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Y E S T E R D A Y…

Jazz 104, Lakers 111: The home court held true once again for the Lake Show, who are 19-3 against the Jazz all-time at Staples. The home team has won 19 of the 20 games played in the second round thus far. Kobe’s night was nothing special, but his boys had his back — Gasol and Odom combined for 43, and all five starters scored in double figures. The series heads back to Utah on Friday for a Game 6 win-or-go-home for the Jazz.

Dodgers 6, Brewers 4: After dropping five straight, the Boys in Blue needed nothing more than a comeback win to get them off the snide. They got exactly that off of former Dodger (no, not Gagne) Guillermo Mota, who surrendered three runs in the bottom of the ninth to blow a 4-3 lead. Juan Pierre went from goat to hero in the span of 24 hours by hitting a two-run ninth inning double to put the Dodgers ahead after popping out on the first pitch to end the game Tuesday night.

White Sox 6, Angels 1: Guess who is the first AL batter to double-digit dongs? Need a hint? He’s on the ChiSox…and it’s not the ancient Jim Thome or whiff-prone Paul Konerko. Give up? Carlos Quentin. Yes, that guy who the D’Backs gave up on to make room for Chris Young, who is constantly flirting with the Mendoza line, or Justin Upton, who after a hot start, appears to need a little more seasoning. Lackey’s debut was spoiled, and the Halos were halted at home.

T O D A Y…

Dodgers at Brewers (10:05 am, FSNPT): Can the Dodgers build on last night’s comeback? Fat chance with Ben Sheets on the mound and Chad Billingsley giving up earned runs like they’re candy. Thursday’s tussle should be a K-fest however, as both starters are averaging near a strikeout-per-inning. You can bet the retirement fund that Andruw Jones goes for a golden sombrero (4 K’s).

White Sox at Angels (7:05 pm, FSN West): Former ChiSock Jon Garland, who is getting the job done lately using smoke and mirrors (he has a 12:16 K:BB ratio on the season), will get the ball against his former club. If he can avoid Carlos the Conquistador, he should be fine. Javy Vazquez gets the start for the Sox.

N E W S W O R T H Y…

• A day after his “I-rode-bikes-around-campus” declaration, O.J. Mayo supplemented his denial of allegations of receiving improper gifts by calling this entire controversy a mere “publicity stunt” and saying he’s convinced the NCAA’s search will foster fewer results than President Bush’s misguided mission for WMDs.
• My, how things can change in a year. A season after Mitch Kupchak was being roundly roasted in La-La Land for failing to lift a stagnant Lakers squad back to glory, he placed second behind Boston’s Danny Ainge for NBA Executive of the Year.
• Top female tennis player Justine Henin (what ever happened to the ‘Hardenne?’) is calling it quits at the tender age of 25, saying she’s contemplated quitting since 2007. Henin is the first player to retire while currently sitting No. 1 in the world rankings…well…ever.
• After all the huffing and puffing, the Coliseum Commission and USC finally reached a 25-year agreement to keep the Boys of Troy playing pigskin within its friendly confines.

C O L U M N S…

• The Times’ T.J. Simers would like to applaud the Angels for putting forward $10,000 for Big Brothers, Big Sisters to send underprivileged children to see legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden and famed Dodgers announcer Vin Scully speak at L.A. Live’s Nokia Theatre. But it wouldn’t be a Simers piece without a few wise-cracks and sarcasm, now would it?
• For once, Kobe’s teammates “back” him in time of need, instead of the other way around, says The Press-Enterprise’s Gregg Patton. The superstar got through Game 5, achy back and all, with extra help from the supporting cast.
• While he too was impressed by Kobe’s teammates’ efforts, the Daily News’ Steve Dilbeck was more impressed with the Kobester himself, who pushed through the pain to be as effective as ever in a crucial Game 5.

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