World Series Sojo, so sweet [AP photo] Luis Sojo's two-out single in the ninth gives Yankees a third straight World Series title. Gary Shelton Torre: pride of the Yankees NEW YORK -- It is at the most essential of times that the most essential of performers emerge. Big break for Abbott Former Dixie Hollins star is pleased about getting his chance after a season of uncertainty. What they're saying Newspaper excerpts after Game 5: Slices of the Big Apple But can they make deadline? Mets' wild ride comes to a disappointing end NEW YORK -- The Mets came back from adversity, from injury, from distractions through the season. Subway Series Classics: Game 6 OCT. 5, 1947, DODGERS 8, YANKEES 6: Needing to win to send the Series to a seventh game, the Dodgers led 4-0 after 2 1/2 innings. Baseball briefs Strawberry's attorney: Treatment, not jail time

Bucs/NFL
McFarland's injury could shuffle line
TAMPA -- Defensive tackle James Cannida had a solid preseason but wasn't expected to see many snaps with the improved play of second-year starter Anthony McFarland.

Dillon runs with idea of changing many futures
As Bengal watches his value rise, teams see their defenses slip.

NFL briefs
Jags' Brackens fined $10,000

Lightning/NHL
Wide-eyed Richards stares success in eye
Lightning rookie center adjusting very well on and off the ice.

Sarich getting stint in minors
TAMPA -- Lightning general manager Rick Dudley said defenseman Cory Sarich could learn from the experience of defenseman Ben Clymer.

NHL briefs
Keenan's return is a winner

Sports TV/Radio
Rivalry return thrills Griese
The changing face of college football may not have Florida State or Texas fans celebrating, but ABC analyst Bob Griese said revivals being enjoyed by Miami and Oklahoma are good for the game.

Golf
Five quick birdies boost Woods into familiar position
LAKE BUENA VISTA -- So much for the idea that maybe, just maybe, Tiger Woods would get off to a slow start during his first stroke-play event in six weeks.

Living on golf's edge
At 125th on money list, Dan Forsman, 7 off lead, needs a good week at Disney.

College football
Ask Jim Leavitt
Q : Where do you see the most improvement in this season's team?

Bulls defense enjoys Hay ride for 4 years
Defensive end may not be flashy, but he's proven to be a durable player.

USF Extra points
Player spotlight: Kevin Patullo

College football around the state
USF healthy for UConn trip

College football around the nation
BYU gets bounces; coach hits milestone

College basketball
Players do extra workouts
TAMPA -- Basketball season officially kicked off two weeks ago with practice, but for many of the USF players practicing and playing never really ends.

Preps
Top 10 homecoming traditions
10. Donated convertible Corvettes and Mustangs.

Tampa Bay football top 10
The Times' rankings of the top football teams in Hillsborough, Hernando, Citrus, Pasco and Pinellas counties, with records and tonight's opponent:

Players of the week
Week 8

The Pinellas football top 10
1. (1) Seminole (8-0) -- Another week, another dominating defensive display by the Warhawks.

Regional has site ... to the surprise of all
The Class A, Region 3 girls golf tournament will be held Tuesday at Pine Meadow in Eustis, according to the Florida High School Activities Association.

The Ross watch
A look at Lydell Ross' attempt to break the Hillsborough County rushing record.

Threatened Cobras strike back
HUDSON -- The palace coup was well underway. The throne was in danger and the reigning queens of volleyball were in serious jeopardy.

Knights defeat Rams in three
EAST LAKE -- Volleyball between Ridgewood and River Ridge has followed a pretty consistent course the past two seasons: It's always close, the Rams win in the regular season and River Ridge wins when it counts.

Wesley Chapel makes history with 3A-6 title
BUSHNELL -- The first district title in Wesley Chapel history was as swift as it was sweet.

Hernando wins intracounty duel and 4A-6 title
The Bears can't make it two upsets in a row as they fall to the Leopards 15-3, 16-14.

Panthers give up little in winning 5A-11 title
TAMPA -- It seemed like nothing Plant did in its Class 5A, District 11 final against Wharton turned out wrong.

Hillsborough prep football games
Jesuit (5-2) at Blake (5-3)

Crusaders earn shot at another district title
ST. PETERSBURG -- Keswick Christian got through one obstacle in its quest for a third consecutive trip to the final four with a 15-12, 10-15 15-8 victory over rival Shorecrest in Thursday's Class 2A, District 11 semifinal.

Jackets buzzing about reaching the playoffs
With a victory tonight over Jesuit, Blake can put itself in position for its first-ever post-season berth.

Berkeley overwhelms AHN
TAMPA -- Academy of the Holy Names used sound strategy, played hard, never backed down and still lost to Berkeley Prep 15-7, 16-14 in the Class 3A, District 9 final.

Pinellas prep football games
Countryside (5-2) at Largo (5-2)

Where are they now?
Pinellas County's current Division I players

Et cetera
NBA briefs
Wolves owner apologizes for dealings

ESPN.com unveiling Page 2
The first comparison that comes to mind is to Dennis Miller surprisingly stepping into the booth for Monday Night Football, and ESPN.com is hoping its newest addition will have the same result: getting more people interested in sports.