Scouting Report

Cubs @ Expos | Olympic Stadium | 7:05 p.m.
K. Wood (R) 1-0, 2.25 vs. C. Pavano (R) 1-1, 2.84

Scouting report:
Hey, look who's returning home as a sudden division contender. This would be a huge victory for the Expos. It's been a struggle so far for the Cubs, but Wood has lived up to his billing with 20 strikeouts over his first two starts. He had a no-decision the last time out. Vlad Guerrero is 6-for-11 against Wood. Pavano scattered eight hits to win in his last start Wednesday at Florida.

@ Braves @ Mets | Shea Stadium | 7:10 p.m.
D. Moss (L) 0-0, 2.57 vs. (L) S. Estes 0-1, 2.77

Scouting report:
No offense to Montreal or Philly, but this starts Round 2 of the Series We've Been Waiting For. Moss made a spot start for Greg Maddux when these teams last met, allowing only three hits over six innings. He had the no-decision in the Braves' 14-inning victory. Estes opens this series for the Mets, coming off a brilliant outing. He gave up just one hit at Chicago in six innings, but had a no-decision.

@ Mariners @ Rangers | Ballpark at Arlington | 8:05 p.m.
J. Baldwin (R) 2-0, 1.29 vs. D. Burba (R) 1-0, 5.06

Scouting report:
Baldwin is off to a hot start and has impressive numbers against three key Rangers: Rafael Palmeiro (3-for-26), Alex Rodriguez (3-for-14) and Frank Catalanotto (4-for-18). Burba won in his last outing Wednesday against Oakland, allowing four hits over 5.2 innings. Texas hopes to finish the homestand strong before heading to Anaheim for Tuesday's series opener.

@ Pirates @ Brewers | Miller Park | 8:05 p.m.
K. Wells (R) 1-1, 11.37 vs. G. Rusch (L) 1-0, 2.87

Scouting report:
Rusch has a three-game losing streak against Pittsburgh dating back to June 1998. This starts a homestand that the Brewers hope will build some momentum in a division being taken over by St. Louis. Wells has been a microcosm of the Pirates, beginning the season spectacularly but trying to regain steam.

@ Dodgers @ Rockies | Coors Field | 9:05 p.m.
O. Perez (L) 0-1, 3.09, S. Chacon (R) 1-1, 8.10

Scouting report:
Chacon is coming off a victory Wednesday against Houston, who managed just five hits off him over 6.1 innings. L.A.'s Shawn Green is just 1-for-10 against him. Perez, looking for his first 2002 victory, had a quality start but a no-decision in his last start Wednesday at San Francisco.

@ Cardinals @ D-Backs | Bank One Ballpark | 9:35 p.m.
A. Benes (R) 0-1, 11.57 vs. R. Helling (R) 0-2, 4.09

Scouting report:
Benes returns to the place where he pitched for the D-Backs in 1998-99 and where he has a 12-16 record. He lost his only previous start against Arizona. Helling, trying to give Arizona some help in the days beyond Johnson/Schilling, looked better in his last start Wednesday at San Diego but still took the loss after a six-inning, eight-hit effort.

@ Giants @ Padres | Qualcomm Stadium | 10:05 p.m.
R. Jensen (R) 1-0, 0.00 vs. B. Jones (R) 1-0, 2.84

Scouting report:
Barry Bonds has done more damage in San Diego than at any other Major League stop, so the chase for Mark McGwire at No. 5 could pick up quickly. Jensen and Jones each looked good in his last start at home, leaving in the seventh. Jensen had a no-decision vs. L.A., and Jones beat Arizona. Jeff Kent (9-for-18) and Rich Aurilia (8-for-16) are each hitting .500 against Jones.