Quote: "We were kidding in the dugout about how this is how it feels to shake hands."

-- Devil Rays manager Larry Rothschild after yesterday's 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox ended an 11-game losing streak.

It's a fact: Dave Martinez batted cleanup for the Devil Rays. He has now hit in every spot in the order except ninth.

Who's hot: Bip Roberts, who went 2-for-5 to raise his average to .293, has hit safely in all 13 of his starts for the Athletics since being obtained in a June 23 trade with the Tigers.

Who's not: Boston has won six of eight games against Tampa Bay. Bret Saberhagen, who had a no-decision in the Red Sox's loss to the Devil Rays yesterday, was the losing pitcher in the Devil Rays' only other win on June 20.

On deck: All-Star pitchers are matched in a potential playoff preview. Bartolo Colon (9-4) starts for the Indians against Boston's Pedro Martinez (11-3).

Pub Date: 7/15/98