Kenny Lofton

PITTSBURGH -- The American League starting lineup last night hit 20 more home runs and drove in 80 more runs in the first half of the season than the National League starting lineup, and the AL had a six-game All-Star winning streak going into last night's game at Three Rivers Stadium.Even some of the NL All-Stars aren't too proud to admit the other locker room housed more talent."The AL is more powerful than the NL," Houston Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell said. "There's no doubt about it. You look at that locker room and they've got the Big Hurt [Frank Thomas]

Kenny Lofton, center fielder, Cleveland IndiansLofton had doubles in five straight games this week, and went 4-for-5 Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers.AB .. .. .. ..R .. .. ..H .. .. .HR .. ..RBI .. .. ..Avg24.. .. .. ...7 .. .. .13.. .. ...0.. .. ..4.. .. ... .550Barry Larkin, shortstop, Cincinnati RedsLarkin went 4-for-5 last Saturday, scoring four runs and driving in two against the Atlanta Braves.AB .. .. .. ..R .. .. ..H .. .. ..HR .. ..RBI .. .. ..Avg22.. .. .. ..10.. .. ..13.. .. ....1.

Tim Hulett's first game back certainly wasn't dull.The Orioles reserve infielder seemed to be in the center of everything Friday night after being welcomed by a sellout crowd with a standing ovation when he first batted during a 13-inning, 5-4 loss to the Cleveland Indians.The game brought clear evidence that Hulett was ready after he had not played in more than two weeks because of the death of his 6-year-old son Sam following an automobile accident."After the first ground ball to me, I kind of relaxed a little bit," he said.