Sports

Rays
No lead appears too big for the Rays to squander
RANGERS 11, RAYS 8: After scoring six in first, Tampa Bay falters, then catches up, then blows it again.

Rays extra
TONIGHT: RAYS AT ANGELS

Rays: Up Next
SCOUTING REPORT: The Angels have been one of the biggest success stories of the first half, challenging Seattle and Oakland in what should be a dandy AL West race.

Naimoli baffled by union intransigence
Vince Naimoli says the owners' plan would not slow salary growth.

Gary Shelton
Just between them

[AP photo]
It's no secret the Williams sisters are the best, but will they finally prove it to each other?

Golf
Webb's bid to make history is ... history
9-over 79 makes a 3rd straight Open win unlikely.

Motorsports
He's softer, just don't bug him
After 30 years leading NASCAR, and a bout with cancer, Bill France Jr. is pulling back a little ... AND ONLY A LITTLE!

Rudd's retirement is not so likely
DAYTONA BEACH -- Ricky Rudd, the 45-year-old Winston Cup veteran contemplating retirement at the end of this season, indicated Thursday he is leaning toward returning for 2003.

Et cetera
ESPN quiz tests sports IQ
Psst. Hey, sports fan. They're on to you.

Baseball
Baseball's All-Star Game best
If baseball's All-Star Game were, say, any other all-star game, pitchers wouldn't be allowed to throw breaking balls, there would be one fewer outfielder on the fieldand players would use aluminum bats.

Running
Midnight champs lead wire to wire
DUNEDIN -- The theme of the 23rd annual Kiwanis Mease Midnight Run was strong and emphatic -- a Tribute to Freedom -- and many of the nearly 1,300 runners picked up on the theme by wearing red, white and blue.

Triathlon
38-year-old wins rotary triathlon
CRYSTAL RIVER -- Andrew Stenberg didn't need to eat his Wheaties to win the Crystal River Rotary Triathlon on Thursday morning.

Preps
Gulf Beaches pitcher no-hits Gulfport 12-0
In District 5, Graham Gibson tossed a no-hitter and Billy Falasco hit two home runs in Gulf Beaches' 12-0 win over Gulfport in major baseball Wednesday night.

Rainouts, holiday create large backlog of games
After taking the holiday off to enjoy fireworks and barbecues, District 13 action resumes today.

Team responds to coach's challenge
BRANDON -- Hoping to increase his divers' level of commitment, Joe Greenwell changed his coaching tactics and is delighted with the results.

Around Hillsborough
Job openings

On The Wire
Arizona Regains No. 1 Ranking in AP Poll
Garnett Eclipsed by Jordan Farewell
Report: Creditors O.K. Bid for Senators
Green Surprises Earnhardt at Daytona
UConn Remains Unanimous in Women's Poll

Americans Lose in 1st Round of Davis Cup

World Cup soccer

South Korea Thanks Soccer Teams

Brazil Celebration Turns Ugly

World's Worst Claims Soccer Honors