Quote: "It's two years in a row I've had an excellent first half with nothing to show for it." -- Cubs' Mickey Morandini, who's hitting .323, on not being picked for All-Star Game.

It's a fact: The Padres' Tony Gwynn doubled yesterday against the A's to increase his career hits total to 2,872, one short of tying Babe Ruth for 33rd place on the all-time list. Gwynn has hit 114 homers, 600 fewer than Ruth.

Who's hot: With his 13-strikeout win over Arizona, Cubs rookie Kerry Wood improved to 6-0 in eight starts at home.

Who's not: Until they scored a run in the eighth in a 9-1 loss to the Tigers last night, the Pirates were in danger of being shut out for the third time in four games.

On deck: The Red Sox' Pedro Martinez (10-2) and Expos' Carl Pavano (2-1) face their former teams today for the first time since being traded for each other in the offseason.

Pub Date: 7/02/98