[batted balls]

Mark McGwire of USC has gone on a home run tear as the All-American Baseball League enters the middle of April. The 6-foot-5 first baseman has hit a league-leading eight home runs in just 10 games to earn East Player of the Week honors.

"I've been in a groove that's for sure," McGwire said. "The ball has been flying off my bat."

McGwire, in the midst of a nine-game hitting streak, also leads the AABL in runs (11) and RBIs (13). He is hitting .391.

USC, however, is just 5-5. The Trojans are sixth in the 10-team West division. Arizona State and Stanford, 7-3, are tied for the lead.

Rube Novotney of Illinois was named the East Player of the Week. He hit .440 with eight RBIs as the Illini continued to top the division with a 7-3 record. Hoot Evers, Novotney's teammate, is second to Notre Dame's Cap Anson (.514) with a .475 average.

"We've gotten solid pitching and timely hitting," said Tom Dedin, the Illinois manager. "Rube has been a pleasant surprise."

Diamond Notes: Mark Prior of USC (shown below) leads the league with 27 strikeouts in 19 innings . . . Mark Grace of San Diego State leads the West with a .474 average and owns an eight-game hitting streak . . . Miami's Orlando Palmeiro has hit in all 10 Hurricane games this season. He has 11 RBIs as well . . . Stanford's Steve Chitren's five saves top the league leaders . . . LSU's Keith Osik was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an inflamed groin muscle. Albert Belle was brought up from the minors.

Stat of the Week: USC's Mark Prior is 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA. The rest of the Trojan pitching staff is 2-5 with a 5.34 ERA.

Standings
East
Illinois 7-3
Florida State 6-4
Michigan State 6-4
Mississippi State 6-4
Ivy 5-5
Miami 5-5
Michigan 5-5
Notre Dame 4-6
LSU 3-7
Minnesota 3-7
West
Arizona State 7-3
Stanford 7-3
Cal State Fullerton 6-4
Oklahoma State 6-4
Texas 6-4
USC 5-5
Cal 4-6
San Diego State 4-6
Arizona 3-7
UCLA 2-8