U.S. Defeats Japan, 5-2, to Win Softball World Cup

Stacey Nuveman and Lovieanne Jung homered to power the United States to the World Cup of Softball title Monday night at Oklahoma City with a 5-2 victory over Japan.

Andrea Duran also homered and Cat Osterman struck out 11 in a two-hitter as the U.S. took the first big step toward re-establishing itself as the best softball team in the world after losing three times to Japan last year, including the World Cup final.

The U.S. finished the tournament with a 59-3 scoring advantage over its opponents.

In the third-place game, Canada defeated Australia, 2-0, and China defeated Britain in the fifth-place game, 1-0.

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PRO BASKETBALL

Pierce Makes It Official, Signs With Celtics

Paul Pierce, the Celtics captain whose prolific but occasionally troubled career put him on the trading blocks last summer, officially signed a three-year, $59-million contract extension that would keep him in Boston through the 2010-11 season.

Pierce, who turns 29 in October, is scheduled to make about $31.5 million over the next two years. The extension adds three years and $59 million after that.

Last season Pierce averaged a career-high 26.8 points with 6.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He is the eighth-leading scorer in Celtics history.

Fred Whitfield, a close friend, confidante and business partner of Charlotte Bobcats co-owner Michael Jordan for more than 25 years, was hired as president and chief operating officer of Bobcats Sports & Entertainment.

Forward Ronald Dupree agreed to a two-year contract with the Detroit Pistons.

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HOCKEY

Garon Signs With Kings for $1.216 Million

Goaltender Mathieu Garon, a restricted free agent who had accepted a qualifying offer from the Kings, signed a one-year, $1.216-million contract.

Garon, who is expected to compete with recently acquired Dan Cloutier for the starting job, had arbitration rights but chose not to exercise them. He had a 31-26-3 record, 3.22 goals-against average and .894 save percentage last season in becoming only the fourth goalie in club history to win 30 games.

Cloutier is due to earn $2.55 million next season and Jason LaBarbera is due $800,000. Garon’s salary isn’t exorbitant and wouldn’t squeeze the Kings’ salary-cap space should he end up being Cloutier’s backup.

The Kings also re-signed restricted free-agent right wing Tim Jackman, who had five points for Manchester of the AHL in 18 games last season.

General Manager Dean Lombardi said Monday that he has no second choice among available free agents after Dallas’ signing of Eric Lindros, who had piqued the Kings’ interest because of his size and experience. Lindros took an offer from the Stars that will pay him $1.55 million in base salary and contains incentives that could pad the total to $2.5 million.

“I don’t see a fit right now” in the free-agent market, Lombardi said. “It was kind of a unique situation in terms of what he could bring.... We’ve got three arbitration hearings hanging over our heads, so right now we’ve got to be careful until we get the numbers in.”

Forwards Eric Belanger, Sean Avery and Michael Cammalleri are scheduled for salary arbitration in Toronto over the next two weeks.

-- Helene Elliott

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PRO FOOTBALL

Eagles Agree to Terms With Ex-Trojan Justice

Second-round draft pick Winston Justice signed a four-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Justice, a tackle, started 36 games at USC, earning All-Pacific 10 Conference honorable mention honors as a senior and sophomore.

The Tennessee Titans agreed to terms with six of their 10 draft picks, including safety Calvin Lowry, defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona and defensive back Cortland Finnegan.

Linebackers Stephen Tulloch and Spencer Toone and running back Quinton Ganther also agreed to deals. Quarterback Vince Young, running back LenDale White, linebacker Terna Nande and receiver Jonathan Orr are unsigned.

Minnesota agreed to terms with defensive end Ray Edwards and defensive back Greg Blue.... New Orleans and sixth-round draft pick Josh Lay agreed to terms on a three-year contract.

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TENNIS

Top-Seeded Blake to Play Udaomchoke

Danai Udaomchoke beat Tomas Cako, 6-2, 6-2, to set up a second-round match against top-seeded James Blake in the RCA Championships at Indianapolis. Other first-round winners included Americans Jeff Morrison and Sam Querrey.

Emma Laine pulled off the first upset in the Cincinnati Women’s Open, beating Sybille Bammer, 6-3, 6-1, in the first round.... Michaella Krajicek saved a match point before beating Emmanuelle Gagliardi, 6-1, 6-7 (3), 7-5, in the first round of the Palermo International at Palermo, Sicily.

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MISCELLANY

Barbaro Remains in Stable Condition

Barbaro’s vital signs, appetite and heart rate remained normal, though there was no indication the Kentucky Derby winner’s condition had improved since a grim prognosis by his veterinarian last week.

For the fourth straight day, Dean Richardson said Barbaro’s condition remained stable.

Former USC All-American running back Anthony Davis is among 15 players and five coaches who will be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 11-12 in South Bend, Ind.

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T.J. Simers is on vacation.