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.
Election Day 2009
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.
Inside AJC.COM
Atlanta Holiday House

Photos: The 2009 Atlanta Holiday House is open for tours from Nov. 21 - Dec. 20th. Get a sneak peek.
Vick = Divided Atlanta

With Vick's return to Atlanta this weekend, Jeff Schultz says it will show where loyalties lie in the city.
Can you see the change?

What's altered in the two photos? See how you score when you play the Find 5 challenge!
2009 deaths: July

Photos: Remembering Walter Cronkite, E. Lynn Harris, Falcons' Rick Bryan and many others.
Top 10 pet gifts

Jessicashops.com has a few ideas so you can find the perfect gift for your four-legged friend.


