Quote: "I didn't know that, but I will take anything positive out of pitching in Denver. My ERA is 10 everywhere else. I probably concentrate more at keeping the ball down here."

-- Kent Mercker, Cardinals pitcher, on his 2.68 ERA in 26 2/3 innings pitched in Colorado. It's a fact: Jeff Bagwell's second double yesterday was the 300th of his career, fourth on the Astros' career list.

Who's hot: The Cubs' Mark Grace has hit safely in 18 of his past 19 games, going 27-for-75 (.360).

Who's not: The Rockies' Darryl Kile is 1-7 with an 8.50 ERA in his past 11 starts.

On deck: The Dodgers' Kevin Brown and the Diamondbacks' Randy Johnson square off tonight in a matchup of high-profile aces.

Pub Date: 7/25/99