Quote: "If we win six of nine the rest of the season, we will end up with a competitive record and we'll see where everybody else is." -- Manager Tony La Russa, whose Cardinals went 6-3 on their homestand.

It's a fact: The Braves are 128-64 against the NL West since shifting to the East Division in 1994, including 27-17 against the Dodgers.

Who's hot: The Braves bullpen had a 1.88 ERA on the recent nine-game road trip.

Who's not: The Padres' Steve Finley is hitless in 20 at-bats.

On deck: Rain gives the Mets three doubleheaders in four days: today against the Rockies and Thursday and Friday against the fTC Cardinals.

Pub Date: 8/18/98