By The Associated Press

Published: Thursday, October 23, 2008
Updated: Thursday, October 23, 2008 10:06 AM CDT

Here's a look at Wednesday's sports in brief around the world.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Cole Hamels escaped trouble to win his fourth postseason start, Chase Utley hit a two-run homer in the first inning and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in the World Series opener Wednesday night.

The Phillies will try to make it two in a row at Tropicana Field when Brett Myers pitches against James Shields in Game 2 Thursday night.

The team that won the opener has won the Series 63 of 103 times, including 10 of the last 11. But the team with home-field advantage has won 18 of the last 22 titles.

Hamels, MVP of the NL championship series, improved to 4-0 with a 1.55 ERA this postseason. He had only a pair of 1-2-3 innings, but the composed 24-year-old left-hander allowed two runs and five hits in seven innings.

Ryan Madson pitched a perfect eighth. Brad Lidge worked the ninth for his 47th save in 47 chances this year, silencing the Rays and their cowbell-clanging fans.

NFL

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo said Wednesday he doesn’t expect to play again for the Dallas Cowboys until at least mid-November because of his broken little finger.

That means Romo would miss at least two more games: Sunday at Tampa Bay and the following week at the New York Giants. The Cowboys (4-3), who have lost three of their last four games, then take a week off before returning Nov. 16 at Washington.

Brad Johnson will start again for Dallas, this time against the Buccaneers, who had him as their starter when they won the Super Bowl six seasons ago.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Brett Favre denied reports he called former Detroit president Matt Millen a few weeks ago and gave him information that could be used against Green Bay.

The New York Jets quarterback, who had a bitter split with the Packers, said Millen called to invite him to go hunting. The friends then briefly talked about football.

Favre also said Dallas quarterback Tony Romo called him last week — not the other way around— to ask for suggestions on playing through injuries.

AUTO RACING

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Brian Vickers was docked 150 driver points and crew chief Kevin Hamlin was fined $100,000 by NASCAR, because the Red Bull Racing team dipped its sheet metal in acid to make it lighter than required.

Team owner Dietrich Mateschitz also was docked 150 owner points, while Hamlin and car chief Craig Smokstad were both suspended indefinitely.

Red Bull Racing general manager Jay Frye said the team accepted responsibility and would not appeal the penalties.

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — Despite a dismal economic outlook for U.S. automakers, the Ford Motor Co. decided to extend its support of Roush Fenway Racing’s NASCAR program.

The extension, believed to be a five-year deal, comes a day after billionaire Kirk Kerkorian’s investment firm sold part of its stake in Ford, prompting other investors to follow.

Ford, the No. 2 automaker in the United States, has shuttered plants and downsized its work force in an attempt to return to profitability as high gas prices and a slumping economy have taken their toll on automotive industry.

SOCCER

NEW YORK (AP) — Houston Dynamo forward Kei Kamara and FC Dallas midfielder Pablo Ricchetti will each miss two games after receiving a red card last week.

Both were suspended an additional game and fined an extra $250 by the Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee, doubling the automatic suspension and fine for the red cards.

Kamara struck San Jose Earthquakes defender Nick Garcia with his elbow in their game last Wednesday. Ricchetti received the red card for a challenge on a Real Salt Lake player Saturday.

MILAN, Italy (AP) — AC Milan is close to signing David Beckham in a loan deal that would allow the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder and former England captain to play in Italy for a few months starting in January.

With the Major League Soccer season nearly over, Beckham is eager to join another club in Europe so he can remain in shape and keep his place on England’s team for World Cup qualifying. England coach Fabio Capello has said he will not pick players who are not active.

NBA

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Lakers fans can rest easy. Kobe Bryant’s right knee was a bit sore Wednesday, but the injury isn’t serious and it’s possible he won’t miss any playing time.

Bryant sat out practice due to the hyperextended right knee he suffered Tuesday night in the second quarter of the Lakers’ 102-98 preseason victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.

Wearing an ice bag on his knee, Bryant said he felt a lot better Wednesday morning.

BOXING

ATLANTA (AP) — Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield was back in court, again facing the possibility of jail time in a child-support case, but a settlement was reached after he agreed to a $100,000 college fund for his 10-year-old son.

Holyfield also consented to pay private school tuition before college, reinstated health insurance for his son and settled $4,500 in attorney fees, according to Randy Kessler, a lawyer for the child’s mother, Toi Irvin. The agreement was reached before a scheduled hearing in Fayette County Superior Court in suburban Atlanta.