Quote: "It was a fun night for me. The funnest night in two years."

-- Mets' Jason Isringhausen after pitching six innings in 7-4 loss to Pirates last night, his first game in majors since Sept. 23, 1997. It's a fact: Shortstop Alex Fernandez leads

It's a fact: Shortstop Alex Fernandez leads the Marlins and National League rookies with 50 hits.

Who's hot: The Cardinals' Mark McGwire has hit four homers in his past five games, bringing his career total to 469.

Who's not: Giants left-hander Shawn Estes has walked 16 batters in his past four starts, spanning 24 innings.

On deck: Darryl Kile (3-3), now with the Rockies, faces former teammate Mike Hampton (5-1) as Colorado plays in Houston. The two combined for 34 wins for the Astros in 1997.

Pub Date: 5/25/99