Astros: Derek Bell has hits in 31 of his past 33 games.

Cardinals: In his first two regular-season games in Cincinnati, Mark McGwire is 0-for-3 with four walks. He also has been hit by a pitch.

Cubs: Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, a good friend of the Bulls' Dennis Rodman, led the seventh-inning stretch rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at Wrigley Field while waving a cup of beer.

Mets: Yesterday marked the 13th anniversary of New York's 16-13 win over Atlanta, a 19-inning affair that lasted 6 hours, 10 minutes and ended at 3: 55 a.m. In the game, Braves pitcher Rick Camp hit his only major-league homer with two out in the 18th inning that tied the game 11-11.

Pirates: Pittsburgh has been retired in order in the first inning four straight games and hasn't scored an opening-inning run since June 26 (seven games).

Reds: Left fielder Dmitri Young missed a fifth straight game with strained muscles in his left side.

Pub Date: 7/05/98