Quote: "If you're going to lose, lose with your best stuff. Against him, you just try to get an out any way you can." -- Rockies reliever Chuck McElroy, who retired Barry Bonds with the tying run on second in the ninth.

It's a fact: The Rockies' Pedro Astacio could become the only the third pitcher this century to win 12 games with an ERA of 6.00 or higher, and the first since Wes Ferrell (Senators/Yankees) went 15-10 with a 6.28 ERA in 1938.

Who's hot: Sammy Sosa has 33 homers at Wrigley Field this season, tying Hack Wilson's mark set in 1930.

Who's not: The Rockies' Vinnie Castilla is 1-for-13 since a recent 16-for-34 stretch.

On deck: Braves manager Bobby Cox said Denny Neagle (Arundel High) will try to make his next start Thursday. Neagle has not even been able to play catch since beating the Astros on Sept. 1.

Pub Date: 9/13/98