Quote: "I'm proud to put on a Phillies uniform. I've been here through tough times; I want to be here through the good times, too." -- Phillies manager Terry Francona after the team awarded him a new contract, through the 2000 season.

It's a fact: With eight strikeouts against the Braves yesterday, the Padres' Mark Langston pushed his career total to 2,419, moving him past Luis Tiant and into sole possession of 25th on the all-time list.

Who's hot: Cubs pitchers are on pace for more than 1,200 strikeouts. They had a club-record 1,072 last season, their fifth 1,000-strikeout campaign in 123 years.

Who's not: Giants left-hander Kirk Rueter has given up six home runs in his last two starts and 10 in the past five.

On deck: The visiting Cubs send Mark Clark (6-11) to the mound tonight against Shane Reynolds (14-7) and the Astros in the first game of a crucial, three-game series. NL wild card-leading Chicago is still within striking distance of the NL Central-leading Astros.

Pub Date: 8/14/98