedard. With 16 losses in 21 games, hope quickly fading on Royals’ long-awaited turnaround seasonKANSAS CITY, Mo. — After beginning the year on such a promising note, the Kansas City Royals must feel trapped in a cruel and savage time warp. Buckner throws 6 scoreless innings as Arizona Diamondbacks beat Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2LOS ANGELES — Billy Buckner threw six scoreless innings and rookie Josh Whitesell hit a two-run double, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night. Ichiro Suzuki extends hitting streak to Mariners’ record-tying 25 gamesSEATTLE — Ichiro Suzuki has tied the Mariners’ team record by hitting safely in his 25th consecutive game. Big Unit approaches pitching’s big number: Randy Johnson ready to aim for No. 300SAN FRANCISCO — Mere mention of the milestone causes Randy Johnson to recoil. Still Hurting: Cavs GM Danny Ferry, coach Mike Brown reflect on coming up short of NBA titleINDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Summer’s offseason arrived sooner than Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry had hoped, but it’s here. Orlando Magic considering possible return of All-Star Jameer Nelson for NBA finalsORLANDO, Fla. — Jameer Nelson wants to play in the NBA finals. Whether the Orlando Magic will let him remains a mystery. Business as usual in NASCAR despite GM’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filingCHARLOTTE, N.C. — General Motors has become the second of NASCAR’s four manufacturers to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but industry leaders remain confident support will continue as the automakers shore up their finances. Manny Ramirez drops to 5th among NL outfielders in All-Star fan votingNEW YORK — Suspended slugger Manny Ramirez has dropped in the latest round of fan voting for the All-Star game, falling to fifth among NL outfielders. 76ers introduce Eddie Jordan as coach; Philadelphia’s 3rd coach since last seasonPHILADELPHIA — Eddie Jordan had been linked to the Philadelphia 76ers coaching job since December. Jimmie Johnson overtakes Tony Stewart in thrilling finish at Dover International SpeedwayDOVER, Del. — Jimmie Johnson was on the hunt. Milton wins second straight start, Dodgers beat Cubs 8-2 to salvage four-game splitCHICAGO — Suddenly, after a three-year wait, Eric Milton is starting to rack up the wins again. Jimmie Johnson nips Tony Stewart in thrilling finish at DoverDOVER, Del. — Jimmie Johnson went from running away from the field to running down Tony Stewart. |