NL hot corner

Quote: "It just goes to show our fans back home and the fans around the country that we're just not going to lay down and call it quits for the season." - Pirates left-hander Dan Serafini after pitching what only days ago was the majors' worst team to its sixth straight road win Wednesday in Los Angeles.

It's a fact: A wild pitch by Cincinnati's Rob Bell in the second inning Wednesday raised the Reds' club record - and majors-leading total - to 86.

Who's hot: Will Clark, obtained by the Cardinals from the Orioles July 31. St. Louis is 20-9 with him at first base; he's 20-for-45 (.444) in the last 14 games.

Who's not: Florida's Jesus Sanchez gave up eight runs and seven hits in four-plus innings Wednesday.

On deck: Pittsburgh's back home against Cincinnati tonight. Can the Pirates win seven straight?