AP - A yearlong ankle injury could not keep Plaxico Burress out of the New York Giants' lineup last season. The lack of a telephone call this week apparently is going to cost him a game and more than $235,000.

AP - Matt Millen was used to success in his life.

AP - Nick Blackburn fought through five innings and the maligned Minnesota bullpen didn't flinch, pitching the Twins past Mark Buehrle and the White Sox 3-2 on Wednesday night to pull within a half-game of Chicago in the AL Central.

AP - Manny Ramirez and Nomar Garciaparra homered, and the surging Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 12-4 Wednesday night to clinch a tie for their first NL West championship in four years.

AP - CC Sabathia sizzled on short rest, and the Milwaukee Brewers pulled even with the New York Mets in the NL wild-card race. Sabathia gave up four hits over seven innings while striking out a season-high 11 and the Brewers rallied past the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2 on Wednesday night.

AP - With another brutal loss, the New York Mets kept tumbling toward another September collapse. Derrek Lee blooped a go-ahead double in the 10th inning off Luis Ayala, Aramis Ramirez followed with a two-run homer and the Chicago Cubs rallied from a four-run deficit to defeat the Mets 9-6 Wednesday night.

AFP - Daniela Hantuchova battled into the third round of the China Open on Wednesday as local favourite Zheng Jie restored some pride to Chinese tennis with an emphatic win.

AFP - Chelsea have completed the signing of experienced Brazil midfielder Mineiro as cover for the injured Michael Essien.

AP - Lance Armstrong won his first seven Tour de France titles with Johan Bruyneel as his team director. No way would he try for No. 8 without him.

AP - Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress was suspended for one game by the New York Giants on Wednesday for an undisclosed violation of team rules.