MLB: D’backs fire manager

The Diamondbacks fired Bob Melvin yesterday, hoping a new manager will be able to get the most out of their talented core of young players. He had one year left on a contract he received after being the 2007 NL Manager of the Year. A.J. Hinch, the team’s VP for player development, will be named the new manager today.

* In Boston, the Red Sox tied a modern major-league record with 12 runs in an inning before making an out and Tim Wakefield won his fourth straight decision, 13-3 over the Indians. . . . In Chicago, Mark Buehrle was perfect into the seventh inning and allowed one hit over eight innings, leading the White Sox to a 6-0 victory over the Tigers. . . . In Los Angeles, Nick Johnson had three RBIs, and the Nationals rallied for 10 runs in the final three innings to beat the Dodgers 11-9. The Dodgers lost at Chavez Ravine for the first time this season after setting a modern major league record Wednesday night with a 13-0 start at home.

* Danny Ozark, who managed the Phillies to three consecutive NL East titles in the 1970s but fell short of the World Series each time, died yesterday. He was 85.

NBA: Cavs open up 2-0 lead

In Cleveland, LeBron James scored 27 points, ending the first and second quarters with last-second baskets, and the Cavaliers overpowered the Hawks, 105-85, to open a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal. The Cavs tied a league record by winning their sixth consecutive playoff game by double digits. Hawks leading scorer Joe Johnson is doubtful for Game 3 after rolling his right ankle.

* The Magic’s Rafer Alston and Derek Fisher of the Lakers were each suspended for tonight’s games of their respective playoff series. . . . The Hornets are sticking with head coach Byron Scott for at least one more season. . . . Mavericks All-Star Dirk Nowitzki offered no explanation about the arrest of a woman at his home Wednesday, saying only that he is having personal troubles now.

NHL: ‘Hawks tie series in OT

In Chicago, Andrew Ladd tipped in teammate Dave Bolland‘s long shot less than three minutes into overtime to give the Blackhawks a 2-1 comeback victory over the Canucks, tying the Western Conference semifinal at 2-2. Martin Havlat tied it at 1 with 2:44 left in regulation.

* Johan Franzen and Marian Hossa each scored twice to help the Red Wings beat the Ducks 6-3 last night in Anaheim, tying the Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2.

* Police say they’ve traced an Internet death threat made against Capitals star Alex Ovechkin to a 17-year-old boy who lives in Chambersburg, about 125 miles east-southeast of Pittsburgh.

GRID: Bengals sign Roy Williams

The Bengals signed safety Roy Williams to a one-year contract. The Bengals also acquired running back Brian Leonard, a former Rutgers standout, in a trade with the Rams.

* The Dolphins are renaming their home Landshark Stadium as part of a partnership with singer Jimmy Buffett. The name change from Dolphin Stadium is the fifth since the stadium opened in 1987.

GOLF: Ochoa leads in Virginia

Lorena Ochoa shot a 7-under 64 to take a one-shot lead over Lindsey Wright after the first round of the Michelob Ultra Open at Williamsburg, Va.