NUMBERS GAME

0 runs for the Dodgers in 28 consecutive innings until ending the streak with a run in the first inning Thursday. The Dodgers were shut out three games in a row for the first time since the final three games of the 1966 World Series, when they were dominated by Baltimore's Jim Palmer, Wally Bunker and Dave McNally. Going into Thursday, the Dodgers had lost six in a row, during which time they were 1-for-43 with runners in scoring position.

LOSING, BUT GAINING

Put the talk about the American League Central being one of the strongest divisions in history on hold.

Cleveland has lost 14 of 27 games coming out of the All-Star break and has moved ahead of Detroit and into first place.

HE SAID IT

"Don't worry about the results. I'm healthy. . . . I'm bored. I don't want to be in Florida anymore."

Pedro Martinez, New York Mets pitcher who allowed five runs in three innings of a rehabilitation start for the Single-A St. Lucie (Fla.) Mets on Wednesday.