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Mets 5, Padres 3: A Weary Wright Hits a Walk-Off Homer

David Wright hit a two-run home run off Heath Bell with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to give the Mets a victory over the San Diego Padres at Shea Stadium on Thursday.

From Green Bay to Broadway: Favre Is a Jet

With the acquisition of Brett Favre from the Packers, the Jets hope to ignite some excitement.

Federer Arrives, Soon to Relinquish His No. 1 Status

Roger Federer arrived in Beijing Thursday, with his record streak of 237 consecutive weeks at No. 1 nearing its end.

United States 1, Japan 0: U.S. Men’s Team Ends Scoring Drought in Opener

Playing in oppressive conditions, the United States defeated Japan Thursday thanks to Stuart Holden’s goal in the 47th minute.

Amid Illness and Injury, a Season Goes Awry

Adam Scott, whose talent has made him one of the PGA Tour’s most promising players, is approaching his last chance to win a major this season.

Norway 2, United States 0: Olympic Competition Opens With a Defeat for U.S.

The first appearance by the Americans in a major international tournament under Coach Pia Sundhage ended disastrously on Wednesday with a defeat to Norway.

Soccer Clubs Win Ruling but Players May Stay

Three European soccer clubs have won their case to keep their players out of the Olympic men’s tournament, but they may allow their players to compete anyway.

Tragic Toll After Chaos on Mountain

Eleven people died this week on K2, known as the world’s hardest and most dangerous mountain for climbers.

Bat Makers Are Given a Survey

As part of an investigation into the safety issues related to broken bats, bat manufacturers approved for the 2008 season were asked to respond to a questionnaire.

Peña Homer in 9th Caps Rays Rally

Carlos Peña’s three-run homer capped a six-run rally in the ninth inning that carried the Tampa Bay Rays past the Cleveland Indians, 10-7, for a thrilling victory.

Getting Back in the Game

Rocco Baldelli is hoping to be activated — to play one game, even one inning — so that he can feel part of the team again contribute to the pennant race.

Mets Rookie Impresses Manuel With Patience

Ten days ago, Daniel Murphy was playing second base at Class AA Binghamton. On Wednesday, Murphy made his second consecutive start in left field for the Mets.

Yankees Remember the Life of Murcer, With a Nod to Munson

A memorial service was held for Bobby Murcer Wednesday, 29 years to the day after Thurman Munson was buried.

With Pirates, Karstens Makes a Good Impression

Jeff Karstens, who was acquired by Pittsburgh from the Yankees, set down the first 23 batters he faced Wednesday before a two-out double in the eighth inning.

American League Roundup: Angels Bounce Back and Pound Orioles

Vladimir Guerrero homered and drove in four runs, Garret Anderson had three hits and two runs batted in, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Baltimore Orioles.

National League Roundup: Phillies Beat Marlins to Widen Their Lead

Rickie Weeks matched his career high with four hits, and the bottom of the Milwaukee Brewers’ batting order chipped in to beat the host Cincinnati Reds.

Major League Roundup: Kendrick Pitches Around Walks as Phillies Boost Lead

Jeff Karstens, who was acquired by Pittsburgh from the Yankees, set down the first 23 batters he faced Wednesday before a two-out double in the eighth inning.

N.F.L. Roundup: Rice to Play First Game in the Pros as a Starter

Ray Rice is poised to start as running back against the in the Baltimore Ravens’ preseason opener on Thursday.

Roundup: For China, First Taste Is a Victory

China celebrated the start of competition at the Beijing Olympics on Wednesday night by beating Sweden, 2-1.

P.G.A. Notebook: Honored for Service to P.G.A. After Promising Career Is Cut Short

Dennis Walters, whose competitive career was ended by an accident in 1974, received the P.G.A.’s highest annual honor, the P.G.A. Distinguished Service Award.

Sports of The Times: With Favre Around, No More Excuses From Mangini

In his first season as the Jets’ coach, the news media dubbed Eric Mangini “Man Genius,” mistaking his tricks and sleight of hand for winning smarts. Now we’ll see what he’s got.

The Wizard Behind Beijing’s Opening Night

Zhang Yimou’s gritty films that highlighted his country’s struggles with poverty and political misrule were once banned. Now, he’s directing the opening ceremonies in Beijing.

Sports of The Times: Raising the Bar and Raising Elbows in Women’s Basketball

Increased physicality in women’s basketball will not give a black eye to the entire sport. However, it most certainly gave a black eye to Penny Taylor of Australia on Tuesday night.

Sports of The Times: No Smog, but Plenty of Clouds for U.S. Women’s Soccer Team

Sluggish as the Americans were to start their opening game, they couldn’t blame their poor start on weather, or pollution, just two deflating errors.

TV highlights of the Beijing Olympic Games

There will be hundreds of hours of Olympics coverage on TV and online, from the opening ceremony to the soccer and basketball finals. Here are 10 top events. Imagine sitting down in a restaurant and being handed a menu that looks more like a phone book -- hundreds of pages, thousands of options. Who would have the appetite to try everything?

Jets' interception of Brett Favre makes them a must-watch team

And what a relief for the Packers! The only way they'll play against former teammate Favre this season is in a Super Bowl showdown. Brett Favre's new career began just the way his old one ended.

Olympic beach volleyball's dominant team -- Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh -- to take baby steps

The team ranked No. 1 in the world prepares for a second gold medal, but after that, May-Treanor and Walsh want to get pregnant as well. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh have done just about everything a beach volleyball team could do -- they won an Olympic gold medal in 2004 and are ranked No. 1 in the world. May-Treanor has 102 career championships, a record among females, while Walsh has 99.

Morgan Hamm out of Olympics with ankle injury

He joins his twin brother Paul on the sidelines, leaving the U.S. without a male gymnast with Olympic experience. Alexander Artemev replaces him. Morgan Hamm withdrew from the U.S. men's gymnastics team today because of a left ankle injury. He was the only U.S. male gymnast with Olympic experience.

Chellsie Memmel competing only on uneven bars

An injured Memmel completed a full practice routine today, and she and her coach-father have no plans to withdraw. BEIJING - Chellsie Memmel said today that she will only compete on the uneven parallel bars for the U.S. women's gymnastics team when it begins competition Sunday in the team qualifying event.

Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao camps discuss December 6 bout

A deal is not yet final but representatives are looking at a non-title welterweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Representatives for Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao met Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles to begin hammering out a deal for a Dec. 6 non-title welterweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, according to Bruce Binkow, an agent for Golden Boy Promotions.

Bruins' leading rusher Kahlil Bell stays on course for unexpected return

Bell was expected to miss a year after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament last season, but he's already been cleared for full practice. UCLA tailback Kahlil Bell took a tumble during 11-on-11 workouts today, a moment that could have had Bruins' fans gasping.

Vladimir Guerrero's 4 RBIs lead Angels past Orioles

He gets his 20th home run to continue his solid hitting since the All-Star break. And, in Anaheim, there is Vladdy being Vladdy.

Brett Favre headed to New York Jets

Packers were doing everything possible not to trade quarterback within their division. It looks like Brett Favre will wind up in green after all -- New York Jets green.

Dodgers give up big homers in 9-6 loss to Cardinals

Dodgers starter Derek Lowe struggles, as Albert Pujols hits a grand slam and Ryan Ludwick also homers. Lineup protest stalls game. ST. LOUIS -- Dodgers Manager Joe Torre asked for a do-over Wednesday night. Starting pitcher Derek Lowe didn't bother.

ESPN.com Power Rankings

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Jets to introduce Favre in Cleveland on Thursday

Brett Favre will be introduced as the new quarterback of the New York Jets at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday in Cleveland, where the team is scheduled to play their preseason opener.

Red Sox working on deal to acquire Padres' Giles

The Red Sox have claimed Padres right fielder Brian Giles on waivers and are negotiating to acquire the 14-year veteran from San Diego.

'Pen blows another Santana win, but Mets prevail

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Ankle injury forces Morgan Hamm out of Games

Morgan Hamm is joining his brother on the sidelines for the Beijing Olympics.

Olympic soccer: U.S. men edge Japan

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Former Toledo player charged with point-shaving

A former University of Toledo basketball player has been charged with fixing games.

Yao, Nowitzki to carry flags during Games opening

Chinese basketball player Yao Ming will carry the host nation's flag at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on Friday, the deputy head of China's team said on Thursday.

Rays bolster bullpen, acquire Bradford from O's

The first-place Rays acquired reliever Chad Bradford from Baltimore, bolstering their bullpen with a proven postseason pitcher.

Sorenstam shoots 66 to lead Scandinavian TPC

Annika Sorenstam birdied six of her last eight holes, shooting a 6-under 66 Thursday to take a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the Scandinavian TPC.

Four-year deal assures Indy 500 to stay on ABC

The Indianapolis 500 will remain on ABC through 2012 as part of a new four-year rights agreement between the Indy Racing League and ESPN. ABC will televise the race for the 45th consecutive year in 2009.

Dolphins interested in soon-to-be-cut Pennington

The Dolphins are interested in the Jets' soon-to-be-unemployed quarterback, Chad Pennington.

Sources: Prince to sign new deal at Kansas State

Kansas State coach Ron Prince is expected to sign a new five-year deal Thursday that will carry him through 2012, two persons close to Prince told ESPN's Joe Schad on Thursday.

Chamberlain put on DL with rotator cuff tendinitis

Joba Chamberlain has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Yankees due to rotator cuff tendinitis in his pitching shoulder.

Self signs new 10-year, $30M contract at Kansas

Bill Self, the Kansas basketball coach who guided the Jayhawks to their first NCAA championship in 20 years, signed a 10-year, $30 million contract.

Cavaliers-Celtics picked to open NBA season

Cleveland visits defending NBA champion Boston to launch the 2008-09 season on Oct. 28, the league announced Wednesday.

ESPN.com has launched many new widgets that offer scores, stats, and news

Visit the ESPN Widget Center.

Favre joins Jets after trade from Packers

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Off the couch and out of the cold, Brett Favre is slipping on a new jersey. Favre's summertime soap opera ended Wednesday night when the Green Bay Packers traded their iconic quarterback to the New York Jets, who haven't had a star of No. 4's stature since the days Joe Namath was slinging passes and strolling down Broadway....

Morgan Hamm out of Olympics with ankle injury

BEIJING (AP) -- Morgan Hamm's eyes were red, his voice shaky....

Karlsson, Jeev Milka Singh share early PGA lead

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) -- With two-time defending champion Tiger Woods at home recuperating from knee surgery, everyone expected a wide-open PGA Championship at Oakland Hills....

Air pollution shrouds Beijing on eve of Olympics

BEIJING (AP) -- The wall of gray haze around the National Stadium and across the city cut visibility down to a mile. On the eve of opening ceremonies, Beijing's polluted air took center stage Thursday as the most visibly pressing problem for Olympic organizers who had promised to clean up the Chinese capital....

After rebuke, Bush eager to embrace Olympics

BEIJING (AP) -- President Bush's Olympic odyssey started with a game of political one-upmanship Thursday, as his blunt critique of the host country prompted China to warn the U.S. president to stop meddling in its business....

US defeats Japan 1-0 on goal by Stuart Holden

TIANJIN, China (AP) -- Stuart Holden ended the United States' three-game scoring drought with a goal in the second half, giving the Americans a 1-0 victory over Japan on Thursday in the Olympic opener for both....

Wright homer in 9th gives Mets 5-3 win over Padres

NEW YORK (AP) -- David Wright hit a two-out, two-run homer in the ninth inning after the Mets bullpen blew another late lead for Johan Santana, lifting New York to a 5-3 victory over the San Diego Padres on Thursday....

Kansas' Self signs huge new contract

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Bill Self, the Kansas basketball coach who guided the Jayhawks to their first NCAA championship in 20 years, signed a 10-year, $30 million contract Wednesday....

Ludwick homers again, Cards beat Dodgers

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Ryan Ludwick tied a franchise record with a homer in his fifth straight game, Albert Pujols hit a grand slam and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-6 on Wednesday night....

Pena's 3-run shot lifts Rays past Indians 10-7

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Carlos Pena's three-run homer capped a six-run rally in the ninth inning that carried the Tampa Bay Rays past the Cleveland Indians 10-7 on Wednesday for one of their most thrilling victories in a wondrous season....

Packers trade Favre to Jets

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Green Bay have agreed to trade veteran quarterback Brett Favre to the New York Jets, the Packers confirmed on their website on Wednesday.

Morgan Hamm pulls out of Games

BEIJING (Reuters) - American Morgan Hamm pulled out of the Olympics on Thursday because of an ankle injury. "Right now I am unable to perform my tumbling skills at the level I need to," the 25-year-old, whose brother Paul Hamm also withdrew from the Games injured, said in a statement.

Michael Phelps goes with the flow

BEIJING (Reuters) - For a man who performs extraordinary exploits in the pool, and who could take a record haul of golds in Beijing, Michael Phelps is having a remarkably ordinary time.

Injury has helped me, says relaxed Gay

BEIJING (Reuters) - Tyson Gay said the injury that has kept him off the track for the last month has actually helped his preparation as he has been able to relax away from the spotlight and focus fully on the Olympic 100 meters.

Swede Karlsson and Indian Singh set early pace

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan (Reuters) - Swede Robert Karlsson recovered from a double bogey at the first to charge into an early tie for the lead in the U.S. PGA Championship opening round on Thursday.

Johnson glad to take Chinese coach back home

BEIJING (Reuters) - American world all-round champion Shawn Johnson owes her place at the Olympics to her Chinese coach and she is delighted to be able to bring him back to his home city.

American women attempt saber sweep

BEIJING (Reuters) - Three American women will aim to sweep the saber medals in the individual event when Olympic fencing kicks off on Saturday.

Aussies call U.S. women's team "dirty"

BEIJING (Reuters) - Australia's women basketball players have accused Olympic champions the Unites States of being a dirty team before the start of the Beijing Games.

I'm favorite and we'll smash U.S.: Bernard

BEIJING (Reuters) - World record holder Alain Bernard opened the war of words for the Olympic swimming competition on Thursday, stating he was the favorite for the 100 meters freestyle and the French relay squad would "smash" the Americans.

China stumble while U.S. impress

BEIJING (Reuters) - Cheng Fei and her fellow Chinese gymnasts will have to remedy their performances, and quickly, if they are to have any chance of winning the women's team title at the Olympics.

King: In the end, the Jets wanted Favre more

Not even the Jets thought it was going to happen. In the end, New York just wanted Brett Favre more and did all it could to add the legend, writes Peter King.

The top 10 things to know about the Jets' deal for Favre

Now that Brett Favre is finally an ex-Packer, here are 10 things to know about him being a Jet:

How will Favre fare with the Jets?

The Green Bay Packers traded the face of its franchise, Brett Favre, to the New York Jets for a conditional fourth-round pick. Please take a moment to share your thoughts on this deal.

Favre traded to Jets for conditional pick; Pennington on way out