Local and National Sports - Philadelphia Inquirer

Bob Ford: 'My guy': When Manuel fills out the all-star roster, Howard will get a look.

By Bob Ford, Inquirer Columnist

If we have learned anything about Charlie Manuel during his five seasons managing the Phillies, it is that he likes to support his players, and - what a coincidence - they have returned the favor.

Serena outplays Venus

With the victory over her sister, Serena Williams has now won three of the last four Grand Slam titles.

By Howard Fendrich, Associated Press

WIMBLEDON, England - Serena Williams kept telling herself she was facing just another foe in the Wimbledon final yesterday, just another woman who hits the ball hard, just another player trying to deny her a Grand Slam title.

Like mother, like daughter

Betnijah Laney is following in Yolanda Laney's footsteps.

By Mike Jensen, Inquirer Staff Writer

On Saturday afternoon last weekend, everybody at the Daniel E. Rumph Playground in East Germantown stopped to watch a brief, impromptu one-on-one battle. This mini-game featured a lot of incidental contact, no fouls called, and some mild trash talk.

Gonzo: E-mail bag: Baiting; mascots

By John Gonzalez, Inquirer Columnist

While hoping everyone enjoyed the Fourth of July, it's time to look inside the e-mail bag . . . Why would somebody want an autograph from a player he clearly doesn't respect? All J.C. Romero had to do was say "no" and [Robert Eaton] goes "steroids" on him, which tells me that he had it in his head to begin with. Meanwhile, Eaton was on WIP saying what a great baseball fan he is. I turned it off in disgust.

You Talking to Me? Ahhhhh, vacation; but first, what about Hamels?

From: Gonzalez, John To: Ford, Bob; Salisbury, James T. Subject: Hamels Every team needs a stopper - especially the Phils. Unfortunately, since June 10, Cole Hamels hasn't pitched like the club's ace. He's 0-3 with a 6.14 ERA over that stretch, and the Phils have just one win in the last five games he's started. Jimmy Rollins' struggles have been much discussed. Is it time we start worrying about Hamels, too?

Armstrong shows no rust

He finished 10th on the race's first day, behind another American, Levi Leipheimer, and leader Fabian Cancellara.

By Jamey Keaten, Associated Press

MONACO - Lance Armstrong put in a solid performance during his comeback in the Tour de France yesterday, finishing the first stage ahead of 170 riders many years younger and a respectable 10th behind winner Fabian Cancellara.

Host Woods shares lead with Kim

Associated Press

BETHESDA, Md. - Tournament host Tiger Woods and defending champion Anthony Kim set the stage yesterday for a showdown in the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club.

Inside the Phillies: For Hamels, this season has been less fun

By Andy Martino, Inquirer Staff Writer

Cole Hamels is nothing if not self-aware, and several times lately he has mentioned the difference between 2008 and 2009. Last year, he was a 24-year-old carrying his team through a surprising playoff run. He became an instant icon in Philadelphia, and edged toward national celebrity.

On Baseball: Bedard trade helping Orioles

By Jim Salisbury, Inquirer Columnist

It's going to look like a scouts convention tomorrow and Tuesday night at Seattle's Safeco Field. The Mariners, still hanging tough in the American League West despite having one of the worst offenses in the majors, are undecided whether they will be buyers or sellers as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches.

Baseball Notes: Yankees honor Gehrig's speech

Associated Press

Derek Jeter helped Major League Baseball commemorate the 70th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's "luckiest man" speech yesterday, reading the famous line from the icon's stirring words during a video tribute before the New York Yankees' game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Phillies Notes: Phils' Ruiz tries to shake off slump

By Andy Martino, Inquirer Staff Writer

For nearly three months, Carlos Ruiz's season was defined by success and improvement. Now, he has returned to a familiar and unhappy place, trying to crawl out of an extended slump.

Minor Leagues: Savery, Reading triumph

COMPILED BY THE INQUIRER

READING - Joe Savery improved to 11-1 last night as the Reading Phillies topped the Connecticut Defenders, 7-5, in the Eastern League.

Ramirez homers, but Dodgers lose

Associated Press

SAN DIEGO - Manny Ramirez needed only five plate appearances before hitting his first post-drug-suspension home run. It wasn't enough to help Los Angeles overcome 22-year-old rookie Everth Cabrera's three RBIs and brilliant defense as the San Diego Padres beat the Dodgers, 7-4, yesterday.

Yanks take 12 to beat Blue Jays, 6-5

Associated Press

NEW YORK - Jorge Posada hit a game-ending RBI single in the 12th inning to lift the New York Yankees to a 6-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays yesterday.

Federer's big comeback

By Howard Fendrich, Associated Press

WIMBLEDON, England - A year ago, plenty of people were feeling sorry for Roger Federer. They were sending him letters with good wishes or - believe it or not - tennis tips. They were offering advice about how to deal with a perceived drop in performance and ideas on how to beat Rafael Nadal.