Quote: "If they want to have another one tomorrow, I'll sure let them." -- Pirates manager Gene Lamont, of the team's players-only meeting before yesterday's win over Cubs that halted six-game losing streak.

It's a fact: The Braves' Chipper Jones, a switch-hitter, has hit all 23 of his homers from the left side of the plate.

Who's hot: The Pirates' Tony Womack is 14-for-29 in his past seven games.

Who's not: After flying out in a pinch-hit role last night, the Padres' Tony Gwynn is 0-for-18, the longest slump in his career.

On deck: The Braves' John Smoltz (6-2) faces the Mets' Bobby Jones (7-5) tonight in the first of a two-game series in New York. Atlanta has lost three straight after a season-high, nine-game winning streak.

Pub Date: 7/14/98