1.   But he also has hit safely in three successive games -- his longest hitting streak of the year.

2.   But the Bruins are hoping to gain some momentum from this game, which will be followed by four successive home games.

3.   Defender Paul Caligiuri missed his second successive game after aggravating a groin strain in training Monday.

4.   Dropping successive games to the creaky San Antonio Spurs, good as they are, made most of the Clippers, well, cranky.

5.   Facing Marquette and Georgetown in successive games would certainly test their skill and stamina.

6.   For six successive games in mid-July, Ripken played third, and Alexander, a young, unestablished Dominican, played short.

7.   For successive games, the Rangers have been unable to cash in on less-than-razor-sharp performances from Yankees starters Andy Pettitte and Jimmy Key.

8.   For the second successive game, the Revolution mounted a desperate rally late in the game, but this time they did so with some coherence.

9.   Garret Anderson was the designated hitter for the third successive game, getting a rest from his left-field duties because of a sore left foot.

10.   He had been in the starting lineup but was replaced in the second half for the third successive game.