Quote: "We got our butts kicked. I don't like it. The team doesn't like it." -- Manager Bobby Valentine after the Mets' 12-1 loss to the Braves.

It's a fact: Philadelphia's Curt Schilling has pitched through the seventh inning in 20 of his 21 starts.

Who's hot: Cincinnati has won 15 of 16 games, its best stretch since an identical run in 1975 as the Big Red Machine.

Who's not: The Cubs' Sammy Sosa didn't homer in the three-game series vs. Pittsburgh and is homerless in his past five games. He went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.

On deck: Mets left-hander Al Leiter, on the DL since June 27 with a partial tear of a tendon in his left knee, will start Saturday against the Phillies. Leiter was 9-4 before going on the DL. His 1.86 ERA is second in the NL.

Pub Date: 7/16/98