LA Lakers over Utah Jazz 109-98. MVP Kobe Bryant and the Lakers showed that a six-day layoff wouldn't decrease their intensity as they spanked the Jazz Sunday afternoon. Before the sold-out crowd at Staples, the Jazz looked gassed in the fourth quarter from having played six tough games against the Houston Rockets in the first round. The MVP scored 38 points and went to the free-throw line a playoff career high 23 times only missing his last two attempts. The one point of concern for the Lakers was their job on the defensive boards. Utah grabbed 25 offensive rebounds, and if the Lakers hope to make this another short series they need to box out better. The Lakers have now won five straight playoff games.

Colorado Rockies over LA Dodgers 7-2. The eight game winning streak had to end at some point, didn't it? Rockie's starter Aaron Cook (5-1) went 7 2/3 innings giving up only two earned runs on nine hits and walked no one. On the other hand Dodger's starter Derek Lowe (2-2) trudged through five innings making 112 pitches giving up five runs on six hits and four walks. In his last three trips to Coors Field Lowe is 0-3 with a 10.95 ERA.

LA Angels over Baltimore Orioles 6-5. The Angels got a subpar performance from the outstanding Joe Saunders but bailed him out with their offense taking his record to 6-0. Saunders got into trouble right from the start giving up two runs on five hits, but the Angels answered back in the home half of the inning with Gary Matthew's lead-off solo shot and Torii Hunter's Earl Weaver.

Other Weekend Action

LA Galaxy tie Real Salt Lake 2-2. The Galaxy gave up two early goals but came back with David Beckham scoring twice in the first half.

Chiva USA tie Houston Dynamo 0-0. An MLS season high nine cards including an ejection of Chivas' Claudio Suarez in the 82nd minutes as Chivas shored up their defense after giving up five goals to the Galaxy last week.

LA Avengers defeat Arizona Rattlers 66-59. The turnover-prone Avengers took care of the football and got the win over the division rival Rattlers.

Tonight's Action

NY Mets (16-13) at LA Dodgers (17-14). The Mets coming off of defeat the MLB-best Diamondbacks two of three games over the weekend send Oliver Perez (2-2) to the mound against the offensive juggernaut of the Dodgers with Chad Billingsley (1-4) on the mound. 7:10 pm FSN Prime Ticket, AM 790 KABC.

LA Angels (20-13) at Kansas City Royals (14-16). All smiles Ervin Santana (5-0) gets the start for the Angels against perpetually useless Brett Tomko (1-3). 5:10 pm FSN West, AM 830 KLAA.

AP Photo by Mark J. Terrill