Quote: "I knew I was in trouble when they tossed me a ball and I couldn't grip it. If it ain't one thing, it's another. I started to play good and this happened." -- Reds third baseman Pokey Reese, who tore a ligament in his right thumb in diving for a double by Braves' Javy Lopez yesterday.

It's a fact: The Cardinals and Braves will wear Negro league replica uniforms Saturday and Sunday in Atlanta.

Who's hot: Atlanta's Chipper Jones is batting .410 in July (39-for-95).

Who's not: Yesterday's 13-3 loss to the Braves was the Reds' 12th defeat in 14 games. Cincinnati has dropped six of its last seven at home.

On deck: The Mets' Mike Piazza will face his old team, the Dodgers, for the first time when Los Angeles opens a four-game series in New York tonight.

Pub Date: 7/31/98