Mendoza, Bustos Lead the U.S. to Gold Medal

Jessica Mendoza and Crystl Bustos hit consecutive homers to lift the U.S. team to the gold medal with a 3-0 victory Tuesday over Japan at the world softball championships in Beijing.

The U.S. team beat Australia, 5-1, earlier Tuesday to reach the gold-medal game. The Americans avenged a 3-1 loss Monday to Japan.

Mendoza hit a two-run homer in the sixth that was followed by a solo blast by Bustos, who also homered against Australia.

Cat Osterman threw two complete games, striking out 10 against Australia and 14 in the final against Japan.

“Cat was the key,” U.S. Coach Mike Candrea said. “She got stronger as the days went on. And we knew that would be huge for us.”

JURISPRUDENCE

Two Chronicle Reporters Appeal Judge’s Order

Two San Francisco Chronicle reporters are appealing a judge’s order to tell a federal grand jury who leaked them secret testimony from Barry Bonds and other elite athletes ensnared in the government’s steroid probe.

Reporters Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada worked out a deal with the government that they could appeal U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White’s Aug. 15 order before authorities seek sanctions against the two, including jail.

The men have said they would go to jail rather than comply with the grand jury’s subpoena and reveal their source or sources. They are asking the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco to throw out White’s order.

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Former NBA and Virginia standout Ralph Sampson, who is accused of lying to federal authorities about his finances in a child support case, would serve two months in jail under a plea agreement he is considering, his attorney said.

Sampson, 46, is scheduled to appear in federal court Thursday for a trial on charges of perjury, making a false claim, mail fraud and making a false statement.

Sampson faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on each count if convicted in the non-jury trial, prosecutors said.

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San Jose Sharks forward Mark Bell was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and felony hit-and-run after an early-morning accident in San Jose.

Bell, who played his first four NHL seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, was acquired by the Sharks in a three-team trade July 10. Days later, he received a new three-year contract that will pay him $2 million for the upcoming season.

GOLF

European Tour Fines Bjorn for Outburst

Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn has been fined by the European Tour for his outburst against Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam.

After being overlooked for a wild card for the match against the United States this month, Bjorn launched a vitriolic attack against Woosnam on Monday.

Since then both parties have spoken and Bjorn has backed down, apologizing to Woosnam and the European Tour.

Among Bjorn’s accusations were that Woosnam would make a “pathetic” captain and that he was “barmy.”

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Michelle Wie defended her right to compete on the men’s tour and said she wanted to play in the Ryder Cup someday as she prepared for this week’s European Masters in Switzerland.

Wie, making her first appearance on the men’s European Tour, said: “Hopefully, I will be able to play the Ryder Cup one day; that would be awesome, and I think it is totally possible.”

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John Daly withdrew from the Canadian Open, five days after he pulled out of a tournament in Germany because of a gastrointestinal virus.

PRO BASKETBALL

Jacobsen Signs With the Rockets

The Houston Rockets signed free agent Casey Jacobsen, a former Glendora High player.

The 6-foot-6 Jacobsen played last season for Tau Ceramica in the Euroleague. He was originally drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the first round in 2002.

Jacobsen is Stanford’s third all-time scorer and ranks second in three-point baskets (222).

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The WNBA fined Detroit Shock Coach Bill Laimbeer for criticizing the officiating after his club’s loss to the Sacramento Monarchs in Game 3 of the WNBA finals.

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Veteran guard David Wesley signed a two-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a deal that could lead to more backcourt maneuvering as the team tries to build off its playoff run last season.

Wesley averaged 9.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 71 games -- 59 starts -- for the Houston Rockets last season.

MISCELLANY

Malkin Signs Deal With Pittsburgh Penguins

Evgeni Malkin officially began his NHL career when he signed a contract worth at least $3 million with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Malkin, 20, is one of Russia’s best-known sports figures.

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The Colorado Avalanche re-signed forward Marek Svatos to a one-year deal. Svatos scored 32 goals in his rookie season for the Avalanche, including nine game-winners and 12 on the power play, before his season was cut short by a shoulder injury.

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Dario Franchitti suffered a concussion in a crash during qualifying for a vintage auto race in England and will miss the Indy Racing League’s season finale Sunday at Chicago.

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Germany’s publicly funded television network ARD will terminate its contract with 1997 Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich at year’s end.