Sports briefs for November 7, 2003

Friday, Nov. 7, 2003 | 10:42 a.m.

Justin McBride, of Elk City, Okla., won the first of four rounds at the Professional Bull Riders 2003 World Finals on Thursday at Thomas & Mack Center.

McBride, ranked second on the PBR's season points list and a fomer member of the UNLV rodeo team, tallied 92.5 points on his bull, Moody Blues. He gained an extra 100 points and a $20,000 prize, not including bonus money, for winning the first round.

Michael Gaffney, of Malibu, Calif., ranked 30th on the money list, claimed the $15,000 second prize by tallying 90.5 points on Western Wishes.

The $10,000 third-prize went to Cory Melton, of Keithville, La., who ranks 10th in earnings. He accumulated 89.5 points on Coppertop.

Chris Shivers, of Jonesville, La., who is first on the money list, scored 82.5 points on Waterproof. He opted for a second ride on Little White Soldier and scored no points after being thrown off in 6.7 seconds.

Orioles hire Mazzilli

Lee Mazzilli was hired to manage the Baltimore Orioles today, joining a team he helped beat regularly as the New York Yankees' first base coach.

Mazzilli was to be introduced officially in a news conference at Camden Yards. Mazzilli, 48, has never managed in the major leagues. During his four seasons with the Yankees, New York won the AL East every season and Baltimore finished fourth.

Before that, Mazzilli managed for three years in the Yankees' farm system.

Ky. State coach fired

Kentucky State fired men's basketball coach Winston Bennett for hitting a player. Last week, senior guard Ricky Green filed a complaint with the Franklin County attorney's office, accusing Bennett of striking him in the face during practice. Bennett was hired at Kentucky State in May 2000. He went 44-43 in three seasons at the Division II school.

Sorenstam fires a 63

Annika Sorenstam got off to a fast start today in pursuit of her third consecutive Mizuno Classic title, shooting a bogey-free 9-under 63 to take the first-round lead in Otsu, Japan. The Swedish star is attempting to become the first player in LPGA Tour history with three consecutive victories in more than one event. She also can clinch the player of the year award with a victory on Seta's North Course.

Red Wings' Hatcher out

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Derian Hatcher had right knee ligament surgery and is expected to be sidelined four to six months. Hatcher was hurt when he got tangled up with Vancouver's Markus Naslund and Bryan Allen in a game Oct. 16.

Spinter suspended

British sprinter Dwain Chambers was suspended today after it was confirmed he tested positive for the steroid THG. UK Athletics said it was notified by the sport's world governing body that analysis of the backup B sample matched the positive A test. Chambers is the European 100-meter champion.