Quote: "This is my wife's birthday and I told her I'd bring her the ball. I said, 'Mama, I'm bringing you the ball.' " -- Astros' Jose Lima, who pitched a complete game in beating the Expos, 5-2, last night for his fifth straight win.

It's a fact: After going 3-for-4 last night, the Diamondbacks' Matt Williams took sole possession of the NL RBIs lead with 35.

Who's hot: The Cubs' Tyler Houston singled last night, giving him nine hits in his last 18 at-bats.

Who's not: The Mets' Orel Hershiser gave up nine runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings in the 14-7 loss to Arizona.

On deck: Braves ace Tom Glavine faces the defending National League champion Padres and their No. 1 starter, Andy Ashby, in San Diego today.

Pub Date: 5/08/99