Quote: "He means an awful lot to the Nicaraguan people. Only six of us have made it to the big leagues and he was the first. They don't call him 'El Presidente' for nothing." -- Nicaraguan Marvin Benard of the Giants, on Dennis Martinez's becoming the winningest Latin pitcher.

It's a fact: The Pirates have lost a major-league-high 26 one-run decisions.

Who's hot: The Astros' 71-46 record is their best through 117 games.

Who's not: The Pirates have won three of their past 14.

On deck: The veteran goes against the rookie, as the Giants' Orel Hershiser (8-8) faces the Cubs' Kerry Wood (11-6) in a battle of wild-card contenders today.

Pub Date: 8/11/98