The Record, Bergen County, NJ

El Duque Keeps Getting It Done

NEW YORK While his teammates worked through their pregame rituals, Orlando Hernandez sat nearly sunken into a deep sofa in the Mets' clubhouse, idly watching golf alone on the wide-screen television. But this is not your average 40-something relaxing. For El Duque, the workday had begun much earlier in the afternoon, before most of his teammates arrived, and would pick up in a few hours when he would take the mound.

Bosco Is Geared Up to Test Nation's Best

RAMSEY - Matt Marotta squeezed the bat a little tighter and focused on the eyes of the opposing pitcher more intensely, perhaps more than ever before. "You're thinking, 'Break up the no-hitter, get the ball in play,' " Don Bosco's senior shortstop said, reliving what it was like facing Seton Hall Prep ace Rick Porcello in a baseball tournament on Long Island last summer.

Pompton Lakes Finally Beats Saddle Brook

SADDLE BROOK Pompton Lakes junior Chelsea Ott began pacing around the pitcher's circle the moment the softball finally landed beyond the left field fence in the sixth inning of Tuesday's North 1, Group 1 final. Saddle Brook's Amanda Bartels had just slugged a solo home run. Despite still trailing on the scoreboard, four outs from defeat, her team was alive and poised to strike for more.

Super Sophomore Sizzles ; with Baiunco Injured, Shaw Lifts Ramapo

PARAMUS - Julie Shaw never expected to be in this situation. But she's thrilled to be here. With Brittany Baiunco still unable to pitch, due to what doctors believe is a strained right bicep, Shaw got another start in the circle and again the Ramapo sophomore came through big time.

How's That for Birthday Gift? ; Broderick's Hit Gives Pascack Hills First Crown in 22 Years

HILLSDALE Julie Broderick will never forget her 17th birthday. Forget the Nissan Sentra she got, Broderick, a Pascack Hills junior, got the winning hit in the seventh as the Cowgirls beat rival Pascack Valley, 1-0, Thursday for their first softball sectional title since 1985.

Meadowlands to Increase Purses

EAST RUTHERFORD The Meadowlands will increase racing purses by 10 percent beginning Wednesday. This marks the second across-the-board purse increase this spring. Meadowlands purses were first increased in April, along with the implementation of a bonus program for New Jersey-sired horses earning purse checks in non-restrictive overnight races.

Jim Freda's Saltwater Report

Best bet Some striped bass ranging from 30-50 pounds are in our area. Bluefish and fluke also are around in good numbers.

Managing the Summer ; Virginia Assistant Keeping Priorities in Order

The two joys in Kevin McMullan's life are family and baseball. For the most part, that's the way it's always been for him. Growing up in Dumont, McMullan learned the importance of family and sports. He lost his mother when he was 5. But with the support of his father, a former professional football player, four siblings, as well as a strong community, McMullan prospered athletically, earning All-Bergen County and All-State honors in baseball, football and wrestling.

Upset Kendall a No-Show at Practice

NEW YORK Organized Team Activity is the official name for the Jets' practice session Thursday, one of several that will precede their formal minicamp later this month. Sounds like a get-together at the shore, or perhaps a barbecue, doesn't it? But these so-called voluntary workouts are no day at the beach, although one Jet certainly feels burned already.

Just Like Magic, Donovan Gone ; Florida Coach Leaping to Pros

Billy Donovan is finally leaving the Gators, hoping he isn't done winning titles in Florida. Donovan agreed to become coach of the Orlando Magic on Thursday, taking a five-year, $27.5 million contract, an official in the NBA told The Associated Press.

Mets Notes

Beltran hurt Carlos Beltran left the game after the first inning suffering a right knee injury. He will undergo an MRI today and is listed as day to day.

Torre's Anniversary Not Joyful Occasion

BOSTON There was extra fielding on Tuesday, and no batting practice on Wednesday. "Try to find something that works," Derek Jeter said of the Yankees' maddening, losing condition. Mixing the lineup, calling a meeting Joe Torre has dabbled in all means of managerial cures.

No Giambi 3 Weeks, Minimum

BOSTON Instead of a cortisone shot for his ailing left foot, Jason Giambi received an indefinite stay on the disabled list. In pain for weeks, Giambi was done in by a home run trot.

Nadal a Lot Better Up Close ; Clay-Court Master Impresses Wide-Eyed French Open Foe

PARIS Imagine this: The third tour-level match of your professional tennis career is against Rafael Nadal in a 9,950-seat stadium at the French Open. You've watched Nadal from afar. You know all about his recently snapped 81-match winning streak on clay. The two consecutive titles at Roland Garros, too. So you have an idea of what to expect, right? Not one bit, according to Flavio Cipolla, the qualifier from Italy who lived the above scenario Thursday.

French Open at a Glance

A look at the French Open on Thursday: Attendance: 34,891. Last year: 34,865.

Emerson Loss a Blessing in Disguise

For history's sake, the Emerson baseball team is better off having its State title dream dashed by Hasbrouck Heights during one incredible six-run, sixth-inning rally Tuesday. Believe it or not, it's because of that stunning setback the Cavos now have a legitimate chance to do something even more remarkable.

Great Days to Hook Up with a Bass

Large striped bass are starting to migrate into our area from the South and should continue to do so for the next several weeks. Through the middle of July, boaters and surfcasters have a real opportunity to hook into a fish of a lifetime. Thirty-to-50-pound stripers, some larger, might be caught any day.

Sports Ticker

HOCKEY Sidney Crosby, 19, was named captain by the Penguins, making him the youngest player in NHL history to receive the letter. * Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward signed a three-year, $8 million contract to remain with the team.

Alex in Chains ; When His Private Life Becomes Public, Expect Rodriguez to Bolt From N.Y.

The mood around the Yankees' executive offices was decidedly gloomy on Thursday, and it didn't take much detective work to understand why. Their record is an embarrassment; this weekend's series with the Red Sox is irrelevant, and the Mets have become everyone's pet. Jason Giambi went on the disabled list with a bad foot, and Phil Hughes couldn't even finish rehabbing his hamstring without severely spraining his ankle. And then there's Alex Rodriguez, the gossip pages' whipping boy of choice.

Victory No Matter the Finish ; Teaneck's San George, Bosco's Mccullogh Back After Injuries

While some of the top North Jersey athletes head to Egg Harbor and South Plainfield this weekend in search of gold at the State Group track championships, two seniors already have earned major victories simply by getting back on the track last month. Teaneck's Tommy San George ran at the prestigious East Coast Relays two weeks ago, his first race since injuring his Achilles' tendon in September while on a training run for cross-country. He ran the 800 in a personal-best 1:56.1 to anchor the H...