Overtime

Major League Baseball

Braves, Reitsma agrees to contract

In Atlanta, the Braves still haven't located a closer, but Friday they did keep the closest thing they've got to one on their current roster.

Chris Reitsma, who had a career-high 15 saves last season, signed a one-year contract worth an undisclosed amount of money. Based on his $1.65 million salary in 2005, Reitsma was slotted to make about $2.5 million this season.

The 28-year-old right-hander has served as a starter, middle reliever and closer in his five-year big league career. Reitsma finished the year with a 3.93 ERA in a team-high 76 appearances.

Also on Friday, the Braves signed 38-year-old outfielder Brian Jordan and 37-year-old catcher Eddie Perez to minor league contracts.

- J.T. Snow and the Boston Red Sox reached a preliminary agreement on a $2 million, one-year contract.

Snow must pass a physical before the deal can be finalized.

Snow, a 37-year-old first baseman who spent the past nine seasons with San Francisco, has played 14 major league seasons.

- In Cleveland, free agent Eduardo Perez is close to signing a one-year contract with Cleveland, who plan to use Tampa Bay's former first baseman in a platoon with Ben Broussard.

Perez batted .255 with 11 homers and 28 RBI last season for the Devil Rays.

- In Phoenix, Justin Upton, the 18-year-old shortstop who was the top pick in the 2005 major league amateur draft, agreed to a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks that includes a $6.1 million signing bonus payable over five years.

College Golf

Phillips, Lee in hunt at Harder Hall event

In Sebring, Fla., Augusta State's Garrett Phillips carded 2-over-par 74 in the second round at the Harder Hall Invitational and is in 16th place with a 151 total at the 72-hole event.

Evan's Alina Lee, who plays for Georgia, is tied for sixth at 148 after a second round 76.

Arkansas' Stacy Lewis leads the event at 6-under 138.

- In St. Petersburg, Fla., Augusta State's Jamie Miller and Tarik Can are part of a 12-way tie for 16th place at even par after the first round of the New Year's Invitational at St. Petersburg Country Club.

South Alabama's Kyle Simmons leads the event at 5-under par.

College Baseball

Pacers ranked 8th in preseason poll

USC Aiken enters the 2006 season ranked 8th in the Collegiate Baseball Magazine Division II preseason poll.

The ranking marks the 13th consecutive poll appearance for the Pacers who went 40-19 last season.

Tennis

Hingis defeated in semis during return

In Gold Coast, Australia, Martin Hingis fell in Friday's semifinal - a 1-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2 loss to Italy's Flavia Pennetta. After three victories, this was the 25-year-old Swiss star's first defeat since beginning a new chapter in her tennis life.

Hingis, a former No. 1 player with five Grand Slam singles titles, left the tour three years ago because of foot, heel and ankle injuries. Now there's a new ailment - a hip strain from Friday's match.

- In Doha, Qatar, defending champion Roger Federer continued his strong preparation for the Australian Open with a 6-3, 6-3 defeat of German Tommy Haas in the semifinals of the Qatar Open.

The top-ranked Swiss player will face Gael Monfils of France, who defeated Filippo Volandri of Italy in the second semifinal 6-3, 6-4.

- In Perth, Australia, Lisa Raymond and Taylor Dent won the deciding mixed doubles against the Netherlands, giving the United States its fourth Hopman Cup mixed teams tennis title in 18 years.

Raymond and Dent beat Michaella Krajicek and Peter Wessels 4-6, 6-2 and 10-7 in the match tiebreaker to clinch the title. The Americans have the most titles in the history of the event and have appeared in eight finals.