Quote: "The home run race is there. But last year I was more pumped up because we were in a pennant race. When we had a chance to be in the playoffs, that's something that motivates you."

-- Sammy Sosa of the Cubs, who hit his major-league leading 42nd homer yesterday. It's a fact: Sosa and the Cardinals' Mark McGwire have homered on the same day 15 times this season.

Who's hot: The Astros have won 14 of 20 since manager Larry Dierker's return.

Who's not: The Expos' Jeremy Powell fell to 1-9 in 12 career starts over two seasons.

On deck: The Braves' Tom Glavine (9-9), last year's NL Cy Young Award winner, attempts to get his record over .500 for the first time this season when he faces the Pirates tonight.

Pub Date: 8/05/99