Outlook

Yes, Sammy Sosa is having a historic season with 63 home runs, but Cubs first baseman Mark Grace is having one of his finest all-around seasons in a very solid Major League career. Three times this month Grace has won games with home runs (including once against the Reds), and his 17 for the season represent a career high to go with a .318 average and 85 RBI.

The Reds also have to be wary of third baseman Gary Gaetti, who beat them with a homer earlier this month and has 18 homers and 65 RBI. Center fielder Lance Johnson, a Princeton High graduate, is also hot, raising his average to .267 after coming back from a hand injury.

On the mound

Sosa has four homers off Reds pitching (one each off Bere and reliever Scott Sullivan and two off Brett Tomko, who won't pitch in this series).

Outlook

The Reds, long ago eliminated from the playoffs, will actually be playing important late September games this weekend. Each game is critical for the Cubs, who lead the Mets in the wild card race by a game, and for Sosa as he chases Mark McGwire for the final home run record.