Sports

Angels' Erick Aybar slides into second base as he is hit by a throw from Albert Pujols to Brendan Ryan in the fifth inning as the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium. Aybar was safe at second on the hit by Angels' Howie Kendrick.
   
Seven-year-old Cat' Daddy Knight takes a blow to the head during a sparing session at the Good Shepherd Gym in Akron.
  
South Western baseball seniors Mike Burkentine, Nate Glass, and Jesse Smith cheer as Jason Gigous dives for a catch during outfield diving practice Friday afternoon in the rain. South Western Head coach Mike Resetar held the practice to make sure his team was prepared for whatever weather they might face. "Its something fun," he said, "and you never know when you'll have to play in the rain."
     
  
Disappointed Walsh senior Brittany Valentine covers her face as Green celebrates their victory behind her. Green beat Walsh, ranked first in the nation, in double overtime 2-1.
   
Cleveland Brown's Joe Jurevicius is taken down by Baltimore Raven's Chris McAlister and Ray Lewis during the first half of the Raven's 27-17 win over the Browns at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
   
Athletica's Amanda Cinalli and Sky Blue's Christie Rampone battle for the ball during the first half as the St. Louis Athletica take on the New Jersey Blue Sky Wednesday evening in the super semifinal game in Fenton. The winner plays in the championship game against Los Angeles on Saturday.
     
  
Lucy Shuker, of Fleet England, serves the ball to opponent Jordanne Whiley (not pictured), of Halesowen England, during the Women's Open Consolation Final at the US Open USTA Wheelchair Championship at Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park. Shuker won 6-1, 7-5.
   
Minerva Lopez prays as she watches the end of the Athletica's game at a watch party at Amsterdam Tavern in St. Louis. The Athletica took on the Washington Freedom in Washington DC. The freedom came out on top 1-0.
   
Webster Groves' Kendal Alexander gets caught up with SLU's Michael Butler as he tries to take a shot during first half game action as Webster Groves takes on St. Louis University high school in the Class 5 District 2 championship game.
     
  
Jesse Finney, of St. Louis, jumps on the cage and celebrates after beating Justin DeMoney, of Ottumwa, Ia. Demoney tapped out in the first round during Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery at Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
   
Gibault goalkeeper Auggie Sexauer tries to reach for the game wining goal shot from the opposite corner by Columbia's Blake Byrd Tuesday evening during the Illinois Boys Class A Soccer Regional Final at Central Community High School in Breese. Columbia won 1-0. Also pictured is Columbia's Kyle Gudeman (17).
   
South Western's Mike Stremmel, Jason Gigous, and Donnie Brady take a moment on the field before going into the locker room after their 21-12 loss to Red Land in the District 3 Class AAA District championship.
     
  
For three young boys the start of football season cannot come too soon. Brandon Petrick, 12, looks out from the top step of their porch, his cousin Matt Myers, 12, stands a few steps down, while Petrick’s brother Bradley Hopkins, 9, stands on the sidewalk and tosses a ball with a neighborhood friend. The older boys’ eyes dart from one direction to the other as they watch each passing car hoping to spot their ride to the first scrimmage of the year. For two of the boys, this is their first year playing for the Hanover Huskies.
  
Schaumburg catcher Dominick D'Agata and Hersey' s Josh Harwell try to beat each other to homeplate Monday at Hersey High School. Harwell was safe.
   
South Western's Adam Dull gets in position to take on Penn Manor's Hunter McBride at 215lbs. Dull won 13-3 during the District 3 Class AAA team tournament first round match at South Western.
     
  
Manchester high school players receive high fives as they run onto the field at their homecoming game.