Cubs OF Doug Dascenzo commits an error in Chicago’s 12 – 9 loss to San Diego, ending his National League-record streak of 242 consecutive games without a miscue (442 chances). The streak, which began in 1988, is two games short of the American League record.

At Busch Stadium, Lee Smith becomes the fifth major leaguer to record his 300th save when he pitches a scoreless ninth inning to preserve the Cardinals’ 5-2 victory over L.A. The Louisiana native will retire with the most saves in major league history with 478, compiled during 18 seasons with eight different teams

Manager Doug Rader is fired by the Angels and replaced by former Montréal Expos manager Buck Rodgers, who was let go earlier this season.

1991 – Mariners hurler Rob Murphy sets what is believed to be a major league record by appearing in his 121st straight game without a win, a 7 – 2 loss to Detroit. Tom Henke had pitched in 120 consecutive winless games from 1986 to 1988.

1991 – The Rangers’ 6 – 1 win over the Royals is marked by an unusual play in the 8th inning. Kansas City 2B Terry Shumpert is charged with a 4-base error when he collides with RF Danny Tartabull while going back on a short fly hit by Juan Gonzalez. Gonzalez and the two runners in front of him score as the ball rolls all the way to the warning track.

1991 – In the Phils’ 10-inning victory, John Kruk gets hit by a pitch for the first time in 2,682 at bats when the Pirates’ Randy Tomlin plunks him. “It didn’t feel good,” grouses Kruk. Herm Winningham had held the record for active players (1,799 appearances).

The Helena Brewers beat Idaho Falls, 28 – 0 in the Pioneer League. Helena has 27 hits, including six homers, but sets no records. The good news for Idaho Falls is no errors, and their last pitcher is 1B Loren Gress. He outpitches the real pitchers, giving up no runs and a hit in 1 1/3 innings.

After nearly two months off with a chronic backache, David Justice rejoins the Atlanta Braves in time for tonight’s twinbill with the Reds. Even without him, the Braves are just two games behind the Dodgers in the National League West.

Toronto manager Cito Gaston is hospitalized with a herniated disk and Gene Tenace takes over on an interim basis. He’ll be 13-6 in his first 19 games to keep Toronto on top.

Yankees OF Bernie Williams fans five consecutive times in a 7 – 4 loss to the Royals to tie the major league mark for a 9-inning game. He’s consoled by Yankee hitting coach Frank Howard, one of the 28 batters who share the mark.