Augusta Chronicle, The

Greenjackets' Stars Prove Worth in Win

The Augusta GreenJackets gave the fans at Lake Olmstead Stadium a little preview of this month's South Atlantic League All-Star Game. The GreenJackets' three all-stars all played like it as Augusta beat the Savannah Sand Gnats, 5-3.

River the New Hot Spot for Bass

When Thurmond Lake's fish turn off so you can't buy a strike over two mornings of fishing, what's a fisherman to do? "Take me to the river," warbles the electronic toy Billy Bass, and that's a great idea.

Overtime

Area Golf Coble marchesinto Southern final

Golf's 'Animal' Stays True to Self

PINEHURST, N.C. - When John Daly's reasoning for skipping practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday were cited as "too hot and too hard," the infamous rebuke from Dean Vernon Wormer to Flounder immediately leapt to mind. "Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son," said the Animal House Dean of Faber College to the rotund Delta pledge.

Group Hopes Young Runners Give U.S. Track Better Image

Another wave of young talent has swept in to help wash away the steroid stains in U.S. track and field. The youngsters, as yet untainted by the ugly underbelly of the sport, head to next week's national championships in Carson, Calif., welcoming the attention and confident they can compete with the old-timers.

Parel Makes Major Progress Since '02 Augustan Cards Lowest U.S. Open Round with 76

PINEHURST, N.C. - No matter what caliber of player, U.S. Opens never feel comfortable. Augusta's Scott Parel, however, felt a little more at ease on Thursday at Pinehurst No. 2 than he did in his major championship debut three years ago at Bethpage Black.

Elliott Back From Racing Hibernation

BROOKLYN, Mich. - The coach is back on the playing field this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. Bill Elliott, who retired from full-time NASCAR Cup competition after the 2003 season and has spent the bulk of his time testing cars and tutoring younger drivers for his Evernham Motorsports team, will race at Michigan for the first time since August 2003 in Sunday's Batman Begins 400.

Wimbledon Draw Favors Federer

WIMBLEDON, England - If Andy Roddick is to make his second straight Wimbledon final, he'll have to overcome a tough draw. The American's projected path after Thursday's draw includes the tallest player on the tour, the local favorite and the new darling of tennis.

Today in History

1954 Rocky Marciano scores a 15-round unanimous decision over Ezzard Charles in New York to retain the world heavyweight title.

Golf

Regions Cup Persimmon Hill/North Augusta Exchange

A Day Full of Surprises Tour Vets Climb to Lead

PINEHURST, N.C. - Rocco Mediate and Olin Browne, two 40- somethings supposedly in the twilight of their careers, didn't expect to be at Pinehurst No. 2 for the 105th U.S. Open, let alone share the first-round lead. Not when they lost their exempt status on the PGA Tour with finishes out of the top 125 on the 2004 money list.

Swimming

Stratford 520, Augusta Jewish

Errors Hinder Driver's Season Miscommunication Is Latest of Unfortunate Events for Montoya

INDIANAPOLIS - Juan Pablo Montoya knew he was in trouble as soon as his McLaren team failed to call him into the pits under caution. The miscommunication cost him a disqualification in last week's Canadian Grand Prix, a race he was leading and had a chance to win in an otherwise disappointing season in Formula One.

Johnson's 11 Ks Hand Yanks Win

NEW YORK - After 2 1/2 months of struggles, Randy Johnson has found his groove. Johnson reached double digits in strikeouts for the first time this season and pitched a five-hitter Thursday night, leading the New York Yankees to a 6-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates that completed a three-game sweep.

Williams Working Way Back Into Nfl

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams was granted early reinstatement to the NFL's substance- abuse program, agent Leigh Steinberg said Wednesday. Williams, who is driving back to South Florida from California, is now subject to 10 random drug tests a month for the rest of his NFL career. As a three-time offender, Williams faces a one-year suspension if he fails or misses a drug test.

Hudson Added to Disabled List

CINCINNATI - To make room for newly signed reliever Jim Brower, the Atlanta Braves knew they'd have to come up with a corresponding move. This one, however, they didn't want to make.

Osu Back After 53-Year Drought

CORVALLIS, Ore. - The last time Oregon State was in the College World Series, the Beavers traveled by train and were stunned by the 90-degree heat when they walked off the Union Pacific Streamliner in Omaha at 3 a.m. "It was like stepping into an oven," said assistant coach Paul Valenti, now 84.

Florida State's Sexton Clean, Father Claims

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida State quarterback Wyatt Sexton is being treated for an undisclosed illness but doesn't have a drug problem, his father said Thursday. Seminoles running backs coach Billy Sexton wouldn't specify what type of treatment his son is getting. Wyatt Sexton was taken to the hospital by police Monday after he was found acting strangely in the middle of a street and telling officers that he was "God."

Fireball Continue to Smoke Augusta Soccer Squad Remains Perfect Through Season's Early Start

There are a few defining moments that illustrate the true character of a team. The Augusta FireBall United soccer team had its first one a week ago. The FireBall responded to their first deficit of the season with their most impressive performance, defeating Ajax Orlando Prospects to stay undefeated on the season.

Piniella's Agent Tries to Calm Grumpy Lou

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Lou Piniella's agent met with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Thursday to discuss the frustrated manager's concerns about the direction of the last-place franchise. Piniella criticized the team's new owners last weekend for not doing enough to make the Devil Rays more competitive this year, going as far as to say he would no longer take responsibility for the wretched performance of the club with baseball's lowest payroll.