Durham uses slam to blank G-Braves

Staff and news services

In the first of his three home runs, Durham outfielder Justin Ruggiano hit a grand slam to center field in the third inning Saturday as the Bulls defeated the Gwinnett Braves 7-0.

The Bulls' win improved their record to 17-12 and avenged a 7-1 Friday night loss to the G-Braves. The G-Braves drop to 14-16 on the season.

The teams meet again today at 2 p.m. Gwinnett RHP Tommy Hanson (1-3, 1.65 ERA) will face Durham LHP James Houser (1-1, 5.54 ERA)

CYCLING

Armstrong leads team to third

Lance Armstrong's Astana team finished third in the team time trial that opened the Giro d'Italia in Venice, Italy, on Saturday. Armstrong, recovering from a broken collarbone, made his debut in the race. British sprinter Mark Cavendish crossed the line first for Columbia High Road and took the first leader's pink jersey. Columbia finished the 12.7-

Boonen tests positive for cocaine

Former world cycling champion Tom Boonen was suspended by his Quick Step team after testing positive for cocaine for a second time. The Belgian was reportedly tested on April 24 by Flanders regional government authorities, 12 days after he won the Paris-Roubaix classic for the third time.

BASKETBALL

Pitino says he's not returning to NBA

Louisville coach Rick Pitino says there is "absolutely no truth" to the rumors that he is returning to the NBA. Pitino released a statement saying neither he nor anyone representing him has contacted the Kings' about their vacant coaching job. He says the rumors are hurting the Kings and misleading players he is attempting to recruit to Louisville.

Suns take 'interim' off Gentry's title

The Phoenix Suns are sticking with coach Alvin Gentry. The Suns removed the interim tag attached to his title since he took over the club in February. Gentry took over the struggling Suns on Feb. 16 after coach Terry Porter was fired just four months into his first season with the club.

PRO FOOTBALL

Quinn agrees to Dolphins deal

Undrafted offensive lineman J.D. Quinn has agreed to terms with the Dolphins after a brief career at Oklahoma that led to NCAA sanctions. Quinn and quarterback Rhett Bomar were dismissed by the Sooners in 2006 after breaking rules by taking money for work they didn't perform at a car dealership. The Sooners were forced to give up their eight wins in 2005, but a committee restored them.

TENNIS

Safina defeats Kuznetsova

Top-ranked Dinara Safina won her first title of the year by defeating fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 6-2 in the final of the Italian Open in Rome. . . . Mikhail Youzhny rallied past big-serving, wild-card Daniel Brands 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the final of the BMW Open in Munich. Youzhny will play fourth-seeded Tomas Berdych, who beat Jeremy Chardy 6-1, 5-7, 6-2.