KEVIN P. CASEY / Associated Press Justin Germano held the Mariners to an unearned run and six hits in six innings.

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SEATTLE – Justin Germano didn't say it as a boast. “It's good to know the ball is in my court,” said the 24-year-old right-hander. “If I'm throwing well, it will put pressure on them to find a spot for me.” Germano is throwing very well. And he probably doesn't have to worry about a spot right now – be it in the Padres rotation or the team's vaunted bullpen.

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Bill Grier paid his dues until he was almost destitute. By his own reckoning, the University of San Diego's new basketball coach spent the first decade of his career “below the poverty line” in order to keep his hand in hoops. He worked as a banquet waiter. He delivered room service. He coached golf, after a fashion, so he could afford to continue coaching basketball.

CLIFTON, N.J. – Lorena Ochoa validated her No. 1 ranking in women's golf yesterday by coming from behind to capture the Sybase Classic, her first win since dethroning Annika Sorenstam as the top player. What she needs now is a major title.