SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS skipper FELIPE ALOU declined an invitation from his native Dominican Republic to light the cauldron to begin the PAN AMERICAN GAMES due to his team playing the CINCINNATI REDS at the new GREAT AMERICAN BALL PARK in Cincinnati tonight. (8-01)

The MINNESOTA TWINS activated 3B COREY KOSKIE from the 15-day disabled list after yesterday's game, having not played since 12 July, when he strained his back in a game at Anaheim. Currently he is hitting .298, with 14 home runs and 55 runs batted in, second-best on the team in both categories. (8-03)

MONTREAL EXPOS (58-54) RF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.306) stole second base after his first-inning single for his sixth stolen base of the season and first since his return from the disabled list on 21 July, going 1-for-4 with a run batted in as his squad downed the visiting MILWAUKEE BREWERS (44-67) by a 4-2 margin, and 2B JOSE VIDRO missed his second consecutive start, and seventh in 11 games, because of inflammation in his right knee. CF ENDY CHAVEZ (.255) was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, 3B JAMIE CARROLL (.275) was 0-for-1 with a sacrifice, two walks and a run scored, SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.299) was 1-for-4 with a run batted in, LF BRAD WILKERSON (.269) was 1-for-4 with a run batted in, 1B WILFREDO CORDERO (.277) went 2-for-4, C BRIAN SCHNEIDER (.241) went 1-for-4 and 2B HENRY MATEO (.295) went 2-for-3 with a run scored. ROCKY BIDDLE (3.57) worked the 9th inning, recording his 27th save. (8-03)

3B Coach JUAN SAMUEL left the DETROIT TIGERS (29-80) to join his wife for the birth of their first child so Bullpen Coach LANCE PARRISH filled in as the 3B Coach for their game against the MINNESOTA TWINS (55-55), which they won in a 7-2 final. (8-03)In a 2-0 shutout victory, in which there were only four hits by the winners, moving them two games up in the AMERICAN LEAGUE Central Division, Canadian-born RF AARON GUIEL (.278) hit an inside-the-park home run to lead off the first inning, the second by his KANSAS CITY ROYALS (59-50) in their current series against the TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS (41-68). (8-03)

In winning for only the second time in nine starts, KELVIM ESCOBAR (7-6, 4.03), the subject of trade rumors last week, pitched 8.1 innings to lead his TORONTO BLUE JAYS (56-55) to a 4-0 shutout win over the ANAHEIM ANGELS (53-57), allowing only six hits, walking four, striking out four, in a game which saw LF REED JOHNSON (.307) go 3-for-4, SS MIKE BORDICK (.277) went 2-for-5, and in singling in the 1st inning extended his hitting streak to 12 games, CF VERNON WELLS (.305) was 1-for-5 with a run scored, C GREG MYERS (.338) was 2-for-3 with a run batted in and a run scored, RF BOBBY KIELTY (.253) went 1-for-4 with a run batted in and a run scored, and 2B ORLANDO HUDSON (.278) was 1-for-4 with two runs batted in. With this win the BLUE JAYS took the season series with the ANGELS, 7-2, winning five games on the road for only the second time in their 27-year history, being 5-1 in 1980. As a starter in 2003, Escobar is 5-1 with a 2.05 ERA on the road, but is 2-5 with a 4.82 ERA at SKYDOME. (8-03)

2B MARK GRUDZIELANEK (.305) who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a broken right hand, a day after he was hit by a pitch from MIGUEL BATISTA of the ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS in the 5th inning, was leading his CHICAGO CUBS in hits, with 123, and is expected to be out for from two to four weeks, or longer. (8-03)

Canadian-born RHP RYAN DEMPSTER underwent a two-hour surgical procedure to remove bone chips behind his right elbow and to repair a complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in that elbow, with the torn ligament being discovered during the arthroscopic procedure. (8-04)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES (54-58) RF JAY GIBBONS (.297), in going 1-for-4, with a run batted in, extended his hitting streak to a career-high 10 games in their 5-3 home win against the MINNESOTA TWINS (57-57), and 3B TONY BATISTA (.251) was 1-for-4 with a run scored. (8-07)

CF MILTON BRADLEY (.329) was 2-for-4 with a run scored, and is hitting .360 (9-for-25) for his CLEVELAND INDIANS (47-67) in August, in their 3-0 shutout victory over the visiting SEATTLE MARINERS (69-45). (8-07)

MLB has received an offer from Monterrey, Mexico, to host the MONTREAL EXPOS in 2004 if no other permanent home can be found. "Monterrey's offer is for the whole season (81 games) or a portion of their season," said MLB President BOB DuPUY. "We opened the season there three years ago. They have a good field." He also said that he still holds out hope a decision can be made on permanent relocation for the team in time for next season. However, that seems unlikely at this late date. Puerto Rico, hosting 22 of their home games during this 2003 season, also has made an offer for 2004. The MLBPA is now in opposition to a split schedule again, as in 2003, demanding that all 81 home games be played in the same city if the team is not relocated. (8-07)

LOS ANGELES DODGERS premier reliever ERIC GAGNE was named as the NATIONAL LEAGUE Pitcher of the Week for the period 4-10 August after compiling 4 saves with 8 strikeouts. (8-10)

COLORADO ROCKIES 3B CHRIS STYNES came out of the game last evening in the 11th inning and wasn't in the lineup tonight due to severe dehydration, though he is expected to be available again by Friday. (8-13)

In the 6-4 win by his LOS ANGELES DODGERS over their hosts, the FLORIDA MARLINS, ERIC GAGNE struck out the side on 11 pitches in the 9th inning, extending his MLB record for consecutive saves at the start of a season to 40, after his squad had been beaten at PRO PLAYER STADIUM the previous two nights on walk-off homers in extra innings, but they went down 1-2-3 against the Canadian-born ace closer tonight. The DODGERS are 44-12 when they score more than three runs. (8-14)

CLEVELAND INDIANS 3B CASEY BLAKE, who played briefly with the MINNESOTA TWINS in both 2001 and 2002, is batting .294 with four homers and 10 runs batted in against his old team so far this 2003 season. (8-14)

MONTREAL EXPOS RF VLADIMIR GUERRERO is batting .391 with seven home runs and 17 runs batted in since returning from the disabled list on 21 July. (8-14)

The DETROIT TIGERS purchased the contract of Canadian-born IF DANNY KLASSEN from their Class-AAA affiliate, the TOLEDO MUD HENS, in the INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE where he had batted .246 with 11 home runs and 48 runs batted in through 112 games. (8-14)

Right after SS ALEX GONZALEZ, who went 3-for-4 with three runs batted in and two runs scored, clubbed his 16th home run in their 7-1 victory over the visiting HOUSTON ASTROS, the CHICAGO CUBS infielder along with players and fans alike were rather startled as aircraft from the elite United States Air Force THUNDERBIRDS aerial demonstration team roared over WRIGLEY FIELD practicing for the annual Chicago Air & Sea Show. "We couldn't celebrate very long, because we were all ducking under the bats," he stated. With two days off and a bump up in the batting order made all the difference after he had struggled through a 2-for-46 slump. "There is a feeling that every night any guy in our lineup can make a big impact in winning a ballgame," he said. "That's the way it's been going the last couple of weeks. It seems to be a different guy every game. That's what it's going to take to win a championship, to get everybody involved, even the guys on the bench." He had been benched Sunday and Monday in order to clear his mind and work on his swing. When he returned, he was moved from the # 7 spot to # 2, where he batted earlier in the season, because of injuries to MARK GRUDZIELANEK. Over the three-game series he was 5-for-12 with five runs batted in. (8-14)

RHP JEFF ZIMMERMAN, of the TEXAS RANGERS, will now report to the team's new Spring Training headquarters in Surprise, Arizona, tomorrow and will throw an inning for their ARIZONA LEAGUE affiliate. Attempting to make a comeback from ligament surgery on his right elbow, he is back on a throwing program after being shut down for two weeks because of tightness in the problem elbow. Their closer in 2001, he has been disabled all of this season and the remainder of last season, after having surgery on 30 July 2002. (8-14)

MLB Commissioner BUD SELIG, commenting as owners finished two days of meetings in Boston, said it is highly unlikely that the MONTREAL EXPOS will play a split home schedule in 2004 as they have done in this 2003 campaign. Major League Baseball, which now owns the troubled NATIONAL LEAGUE franchise, is in the process of finding a new, permanent home for the team. It is believed that MLB will not attempt to move the franchise until solid financing for a new stadium is in place. "My priority is to get this done right, not get it done fast," he advised. The EXPOS are playing 22 of their 81 home dates in Puerto Rico this season, with the players union citing long road trips as its opposition to a repeat of that arrangement if the team isn't relocated before the start of the 2004 campaign. (8-14)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES OF MARTY COROVA, on the disabled list with a right elbow problem, is swinging a bat and has started a throwing program, though there is currently no timetable for his return to the O's. (8-14)

With an unenviable ERA of 20.25, LHP PEDRO BORBON has given up 14 hits and 9 runs over just four innings since being recalled by his ST. LOUIS CARDINALS in late July. (8-15)

Starter LIVAN HERNANDEZ (13-7, 3.8) pitched his NATIONAL LEAGUE leading sixth complete game, while 2B JOSE VIDRO (.323) and C BRIAN SCHNEIDER (.241) both homered to lead their MONTREAL EXPOS to a 4-1 triumph over the visiting SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS, whose manager FELIPE ALOU, was given a standing ovation by the crowd of 10551 in his first appearance at OLYMPIC STADIUM since he was fired in 2001. In addition, 1B WILFREDO CORDERO went 1-for-3 with two runs batted in for his winning side, and reliever JIM BROWER (3.92) worked the eighth inning in the losing cause, striking out one. (8-15)

Having gone 3-for-3 with two runs scored in their 5-0 shutout over the visiting COLORADO ROCKIES, NEW YORK METS LF CLIFF FLOYD (.278) plans to play through Monday, then have season-ending surgery on his troublesome Achilles' tendon at the end of this month. "The doctor said for it to be 95 to 100 percent, it's going to take four or five months. It's unfortunate because I really wanted to play the rest of the season," he advised. "I know when I go out there and try to push myself, I can't do all the things I need to do on the field. So I decided to shut it down and get ready for next year. I don't want any questions lingering into Spring Training about my health. I want that to be old news." He entered action today batting .271 with 18 home runs and 62 runs batted in his first season in New York. RF LARRY WALKER (.290) was 0-for-2 and 3B CHRIS STYNES (.265) went 0-for-4 in the losing cause. (8-15)

In a 9-2 win by his MINNESOTA TWINS, 3B COREY KOSKIE (.301) went 3-for-5, with a double, knocking in one run and scoring a run, while for his losing KANSAS CITY ROYALS, RF AARON GUIEL went 0-for-3 with a walk. (8-15)

CF MILTON BRADLEY was placed on the 15-day disabled list by his CLEVELAND INDIANS with a bruised lower back and will most likely be out of action for between four to five weeks. (8-15)

Starting off in right field, then taking over later at first base, Canadian-born MATT STAIRS hit his 15th home run, a three-run blast in the 7th inning, after a two-base throwing error by the opposing catcher, as his PITTSBURGH PIRATES downed the visiting MILWAUKEE BREWERS in a 6-3 final. (8-15)

Out on the road against the OAKLAND ATHLETICS, 3B ERIC HINSKE (.241) smacked two home runs, his ninth and tenth, matching his career high with four runs batted in to help power his visiting TORONTO BLUE JAYS to an 8-5 victory over their hosts, in a second straight win. SS CHRIS WOODWARD (.264) also homered, for the seventh time this 2003 season, driving in a pair of runs. Starter JOSH TOWERS (2-1, 6.89) tossed 5innings, giving up seven hits, four runs, four earned runs, striking out one. For the losers, Canadian-born starter RICH HARDEN (3-2, 3.00) took the loss, his second in a row, having thrown 4 innings, giving up eight hits, six runs, six earned runs, walking two and striking out six, and C ADAM MELHUSE (.241) was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Others contributing to the win were, RF REED JOHNSON (.288) who was 2-for-4, with two runs scored, CF VERNON WELLS (.312) who was 3-for-5 with a run scored, and 2B ORLANDO HUDSON (.276) who went 2-for-4 with a run batted in and a run scored. (8-15)

Against the ATLANTA BRAVES, the regular season ERA of ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS starter RANDY JOHNSON (3-5) is 5.80, more than two runs higher than his career numbers against any other NATIONAL LEAGUE team. The tall and rangy pitching ace threw only 5 innings, allowing nine hits, seven runs, seven earned runs, a walk, striking out seven. (8-15)

ESTEBAN LOAIZA (15-6, 2.55) threw 5 innings, giving up eight hits, seven runs, 7 earned runs, walking one while striking out 5, in an 11-5 loss by his CHICAGO WHITE SOX to the TEXAS RANGERS. (8-15)

"I'm not a political analyst, but I think it's cool that he's running. I think he'll win." – LOS ANGELES DODGERS OF SHAWN GREEN speaking on the candidacy of actor ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER running for Governor of the State of California on 7 October 2003. (8-15)

Now a TORONTO BLUE JAYS starter, KELVIM ESCOBAR (9-6, 1.21) is 4-0 since the All-Star break with three August wins to-date. (8-15)

Although MLB is denying a report that PETE ROSE will be reinstated to the sport in 2004, CHICAGO CUBS Manager DUSTY BAKER said he hoped the information was true. "Sooner or later, you have served your penance," he said. "His being banned from baseball is like a top surgeon being banned from the hospital." (8-15)

ZACH DAY (7-4, 3.41) pitched seven shutout innings and also had an RBI single in leading his MONTREAL EXPOS over the visiting SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS. CF BRAD WILKERSON went 1-for-4 with a run scored, RF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.318) went 2-for-3 with two runs batted in on a double and a walk, 1B WILFREDO CORDERO (.274) was 2-for-4 with a run scored, and C BRIAN SCHNEIDER (.246) was 2-for-4 with a run batted in and a run scored. (8-16)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES LHP OMAR DAAL, out of action since 27 June, with tendinitis in his shoulder, threw 50 pitches in a bullpen session, then later said he "definitely" expects to return this season. (8-16)

DAN PLESAC (1.37) appeared in is 1050th career game, tying him with KENT TEKULVE for fourth place on the all-time relief pitcher appearance list, having tossed one-third of an inning in the seventh, striking out his only batter, in his PHILADELPIA PHILLIES 5-4 victory over the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS. (8-16)

JEFF ZIMMERMAN, who is rehabbing from ligament transplant surgery on his right elbow performed more than a year ago, is scheduled to pitch again tomorrow for his TEXAS RANGERS ARIZONA ROOKIE LEAGUE affiliate. (8-17)

On DENNIS MARTINEZ Bobblehead Day at OLYMPIC STADIUM, which saw him sporting his powder blue road uniform commemorating his perfect game against the LOS ANGELES DODGERS on 28 July 1991, LF BRAD WILKERSON (.264) hit his second grand slam of the season with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, their sixth game-ending homer of the season, giving his MONTREAL EXPOS (64-60) the 4-2 win against the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS. Other contributors were 2B JOSE VIDRO (.324) who was 2-for-4 with a run scored, and SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.297) who was 1-for-3 with a run scored. Starter TOMA OHKA (4.58) threw 6.1 innings, allowing eight hits, two runs, two earned runs, four bases on balls while striking out just one. (8-17)

At SHEA STADIUM, AL LEITER (12-6, 4.53) worked 6 innings, giving up just four hits, one run, one earned run, three walks, striking out ten, then later on DAVID WEATHERS (3.56) came on for just a third of an inning in the 9th to record his fourth save, while LF CLIFF FLOYD (.291) went 4-for-4, all singles, all of which enabled their NEW YORK METS (53-69) to down the COLORADO ROCKIES (61-65) by a 6-4 result. RF LARRY WALKER made an infrequent pinch-hitting appearance, rapping out a single, producing a run batted in. (8-17)

In the CINCINNATI REDS (55-68) 4-3 win over the visiting HOUSTON ASTROS (65-59) CHRIS REITSMA worked the 9th inning, striking out two, recording his second save. In their losing cause, 2B JEFF KENT (.293) went 1-for-4 with two runs batted in. (8-17)

After today's game, a 6-4 loss to the TEXAS RANGERS (57-67), 2B ROBERTO ALOMAR was 3-28 (.117) on the current seven-game road trip of his CHICAGO WHITE SOX (63-61). (8-17)

PAUL QUANTRILL (1.43) worked the 8th inning, giving up a hit, then ERIC GAGNE (1.45) extended his scoreless streak to 21 innings, the longest by any LOS ANGELES DODGERS (64-59) pitcher this season, recording his 41st save, in their 3-0 shutout win over the CHICAGO CUBS (64-59), and 2B JOLBERT CABRERA (.261) was 1-for-3 with a run batted in. (8-17)

On the road at Oakland, ROY HALLADAY (16-5, 3.59) trying to became the first 17-game winner in the AMERICAN LEAGUE, lasted a season-low three innings, giving up 10 hits, seven runs, five earned runs, a walk, while striking out only three. "It's nice to get something off Halladay. You hope for a few breaks when you play him," said LF TERRENCE LONG, who drove in three runs as his OAKLAND ATHLETICS (71-53) roughed up the visiting TORONTO BLUE JAYS (61-63) in a 7-3 final. It was his third loss in four starts since his 15-game winning streak ended, and has now lost two starts in a row for the first time this 2003 season. (8-17)

RF AARON GUIEL (.286) went 1-for-4 in his KANSAS CITY ROYALS (65-57) 5-4 win over the visiting MINNESOTA TWINS (63-61). (8-17)

At EDISON INTERNATIONAL FIELD, in an 11-6 loss by his DETROIT TIGERS (31-91) to the ANAHEIM ANGELS (60-64), LF KEVIN WITT (.286) went 2-for-4 with two runs scored. (8-17)

In a 4-0 shutout, JAVIER VAZQUEZ (11-8, 3.44) pitched a three-hitter, allowing three walks while striking out seven, for his first shutout in nearly two seasons, and who has three complete games in his last seven starts, helped his MONTREAL EXPOS (65-60) complete a season sweep of the visiting SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (73-50), who finished 0-7 overall, the first time in that franchise's 121-year history it was swept in a season series involving more than three games. CF ENDY CHAVEZ (.254) went 3-for-4, with two doubles, a run batted in and a run scored, 2B JOSE VIDRO (.324) went 1-for-3, with a walk and a run batted in, RF RON CALLOWAY (.232) was 1-for-3, SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.297) was 1-for-4, 1B WILFREDO CORDERO (.271) was 1-for-3, with a walk, and a run scored, C BRIAN SCHNEIDER (.245) went 1-for-2, had a sacrifice and a double, with a run batted in, and 3B JAMEY CARROLL (.262) was 1-for-4 with a run scored. (8-18)

NEW YORK YANKEES LHP GABE WHITE, out since late June with a groin strain, threw a scoreless inning in his first rehabilitation start, and is now scheduled to pitch for their Class-A affiliate, the TAMPA YANKEES of the FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE, tomorrow, then might join the BRONX BOMBERS later this week. (8-18)

LOS ANGELES DODGERS ace reliever ERIC GAGNE, who has converted 41straight saves, last blew a save on 26 August 2002 against the ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS. (8-18)

MLB Commissioner BUD SELIG probably will announce after the World Series whether he will reinstate PETE ROSE, former teammate MIKE SCHMIDT advised, saying that he and two former teammates of the hit king, JOE MORGAN and JOHNNY BENCH, met with the commissioner last month at the Hall of Fame inductions. "We're very optimistic that after the post-season, something will happen with regards to Pete Rose," Schmidt stated. His remarks were reported by THE CINCINNATI POST and THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER. According to Schmidt, Selig said he would not announce any decision on Rose's status before the post-season. Reinstatement would make Rose eligible for election to the Hall of Fame and could allow him to work in baseball. (8-18)

In their 8-0 shutout victory over the visiting COLORADO ROCKIES, NEW YORK METS OF CLIFF FLOYD (.290), going 1-for-4 with his 68th run batted in, appeared in his final game of this 2003 season before undergoing surgery on his injured right Achilles' tendon at the end of this month, having reached base in 15 of his last 17 plate appearances. (8-18)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS pitcher CORY LIDLE, on the disabled list since 5 August, with a left groin strain, is scheduled to make a rehabilitation start tomorrow for their Class-AAA affiliate, the SYRACUSE SKYCHIEFS of the INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE. (8-18)

LOS ANGELES DODGERS C DAVID ROSS is in awe of his newest teammate, OF RICKEY HENDERSON. "I haven' gotten any autographs yet, but I will probably need to," he said. (8-19)

With little wild-card discussion centering on his team, MONTREAL EXPOS (66-60) manager FRANK ROBINSON said, "We're the RODNEY DANGERFIELD of the NATIONAL LEAGUE." In their road game at DODGER STADIUM, their hosts, the LOS ANGELES DODGERS (64-60) went down in defeat 7-5, behind the hitting of CF ENDY CHAVEZ (.256) who went 2-for-4 with a run batted in, SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.298) who went 2-for-4 with a run batted in and a walk, pinch-hitting 1B WILFREDO CORDERO (.273) who was 1-for-1 with two runs batted in, RF RON CALLOWAY (.231) was 1-for-5 with a run batted in, LF BRAD WILKERSON (.262) hit his 15th home run off GILLERMO MOTA in the 7th inning, and ROCKY BIDDLE (4.07) came on in the 9th inning recording his 30th save. RF SHAWN GREEN (.277) also homered, hitting just his 12th, off reliever JOEY EISCHEN in the 6th inning. Canadian-born reliever PAUL QUANTRILL (1-4, 1.84) pitching in the 8th inning was the eventual loser, giving up three hits, three runs, three earned runs and a walk. (8-19)

TEXAS RANGERS reliever JEFF ZIMMERMAN, out over 18 months with an extreme elbow problem requiring surgery, made his second rehabilitation outing, retiring all three batters he faced in an ARIZONA ROOKIE LEAGUE game. (8-19)

The NEW YORK METS officially placed OF CLIFF FLOYD on the disabled list in preparation for his upcoming Achilles' tendon surgery at the end of August. (8-19)

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES Manager LARRY BOWA cut off conversation with the media regarding his closer JOSE MESA, suggesting several other topics related to the team. "It seems like the focus is on JOSE MESA and I don't understand it," he said. (8-19)

The TORONTO BLUE JAYS and SKYDOME took steps to comply with the Province of Ontario's request for reduced power consumption to avoid overloading the system that is recovering from last week's blackout, by not activating the centerfield big-screen JUMBOTRON until 6:45pm rather than its usual time of just after 5:00pm. Also, air conditioning in the open seating area was not running and the roof was opened earlier in the day to allow for cooling in the overall seating area. (8-19)

CHICAGO WHITE SOX skipper JERRY MANUEL advised that reliever BILLY KOCH, on the disabled list with a sore elbow, would probably go out on a rehabilitation assignment once he is ready to pitch again. (8-19)

NEW YORK YANKEES starting LHP DAVID WELLS, who missed his last scheduled start because of his recurring bad back problem, expects to start Friday against the BALTIMORE ORIOLES. (8-19)

LOS ANGELES DODGERS skipper JIM TRACY said, "It's safe to say frustration is not too tough a word to use when you talk about the fact that we've played 41 one-run games." (8-20)

CLEVELAND INDIANS 2B BRANDON PHILLIPS, touted earlier in this 2003 pre-season as a possible ROOKIE OF THE YEAR candidate, but now sent down to their Class-AAA team, the BUFFALO BISONS, is now mired in a .169 hitting slump as their regular season winds down in less than two weeks. (8-20)

At ORIOLES PARK at CAMDEN YARDS, in a 9-5 win for his BALTIMORE ORIOLES (58-67) over the visiting TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS (51-74), ending an eight-game losing streak, RF JAY GIBBONS (.295) had a big night, going 2-for-5, hitting his 19th home run, his 35th double, totaling four runs batted in to reach 88 on the season. (8-20)

FRED McGRIFF said his pre-game running went as well as any running session since he pulled a groin muscle over two months ago, causing him to miss 64 days to this point, after never having been on the disabled list over his 17 year MLB seasons, remaining sidelined because the groin muscle is still not strong but his pain has gone. He could not venture a guess as to whether he might be activated from the DL soon and return to his first base duties with his LOS ANGELES DODGERS (65-60). Plus, SS CESAR IZTURIS (.244) recovered enough from a bout of flu to return to the lineup, going 0-for-3, in their exciting 4-1 win over the visiting MONTREAL EXPOS (66-61), in the bottom of the 10th inning on a three-run homer, ending their six-game winning streak. After missing the action last night and being sent home after waking with a sore throat, headache and feeling weak. "I felt like I could do nothing," he advised. "I felt dizzy, cold, couldn't eat and I was weak. I'm still a little weak, but I can play." Others who had a prominent part in this contest were LF JOLBERT CABRERA (.270) who was 2-for-3 with a run scored, reliever GUILLERMO MOTA (1.66) who threw the 8th inning, striking out two and closer ERIC GAGNE (2-3, 1.55) who even though he gave up a big home run to RF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.316), his 16th, was able to hang on for the win, working the 9th and 10th, allowing three hits, one run, one earned run and striking out 4. SS ORLANDO CABRERA is hitting .330 with nine home runs and 22 runs batted in since returning from the DL on 21 July. (8-20)

The CINCINNATI REDS (56-69) recalled IF RYAN FREEL (.283) from their Class-AAA team, the LOUISVILLE BATS, of the INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE, and in their 2-0 shutout win over the ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (66-60), he paid big dividends in going 2-for-4, hitting his first home run of this 2003 campaign, becoming only the fifth player to hit his first MLB home run off five-time Cy Young Award winner RANDY JOHNSON, and stealing his fourth base. Canadian-born reliever CHRIS REITSMA (3.86) earned his third save, working the 9th inning, allowing a hit, a walk, striking out two. (8-20)

At YANKEE STADIUM in the 8-7 victory by the NEW YORK YANKEES (78-47) over the visiting KANSAS CITY ROYALS (65-60), Canadian-born RF AARON GUIEL (.279) went 1-for-4 with a walk, while recently arrived reliever GRAEME LLOYD (9.45) worked the 8th inning in the loss. The victory, his 305th, tying him for 18th on the all-time career wins list, went to ROGER CLEMENS (12-7, 3.59) who worked 6.1 innings, giving up eight hits, three runs, three earned runs, striking out five. (8-20)

The MONTREAL EXPOS signed 15-year veteran 3B TODD ZEILE (.210), three days after his release by the NEW YORK YANKEES. Seeing limited action with the BRONX BOMBERS, the infielder, who will turn 38 on 9 September, had clubbed 6 home runs and totaled 28 runs batted in. In joining his 11th team, he has been to the playoffs with three different clubs, getting to his only World Series three seasons back with the NEW YORK METS. "I remember he was a tough out, a good run producer and a guy who did his best in clutch situations," EXPOS manager FRANK ROBINSON said. "It just makes us a better team, I think. It gives me more options, and we can do more things." (8-20)

ESTEBAN LOAIZA (16-6, 2.61) pitched 6 innings, allowing ten hits, three runs, three earned runs, walking two and striking out nine, in a 5-3 triumph for his CHICAGO WHITE SOX (66-61), allowing them to move into a tie for the AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL lead, over the visiting ANAHEIM ANGELS (60-67), and 2B ROBERTO ALOMAR (.280) went 4-for-5, all singles, stealing two bases. (8-20)

At SKYDOME, before a crowd of just 21588, JOSH TOWERS (3-1, 4.74) pitched his first complete game in over two seasons, a 5-2 win over the visiting SEATTLE MARINERS (76-50), which saw CF VERNON WELLS (.309) go 2-for-3, rapping out his 30th home run, a two-run shot, tallying his 100th run batted in for the second straight year, in snapping a three-game losing streak for their TORONTO BLUE JAYS (62-64) while 1B CARLOS DELGADO (.303) went 1-for-2 with two walks and 2B ORLANDO HUDSON (.281) was 2-for-4, with his 7th home run on the 2003 campaign. For the losers, 1B JOHN OLERUD (.260) went 1-for-4 with a run batted in. BLUE JAYS Manager CARLOS TOSCA held a team meeting before the game, saying, "I was just trying to address several things that I felt needed to be addressed, we'll leave it at that." (8-20)

The NEW YORK YANKEES are looking for a way to get LHP GABE WHITE onto their roster as he is almost ready to return from a groin injury. (8-21)

OF MARTY CORDOVA will undergo ligament reconstruction surgery on his right elbow next week having played in only nine games this season for the BALTIMORE ORIOLES, batting just .233 with one homer and four runs batted in, having started on Opening Day, but soon after experienced elbow problems and was then placed on the disabled list on 23 April, then the following day underwent arthroscopic surgery to have bone chips removed from his throwing arm, with the procedure and ensuing rehabilitation program failing to fully restore motion in the elbow, leaving him no choice but to have TOMMY JOHN surgery. The 34-year-old outfielder is in the second year of his three-year contract with the O's. (8-21)

MARK HENDRICKSON (8-9, 5.14) took a two-hit shutout into the 8th inning in the 7-3 win by his TORONTO BLUE JAYS (63-64) against the visiting SEATTLE MARINERS (76-51). Going 7 innings, he gave up just four hits, two runs, two earned runs and a walk, striking out two. Among the top hitters for the winners were 3B ERIC HINSKE (.236) who was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, CF VERNON WELLS (.310) was 2-for-5 with one run scored, 1B CARLOS DELGADO (.303) was 1-for-3 with his 116th run batted in with a walk, and RF BOBBY KIELTY (.244) went 3-for-5 with two runs batted in. (8-21)

PITTSBURGH PIRATES RHP SALOMON TORRES, on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring, threw in the bullpen this week, said he was feeling fine, and is eligible to be activated Friday. (8-21)

LOS ANGELES DODGERS (66-60) SS CESAR IZTURIS (.246) hit two RBI doubles off MONTREAL EXPOS (66-62) starter ZACH DAY (7-5, 3.33) in their 2-1 victory, a game which saw Canadian-born reliever ERIC GAGNE get three outs in the 9th, two by strikeout, for his 42nd save, extending his streak of consecutive saves converted to 50, three shy of the MLB record. In the 3rd inning, RF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.323), who went 3-for-4, hit his 17th home run on the 2003 season, accounting for their only run in this close contest, the 226th home run of his career, surpassing the Montreal franchise record previously held by ANDRE DAWSON. (8-21)

In a 7-3 CHICAGO WHITE SOX (67-61) home victory over the visiting TEXAS RANGERS (60-68), starter BARTOLO COLON (11-11, 4.24) won for the first time in his last three starts, giving up three runs and six hits over seven innings, taking a one-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing consecutive home runs. (8-21)

MARK SHAPIRO, General Manager of the CLEVELAND INDIANS, said that struggling 2B BRANDON PHILLIPS, their starting second baseman for the first half of the season, has no guarantee of being the starter in 2004 and might very well begin next season at the Triple-A level. (8-21)

PEDRO MARTINEZ was scratched from his scheduled start due to a severe sore throat, diagnosed as inflammation of the throat, and a fever which sent him to a Boston hospital for tests where he was given medication for both symptoms then was home resting by late afternoon. However, his BOSTON RED SOX (72-55) went on to a 14-5 defeat of OAKLAND ATHLETICS (73-54) and Canadian-born starter RICH HARDEN (3-3, 4.66) who worked just 2.2 innings, giving up four hits, eight runs, eight earned runs, seven bases on balls, striking out just two. (8-21)

The HOUSTON ASTROS recalled C RAUL CHAVEZ from their Class-AAA affiliate, the NEW ORLEANS ZEPHYRS, of the PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE. (8-21)

Of the 26 starts by CHCAGO WHITE SOX RHP ESTEBAN LOAIZA, 22 have been "quality starts" of at least six innings, with a yield of no more than three runs, with his 84.6 percent mark being the best in the majors this 2003 season. (8-21)

In a 4-3 win for the MINNESOTA TWINS (66-61) over the visiting KANSAS CITY ROYALS (65-61) RF AARON GUIEL (.278) went 1-for-5 with a run scored, while 3B COREY KOSKIE (.294) went 0-for-2 but had two walks. (8-21)

LHP KIRK RUETER, out with a strained shoulder, is expected to come off the disabled list and pitch on Sunday, having thrown 75 pitches in a rehab game at the Class-AAA affiliate for his SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS, the FRESNO GRIZZLIES of the PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE, lasting 4.2 scoreless innings, allowing only a hit. (8-21)Oregon could be out of the hunt to lure the MONTREAL EXPOS as the state Senate voted down a measure to finance a major league baseball stadium today by a 12-18 margin. Senate approval has been the largest hurdle throughout the legislative session. The House passed the financing bill Wednesday, and the Governor said he would sign it if it got past the Senate. Backers gave notice that they might make a motion to reconsider the measure. The State of Oregon is competing with Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia to lure the team but neither of the other two locales has a stadium bill in place. (8-22)

At SKYDOME, ROY HALLADAY (17-5, 3.55) won his AMERICAN LEAGUE leading 17th game as his TORONTO BLUE JAYS (64-64) beat the visiting OAKLAND ATHLETICS (73-55) by a 6-3 result, giving them three wins in a row. Manager KEN MACHA held a team meeting before the game to tell his players that ace MARK MULDER had a stress fracture in his right hip, a startling injury that will likely sideline him for the remainder of this season. "That's huge for them," said Halladay. "It's got to be disappointing to have one of your leaders get hurt like that, but they have a lot of other good pitchers. It is tough though to see an important guy get hurt." Over 6 innings, he gave up eight hits, three runs, three earned runs, striking out 8. LF REED JOHNSON (.272) was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, 3B ERIC HINSKE (.237) was 1-for-2, a double, with a run batted in, CF VERNON WELLS (.312) went 3-for-5 with a double, a run batted in and a run scored, 1B CARLOS DELGADO (.304) was 1-for-2, on a double, with a walk, a run batted and a run scored, RF BOBBY KIELTY (.245) was 1-for-3 with a run batted in and a run scored, SS CHRIS WOODWARD (.264) was 1-for-4 with a run batted in, and C KEVIN CASH (.143) went 1-for-4 with a run batted in. (8-22)

At BUSCH STADIUM, Reliever RHEAL CORMIER (4-0, 1.37) became the eventual winner, working the 7th and 8th innings, to record his fourth win, walking only one and striking out one, in a road game which saw his PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES down the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS by a 9-4 margin. The losing pitcher was STEVE KLINE (4-5, 4.41) who worked only a third of an inning in the 8th, allowing three hits, three runs, three earned runs, who was then followed by ESTEBAN YAN (6.02) who worked 1.1 innings, giving up four hits, three runs, three earned runs, two bases on balls, with a strikeout. Earlier, in the 7th inning, JEFF FASSERO (6.01) appeared for only a third of an inning, giving up two hits, a run, and an earned run. (8-22)

OF SHAWN GREEN, who sat out their game on Thursday, has missed just six of the more than 613 games he has participated in over is four season with the LOS ANGELES DODGERS. (8-22)

At YANKEE STADIUM in the Bronx, PAT HENTGEN (5-6, 4.36) worked 7.2 innings, yielding six hits, three runs, three earned runs, issuing a walk, while striking out 4, in a 4-3 triumph for his BALTIMORE ORIOLES (60-67) over LHP DAVID WELLS (12-4, 3.96) and his NEW YORK YANKEES (78-48), ending their seven-game winning streak. LF TIM RAINES JR (.200) was 1-for-5 and RF JAY GIBBONS (.292) was 1-for-3 with a run scored. The losing starter worked 7 innings, giving up 10 hits, four runs, four earned runs, walked 2, striking out 4. (8.22)

PEDRO MARTINEZ, still sick and in bed with severe pharyngitis – inflammation of the throat – plus a fever may be able to rejoin his BOSTON RED SOX teammates for his next regular start on scheduled for Tuesday. (8-22)

At the HUBERT H. HUMPHREY METRODOME, Canadian-born RF AARON GUIEL (.277) went 1-for-4 in a 3-2 victory for his KANSAS CITY ROYALS (66-61) over their hosts, the MINNESOTA TWINS (66-62). RF SHANNON SEWART (.313) went 3-for-5, with a double, for his losing squad. (8-22)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS reliever CLIFF POLITTE returned after missing three games to be with his wife, who gave birth to a boy. (8-22)

For his visiting CINCINNATI REDS, in their 4-3 win over the HOUSTON ASTROS, at MINUTE MAID PARK, Canadian-born reliever CHRIS REITSMA (3.93) worked the 9th inning, recording his 4th save, after giving up three hits, a run, and an earned run. (8-22)

The home run by OF RICKY LEDEE for his PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES was the first served up by MONTREAL EXPOS starters in 11 games over 79.1 innings. (8-26)

In the 9-2 victory by his KANSAS CITY ROYALS, RF AARON GUIEL (.286) went 3-for-5, smashing his 12th home run and a double, driving in four runs and scoring 3, in their home win over the visiting TEXAS RANGERS. (8-26)

In his debut with the PITTSBURGH PIRATES, newly acquired LF JASON BAY (.364) had two key hits in their 4-0 shutout victory over the visiting FLORIDA MARLINS at PNC PARK. Traded on Tuesday by the SAN DIEGO PADRES, his fourth MLB organization in two seasons, the 24-year-old Canadian-born outfielder couldn't have had a much better start with any new team, having not arrived in Pittsburgh until two-and-a-half hours before game time following his cross-country flight from Portland, Oregon, but he started in left field and reached base in his first plate appearance, smashing a solid double with two outs in the 2nd inning, which hit just feet below the top of the outfield wall, then scored on a following double. Later, his run-scoring single, a long drive which the opposing left fielder could not control, running into the wall, finished a three-run 3rd inning which made it 4-0. He then walked in the 5th inning before striking out in a long at-bat in the 7th. 1B MATT STAIRS (.292) went 2-for-4. (8-27)

The CHICAGO WHITE SOX (71-62) agreed to terms with RHP JOSE PANIAGUA on a minor league contract, assigning him to their Triple-AAA affiliate, the CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS of the INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE. The 30-year-old reliever who pitched for his native Dominican Republic in the recent PAN AMERICAN GAMES earlier in August, was in the majors with the DETROIT TIGERS a year ago before being released in September. Historically, he has done well down the stretch, posting a 3.87 ERA in September and October, with his best season being 2000 with the SEATTLE MARINERS when he was 3-0 with five saves and a 3.47 ERA, 71 strikeouts over 69 innings. (8-27)

JASON BAY, who was traded from the SAN DIEGO PADRES to the PITTSBURGH PIRATES on Tuesday, has more than one obvious reason he hopes he stays in the majors. If he is ever sent back to the minor leagues, he will have to serve a four game suspension and a fine for his part in a recent melee while playing for the PORTLAND BEAVERS of the PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE. Most of his other teammates have also been suspended for bursting into the stands following a game on 18 August in which a fan at CASHMAN FIELD, home of the LAS VEGAS 51s, had thrown a giveaway item at one of the visiting players just as the game ended, the incident having started when the fan verbally abused a Portland player then the two got into an argument, resulting in the soft-stress ball being thrown by the fan at the player. Bay was one of 19 players to enter the stands and grapple with the fan who sustained a number of minor cuts and bruises, but the Las Vegas police made no charges and none have since been filed. Four of the visiting players did not participate and so went unpunished. (8-27)

CHICAGO CUBS reliever DAVE VERES was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to tendinitis in his right shoulder, the same injury which sidelined him earlier in the current season, from 15 April to 4 July, with this move being made retroactive to 22 August. He is 1-1 with a 5.19 ERA in 24 games to-date. (8-27)

PITTSBURGH PIRATES RHP SALOMON TORRES is expected to come off the DL to start Friday against the ATLANTA BRAVES at PNC PARK. (8-27)

RONDELL WHITE went 3-for-5 in his debut with the KANSAS CITY ROYALS after being acquired in a trade with his previous team, the SAN DIEGO PADRES, a day before. (8-27)

At FENWAY PARK, a tiebreaking home run in the 7th inning saw the hometown BOSTON RED SOX (77-56) overcome a three-run deficit as they went on to defeat the visiting TORONTO BLUE JAYS (65-68) in a 6-3 final, for their sixth win over the last seven contests. MIKE TIMLIN (6-4, 3.30) pitched the 7th for the win, defeating ROY HALLADAY (17-6, 3.68), tied with ESTEBAN LOAIZA for the AMERICAN LEAD lead in wins, allowing all six runs on 11 hits over 7.1 innings, giving up three homers for the first time sine 25 April against the KANSAS CITY ROYALS. LF FRANK CATALANOTTO (.295) went 3-for-5, with a double, and a run scored, 1B CARLOS DELGADO (.301) was 1-for-2 with a bases on balls, hitting his 34th home run of the 2003 season in the 1st inning, driving in two runs and 3B ERIC HINSKE (.236) went 1-for-4 with a run batted in. (8-27)

2B BRANDON PHILLIPS was recalled by the CLEVELAND INDIANS, from their Triple-AAA affiliate, the BUFFALO BISONS. (8-27)

3B COREY KOSKIE did not make the trip with his MINNESOTA TWINS to visit the ANAHEIM ANGELS because of personal reasons. Though a timetable has not been set for his return, he was not placed on three-day bereavement leave because of the possibility of an earlier return. (8-27)

LOS ANGELES DODGERS Manager JIM TRACY says SS CESAR IZTURIS, who leads all NATIONAL LEAGUE shortstops with a .982 fielding percentage, should win the 2003 GOLD GLOVE Award. "Our guy's the best," he stated. (8-28)

DH / 1B DAVID SEGUI (.263) will undergo season-ending surgery on his left wrist next week instead of returning from the DL. He had compiled 5 home runs and 25 RBI in limited play in 2003 with his BALTIMORE ORIOLES, amassing just 224 at-bats. (8-28)

ERIC GAGNE (.1.47) earned his 44th straight save of this season, setting a major league record as he closed out the 6-3 victory for his LOS ANGELES DODGERS () over the HOUSTON ASTROS (), beating the 1998 record set by TOM GORDON of 43 in a row to begin a season, though he still holds the record for consecutive saves overall, with 54, with this game being the 52nd straight save, dating back to the 2002 season, for the premier NATIONAL LEAGUE reliever again in 2003. He needed some help from OF DAVE ROBERTS who climbed the hill in deep center field of MINUTE MAID PARK to rob a hitter of a game-tying home run. "That was one of the best catches I have ever seen. It was amazing. It picked me up," the closer stated. HOUSTON ASTROS 3B GEOFF BLUM said, "That is the first time I have seen a guy go up that hill and make that play. Most guys go up there and bury themselves." (8-28)

RHP DUSTIN HERMANSON was scratched from his scheduled start because of spasms in his upper back. "I felt a twinge in my back Tuesday and woke up that night with no range of motion and spasms. Trainers worked on it all day Wednesday without any improvement," he advised. SAN FRANCISCO GIANT Manager FELIPE ALOU said he expected him to miss only one start. (8-28)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES LHP ERIK BEDARD, rated the # 1 prospect in their system heading into this 2003 season, took another step back in his return from TOMMY JOHN surgery. After logging 16 innings between their Rookie level GULF COAST LEAGUE club and the short-season ABERDEEN IRONBIRDS of the NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE, he was promoted to Class-A FREDERICK KEYS, of the SOUTH ATLANTIC LEAGUE, where he will start on Sunday. The 24-year-old Canadian-born hurler has allowed only 11 hits and 3 walks, while punching out 24 batters to-date. (8-28)

LHP VIC DARENSBOURG had his contract purchased from their Triple-AAA affiliate, the EDMONTON TRAPPERS of the PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE, by the MONTREAL EXPOS, where he was 1-1 with a 1.98 ERA. He is 7-15 with a 4.96 ERA over 274 innings in his MLB career with the FLORIDA MARLINS and COLORADO ROCKIES, with opposing batters hitting just .230 against him. (8-28)

Before heading out on the road for a couple of weeks, JAVIER VAZQUEZ extended his scoreless streak to 26 innings and RF VLADIMIR GUERRERO homered for the 20th time this season, for the second straight game, a two-run shot in the 1st inning which put their MONTREAL EXPOS up by a 3-0 margin, as they finished a four-game sweep of the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES in this 4-0 shutout victory, with the win placing them in a three-way tie for the NATIONAL LEAGUE wild card lead with the FLORIDA MARLINS, with the home team completing its third four-game sweep this season, and second in a row at OLYMPIC STADIUM. In 2003, the EXPOS are 7-0 when they draw at least 20,000 fans to home games. "Now that we're playing great baseball and we're in the race, they can't see us next homestand because we play in Puerto Rico. We can't do anything about it," said Vazquez about how well the fans in Montreal had supported the team through this recent series as over 83,145 were in attendance, after averaging only 11,701 through their first 52 games at home. The EXPOS, who are 36-17 in Montreal to-date, will now play just six of their 27 remaining games at OLYMPIC STADIUM over the final month of the current campaign. "I wish we could have this type of crowd here every night. It just fires us up, and we just want to go out there and give everything we've got," said OF JOE VITIELLO. (8-28)

FLORIDA MARLINS LHP TOMMY PHELPS, on the disabled list due to left elbow tendinitis is scheduled to pitch for their Class-A affiliate, the JUPITER HAMMERHEADS, of the FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE, before his return to the team after the first of next month. (8-28)

At TURNER FIELD, in the NEW YORK METS (59-73) 3-2 win over the ATLANTA BRAVES (85-48), AL LEITER (13-7, 4.25) worked 7 strong innings, allowing only two hits and a walk, while striking out 6, then DAVE WEATHERS (3.23) came on for his fifth save, pitching the final two innings, giving up a hit, a run, walking one and striking out one. (8-28)

With only 61 previous at-bats, seldom used C ADAM MELHUSE (.262) hit his fourth home run, a three-run shot in the 1st inning, which saw his OAKLAND ATHLETICS (79-55) go on to defeat the visiting BALTIMORE ORIOLES (61-72) in a 6-4 final. (8-28)

In the LOS ANGELES DODGERS (69-64) 6-4 win over the visiting COLORADO ROCKIES (65-72) LF RICKEY HENDERSON (.219) was 1-for-3 with a walk, a run batted in, a run scored and he swiped his third stolen base, RF SHAWN GREEN (.275) was 1-for-4 with a run batted in and a run scored, 2B JOLBERT CARBRERA (.271) was 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored, and SS CESAR IZTURIS (.252) went 2-for-4 with a run batted in. PAUL QUANTRILL (1.74) worked the 8th inning, allowing one hit but striking out two, and was followed by ERIC GAGNE (1.45) who allowed a hit, striking out three for the save, as usual, being his 45th consecutive this season and 53rd dating to last year, extending his record for consecutive successful saves in one season and to start a season, now being one shy of the MLB career mark set by TOM GORDON over two seasons. For his losing squad, RF LARRY WALKER (.284) was 1-for-2 with two walks and scored two runs. Batting second for the first time in his MLB career, Henderson added to his all-time records for runs, walks and stolen bases, moving into 20th place on the all-time hit list at 3054 with a single, as well as driving in a run with a bases-loaded walk. "My shoulder is healthy and that's a blessing for me. I'm feeling good and we've got a chance here," he stated. In the bottom of the 2nd inning he scored the tying run, the 2293rd of his career, then later walked in another run, establishing another all-time record, his 2189th. (8-29)

At SHEA STADIUM, in a 7-0 shutout victory by his PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES over the NEW YORK METS, Canadian-born reliever RHEAL CORMIER (1.70) worked a perfect 9th inning continuing his superlative pitching during this 2003 season. (8-29)

CLEVELAND INDIANS CF MILTON BRADLEY (.321), out since 10 August with a sore back, traveled to Los Angeles to be examined by Dr. BOB WATKINS. (8-29)

At the GREAT AMERICAN BALLPARK, in an 8-5 win for their CINCINNATI REDS (59-75) over the visiting ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (70-64), starter JOHN BALE (1-1, 2.76) worked 6 innings, allowing seven hits, two runs, two earned runs, walking two, while striking out four, and CF RYAN FREEL (.280) was 1-for-3 with a walk and a run batted in. (8-29)

DAVID WELLS will take his regular turn in the NEW YORK YANKEES starting rotation against the TORONTO BLUE JAYS despite a severe pitching slump and critical remarks made by Pitching Coach MEL STOTTLEMYRE. After he allowed a season-high 10 runs against the CHICAGO WHITE SOX on Wednesday, Wells was quoted as saying that he felt that both YANKEES Manager JOE TORRE and the pitching coach did not like him and that he wouldn't return to the team next season. (8-29)

RF SHANNON STEWART (.314) was 2-for-5 with two runs batted in and two runs scored as his MINNESOTA TWINS (70-64) downed the hometown TEXAS RANGERS (61-74) in an 8-5 final, in which C CHARLIE GREENE (.227) was 2-for-4 with a run batted in. Canadian-born 3B COREY KOSKIE (.293) missed his fourth straight game while he continues to deal with a family health issue. (8-29)

In their return to PRO PLAYER STADIUM, after a disastrous 1-8 road trip, the FLORIDA MARLINS (71-63) scored two runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to rally past the visiting MONTREAL EXPOS (71-65), as a pinch hitter drove in the winning run off reliever ROCKY BIDDLE (4-8, 4.69), setting off a wild celebration after two weeks of utter frustration. LF BRAD WILKERSON (.273) was 1-for-2 with three walks, a run batted in and a run scored, SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.295) was 3-for-5, new 3B TODD ZEILE (.273) was 1-for-4 and CF ENDY CHAVEZ (.256) was also 1-for-4. Starter T.J. TUCKER (4.59) tossed 6 strong innings, allowing only five hits while fanning three, followed by HECTOR ALMONTE (7.94) who worked the 7th, giving up a walk but striking out two, then LUIS AYALA (.3.26) pitched the 8th, allowing two hits, one run, one earned run, striking out 2. (8-29)

When asked which current player might make a great manager someday, FLORIDA MARLINS starting pitcher BRAD PENNY said about his teammate, "Mike Mordecai. He pays attention to every detail of the game, all the time." (8-29)

A two-run single in the bottom of the 9th inning by 1B JOHN OLERUD (.268) capped a three-run rally, which gave his SEATTLE MARINERS (78-57) a 3-2 victory over the BALTIMORE ORIOLES (61-73). For the O's RF JAY GIBBONS (.286) was 1-for-4 with his 21st home run, reaching 90 RBI, and 3B TONY BATISTA (.240) was 1-for-4 with his 23rd home run, reaching 86 RBI. (8-29)

CHICAGO CUBS 2B MARK GRUDZIELANEK, on the disabled list since 3 August with a broken bone in his right hand, began a rehab assignment with their Triple-AAA affiliate, the IOWA CUBS. (8-29)

At JACOBS FIELD, starter KELVIM ESCOBAR (10-8, 4.31) pitched eight strong innings, giving up only four hits, three runs, three earned runs, walking two and striking out 4, improving to 7-1 in road games, while 2B MIKE BORDICK (.280) and DH JOSH PHELPS (.272) each hit two-run home runs as their visiting TORONTO BLUE JAYS defeated the CLEVELAND INDIANS, 7-3. In addition, LF REED JOHNSON (.272) was 2-for-4 with a run batted in and a run scored, CF VERNON WELLS (.314) was 1-for-5 with a run scored, 1B CARLOS DELGADO (.306) was 4-for-5, a season high, with a double, a run batted in and a run scored, 3B DAVE BERG (.260) went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, and rookie C KEVIN CASH (.176) went 2-for-4 with a run batted in. RF BOBBY KIELTY (.239) returned to the lineup after being sidelined since leaving the game on Monday with tightness in his left hamstring. (8-29)

On the top shelf of the locker of RICKEY HENDERSON are two of the three bases he has stolen this season, one at his new home in DODGER STADIUM and one from PRO PLAYER STADIUM, which he is requesting at each ballpark in order to have every base he steals for his own personal collection, as each stolen bases extends his all-time record, which now stands at 1405. "They're all major league records. I don't keep all of them, only certain numbers, or if that particular steal means something to me. They all have the team logo on there, so I like to save some when I go to certain cities. If I get a couple in one city, I'll just take the last one," he explained. (8-29)

In their 9-3 triumph over the CLEVELAND INDIANS (60-76), LF FRANK CATALANOTTO (.299), who went 2-for-2, hitting a three-run home run, his 11th, and starter CORY LIDLE (12-11, 6.08) fresh off the disabled list for over three weeks with a strained left groin, recorded the win for their TORONTO BLUE JAYS (67-68) working 6.1 innings, allowing only five hits, two runs, two earned runs, a walk, while striking out 2, is first victory since 25 July. "I threw aggressively for the middle of the plate and my ball was moving to the corners," he advised. In addition LF REED JOHNSON (.274) was 2-for-6 with a run batted in and two runs scored, CF VERNON WELLS (.315) was 2-for-6 with a run scored, 1B CARLOS DELGADO (.308) went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run batted in, in a pinch-hitting situation, 3B ERIC HINSKE (.236) went 1-for-4, his 38th double, matching his 2002 total when he was chosen as the AMERICAN LEAGUE Rookie of the Year, and also had a walk, 2B MIKE BORDICK (.283) was 1-for-1 with two runs batted in, and SS CHRIS WOODWARD (.270) was 3-for-5 with two runs batted in and a run scored. For the TRIBE, 3B CASEY BLAKE (.268) went 1-for-3 with a walk and 2B BRANDON PHILLIPS (.208) recently returning to the team from a few months with the Triple-AAA BUFFALO BISONS continued his tough times at the plate going 0-for-2, and starter JAKE WESTBROOK (6-8, 4.80) who worked 5.1 innings, took the loss, allowing 8 hits, four runs, three earned runs, six walks, while striking out just 2. (8-30)

At PNC PARK, in Pittsburgh, in a 13-6 win for the ATLANTA BRAVES (86-49) against his hometown PITTSBURGH PIRATES, Canadian-born LF JASON BAY (.318) went 1-for-4 with a run scored, and MATT STAIRS (.294) was 0-for-1 in a pinch hitting appearance, striking out. (8-30)

PEDRO MARTINEZ (10-4, 2.52), spotted a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning, struggled to make it through the 4th, allowing 9 hits, five runs, five earned runs, striking out 3, as his BOSTON RED SOX (78-57) went down to defeat 10-7 to the NEW YORK YANKEES (82-52). "He wasn't 100 percent up there today. He's had better days, and he'll have better ones later," said Manager GRADY LITTLE. (8-30)

In their 2-0 shutout win over the TEXAS RANGERS (61-75), RF SHANNON STEWART (.313) accounted for both runs with his 6th inning single, and 3B COREY KOSKIE (.295) was 2-for-3 with a walk for their MINNESOTA TWINS (71-64). (8-30)

In another tough loss, at BANK ONE BALLPARK, this time by a 2-1 margin, starter RANDY JOHNSON (4-7, 4,84) threw 7 innings, giving up just five hits, two runs, two earned runs, two bases on balls, while striking out 11, as his ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (70-65) were defeated by the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (81-53). (8-30)

At SHEA STADIUM, as his PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES downed the NEW YORK METS by a 4-2 final, Canadian-born reliever RHEAL CORMIER (1.67) continued his exceptional season, working the 8th inning, striking out one, followed by JOSE MESA (5.60) who notched his 23rd save. (8-30)

Playing at home in the new GREAT AMERICAN BALLPARK, in a 6-3 loss by his CINCINNATI REDS (59-76) to the visiting ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (71-64), CF RYAN FREEL (.288) went 2-for-5, with a double, scoring a run. (8-30)

TED LILLY (8-9, ) stepped up, taking a one-hitter into the 7th inning against the TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS (), retiring 11 of the first 12 batters he faced, as his OAKLAND ATHLETICS () won its eighth consecutive game by a X-X score. "I don't know if we really feel too comfortable. We've still got a lot of head-to-head (games). It think that's where it's really going to be decided," he stated. (8-30)

CARL PAVANO (11-11, 4.17) had one of his best nights of the current season, going 8 innings, giving up only six hits, two runs and two earned runs, walking just one but striking out a season high 11, as his FLORIDA MARLINS (72-63) continued their dominance of the visiting MONTREAL EXPOS (71-66), in a 4-3 triumph. Down 4-0 entering the 9th inning, RF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.324) hit his 21st home run, a solo shot deep to left, as his squad tallied two more runs, with C BRIAN SCHNEIDER (.238) hitting a double, and had runners at the corners with two outs when SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.292) hit a deep fly ball which was caught in right field at the wall to end the contest. (8-30)

ESTEBAN LOAIZA (18-6, 2.45) became the first 18-game winner in the AMERICAN LEAGUE, as his CHICAGO WHITE SOX (73-64) downed the DETROIT TIGERS (34-101) in a 6-1 final. He worked 8 innings, giving up just four hits, a run, and an earned run, walking one, striking out eight. 2B ROBERTO ALOMAR (.265) went 3-for-5, all doubles, and Canadian-born 3B DANNY KLASSEN (.236) was 1-for-4 for the losing BENGALS. (8-31)

The FLORIDA MARLINS (73-63) third straight win against the visiting MONTREAL EXPOS (71-67) was the result of contributions from players throughout their lineup, as they ended up 5-3 winners in this contest. CF BRAD WILKERSON (.274) was 2-for-5 with a run scored, SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.292) was 1-for-4 with a run batted in, RF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.326) continued his hot hitting since coming off the DL five weeks previously, going 2-for-4, hitting his 22nd home run in the 1st inning, and 3B JAMEY CARROLL (.265) was 1-for-2. 1B WILFREDO CORDERO (.274) has just one hit in his last 20 at-bats. (8-31)

ROGER CLEMENS (13-8, 4.01) won his 100th victory at FENWAY PARK in his final regular season start there, as his NEW YORK YANKEES moved 5.5 games up on the BOSTON RED SOX with an 8-4 triumph, allowing four runs on six hits over 6.2 innings, with the BRONX BOMBERS taking two of three in the series. The capacity crowd of 34482 gave him a standing ovation as he departed the mound, continuing their applause and cheering until he came out of the dugout, waving and tipping his cap. "It was very special. It gave me the opportunity to say thank you," he stated. His record is 100-55 at fabled Fenway, where he began his long career, pitching from 1984-1996. Planning to retire at the conclusion of this 2003 season he would pitch there again only if the two teams were to meet in the playoffs. "It was exciting and that's what it should have been. The reason why they boo him is because they miss him, and Boston fans are just like New York fans. They love great players," said JASON GIAMBI. (8-31)

The ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS purchased the contract of OF FELIX JOSE from their Class-AAA affiliate, the TUCSON SIDEWINDERS, of the PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE. (8-31)

Coaches LEE ELIA and JOHN McLAREN were both ejected after arguing a call when they began tossing candy and bubble gum onto the playing surface in the 4-3 loss by their TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS (53-82) to the OAKLAND ATHLETICS (82-55). Canadian-born starter RICH HARDEN (4-3, 4.26) was the winner, pitching 7 innings, allowing five hits, three runs, three earned runs, one walk, striking out ten. (8-31)

ERIC GAGNE (1.43) tied the MLB record with his 54th consecutive save as his LOS ANGELES DODGERS (71-64) knocked off the visiting COLORADO ROCKIES (65-74) in a 3-0 shutout triumph. Moved to their bullpen during Spring Training in 2002 after two mediocre seasons as a starter, he has excelled in this role as their closer. Working the 9th inning he gave up only a hit while fanning two, equaling the mark TOM GORDON set with the BOSTON RED SOX in 1998-1999, with this save being his 46th without a miss, also a MLB record. RF SHAWN GREEN (.276) was 1-for-3 with a run scored, and CF JOLBERT CABRERA (.273) was 2-for-3 with two runs batted in. (8-31)

1B MATT STAIRS (.298) went 2-for-4 with a run batted in as his PITTSBURGH PIRATES (62-72) went down to defeat against the visiting ATLANTA BRAVES (87-49) by a 10-4 score. (8-31)

At JACOBS FIELD, ninth-inning throwing errors by C KEVIN CASH and 1B FRANK CATALANOTTO, both late defensive replacements, allowed the CLEVELAND INDIANS (61-76) to score two runs to beat the visiting TORONTO BLUE JAYS (67-69) in a 5-4 result. SS MIKE BORDICK (.287) was 2-for-3 with a walk, driving in one run while scoring another, 1B JOSH PHELPS (.272) was 1-for-4 with two runs batted in and a run scored, and 1B CARLOS DELGADO picked up his AMERICAN LEAGUE leading 122nd run batted in with a sacrifice fly. (8-31)

MONTREAL EXPOS star outfielder VLADIMIR GUERRERO was named as the NATIONAL LEAGUE Player of the Month after he batted .349, hit 10 home runs and totaled 25 runs batted in. (8-31)