IN BRIEF
PHILADELPHIA — Mickey Vernon, a two-time American League batting champion with the Washington Senators and seven-time All-Star first baseman during a four-decade career, has died. He was 90.
Vernon died Wednesday at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Media, a hospital spokeswoman told The Associated Press. He had suffered a stroke last week, said Jim Vankoski, Vernon's friend of 25 years.
Vernon played 20 major league seasons (1939-43 and 1946-60) with Washington, the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates. He won the AL batting title in 1946 and 1953 and was a career .286 hitter. He played 2,409 games, had 2,495 hits, including 490 doubles and 120 triples, and 1,311 RBI.
CORVALLIS, Ore. — Freshman Jacquizz Rodgers ran for 186 yards and two touchdowns and Oregon State built an early lead and held on for a 27-21 upset victory over top-ranked Southern California Thursday night.The Beavers (2-2, 1-1 Pacific-10) also upset USC at Reser Stadium in 2006. This time, Oregon State took a 21-0 lead in the first half, then capitalized on a late turnover.USC quarterback Mark Sanchez's pass was intercepted by safety Greg Laybourn on the 30 with less than 3 minutes to play. Laybourn ran the ball back 28 yards to put Oregon State on the 2, and Rodgers ran 2 yards to make it 27-14.Sanchez hit Patrick Turner with a 14-yard scoring pass with 1:19 left, but time ran out on the Trojans (2-1, 0-1). Beavers fans, clad in orange, rushed the field when the clock ran out.
ATLANTA— Four days after Anthony Kim humbled Sergio Garcia in the Ryder Cup, he beat 29 players just as badly at the Tour Championship.Showing no effects of a Ryder Cup hangover, Kim fired off eight birdies Thursday on his way to a 6-under 64 in his Tour Championship debut to build a four-shot lead over Masters champion Trevor Immelman, Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson.Vijay Singh only has to complete all four rounds at East Lake to capture the FedEx Cup.
