LA Angels defeat LA Dodgers 10-2. Derek Lowe started on three days rest due to Brad Penny getting an extra day off due to a sore forearm. Usually Lowe is good on three days rest, but I guess he wilted in the heat. Lowe gave up seven runs and ten hits in five innings, and the Dodgers bullpen didn't do much to stop the bleeding either. The Angels had been struggling offensively up to this point. Jered Weaver meanwhile looked unhittable until the fourth inning when he gave up an infield single to Juan Pierre which he couldn't catch up to. He got irritated then gave up two runs. But he regained his form in the fifth inning allowing the Angels to coast from that point on. Yet again the Dodgers lose the freeway series at Angel Stadium.

LA Galaxy defeat FC Dallas 5-1. Already ably recapped by Angel.

Notable Notes

In a series that have sent basketball back 15 years, the Boston Celtics finally won the series against the Cleveland LeBrons in game seven Sunday afternoon. If anyone is paying attention to the Eastern Conference at this point, the conference finals over there will probably set basketball back another 15 years with the series between the Celtics and Detroit Pistons. The Celtics have yet to win a road game in the playoffs, while the Pistons have a habit of packing it in during the playoffs. See last year's conference finals against the LeBrons. Fortunately all Eastern Conference Final games will be shown on ESPN/ABC, so they get equally shitty Mike Turico calling their games.

The LA Sports Council and the LA Area Chamber released findings (warning: large pdf file) this past week that LA area sports have generated $5 billion towards the local economy. The study included only the sports events industry and not other sectors that could be affected by sports such as hotels, restaurants, retail merchandising and manufacturing. Included in their findings is that the Dodgers topped attendance in all local sports with 3.8 million and that sports contributed to 3,385 full-time jobs and 10,490 part-time jobs.

If you know how to correctly spell Coach K's name, this event might be for you. In conjunction with the Scipps National Spelling Bee, ESPN Zone will be hosting a Sport's Spelling Bee. Each of the eight ESPN Zone locations will host a local contest until there is one winner. The winners in each location get a prize package which includes a trophy, ESPN Zone gift pack, DVDs, video games and other goodies. Check the Anaheim ESPN Zone page for more information.

Tonight's Action

Cincinnati Reds at LA Dodgers. A struggling Bronson Arroyo goes to the mound against a struggling Brad Penny. 7:10 pm FSN Prime Ticket, AM 790 KABC.

LA Avengers at Chicago Rush. The Avengers hope to limit turnovers which have been plaguing them all season at Chicago where their season ended last year. 5:00 pm ESPN2, AM 570 KLAC (Delayed).

AP Photo by Matt A. Brown