Tire Rub

Braves Update:
Well, if you're reading this now, you must not be watching the Braves game against the Phillies on TBS. Who can blame you? Labor Day weekend was not too kind to the Braves as the Mets completed their sweep of the Braves with a 3-2 win on Sunday. The Braves offense has struggled even though coming into that series they had the second most potent offense in the NL behind the Philadelphia Phillies. Their inability to get runs home with runners in scoring position reared its ugly head in the ninth inning. The Braves came within a run but were unable to get the tying run home. While many have raised the white flag, I haven't. The Mets and Phillies have been incredibly streaky throughout the season. If the Braves can put together a win streak, they'll be right back in it. They are 25 games left in the season, so it ain't over till its mathematically over!

Games behind NY Mets in NL East: 7.5
Games above .500: 1
NL Wild Card Leader: San Diego Padres

Braves Notes: The Braves brought up a few players on Saturday as rosters expanded including the ageless wonder Julio Franco, Brayan Pena and reliever Royce Ring.

NASCAR Update:
Tires and engines were major concerns going into the Sharp Aquos 500 at Fontana on Sunday. Michael Waltrip had a massive tire failure that sent his car into a flaming piece of burnt scrap metal and Ryan Newman and Joe Nemechek were among the engine casualties. But when it was all said and done, Jimmie Johnson was able to find the right balance in his car to drive off to his fifth victory of the season. With only one more race left until the Chase, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was only able to shave off 30 points with his 5th place finish. He remains 13th in points, 128 back of Kevin Harvick in 12th.
Race Results Points Standings

Ricky Rudd separated his shoulder after a crash at Fontana on Sunday. For Ricky, retirement cannot come soon enough.

Jeff Moorad and Tom Garfinkel have purchased majority interest in Hall of Fame racing. The Arizona Diamondback's executives will take over the #96 car driven by Tony Raines. This follows other high profile merges in NASCAR including Roush Fenway Racing, Gillette Evernham Racing and DEI's takeover of Ginn Racing.

News & Notes: Lots happened in baseball over the weekend. Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buckholz pitched a no-hitter in his second career outting, in the Sox 10-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles...Juan Encarnacion suffered what could be a career ending injury in the Cardinals game on Friday when he was hit by a foul ball in the left eye while in the on deck circle...Tony Kanaan picked up another win in the Indy Car Series on Sunday in the Detroit Grand Prix. Danica Patrick, Kanaan's teammate picked up a career best second place finish. Points leader Scott Dixon and his closest points competitor, Dario Franchitti were caught up in a crash that began when Buddy Rice ran out of fuel. Dario was able to continue and is now 3 points ahead of Dixon going into the final race next weekend...And finally, Labor Day is usually a big weekend for weddings but this weekend proved a big one for many of hollywood's couples including E! host Guiliana DePandi and her Apprentice husband Bill Rancic, Private Practice star Kate Walsh and her produce hubby Alex Young, Usher and Tameka Foster who celebrated their second wedding, Dancing with the Stars Alec Mazo and Edyta Sliwinska and TV host Bryon Allen and Jennifer Lucas. But for all good things there are also bad, like the split of Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams.

Check this out: My Boys Monday...Don't forget to watch this week's episode tonight at 10 PM/est. They are heading to the suburbs. If you can't wait until 10 you can read Reid Scott's (Brendan) and Michael Bunin's (Kenny) TV Guide blogs.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate