Quote: "It's just a blast. Being in a pennant race is No. 1, and you got a guy like Sammy Sosa on your team and he puts on a show every day." -- Kerry Wood, on the fun of his rookie season with the Cubs.

It's a fact: With his next steal, the Pirates' Jason Kendall will become the eighth catcher in major-league history to steal 20 bases in a season. His father, Fred, had five stolen bases in a 12-year career.

Who's hot: The Diamondbacks' Gregg Olson has converted his past 17 save opportunities.

Who's not: The Phillies, who had committed just nine errors in their previous 22 games, made two in the first four innings.

On deck: Tonight, two of the league's best, Randy Johnson (5-1) of the Astros and Greg Maddux (17-6) of the Braves square off.

Pub Date: 9/02/98