Evan Knox, a senior midfielder for the Thiel College men's soccer team, scored on a penalty kick to give the Tomcats a 1-0 victory over Hiram College Tuesday.

Knox is a graduate of Karns City High School.

Ryan Beilstein, a sophomore goalie for the Westminster men's soccer team, recorded his fourth shutout in five games as the Titans blanked Point Park 3-0 Tuesday.Beilstein is a graduate of Knoch High School.Sam Robinson, a Butler graduate who is a sophomore midfielder, added an assist as Westminster improved to 5-0.

John Aubrey Sr.of Aubrey's Dubbs Dred and Joe Boros of Treesdale Golf and Country Club played key roles in helping the Tri-State PGA defeat the WPGA 10½-6½ for the 2004 Palmer Cup at Latrobe Country Club Wednesday.Aubrey defeated Artie Fink Jr. and Boros downed Frank Fairman by identical 3 & 2 scores in the morning singles matches as the TSPGA took a 7½-2½ lead.In the afternoon four-ball matches, Aubrey and Bob Meyer lost to Don Erickson and Tim Murphy 5 & 4 and Boros and John Aber fell to Arnold Cutrell and Brandon Antus 2 & 1 but the TSPGA still came away with the Cup victory.

NEW YORK - The New York Mets fired manager Art Howe but left him in the dugout for the final 21/2 weeks of a season gone bad after the All-Star break.General manager Jim Duquette said he wanted to announce the firing after the year, but was forced to act this week after news broke of his plan. He said he asked Howe to stay for the final 17 games, and the manager agreed.Howe's contract runs through the 2006 season and he's still owed $4.7 million. But with the Mets again floundering after a 66-95 finish last year in Howe's first season, management decided it was time for a change.

OAKLAND, Calif. - The woman whose nose was broken when Texas reliever Frank Francisco threw a chair into the stands said she plans to seek compensation for her injuries once prosecutors and baseball officials complete their investigation.Francisco, who made his initial appearance in court Wednesday after police booked him on a charge of felony aggravated assault, also may file a civil suit, his attorney said.Meanwhile, Alameda County Assistant District Attorney Norbert Chu said he needed more time to investigate before deciding whether to formally charge Francisco in the fracas.Jennifer Bueno, 41, appeared with her husband, Craig, at a news conference with a large white bandage covering her nose and purple rings under her eyes.Francisco showed up 20 minutes early for his initial court appearance, trying to avoid photographers by holding his head in his hands as he sat in the hallway. He talked quietly with his agent, Richard Thompson, and a friend, Ray Ramirez, and made no comment to reporters before entering the courtroom. His next appearance was set for Oct. 29.

PHOENIX - Randy Johnson got his 4,137th strikeout, breaking Steve Carlton's major league record for left-handers and moving into third place overall on the career list.Johnson struck out Colorado's Vinny Castilla in the seventh inning, giving the Arizona ace a major league-best 266 this season.

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Cornerback Mike McKenzie returned to the Green Bay Packers after holding out throughout training camp and missing the season opener.McKenzie, with his familiar dreadlocks flowing to his shoulders, practiced with the team as the Packers prepared for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears in Green Bay.Sherman said McKenzie's contract has not been reworked, and the team has two weeks to activate him to play.