AP - The Los Angeles Angels became the first team in the majors to clinch a playoff spot this season, winning their fourth AL West title in five years Wednesday. Francisco Rodriguez earned his 56th save in closing out the Angels' 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees. Second-place Texas lost to Seattle 8-7 about an hour later, clinching the division for Los Angeles.

AP - Hurricane Ike has pushed back the Arkansas-Texas football game to Sept. 27.

AP - If Vince Young isn't sure he wants to play football anymore, he didn't show it Wednesday. He reported to work, watched part of practice with a wrap around his sprained left knee and avoided reporters wanting to talk about his mother's comments indicating he doesn't want to play because of the negativity he's faced since being booed heavily during a 17-10 win over Jacksonville.

AFP - The United States, Mexico and Costa Rica remained unbeaten in the semi-final phase of regional World Cup qualifying Wednesday, continuing their march toward South Africa 2010.

AP - With 17 games to go last year, New York had a seven-game lead over the Phillies in the NL East. Then the bottom dropped out.

AP - Doc Rivers received a contract extension giving him three more years as coach of the Boston Celtics on Tuesday after leading them to an NBA title one year following the second worst season in team history.

AP - Alex Smith's season is over with another shoulder injury. The high-priced quarterback's short career with the San Francisco 49ers is probably finished as well.

AP - Marques Colston, the New Orleans Saints' top receiver during the past two seasons, had surgery on his left thumb and will miss four to six weeks.

AP - The Los Angeles Angels became the first team in the majors to clinch a playoff spot this season, winning their fourth AL West title in five years Wednesday. Francisco Rodriguez earned his 56th save in closing out the Angels' 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees. Second-place Texas lost to Seattle 8-7 about an hour later, clinching the division for Los Angeles.

AP - Ohio State tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells worked out with the team in pads and is on target to play against No. 1 Southern California on Saturday night. Jim Bollman, one of the Buckeyes' two offensive coordinators, said he was encouraged by Wells' play.

AP - Hurricane Ike has pushed back the Arkansas-Texas football game to Sept. 27.

AP - If Vince Young isn't sure he wants to play football anymore, he didn't show it Wednesday. He reported to work, watched part of practice with a wrap around his sprained left knee and avoided reporters wanting to talk about his mother's comments indicating he doesn't want to play because of the negativity he's faced since being booed heavily during a 17-10 win over Jacksonville.