(Minneapolis, MN) — David Ortiz had four hits including a home run to power the Red Sox over Minnesota, 8-6. Glen Perkins absorbed the loss out of the bullpen and Jason Kubel drove in a pair, including a solo homer. Minnesota has now lost five straight and eight-of-nine. Francisco Liriano will take the mound tonight against Erik Bedard in the second installment.

(Mankato, MN)  –  A final settlement has been reached in the wrongful death lawsuit against helmet manufacturer Riddell which stemmed from the death of former Vikings offensive tackle Korey Stringer.  Kelci Stringer, the widow of Korey, sued the Ohio-based company but due to a confidentiality agreement, could not discuss the financial terms of the settlement.  Stringer died of heatstroke during Vikings training camp in 2001.

(New York, NY)  –  Lynx star Seimone Augustus and Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles have been named the WNBA’s Western and Eastern Conference players of the week, respectively, for games played through August 7th.  Augustus, who earned her sixth career weekly award, guided the Lynx to three wins while ranking third in the Western Conference in scoring at 16.7 points-per-game.  She shot  47.5-percent from the field and grabbed 4.7 rebounds per game.  The Lynx are currently in the midst of  a franchise record nine-game win streak.  They are back on the court tonight in Phoenix.