21.   Bonds said he understands the media likely will focus on one set of numbers even as he promises to stay focused on the pennant race.

22.   Bordick smoothly and seamlessly replaced Cal Ripken at shortstop in Baltimore, a much more daunting task than diving into a pennant race.

23.   Bordick had hoped to remain with the Orioles, but said he was excited to be in a pennant race.

24.   Brad Ausmus insisted that to so much as ponder how the layoff will impact the pennant races would be mindless and insensitive.

25.   Bonilla plays as if he is allergic to pennant races....

26.   -- Needs bullpen help during a pennant race, Seattle obtained Heathcliff Slocumb from Boston.

27.   A baseball pennant race has always been one of the special events in American sports.

28.   A day off in the midst of a tight pennant race would benefit Ripken only if he could relax.

29.   A pennant race does something strange to baseball.

30.   A pennant race is the best thing you can have.