Celtics inch closer to another title...Cut down day at the U.S.

Open...Home sweet home

LOS ANGELES (AP) Boston will be looking to clinch its 17th NBA title Sunday when it takes the floor in Los Angeles for Game 5 of the championship series. The Celtics overcame a 24-point deficit last night in L.A. to defeat the Lakers 97-91 and grab a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven showdown.

SAN DIEGO (AP) Round two of the U.S. Open is just getting under way in San Diego. Unheralded Justin Hicks and Kevin Streelman begin the day with a one-shot lead after matching 3-under-par 68s yesterday at Torrey Pines.

SAN DIEGO (AP) The "Big Three" pairing at the U.S. Open won't tee it up for round two until this afternoon. Tiger Woods is coming off a 1-over 72 in his first competitive round since knee surgery, while Phil Mickelson matched par and Adam Scott carded a 73.

UNDATED (AP) Two major league contenders continue to prosper in familiar surroundings. Boston beat Baltimore 9-2 while improving to a major league best 28-and-7 at home and 18-and-3 in its last 21 games at Fenway Park. And the Cubs 3-2, 11-inning victory over Atlanta was their 11th in a row at Wrigley Field, where they are 29-and-8 this year.

CLEVELAND (AP) Despite having five key players from last year's American League Central championship team on the disabled list, the Indians belted out 18 hits in a 12-2 rout of the Minnesota Twins. Cleveland placed All-Star catcher Victor Martinez and second baseman Josh Barfield on the 15-day disabled list before the game. They join pitchers Jake Westbrook and Fausto Carmona and designated hitter Travis Hafner on the DL.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-13-08 0910CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list