How bizarre? Bazardo bests Hamels, Phils’ lead down to 4 after 8-2 loss to AstrosPHILADELPHIA — Yorman Bazardo pitched 5 2-3 effective innings against the team that cut him in spring training, and helped the Houston Astros beat Philadelphia 8-2 on Monday night, preventing the Phillies from reducing their magic number. Pirates rally for 6-5 victory, delay Dodgers from clinching NL WestPITTSBURGH — Right fielder Andre Ethier misplayed Lastings Milledge’s two-run single that drove in the winning run, and the Pittsburgh Pirates rallied for four in the ninth inning to beat the Dodgers 6-5 and prevent Los Angeles from clinching the NL West title Sunday. Michael Vick plays complementary role in return, Eagles beat Chiefs 34-14PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick was a super decoy. Clayborn blocked punt return, Iowa defense, shuts down No. 5 Penn St. in 21-10 winSTATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Whether in cold, blustery Iowa City, or soggy Happy Valley, Iowa has Penn State figured out. Jim Thome’s 2-run single helps Dodgers clinch playoff spot, beat Pirates 8-4PITTSBURGH — The Dodgers locked up their fourth playoff appearance in six years, getting a two-run single from pinch-hitter Jim Thome during a four-run eighth inning in which Pirates relievers walked four before going on to beat Pittsburgh 8-4 on Saturday night. Los Angeles Dodgers in National League playoffs for 3rd time in 4 seasonsPITTSBURGH — The Los Angeles Dodgers are back in the playoffs. Davis Rodriguez kicks 29-yard FG to send Lafayette to 20-17 win over Penn in OTEASTON, Pa. — Davis Rodriguez kicked two field goals, including the game winner in overtime, to lead Lafayette to a 20-17 win over Penn on Saturday night. Aaron Ball rushes for 109 yards and a touchdown as Villanova defeats Northeastern 56-7VILLANOVA, Pa. — Aaron Ball scored the first of Villanova’s four touchdowns to open the game and the Wildcats defeated Northeastern 56-7. Steve Cody’s 77-yard interception return helps Princeton in 17-14 win over LehighBETHLEHEM, Pa. — Steve Cody returned an interception 77 yards for a touchdown and Tommy Wornham scored on a 68-yard run to lead Princeton to a 17-14 win over Lehigh on Saturday. Tonge blocks extra point with 48 seconds remaining to lift Bucknell to 17-16 win over MaristLEWISBURG, Pa. — Michael Tonge blocked an extra point with 48 seconds remaining and Bucknell beat Marist 17-16 on Saturday. Joseph, Dixon each score on long touchdowns as Temple dominates Buffalo 37-13PHILADELPHIA — Elijah Joseph returned an interception 95 yards for a touchdown and James Dixon scored on a 92-yard kickoff return to help Temple beat Buffalo 37-13 on Saturday. Michael Croce throws 2 TDs to help Bryant hold off Robert Morris 20-13 in NEC openerMOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Michael Croce threw two touchdowns to help Bryant hold off Robert Morris 20-13 in the Northeast Conference opener for both teams on Saturday. Pirates stall Dodgers’ drive to playoffs, win 3-1 for only fourth win in 27 gamesPITTSBURGH — Brandon Moss’ two-run single gave Pittsburgh an early lead and the Pirates, stuck in their worst slump since 1984, used five pitchers to beat Los Angeles 3-1 on Friday night, stalling the Dodgers’ drive to the playoffs. Pirates guaranteed themselves of a 17th consecutive losing season _ and then it got worsePITTSBURGH — Nearly three weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Pirates guaranteed themselves of becoming the first major North American pro sports team to endure 17 consecutive losing seasons. Then it got worse. Donovan McNabb doubtful for Sunday, likely to miss 2nd game with broken rib; Vick to playPHILADELPHIA — Donovan McNabb could have a sideline view for Michael Vick’s debut. No. 5 Penn St. and Iowa get together in first 1st game since Hawkeyes’ memorable ‘08 winSTATE COLLEGE, Pa. — People keep asking the Penn State Nittany Lions if they want revenge against Iowa. Donovan McNabb doubtful for Sunday, likely to miss second game with broken ribPHILADELPHIA — Donovan McNabb could have a sideline view for Michael Vick’s debut. Mika Pyorala beats Martin Brodeur in overtime, Flyers beat Devils 2-1PHILADELPHIA — Mika Pyorala spoiled Martin Brodeur’s preseason debut, beating the New Jersey star with a wrist shot at 1:45 of overtime to give the Philadelphia Flyers a 2-1 victory over the Devils on Thursday night. Steelers safety Carter hurt on hit, then fined $5,000PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers safety Tyrone Carter has been fined $5,000 for a hit that left him with a bruised left thigh. 4 new members join Steelers’ revamped ownership groupPITTSBURGH — Four new minority owners have joined the Pittsburgh Steelers’ revamped ownership group that is headed by team chairman emeritus Dan Rooney and his son, team president Art Rooney II. Bronson Arroyo pitches Cincinnati Reds past Pittsburgh Pirates 4-1 before sparse crowdPITTSBURGH — Bronson Arroyo limited Pittsburgh to one run over seven innings and the Cincinnati Reds completed their second sweep of the plummeting Pirates in less than a month, winning 4-1 on Thursday to push the Pirates closer to a 100-loss season. G-20, bad teams result in small Cincinnati Reds-Pittsburgh Pirates crowdPITTSBURGH — The Reds and Pirates have played before one of the smallest crowds in PNC Park history, when downtown Pittsburgh was virtually empty because of the G-20 summit. Votto goes 4 for 5 as Reds clobber Pirates for their 22nd loss in 25 games, 12-2PITTSBURGH — Joey Votto went 4 for 5 and scored three runs, Homer Bailey allowed two runs in six innings and the Cincinnati Reds continued the Pittsburgh Pirates’ losing ways with a 12-2 win Wednesday night. McNabb skips practice; Vick eager to make 2009 debut after serving prison sentence, suspensionPHILADELPHIA — Donovan McNabb did not practice Wednesday because of a broken rib that forced him to miss the Eagles’ 48-22 loss to New Orleans last Sunday. Eagles QB McNabb to miss practice with broken rib; Vick is eligible but won’t startPHILADELPHIA — Donovan McNabb will not practice Wednesday because of a broken rib that forced him to miss the Eagles’ 48-22 loss to New Orleans last Sunday. McNabb to miss practice, Vick’s role unknownPHILADELPHIA — Donovan McNabb will not practice Wednesday because of a broken rib that forced him to miss the Eagles’ 48-22 loss to New Orleans last Sunday. Rolen drives in 3 runs as Reds beat Pirates 10-4; Pirates clinch another last-place finishPITTSBURGH — Scott Rolen had three hits and three RBIs, Joey Votto had three doubles and scored three runs and the Cincinnati Reds beat Pittsburgh 10-4 on Tuesday night, clinching the Pirates’ third straight last-place finish in the NL Central. James van Riemsdyk scores twice to lead Flyers past Red Wings 5-2 for first preseason victoryPHILADELPHIA — James van Riemsdyk, vying for a roster spot at left wing, scored two goals to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to their first preseason win, 5-2 over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night. Sloppy all-around effort _ more than missing McNabb _ costs Eagles in 48-22 loss to SaintsPHILADELPHIA — DeSean Jackson fielded a punt at the 2 and ran it back 31 yards. Chase Headley homers among 5 hits as Padres beat Pirates 11-6 win in 11 inningsPITTSBURGH — Chase Headley’s career-high fifth hit of the game drove in the go-ahead run in the 11th inning and the San Diego Padres won their third straight over the Pittsburgh Pirates, 11-6 on Monday night. Ex-NBA player “Pooh” Richardson testifies about call from officer-friend before 2005 drug raidPHILADELPHIA — Former NBA player Jerome “Pooh” Richardson reluctantly testified Monday that his close friend, a Philadelphia police officer, tipped him about an imminent drug raid involving his half-sister. Ex-NBA player testifies against officer-friend who tipped him off to raid on his sister’s homePHILADELPHIA — Former NBA player Jerome “Pooh” Richardson has testified in the trial of a police-officer friend charged with tipping off a drug kingpin about a raid. Kolb to start for Eagles if McNabb can’t play vs. ChiefsPHILADELPHIA — Kevin Kolb will make his second straight start for the Philadelphia Eagles if Donovan McNabb can’t play against Kansas City. Drew Brees tosses 3 TDs passes, Saints beat Donovan McNabb-less Eagles 48-22PHILADELPHIA — Without Donovan McNabb, the Philadelphia Eagles tried everything they could on offense. Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints stuck to what they do best. Kolb has solid start but loses vs. Saints in 1st start in place of injured Eagles QBPHILADELPHIA — Kevin Kolb got a sideline hug from Donovan McNabb and a standing ovation while he jogged off the field at halftime. |