AFP - A six-month injury absence has David Beckham champing at the bit to get back on the pitch and provide a boost for his Los Angeles Galaxy teammates - and perhaps eventually again for England.
AP - Aubrey Huff and Buster Posey each hit a two-run homer and Pat Burrell and Juan Uribe also went yard as the San Francisco Giants beat San Diego 7-3 Thursday night to pull within one game of the NL West-leading Padres.
Saints edge Favre, Vikings to open title defense The New Orleans Saints -- the top offense in the league last year -- had just enough in Thursday's opener against the Minnesota Vikings to take a 14-9 lead after three quarters.