The Heat is On

Braves Update:
Chuck James had a horrible outing for the Braves giving up more homeruns (4) than innings pitched (3 2/3) in the Braves 9-3 loss. The Braves took advantage of early struggles by Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum scoring two runs in the first inning bringing them within a run, but the rookie made it through the next four innings allowing only one more run and the Giants relievers were able to keep the Braves scoreless and keep the game out of reach. The Braves welcome in the NL West leading Arizona Diamondbacks for a three game series beginning tonight. Lance Cormier will take the mound against Brandon Webb who has held his opponents scoreless for the last 33 innings. With the Mets playing the Nationals and the Phillies playing the Pirates, the Braves need to keep pace. Watch all the excitement at 7:35 PM/est on SS.

Games behind NY Mets in NL East: 3.5
Games above .500: 7
NL Wild Card Leader: San Diego Padres

NASCAR Update:
The Cup boys move from the twisting road course at Watkins Glen to the flat oval that is Michigan International Speedway. With Dale Earnhardt, Jr. out of the top 12 after blowing a motor at Watkins Glen last Sunday, it's imperative that the #8 team get themselves in gear and work for a top 5 finish. Remember, the new Chase system rewards wins so look for Chase contenders to fight hard to gain those extra ten points that decide the standings for the final ten races. Can Tony win his fourth race of the season? Find out on Sunday, when live coverage of the 3M Performance 400 starts at 1 PM/est on ESPN.

Scott Wimmer and Sterling Marlin will replace Kenny Wallace in the #78 car for the remainder of the season.

Popo in my crib News:
Former NHL star Rick Tocchet will be sentenced on Friday after pleading guilty to gambling and conspiracy charges in May. Tocchet faces up to five years in the pen, althoughhe is reportedly unlikely to recieve any jail time. Watch out Rick, because the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: The Mets blew a five run lead thanks in part to their shaky bullpen and a David Wright throwing error in the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-7 win on Thursday...Jason Giambi will not face further penalties after speaking candidly to Senator Mitchell in the MLB's on going steriods investigation. Oh, and apparenlty, he's a charitable man...In other Yankees news, they lost to the Detroit Tigers 8-5 and they will not pursue ARod if he opts out of his contract...The New York Giants and Jets have secured financing for their new $1.3 billion stadium to be built in the Meadowlands. The Giants' $650 million was secured through Lehman Brothers while the Jets' was done through CitiCorp. (Why does Citi partner with crappy teams? Mets/Jets)...And finally, congratulations to first daughter Jenna Bush on her engagement to Henry Hager. It has been a crazy week in engagement news as Howie D. from the Backstreet Boys annonanced his engagement to girlfriend of six years, Leigh Boniello while two couples, House co-stars Jennifer Morrison and Jesse Spencer and The Bachelor's Andy Baldwin and Tessa Horst, called off their engagements.

UPDATE: Carlos Zambrano signed a 5 year $91.5 million contract extension with the Chicago Cubs.



Check this out: New in theaters this week Superbad starring Michael Cera aka George Michael from "Arrested Development" and from writer/director Judd Aptow (40-Year old Virgin) and Seth Rogen (Knocked Up). The reviews are good and heat is on for much of the country, so head out to the theater!

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate