HE SAID WHAT?
“It’s just a round of golf.” - Padraig Harrington on shooting a 6-under 64 in the first round of the Bridgestone Invitational
THE BEST OF THE WEEKEND IN SPORTS
D.C. United vs. Real Madrid
MLS claims this is the summer of soccer, and United fans have the chance to watch one of the most anticipated games. Seats at FedEx Field are almost sold out to see some of the world’s best players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka.
Red Sox vs. Yankees
Whenever these giants meet, you know it’ll be intense. The Red Sox won the first eight games against the Yankees this season, but New York prevailed Thursday night to move 3 1/2 games ahead in the division.
Legg Mason Tennis Classic
Andy Roddick is again making headlines. Despite taking a month off after losing the Wimbledon final, he looks in good form to win his fourth Legg Mason title after beating Benjamin Becker and Sam Querrey.
TWT FIVE ” BAD PATCHES IN BASEBALL
Despite their five-game winning streak, some fans want to abandon the struggling Nationals. These teams consistently fare just as badly, with a few high points:
1. Baltimore - Blame Cal Ripken’s retirement, blame management, blame the division. But for the past 12 years, the Nationals’ northern neighbors have been near the bottom in the AL East.
2. Kansas City - In the past five years, the only time the Royals have not fallen to last in the AL Central was 2008. Guess where they are this year.
3. Pittsburgh - If they don’t find some magic soon, this season will be the Pirates’ fourth in five years in last place in the NL Central.
4. Tampa Bay - In 2002, the Devil Rays were 48 games back. A vast improvement helped Tampa Bay win the division last season, and they’re only 5 1/2 games back this year.
5. Detroit - The Tigers finished 39 and 47 games behind the AL Central leaders in 2002 and 2003. A steady upward curve followed, but they dropped back to the cellar last year… and now they’re in first again.
