It doesn't get much better than Father's Day and the final round of the U.S. Open. But that's what we have on tap this weekend and I can't wait.

The Olympic Club, some Barbecue and family. What more could you ask for?

STOCKTON -- The Bakersfield Blaze was unable to protect a six-run lead Wednesday in a 9-6 loss to the Stockton Ports, and will try again tonight on its home field to clinch its first California League opening-half title in 21 years.

Either a Blaze victory tonight, against Lake Elsinore at Sam Lynn Ballpark, or a San Jose loss to Modesto, can seal the first-half title for Bakersfield.

STOCKTON -- The Bakersfield Blaze was unable to protect a six-run lead Wednesday in a 9-6 loss to the Stockton Ports, and will try again tonight on its home field to clinch its first California League opening-half title in 21 years.

Either a Blaze victory tonight, against Lake Elsinore at Sam Lynn Ballpark, or a San Jose loss to Modesto, can seal the first-half title for Bakersfield.

The fact that it was an exhibition game had little bearing on Nisa Ontiveros' approach to Wednesday night's Kern County Senior All-Star Softball Game

The recent Ridgeview grad was out to win, just like always.

The fact that it was an exhibition game had little bearing on Nisa Ontiveros' approach to Wednesday night's Kern County Senior All-Star Softball Game

The recent Ridgeview grad was out to win, just like always.

Matt Cain threw the first perfect game in the San Francisco Giants' history Wednesday night, striking out a career-high 14 in a 10-0 victory over the visiting Houston Astros.

Matt Cain threw the first perfect game in the San Francisco Giants' history Wednesday night, striking out a career-high 14 in a 10-0 victory over the visiting Houston Astros.

AUSTIN, Texas -- The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is bringing doping charges against seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, questioning his victories in those storied cycling races.

Armstrong, who retired from cycling last year, could face a lifetime ban from the sport if he is found to have used performance-enhancing drugs.

AUSTIN, Texas -- The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is bringing doping charges against seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, questioning his victories in those storied cycling races.

Armstrong, who retired from cycling last year, could face a lifetime ban from the sport if he is found to have used performance-enhancing drugs.

STOCKTON -- All the Blaze needs is one.

One win of its own or one San Jose Giants loss, that is, for Bakersfield to clinch its first opening-half title since 1991.

STOCKTON -- All the Blaze needs is one.

One win of its own or one San Jose Giants loss, that is, for Bakersfield to clinch its first opening-half title since 1991.

Leaders of state and local Realtor organizations joined Kern County District Attorney Lisa Green on Tuesday to offer advice for avoiding home loan modification fraud and announce the formation of a new mortgage fraud task force.

The effort is part of an initiative the California Association of Realtors has launched to replicate statewide a program begun about six years ago by the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors.

Bakersfield High has completed its 2012 football schedule with a Week 0 game at Ventura High.

The defending Central Section champions, who started six sophomores full season on a team that went 13-0 in 2011, will play at Ventura on Aug. 24 to open the season. The Cougars were 11-0 last year before losing to Santa Monica in the second round of the Southern Section Division IV playoffs.

Bakersfield High has completed its 2012 football schedule with a Week 0 game at Ventura High.

The defending Central Section champions, who started six sophomores full season on a team that went 13-0 in 2011, will play at Ventura on Aug. 24 to open the season. The Cougars were 11-0 last year before losing to Santa Monica in the second round of the Southern Section Division IV playoffs.

MODESTO -- When you have 72 steals, some are obviously more important than others.

Blaze shortstop Billy Hamilton made the most of No. 72 on Monday night at John Thurman Field, stealing second base in the top of the ninth inning to set up the go-ahead run in a 6-3 Bakersfield victory over the Modesto Nuts.

MODESTO -- When you have 72 steals, some are obviously more important than others.

Blaze shortstop Billy Hamilton made the most of No. 72 on Monday night at John Thurman Field, stealing second base in the top of the ninth inning to set up the go-ahead run in a 6-3 Bakersfield victory over the Modesto Nuts.

Announcements

Camps

Announcements

Camps

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Kings' 45-year Stanley Cup quest ended in a triumphant flourish of blood, sweat and power-play goals. After missing two chances to claim the title last week, the long-suffering Kings are NHL champions for the first time.

Hooray for Hockeywood.

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Kings' 45-year Stanley Cup quest ended in a triumphant flourish of blood, sweat and power-play goals. After missing two chances to claim the title last week, the long-suffering Kings are NHL champions for the first time.

Hooray for Hockeywood.