Quote: "People are kind of focusing on 3,000 -- I'd rather win. This club has really been unbelievable here in the last month. I'm afraid that pursuit of 3,000 is going to overshadow the team."

-- Padres' Tony Gwynn, who needs 15 hits to reach 3,000 for his career.

It's a fact: Reliever Jerry Spradlin struck out four Padres batters in the seventh inning Thursday night, becoming the first Giants pitcher to do that and the 34th pitcher in major-league history.

Who's hot: Colorado's Dave Veres has allowed only two runs in his past 17 2/3 innings in 17 games.

Who's not: Cardinals shortstop Edgar Renteria is hitless in his past 16 at-bats.

On deck: John Smoltz is expected to return from the disabled list and start for the Braves tonight against the Phillies.