Quote: "I've got [John] Smoltz, [Denny] Neagle, [Greg] Maddux and [Tom] Glavine, and my bottom-gum surgery. It's not the best way to start." -- Florida manager Jim Leyland, whose team opened the second half of the season against the Braves. He was scheduled for gum surgery yesterday morning.

It's a fact: Fernando Vina was hit by a pitch leading off the game for the Brewers for the third consecutive time.

Who's hot: Cincinnati's Brett Tomko has won four straight starts, posting an ERA of 1.69. He has not lost since May 15.

Who's not: The Pirates have lost nine of their past 11 at home.

On deck: The Cubs wrap up their first series with the Brewers at County Stadium since 1965. The teams, 90 minutes apart, have attracted 133,697 fans for the first three games.

Pub Date: 7/12/98