Quote: "I led the batting race most of the year last year and didn't win it. Where I am at the end of the season, that's where I am." -- Larry Walker of the Rockies, who raised his NL-leading average to .354.

It's a fact: Tornadoes touched down near Shea Stadium, and the winds ripped a door in the ballpark off its hinges.

Who's hot: The Astros have won 13 of 16.

Who's not: The Pirates have 10 errors to the opposition's one in their past four games.

On deck: In seven rehab starts for Triple-A Norfolk, Todd Hundley is hitting .500 (10-for-20) with three homers and 11 RBIs. Hundley is expected to rejoin the Mets in Philadelphia today.

Pub Date: 9/08/98