Welcome to Wednesday’s Morning Mashup. For the latest news, start at our WEEI.com home page or click here for the top stories from our news wire.

WHAT’S HAPPENING LOCALLY WEDNESDAY:
MLB: Red Sox at Twins, 8:10 p.m. (NESN; WEEI)

AROUND THE WEB:

♦ A bizarre court case involving Shaquille O’Neal was dismissed by a Los Angeles judge Tuesday. Music producer Robert Ross, who had worked with O’Neal but said the two had a business dispute, said he was kidnapped and beaten by gang members after claiming to have a sex tape of the former Celtic (he later testified that he never had such a tape). On Tuesday, the prosecution acknowledged “cause for concern” about the testimony of Ross — who has a lengthy criminal record — and decided not to continue.

♦ Despite the boost from the U.S. women’s soccer team’s run to the World Cup final last month, Women’s Professional Soccer has an uncertain future. In The New York Times, Jere Longman looks at the prospects for WPS and recaps the controversy with the Florida-based magicJack team, now led by player/coach Abby Wambach.

♦ The Northwest Missouri State football team, a perennial Division 2 powerhouse, is reeling from the June death of coach Scott Bostwick, a longtime assistant who was promoted after last season. The 49-year-old Bostwick died while mowing his lawn. USA Today‘s Steve Wieberg writes about the challenge facing new coach Adam Dorrel.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Aug. 10, 1999, which Red Sox pitcher tied a major league record by striking out four batters in one inning vs. the Royals?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I’m going to do something different, I’m actually going to stay with a fan for the first two, three weeks of the season,. That should be fun, until I get myself acclimated and learn my way around.” — New Patriots receiver Chad Ochocinco

STAT OF THE DAY: 11 — Consecutive series victories for the Red Sox, who have won nine and split two

‘NET RESULTS: Here’s the batting practice/pitch back pinball video that’s headed for YouTube glory.

Summer basketball highlight of the day: Brandon Jennings bounces the ball off a defender’s head before driving past him for a basket.

An Arena Football League fan gets a little carried away trying to get a ball, as he facemasks a player.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Tim Wakefield

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Bobby Hatfield, who died in 2003, was born on this day in 1940.

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