Sports

Start studying, Louisville.

Oakland's Bartolo Colon was glad to be back on the mound after missing 50 games because of a drug suspension.

Michigan is more than just five fabulous players.

Were you studying the Cardinals' lineup for a nemesis for Ryan Vogelsong, Carlos Beltran might be your best bet. Beltran entered Saturday's game with the best career numbers of any St. Louis hitter against Vogelsong and then doubled his RBI total against the Giants' right-hander, driving in three with a pair of singles.

Russ Smith looked at the scoreboard, then at the clock, then over at the bench.

Kevin Ware couldn't stay seated for this one.

Buster Posey didn't really have a role in Friday's flag-raising ceremonies: While they were happening, he was warming up starting pitcher Barry Zito. Today, though, the pre-game festivities will be all about Posey, who will be presented with his 2012 N.L. Most Valuable Player award in a ceremony scheduled to include past Giants MVP winners.

The end of this season is beginning to feel a lot like the end of the Paul Westphal coaching era in Sacramento.

SAN FRANCISCO – Barry Zito was busy playing long toss in center field, readying for his start Friday, seemingly oblivious as a half-dozen of his teammates walked through the AT&T Park bleachers carrying the Giants' 2012 World Series banner. But as he made his way to the bullpen mound, he couldn't resist looking over his shoulder.

It turns out we hardly knew Barry Zito. We had him pegged as an overpriced failure, a vanity purchase that was intended to move the Giants beyond the specter of Barry Bonds – but had veered close to being a franchise wrecker.

ATLANTA – As horrifying as the sight of Kevin Ware's gruesome compound leg fracture was, it produced a jolt of adrenaline that not only helped Louisville get past Duke in the Midwest Regional final but also allowed the Cardinals (33-5) to ride a wave of national sentiment to the Georgia Dome for their national semifinal matchup with Wichita State (30-8) tonight.

At the scouting combine in February, general manager Trent Baalke hinted the 49ers were exploring contract extensions with some of their young players.

The Raiders waived linebacker Rolando McClain on Friday, less than three years after drafting him eighth overall to be the centerpiece of their defense.

Freshman Nathan Lukes equaled a season best with three hits as the Sacramento State baseball team defeated visiting Texas State 3-2 on Friday at John Smith Field.

HOUSTON – Dan Straily had a tough spring, and he probably will pay the price for it by being sent to Sacramento today when the A's activate Bartolo Colon for the second game of Oakland's series with the Houston Astros.

The Las Vegas 51s scored five unearned runs in the third inning en route to a 9-3 victory Friday night.

High school sports results from around the region.

College and community college sports results from around the region and nation.

Today and Sunday's TV/radio listings for arena football, baseball, horse racing, men's/women's college basketball, NBA basketball, tennis, golf and hockey.

LOS ANGELES - When the day comes that Kobe Bryant's jersey is retired by the Lakers, it will go on the Staples Center wall as No. 24, not No. 8.