FINAL: Orioles 7 - Tigers 4

By: Ben Raby

BALTIMORE- The Tigers had 14 hits compared to Baltimore's nine, but the Orioles' hits proved bigger. Baltimore finished the night with four home runs, including a pair from Luke Scott, as the O's beat the Tigers 7-4 before 29,111 at Camden Yards.

Scott now has 16 home runs on the season, while Melvin Mora hit his 13th, and Aubrey Huff his career-high 19th.

Detroit's Ivan Rodriguez homered for the fifth time this season, part of an impressive 4-4 night at the plate.

"When you get 14 hits you're supposed to have more than four runs," Tigers Manager Jim Leyland said post-game. "[Armando] Galaraga pitched well enough to win the game with the amount of hits we had, we just didn't capitalize."

The Tigers also left nine men on base, compared to five by the Orioles.

"I guess it's more important to hit the long ball than to get more hits," said Tigers left fielder Matt Joyce. "They killed us with the long ball."

Jeremy Guthrie was finally given some run support tonight, and he needed it early on. Guthrie improves to 6-7 on the season despite giving up 12 hits and four earned runs in a little over six innings.

"Those of us that haven been around Guthrie," said Orioles Manager Dave Trembley, "and I think I said this four or five starts ago, he's a lot better pitcher than his record would indicate."

Leyland agrees: "He's real good. He's got a very good arm, he's an aggressive kid, you can tell he likes to be out there, he's a bulldog. Good fastball, good breaking ball and he comes right at you."

Armando Galarage took the loss for the Tigers dropping to 7-4 on the season. George Sherrill picked up his 29th save.

Game three of this four-game weekend series goes tomorrow night from Camden Yards with Nate Robertson (6-8, 5.26) starting for the Tigers, and Daniel Cabrera (6-5, 4.33) taking the mound for the Orioles.

Pre-Game: Orioles - Tigers

By: Ben Raby
BALTIMORE- About an hour away from tonight's first pitch between the Tigers (48-47) and Orioles (45-49) here on a hot and humid evening at Camden Yards.

Baltimore is looking to bounce back from last night's 6-5 loss to Detroit that dropped the O's four games below .500 for the first time all season. The Orioles have now lost nine of 11 and they've fallen further in the American League East basement, now 1.5 games back of fourth place Toronto. The Orioles have lost nine straight one-run games. Manager Dave Trembley held a closed-door team meeting prior to O's batting practice today.

The Tigers meanwhile are back above .500 despite a disastrous 0-7 start to the season. Detroit has been trying to creep its way back in the AL Central race where they now sit 6.5 games back of first-place Chicago.

The Orioles send Jeremy Guthrie to the hill (5-7, 3.49 ERA) while Detroit counters with rookie Armando Galaraga (7-3, 3.27 ERA)

Starting Lineups:

Baltimore Orioles (45-49):

1. 2B: Brian Roberts
2. CF: Adam Jones
3. RF: Nick Markekis
4. DH: Aubrey Huff
5. 1B: Kevin Millar
6. 3B: Melvin Mora
7. LF: Luke Scott
8. C: Ramon Hernandez
9. SS: Brandon Fahey

Detroit Tigers (48-47):

1. CF: Curtis Granderson
2. 2B: Placido Polanco
3. LF: Matt Joyce
4. RF: Magglio Ordonez
5. 1B: Miguel Cabrera
6. DH: Marcus Thames
7. C: Ivan Rodriguez
8. SS: Edgar Renteria
9. 3B: Brandon Inge

First Place Nationals... Really

By: Ben Raby
Woodbridge, VA: As the Washington Nationals return from the All-Star break 24 games below .500, they can at least say that things are going well within the farm system.

Through July 17, the Columbus Clippers (AAA) were just three games out of first place, the Harrisburg Senators (AA) had the Eastern League's third best record, and the Vermont Lake Monsters (A-Short Season) led the New York Penn League's Stedlar Division.

And then there are the Carolina League's Potomac Nationals (Advanced Single-A) who have already clinched a playoff berth with their first half division title. With a 6-2 win over the Lynchburg Hillcats tonight from Richard Pfitzner Stadium, the P-Nats improved their overall record to 57-39 (15-11 second half).

And making the Nationals record even more impressive is how they've done it- with 56 different players. Sure player turnover is inevitable in the minor leagues but the Potomac Nationals may be setting a new standard. The Nats lead the Carolina League in player transactions, but no matter who Manager Randy Knorr puts in his lineup, his players seem to respond.

"When I first got here managing," Knorr said, "we were still feeling the effects of being part of the Montreal [Expos] system. They didn't spend a lot of money on draft picks. I think over the last few years our scouting department has had that ability to get guys and sign them, and I think as a result we have better athletes and better players throughout the organization."

Since April 10, the P-Nats have spent only two days where they were not in or had a share of first place. Not bad for a club that has just one starter remaining from its Opening Day five-man rotation. Jordan Zimmermann (above) Jhonny Nunez, Cory VanAllen, and Adrian Alaniz have all been called up to Double-A Harrisburg.

"The best part of my day," Knorr said, "is when we can move a player up to the next level. And everyday we send somebody it's a great day for our staff and we welcome the new players because it's a challenge and it lets us know what's in the system."

With so many Potomac Nationals earning promotions, the door has opened for others within the organization. Pitcher Jeff Mendel is one such example filling a starting spot with the P-Nats after beginning the season in Hagerstown. Mendel hasn't looked out of place since his June call up, going 4-2 with a 2.83 ERA.

"It just seems as soon as one guy goes up, another guys comes in and gets the job done," said Anthony Oppermann, the P-Nats radio voice.

"It's weird because every week our lineup changes," Mendel said. And not only are the faces changing week-to-week, but so too is the team's identity.

"In the last two weeks we've gone from being a power team leading the league in home runs and RBIs and now we're more of a small ball team, bunting and running out groundballs."

But that type of identity change can't be considered much of a surprise with five recent call-ups having left Potomac with a combined 48 home runs and 171 RBIs. To put that in perspective, the P-Nats as a team had 88 total home runs at the time of the fifth promotion.

Matt Rogelstad (above), Edgardo Baez, Marvin Lowrance, and Bill Rhinehart are all up with Double-A Harrisburg, while Leonard Davis had reached Triple-A Columbus.

So with all the heavy hitting to go along with one of the Carolina League's best pitching staffs, it's no wonder the P-Nats clinched the first-half division title with a 42-28 record. The division win means regardless of how the Nationals do the rest of the season, they are playoff bound. Yes, the Nationals are heading to the playoffs.

"What's so strange about [all the player turnover]," Mendel said, "is that the team that clinched the playoffs, isn't going to be the same team that actually shows up for the playoffs. It's definately a strange thing. You don't get used to the team before it changes."

McEnroe Disappoints, Kastles Don't

By: Ben Raby
WASHINGTON- The Washington Kastles overcame an early 10-2 deficit and beat John McEnroe's New York Sportimes 18-17 in World Team Tennis action from Kastles Stadium at CityCenter DC.

The Sportimes (7-2) cruised to identical 5-1 wins in mixed doubles and women's singles just in time for McEnroe, 49, to take the court for his singles match against 22-year-old Scott Oudsema. But that's when this WTT match started to turn.

Oudsema used an over-powering serve to beat McEnroe 5-2, and get the Kastles (5-3) back in the match. McEnroe meanwhile would say afterward that he was never really into the match himself.

"I wish I had played better," he said. "It's hard to get as into it when you're playing like crap."

McEnroe and partner Brian Wilson then dropped a 5-4 set to Oudsema and Justin Gimelstob and suddenly the Kastles had all the momentum heading into the final event of the night, women's doubles.

"I blew it," McEnroe said. "I feel bad for the team because we were winning so big, and then it was just close enough where [the Kastles] had hope. So you feel bad. I feel bad for them."

Sure enough with the capacity crowd of 2,200 rallying behind the home side, the Kastles doubles tandem of Mashona Washington and Sacha Jones earned a 5-1 win, forcing a super tiebreaker to decide the match with the score tied at 17.

"That's maybe where a home team can come in," said McEnroe. "They get you going a little more, and at the same time, we got flat. I think we just figured we were going to win."

The Kastles took the super tiebreaker 7-5, winning the match 18-17. With the win Washington pulls within a game-and-a-half of the first place Sportimes. The Kastles visit Boston on Thursday, and host defending champion Sacramento Friday night from Kastles Stadium. (Photo credit: Allen Clark, http://www.offwingphoto.com/)

John McEnroe at Kastles Stadium

By: Ben Raby
WASHINGTON- About an hour before John McEnroe took the court for tonight's World Team Tennis event at Kastles Stadium, the seven-time grand slam champion rolled into a hotel ball room looking more like a little kid than a father of five.

McEnroe arrived wearing a tennis bag strapped on his back (picture a school bag), and an over-sized red baseball cap. He may as well have been walking to the school bus for the first day of kindergarten. But once McEnroe settled into the room to meet with reporters, he removed the baseball cap, revealing a head of thining and greying hair. The 49-year-old did in fact look the part after all, and he spoke like it too.

"The difficult part is bouncing back day after day," McEnroe said of playing competetive tennis 29 years after his first grand slam win. He even suggested his eighth season of World Team Tennis may be his last.

"I'm not going to say I'm absolutely not going to play any team tennis or any events," McEnroe said, "but I'm certainly going to take a good hard look and give myself an easier time and a better chance to have my body respond."

McEnroe confirmed that he is the second oldest player in the league behind only Martina Navratilova. "I think she's got 15 or 20 years on me," he said.

The former world number-one is in DC for the New York Sportimes (7-1) match against the Washington Kastles (4-3). McEnroe will play singles against the Kastles' Scott Oudsema. McEnroe's seventh and final grand slam singles title came nearly two years before Oudsema was even born. He will also team up with Brian Wilson in doubles action against Oudsema and Justin Gimelstob.

Like Serena Williams a week ago, McEnroe comes to Washington still thinking about Wimbledon. "It made for an incredible spectacle," McEnroe said of the Men's Final between Federer and Nadal. "I don't want to say I expect, but I would certainly hope that this will be a big boost for the men's game. The two guys were on the cover of Sports Illustrated and that says something."

Washington Wizards Summer Camp

By: Ben Raby
WASHINGTON- The Washington Wizards head west next week for the 2008 Las Vegas Summer League. Fifteen Wizards prospects and unsigned free agents are practicing at the Verizon Center this weekend, with a 12-man roster to be finalized by Sunday.

Among those already under contract with the club are 'young vets' Andray Blatche, Dominic McGuire, and Nick Young.

"This really is for our young veterans," said team President Ernie Grunfeld. "It's about them getting used to playing with one another and improving as we go along. Those guys shouldn't be nervous, they have a few years under their belt, and we want to know how they match up against some of the other young players in the league."

Young (above) played in 75 games last season including two starts. The Wizards 2007 first-round pick averaged 7.5 points in just over 15 minutes a game in his rookie season, but says that he's hoping for more floor time next season with Roger Mason Jr. having signed in San Anotnio.

Newly acquired Wizard Dee Brown also sees Mason's departure as an opportunity in Washington. The Wizards have extended an offer sheet to the restricted free agent, and Grunfeld confirmed today that the Utah Jazz, Brown's former team, will not match the offer. Brown will also be on the Wizards' Summer League roster.

"I'm going to come into games," Brown said, "and change up the pace and try to defend some of the smaller guards in the league. I'm just looking to play my role, whatever Coach [Eddie Jordan] asks."

The Illinois grad played in 49 games with Utah in 2006-07, before spending last year in Turkey. Brown says he was better off starting against "good competition" in Europe than riding the bench in the NBA. He says his overall game is better and his shooting much improved.

"He gives us a different look at the point guard position" Grunfeld said. " He's quick and high energy and that's something we missed last year."

This year's first-round pick JaVale McGee will get his first taste of pro ball in the Summer League. McGee said much of the instruction he's received so far has touched on running down the floor, rebounding and defending.

There is also some local flavor to the Wizards Summer Camp with unsigned free agents John Wallace (Georgetown) and Will Thomas (George Mason) hoping to secure one of the final 12 roster spots.

"It's very cool," Wallace said, "you grow up watching this team play, so to be behind the scenes now and to practice and work with the coaching staff is a pretty nice experience."

Wallace has been accepted into Georgetown's Law School, but says he'll give this basketball thing a shot while he can.

And a familiar face was back on the court as veteran center Etan Thomas took part in his first organized practice since last September. Thomas missed all of last season after undergoing heart surgery.

"Etan looked good," Grunfeld said. "It was good having him back. He's been around the past two months working out, but today was really one of the first times he's gone out there and had contact, and he was really effective."

The Wizards will play five games in the Las Vegas Summer League from July 14-20.

Introducing Jose Theodore

By: Ben Raby

ARLINGTON, VA.- It's funny how things sometimes work out in professional sports. Sometime during the 2005-06 NHL season Canadiens goalie Jose Theodore (below) lost his edge. The confidence and competetive fire that helped him win league MVP four years earlier was gone. Theodore would eventually lose his starting job, replaced by a guy Caps fans came to know last Spring- Christobal Huet.

Well, two years after Huet replaced Theodore in Montreal, Theodore is now replacing Huet here in Washington. Talk about a case of what goes around, comes around. The 31-year-old Theodore was formally introduced today at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, having signed a two-year, $9 million deal with the Caps on last week's first day of free agency.

"Watching [the Caps] the past couple of years," said Theodore, "I saw them progress so well. When I saw things weren't getting done with Christobal, I knew there was going to be an opening, so I didn't want to sign to quick in Denver."

Theodore had been with the Colorado Avalanche since March 2006, convienantly playing his best hockey in the months leading up to free agency. Theodore was 28-21-3 with Colorado last season with a 2.44 goals against average. More importantly he led the Avalanche to the conference semi-finals, a round the Caps haven't reached since 1998.

"He's been there," said Coach Bruce Budreau. "He's been to the top of the mountain. He won the Hart, he won the Vezina (both in 2002). He's been in the playoffs, he's won playoff rounds, so he brings the experience. He's been the number-one goalie in very pressure cooked situations, so he can deal with a lot of things."

Theodore said part of the appeal to signing in Washington was the chance to have a certain "best player in the world," as his teammate. And the Capitals wide open, offense-first system, doesn't seem to phaze the netminder either.

"It just means for more highlight saves for me," he said.

Fedorov Signing Imminent

By: Ben Raby
ARLINGTON, VA.- Capitals General Manager George McPhee has confirmed that a one-year, $4 million deal with Sergei Fedorov is all but complete. A few "administrative details" still have to be finalized, but the 38-year-old will be back in Washington for at least one more season.

The Capitals acquired Fedorov at last season's trade deadline, and players and management alike were particularly impressed with the Russian's leadership and experience.

"He showed us how to be calm and patient," said Caps forward Brooks Laich, "and how to handle winning and losing. He's seen it all in his career, and I know I watched him with hawk-eyes last year.

Fedorov played 18 regular-season games with the Caps last season, scoring twice and picking up 11 assists. He also had five points in seven playoff games.

"It's the one thing I hadn't thought that much about when I traded for Sergei," McPhee said of Fedorov's experience. "I saw the ability on the ice and didn't think that much of the leadership factor, although I should have.

"The way that our players talked about him in our season ending meetings made it clear that this was a guy we had to bring back."

Brooks Laich Re-signs with Caps

By: Ben Raby
ARLINGTON, VA: The Capitals continue to solidify their roster for next season, resigning restircted free agent Brooks Laich today to a three-year deal, worth $6.2 million.

Laich is coming off his best season in the NHL, with career highs in goals (21), assists (16) and points (37). The deal comes one year after Laich went through arbitration, an experience he said today "is not fun." That's why Laich says he's particularly pleased with how well the team dealt with this year's negotiations.

"I'm impressed with how the organization handled it," Laich said via conference call from his home in Regina, Saskatchewan. "I'm really happy with the numbers."

Laich acknowledged the re-signings of Mike Green and Matt Bradley, and the acquisition of goalie Jose Theodore.

"(General Manager) George (McPhee) has had a big summer," Laich said. "I'm excited to be back because for the first time I think there's a real feeling we can win everyday.

-

"If (Michael) Nylander and (Chris) Clark can stay healthy, this team should be even better than last year."

Serena Williams' DC Debut:

By: Ben Raby
WASHINGTON- Serena Williams woke up this morning at her part-time home in Paris. Nearly 20 hours later, there she was signing autographs in downtown Washington, following her 2008 World Team Tennis debut. Talk about a long day.

Williams flew from Paris to DC, with a lay over in London. She says she slept for most of the seven-hour trans-Atlantic flight and that's probably a good thing. Once the fifth-ranked women's tennis player touched ground in Washington, it was all business.

Shortly after her arrival, Williams helped run a tennis clinic for about 50 kids. She then spoke to the media and to the Kastles' VIP guests. And then it was off to the main event: the first ever Washington Kastles home match.

It would be a stretch to suggest that Williams played like a Wimbledon finalist on this night, but nobody in the sold-out crowd of 2,200 seemed to mind. They came for the "Serena Show," and the fact that this was a 'team' effort didn't really seem to matter.

Serena participated in three events- mixed doubles, women's doubles, and singles. She dropped the mixed doubles match with Justin Gimelstob, before teaming up with Mashona Washington to win women's doubles. Then she took seven of ten games against Marie-Eve Pelletier in the final event of the night.

In the end the crowd saw what they wanted. Serena was probably photographed thousands of times during her DC stay, and despite the Kastles 22-19 loss to the Boston Lobsters, Washington's WTT home debut should be considered a success.

Williams will now play three road matches with the Kastles. Washington is now 2-1 on the season. It will be interesting to see what type of crowd shows up Friday night to Kastles Stadium when the main attraction is Robby Ginepri.

Hockey in July: Capitals Rookie Camp

By: Ben Raby
ARLINGTON, VA.- Washington Capitals coach Bruce Budreau (right) says times sure have changed. Back in the day he says, July 7, meant the middle of drinking season. Sure the Caps bench boss said it with a chuckle, but his point was understood. Things are different in 2008 and coaching hockey is now a 12-month operation, with maybe one week for an off-season.

The NHL's Coach of the Year was in fact back on the ice today, running two practices for Washington's top prospects at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex.

The Capitals Development Camp kicked off today and runs through Saturday when the team will hold its Summer Fan Fest. All practices this week are free and open to the public.

Among the top-rated prospects on hand this week are Washington's past four first-round picks. Karl Alzner ('07) is coming off his best season of Canadian Junior hockey where he was named the Canadian Hockey League's Defenseman of the Year. Alzner also won a gold medal as a member of Canada's World Junior team last Christmas. The Caps' first-round pick at this year's draft, John Carlson, is also taking part in this week's camp.

More details plus comments from players and coaches will be made available on the WTOP Sports Blog throughout the week.

Introducing Your Washington Kastles...

By: Ben Raby
WASHINGTON- Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty says that with yesterday's Wimbledon classic fresh in everyone's mind, there isn't a better time for a little tennis in DC.

Enter the Washington Kastles, DC's entry in the World Team Tennis league. The WTT is made up of 11 teams that will play a 14-match schedule over the first three weeks of July. Each team is made up of male and female players with big names in this year's competition including John McEnroe, Anna Kournikova and Serena Williams.

The Kastles were formally introduced at a lunchtime reception today at their new downtown home court, situated at 11th and H Streets NW. Mayor Fenty and Councilman Jack Evans had pushed for the downtown court and both participated in the ceremonial opening rally.

The main event this week comes at Washington's home opener tomorrow night. That's when Serena Williams makes her WTT debut as a member of the Kastles. The Wimbledon finalist is expected to arrive in DC Tuesday morning and help run an afternoon clinic for children. She'll then suit up for the Kastles 7:00 match against the Boston Lobsters.

Team founder Mark Ein is placing great emphasis on what this team hopes to do for Washington's tennis community. Clinics will take place throughout July and the first 1200 participants, 16-and-under, will receive a free tennis racquet courtesy Advantage. Ein spoke today of the difference tennis made in the lives of the Williams sisters, and said he hopes these clinics can make a positive impact on kids in the DC area.



In addition to Serena Williams, the Washington Kastles roster is made up of Justin Gimelstob, Scott Oudsema, Mashona Washington, and Sacha Jones. Thomas Blake is the team's coach.

The Kastles season actually began with a pair of road matches last weekend. Washington earned wins in Philadelphia and Delaware to open the season 2-0.

US Hoops Under-18s in Washington

By: Ben Raby
WASHINGTON- Some of the country's best high school basketball players have been working out at the Verizon Center for almost a week, and they'll remain in town through Thursday. It's all part of training camp for USA Basketball's Under-18 National Team as they prepare for the FIBA Americas U18 Championships to be held later this month in Argentina.

The Americans are led by Davidson head coach Bob McKillop and assistants John Thompson III (Georgetown) and Anthony Grant (Virginia Commonwealth). The roster is made up mostly of high school graduates who will be making their collegiate debuts this fall. There are also a handful of players still a year away from the college game. Safe to say though, you can expect to see most of these players in the NBA within the next two-three years.

Camp began last week with 18 players, all born in 1990 or later. Fourteen players remain, with two more cuts expected by week's end. Hollis Thompson (6'6", 180), who has verbally committed to Georgetown for Fall 2009, is among those already sent packing.

As for those players competing for one of the final 12 roster spots, point guard Kemba Walker (6'1", 172) has earned immediate praise from both Coaches McKillop and Thompson. Walker is off to UCONN this fall, and has already established himself as the Americans' on-floor leader.

Among the big-men fighting for spots on the US team is a future Dukie and a number of future Tar Heels. Center Mason Plumlee (6'10", 205) is off to Duke in 2009, where he can probably expect some battles against twins David and Travis Wear (verbally committed to North Carolina for Fall 2009). Also verbally committed to UNC in 2009, is guard Leslie McDonald (6'4", 193). No surprise then that Tar Heel coach Roy Williams was in attendance at today's practice.

The US U18 team flies to Argentina on Thursday, with the FIBA American tournament scheduled for July 14-18. The US is coming off a dissapointing bronze medal finish last year in Venezuela.

Kids Day on the WTOP Sports Blog

By: Ben Raby
With the Nationals and Orioles both off on Monday, we're provided an opportunity to look outside the box and shift our focus to the teams and athletes that don't always make the front pages.

Today specifically, it gives us a chance to write about some young athletes that could be on those front pages in the not-too-distant future. That's why we're calling this "Kids Day," with updates later in the day from the U.S. U18 Basketball team (training this week at the Verizon Center), from Capitals Development Camp (which opens today and runs through Saturday), and from the Potomac Nationals (home tonight against the Salem Avalanche).

The idea will be to introduce these future stars who will be mastering their crafts this week in the Washington area.

FINAL: Silver Stars 83 - Mystics 75

By: Ben Raby
WASHINGTON- The Mystics (6-11) have now lost three straight and nine of 13, falling 83-75 this afternoon to San Antonio (12-6) before an announced crowd of 10,439 at the Verizon Center.

Becky Hammon's free throw shooting in the final minute kept Washington from making a serious comeback threat. Hammon was a perfect 10-10 from the line, part of her game-high 28 points. Along with Sophia Young (23 points) and Ann Wauters (18 points), San Antonio's big-three combined for 83% of the team's offense.

As for the Mystics, they showed charcater coming all the way back from a 13-point third quarter deficit to take a second half lead at 61-60. But Washington missed far too many layups and putbacks that need to be made by winning basketball teams. Monique Currie shot just 1-11, including 0-3 on three point attempts.

Alana Beard had just two points at halftime, but finished the game with a team-high 20. Former Maryland Terp Crystal Langhorne had a career-high 17 points and didn't look out of place in her fourth career WNBA start.

The Mystics are back at the Verizon Center Tuesday night at 7:05 against the Indiana Fever (9-8).

GAME BLOG: MYSTICS VS. SILVER STARS

4th Quarter 0:33: Silver Stars 79 - Mystics 73
By: Ben Raby
WASHINGTON- Silver Stars guard Becky Hammon has just made a pair of free throws to put San Antonio up by six with 33 seconds left to play. Hammon is 8-8 from the foul line on the afternoon and has a game-high 26 points.

Alana Beard leads Washington with 20 points, while former Maryland Terp Crystal Langhorne has a career high 15 points.

4th Quarter 4:51: Silver Stars 65 - Mystics 61
The Mystics trail again by four points, but they're making San Antonio work every trip down the floor. Washington took its first lead since early in the second quarter, when a pair of Monique Currie free throws put the Mystics ahead 61-60. But Silver Stars guard Becky Hammon has scored five straight points to put San Antonio back in front.

Hammon now leads the Silver Stars with 19 points, while Ann Wauters has 18. Alana Beard, after scoring just two points in the first half, has a team-high 17 for the Mystics. Beard has been the catalyst for the Washington comeback.

End 3rd Quarter: Silver Stars 57 - Mystics 53
At least the Mystics are trying to make things interesting. Just when it seemed this game was getting out of reach, with the Silver Stars leading by 13, Washington decided to play more aggresively, taking the ball to the basket, and even applying full court pressure.

That game plan has helped the Mystics climb back in this one, cutting San Antonio's lead to as little as two points. Alana Beard has finally gotten back on the scoring sheet with nine points in the quarter's final five minutes. Beard now has 11 points in the game, one behind Taj McWilliams-Franklin's team-high 12 points. Ann Wauters continues to lead San Anotonio with 16 points. Could be an interesting fourth quarter...

3rd Quarter 5:26: Silver Stars 50 - Mystics 37
The Silver Stars have opened up the game's biggest lead, thanks to a balanced attack (four different players have scored this half) combined with poor shooting by the Mystics.

Washington could really use leading scorer Alana Beard (19.1 ppg), who has been limited to just one first quarter bucket.

Mystics coach Tree Rollins has just called a timeout.

Halftime: Silver Stars 36 - Mystics 28
The Mystics will start the second half down by eight, their largest deficit of the afternoon. The Silver Stars outscored Washington 23-11 in the second quarter, thanks in big part to inside players Ann Wauters (13 points) and Ruth Riley (six points).

Crystal Langhorne and Taj McWilliams-Franklin have six points apiece to lead the Mystics.

2nd Quarter 2:03: Silver Stars 29 - Mystics 24
So much for the Mystics strong start to this afternoon's game. San Antonio has regained the lead and seem to be in control of the game. Washington led by as many as eight early in the second quarter, but the Silver Stars used a 16-2 run to jump back in front.

San Antonio center Ann Wauters had nine of game-high 13 points during that run. Between Wauters and Ruth Riley (six points), San Antonio's inside game is proving tough to defend for the smaller Mystics.

2nd Quarter 7:58: Mystics 21 - Silver Stars 20
The Mystics opened the second quarter with two quick baskets by Crystal Langhorne and Taj McWilliams-Franklin to take their biggest lead of the day, 21-13.

That prompted San Anotonia Coach Dan Hughes to call a timeout, and the Silver Stars have since gone on a 7-0 run to cut Washington's lead to one.

End 1st Quarter: Mystics 17 - Silver Stars 13
A Chrystal Langhorne putback at the buzzer gives the Mystics a 17-13 lead after one quarter at the Verizon Center.

Langhorne leads the Mystics with four points. She also has a team-high four rebounds. The Mystics scoring was pretty well balanced with seven different players ending the quarter with at least two points.

Sophia Young leads San Antonio with seven points.

The Mystics trailed 2-0 early on, but used a 7-0 to gain control of the game. They have led ever since.

WNBA Pre-Game: Mystics vs. Silver Stars

By: Ben Raby
WASHINGTON- The Washington Mystics are back at the Verizon Center this afternoon following a 1-2 west coast road trip. The Mystics (6-10) have lost eight of their last 12 overall, and things don't get any easier as they host the Western Conference leading San Antonio Silver Stars (11-6). While the Mystics have struggled of late, San Antonio has won eight of its last ten.

Not only are the teams heading in opposite directions, but this matchup just doesn't bode well for Washington. The Mystics' 70.1 points per game are last in the WNBA, while the Silver Stars defense is second best, giving up 70.7 points per game.

Today's game is nationally televised, airing on ABC at 1:00. Terry Gannon and Doris Burke have the call, while Rebecca Lobo is the sideline reporter.

Today's Starting Lineups:

Washington Mystics:
F: #25 Monique Currie
F: #11 Taj McWilliams-Franklin
C: #1 Crystal Langhorne
G: #32 Nikki Blue
G: #20 Alana Beard

San Antonio Silver Stars:
F: #7 Erin Buescher
F: #33 Sophia Young
C: #12 Ann Wauters
G: #25 Becky Hammon
G: #30 Helen Darling

FINAL: Rangers 5 - Orioles 3

By: Ben Raby
BALTIMORE- If Rangers Manager Ron Washington had it his way the best hitter on his team would be starting this year's all-star game. Ian Kinsler showed again tonight why he may be the American League's best second baseman in the Rangers (45-43) 5-3 win over the Orioles (44-42) at Camden Yards.

"I don't think there's any second baseman having as good a first half as Kins[ler]," Washington said. "It's not just hitting home runs, but it's driving in runs, scoring runs, stealing bags. He's been doing everything."

And tonight 'everything' meant a 2-3 night at the plate highlighted by a 2-run homer in the top of the sixth that proved to be the game winner. The 355-foot shot off Oriole reliever Lance Cormier gave Texas a 4-3 lead they would not give back.

"He fell behind 3-0," Kinsler said of Cormier, "and that allowed me to swing more aggresively. I was trying to hit the ball out of the park, or at least do some damage either get myself to second, score one and tie it up, or hit it out of the park."

Kinsler also doubled on the first pitch of the game, extending his hitting streak to 17 games. He then came around to score in that first inning as the Rangers took an early 1-0 lead on Orioles starter Brian Burres. Kinsler is now hitting .328 on the season, best in the AL. Hard to believe that the AL's best hitter (Kinsler) and the AL's RBI leader and number-two home run man (Josh Hamilton) a) play for the same third place team and b) make less than a combined $1.1 million.

Hamilton is expected to be named a starter to the AL all-star team when results from fan voting are released tomorrow night, but Kinsley could only get in as a reserve. Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia is expected to win the fan balloting for his position.

"If I had a vote," said Rangers starting pitcher Scott Feldman, "he'd obviously be my [all-star starter]. But the fans come into play and Boston has a lot of fans, but [Kinsler] deserves that starting spot."

Thanks to Kinsley's 14th home run of the season, Feldman improved to 3-3 on the season. Cormier drops to 1-3 for the Orioles. C.J. Wilson pitched a perfect ninth to earn his 20th save of the season.

Offensively for the Orioles, Nick Markekis extended his hitting streak to 13 games, while Aubrey Huff had a miserable night going 0-4 with four groundouts.

Baltimore drops to 3-3 on its current seven game homestand. The O's and Rangers close out their weekend series tomorrow at Camden Yards, with Radhames Liz (3-0, 5.46 ERA) for Baltimore, and Kevin Millwood (5-4, 4.90 ERA) for Texas, the expected starters in that one. First pitch is at 1:35.

GAME BLOG: ORIOLES VS. RANGERS

FINAL: Rangers 5 - Orioles 3
By: Ben Raby
BALTIMORE- Texas closer C.J. Wilson struck out the side in a 1-2-3 ninth inning as the Rangers beat the Orioles 5-3, before 19,006 at Camden Yards.

Scott Feldman improves to 3-3 on the season, while Lance Cormier drops to 1-3. Wilson earned his 20th save of the season. Details to follow...

Mid 9th: Rangers 5 - Orioles 3
Last licks for the Orioles as C.J. Wilson comes in for Texas. The Rangers closer is 0-2 with 19 saves on the season and a 4.46 ERA.

Due up for the Orioles: Brandon Fahey (1-3), Brian Roberts (2-3), and Jay Payton (1-4).

Orioles relief pitcher Dennis Sarafte did his part, retiring all five batters he faced, including a 1-2-3 top of the ninth.

Mid 8th: Rangers 5 - Orioles 3
Once again the Orioles have escaped what really could have been a disasturous top of the eighth. Dennis Sarafte entered the game with the bases loaded and nobody out, but got Michael Young to ground into a 6-3 double play. Max Ramirez scored on the play, but the DP put an end to much of the Rangers momentum.

Josh Hamilton then struck out swining, leaving Ramon Vazquez stranded at third. The Rangers have left ten men on base tonight, including six in scoring position.

Greg Aquino pitched one inning, giving up one earned run and three hits. He also walked one.

Eddie Guardado set to take the mound for the Rangers in the last of the eighth.

Top 8th: Rangers 4 - Orioles 3
This one could get ugly real fast. Dave Trembley has just pulled Greg Aquino with the bases loaded and nobody out.

Max Ramirez started the inning with a single and advanced to second on a Ramon Vazquez bunt. Vazquez was also safe at first. A walk to Ian Kinsler has now loaded the bases with Dennis Sarfate coming in to face Michael Young.

Odd that Aquino came out to pitch the eighth considering Jim Johnson was warming up in the O's 'pen and seeing as Aquino had pitched a pretty good seventh inning in his return to the Majors. Maybe could have left it at that and built some confidence. Instead the O's face some trouble here in the top of the eighth.

End 7th: Rangers 4 - Orioles 3
Brian Roberts doubled, and Nick Markekis beat out an infield hit, but both men were left on base, as the Orioles continue to trail the Rangers here at Camden Yards.

Rangers righthander Frank Fransisco had retired 20 straight before Roberts' double. In his last 9 1/3 innings, Fransisco has given up just three hits and one walk.

Aubrey Huff grounded out 4-3 to end the inning. Huff is now 0-4 on the night, with four groundouts.

Eddie Guardado is loosening up in the Texas bullpen.

Mid 7th: Rangers 4 - Orioles 3
Stretch time at Camden Yards where the Orioles continue to trail by one. Frank Fransisco will be the new Rangers pitcher when Brandon Fahey leads off the O's seventh.

Fransisco has retired 19 straight, including three Orioles last night.

Scott Feldman is in line for the win, leaving the game after six innings. He gave up three earned runs, and five hits. He also walked four and hit one batter. Feldman didn't record a strikeout, and threw 93 pitches.

Joe Johnson is warming up in the Orioles bullpen.

End 6th: Rangers 4 - Orioles 3
Pinch hitter Luke Scott just popped out to second base, leaving two men on base as the Orioles came up empty in their half of the sixth.

Scott hit for catcher Guillermo Quiroz who will now be replaced behind the plate by Ramon Hernandez. Hernandez will catch Greg Aquino, just called up from Triple-A Norfolk.

Aquino comes in for Lance Cormier who pitched just 1/3 of an inning, giving up two hits, and one earned run (off Ian Kinsler go-ahead two-run blast.

All Star in the House

By: Ben Raby
BALTIMORE- Starting lineups for this year's all-star game will be announced tomorrow night, but the New York Post is reporting on its website that Rangers right fielder Josh Hamilton will be among the American League's starting nine. Hamilton leads the AL with 83 RBI and is tied for second with 19 home runs.

According to the report, Hamilton will be joined in the outfield by Manny Ramirez and Ichiro Suzuki. The infield will be made up exclusively of Yankees and Red Sox, with Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter on the left side, and Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis making up the right side. Cleveland pitcher Cliff Lee and Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer round out the AL starters.

The National League starters include Cub teammates Alfonso Soriano and Kosuke Fukudome in the outfield, along with Ken Griffey Jr. Lance Berkman (1B), Chase Utley (2B), Hanley Ramirez (SS) and Chipper Jones (3B) make up the infield.

Arziona's Brandon Webb will start on the mound, pitching to Geovany Soto.