* BRAV-O: For the first time since May 1987, the Braves have guaranteed themselves a .500 month.

* GOPHER SHIFT: Five games ago, Boston pitchers had given up 21 homers -- fewest in the majors. In the past four games, they've allowed 13.

* SECOND THOUGHTS? Eddie Murray, who has eight RBIs in his last four games, is hitting .306 with 27 RBIs.

* GOOD MOVE: Iffy starter Ivan Calderon (shoulder) had two home runs and five RBIs for Montreal.