BASEBALL: Dykstra released from prison
Former Mets and Phillies outfielder Lenny Dykstra has been released from a California prison after serving time for bankruptcy fraud.
In Omaha, Neb., Hunter Renfroe hit a fifth-inning three-run homer, and Mississippi State advanced to the College World Series finals with a 4-1 victory over Oregon State. The Bulldogs will face UCLA, which defeated top-seeded North Carolina, 4-1. Pat Valaika’s two-run double in the seventh secured the win for the Burins.
NASCAR: Mechanical flaw caused fatal crash
New Jersey state police said yesterday a mechanical problem was to blame for the dirt-track racing crash that killed NASCAR driver Jason Leffler. The state police released some findings on the June 12 crash at Bridgeport Speedway in Logan Township, indicating a torsion stop came off, causing part of the suspension system to become lodged between a wheel and the steering system. As a result, Leffler was unable to control the car’s steering as he spun out.
NHL: Stars hire former Sabre coach Ruff
The Stars, who have missed the playoffs the past five season, gave 53-year-old Lindy Ruff a four-year contract yesterday. Before being fired by Buffalo in February, Ruff had been the Sabres coach for 15 seasons.
ETC: Federer, Nadal may meet in Wimbledon quarters
Seven-time champion Roger Federer could face Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon — their earliest meeting in any Grand Slam. The draw placed the third-seeded Federer and No. 5 Nadal in the same half. Andy Murray, who is seeded No. 2, is also in the same bottom half. Top-seeded Novak Djokovic is in the top half and has a much easier path to the final, facing a possible semifinal against No. 4 David Ferrer.
Bubba Watson shot a 3-under-par 67 yesterday to take a two-stroke lead over Patrick Reed and Padraig Harrington after two rounds of the Travelers Championship. Watson is at 10-under, five strokes ahead of U.S. Open champion Justin Rose. … Ernie Els shot a 3-under 69 in the second round of the BMW International Open yesterday in Munich to maintain his one-stroke lead. He is 12-under par.