Leading Off

last updated: June 11, 2008 04:45:44 AM

Nuts named all-stars

Modesto Nuts closer Andrew Johnston (left) and starter Aneury Rodriguez (right) have been named to the midseason California League all-star team that will take on the Carolina League all-stars in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on June 24. Johnston, who will be making his second consecutive trip to the game, is 12 for 12 in save opportunities and gave up his first earned run of the season on Monday. Rodriguez is 5-5 with a 3.10 ERA and has the league's only two nine-inning shutout performances this season. San Jose placed five players on the team, including four starting pitchers. The Giants have a staff ERA of 2.90, the best in the league by nearly a run over Stockton (3.80) and Modesto (3.83).

Pitman grad Young reaches U.S. Trials

Lesley Young, a Pitman High graduate and University of Wyoming freshman, qualified for the U.S. Olympics Swimming Trials when she completed the 100-meter breaststroke in 1 minute, 11.61 seconds at last weekend's Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational in Omaha, Neb. Young joins two other local swimmers -- Downey High's Karlee Bispo and Golden Valley's Justin Carter -- who have qualified for the Trials. The Olympic Trials are June 29-July 6 at Omaha.

Berrian among pro stars in charity game

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian, a graduate of Fresno State and Atwater High School and a former Modesto Bee Player of the Year, will be among the professional athletes and Hollywood stars participating in the the sixth annual Maddbacker Celebrity Basketball Game Friday at Sacramento's Arco Arena. Also scheduled to appear are Sacramento Kings players Kevin Martin and Ron Artest and All-Pro wide receiver Chad Johnson of the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Arco Arena box office through TicketMaster.com or call 916-928-6900. All proceeds will go to the non-profit The Corner.

Brit skips De La Hoya

British welterweight Ricky Hatton has rejected an approach for a September bout against Oscar De La Hoya. Hatton beat Juan Lazcano on May 24 to retain his IBO light welterweight title and is not expected to fight again until November. De La Hoya's scheduled Sept. 20 bout against Floyd Mayweather was canceled after Mayweather retired last week.

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