Sports digest 10/8/01

U.S. beats Jamaica to make World CupFOXBORO, Mass. -- The United States clinched its fourth consecutive World Cup berth, beating Jamaica 2-1 Sunday on Joe-Max Moore's penalty kick in the 81st minute.

Combined with Mexico's scoreless tie at Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago's 1-0 upset win at Honduras, the Americans (5-3-1) assured themselves of finishing among the top three nations in the North and Central American and Caribbean region.

Moore gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead in the third minute, but James Lawrence tied things in the 14th.

The United States got the crucial penalty kick when Landon Donovan was pulled down in the penalty area.

Rangers fire Melvin after dismal season

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Doug Melvin, the architect of Texas' only three division championships, was fired as general manager Sunday after the Rangers finished in last place even with Alex Rodriguez.

After also finishing last in 2000, the Rangers signed Rodriguez to a record $252 million, 10-year contract that was negotiated by owner Tom Hicks.

Rodriguez did his part, hitting over .300 with more than 50 homers, but Melvin was unable to upgrade a weak pitching staff.

Ndereba sets mark in Chicago Marathon

CHICAGO -- Kenya's Catherine Ndereba set a women's world best Sunday, running away from the field to win the Chicago Marathon in 2 hours, 18 minutes, 47 seconds to break the old mark by almost a minute.

Ndereba eclipsed the world mark of 2:19:46 set in Berlin by Japan's Naoko Takahashi just last week.

In the men's race, Ben Kimondiu won in 2:08.52.

-- From wire reports