1.   Alvarez, winning for the first time this season, allowed two hits over eight innings.

2.   Ankiel was awesome in his seven shutout innings, striking out nine and allowing four hits, but the bullpen failed him.

3.   And, after Nomo allowed two hits in the fourth, he retired seven consecutive batters.

4.   Appier threw five scoreless innings, allowing two hits, against Oakland.

5.   Arthur Rhodes, Mesa and Sasaki did not allow a hit Wednesday in relief of Abbott.

6.   As Castillo departed after allowing nine hits against no walks and three strikeouts, Jones was in cruise control.

7.   Baker pitched five innings Thursday night and did not allow a hit, walking one and striking out four.

8.   Austin, a preseason All-American right-hander, allowed six hits and weathered a ninth-inning USC rally to earn his ninth victory of the year.

9.   Batista had not allowed a hit since the first inning.

10.   Besides Moyer, Aaron Sele had his second straight strong outing in his comeback from arm problems, going two innings in which he allowed two hits.