sports roundup

1. Anyone noticed that the Mariners are finally playing like a team afire, like a well-oiled machine, like ravenous rotifers? They've been stacked with talent all year, but it's only recently that they've consistently found the will to win. I'll take my hopes dashed, thank you.

2. The scrappy U.S. squad is doomed in the 62nd minute and counting. In this year of high ratings and ecstatic announcers (all on Univision), the best thing for American soccer would have been an American trip to the sweet 16. Alas.

3. CHS track star Jordan Swarthout will appear in milk mustache ad. There's a scholarship in it, too.

4. The Virtual Mariners are poised for another run at the World Series, led by the pitching finesse of Tim Leary and the batting prowess of Craig Litton.