Quote: "I've kind of made a deal with myself that I would retire either when my wife told me to or the hitters told me to. Right now, the hitters are screaming that message." -- Jeff Montgomery, the Royals' struggling closer, on whether he might retire at the end of the season.

It's a fact: The Royals have not won more than four straight home games since winning six straight in June 1995.

Who's hot: Tigers rookie Gabe Kapler has six homers and 13 RBIs in his past 12 games.

Who's not: The Athletics' bullpen blew a save opportunity for the fourth time in 11 games on its 13-game road trip. Of the 24 runners Oakland's relievers have inherited during the trip, 21 have scored.

On deck: Pedro Martinez of the Red Sox seeks his 14th victory of the season today against the White Sox.

Pub Date: 6/26/99