Quote: "This was a home to me for three years. Every time I come here I do think about coming to the stadium as a kid. So it definitely inspires and drives me a bit more." -- The Reds' Eduardo Perez about Olympic Stadium, where his father, Tony, played for Montreal after starring with the dominant Cincinnati teams of the '70s.

It's a fact: The Rockies' Vinny Castilla is no Coors Field creation. Nine of his major-league-leading 14 homers have come on the road.

Who's hot: The Expos' F. P. Santangelo led off the first with a double yesterday, extending his hitting streak to 14 games.

Who's not: The Reds' Barry Larkin went 0-for-5 and is in a 2-for-40 slump.

On deck: The Cubs' Mark Grace never has been known for being fleet afoot, but after ESPN's Dan Patrick ridiculed his lack of speed, he challenged Patrick to a footrace. No date has been set.

Pub Date: 5/06/98