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Major League Baseball

Bonds won't play in World Classic

In San Francisco, Barry Bonds pulled out of the World Baseball Classic on Monday, saying he didn't want to risk an injury that could jeopardize his future with the San Francisco Giants.

"When my name was first announced for the WBC, my gut reaction was that I wanted to play. After much thought and discussion with my family I have decided to remove myself from the upcoming World Baseball Classic roster," Bonds wrote on his Web site.

- In Atlanta, Braves starter Tim Hudson has decided against playing in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Third baseman Chipper Jones and outfielder Jeff Francoeur are the only Braves left on the initial American roster.

Andruw Jones (Netherlands), Jorge Sosa (Dominican Republic), Oscar Villarreal (Mexico), Chris Reitsma and Pete Orr (Canada) are the other Braves expected to be involved with the tournament.

- Atlanta signed veteran left-handed reliever Mike Remlinger to a minor league deal. The 39-year-old Remlinger pitched for the Braves from 1999-2002.

- In New York, a man who punched David Wells to the floor of a Manhattan diner, knocking out two of the pitcher's teeth, surrendered to finish his sentence for misdemeanor assault. Rocco Graziosa was convicted on Nov. 22, 2002, of third-degree assault.

- In St. Petersburg, Fla., left-hander Casey Fossum avoided arbitration with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays when he agreed to a $4.55 million, two-year contract.

- In Cincinnati, Reds general manager Dan O'Brien was fired by new owner Bob Castellini, his first major change since he took control of the team.

- In Houston, Astros outfielder Lance Berkman was scheduled for arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday. Berkman hit .293 with 24 home runs last year.

College Basketball

Lady Pacers extend win streak to three

Megan Starnes had a career-high 17 points as USC Aiken won at Georgia College & State, 68-56, for its third consecutive win in the Peach Belt Conference.

USC Aiken's Kendra Chandler turned the momentum at halftime, stealing the ball and connecting on a 60-foot heave for a 33-23 lead at the break. Meredith Legg scored 13 points, and Mindy Allee had 12 for the Lady Pacers (8-8, 4-5), who also got 10 rebounds from Avonte Williams.

- In Savannah, Ga., Matt Scott's 3-pointer with 1:06 to play gave Augusta State a two-possession lead, and the Jaguars grabbed a 64-58 victory without suspended coach Dip Metress.

Demetrius Howard's game-high 13 points led four Jaguars (8-8, 4-5) in double figures.

- In Savannah, Ga., Shirrell Ford went 7-for-8 from the floor a game-high 16 points as the Augusta State women beat Armstrong Atlantic, 54-47. The Jaguars (7-11, 2-7) forced 26 turnovers.

- Paine will end a three-game homestand when it plays host to Morehouse at 7:30 tonight at Carter Gym.

The Lions (9-4, 8-2) have won two in a row and sit in second place in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings.

Boxing

North Augusta PAL brings home awards

The North Augusta Police Athletic League won numerous awards at the South Carolina USA Senior Championships and Club Show on Saturday.

North Augusta brought home the Outstanding Team award for most wins and the Outstanding Bout of the tournament, featuring teammates Josh Durden and Brandon Domingue. The four-round bout ended in a split decision, with Domingue taking gold and Durden silver.

Other North Augusta winners included Aaron Domingue, Terry Cade and Amber Bush.

Auto Racing

Grovetown's Joyner grabs top honors

In Warner Robins, Ga., Ricky Joyner, of Grovetown, Ga., took top honors in the National Vintage Racing Association's Late Model Sportman class.

Joyner, who drives a 1965 Plymouth, was given his award at Warner Robins Air Force Base Museum.