on the SIDELINES

WASHINGTON -- The veterans led, the stars starred and the youngsters enjoyed the ride. It was a terrific way for the U.S. women to open defense of their World Cup title.\nMia Hamm showed why she is the biggest star in women's soccer, setting up three goals Sunday as the United States beat Sweden 3-1. Kristine Lilly, who has played in more international soccer games than anyone, scored the first goal and was a dynamo all over the field.\nJoy Fawcett, playing in her fourth World Cup as are Hamm, Lilly and Julie Foudy, was a rock on defense, particularly after 1999 World Cup heroine Brandi Chastain broke her right foot and left at halftime. Chastain will miss the rest of the first round, at least.\nNewcomers Shannon Boxx, who scored on a header off Hamm's corner kick, and Abby Wambach made a huge impact with their physical play.\nIt was just what the Americans were looking for. \n"Our presence in this win was incredible," Hamm said. "Our defense was extremely well-organized, and Bri (Scurry) had some good saves and Kristine led us all over the field. I hit some balls well, but those guys finished them."\nThose guys were Boxx and Cindy Parlow off corner kicks, and Lilly off a smart feed from Hamm. But the team's career scoring leader was the catalyst, displaying her vastly upgraded playmaking skills.\n"What a wonderful inspiration she is to this team," Coach April Heinrichs said. "She inspired this group to get pressure on the ball. And if anyone saw Mia's celebration on the third goal, she came over to the bench and slapped hands with everyone. She is such a team player."\nBRATISLAVA, Slovakia -- The thumping drums this time were nothing more than background noise for Andy Roddick.\nThe U.S. Open champion blocked out the din from the Slovak crowd Sunday and kept the United States in the top tier of the Davis Cup. He beat Karol Beck 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, atoning for a loss Friday that left the Americans in trouble.\nHis clay-court victory clinched the best-of-five World Group playoff, assuring the United States a place among the top 16 teams next season for the Davis Cup.\n"I wanted to come out there with a lot of energy," Roddick said. "I tried to play that first match like I played all summer -- calm, cool and collected. But I think Davis Cup is a totally different scenario. If you're feeling it, you've got to be jazzed."\nLosing the series would have relegated the United States to the second tier for the first time in 15 years, a blow to a nation that's won the Davis Cup a record 31 times\nsh: Martinez dominates for Red Sox\nCLEVELAND -- Pedro Martinez struck out 11 in seven shutout innings Sunday, keeping Boston in charge of the AL wild-card race as the Red Sox beat Cleveland 2-0 in the Indians' season finale at home.\nMartinez (14-4) allowed four hits, walked two and raised his season strikeout total to 204.\nBoston's unpredictable bullpen had a relatively easy day, too.\nMike Timlin worked a hitless eighth and Byung-Hyun Kim pitched the ninth for his 15th save.\nManny Ramirez hit an RBI double in Boston's two-run second off Indians rookie left-hander Cliff Lee (3-2), who nearly matched Martinez pitch for pitch.\nLee allowed two runs and three his in seven innings.