Quote: "I'm not going to throw nine shutout innings and I'm not going to throw no-hitters, but I've always felt I could pitch well enough to keep us in the ballgame." -- Cardinals' Kent Bottenfield, who became the NL's second 11-game winner Monday

It's a fact: The Marlins have eliminated 5,500 seats for most games because they have poor sightlines, reducing capacity at Pro Player Stadium to 35,521.

Who's hot: The Brewers' Hideo Nomo is 7-2 vs. the Giants with a 1.84 ERA and is 5-0 in San Francisco with a 1.12 ERA.

Who's not: The Astros' Sean Bergman has lost three of his past four starts, allowing 15 earned runs in 20 2/3 innings.

On deck: Astros infielder Jack Howell, on the disabled list since May 26 with a pulled right groin, will spend three or four days on a rehab assignment with Double-A Jackson.

Pub Date: 6/23/99