1.   But the former pitching ace, who grew up in the southeast Texas town of Alvin, has maintained strong ties to agriculture throughout his career.

2.   Los Angeles Dodgers pitching ace Kevin Brown has a severe sprain in his pitching elbow, and will be sidelined at least four weeks.

3.   Once again, the Baltimore Orioles made short work of Seattle Mariners pitching ace Randy Johnson.

4.   With the Yankees facing the prospect of must-win games against Arizona pitching aces Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, Jorge Posada doubled leading off the ninth.

5.   The hit came off Atlanta pitching ace Greg Maddux.