Ex-USC Aiken Star Signs With Pirates

Ex-USC Aiken Star Signs With Pirates

PITTSBURGH (AP) Reliever Roberto Hernandez finalized his two-point-75 (m) million-dollar, one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates Thursday after passing a physical.

The former USC Aiken star went 8-and-6 with a two-point-58 E-R-A and four saves in 67 games with the New York Mets last season.

Hernandez says he also was offered a contract by the New York Yankees, but chose the Pirates because he expects to pitch in more late-inning situations with them. He has 324 career saves, but has not been a closer since 2002.

In 2003, Hernandez donated 1-million dollars to help build USC Aiken’s Roberto Hernandez baseball stadium.

Leaders Say Prayers Have Transformed Hearts

Prayer

Reverend Gregory Fuller, Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, says prayer holds the answer to every problem in Augusta.

“I don’t believe our city will prosper until the spiritual and religious community comes together and the best way to do that is through prayer,” said Fuller.

For six months now the Mayor Deke Copenhaver and other city leaders have attended the mayor’s prayer breakfast.

Leaders say as they leave the church, they find it easier to come together. An answer to their prayers.

“I see changes in the way people interact with each other,” said Richmond County Commissioner Keith Brown.

But Reverend Fuller is concerned more people don’t attend.

“I’ve heard some persons say ‘I’m not gonna go, I’ll pray at home’. The scripture talks about not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together. Whether you like a person or not, if an enemy calls me and asks me to pray for him, I will pray for him. I know I can’t change him, but God can,” said Fuller.

Breakfast organizer Matt Aiken agrees. He says much change has already taken place and even greater changes are to come.

Gamecocks Become Bowl Eligible Against MTSU

Gamecocks Become Bowl Eligible Against MTSU

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Blake Mitchell passed for a career-high 388 yards and four touchdowns and South Carolina became bowl-eligible for the second straight year under Steve Spurrier with a 52-7 victory over Middle Tennessee today.

Mitchell continued his strong play since regaining his starting spot a week ago as the Gamecocks broke a three-game losing streak.

His 15-yard T-D pass to Andy Boyd put South Carolina ahead for good at 14-7. Then Mitchell connected with his favorite target, Sidney Rice, on scoring throws of 37 and 27 yards that put the Gamecocks up 28-7 at halftime.

Mitchell’s final touchdown pass was a 19-yard toss to Cory Boyd in the third quarter.

Middle Tennessee entered with a four-game win streak and motivation for a good showing. Coach Rick Stockstill was Spurrier’s recruiting coordinator a year ago.

The Blue Raiders quickly scored when Desmond Gee caught a 73-yard touchdown pass from Clint Marks on the game’s first play. The momentum did –NOT– last.

The Blue Raiders big game comes next week when they take on Troy. A win would give them the Sun Belt Conference championship and a berth in the New Orleans Bowl.