inRich Sports Main

Best parks in the Richmond area

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:52:38 -0400

We're rating our best local public parks. The places that we spend so much of our time playing, relaxing, learning and having a great time.

Race fans suffer traffic backups

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:09:58 -0400

1 p.m. start, instead of the usual 7:30 p.m., is a factor in the logjam.

Pats jolted by Brady's injury

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:08:58 -0400

Tom Brady screamed. The fans went quiet. The seemingly indestructible star of the New England Patriots lay on the ground, clutching his left knee. The three-time Super Bowl champion was done for the day -- at least.

Brees airs it out in win over Bucs

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:08:58 -0400

NEW ORLEANS -- Saints fans partied near debris piles and leaning fences -- the lingering evidence of Hurricane Gustav's path through New Orleans last week. The Louisiana Superdome was in good shape, however, as was the team that calls the enduring and iconic stadium home. Drew Brees passed for 343 yards and three touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers yesterday, giving fans already jubilant about their team's quick return from Gustav a 24-20 season-opening triumph to celebrate as well.

Favre's debut dandy

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:08:58 -0400

MIAMI -- Brett Favre hardly looked like the retiring type, raising his arms to signal a touchdown, then leaping and skipping to the bench, where he vaulted into the arms of two teammates. Six months after Favre decided to call it a career before changing his mind and leaving the Green Bay Packers, he made a successful debut with his new team as Broadway Brett, throwing for two scores to help the New York Jets beat the Miami Dolphins 20-14 yesterday.

Ryan, Turner start off fast for Falcons

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:08:57 -0400

From Wire Reports ATLANTA -- Matt Ryan threw for a touchdown with his first NFL pass, Michael Turner set a team rushing record in his Atlanta debut, and the Falcons were off and running yesterday. Michael Vick who? Having put No. 7 in their rearview mirror, the Falcons got off to a rousing start in their first game with Ryan and Turner. The rookie quarterback electrified the crowd with a 62-yard touchdown pass to Michael Jenkins before many fans had settled in their seats, and Turner rumbled for 220 yards and two TDs after coming to Atlanta from San Diego in the offseason.

Dallas displays its star power

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:08:56 -0400

CLEVELAND - T.O. and his talented teammates were way too much for the Browns. Terrell Owens caught a 35-yard touchdown pass, Tony Romo effortlessly picked apart Cleveland's secondary, Marion Barber scored on a pair of 1-yard runs and the Dallas Cowboys opened a season they expect to end with a Super Bowl title by overwhelming the Browns 28-10 yesterday.

Titans' 'D' key to win

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:08:56 -0400

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Titans are just as stingy on defense as they were a year ago. Just ask Jacksonville and David Garrard. The Titans sacked Garrard seven times and Cortland Finnegan intercepted him twice in beating the Jaguars 17-10 yesterday in the season opener between the AFC's two wild cards in 2007. It's the other side of the line that concerns Tennessee. Quarterback Vince Young struggled, throwing two interceptions and completing just 12 of 22 passes for 110 yards. He left the game in the fourth quarter with a sprained left knee.

Delhomme delivers dagger

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:08:56 -0400

SAN DIEGO - Jake Delhomme came back with a jolt that the San Diego Chargers won't soon forget. Delhomme threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dante Rosario as time expired to lift the Carolina Panthers to a shocking 26-24 win over the Chargers yesterday. It was a heart-stopping capper to a game that swung wildly with a big defensive play by each team in the second half.

Getting up close, and a little too personal, at RIR

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:58 -0400

The things you see and hear at the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 might surprise you. You could see Zen and the art of Sprint Cup tire changing. Situated behind pit row yesterday, about 100 laps into the race, was a young crew member. It wasn't necessary to ask him about his assignment because it was obvious from looking at him.

Johnson foils Stewart to continue roll at RIR

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:58 -0400

Jimmie Johnson is proving, once again, that the Sprint Cup season is a distance race and that his No.48 Chevrolet is built for the long haul. Johnson, too, proved yesterday that he's nearly unbeatable at Richmond International Raceway -- day or night.

Serena returns to top of tennis

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:58 -0400

Serena Williams flung her racket aside and jumped for joy, looking like someone who had just won her first Grand Slam title. Nope. It sure had been a while, though. Displaying the talent and tenacity that helped her dominate tennis earlier in the decade, Williams outlasted Jelena Jankovic 6-4, 7-5 last night in a thrill-a-minute match chock full of marvelous strokes and momentum swings to win her third U.S. Open championship and ninth Grand Slam title.

Murray stuns Nadal in semis

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:58 -0400

No one ever seems to run Rafael Nadal ragged, and yet Andy Murray did just that in the U.S. Open semifinals. Murray finished a stunning, rain-interrupted 6-2, 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6-4 victory yesterday at Flushing Meadows to reach his first Grand Slam final and stop the No. 1-ranked Nadal's 19-match winning streak at major tournaments. Trying to become the first British man to win a major tennis championship since Fred Perry at the 1936 U.S. Open, Murray will face four-time defending champion Roger Federer in the final tonight.

TODAY'S TV

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:57 -0400

MAJOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL

7 p.m., MASN (CR43, CC43) Cleveland at Baltimore CYCLING

5:30 p.m., VERSUS (CR2, CC2) U.S. Pro Criterium Championships (taped) COLLEGE FOOTBALL

11:30 a.m., CSN (CR7, CC7) Louisiana Tech at Kansas (taped) NFL

7 p.m., ESPN (CR4, CC4) Minnesota at Green Bay

10:15, ESPN (CR4, CC4) Denver at Oakland CR: Comcast of Richmond; CC: Comcast of Chesterfield

TODAY'S EVENTS

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:57 -0400

HIGH SCHOOL GOLF

Hanover, J.R. Tucker, Maggie Walker GS, Patrick Henry at Hanover CC, 4:30 p.m.

Petersburg, Prince George, Meadowbrook at Meadowbrook CC, 3:30

Maggie Walker GS vs. Deep Run at The Dominion Club, 4

Hermitage vs. Mills Godwin at Hermitage CC, 4:30

J.R. Tucker vs. Patrick Henry at Hanover CC, 4 HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Don Haskins dies at age 78

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:57 -0400

EL PASO, Texas -- Don Haskins, credited with helping break color barriers in college sports in 1966 when he used five black starters to win a national basketball title for Texas Western, died on Sunday. He was 78. Mr. Haskins was an old-time coach who believed in hard work and was known for his gruff demeanor. That attitude was portrayed in the 2006 movie "Glory Road," the Disney film that chronicled Haskins' improbable rise to national fame in the 1966 championship game against Kentucky. The movie, which was preceded by a book of the same title, also sparked renewed interest in Mr. Haskins' career.

TODAY'S RADIO

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:57 -0400

MAJOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL

6:30 p.m. -- Cleveland at Baltimore, WLEE (990) NFL

9:30 p.m. -- Denver at Oakland, WRNL (910) TALK SHOWS

6-8 a.m. -- Mike and Mike in the Morning, WXGI (950)

6-9 -- Steve Czaban, WRNL (910)

8-10 -- SportsPhone with Big Al, WXGI (950)

9-noon -- Dan Patrick, WRNL (910)

10-1 p.m. -- The Herd with Colin Cowherd, WXGI (950)

Simpson spurs H-SC

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:57 -0400

Senior running back Josh Simpson (Mills Godwin) picked up where he left off last season, propelling Hampden-Sydney to a 33-23 victory over North Carolina Wesleyan yesterday. Simpson began his scoring spree early, running the ball in from 8 yards out to give Hampden -- Sydney the lead less than four minutes into the game. After N.C. Wesleyan (0-1) took a three-point advantage in the second quarter, Simpson responded with a 4-yard TD run that gave Hampden-Sydney the lead for good.

VSU's Hampton shines in victory

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:57 -0400

Taron Hampton had a cheering section that arrived wearing his orange No. 4 Powhatan jersey. Now at Virginia State, his number is the same, his colors
9/07/08 5:31 PM
on inRich.com are the same, and if yesterday's performance was any indication, he's still dominating just like he did at the high school level. Hampton, a true freshman, led the Trojans to a 43-16 home-opener victory against Johnson C. Smith, finishing with 140 rushing yards and 54 more as a receiver.

U.Va.'s line a developing story

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:57 -0400

Coming into the season, one of the big questions surrounding U.Va. was how its rebuilt offensive line, which has three new starters, would fare. So far, the results have not been impressive, but perhaps that was to be expected.

ON THIS DATE

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:57 -0400

1957 -- Australia's Malcolm Anderson defeats countryman Ashley Cooper in three sets to win the U.S. Open. Althea Gibson becomes the first black to win the U.S. Open, beating Louise Brough. 1968 -- Virginia Wade wins the U.S. Open, upsetting Billie Jean King, 6-4, 6-4. 1969 -- Australian Rod Laver wins the U.S. Open and the grand slam of tennis for the second time in his career with a four-set victory over Tony Roche.

Florida breaks 23-year streak

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:56 -0400

Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow may never play Miami again, and that's just fine with him.

FLORIDA ST. 69, WESTERN CAROLINA 0: Christian Ponder threw three touchdowns passes and backup D'Vontrey Richardson ran for two more scores to lead Florida State to a home win in a game interrupted more than two hours by lightning.

NORTHWESTERN 24, DUKE 20: Tyrell Sutton ran for two touchdowns and Northwestern's defense made two critical fourth-down stops down the stretch. Omar Conteh scored the go-ahead score for Northwestern (2-0), which was outplayed most of the game.

Saunders gets 1st win since July

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:56 -0400

From Wire Reports CINCINNATI -- Jolbert Cabrera hit a game-ending RBI single off Chicago Cubs closer Kerry Wood to complete Cincinnati's three-run ninth inning and give the Reds a 4-3 win yesterday. Francisco Cordero (5-4) pitched a scoreless ninth to help send the Cubs to their seventh loss in the last eight games. MILWAUKEE -- Chris Young came within four outs of a perfect game, retiring the first 23 Milwaukee Brewers in order before Gabe Kapler homered, and the San Diego Padres beat the Milwaukee Brewers 10-1.

Wild card glance

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:55 -0400

AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston-- Minnesota6½
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Milwaukee-- Philadelphia3½ St. Louis5

NL Scores

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:55 -0400

TODAY'S GAMES
Florida (A.Sanchez 2-3) at Philadelphia (Blanton 6-12), 7:05 p.m.
Cincinnati (Volquez 16-5) at Milwaukee (Bush 9-10), 8:05
Pittsburgh (Snell 6-10) at Houston (Backe 9-12), 8:05
Los Angeles (Maddux 7-11) at San Diego (Baek 4-10), 10:05
Arizona (Petit 3-4) at San Francisco (Lincecum 15-3), 10:15

Baseball Bits

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:55 -0400

Notes Tampa Bay at Boston (7:05 p.m. EDT). The Rays try to avoid a September meltdown against the team desperately trying to catch them in the AL East. Edwin Jackson (11-9, 4.07 ERA) takes the mound against Jon Lester (13-5, 3.37), who is 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA against the Rays this season.

Alfonso Soriano, Cubs, homered three times at the top of Chicago's retooled batting order, and first-place Chicago emerged from its longest losing streak of the season with a 14-9 win over Cincinnati.

AL Scores

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:55 -0400

TODAY'S GAMES
Tampa Bay (Jackson 11-9) at Boston (Lester 13-5), 7:05 p.m.
Oakland (Gonzalez 1-3) at Detroit (Miner 8-4), 7:05
Cleveland (Carmona 8-5) at Baltimore (Olson 8-7), 7:05, MASN
Toronto (Burnett 16-10) at Chicago (Vazquez 11-12), 8:11
New York (Pavano 2-0) at Los Angeles (Garland 12-8), 10:05

Mets earn split

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:55 -0400

Carlos Delgado hit two long homers and drove in four runs, backing a big win by Johan Santana as the New York Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3 last night for a doubleheader split. The NL East leaders salvaged the finale of the three-game series, giving them a two-game edge over second-place Philadelphia. In the opener, Jamie Moyer allowed only two singles in seven shutout innings, and Greg Dobbs hit a three-run homer off Pedro Martinez, leading the Phillies to a 6-2 victory.

Auto Racing Results

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

AUTO RACING PEAK ANTIFREEZE AND
MOTOR OIL INDY 300 RESULTS
(Yesterday at Joliet, Ill.)
(All chassis Dallara,
all engines Honda)
(Starting pos.), Driver Laps
1. (28) Helio Castroneves-------------------------200
2. (2) Scott Dixon-------------------------200

BASKETBALL

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

BASKETBALL GLANCE
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Note: x-clinched playoff spot SATURDAY'S GAMES
Detroit 84, Washington 69 Los Angeles 84, Houston 66 Seattle 96, Minnesota 88 YESTERDAY'S GAMES
New York 69, Chicago 61 San Antonio 85, Connecticut 73 Houston at Phoenix, late

BASEBALL

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

BASEBALL SATURDAY'S BOXES

NATS 8, BRAVES 5 (10)
Washington ---- 012 100 100 3 -- 8 12 2
Atlanta ------------------------- 020 100 002 0 -- 5 10 1
E -- Dukes 2 (6), CJones (12). DP -- Washington 2; Atlanta 1. LOB -- Washington 5, Atlanta 8. 2B -- Zimmerman (22), KJohnson (36), Francoeur (27). 3B -- CGuzman (5). HR -- Langerhans (2), off MGonzalez; YEscobar (9), off Redding; Zimmerman (12), off Hampton; WHarris (13), off Hampton; Dukes 2 (10), off Hampton 2. RBI -- WHarris (43), Zimmerman 2 (44), Dukes 3 (33), AHernandez (6), Langerhans (9), KJohnson 2 (60), YEscobar (56), BJones (12), GBlanco (34). CS -- Dukes (2). S -- Nieves. SF -- BJones.

FOOTBALL

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

FOOTBALL AP TOP 25 POLL
The Top 25 teams in The Associated Press college football poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Sunday, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote, and previous ranking: Others receiving votes: UCLA 150, Clemson 73, Florida St. 50, Boise St. 22, Tennessee 15, Georgia Tech 14, Oklahoma St. 11, Vanderbilt 7, Kentucky 6, TCU 6, Virginia Tech 4 , Tulsa 3, Arizona 2, South Carolina 2, Connecticut 1, North Carolina 1, Rice 1.

Dillie keys win for Hokies

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

BLACKSBURG -- Scott Dillie scored the game-winning goal in the 88th minute to lift Virginia Tech over Xavier 2-1 yesterday. Emmanuel Akogyeram scored his third goal of the season for the Hokies, while keeper Stefan Caulfield earned his first win, finishing with for saves. Xavier ------------------------- 1 0 -- 1
Va. Tech ------------------------- 1 1 -- 2

SPORTS BRIEFS

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

Helio Castroneves won the race in the second closest finish in the history of the IndyCar Series, but it wasn't enough to stop Scott Dixon from taking his second championship. Castroneves came from last place yesterday to win the PEAK Indy 300, but Dixon, who knew coming in he only had to finish eighth or better to win the title, took the lead with a perfect pit stop late in the race and nearly held off Castroneves for the victory, crossing the finish line inches behind the winner.

SOCCER

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

SOCCER EASTERN CONFERENCE
Note: Three points for victory, One point for tie. SATURDAY'S GAMES
CD Chivas USA 3, Toronto FC 1 Columbus 4, New England 0 Chicago 1, New York 0 San Jose 2, D.C. 1 Real Salt Lake 2, Los Angeles 2 YESTERDAY'S GAME
Houston 3, Kansas City 1

Saturday high school football results

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

HIGH SCHOOLS SATURDAY
Broadwater Academy 27, Chincoteague 12 North Cross 44, Massanutten Military 0 Portsmouth Christian 35, Catholic 8 Va. Episcopal 36, Christchurch 25 William Fleming 37, Franklin County 15 Postponements and cancellations
Booker T. Washington vs. Warwick, ppd. to today

Chevy Rock & Roll 400 results

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:53 -0400

RACE STATISTICS
Average speed: 92.680 mph
Time: 3 hours, 14 minutes, 13 seconds
Margin of victory: .365 seconds
Caution flags: 14 for 71 laps
Lead changes: 22 among 10 driverS
Lap Leaders: Ky. Busch 1-28, Harvick 29-37, J. Gordon 38-43, Harvick 44-76, Hamlin 77-80, Earnhardt Jr. 81-133, Harvick 134-158, Earnhardt Jr. 159-165, Kenseth 166-167, Earnhardt Jr. 168-172, Harvick 173-185, Earnhardt Jr. 186, Ky. Busch 187-211, Earnhardt Jr. 212-235, Stewart 236-243, Reutimann 244-297, Stewart 298, Reutimann 299-348, Stewart 349-360, Truex Jr. 361-366, Johnson 367-389, Stewart 390-391, Johnson 392-400.

Sprint Cup points

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:53 -0400

1. Kyle Busch3,878 2. Carl Edwards3,671
3. Jimmie Johnson3,576
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr.3,488
5. Jeff Burton 3,384
6. Tony Stewart3,285
7. Kevin Harvick3,283
8. Greg Biffle3,280
9. Denny Hamlin 3,235
10. Jeff Gordon3,221
11. Matt Kenseth3,132
12. Clint Bowyer3,116

Bowyer seeded No.5 after holding off two rivals for final Chase spot

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:53 -0400

Clint Bowyer's crew celebrated, however muted it may have seemed. One man raised his arms skyward, another slapped a teammate on the back. They had qualified for the Chase for the Sprint Cup despite a tenuous standing entering yesterday's race and falling out of the Chase for 50 or so laps.

Hamlin keeps eyes on track, Ragan to clinch spot in Chase

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:52 -0400

Former Chesterfield resident Denny Hamlin entered the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 facing a conundrum. He had to temper his desire to win at his hometown track vs. the need to protect his precarious position of 11th in the points in the final race of the regular season.

Nationwide Emerson 250 results

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:52 -0400

(Starting pos.), Make Laps, Money
1. (5) Carl Edwards, Ford-------------------------250, $45,770
2. (4) Scott Wimmer, Chevy-------------------------250, $37,943
3. (2) Clint Bowyer, Chevy-------------------------250, $26,300
4. (27) Denny Hamlin, Toyota ----------------- 250, $21,800
5. (8) David Ragan, Ford-------------------------250, $20,075

Edwards' late surge wins Nationwide race

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:52 -0400

Just call Carl Edwards the Comeback Kid. As he did in a Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway two weeks ago, Edwards hung around with the lead pack last night, then rushed to the lead and ran away over the waning laps to win the Emerson Radio 250 Nationwide Series race at RIR

NASCAR Notes: Busch and Earnhardt trade knocks again

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:51 -0400

Jimmie Johnson may have won the race, but watercooler talk today will revolve around the second tangle in as many RIR races between Kyle Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr. In May, the duo came together and Earnhardt was bumped from the lead. Yesterday, the tables were turned on Lap 212. "He was up front leading, and I feel that I was a little quicker," Earnhardt said. "I moved up to him to race him hard . . . it was an accident that it happened. If I wanted to wreck somebody, I'm not going to leave them in good enough shape to come back and get me in the same race. If I wanted to do it, I'd do it really, really good."

Golf Scores

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:51 -0400

BMW CHAMPIONSHIP
(7,456 yards, par 70 at St. Louis)
Camilo Villegas, $1,260,000-----------------65-66-66-68--265
Dudley Hart, $756,000-------------------------67-69-66-65--267
Jim Furyk, $406,000-------------------------70-62-66-70--268
Anthony Kim, $406,000-------------------------68-67-66-67--268
Stephen Ames, $255,500-------------------------68-69-66-66--269

Villegas wins his first title

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:07:51 -0400

Camilo Villegas gave golf fans a real reason to pay attention to him -- a trophy. A marketing dream with his model looks and stylish dress, Villegas won for the first time on the PGA Tour with three big putts on the back nine at Bellerive yesterday for a wire-to-wire victory in the BMW Championship. Villegas closed with a 2-under 68 for a two-shot victory over Dudley Hart, who birdied the final two holes to earn a trip to the Masters with his highest finish in two years.

Serena Williams beats Jankovic for 3rd Open title

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 23:41:14 -0400

Displaying the talent and tenacity that helped her dominate tennis earlier in the decade, Serena Williams outlasted Jelena Jankovic 6-4, 7-5 Sunday night to win her third U.S. Open championship and ninth Grand Slam title

Sprint Cup Chase field set

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 18:47:06 -0400

Fans react to pre-race traffic

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 18:07:43 -0400

In a quick sampling, fan assessment of pre-race traffic today at Richmond International Raceway ran the gamut from "no problem" to "it was horrible."

Johnson wins Chevy Rock & Roll 400

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 16:33:10 -0400

Jimmie Johnson won his fourth race of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season in today's Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway.

Traffic outbound only after race

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 15:57:02 -0400

Traffic will be outbound only from the racetrack for about an hour after the Sprint Cup race today, said Henrico Police Lt. Doug Perry. Police hope to "dump as much [traffic] as possible" from the track before the Nationwide Series race begins at 7 p.m., said Lt. Doug Perry. Laburnum Avenue toward Mechanicsville Turnpike, Carolina Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike will be one way only going away from the track, he said. As traffic thins, authorities will reverse some lanes to allow in spectators for the second race while continuing to let others leave the track, Perry said.

A little bit of payback?

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 15:15:22 -0400

RIR update: Sellout streak is over

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 15:13:31 -0400

After 33 straight sellouts for Sprint Cup events, Richmond International Raceway fell short of packing the stands for today's Chevy Rock & Roll 400. Halfway through the race, the bottom half of the track's backstretch grandstands were sparsely populated.

Hamlin, Earnhardt scrap for the lead

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 13:56:02 -0400

In the fiercest battle for the lead so far, hometown favorite Denny Hamlin and ultra-popular Dale Earnhardt Jr. did some bumper-banging and fender-rubbing for a couple of laps. Hamlin took the lead briefly, then Earnhardt moved back to the front about 80 laps into the 400-lap race. Other drivers who have led: Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Gordon.

RIR update: Clean start, planned caution at lap 36

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 13:41:01 -0400

The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 got off to a clean start at Richmond International Raceway and stayed caution-free until NASCAR waved a pre-planned "competition caution" after 36 laps.

RIR update: Lunch in the garage

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 12:58:32 -0400

Lunch is no small deal before a Sprint Cup race. Teams carry their own gas grills and many of them have a team chef who can put out a major spread. John "Big John" Youk of Chalfont, Pa., is chef for Dale Earnhardt Inc. and author of "Big John's Speedway Grill Cookbook." He laid out standard summer fare today -- burgers, dogs, watermelon, salad.

NASCAR fans 'sit around, drink beer and watch it rain'

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:09:49 -0400

No NASCAR. No problem. That was the attitude of some racing fans as yesterday's drenching rains and postponed races left them with a lot of free time.

Late show may get good ratings

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:58 -0400

Jimmie Johnson wasn't embarrassed to admit he hasn't a clue how things are going to shake out during today's weather-delayed Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway.

Tech QB Taylor takes charge

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:58 -0400

The seconds ticked off the clock, and Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon stood on the sideline, waiting for his position coach, Mike O'Cain, to tap him on the shoulder and send him into the game

Opportunity knocked, but Spiders couldn't answer the door in time

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:58 -0400

CHARLOTTESVILLE -- Five times the University of Richmond penetrated Virginia's 30. All five times, the Spiders failed to score. UR picked the worst situations to execute its worst yesterday in a 16-0 loss at Virginia.

Cavs' stout defensive effort stymies Spiders

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:58 -0400

Cavs' long dry spell ends as stout defensive effort stymies Spiders.

TODAY'S EVENTS

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:57 -0400

AUTO RACING

At Richmond International Raceway: Schedule, Page C11 COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Hampden-Sydney at N.C. Wesleyan, 1 p.m.

Johnson C. Smith at Virginia St., 1 Subject to change

Walking in an outdoor wonderland

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:57 -0400

Walking in an outdoor wonderland It's hard to overstate the overwhelming experience of walking into a Bass Pro Shops for the first time. This is true even when the store is weeks from being completed. Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to preview the new store off of I-95 set for a grand opening Oct. 1. I got off the interstate at Exit 89 and took the construction road a few hundred yards to the parking lot in front of the behemoth. Outside, a sea of activity swirled. Road pavers, carpenters, stone layers and many others buzzed around, creating a kinetic air of anticipation. The scale of the work effort -- the total number of people -- was disorienting.

Federer finds former elegance

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:57 -0400

As the losses piled up and titles escaped him, Roger Federer insisted he felt fine, he wasn't washed up and his game would come around. He delivered compelling evidence against Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open semifinals. Buoyed by a stellar start and a fantastic finish in a rematch of last year's final, Federer beat Djokovic 6-3, 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 yesterday to move within one victory of a fifth consecutive U.S. Open championship and 13th Grand Slam title overall.

TODAY'S TV

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:57 -0400

AUTO RACING

7:30 a.m., SPEED (CR3, CC3) Formula One: Belgian Grand Prix

Noon, ESPN2 (CR5, CC5) IndyCar: Firestone Indy Lights

1, ESPN (CR4, CC4) Sprint Cup: Chevy Rock & Roll 400

7, ESPN2 (CR5, CC5) Nationwide Series: Emerson Radio 250

3:30, WRIC-8 (CR8, CC10) IndyCar: Peak Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy 300 COLLEGE FOOTBALL

TODAY'S RADIO

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:57 -0400

AUTO RACING

6-9 a.m. -- Fox Race Day, WRNL (910)

Noon -- Sprint Cup: Chevy Rock & Roll 400, WRVA (1140) MAJOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL

1:05 p.m. -- Washington at Atlanta, WXGI (950)

7:35 -- Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets, WXGI (950) NFL

11 a.m.-noon -- The NFL Today, WRNL (910)

Noon-12:30 p.m. -- NFL Preview, WRNL (910)

TOP 25 SUMMARIES

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:56 -0400

Georgia ------------------------- 7 21 14 14--56
Geo--Massaquoi 3 pass from Stafford (Walsh kick) Geo--C.King 1 run (Walsh kick) Geo--Moreno 1 run (Walsh kick) Geo--Dobbs 78 interception return (Walsh kick) CMU--Bockheim 12 pass from LeFevour (Aguila kick) CMU--Pitts 32 pass from LeFevour (Aguila kick)

ECU knocks off West Virginia

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:56 -0400

Skip Holtz followed his biggest coaching victory at East Carolina with an even more impressive one. Jonathan Williams had two short touchdown runs, quarterback Patrick Pinkney was nearly perfect and the Pirates routed No. 8 West Virginia 24-3 yesterday for their third straight win over a ranked team. Pinkney was 22 of 28 for 236 yards with a touchdown for East Carolina (2-0), which opened the season with a last-minute upset of then-No. 17 Virginia Tech.

YOUR CALL

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:55 -0400

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION
Which teams do you think will play in Super Bowl XLIII? Who do you like as a surprise team? A disappointment? Why? The Cowboys should go from the NFC. They certainly have the most talent. My second choice would be the Vikings (assuming they can get some decent QB play). I'd like to think the Saints have a good chance, but they just have to depend too much on the passing game and have a below-average defense.

ON THE ROPES

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:55 -0400

LOS ANGELES - LeBron James could be excused for his poor shooting from behind the arc, and for being blown out in a game of H-O-R-S-E with a warehouse worker in a beach exhibition. James still was floating in the clouds from his Olympic experience. "I still haven't [come down]. It's an unbelievable experience to go out there and represent your country the way we were able to do it, showcasing our talent to the world, playing the game that we love to play," James said Wednesday. "It was really fun that we were able to bring home our game, that's the game of basketball.

LETTERS

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:55 -0400

The headline to Paul Woody's Sept. 4 column could have been "Reporter lost best opportunity to second guess, so takes what he can get." Honestly, one could imagine that, early last week, Woody was searching through his favorite file cabinet, the one labeled "Second-guessing." He needed a subject for his column due the next Thursday. Perhaps, he already had a few zingers filed away for his next few columns. Possibly, he had filed a future column for use following the Furman game, where he carps about the relatively "close" game played in Blacksburg and how poorly the Tech offense played. Possibly he already had stories formulated for the Georgia Tech and North Carolina games. Maybe he even envisioned headlines such as "Tech shows which Tech is Best Tech" and "Heels Hang with Hokies!" More than likely, he already had written half a column to be published after the Nebraska game titled "Huskers Handle Hapless Hokies."

LPGA plan on English on right track

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:55 -0400

The LPGA wants all its golfers to speak English. The LPGA wants that so badly it threatened to suspend those who refused to get with the program. But after backlash from sponsors and criticism from players, the LPGA backed away from its draconian plan. That doesn't mean the plan was entirely wrong, and the LPGA plans to revisit and perhaps revise it.

Panthers' Donaldson hits a high-water mark

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

Quarterback Lamar Little was gimpy. Running back Tarian Donaldson was not, at least not when it came to his wheels. That was a good thing for Virginia Union University on a field made mushy by heavy rain from Tropical Storm Hanna. With Little less than 100 percent, Donaldson ran for a career-high 196 yards on 16 carries as the Panthers handed new coach Greg Richardson his first win with a 35-14 victory over West Virginia Wesleyan last night at Hovey Field.

TOs trip up William and Mary at Pack

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

If only William and Mary had taken better care of the ball in the first half, who knows how last night's game between the Tribe and N.C. State would have ended? Three first-half turnovers -- two of which led to 14 points for the Wolfpack -- put the Tribe in a halftime hole, and they weren't able to climb out of it. Even though W&M outscored the Wolfpack 24-20 after intermission, it wasn't enough, as the Tribe dropped its season opener 34-24 before 56,694 at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Around Campus

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

U.Va. soccer goalkeeper Chantel Jones, a former standout at Clover Hill, will miss the 2008 season while competing with a U.S. Soccer age-group national team in the U-20 Women's World Cup in Chile. Jones will have sophomore eligibility when she returns to U.Va. next fall. She was chosen by SoccerBuzz and Soccer America as a first-team freshman All-American after a season in which she had 13 shutouts and a goals-against average of 0.41.

Previews: Today's state games

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

When: 1:30 p.m.
Radio: WVST (91.3)
Tickets: $10 general admission
Records: VSU 0-0 CIAA, 0-1 overall; Johnson C. Smith 0-0, 0-1
Players to watch: VSU -- RB Taron Hampton rushed for 122 yards on 23 carries in a season-opening loss to Norfolk State; QBs Leonard Johnson and Edward Davis combined for only 38 passing yards; WR Brian Berry has one TD; CB Andre Lipscomb and LB Isaac Mitchell combined for 21 tackles. JCS -- QB Carl Richardson has 157 yards passing and 36 rushing; RB Kevin Allen has 48 yards rushing; WR Markus Gray has five catches for 98 yards; DB Law Montgomery has one interception.

Meeting of night and day

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

Alabama spent the week basking in the glory of a surprising opening day romp, making the cover of Sports Illustrated and becoming one of college football's teams of the moment. Tulane labored quietly a few hundred miles from home, living out of a hotel and practicing on a strange field because of Hurricane Gustav. After a week of vastly disparate distractions, the two teams met last night for the first time since 1994. Tulane has been staying in a Birmingham hotel for the past week.

State Roundup: VMI dominates in opener

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:54 -0400

Tim Maypray and Zack Collins each scored two touchdowns to help Virginia Military Institute rout St. Francis (Pa.) 49-0 yesterday. Maypray ran for 116 yards on 10 carries and had the game's first touchdown on a 52-yard run for the Keydets (1-0) in the first quarter. Collins, who had two rushing attempts, scored from 62 and 50 yards away on the ground to give VMI a 21-0 lead in the second quarter.

UR NOTES

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:53 -0400

As he expected, UR coach Mike London didn't feel he brought special insight to this meeting, though he was a Virginia defensive assistant for six years and U.Va.'s defensive coordinator the past two seasons. London was greeted by dozens of Cavaliers after the game. Forty-nine seconds before halftime, U.Va. led 3-0 and went for it on fourth-and-2 from Richmond's 15. UR linebacker Jordan Shoop stepped in front of intended receiver Cary Koch.

Quick Kicks: UR vs. UVa.

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:53 -0400

Final score: Virginia 16, Richmond 0 Richmond ------------------------- 0 0 0 0-- 0 Virginia ------------------------- 3 0 0 13--16
First Quarter
U.Va. -- FG Reyering 26, 6:52. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 6:52. Key play: Among three third-down conversions, a 20-yard completion from Peter Lalich to Maurice Covington was the first, and moved Virginia to midfield.

Grading the three keys for Richmond

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:53 -0400

D 2. Be sound in special teams. Richmond had two field-goal attempts touched by Cavaliers. The first, a 29-yard attempt by Andrew Howard just before halftime, was tipped and sailed wide. The second, also a 29-yard attempt, was blocked solidly by Nick Jenkins.
B 3. Score early. The Spiders didn't score early -- or at all -- to take the crowd out, but they did keep U.Va. backers quiet by staying with the Cavaliers for three quarters.

UR-U.Va. Notes: Five jerseys retired to expand list to eight

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:53 -0400

The number of former football greats who have their jerseys retired at U.Va. grew to eight with the addition yesterday of tailback Terry Kirby, wide receiver Herman Moore, offensive guard Mark Dixon and defensive ends Chris Slade and Ray Savage. All were at Scott Stadium for Virginia's game with Richmond. Previously, defensive end Chris Long, tailback Tiki Barber and his twin, cornerback Ronde Barber, had been so honored at U.Va.

Grading the three keys for U.Va.

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:53 -0400

A 2. Pressure Eric Ward. Virginia, which didn't record a sack in the opener against Southern California, sacked UR's quarterback six times.
C+ 3. Start well. The Wahoos wanted to take the first lead, and they succeeded. But after getting a first down at the UR 1-yard line on their opening drive, the Cavaliers failed to push the ball across and had to settle for a field goal.

U.Va. Notes: Groh backs his QB

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:53 -0400

The calm leading up to U.Va.'s game with Richmond was shattered Thursday when news broke that sophomore quarterback Peter Lalich was headed back to court after being charged with violating the terms of his probation. Then on Friday, the Daily Progress, citing court documents that weren't supposed to be released, reported that Lalich had admitted using marijuana and alcohol while on probation. Lalich, however, apparently has not tested positive for alcohol or drugs since starting his probation July 21. He's due back in court Sept. 26.

Dwyer's big burst gives Jackets win

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:52 -0400

BOSTON - After surviving three fumbles in the first half, Georgia Tech knew a big play of its own could quickly turn things around in the second. "A couple of times when we called the play, we thought, 'This is going to be it,'" quarterback Josh Nesbitt said after leading Georgia Tech to a 19-16 victory over Boston College yesterday. "It only takes one play to score."

Grading the three keys for Virginia Tech

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:52 -0400

B+ 2. Improve tackling fundamentals. The Hokies looked sharper than they did in the season opener last weekend against East Carolina. Five players tied for the team lead with five tackles. Cornerback Stephan Virgil also had two for a loss and an interception. But the Hokies had just one sack, by senior defensive end Orion Martin, after having none against East Carolina.

Tech Notes: Graves gets another block

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:52 -0400

In his first year as a starter, Virginia Tech sophomore defensive tackle John Graves (Meadowbrook High) quickly is developing a reputation for blocking kicks. Graves blocked Matthew Cesari's 33-yard field goal attempt with 2:07 left in the third quarter of Tech's 24-7 win yesterday over Division I-AA Furman. Graves blocked an extra point in last weekend's season opener against East Carolina.

Quick Kicks: Va. Tech vs. Furman

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:52 -0400

Final score: Virginia Tech 24, Furman 7 For starters: Tech got auspicious field position on its first four possessions but failed to score on any of them. Those possessions started at their 40, 47, Furman's 35 and Tech's 38. The Hokies didn't score until Dustin Keys hit a 22-yard field goal with 29 seconds left in the first half. Turning point: Tech led 10-0 when whip linebacker Cody Grimm forced fullback Brantley Kendall to fumble with 8:35 left in the third quarter. Free safety Kam Chancellor recovered, giving Tech possession at Furman's 31-yard line. The Hokies scored a touchdown three plays later. Star of the game: Tyrod Taylor - Virginia Tech's sophomore quarterback threw just five times, completing four passes, but he ran 14 times for 112 yards, including a 50-yard scramble that set up Tech's first touchdown. The big picture: Tech's offensive line still has problems in pass protection. While those flaws weren't glaring against an overmatch opponent yesterday, they will show up next week against Georgia Tech, which is known for its strong defensive front. You can't get away with running the ball on 48 of 61 plays against most ACC teams. Quotable: "I'm not ready to talk about our two-quarterback system right now." - Tech coach Frank Beamer on his plans for the rotation of Sean Glennon and Taylor. Go figure: 1992 - The last time before yesterday that a Division I-AA team scored a touchdown against Tech. The Hokies beat James Madison 49-20 in 1992. Since then, they had played five I-AA teams and shut out all except William and Mary, which they beat 44-3 last season. Next: The Hokies open their ACC schedule at 3:30 p.m. Saturday against Georgia Tech at Lane Stadium. - Darryl Slater

AL Schedule

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:51 -0400

Los Angeles (Saunders 14-7)
at Chicago (Danks 10-8)2:05, WGN
Detroit (Lambert 0-1)
at Minnesota (Perkins 12-3)2:10
Cleveland (Lee 20-2)
at Kansas City (Greinke 10-9)2:10
Boston (Byrd 10-11)
at Texas (McCarthy 1-0)3:05
New York (Mussina 17-7)
at Seattle (Silva 4-14)4:10
Oakland at Detroit7:05
Cleveland at Baltimore7:05

Thome lifts Chisox in 15th

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:51 -0400

Jim Thome homered in the 15th inning to pass Mickey Mantle on the career list and give the Chi cago White Sox a 7-6 victory over the Los Angeles Angels that extended their AL Central lead last night. Thome's 537th home run came off Justin Speier (1-8) and put him in sole possession of 14th place. The White Sox moved 2½ games in front of second-place Minnesota with their third consecutive victory and second in a row over the Angels in this showdown of division leaders.

LINEUP CARD

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:51 -0400

From Wire Reports TORONTO -- Gregg Zaun hit a game-ending grand slam in the 13th inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Tampa Bay Rays 7-4 yesterday to extend their season-high winning streak to seven. Lyle Overbay added two solo homers for Toronto, which matched its longest winning streak since Sept. 22-29, 2002. The AL East-leading Rays, who entered with a 2½-game advantage over Boston, have lost four of five.

AL Scores

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:51 -0400

Detroit 6Minnesota 4
Oakland at Baltimorelate, 2nd game
Los Angeles at Chicagolate
Cleveland at Kansas Citylate
Boston at Texaslate
New York at Seattlelate
Oakland at Baltimoreppd. rain, 1st game
Oakland 11Baltimore 2Toronto 6Tampa Bay 4
Boston 8Texas 1
Minnesota 10Detroit 2
Cleveland 9Kansas City 3

NL Schedule

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:50 -0400

Washington (Balester 3-6)
at Atlanta (J.Reyes 3-10)1:35, MASN
San Diego (Young 4-5)
at Milwaukee (Parra 10-6)2:05
Philadelphia (Moyer 12-7)
at New York (Martinez 5-3)2:15, 1st game
Florida (Jo.Johnson 4-0)
at St. Louis (Wainwright 8-3)2:15
Houston (Rodriguez 8-6)
at Colorado (De La Rosa 8-7)3:05
Pittsburgh (Karstens 2-4)

NL Scores

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:50 -0400

San Diego at Milwaukeelate
Washington at Atlantalate
Chicago at Cincinnatilate
Florida at St. Louislate
Houston at Coloradolate
Pittsburgh at San Franciscolate
Philadelphia at New Yorkppd. rain
Philadelphia 3New York 0Cincinnati 10Chicago 2
Atlanta 10Washington 5
Milwaukee 3San Diego 2 (11)
Florida 4St. Louis 1 (11)

Ramirez keeps Dodgers rolling into first place

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:50 -0400

From Wire Reports LOS ANGELES -- The Arizona Diamondbacks gave Manny Ramirez three chances to hurt them yesterday. He came through twice, and that was enough for the streaking Los Angeles Dodgers. Ramirez hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning to break a scoreless tie and added a two-run double in the sixth, helping the Dodgers beat Brandon Webb and the Diamondbacks 7-2 to take over sole possession of first place in the NL West for the first time since April 4.

Auto Racing Results

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:49 -0400

AUTO RACING CAMPING WORLD 200 RESULTS
(Yesterday at Madison, Ill.)
(Starting pos.), Make Laps, Money
1. (2) R. Hornaday Jr., Chevy-------------------160, $64,650
2. (1) D. Setzer, Dodge-------------------------160, $44,775
3. (14) J. Benson, Toyota-----------------------160, $33,245

BASEBALL

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:49 -0400

BASEBALL INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE
FIRST ROUND
(Best-of-5; * - if necessary)
Scranton/W-B vs. Pawtucket
(Scranton/W-B leads 2-1)
Wednesday: Scranton/W-B 7-1 Thursday: Pawtucket 3-1 Friday: Scranton/W-B 6-4 Yesterday: at Scranton/W-B, late

BASKETBALL

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:49 -0400

BASKETBALL GLANCE
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Note: x-clinched playoff spot FRIDAY'S GAMES
Connecticut 80, Chicago 75 New York 82, Atlanta 71 Detroit 90, Indiana 68 San Antonio 76, Los Angeles 58 Phoenix 81, Sacramento 69 YESTERDAY'S GAMES
Detroit 84, Washington 69

GOLF

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:49 -0400

GOLF BMW CHAMPIONSHIP
(7,456 yards, par 70 at St. Louis)
Camilo Villegas-------------------------65-66--131
Jim Furyk-------------------------70-62--132
Phil Mickelson-------------------------68-65--133
D.J. Trahan-------------------------71-63--134
Fredrik Jacobson-------------------------67-67--134

FOOTBALL

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:49 -0400

FOOTBALL THURSDAY'S GAME
New York (NFC) 16, Washington 7 TODAY'S GAMES
Detroit at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1 Seattle at Buffalo, 1 N.Y. Jets at Miami, 1 Kansas City at New England, 1 Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1 St. Louis at Philadelphia, 1

High school football results

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:07:49 -0400

HIGH SCHOOLS FRIDAY
Altavista 34, James River-Buchanan 13 Appomattox 52, Bluestone 0 Bland County 50, Auburn 43 Brookville 14, Salem 0 Brunswick 14, Sussex Central 8 Buffalo Gap 35, Fort Defiance 12 C.D. Hylton 21, Stonewall Jackson-Manassas 6 Carlisle 27, Quantico 15