MONTREAL EXPOS RHP ZACH DAY (3-1, 1.94) tossed a nine-inning, 3-hit shutout for a 5-0 win over the MILWAUKEE BREWERS, his first-ever career shutout in the majors, in which he walked only one while striking out five in only his eighth career start. Assisting him ably in the offensive department were hot-hitting 2B HENRY MATEO (.474) who went 3-for-5, SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.272) who was 2-for-3, with two runs batted in, upping his season total to 17, OF BRAD WILKERSON (.296) who hit his 4th home run of the season in the 4th inning, and who now has amassed 16 runs batted in on the early season, OF JOSE MACIAS (.259) with a 1-for-5 performance but adding an RBI to the total and C MIKE BARRETT (.115) with his 3rd homer in the 2nd inning, with this result enabling the EXPOS to stand 8 games over .500, at 18-10, in the NATIONAL LEAGUE East, tied for first, with those perennial front runners, the ATLANTA BRAVES, for the first time since being 25-17 on 23 May 2000. (5-01)

Four-time CY YOUNG Award winner LHP RANDY JOHNSON underwent successful arthroscopic knee surgery and should expect to miss between three to six weeks of the season. The surgery was performed to clear out debris that had caused inflammation in his right knee. "We've been through this in varying degrees the last two years, and it's part of the game," said ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Manager BOB BRENLY. "The throwing motion is very unnatural to begin with. We're hoping the procedure will eliminate the cause of the swelling. He's taking this about as well as you'd expect. I mean, this is one of the great competitors in our game." (5-01)

CHICAGO CUBS closer ANTONIO ALFONSECA, out since March with a strained right hamstring, will throw in front of the CUBS coaching staff tomorrow to see if he is ready to be activated off the disabled list. (5-01)

In the first game of a doubleheader, BALTIMORE ORIOLES went on to a 5-2 road win over their host, the lowly DETROIT TIGERS, who now stand at 3-23. OF JAY GIBBONS (.248) was 1-for-5 with 3 runs batted in and 3B TONY BATISTA (.245) ended at 1-for-4 with one run batted in and a walk. In the second game, another win for the O's, 6-4, Gibbons (.257) went 2-for-4 with one run batted in and a run scored, while Batista (.245), serving as the DH, was 1-for-4 with a run scored. (5-01) CHICAGO CUBS SS ALEX GONZALEZ (.300) hit a three-run home run in the top of the 10th inning, his second homer of the game and his first two for this 2003 season, leading his squad to a 5-1 win over their host, the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS. Also, 2B MARK GRUDZIELANEK (.291) was 1-for-5 with one run scored, and OF MOISES ALOU (.274) went 2-for-5. For the losers, OF JOSE CRUZ (.316) was 1-for-4 (5-01)

MONTREAL EXPOS OF ENDY CHAVEZ leads the team with 12 multi-hit games and had scored 10 runs in his last 11 starts. (5-02

Starter CORY LIDLE (4-2, 4.80) pitched a complete game three-hitter, giving up just one run and one earned run, while striking out five in a 3-1 TORONTO BLUE JAYS triumph over the visiting ANAHEIM ANGELS, which saw 1B CARLOS DELGADO (.350) hit a three-run homer in the first inning. 2B ORLANDO HUDSON shoved a fan who ran onto the field and up to him near his fielding position at SKYDOME in the ninth inning as three security personnel then tackled him. (5-02)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES DH DAVID SEGUI is expected to come off the 15-day disabled list tomorrow. (5-02)

RHP ESTEBAN LOAIZA is 14-3 lifetime in April and only 8-13 in May. (5-02)

CHICAGO WHITE SOX Manager JERRY MANUEL said that he hasn't seen a pitcher dominate the way ESTEBAN LOAIZA has since DENNIS MARTINEZ did in his days with the MONTREAL EXPOS, which isn't too bad for a $500,000 pickup on the eve of Spring Training. One caveat, however: Loaiza entered with a career April record of 13-3 to go with a 2.92 earned run average, that compares with a 60-70 record and 5.08 ERA after the first of May. (5-03)

Here's how CLEVELAND INDIANS pitcher BRIAN ANDERSON explained how he and CARL SADLER caught a purse snatcher while in San Francisco last weekend: "The guy picked the wrong place to snatch a purse. He ran into two left-handers on a losing streak." The pitchers were eating dinner across the street from the team hotel and saw a woman get her purse grabbed in the restaurant. They took off after the 16-year-old and caught him after a wild chase. "When Carl ran by me, there were two things I knew I had to do. No. 1, I had to get the guy with the purse. No. 2, Carl Sadler wasn't going to beat me," Anderson explained. (5-03)

It now turns out that MONTREAL EXPOS starter ZACH DAY is not the NATIOANL LEAGUE Rookie of the Month for April after all. One day after the right-hander was chosen for the honor it was rescinded and given instead to 1B HEE SEOP CHOI of the CHICAGO CUBS, as it turns out that Day spent a number of days too many in the majors in 2002 to still be considered a rookie, but he wasn't too bothered by the disappearing award. "I'm not even thinking about it. It's in the past. I didn't know about it until yesterday. Today it's already gone. It's no big deal," he stated. For the month he was 2-1 with a 2.48 earned run average. He began the 2003 season with 81 days of major league service, 36 more than rules allow. (5-03)

CLEVELAND INDIANS backup catcher TIM LAKER stole his first base in the majors since 13 June 1993 while he was a rookie with the MONTREAL EXPOS. (5-03)

PEDRO MARTINEZ (3-1, 2.55) pitched his first complete game of the season and benefitted from a seven-run sixth inning in a 9-1 victory against the visiting MINNESOTA TWINS, striking out 12, walking none, allowing just five hits for his 39th career complete game victory, giving up one earned run or less for the fifth time in his last seven starts. "That is one of the best games I ave ever seen the guy pitch," said BOSTON RED SOX Manager GRADY LITTLE. "That ball was darting everywhere." (5-03)

When CHICAGO CUBS OF MOISES ALOU faces his father's team, like he did this past week, he should not expect any special treatment. That edict came directly from his father, FELIPE ALOU, who managed his son while the skipper of the MONTREAL EXPOS and against him when his son then played for the FLORIDA MARLINS and HOUSTON ASTROS. "I'm the manager of this ballclub," said the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS skipper. "I can order to have him walked or pitched to. I'm not an innocent bystander. You can't run away from it, out of respect for the club and the fans. Moises understands." (5-03)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS CEO PAUL GODFREY emphasized his team's $1 ticket prices last week had nothing to do with promoting the team and everything to do with eliminating the S.A.R.S. scare in the city. "This wasn't to give our product away," he stated. "We wanted to give the people of Toronto the chance to show support for the city they live in." Fans got into the spirit with one sign reading, " CATCH THE BALL, NOT SARS." (5-03)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES DH DAVID SEGUI came off the 15-day disabled list (hamstring). (5-03)

DOUG DAVIS (1-0, 5.00) won his first start since arriving with the TORONTO BLUE JAYS and OF VERNON WELLS (.275) went 4-for-4 with five runs batted in, hitting a grand slam in the seventh inning, enabling his group to down the visiting ANAHEIM ANGELS, 7-, for their third straight triumph. Davis worked six innings, giving up eight hits, one run and one earned run, while walking one and striking out only one. OF SHANNON STEWART (.304) went two-for-five with two runs scored, 3B ERIC HINSKE (.250) was 2-for-3 with one run batted in, and SS MIKE BORDICK (.286) also was 2-for-4 with a run scored. The BLUE JAYS had entered the contest with an AMERICAN LEAGUE high 5.80 earned run average for all of its pitching staff. (5-03)

LOS ANGELES DODGERS closer ERIC GAGNE allowed his first run in 16.1 innings this season but still got his 10th save in 10 chances. (5-04)

At FENWAY PARK, the MINNESOTA TWINS showed the BOSTON RED SOX that they are able to put together some big innings, too. 3B COREY KOSKIE (.286) began their comeback, down 4-0, with an RBI double in the sixth, going 3-for-5, with 2 runs scored, as his side ran up 14 hits in the contest, on the way to the eventual 9-4 win, which saw MIKE TIMLIN (3-1, 4.43) the loser after pitching only a third of an inning in the sixth, giving up three hits, four runs, and one earned run. (5-04)

KIRK RUETER (3-1, 3.07) gave up one run and four hits in six innings, improving to 10-1 against the CINCINNATI REDS, in the 6-1 win, while RYAN DEMPSTER (1-2, 7.22) took the loss after throwing 5.1 innings, giving up five hits, five runs, five earned runs, five walks while striking out four. (5-04)

CARLOS DELGADO (.358) who went 2-for-3, with two walks, with a run scored and three runs batted in, hitting a three-run double, his eighth, which saw his TORONTO BLUE JAYS complete a three-game sweep of the visiting ANAHEIM ANGELS, for their fourth straight win, sweeping the Halos for the first time since 15-17 June 1999. MARK HENDRICKSON (2-4, 6.57) tossed 6 innings, giving up four hits, two runs, two earned runs, and three walks with five strikeouts, followed by KELVIM ESCOBAR (10.13) who worked the final three innings allowing only 2 bases on balls, while whiffing 4, to achieve his 4th save. For the winners, OF FRANK CATALANOTTO (.342) continued his hot hitting, going 2-for-5 with two runs batted in, SS CHRIS WOODWARD (.250) was 3-for-4 with two runs scored, and 2B DAVE BERG was 2-for-4 with two runs scored. (5-04)

SS ALEX GONZALEZ (.308) homered in the 10th inning, for the second time since 1 May, which enabled his squad to go to 3-0 in extra-inning games, as his CHICAGO CUBS downed the visiting COLORADO ROCKIES, 5-4, in 10 innings. (5-04)

ROGER CLEMENS (4-2, 2.49), who remains at 297 career victories on his way to the eventual 300th win plateau, was severely out-pitched in a marquee matchup of the two most recent AL CY YOUNG Award winners, as BARRY ZITO blanked baseball's top-scoring team over eight innings in leading his OAKLAND ATHLETICS to a 2-0 shutout over the NEW YORK YANKEES at YANKEE STADIUM in the Bronx, before a crowd of 45426. (5-04)

Canadian-born OF MATT STAIRS (.217) hit the longest and farthest home run in MINUTE MAID PARK history in a 7-1 loss to the HOUSTON ASTROS, which was initially measured at having traveled over 460+ feet from home plate, but upon further review, as the ball hit so high on the wall, it may be a clout of almost 500 or more feet in total. (5-05)

ANTONIO ALFONSECA, who began the 2003 season on the DL due to a strained riht hamstring, which he injured in Spring Training, was activated after making three appearances for the Class-AAA IOWA CUBS during a minor league rehabilitation, allowing two runs in 3.2innings pitched. In 2002 he struggled for the CHICAGO CUBS, going 2-5 with a 4.00 ERA, converting 19 of 28 save opportunities. (5-05)

RHEAL CORMIER has not allowed a run in 13.2 innings over his nine appearances since his first appearance of the 2003 season, when he allowed five runs in one inning. (5-05)

BARTOLO COLON is 3-6 against the SEATTLE MARINERS and BOSTON RED SOX, the only two teams in the AMERICAN LEAGUE with winning records against him. (5-05)

Canadian-born OF LARRY WALKER played in his 1018th game with his COLORADO ROCKIES, tying the club record originally set by DANTE BICHETTE. (5-06)

1B CARLOS DELGADO (.363) hit two of five TORONTO BLUE JAYS home runs against the TEXAS RANGERS in a 15-5 triumph. Rookie RF JAYSON WERTH (.222) and 2B ORLANDO HUDSON (.270) both hit three-run homers for the BLUE JAYS, who totaled 17 hits, nine of which were for extra bases. Starter ROY HALLADAY (2-2, 5.13) was the winner, having pitched 7 innings, giving up five runs and five earned runs, striking out five and walking only one. (5-06)

34-year-old IF JOSE OFFERMAN, released on the final day of Spring Training by the MONREAL EXPOS, signed with the BRIDGEPORT BLUEFISH of the independent ATLANTIC LEAGUE. (5-06)

The TORONTO BLUE JAYS recalled RHP BRIAN BOWLES from their Class-AAA farm club, the SYRACUSE SKYCHIEFS, and LHP JASON KERSHNER (0-1, 10.80) was sent down. (5-06)

The MONTREAL EXPOS downed the visiting SAN DIEGO PADRES, 4-2, behind strong pitching by starter LIVAN HERNANDEZ (3-1, 4.14) who went 7 innings for the victory, allowing just two runs, two earned runs, and striking out five. 1B WILFREDO CORDERO (.246) was 3-for-4 with three runs batted in and a run scored and SS JAMEY CARROLL (.267) went 1-for-4 with a run bated in for the winners. (5-060

OF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.280) went 2-for-4, hitting his 6th homer run, a three-run shot, in the bottom of 10th inning as his MONTREAL EXPOS handed the visiting SAN DIEGO PADRES its ninth loss in their last ten games, 12-9. With runners on first and second and with one out, Guerrero homered for their fourth game-ending home run of the season. Once again SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.281) swung a hot bat, going 4-for-6, hitting his 5th homer, with three runs across and two runs batted in, 2B JOSE VIDRO (.342) was 3-for-6 with two runs scored and an RBI, OF BRAD WILKERSON (.309) went 2-for-2, hitting his 5th home run, with two runs scored, four runs batted in and two walks, and 1B WILFREDO CORDERO (.264) was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk. (5-07)

Canadian-born RHP RYAN DEMPSTER will miss at least one start with an inflamed nerve in his neck, so another Canadian-born pitcher, RHP CHRIS REITSMA will start in his place on Friday. (5-07)

Former AMERICAN LEAGUE MVP JOSE CANSECO, who is serving a two-year house arrest for violating terms of his probation for a 2001 fight in a Miami Beach nightclub, now claims that he was told three years ago by several players that he was being "blackballed" by baseball. In an interview with Fox Sports Net broadcast on Wednesday, he said he never was given a chance to go back into baseball after playing for the CHICAGO WHITE SOX in 2001, even though he had 462 career home runs and still wished o play. "I had a few players say that I was being blackballed," he stated. "All the athletes know why I am out of the game, it's an internal thing, it's kept in the family." (5-07)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS 3B Coach BRIAN BUTTERFIELD missed his second straight game because of dehydration. However, he is expected to be back in uniform for the game tonight. (5-07)

The HOUSTON ASTROS downed the visiting PITTSBURGH PIRATES, 13-4, behind the strong hitting of 3B GEOFF BLUM (.284) who was 2-for-2 with two runs plated and three runs batted in, and 2B JEFF KENT (.328) went 4-for-5 with a run scored and five runs batted in. (5-07)

The District of Columbia proposed a $ 338 million package in an effort to persuade baseball owners to move the MONTREAL EXPOS to the nation's capital. The plan includes $ 275 million for a new ballpark and $ 15 million to renovate ROBERT F. KENNEDY STADIUM where the team would play until a new stadium is ready. Washington, Northern Virginia and Portland, Oregon, are all seeking the EXPOS, who were bought by the other 29 MLB teams before the 2002 season and officials of major league baseball have previously said that they would like to make a decision on the team's future by the All-Star game break in mid-July. Northern Virginia plans to issue $ 285 million in bonds to fund a $ 400 million ballpark, with that team paying the rest, while the Oregon Legislature is considering a $ 150 million stadium financing package, which was approved 33-25 on Wednesday by the Oregon House, authorizing the use of income tax revenue from players and team officials to help pay for construction bonds that represent the state's part of the estimated $ 350 million in construction costs. (5-08)

SHANNON STEWART (.314) went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two runs batted in, to became the seventh batter, and the fastest, to get his 1000th hit as a member of the TORONTO BLUE JAYS, accomplishing this feat in only his 819th game, 75 fewer than TONY FERNANDEZ. In this contest, the TEXAS RANGERS were downed 8-6 behind the pitching of COREY LIDLE (5-2, 4.94) who tossed 6 innings, giving up eight hits, four runs, four earned runs, a walk with three strikeouts, followed by TREVER MILLER (5.54) who went 1.3 innings, giving up three hits, a run and an earned run, then CLIFF POLITTE (3.52) came on to earn his second save, throwing 1.2 innings, giving up two hits, a run and an earned run, while striking out 2. For the victors, DH FRANK CATALANOTTO (.339) was 1-for-5 with a run scored, C GREG MYERS (.313) continued his hot hitting, going 3-for-4 with three runs batted in and two runs scored, 3B ERIC HINSKE (.240) built up his average with a 2-for-3 performance with an RBI and two walks, and SS MIKE BORDICK (.283) was 1-for-4 with a run scored. (5-08)

EXPEDITE PLUS, a Toronto-based delivery company, has purchased all remaining 200 level seats in the outfield and all 500 level tickets to four upcoming games at SKYDOME. They will offer these ducats to fans for only $ 2 each for the games of 14 May, versus the TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS; 28 May, versus the CHICAGO WHITE SOX; 11 June against the PITTSBURGH PIRATES; and, 25 June against the BALTIMORE ORIOLES, all of which normally sell from between $ 7 and $ 21. (5-08)

DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS (FSL) DH KURT KEENE completed an unlikely cycle, driving in a pair of runs in a 6-3 loss to the JUPITER HAMMERHEADS, having tripled into left center field in the first inning, then scored directly after on a sacrifice fly off the bat of OF RON DAVENPORT. After singling in the third, the 25-year-old next connected on a two-run home run to cut his team's deficit to 6-3. The longball was just his fifth in 906 career at-bats, and he has just a .317 slugging percentage since being selected out of the University of Florida in 2000. In the eighth, he ripped a double before flying out in the ninth. It became the first cycle for a member of the TORONTO BLUE JAYS organization since 1B JULIAN YAN did so on 30 April 1989. (5-08)

The CLEVELAND INDIANS activated OF MILTON BRADLEY (.366) who was batting .375 before suffering a strained hamstring about three weeks ago, but in his first game back went 0-for-2 though he did garner two walk, while rookie 2B BRANDON PHILLIPS (.204) continued to struggle, going 1-for-3. (5-08)

MONTREAL EXPOS 3B FERNANDO TATIS (.250) who was 1-for-5 with one run scored, hit a two run home double which capped a six-run first inning as host Montreal rolled over the SAN DIEGO PADRES, 12-5. 1B WILFREDO CORDERO (.289) went 3-for-4 with a run scored and three runs batted in, enabling his squad to take a 9-1 lead in the second inning, reaching the 500 RBI mark for his MLB career. Starter TOMO OHKA (3-4, 4.38) gave up eight hits over eight innings, three runs, three earned runs, walked 2, struck out two, before another very small home crowd of just 5274, which saw the three-game series draw only 16226. SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.290) was 2-for-3 with three runs plated and two walks, 2B JOSE VIDRO (.350) was 2-for-3 with two runs across, OF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.297) went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two runs batted in, and OF BRAD WILKERSON (324) was 3-for-5 with a run across and three runs batted in. (5-08)

CHARLESTON WEST VIRGINIA ALLEYCATS (SAL) RHP VINCE PERKINS, the league-leading pitcher in strikeouts, struck out seven and allowed just one hit over six scoreless innings in a no-decision outing in their 1-0 loss to the DELAMRVA SHOREBIRDS. (5-08)

In a 6-1 win for the visiting LOS ANGELES DODGERS over the NEW YORK METS, 1B FRED McGRIFF (.266) continued improving his batting average, going 2-for-4 with a run scored and two runs batted in, OF SHAWN GREEN (.291) was 2-for-5 with a run scored, 2B JOLBERT CABRERA (.255) went 1-for-2 with two walks, and SS CESAR IZTURIS (.246) was 1-for-3 with three runs batted in, while on the mound, PAUL QUANTRILL (1.15) pitched two strong innings in the 7th and 8th then GUILLERMO MOTA (1.50) came on to pitch a perfect 9th to close it out. (5-08)

In a 15-10 triumph over the COLORADO SPRINGS SKY SOX, C PAT BORDERS, with the TACOMA RAINIERS of the PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE went 6-for-6 with three extra-base hits and three runs batted in, having singled in the first inning, doubled in the second, then smacked the front-end of back-to-back home runs with OF JALAL LEACH in the fourth. The 39-year-old doubled again in the sixth, drew a walk in the seventh, then singled in the ninth before highlighting a five-run rally in the top of the 10th with a two-run single. He hit .368 with 18 RBI for the month of April, and stands second in the PCL at .395 in early May, just days from his 40th birthday on 14 May. (5-08)

3B GEOFF BLUM (.304) went 3-for-3, doubling in the sixth inning and giving his HOUSTON ASTROS a 3-2 lead when he advanced to third base, then scored on wild pitches in their eventual 6-2 victory over the visiting PITTSBURGH PIRATES, and 2B JEFF KENT (.325) went 1-for-4. OF MATT STAIRS (.194) continued to struggle, being 0-for-3 with a walk, but two strikeouts. (5-08)

Former FLORIDA MARLINS RHP RYAN DEMPSTER said that he did not tell his CINCINNATI REDS about the discomfort he has felt in his arm of late which forced him to miss his scheduled start on Friday evening, adding that he has had this injury since Spring Training (5-09)

LOS ANGELES DODGERS 1B FRED McGRIFF (.279) who went 3-for-4 with two RBI, smacked his 482nd career home run in the eighth inning, breaking a 5-5 tie, after their bullpen blew a four-run lead against the MONTREAL EXPOS in a 9-5 win in Montreal. The Dodgers then added three more runs going on to their third win in a row with GUILLERMO MOTA (2-1, 1.29), pitching three strong innings in becoming the winner, despite allowing a tying, two-run single in the seventh off the bat of OF BRAD WILKERSON (.321). OF JOLBERT CABRERA was 1-for-1 with a run scored and SS CESAR IZTURIS was 2-for 5 with two runs batted in for the victors. For the Expos, OF ENDY CHAVEZ (.275) went 2-for-5 with a run scored, SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.305) was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two runs batted in, and 1B WILFREDO CORDERO was 2-for-4 in the loss. (5-09)

3B TONY BATISTA (.246) went 3-for-5 with a run scored and five runs batted, with his 6th home run, matching his career high in RBI as his BALTIMORE ORIOLES ended a four-game losing streak with a victory against the visiting KANSAS CITY ROYALS in the first game of a doubleheader, winning both by 15-5 and 5-4 results, being their highest scoring game since downing the TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS by a 15-6 margin on 11 April 2002. In the nightcap, after going 4-for-5 with three runs scored and an RBI in the first contest, OF JAY GIBBONS (.277) was 1-for-4 with a run scored and two runs batted in on his 5th home run of the season. DH DAVID SEGUI (.377) continued his hot hitting with a 2-for-6 performance in the first game, with two runs scored and two runs batted in, followed up by going 1-for-3 with two bases-on-balls in the second game. (5-09)

Reduced to mainly a pinch-hitting role, MATT STAIRS (.206) was 0-for-1 for his PITTSBURGH PIRATES in their 5-0 loss to the ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS behind the strong pitching of CURT SCHILLING (3.92, 2-2) who went the distance, limiting the slumping BUCS to just four singles, in his first shutout in more than a year, recording 10 strikeouts without giving up a walk. (5-09)

BOSTON RED SOX RHP PEDRO MARTINEZ (3-2, 3.15) was roughed up by their host MINNESOTA TWINS, 5-0, lasting only five innings, surrendering eight hits, five runs and a walk, while striking out only four. He entered his game having compiled a 5-1 mark with a 1.98 ERA in nine previous starts against he Twins. (5-09)

OF RONDELL WHITE (.248) went 2-for-5 with three runs batted in as his SAN DIEGO PADRES downed the visiting NEW YORK METS, 5-4, in their final appearance at QUALCOMM FIELD, formerly JACK MURPHY STADIUM in San Diego, which will be replaced for the 2004 season. (5-09)

In a 9-2 victory over the visiting ATLANTA BRAVES, the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS benefited by a 2-for-4 night by C BENITO SANTIAGO (.304), who had his 5th home run and a 1-for-4 effort from OF JOSE CRUZ JR (.320), both of whom had four runs batted in over the evening. (5-09)

Baseball's color barrier might have been broken 11 years before JACKIE ROBINSON, if a team owner had just listened to SAM LACY, the dean of black sports writers, who died today at the age of 99. He had suggested to WASHINGTON SENATORS owner CLARK GRIFFITH in 1936 that NEGRO LEAGUE players might be able to help his struggling team, however, fearing riots and unrest, Griffith said the timing was not right then. They never won another pennant until their move to Minnesota. Lacy went on to chronicle Robinson's rise up through the minors to his eventual debut with the BROOKLYN DODGERS in 1947. (5-09)

ROGER CLEMENS (5-2, 2.35) earned his 298th career victory, pitching shutout ball into the seventh inning, leading his NEW YORK YANKEES against their host OAKLAND ATHLETICS, 5-2. He threw 6.2 innings, giving up six hits, one run, one earned run, while striking out five, walking one, leaving him just 41 strikeouts short of reaching 4000 in his soon-to-be Hall of Fame career. In ending his two-game losing streak, he refused to publicly contemplate his looming 300th win by stating, "I have to get to 299 first." (5-10)
Still bothered by a sore right groin, BOSTON RED SOX ace starter PEDRO MARTINEZ will make his next scheduled start against the TEXAS RANGERS on Thursday. (5-10)

LOS ANGELES DODGERS OF SHAWN GREEN, who has only four home runs to this point in 2003, did not start for the first time this season. (5-10)

NEW YORK METS reliever SCOTT STRICKLAND was forced out in the eighth of a 4-2 win over the visiting SAN DIEGO PADRES, after pitching only two-thirds of an inning, due to a severe groin strain. (5-10)

OF VERNON WELLS (.268), who went 2-for-5, hit a tiebreaking two-run home run to trigger a five-run sixth inning and starter MARK HENDRICKSON (3-4, 6.07) tossed 6 innings, giving up six hits, two runs, two earned runs, and a walk, in beating their host ANAHEIM ANGELS, 7-4, for the second time in seven days. TORONTO BLUE JAYS C GREG MYERS (.310) continued his hot hitting, going 2-for-4 with a run batted in and two runs scored, 2B ORLANDO HUDSON (.263), 3B MIKE BORDICK (.280) and SS CHRIS WOODWARD (.263) all had a run batted in for their winning squad. As of this date 3B ERIC HINSKE, the AMERICAN LEAGUE Rookie of the Year for 2002, has been hitting only .240 with just one homer and 19 runs batted in. (5-10)

MONTREAL EXPOS RHP ORLANDO HERNANDEZ, on the disabled list since Spring Training, will now have surgery on his injured right shoulder and is expected to miss at least the next three to four months. (5-10)

MONTREAL EXPOS OF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.277) did not play yesterday because he was feeling unwell. (5-11)

The NEW YORK METS placed reliever SCOTT STRICKLAND (0-2, 2.25) on the 15-day disabled list a day after he strained his right groin while pitching in the eighth inning against the SAN DIEGO PADRES. (5-11)

Starter ROY HALLADAY (3-2, 4.77), winless in his first six starts after winning 19 games in 2002, allowed 6 hits over 7.2 innings, two runs, two earned runs, striking out six, to win his third straight start and C TOM WILSON (.269) homered to lead their visiting TORONTO BLUE JAYS past the ANAHEIM ANGELS, 4-2, at EDISON INTERNATIONAL FIELD. The BLUE JAYS, who have won eight of ten, took two of three to win their second consecutive series against the current World Series champions, after sweeping three last weekend at SKYDOME. SS MIKE BORDICK (.296) was 2-for-4 with a run scored and 2B ORLANDO HUDSON (.272) went 2-for-4 with a run batted in. CLIFF POLITTE (3.24) threw a strong 1.2 innings to record his 3rd save. 3B ERIC HINSKE, who hurt his wrist diving for a grounder, sat out his second straight game but may return tomorrow. (5-11)

PEDRO MARTINEZ still is being evaluated after aggravating a groin injury on Friday, with his next scheduled start slated for Thursday against the TEXAS RANGERS. (5-11)

LOS ANGELES DODGERS OF SHAWN GREEN (.280) hit his fifth homer off LIVAN HERNANDEZ (3-2, 4.15) after making a spectacular catch as his visiting squad downed the MONTREAL EXPOS, 4-3. The OLYMPIC STADIUM crowd of 14488, the second-largest through 12 games in Montreal this 2003 season, cheered as closer and Montreal native ERIC GAGNE (0.48) got the last four outs to protect the one-run lead and remain perfect in 12 save opportunities to this point in the young season. (5-11)

In a 17-10 loss to the TEXAS RANGERS, CLEVELAND INDIANS backup catcher TIM LAKER (.296) went 2-for-4 with two runs batted in and two runs scored. For the victors, UGUETH URBINA (4.11) threw one inning, the ninth, giving up four hits, four runs, four earned runs, without achieving a strikeout. (5-11)

MONTREAL EXPOS RHP ORLANDO HERNANDEZ underwent surgery on his injured right shoulder, after being on the DL since Spring Training, and is expected to be out at least three more months. (5-12)

LF MOISES ALOU (.286) and 2B MARK GRUDZIELANEK (.300) each had four of their visiting CHICAGO CUBS season-high 19 hits in the 11-5 triumph over the MILWAUKEE BREWERS at MILLER PARK. (5-12)

In the HOUSTON ASTROS 9-4 win over their host PITTSBURGH PIRATES, 2B JEFF KENT (.310) went 1-for-4 on his sixth home run and 26th RBI, while in another pinch-hitting appearance, MATT STAIRS saw his average decline to .194 and CHRIS WILSON (.233) was 1-for-1 with two runs batted in, also as a pinch hitter. (5-12)

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS LHP KIRK RUETER, who injured his right knee last Saturday against the ATLANTA BRAVES, will not miss his next scheduled start after all. (5-12)

Before a crowd of 33071 at PACIFIC BELL PARK in San Francisco, 2B JOSE VIDRO (.336) was 2-for-4 with three runs batted in, in leading his MONTREAL EXPOS to a 4-3 triumph over their host SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS. CF ENDY CHAVEZ (.275) went 2-for-5 and starter ZACH DAY (4-1, 2.73) tossed six innings, giving up eight hits, one run, one earned run, two walks and a strikeout. (5-12)

Canadian-born LOS ANGELES DODGERS star closer ERIC GAGNE (0-1, 2.37) allowed four runs on three hits and a walk in a third of an inning, in the ninth, on Monday. In his 17 appearances to date, he had allowed only one run over 18.2 innings, compiling a 0.48 ERA, and had 31 strikeouts to just four walks. In the eighth inning, PAUL QUANTRILL (1.04) had continued his strong pitching giving up only one hit, in what eventually became an 11-4 win for the visiting ATLANTA BRAVES. (5-12)

The BOSTON RED SOX activated pitcher ROBERT PERSON from the 15-day disabled list. (5-13)

A federal judge ordered MLB to give her court 90 days notice of any attempt to move or sell the MONTREAL EXPOS. Judge URSULA UNGARO-BENAGES of the U.S. District Court in Miami issued the order as part of a lawsuit by former limited partners of the team against former controlling owner JEFFREY LORIA, Commissioner of MLB BUD SELIG and several other top baseball officials. Northern Virginia, Portland, Oregon and Washington, D.C. all have interested parties trying to land the team, and baseball's committee on this situation will meet tomorrow to prepare a briefing for the meeting of all MLB owners the following day. BOB DuPUY, baseball's chief operating officer, said that no major decisions on the team will be made at this week's meetings. In the EXPOS lawsuit, baseball offered to give the court 60 days notice, with the judge ruling that the time difference was "irrelevant," siding with the limited partners. (5-13)

In a 3-1 win by the visiting ATLANTA BRAVES, PAUL QUANTRILL (0-2) saw his ERA jump from 1.04 to 1.86 after he gave up four hits, two runs, two earned runs and a walk pitching the last two innings for his LOS ANGELES DODGERS. (5-13)

VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.281) broke out of a prolonged slump by going 3-for-4 with a tiebreaking two-run homer, his 7th, as his MONTREAL EXPOS downed their host, the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS, by a 6-4 margin. 1B WILFREDO CORDERO went 2-for-5 with a run batted in, plus a run scored, and ROCKEY BIDDLE (4.22) recorded his 10th save. (5-13)

In a 6-3 win over the PITTSBURGH PIRATES, 2B JEFF KENT (.315) went 2-for-4 with three runs scored, while BUCS pinch hitter MATT STAIRS (.192) saw his lowly average continue to slide after going 0-for-1. (5-13)

In a 7-6 victory over the TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS, CORY LIDLE (6-2, 5.09) won his fifth straight decision as his TORONTO BLUE JAYS held on for the win at SKYDOME before a crowd of 29013. C GREG MYERS (.338) went 3-for-3, hitting his 5th home run, RF FRANK CATALANOTTO (.331) was 1-for-2 with a run batted in and two runs scored, and CF VERNON WELLS (.268) was 2-for-4 with a run batted in and a run scored. BLUE JAYS skipper CARLOS TOSCA is no fan of the artificial surface at SKYDOME. "It should be outlawed. I don't like it. I don't think it's healthy for athletes to play on it," he stated.(5-14)

The MONTREAL EXPOS could still be playing some of their home games in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the 2004 season. Baseball officials have been talking with a Puerto Rican promoter about returning to HIRAM BITHORN STADIUM if no permanent decision is made on their future home. "Throughout the process, we have continued to examine temporary solutions so we don't cut ourselves short. Our primary goal is to get it done for next year, " said BOB DuPUY, baseball's chief operating officer. Northern Virginia, Portland, Oregon, and the Washington, D.C. area are all attempting to lure the EXPOS, but MLB wants financing in place for a new ballpark before making any decision. (5-14)

DAVID WELLS (5-1, 3.26) pitched 7.2 innings, giving up eleven hits, five runs, five earned runs, striking out only two, in a 5-3 loss to the ANAHEIM ANGELS at YANKEE STADIUM. (5-14)

Starter CLAUDIO VARGAS (1-1, 3.16) pitched into the ninth inning for his first MLB victory as his visiting MONTREAL EXPOS sent the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS to their fifth consecutive loss by completing a three-game sweep. LF RON CALLOWAY (.241) and 1B JEFF LIEFER (.200) both homered, and RF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.280) hit a two-run single in a five-run seventh inning for their group, who moved 10 games above .500 for the first time since finishing the 1996 season at 88-74. (5-14)

3B CHRIS STYNES (.243) hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the eighth inning and RF LARRY WALKER (.268) hit a two-run single in a five-run fifth to lead their COLORADO ROCKIES to a 6-5 victory over the visiting NEW YORK METS. 2B ROBERTO ALOMAR (.276) went 2-for-3 with two runs scored for the losers. (5-14)

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS RHP MIGUEL BATISTA still awaits a ruling on his appeal of a 10-game suspension for his part in a major fight with 1B TINO MARTINEZ of the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS. (5-14)

In a 7-0 shutout over the visiting KANSAS CITY ROYALS, 3B COREY KOSKIE (.271) went 1-for-4 with his 5th home run. (5-14)

Currently AMERICAN LEAGUE opponents are batting only .195 against ESTEBAN LOAIZA of the CHICAGO WHITE SOX. (5-15)

In a 4-2 loss by the MONTREAL EXPOS to the COLORADO ROCKIES RF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.287) went 2-for-4 with both a run batted in and a run scored and C MICHAEL BARRETT (.161) was 2-for-3, in a game which was delayed for more than two hours due to heavy rain, causing starter JAVIER VAZQUEZ (3.42) to only go 3.1 innings, giving up two hits, while striking out two and walking one, before being replaced by eventual loser, T.J. TUCKER (0-1, 4.22) who worked just 2.1 innings, giving up four hits, four runs, four earned runs and three bases on balls. (5-15)

The TORONTO BLUE JAYS removed RHP TANYON STURTZE, who went 3-4 with a 6.14 ERA to this point, from the starting rotation and replaced him with KELVIM ESCOBAR (7.74). (5-15)

WAYNE ROSENTHAL has seen TOMMY PHELPS throw so many pitches that he needed less than an inning to detect a flaw in the left-hander's delivery earlier in the past week. "He came out and said 'relax,' and, 'this is what you are doing wrong,'" said Phelps, who was making his first major league start and was tilting his head and shoulders Monday, which caused the ball to die before reaching the plate. "Rosey loves pitching, he loves working with guys and making guys better. And, he knows mechanics as well as any pitching coach I have worked with," Phelps stated. Rosenthal, 38, fulfilled a lifelong dream of being a major league pitching coach when he recently replaced BRAD ARNSBERG, who was fired along with Manager JEFF TORBORG late last Saturday evening. "Everybody asks me what my philosophy is to pitching. There is no philosophy. Each individual pitcher is different in what they do. Just think if I taught DONTRELLE WILLIS to throw like TOMMY PHELPS. I work with what the guy has, what his body movements are, what his balance point is," said Rosenthal. (5-15)

In the 6-4 win by the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES over the visiting ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS, RHEAL CORMIER (2.45) threw a strong 7th inning and later in the ninth, JOSE MESA (6.00) came on to record his 12th save. (5-15)

In an 11-3 victory by the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS over the visiting NEW YORK METS, CF MARQUIS GRISSOM (.265) went 3-for-5 with four runs batted in, C BENITO SANTIAGO (.297) went 2-for-5 with two runs batted in, 1B ANDRES GALARRAGA (.388) was 3-for-5 with two runs scored, and RF JOSE CRUZ JR (.295) was 1-for-3 with two walks, and a run scored. (5-15)

CF VERNON WELLS (.285) homered, doubled twice and singled as his TORONTO BLUE JAYS proceeded to rap out 22 hits in trouncing their hosts, the KANSAS CITY ROYALS, 18-1. Wells drove in four runs while scoring three, and every Toronto starter had at least one hit and scored a run, setting season highs for both runs and hits. LF SHANNON STEWART (.304) and C TOM WILSON (.291) each had three hits. Starter and winner MARK HENDRICKSON (4-4, 5.40) went 7 strong innings, giving up eight hits, one run and one earned run, striking out only one and walking one. Following this game, OF JAYSON WERTH was sent down to Class-AAA SYRACUSE SKYCHIEFS and was replaced by OF REED JOHNSON. (5-16)

In the ANAHEIM ANGELS victory over their host BOSTON RED SOX, 6-5, DH BRAD FULLMER was 3-for-4 with an RBI double as his squad rallied from a four-run deficit for the win. (5-16)

C MICHAEL BARRETT (.167) hit a tiebreaking two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning to lead his visiting MONTREAL EXPOS over their host COLORADO ROCKIES. SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.288) was 2-for-5 with one run batted in, 2B JOSE VIDRO (.329) was 2-for-4 with a run scored, 1B WILFREDO CABRERA (.297) went 1-for-4 with a run batted in and 3B JAMEY CARROLL (.381) went 1-for-1 with a run scored. Starter LIVAN HERNANDEZ (3.73) allowed one run on five hits over 7.1 innings, with two strikeouts and two walks, in a no-decision. Manager FRANK ROBINSON was ejected for arguing a called third strike on Hernandez's at-bat in the seventh inning. RHP TONY ARMAS JR will have surgery next week to repair slight tears in his rotator cuff and shoulder with no timetable now set for his projected return. (5-16)

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES closer JOSE MESA has at least three saves against every MLB team except his current team. (5-16)

MONTREAL EXPOS RHP ROCKY BIDDLE earned his 12th save today in the 43rd game for his squad, with the only member of the franchise to get that many sooner being JEFF REARDON, who had 12 after 42 games in 1985. Earlier, in the third inning, rookie pitcher ZACH DAY (2.63) was ejected after the umpiring crew determined that he had an illegal substance on his fingers, which turned out to be glue he put on his right middle finger to cover up a blister. "We don't really believe the kid thought he was cheating, but that has nothing to do with it," home plate umpire BILL MILLER stated. "He had a foreign substance on his person and that means he is in violation of this rule." The young starter had experienced trouble with a blister in the first two innings, so tried to cover it with glue before the third inning. After walking the leadoff batter to open the inning, he then tried to peel the glue off because it was now bothering him. Trainer RON McCLAIN came out to help him scrape it off, leading the umpire to walk out to the mound. "I was just trying to prevent the blister from getting worse, Day said. "I wasn't trying to do anything." Pinch-hitter HENRY MATEO (.355) hit a two-run single in the tenth inning to give his side the 6-4 triumph. SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.295) was 2-for-3 with two walks and a run scored, RF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.287) was 2-for-4 with a walk and a run batted in, and 1B WILFREDO CORDERO (.302) went 2-for-5 with a run scored. (5-17)

COLORADO ROCKIES OF LARRY WALKER, who is currently hitting just .256, did not play after receiving an injection in his ailing left shoulder. (5-17)

RHP JAYSON DUROCHER, coming back from arthroscopic elbow surgery, pitched another perfect inning for Class-AAA INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS. If he can pitch on back-to-back days this week, he could rejoin his MILWAUKEE BREWERS sooner (5-17)

OF FRANK CATALANOTTO (.331) broke a 3-all tie with a bases-loaded pinch-hit triple off an angry JASON GRIMSLEY (1-3, 3.81) with two outs in the eighth inning, leading his TORONTO BLUE JAYS past the KANSAS CITY ROYALS, 7-4. RF REED JOHNSON (.556) hit his first home run in the big leagues, going 2-for-5 with a run batted in and two runs scored, and 2B ORLANDO HUDSON (.279) went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Starter ROY HALLADAY (4-2, 4.54) tossed 7 innings, giving up five hits, three runs, two earned runs and striking out seven. Just before the home run by Catalanotto, the first base umpire GERRY DAVIS called ORLANDO HUDSON safe on a very close play which caused the ROYALS players to argue, with Grimsley arguing with Davis after the triple, glaring at the umpire when walking to the dugout, then coming back to argue again and later tossing a bucket onto the field. Entering action on Saturday, the BLUE JAYS led the AMERICAN LEAGUE in average (.289), runs (252), hits (431), total bases (706) and doubles (117). (5-17)

In a 9-4 win over the HOUSTON ASTROS by his PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES, Canadian-born reliever RHEAL CORMIER (2.21) threw the final two innings, giving up just a hit while striking out three. (5-17)

2B MARK GRUDZIELANEK (.308) was 3-for-5 and LF MOISES ALOU (.293) went 2-for-5 with a run batted in for their CHICAGO CUBS in a 2-1 win against the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS at BUSCH STADIUM. (5-17)

1B DAVE HOLLINS has left the Class-AAA SCRANTON/WILKES BARRE RED BARONS and is contemplating retirement after not showing up for a road trip to Charlotte and is currently with his family in Buffalo to discuss his future. A NATIONAL LEAGUE All-Star in 1993, he was placed on the temporary inactive list. In 2002 he was on the major league roster of the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES but spent most of the campaign on the disabled list. (5-18)

In a 4-3 victory, DH JOSH PHELPS (.275) hit a three-run home run to lead his visiting TORONTO BLUE JAYS past their hosts, the KANSAS CITY ROYALS, completing a three-game series, with the winners having taken 12 of their last 16 contests. 1B CARLOS DELGADO (.318) was 2-for-3 with a walk, a run batted in and a run scored and SS CHRIS WOODWARD (.273) was 2-for-4. The winning pitcher was TANYON STURTZE (4-4, 6.02) who went 2.1 innings, allowing two hits, one run, one earned run, notching three strikeouts, after relieving starter KELVIM ESCOBAR (7.08) who went 3 innings, giving up two hits, one run, one earned run, three walks and three strikeouts. The BLUE JAYS have homered in a season-high 12 consecutive games with 21 in that span. (5-18)

COLORADO ROCKIES RF LARRY WALKER got his second straight day off, being bothered by left biceps tendonitis. (5-18)

MILWAUKEE BREWERS OF JOHN VANDER WAL (.250) needs just one run batted in to reach 400. (5-18)

The MONTREAL EXPOS fell victim to a 4-0 shutout by their hosts, the COLORADO ROCKIES, in which starter TOMO OHKA (3-5, 4.56) worked 6 innings, giving up six hits, two runs, two earned runs, striking out five and walking three before being replaced by SCOTT STEWART (2.95) who threw 1.1 innings, allowing three hits, two runs, two earned runs and a walk. For the losers, RF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.295) was 2-for-3 with a walk and SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.298) went 2-for-5. (5-18)

RHEAL CORMIER appealed the $750 fine he received for throwing two inside pitches at ROY HALLADAY of the TORONTO BLUE JAYS during a Spring Training game. (5-19)

2B ORLANDO HUDSON (.279) drove in four runs and starter CORY LIDLE (7-2, 4.68) pitched a complete game seven-hitter, giving up two runs, two earned runs, walking one and striking out one, in a 12-2 bashing of their hosts, the CHICAGO WHITE SOX. LF SHANNON STEWART (.299) 1-for-4, 3B ERIC HINSKE (.234) 1-for-2, and RF FRANK CATALANOTTO (.331) 3-for-5, all homered for the TORONTO BLUE JAYS who finished with 15 hits, winning for the 13th time over their last 17 games, with Lidle being successful in six consecutive contests, including his past four starts. Chicago Manager JERRY MANUEL was ejected in the fifth inning for arguing a call, being his fourth ejection of the season after being tossed seven times over his first five years in Chicago. 1B CARLOS DELGADO (.323) was 2-for-4 with two runs batted in and C GREG MYERS (.349) went 3-for-5 with two runs scored. (5-19)

Now needing just two wins to reach 300 in his fine career, ROGER CLEMENS will face the BOSTON RED SOX, his former original team, in his next two starts, with the first on Wednesday at FENWAY PARK and then Monday at home at YANKEE STADIUM. (5-19)

LHP RANDY JOHNSON is now playing catch and working on strengthening his right knee in his comeback from arthroscopic surgery and could be ready in about a month. (5-19)

At FENWAY PARK, in the NEW YORK YANKEES 7-3 win over the BOSTON RED SOX, RF RAUL MONDESI (.321) went 2-for-3 with three runs batted in and winning starter DAVID WELLS (6-1, 3.07) went 6.2 innings, giving up nine hits, one run, one earned run, walking one while striking out four. (5-19)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS Pitching Coach GIL PATTERSON returned today after missing the three-game series against the KANSAS CITY ROYALS due to the ailing health of his mother (5-20)

Currently at 1974 hits, 1B JOHN OLERUD stands to become the second member of the SEATTLE MARINERS this season to reach the 2000 career hit plateau, following teammate EDGAR MARTINEZ who accomplished the feat earlier in the month. (5-20)

C BRIAN SCHNEIDER (.219) hit his fourth home run, leading off the fourth, and SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.303) hit a two-run double to key the four-run inning, leading their MONTREAL EXPOS past the visiting FLORIDA MARLINS. JAVIER VAZQUEZ (4-2, 3.32) who allowed two earned runs on seven hits over seven innings, won for the first time in five starts since 24 April and ROCKY BIDDLE pitched the ninth for his 13th save in 14 chances enabling their squad to win for the sixth time in its last eight games. OF ENDY CHAVEZ (.260) was 2-for-5 with a double and run scored while OF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.309) went 3-for-3 with a double and a walk, scoring a run. (5-20)

Coming back from both shoulder and elbow surgery, RHP ROBERT PERSON will not be working back-to-back days for now, advised his BOSTON RED SOX Manager GRADY LITTLE, who said that he will keep his reliever on an every-other-day schedule. (5-20)

RH reliever STEVE KARSAY had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder today to repair a partial tear of the rotator cuff and will now miss the entire 2003 season after being out all season to this point due to ongoing problems and pain caused by the injury. He is expected to be able to pitch by 2004 Spring Training. Last season he went 6-4 with a 3.26ERA and 12 saves as the primary right handed setup man for his NEW YORK YANKEES. Overall he has a 31-38 record and a 3.88 earned run average in nine seasons in the bigs. (5-20)

CLEVELAND INDIANS OF MILTON BRADLEY has reached safely in all 30 games that he has played in this 2003 season, now the longest such active streak in the majors. (5-20)

CHICAGO WHITE SOX pitcher BARTOLO COLON was suspended for five games and his Manager JERRY MANUEL one game as a result of a BALTIMORE ORIOLES batter being hit by a pitch on 15 May, right after both benches had been warned by the plate umpire. "It's unfortunate for us, but I think for him to be the guy was more important than us calling in somebody from the bullpen to take the heat," the skipper said of his starter. "He's sticking up for our guy is huge for us." (5-21)

MONTREAL EXPOS starter CLAUDIO VARGAS (2-1, 3.18) held the hometown FLORIDA MARLINS to two runs on six hits over 6.2 innings and CF ENDY CHAVEZ (.266) was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, 2B JOSE VIDRO (.335) went 2-for-4 with two runs batted in and a run scored, and C BRIAN SCHNEIDER (.235) was 2-for-4 with a run scored. (5-21)

A day after he was scratched from his start against the NEW YORK YANKEES, PEDRO MARTINEZ, said that he was "a little sore" but not expecting to miss a lot of time because of a strained muscle in his side. (5-21)

On a night to remember, 19 years after ROGER CLEMENS (6-2, 2.92) captured the hearts of New Englanders, he returned to win the 299th game of his soon to be Hall of Fame career, 4-2, putting him on track for his landmark 300th victory in a Memorial Day matchup against the same BOSTON RED SOX on Monday at YANKEE STADIUM. In the process denied them sole possession of first place for the first time in 11 months as his BRONX BOMBERS took the final game of he three-game series, 4-2, before a crowd of over 33000 at FENWAY PARK, as his squad have occupied first place since Opening Day, their longest run atop the standings to start a season since 1949. The sellout crowd, which pushed the three-game attendance to 105109, the largest in Boston in over 13 years, treated The Rocket respectfully from the start, resisting their taunts and the usual rounds of jeers. (5-21)

The TORONTO BLUE JAYS took a 5-1 lead through six innings and appeared on their way to sending their host CHICAGO WHITE SOX down to defeat before they mounted a strong comeback in the seventh and eighth for a 6-5 victory. For the eventual losers, CF VERNON WELLS (.299) went 3-for-4 with two runs batted in and a run scored and LF SHANNON STEWART was 3-for-4 with a run bated in and two runs across. (5-21)

DAVID CONE pitched 3.2 innings of no-hit ball, striking out two, in his second rehab start during his current rehabilitation assignment pitching for the ST. LUCIE METS of the FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE, in what would be an eventual 4-3 loss to the SARASOTA RED SOX. (5-21)

CINCINNATI REDS starter RYAN DEMPSTER was really shelled in a 9-4 loss to the visiting ATLANTA BRAVES, 9-4, pitching 6 innings, giving up 11 hits, nine runs and nine earned runs, even though he struck out ten in the process. (5-22)

ROGER CLEMENS, who suffered a deep bone bruise after he was hit on his pitching hand by a line drive Wednesday, is confident that he will be able to make his next start against the BOSTON RED SOX on Monday as he continues on his quest to reach the 300 career-win plateau. (5-22)

At YANKEE STADIUM, CARLOS DELGADO (.324) in going 3-for-4, homered twice, hitting a three-run shot in the first inning and then a two-run whallop in the third, driving in five runs as his TORONTO BLUE JAYS downed the NEW YORK YANKEES 8-3. ROY HALLADAY (5-2, 4.36) won his fifth straight start, LF SHANNON STEWART (.311) went 2-for-4 with three runs batted in, CF VERNON WELLS (.307) was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and DH JOSH PHELPS (.271) went 2-for-5. Leading the majors with 289 runs, the BLUE JAYS have scored 55 in the first seven games of their current 10-game road trip. (5-22)

Canadian-born IF / OF MATT STAIRS was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a torn ligament in his right index finger. (5-22)

In a 4-3 win by their LOS ANGELES DODGERS, PAUL QUANTRILL (1.66) pitched a third of an inning, then closer ERIC GAGNE (1.80) finished up with a strong ninth to record his 18th save. (5-22)

Before another small crowd of just 6249, the MONTREAL EXPOS, led by CF ENDY CHAVEZ (.264) who went 1-for-4 with three runs batted in and a run scored, and 3B JAMIE CARROLL (.286) who was 1-for-3 with two runs batted in and a run scored, downed the visiting FLORIDA MARLINS 8-2. Starter LIVAN HERNANDEZ (4-2, 3.47) went the distance, giving up seven hits, two runs, two earned runs, while striking out four and walking only one. 3B FERNANDO TATIS (strained left groin), C MICHAEL BARRETT (bruised right index finger) and LF BRAD WILKERSON (right eye infection) did not play. (5-22)

3B TONY BATISTA (.262) went 2-for-4 with two runs batted in and RF JAY GIBBONS (.273) was 2-for-4 with a run batted in and a run scored which helped propel their BALTIMORE ORIOLES to a 7-4 win over the ANAHEIM ANGELS. (5-22)

RYAN DEMPSTER (1-4, 7.62) who has made nine starts and one relief appearance to this point, went on the 15-day DL one day after he struck out ten batters and threw 94-mile-per-hour fastballs. His CINCINNATI REDS cited an inflamed nerve in his neck, which caused him to miss a start earlier this month and prompted him to get two cortisone shots. He will continue to pitch for their Class-AAA franchise, the LOUISVILLE BATS, on a rehabilitation assignment. Last evening he gave up nine runs on eleven hits in a 9-4 loss to the ATLANTA BRAVES, but drew postgame praise from his manger, BOB BOONE, for his control and his fastball. (5-23)

CLEVELAND INDIANS CF MILTON BRADLEY has now reached base safely in 32 of his past 33 games. (5-23)

CHICAGO WHITE SOX Manager JERRY MANUEL missed the game while serving a one-game suspension for an ejection on 15 May. (5-23)

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS pitcher MIGUEL BATISTA will not fight the decision by MLB to uphold his 10-game suspension, which stemmed from a brawl with the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS on 20 April. (5-23)

LOS ANGELES DODGERS closer ERIC GAGNE was not available on Friday after setting a team record by saving six straight games to reach 18. (5-23)

In a 6-2 victory, starter KELVIM ESCOBA (2-1, 6.04) tossed 5 innings, giving up just three hits, one run and one earned run, while striking out 4, walking 4, over the host NEW YORK YANKEES, while eight of nine BLUE JAYS hitters had at least one hit each. For the losers, RF RAUL MONDESI (.322) knocked out his ninth home run. Before the game pitcher PETE WALKER (1-1, 6.31) was activated from the 15-day disabled list and BRIAN BOWLES (0-0, 6.75) was optioned to Class-AAA SYRACUSE SKYCHIEFS. (5-23)

Closer JOSE MESA earned his 100th save with the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES to become just the 10th pitcher to record 100 saves for two teams, having tallied 104 while pitching for the CLEVELAND INDIANS from 1992-1998. (5-23)

PEDRO MARTINEZ probably will miss his second start in a week against the NEW YORK YANKEES due to an inflamed tendon in his right side. Currently he is suffering some minor pain and going on the disabled list is still a real possibility (5-23)

PEDRO MARTINEZ is not expected to pitch for another week after he experienced discomfort in his right side while playing catch. He will not throw from a mound until he can throw and report pain-free the next day. (5-24)

B CARLOS DELGADO (.326) was 2-for-4 and C TOM WILSON (.299) was 3-for-4, each hitting two RBI doubles to help their TORONTO BLUE JAYS send the reeling NEW YORK YANKEES to their sixth straight home loss, 5-2, having dropped 10-of-11 games at YANKEE STADIUM for just the second time in franchise history and lost 10-of-13 overall to fall out of first place behind the BOSTON RED SOX in the AL East. Starter CORY LIDLE (8-2, 4.42) went eight innings, giving up six hits, two runs, two earned runs, walked two and struck out five, winning his seventh straight decision to become the first eight-game winner in the majors. OF FRANK CATALANOTTO (.326) went 3-for-4 and hit two of seven doubles for the winners, scoring twice. Delgado now has 293 career doubles, two more than the Blue Jays previous franchise record set by IF TONY FERNANDEZ. (5-24)

When asked what they thought of ANNIKA SORENSTAM playing in the current Colonial PGA golf tournament, FLORIDA MARLINS IF MIKE MORDECAI said, "She's awesome. To see her out there competing with the amount of pressure on her shoulders and play as well as she did is amazing." … MONTREAL EXPOS Manager FRANK ROBINSON stated, "I've been hearing stuff where they talk about her like she's some duffer. This woman is an outstanding golfer. The only difference now is she's playing against men." … CINCINNATI REDS RHP RYAN DEMPSTER remarked, "Mike Lupica wrote that this was all for promoting Annika, which is so true. But she's handled it very well. That just shows you how much pressure there is. Good for her." (5-24)

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES reliever DAN PLESAC speaking on his off-season activity as a harness horse owner said, "My farm is in Crown Point, Indiana. It's a 40-acre farm. I've been involved with harness horses since I was old enough to walk. I bought my first horse right after I signed with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1983, and since then it's just something that's always been a love of mine. Right now I have 12 horses. I race three right now up in Toronto and I have three racing in the Chicago area and have six 3-year-olds that are in training. The biggest race I have won was the Simcoe Stakes, with a 3-year-old pacer named Triplet Hanover. Won another $100,000 race in Illinois with a horse named Jeffrey's Pet. Won an $80,000 race with probably the best horse I've ever owned, a horse named Ball and Chain. I have three different guys who train my horses and my Dad and my brother each are at my farm in Indiana." (5-24)

B WILFREDO CORDERO (.302) led off the bottom of the ninth with a home run, his fourth, smacking the fifth game-ending homer for his MONTREAL EXPOS this season, in defeating the visiting PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES, 3-2, before a larger crowd than normal of 33236 fans, drawn mostly by discounted tickets and hot dogs, the largest non-Opening Day crowd at OLYMPIC STADIUM since 19 July 1997. OF VLADIMIR GUERRERO (.311) was 2-for-3 with a run batted in. Starter TOMA OHKA (4.31) went seven innings, giving up just four hits, two runs and two earned runs, while striking out seven but was not the winner, as he was followed by reliever LUIS AYALA (5-1, 3.04) who pitched the last two innings, striking out three in the process. (5-24)

The bullpen for the HOUSTON ASTROS leads the majors with 15 wins and the NATIONAL LEAGUE with 174.1 innings. "These guys are here to pitch and when you have (injuries) you have to do what you can," said Manager JIMY WILLIAMS. "There's no question we'd like to get more innings (out of the starters) and hopefully we will." (5-24)

A day after earning his first major league win as an emergency starter, FLORIDA MARLINS pitcher TOMMY PHELPS was asked if he preferred starting or his usual role of relieving. "I don't care," he replied. "I just like when they let me pitch." After spending the last 10 seasons in the minors, he will start again next week before the next pitcher returns from the disabled list. "He throws strikes and changes speed. He doesn't throw 96 but he gets them out. Can he do that on a consistent basis ? Or is he more valuable in the bullpen ? He's done a great job there," said new Manager JACK McKEON. "It'll all work itself out in two weeks. I told all these guys whoever wants to step up and take advantage of Mr. Opportunity … So far (Phelps) has done it." (5-24)

With a crowd of 17023 roaring its approval, C BRIAN SCHNEIDER (.238) hit a tie-breaking three-run home run, his fifth on the season, with two out in the seventh inning off PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES reliever DAN PLESAC (3.38), in what became a 5-3 win for the hometown MONTREAL EXPOS. Starter JAVIER VAZQUEZ (5-2, 3.25) pitched seven strong innings, giving up five hits, two runs, two earned runs, allowing one walk while striking out eight in their last game at OLYMPIC STADIUM until 20 June, with the EXPOS now playing their next 22 games on the road. ROCKEY BIDDLE (4.10) came on in the ninth to gain his 14th save. 2B JOSE VIDRO went 2-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored and one run batted in. (5-25)

SAN DIEGO PADRES OF JASON BAY was hit by a pitch in his first at-bat in the second inning, in a 9-5 loss to the ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS, badly breaking his right wrist. The Canadian-born rookie was playing in only his third major league game after being called up from the Class-AAA PORTLAND BEAVERS where he had compiled some outstanding statistics in the early season, and it would appear that he will now be sidelined for up to six weeks. (5-25)

Once again the Yankees pitching came unraveled and the visiting TORONTO BLUE JAYS completed their first-ever four-game sweep over their hosts, winning 5-3, sending the Bronx Bombers to their seventh straight home loss. C GREG MYERS (.340) hit a two-run double and DH JOSH PHELPS (.264) also drove in two runs as their group finished off an 8-2 road trip. "If you started out a four-game series here with the idea you're going to win them all, it would seem unreasonable. To win them all is kind of special," stated Myers. 2B ORLANDO HUDSON (.282) also had a good day, going 2-for-4. (5-25)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS 2002 Rookie of the Year 3B ERIC HINSKE will undergo surgery on Wednesday on the broken hamate bone in his right hand and is expected to miss between four to six weeks. His hand has bothered him for much of this season and he was only batting .232 with two home runs and 21 runs batted in at the point he went on the DL. "It's been hurting me pretty much the whole year, I've just been trying to play through it," he advised. "I guess I've been playing the whole year with a broken hand. I guess I can blame my .230 average on that." IF HOWIE CLARK was recalled from the SYRACUSE SKYCHIEFS and will now join MIKE BORDICK and DAVE BERG in replacing Hinske. In 2002, he hit .279 with 24 home runs and knocked in 84 RBI. (5-26)

In going 3-for-4 in a 12-7 win for his COLORADO ROCKIES over the visiting SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS, OF LARRY WALKER (.259) also hit his 271st career double in the fourth inning to break the franchise record previously held by OF DANTE BICHETTE. (5-26)

For an organization looking to turn around its fortunes, perhaps no move was any bigger than that of LHP ADAM LOEWEN, 19, the first-round pick (4th overall) by the BALTIMORE ORIOLES in the 2002 amateur draft. The 6'6" hurler from British Columbia, signed a contract just five minutes before midnight, agreeing to a five-year, $4 million major league deal which included a $3.2 million signing bonus, ending a year of negotiations with their 2002 first-round draft pick. If he had not signed at that moment he could have entered this year's draft and likely would have been a top selection once again. He will soon report to the O's minor league complex in Sarasota, Florida, for a few weeks and then most likely will be assigned to their Class-A team, the ABERDEEN IRONBIRDS, of the NEW YORK-PENN LEAGUE. (5-26)

CARL PAVANO (4-5, 3.63) threw his second career complete game as his FLORIDA MARLINS won their fourth in a row, a 5-1 victory over the visiting MONTREAL EXPOS, in which they had just five hits. (5-26)

The "300" patch on the new glove ROGER CLEMENS (6-3, 3.71) wore out to the mound yesterday turned out to be slightly premature and there was no reason for celebration at YANKEE STADIUM either. In fact everything began going badly for 'The Rocket' before his first fastball, as his first attempt at this milestone victory became a total bust when the visiting BOSTON RED SOX banged him around in an 8-4 loss, sending his Bronx Bombers down to defeat for its eighth straight loss. "I'm going to get there eventually, I hope," he stated. "It was just great that I had the opportunity. It couldn't have worked out any better, except for the loss." Bad omens surrounded him from the beginning when the start of the contest was delayed 1 hour 42minutes by rain, then his routine was further disrupted after his final warmup pitch as BOSTON RED SOX Manager GRADY LITTLE walked out to question his "300" glove, with the shiny logo on the back of it. Upon examination the plate umpire, BILL MILLER, then agreed that it was not within regulations so Clemens tossed it aside while his regular glove was brought forth from the dugout. Over the course of his 5.2 innings he gave up ten hits, eight runs on eight earned runs, walking two while striking out nine. Upon being removed he slowly trudged down off the mound, his head down the whole way back to the dugout. (5-26)

CLEVELAND INDIANS switch-hitting OF MILTON BRADLEY (.328) is hitting an AMERICAN LEAGUE best .476 against lefties. (5-26)

Out for a number of weeks with a hip problem, NEW YORK METS reliever DAVID CONE completed his rehabilitation assignment with the ST. LUCIE METS of the FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE but it was uncertain as to when he would be activated from the 15-day DL. (5-26)

Canadian-born reliever CHRIS REITSMA (3-2, 7.33) came on in the 10th inning for his visiting CINCINNATI REDS, giving up two hits, one run and one earned run with a strikeout, taking the loss, as the ATLANTA BRAVES came away the victors, 3-2, at TED TURNER FIELD in Atlanta. (5-27)

2B JEFF KENT (.333) went 3-for-5 with two runs batted in and two runs scored in a 7-4 win for his HOUSTON ASTROS over the hosting ST. LOUIS CARDINALS. (5-27)

The ST. LOUIS CARDINALS hoped that they have now shored up their bullpen with the acquisition of RHP ESTEBAN YAN from the TEXAS RANGERS. The 27-year-old, one of 10 children who starred as an outfielder/catcher until the age of 17, when the ATLANTA BRAVES converted him to be a pitcher, has long been simultaneously both promising and frustrating, sporting a 6.49 ERA this year while striking out 25 batters and walking just 7 in 23.1 innings. "He's a guy we've followed for a couple of years because we like his arm," said GM WALT JOCKETTY. "He's got a power arm. He's had experience closing. He's a guy whose fastball is around 93-98 (mph). He's got a hard slider and a hard split-finger fastball. He's a guy who will add some experience and some depth to our bullpen." As for Yan, he's not particularly concerned. "I'm coming to the bullpen to help and try to make everything better. If he (Larussa) gives me the opportunity (to close) he gives me the opportunity. I'm very excited to be here. I've got a new home. This gives me a change in my life." (5-27)

In a 4-2 win for his visiting NEW YORK METS over the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES at VETERANS STADIUM, LHP AL LEITER (5-2, 4.21) threw 6 innings, allowing only two hits, walking six and striking out eight. LF CLIFF FLOYD (.247) went 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored. GRAEME LLOYD (3.60) worked the seventh inning, giving up one hit, one run, one earned run with a strikeout, followed by DAVID WEATHERS (4.50) who worked two-thirds of an inning in the eighth. (5-27)

In their 12-4 drubbing of the visiting ANAHEIM ANGELS, BALTIMORE ORIOLES DH DAVID SEGUI (.303) went 2-for-3 with two runs batted in and two runs scored, RF JAY GIBBONS (.275) was 2-for-4 with a walk and three runs batted in and 3B TONY BATISTA (.270) wet 2-for-4 with two runs batted in and a run scored. For the losers, DH BRAD FULLMER (.304) was 1-for-4 with an RBI. (5-27)

In a 5-1 victory, RHP ROY HALLADAY (6-2, 4.00) won his sixth straight start by pitching his first complete game of the 2003 season in leading his TORONTO BLUE JAYS past the visiting CHICAGO WHITE SOX for their sixth win in a row, allowing seven hits, one run, one earned run, a walk, striking out seven, in his first complete game since 18 June 2002. 1B CARLOS DELGADO went 3-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored as his squad tied a franchise record with their 19th win in May, with RF REED JOHNSON (.370) going 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored, CF VERNON WELLS (.299) 1-for-4 with a run batted in, C TOM WILSON (.304) being 1-for-2 with an RBI, 3B DAVE BERG (.306) 1-for-3 with an RBI and 2B ORLANDO HUDSON (.290) was 2-for-3 with a run batted in and a run scored. (5-27)

RF LARRY WALKER(.267) went 2-for-3, driving in four runs, helping his COLORADO ROCKIES snap the 10-game winnings streak by the visiting LOS ANGELES DODGERS, 7-3, which included a two-run triple and a key error by 1B FRED McGRIFF (.250) in the first, and a bases-loaded, two run single off reliever GUILLERMO MOTA (1.47) in the seventh. (5-27)

OF VLADIMIR GUERRERO was not in the lineup posted before Tuesday's game at the FLORIDA MARLINS was rained out, their first at home since 23 July 2001, a span of 135 games at PRO PLAYER STADIUM. He has been suffering with a muscle strain in his lower back and is now listed as day-to-day. (5-27)

In a 4-3 win for his MINNESOTA TWINS at home over the OAKLAND ATHLETICS, 3B COREY KOSKIE (.266) was 1-for-3 with a run batted in and a run scored. (5-27)

RHP PEDRO MARTINEZ, eligible to come off the DL on Saturday, continues throwing on flat ground but said he still had some stiffness in his strained right lat muscle. BOSTON RED SOX Manager GRADY LITTLE said that he would need at least two days between successfully throwing off a mound and making a start. (5-28)

ROBERT JOHNSON no longer has plans to purchase the MONTREAL EXPOS and move the financially troubled franchise to the Washington, D.C. area, as reported by THE WASHINGTON POST. The founder of BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION (BET) told the newspaper he was too involved with the NBA expansion team for Charlotte which he recently purchased for $ 300 million and which will begin play for the 2004-2005 season. He also stated that his partner in the baseball bid, WASHINGTON REDSKINS owner DANIEL SNYDER, would not pursue a team without him. "It's particularly a lot to do at the pace baseball is moving," he said. "If it was moving faster … I could, perhaps, be more aggressive in making things happen." (5-28)

Native Canadian and fervent hockey fan, COLORADO ROCKIES OF LARRY WALKER was saddened by the news that COLORADO AVALANCHE goalie PATRICK ROY had announced his retirement. "You're talking about the best goalie of my era and everybody's era, and he's packing it in, " he stated. "I don't recall of any year where he was bad. That's phenomenal !" Asked if he could imagine playing 18 seasons as Roy did, Walker responded, "Putting on that stinky equipment for 18 years ? No, forget it !!!" (5-28)

RHP ESTEBAN LOAIZA wasn't happy with how the TORONTO BLUE JAYS treated him after the 2002 season. "They didn't want me, period. It upset me, because at first they were like, 'We'll talk later.' Then I talked to my agent at the end, and they were like, 'No, we don't need him.' It's like throwing a piece of paper in the trash," he related. During the past season he was 9-10 with a 5.71 ERA before landing with the CHICAGO WHITE SOX as a non-roster invitee to their Spring Training camp, making the team and now stands at 7-2 with a league-leading 1.92 ERA. (5-28)

The three-hit game by CLEVELAND INDIANS C TIM LAKER was his first since 9 August 1995 while he was still with the MONTREAL EXPOS. (5-28)

In the first game of a doubleheader, LHP TOMMY PHELPS (2-0, 1.95) combined on a four-hitter, even scoring the final run for his FLORIDA MARLINS following his first major league hit, in the 4-3 victory over the visiting MONTREAL EXPOS. The 29-year-old rookie, who spent 10 long seasons working his way up through the minors before earning a job this Spring Training, made his third big league start, going 5.1 innings, giving up four hits, three runs, three earned runs, while walking only one and striking out four. For the losers, who only had four hits in this contest, SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.300) went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and 1B WILFREDO CORDERO (.287) was 1-for-3 with a walk, driving in two runs. In the nightcap the EXPOS were shutout 6-0 as starter ZACH DAY (4-3, 3.44) went 5.2 innings, giving up 8 hits, six runs, six earned runs, walking two with no strikeouts. (5-28)

RHP JUSTIN MILLER, who has not pitched for his TORONTO BLUE JAYS in this 2003 campaign, will now have surgery on his right shoulder, because of constant shoulder soreness. In 2002, he went 9-5 with a 5.54 ERA over 25 games, which included 18 starts. It is not presently known how long he will be sidelined until after this surgery has been performed. (5-28)

Due to recent injuries, the KANSAS CITY ROYALS were forced to make six roster moves and among the players involved, LHP RICK DeHART, IF BRENT ABERNATHY and Canadian-born OF AARON GUIEL were brought up to the big club, all from their Triple-A club, the OMAHA ROYALS. DeHart, who has not pitched in the bigs since 1999, was 1-3 with a 5.49 ERA over 17 outings. In 29 games Abernathy was batting .308, while Guiel had a .279 average with 8 home runs and 30 runs batted in through 50 games. (5-28)

2B ROBERTO ALOMAR, suffering from a strained left hip flexor, didn't start Thursday against the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES, having started in 47 of his NEW YORK METS first 53 games. (5-29)

MILWAUKEE BREWERS reliever LEO ESTRELLA pitched the eighth inning to extend his scoreless streak to 8.1 innings. (5-29)

ESTEBAN LOAIZA (8-2, 1.96) who has the best road ERA in the majors to this point, 1.50, allowed just two runs over 7.2 innings pitched against his former team to help his CHICAGO WHITE SOX edge the TORONTO BLUE JAYS, 3-2, at SKYDOME. 1B CARLOS DELGADO (.327) hit his 16th home run, but committed two of their season-high four errors, including one that led to two unearned runs in the fourth inning. Over the last two games they have scored only two runs even though they lead the majors in runs, hits and extra-base hits. CORY LIDLE (8-3, 4.20) who pitched 6 innings, took the loss, after giving up six hits, three runs, an earned run, with 2 walks and five strikeouts. JERRY MANUEL said he wasn't worried about the rumoured possibility of his being fired, "I'm staying positive and I'm trying to think of ways to kind of get it going." BILLY KOCH (5.32) got two outs in the ninth for his sixth save in eight chances. (5-29)

IF RYAN FREEL (.268) was placed on the 15-day DL with a torn left hamstring and is now expected to miss between four to six weeks of the ongoing season. This roster move was retroactive to Wednesday, when he was injured in Atlanta and removed from the starting lineup. (5-29)

When asked if ROGER CLEMENS would be the last 300-game-winner, MONTREAL EXPOS Manager FRANK ROBINSON said, "The game always changes. Guys are pitching into their 40s now. When I was playing, that was like climbing Mount Everest in the dead of Winter. It just wasn't done." FLORIDA MARLINS Pitching Coach WAYNE ROSENTHAL said, "There will be more. How many guys you see 21 years old pitching in the big leagues ? Who's to say they won't pitch into their 40s." Former TORONTO BLUE JAYS pitcher JACK MORRIS said he would not be surprised if the 30-win club is stuck at 21 with number 22 of the NEW YORK YANKEES. "It's a milestone in today's era that is an incredible feat. TOM GLAVINE might have a chance. GREG MADDUX, maybe. After those guys, we might not see it again. It's truly remarkable." Hall of Fame pitcher NOLAN RYAN, who pitched until he was 46, believes that Clemens can do the same instead of his planned retirement at season's end. "With the condition he's in, and the team he's playing for, I would think from a physical standpoint he could pitch as long as he feels good and wants to continue. I don't think he's at the end of his ability to pitch at the major league level." (5-30)

DAVID CONE retired today, cutting short his comeback with the NEW YORK METS, calling it a career at age 40. "This is the end for sure," he stated. "One of the old expressions in baseball is, 'It's time to get out of the game and give the young guys a chance.'" He was 1-3 with a 6.50 ERA over five games, four of them starts, making his final appearance on Wednesday against the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES, giving up one run in two innings of relief. He had spent more than a month on the disabled list because of an arthritic left hip, making three rehab starts at Class-A ST. LUCIE METS of the FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE, going 0-1 with a 2.84 ERA. The METS have offered him a position within their organization, which he said he will think about the possibilities, thanking the organization for giving him "one last shot." Just before leaving the news conference, he said,"I wouldn't have traded it for anything." (5-30)

In a 12-5 loss to the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES, SS ORLANDO CABRERA (.302) went 3-for-4 with a walk, three runs batted in and two runs scored, 2B JOSE VIDRO was 2-for-5 with a run batted in and C BRIAN SCHNEIDER (.241) was 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored for their MONTREAL EXPOS. For the winners, RHEAL CORMIER (2.36) appeared in the sixth and seventh, pitching 1.2 innings, giving up two hits, one run, one earned run, allowing three walks, striking out just one. (5-30)

For his MILWAUKEE BREWERS, reliever LEO ESTRELLA pitched the eighth inning again without allowing a run, extending his scoreless streak to 9.1 consecutive innings. (5-30)

In an 8-1 triumph by his BALTIMORE ORIOLES over the visiting TEXAS RANGERS before a crowd of 42488, OMAR DAAL (4-5, 4.52) went 8 innings, giving up seven hits, one run, one earned run, striking out five and walking none. DH DAVID SEGUI (.296) was 1-for-4, on a three-run double, RF JAY GIBBONS (.275) was 1-for-4 with a run batted in and a run scored, and 3B TONY BATISTA (.269) went 1-for-4. (5-30)

Canadian-born RHP RYAN DEMPSTER, who's been on the DL with a neck injury, is scheduled to make his second rehab start with the Class-AAA LOUISVILLE BATS of the INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE. (5-30)

In a 13-2 thumping of the visiting BOSTON RED SOX, CF VERNON WELLS (.287) went 1-for-5, hitting his 12th home run, a three-run shot, CARLOS DELGADO (.335) was 3-for-3 with three runs batted in, with three runs scored, along with C GREG MYERS (.327) who was 3-for-5 with his 6th home run, totaling three runs batted in and a run scored, and LF FRANK CATALANOTTO (.318) was 2-for-3 with two walks, hitting his 5th homer, totaling three runs batted in and three runs scored. Starter DOUG DAVIS (3-3, 5.06) pitched six innings, giving up seven hits, two runs, two earned runs, with a strikeout. In addition, RF REED JOHNSON (.364) was 2-for-3 with a walk and four runs across and SS CHRIS WOODWARD (.257) was 1-for-4 with a run scored. (5-30)

RHP ZACH DAY was placed on the 15-day DL with an inflamed right shoulder and RHP SUN-WOO KIM was recalled from the Class-AAA affiliate of the MONTREAL EXPOS, the EDMONTON TRAPPERS. (5-31)

In a 3-0 shutout by the LOS ANGELES DODGERS over the MILWAUKEE BREWERS at DODGER STADIUM, RF SHAWN GREEN (.282) was 1-for-3 with a run scored, 1B FRED McGRIFF (.262) was 2-for-2 with two walks, two runs batted in and a run scored and CF JOLBERT CABRERA (.265) went 1-for-4. ERIC GAGNE (2.33) pitched the 9th inning, recording his 19th save. (5-31)

2B DAVE BERG (.308) hit his third home run, tying a career high with four runs batted in as his TORONTO BLUE JAYS set a franchise record for victories in any month by defeating the visiting BOSTON RED SOX, 10-7. 3B MIKE BORDICK (.258) 1-for-3 with two runs scored, hit a two-run home run, his first, in a five-run sixth inning, as the BLUE JAYS went 21-8 for May. C TOM WILSON (.309) was 3-for-4 with three runs scored, DH JOSH PHELPS (.259) went 2-for-4 with one run batted in and two runs scored and SS CHRIS WOODWARD (.258) was 1-for-3 with a run batted in and a run scored. The BLUE JAYS now lead the majors in runs, hits and total bases, having scored 112 runs over their last 16 games. (5-31)

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS C BENITO SANTIAGO (.329), had another single in their 6-2 win over the visiting COLORADO ROCKIES, driving in his 35th run, extending his hitting streak to 12 games with a fourth-inning single and is batting .404 during his streak. (5-31)

The question of the day is, "Will ROGER CLEMENS be the last 300-game winner in MLB ?", to which MONTREAL EXPOS Manager FRANK ROBINSON responded, "The game always changes. Guys are pitching into their 40s now. When I was playing, that was like climbing Mount Everest in the dead of winter. It just wasn't done." FLORIDA MARLINS Pitching Coach WAYNE ROSENTHAL replied, "There will be more. How many guys you see 21 years old pitching in the big leagues ? Who's to say they won't pitch into their 40s." (5-31)

EIn a 4-2 loss by the NEW YORK YANKEES to the DETROIT TIGERS at COMRICA PARK , RF RAUL MONDESI (.301) was 1-for-4, knocking out his 10th home run. (5-31)

The SEATTLE MARINERS recalled C PAT BORDERS from their Class-AAA affiliate, the TACOMA RAINIERS, to fill the roster spot left by a player going on the 15-day disabled list. (5-31)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS starter ROY HALLADAY was named as the MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Pitcher of the Month for May after compiling a 6-0 record, a 3.22 ERA, striking out 35 while walking only 3. (5-31)