Quote: "They say that Babe Ruth did it. If the Bambino can do it, we can do it."

-- Sean Casey of the Reds, who tried to keep cool with a cabbage leaf soaked in ammonia under his cap

It's a fact: The Pirates have lost four straight, costing them a chance to be .500 or above at midseason for the first time since 1992.

Who's hot: Giants pitcher Russ Ortiz is 7-for-9 with three RBIs in his past four starts.

Who's not: Travis Lee was 1-for-19 on the Diamondbacks' eight-game road trip.

On deck: The Mets send Orel Hershiser out tonight on one day's rest. He lasted just 2 2/3 innings Sunday and threw 52 pitches.

Pub Date: 7/06/99