Swiney

Moves Auto racing ROUSH RACING FORD: Named Paul Andrews crew chief for Jeff Burton. Baseball ANGELS: Agreed to terms with broadcaster Rex Hudler, a former Oriole, on multi-year contract. ATHLETICS: Recalled P Aaron Harang, P Mike Venafro and IF Frank Menechino from Triple-A Sacramento. Selected contracts of C Jason Grabowski, C Cody McKay and IF Jose Flores from Sacramento. CUBS: Purchased the contract of IF Kevin Orie from Triple-A Iowa. DIAMONDBACKS: Acquired contract of OF Felix Jose from Triple-A Tucson.

Player of the YearAmanda Shifflett, NortheastNumbers, numbers, and more numbers. Shifflett put up plenty of them in leading the No. 1-ranked Eagles (24-2) to their record ninth state championship.For instance: When she came up with two outs and a runner on in the first inning of the Class 3A state title game against North Carroll, it was no surprise when she ripped a triple to right-center. Then she scored, giving the Eagles a 2-0 lead that would turn into a 9-0 title win.The Eagles' shortstop, a four-year starter, smashed the ball everywhere this spring.

River Hill completed a two-day sweep of the county's top two teams with a 7-5 victory over 12th-ranked Howard yesterday.The Hawks, winners of five straight, defeated No. 14 Glenelg, 3-1, on Tuesday. Howard's loss and Glenelg's doubleheader win over Hammond left both teams with 12-3 county records with three games remaining -- the last against each other at Glenelg on Tuesday.Howard outhit River Hill, 10-5, and from the third inning on outscored the Hawks, 3-1. But the Lions, who scored twice in the seventh and had the tying run at the plate, couldn't overcome a disastrous first.

Three teams -- Glenelg, Howard and River Hill -- begin the second half of the softball season today tied for first with 7-2 records. And right behind at 6-3 are Centennial and Wilde Lake.No. 9 Glenelg began the season 1-2, with losses to River Hill (9-1) and Howard (1-0). In their six-game win streak, the Gladiators have scored 68 runs and allowed 7.Senior pitcher Shana Wyant has a 1.37 ERA and has allowed three earned runs in her last 31 innings. She is averaging seven strikeouts a game, and opposing teams are hitting .189 against her.Wyant also leads the team at the plate, batting .478 with a double and triple.

Cycle Across Maryland 1995, the annual cycler's fest, will stop at Centennial High School in Ellicott City July 28.Many volunteer groups will be involved in feeding the 1,200 cyclers three meals, providing them with showers and entertainment, and giving them a safe place to sleep."

Howard softballAtholton Raiders1997 record: 2-19 overall, 2-16 leagueCoach: John ZitkoTop players: Melanie Porter, Sr., 2B; Jessica McDonagh, Soph., SS; Lauren Mickley, Soph., P; Sarah Costa, F., P.Outlook: "We're starting over and building toward the future," Zitko. "That's are main focus this year." Mickley, up from the JV, and Costa will share the pitching duties. "They both have good control but not a lot of speed," Zitko said. The Raiders "should be decent" at the plate, he said, and play well defensively.

JASON HIKEL of Boy Scout Troop 944 has earned his Eagle Award.His Eagle Court of Honor was Nov. 1.Jason has been an active member of the troop for five years. He earned 28 merit badges, took numerous leadership roles and attended several summer camps.He is a senior at Centennial High School, where he is active in the drama department.Jason acted in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," "The Bad Seed" and "My Fair Lady."His Eagle project involved refurbishing play equipment and picnic tables for Bethany United Methodist Church.

Moves Baseball ASTROS: Purchased contract of P Jeriome Robertson from Triple-A New Orleans. Designated IF Keith Ginter for assignment. BLUE JAYS: Recalled IF Felipe Lopez from Triple-A Syracuse. Purchased contract of C Kevin Cash from Syracuse. Transferred P Chris Carpenter from 15-day to 60-day DL. BRAVES: Recalled P Kevin Gryboski, P Trey Hodges, former Orioles IF Jesse Garcia and C Steve Torrealba from Triple-A Richmond. BREWERS: Purchased contract of OF Ryan Christenson from Triple-A Indianapolis.