– The Padres Phil Stephenson tied a major league record for first basemen in the fourth inning Sunday with three assists in one inning. He became the sixth player to accomplish the feat, the most recent being the Cubs` Mark Grace in 1990. ”It`s hard to believe it`s only happened six times,” Stephenson said. ”That`s a lot of years and a lot of games.”
– The Pirates Andy Van Slyke became the first player this season to hit at least 30 doubles, 10 triples and 10 home runs.
– Dwight Smith`s two starts in center for the Cubs have been in place of Doug Dascenzo. Of all the players who did not have an outfield assist last season, Dascenzo played the most innings (519).
– The Padres have won seven consecutive games at home, their longest victory string in Jack Murphy Stadium since an eight-game streak in 1982.
– Will Clark, troubled by a bruised left elbow, went 0 for 3 for the Giants Sunday and is in a 4-for-34 slump (.118) over his last 11 games.
