Quote: "We need Kevin Young. I've kept looking for a day to rest him, but he means so much to us offensively and defensively it's tough to sit him down. He's the one steady RBI guy we have, and we can't afford to lose him." -- Pirates manager Gene Lamont on his first baseman, who could be suspended if he is found to have made contact with umpire Brian Gibbons, who ejected him in the first.

It's a fact: The Braves have scored six runs in two games against the Cardinals after totaling 24 in the previous two in Cincinnati.

Who's hot: The Pirates' Jason Schmidt is 0-7 in 11 starts since June 1.

Who's not: The Cardinals have scored just eight runs in their past four games after getting 10 in a loss to the Brewers on Tuesday.

On deck: Randy Johnson, the newest Astro, makes his first NL appearance since 1989 today against the Pirates.

Pub Date: 8/02/98