June 26th, 1987

The Astros are in town and they are pitching Mike Scott (11-3, 2.43).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (10-3, 2.57).

Sounds like a solid pitching match-up.

I have gone 7 for 29 vs Scott.

I got the 1st out, nailing Bill Doran on a Jeffrey Leonard fielder's choice.

I led off our half by grounding out to Karl Allaire at short.

In the 2nd we got a nice Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Brian Harper and Dave Gallagher.

I got the 3rd out in the 3rd by taking a Doran grounder.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and struck out.

Glenn Davis hit a solo homer in the 4th. We followed with a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Harold Baines and Harper to end the inning.

Astros lead 1-0

In the bottom half we evened things back up when Mike Aldrete scored on a Steve Stanicek sac fly.

Game tied 1-1

I got the 2nd out in the 5th off a Tim Jones grounder.

I came up with one out in the 6th and struck out again.

I got the 2nd out in the 7th off a Gallagher grounder.

I came up with two out in the 8th and struck out for the 3rd straight time.

After Bruce gave up a single to pinch hitter Craig Biggio with two out in the 9th, Nestor went to Scott Garrelts. Scott got out of it.

In the 9th Mike Aldrete worked a lead-off walk. He advanced, twice, both on outs. Then Rob Deer managed a clutch single to give us the walk-off, 2-1 win.

Another dramatic win, but another terrible game for me. 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts.

June 27th, 1987

Today the Astros are pitching Derek Livernois (0-8, 7.80).

The Giants are going with Sergio Valdez (0-1, 63.00).

This doesn't look like a Cy Young battle, but that was after one start by Sergio. I am sure he can turn it around.

I have gone 0 for 3 vs Livernois.

With one out in the 1st, I should have gotten the 2nd, but instead I made by 5th error of the season, allowing Brian Harper to reach safely.
I got him immediately on a Keith Hernandez fielder's choice.

I led off the home half by dropping one into shallow centre for a single. Stolen base #69, dude. I went to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete groundout. Chili Davis walked and then Steve Stanicek smacked a three run homer.

Giants lead 3-0

The Astros got on the board in the 2nd when Craig Biggio scored on a Karl Allaire single.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up with two out in the 2nd and took a walk. Stolen base #70. I ended up scoring on a single by Chili. Mike scored on a single by Steve.

Giants lead 5-1

I got the 3rd out in the 3rd off a Jeffrey Leonard grounder.

I came up in the bottom half with two out, Robby Thompson on 3rd, and Chris Brown on 1st. Scott McGregor was pitching. I hit one though the right side for an RBI single!

Giants lead 6-1

I got the 2nd out in the 4th off an Allaire grounder.

In the bottom half Steve launched his 2nd home run of the game - this time it was solo.

Giants lead 7-1

In the 5th Hernandez scored on a wild pitch.

Giants lead 7-2

I came up with one out in the bottom half and singled into left! Stolen base #71 AND #72! I scored on a sac fly by Mike.

Giants lead 8-2

I got the 1st out in the 6th by handling a Tim Jones grounder. Leonard scored on an Allaire sac fly. I caught a liner by pinch hitter Ken Griffey Jr. to end the inning.

Giants lead 8-3

In the 6th Robby hit a two run bomb!
I came up with Chris on 3rd and two out, facing Mike Shelton. I struck out.

Giants lead 10-3

In the 7th both Harper and Harold Baines scored on a Biggio double.
Nestor went to Frank Williams at that point.
I wrapped thing sup for him with a Leonard groundout.

Giants lead 10-5

In our half Mike scored on a bases loaded walk and then Chili scored on a fielder's choice by Robby.

Giants lead 12-5

In the 8th pinch hitter Lenny Harris scored on a double by pitcher Anthony Kelley. We wrapped up the inning with a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Bill Doran and Harper.

Giants lead 12-6

I came up in the 8th, with one out and facing Kelley. I popped out to Allaire at short.

That was the first time we didn't score in an inning.

Mark Davis took the mound in the 9th. Three batters later and it was all over.

I had a nice slump-buster of a day! 3 for 5 with 3 singles, a walk, an RBI, 3 runs scored, and 4 stolen bases!

June 28th, 1987

We are wrapping up against the Astros and they are pitching Bryn Smith (8-4, 2.27).

The Giants have Doyle Alexander (9-2, 3.06).

I have gone 2 for 11 vs Smith.

I led off the bottom half by legging out an infield single that went deep at 2nd. Stolen base #73. I moved to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete ground out and scored on a Chili Davis sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the 2nd out in the 2nd by taking a Craig Biggio grounder.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Karl Allaire at short.

We got another run in the 5th when Robby Thompson scored from 2nd on an Alan Cockrell single. I came up with two out and Alan on 2nd. I dropped one into right field, allowing Alan to score! Stolen base #74 AND 75! I was left.

Giants lead 3-0

We got out of the 6th with a nice Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Keith Hernandez and Harold Baines.

In the bottom half Chili scored on a Rob Deer sac fly.

Giants lead 4-0

I got the 1st out in the 7th off another Biggio grounder.

I came up with two out in the 7th and lined out to Jeffrey Leonard in left.

In the 8th Glenn Davis hit a pinch hit, two run homer.
I got the 1st out after that, taking a Bill Doran grounder.

Giants lead 4-2

Dennis Eckersley came in to shut things down in the 9th. He allowed a two out single but that was all, and we had the game.

Another solid game for me, going 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, a run, an RBI, and three stolen bases.

That was our fifth win in a row!

The Weekly Power Rankings came out and we are #1!

The Braves are coming to town tomorrow and we are hot, hot, hot!

June 29th, 1987

The Braves are in town and are pitching Tom Glavine (6-6, 4.04).

The Giants have Eric Show (4-9, 4.47).

I have gone 6 for 25, including a home run, against Glavine.

Show is not having the best season, but we are hot!

Atlanta got to Eric right away as Milt Thompson scored on an Andres Galarraga single, still with none out. Then Gerald Perry scored on a Gary Sheffield sac fly.

Braves lead 2-0

I led off the bottom half by putting one into the left field corner for a double. With one out, stolen base #76. With two out, Rob Deer smashed a big three-run homer.

Giants lead 3-2

In the 2nd I came up with one out and Chris Brown on 1st. I struck out.

I got the 2nd out in the 3rd off a fielder's choice ball by Jeff Blauser. I then handled a Ron Cey grounder to finish it off.

We had a big 3rd. First Chili Davis scored on a sac fly by Rob. Later Chris blasted a three-run home run.

Giants lead 7-2

I got the 2nd out in the 4th, catching a Gerald Perry pop.

I led off the bottom half by flying out to Ken Griffey Jr. in right.

In the 5th Griffey scored on a Key single, plus a throwing error by Chili.
Nelson Santovenia followed with a two-run homer.

Giants lead 7-5

I came up in the bottom of half, with the bases full and two out. I wasn't able to make it work, flying out.

Mark Clear relieved for us in the 6th. He pitched two and then Scott Garrelts took over in the 8th.

I led off the bottom of the 9th, now facing Steve Farr. I pushed one through the left side for a single. Stolen base #77. I moved to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete ground out. With two out I scored on a single by Rob. After that the Braves walked TWO with he bases loaded.

Giants lead 10-5

With the extra cushion Frank Williams came in to pitch the 9th. He walked the first two guys and Nestor switched to Mark Davis. He struck out one but then gave up another walk and then a single to Griffey, scoring Milt Thompson.
That made it time for Dennis Eckersley.
He got a strikeout but then Cey singled, scoring Perry.
Another strikeout and we had a 10-7 win.

That is six wins in a row!

I went 2 for 5 with a single, a double, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

After the game we found out that Sergio Valdez was sent to Phoenix and Dave Miller was called back up. Bill Laskey was placed on waivers.

This is a tough staff to break into.

June 30th, 1987

Today the Braves are sending up Norm Charlton (4-5, 5.83).

The Giants have Bryan Hickerson (5-4, 4.38).

I have gone 1 for 6 against Charlton.

I led off the home half of the game by working a walk. I went to 3rd on a double by Mike Aldrete and scored on a Steve Stanicek sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the 3rd out in the 2nd off a Milt Thompson grounder.

I then got the 2nd out in the 3rd off a Jeff Blauser fielder's choice ball. Unfortunately, Andres Galarraga scored on the play.


Game tied 1-1

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Galrraga at 1st.

The Braves took the lead in the 4th off a two-run homer by Gerald Perry.

Braves lead 3-1

The lead was short lived as Rob Deer and Chris Brown both scored on a Scott Bradley single in the bottom half.

Game tied 3-3

I led off in the 5th and grounded out to Blauser at 2nd.
Before the inning was up, Mike Aldrete scored on a wild pitch to give us the lead.

Giants lead 4-3

Jeff Robinson took over mound duties for us in the 7th.

I led off the bottom half by hustling an infield hit to 3rd. I went to 2nd on a groundout by Mike. Steve followed by smashing a two run homer.
Once again, Rob and Robby Thompson scored on a single by Scott.

Giants lead 8-3

Mark Davis relieved to open he 8th.
He got his three and then I led off against Barry Jones. I lined out to Blauser.

I handled a Ron Cey grounder for the 2nd out in the 9th. He then gave up a walk but closed it out. We have won seven in a row!

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, and two runs scored.

July 1st, 1987

Happy Canada Day to me... let's see if I can have a big game.

The Braves are wrapping up here in San Francisco, sending up Johnny Cash (4-7, 5.34).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (10-3, 2.47).

I have gone 2 for 6 vs Cash.

I led off the home half of the game by grounding out to Jeff Blauser at 2nd.

For the 3rd out in the 2nd, I returned the favour, handling a Blauser grounder.

I then caught a popup by Nelson Santovenia for the 2nd out in the 3rd.

In the bottom of the 3rd I came up with two out and Jerry Mumphrey on 2nd. I walked. Mike Aldrete loaded the base sup with Blauser muffed his grounder. We weren't able to take advantage.

I got the 1st out in the 4th on a Gerald Perry grounder.
The Braves opened the scoring that frame when Milt Thompson scored on a Gary Sheffield single.

Braves lead 1-0

We got it back in the bottom half when Steve Stanciek scored on a double by Jerry.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with one out in the 5th and pushed one through the right side for a single. Stolen base #78. I went to 3rd on a ground out by Mike.
I ended up scoring on a Robby Thompson single. Chili and Steve scored on a Chris Brown single and then Robby scored on a single by Jerry.

Giants lead 5-1

In the 6th Bruce Benedict scored on a groundout by Perry.

Giants lead 5-2

I came up in the 6th with Bruce on 1st and Barry Jones pitching. I hit one to Blauser for a fielder's choice. Stolen base #79. I scored from 2nd on a single by Chili.

Giants lead 6-2

I came up in the 8th with one out, Scott Bradley on 2nd, and Brian Fisher on the mound. I doubled to left-centre for an RBI!
With two out Chili drove one for a two-run dinger!

Giants lead 9-2

Frank Williams relieved for us in the 9th. Three outs later we had our 8th win in a row!

I went 2 for 4 with a single, a double, a walk, an RBI, three runs scored, and two stolen bases!

We now have a travel day as we head to Chicago.

July 3rd, 1987

We are in Wrigley to face the Cubs and they are pitching Greg Maddux (4-10, 4.59).

The Giants are going with Doyle Alexander (10-2, 3.01).

I have gone 3 for 15 with a home run off Maddux.

I opened the game by grounding out to Gary Jones at 2nd.

We got not he board in the 2nd when Rob Deer scored on a Chris Brown single.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Jones again.

I made my first defensive play on the game - a gem, taking a Mike Brumley grounder for the first out in the bottom half.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Alan Cockrell on 3rd. I hit what I THOUGHT was going to be a sac fly, but Alan was thrown out at home!

I got the 2nd out in the 4th off a Dave Valle grounder.

I then got the last out in the 5th off a grounder by Jones.

Rob Deer led off the 7th with a home run.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off the 8th by dropping one into centre for a single. Stolen base #80. I went to 3rd on an infield hit by Mike Aldrete. I scored on a Chili Davis sac fly.

Giants lead 3-0

I caught a Tom Foley fly for the 1st out in the bottom half.
The Braves broke the goose egg when Brumley scored on a Jones groundout. Pinch hitter Bo Diaz scored on a passed ball.

Giants lead 3-2

We had some defensive changes as Brian Giles took over at 3rd and Bobby Grich took over at 1st.

Dennis Eckersley took over on the mound in the 9th. He wasn't able to extend his major league leading saves total as Paul O'Neill got a leadoff double and scored on a Mel Hall single to tie it up.
I got the 2nd out on a Tom Foley fielder's choice ball.
The Cubs loaded them up but Eck pitched out of it, sending us to extras.

Game toed 3-3

I led off the 10th, now facing Don August. I flew out to Marvell Wynne in right.

Scott Garrelts took over on the mound for us. Scott had yet to get a loss this season, but it was not to be. O'Neill got the RBI single for a walk-off win, ending our win streak.

I went 1 for 5 with a single, a run scored, and a stolen base.

July 4th, 1987

We are in Chicago for the holiday. The Cubs are pitching Mike Maddux (6-6, 4.97).

The Giants are going with Eric Show (5-9, 4.60).

I have gone 1 for 9 against Maddux.

I led off the game by grounding out right back to Maddux.
We got one on the board in the 1st when Mike Aldrete Scored on a Robby Thompson single. That was the good news. The bad news was that after the hit Robby had to leave the game. He has missed a lot of the season. Hopefully this isn't as serious.
Bobby Grich took over for him.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and John Rabb on 2nd. I hit one to the right field fence for an RBI triple! Mike followed with two run homer!

Giants lead 4-0

I got the last out in the bottom half off a Mike Brumley grounder.

In the 3rd John walloped a solo homer!

Giants lead 5-0

I got the last out in the bottom half again - this time it was a Gary Jones grounder.

I led off the 4th by hitting open up the middle for a single. Stolen base #81. I moved to 3rd on a one out single by Chili Davis. I scored on a Steve Stanicek sac fly.
Befroe the inning was up, both Rob Deer and Chris Brown hit two run homers!

Giants lead 10-0

I came up with one out in the 5th, with Jim Neidlinger pitching. I struck out.

In the 6th Steve scored on a double play.

Giants lead 11-0

In the bottom half we got a nice Grich - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Gary Jones and Marvell Wynne.

I came up with one out in the 7th and grounded out to Jones at 2nd.

The Cubs finally got on the board in the 7th when Billy Hatcher scored on a Dave Valle single.

Giants lead 11-1

In the 8th pinch hitter Bo Diaz scored on a single by Wynne.

Giants lead 11-2

In the top of the 9th Chris scored on a sac fly by pinch hitter Alan Cockrell.
I was then lifted for pinch hitter Brian Giles.

The score held and we won 12-2

I went 2 for 5 with a triple, a single, an RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base.

Bad news for Robby. After the game we found out he had a strained groin and was heading to the DL for 2-3 weeks.

Tom O'Malley was recalled from Phoenix.

July 5th, 1987

In Chicago facing the Cubs and Richard Dotson (5-10, 5.52).

The Giants are pitching Bryan Hickerson (6-4, 4.39).

I am 1 for 7 vs Dotson.

I led off the game by never getting a pitch to swing at and taking a walk. I advanced to 2nd on a Mike Aldrete groundout. Stolen base #82. I ended up not scoring.

Rob Deer led off the 2nd with a home run.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the 1st out in the bottom half with a nice play on a Mel Hall grounder.
Unfortunately, Dotson, of all people, hit a two run homer.

Cubs lead 2-1

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Mike Brumley at short.

I came up next with one out in the 5th and fouled on to Juan Beniquez at 3rd.

In the 6th Brumley scored on a Gary Jones single.

Cubs lead 3-1

I came up in the 7th with two out and Bobby Grich on 1st. I grounded out to Beniquez.

Mark Davis took over pitching for us that inning. I got the 3rd out for him, nailing Hall again.

Scott Garrelts came in with two out in the 8th.

With the game on the line in the 9th, Alan Cockrell and Bobby Grich scored on a double by pinch hitter Scott Bradley. I flew out to end it, but we had tied it up!

Game tied 3-3

Jeff Robinson took over on the mound for us.
Our jubilation was short lived as Marvell Wynne led off the bottom of the 9th with a double and then Bill Hatcher drove him home with a walk off single.

We lost 4-3.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base.

The All-Star Voting updates always seem to come out when I have had a bad game.
I am still leading at short. Eck is still leading as well. Bruce Ruffin and Scott Garrelts are also getting decent votes.

Tomorrow we are in Pittsburgh.

July 6th, 1987

We are in Pittsburgh to face Mike Bielecki (7-5, 3.83) and the Pirates.

The Giants are pitching Bruce Ruffin (11-3, 2.45).

I have gone a solid 4 for 10 against Bielecki.

I led off the game by flying out to Kirk Gibson in left.

The Pirates struck early as Sid Bream hit a two run home run in the 1st. I caught a Bon Baylor pop for the 3rd out.

Pirates lead 2-0

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Bruce on 1st. I flew out to Gibson again.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half by taking a Johnny Ray grounder.

I then got the 2nd out in the 4th off an Ozzie Virgil grounder.

I stayed active in the 5th, get the 1st out off a Bielecki grounder. I caught a Ray pop up for the 2nd out. Ozzie Smith scored on a Bream single. Baylor followed with a three run homer.
Nestor got the hook out and brought in Frank Williams after that.
I took a Virgil grounder to end the bleeding.

Pirates lead 6-0

I came up with one out in the 6th and struck out.
Mike Aldrete followed with a solo home run.

Pirates lead 6-1

In the bottom half Bip Roberts and Pete Rice scored on a single by Smith. With two out Smith scored on a Gibson single.

Pirates lead 9-1

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th off a Baylor grounder.

I came up with two out in the 8th and took a walk. I was left there.

In the bottom half Dan Driessen took over at 1st after pinch hitting for Mike Aldrete. Mark Clear took over on the mound.

I got the 1st out, nailing Fernando Gonzalez on a fielder's choice by Smith. A Grich - Priske - Driessen double play got Smith and Ray.

The 9th was big for us. Steve Stanicek doubled with one out. Rob Deer walked. Chris Brown singled, loading the bases. Bobby Grich reached on an error, allowing Steve to score. John Rabb cleared them all with a Grand Slam! Scott Bradley got a pinch hit double. Tim Stoddard struck me out. Driessen singled, scoring Scott.

But we couldn't get any more and lost 9-7.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk.

July 7th, 1987

In Pittsburgh facing Neil Allen (0-6, 8.92) and the Pirates.

The Giants are going with Dave Miller (1-1, 7.13).

This could be a high scoring affair.

I have gone 0 for 3 vs Allen.

I led off the game by working an 8 pitch walk. Stolen base #83. I moved to 3rd on a Chili Davis groundout but got no further.

I caught a Johnny Ray pop up for the 1st out in the bottom half.

In the 2nd the Bucs scored when Don Baylor crossed on a Pete Rice double.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and I knocked one through the left side for a single. I advanced to 2nd on a flyable by Mike Aldrete. I was left again.

I got the last out in the 3rd off a Leon Durham grounder.

I did the same in the 4th off an Allen grounder.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Miller on 1st. I struck out.
Dave scored on a double by Mike to tie it up!

Game tied 1-1

The Pirates got the lead back in the 6th when Rice scored on a single by Ozzie Smith.

Pirates lead 2-1

We tied it right back up in the 7th when Alan Cockrell scored on a squeeze play by Dave!
I came up with one out and Dave on 1st. Cecilio Guante was brought in to face me and he induced a fly ball to Kirk Gibson in left.


Game tied 2-2

I returned the favour with a groundball by Gibson for the 1st out in the bottom half. Durham followed that with a solo homer. I handled a Rice grounder for the final out.

Pirates lead 3-2

I then got the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th off a grounder by pinch hitter Tony Armas.

With the gam eon the line I came up with two out in the 9th and pinch hitter Jerry Mumphrey on 1st. Pirates' closer Dale Mahorcic was on the mound.
I grounded out to Ray at 2nd and the game was over.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, and a stolen base.

We have lost three in a row and the Reds have won three in a row so our lead is down to five games.

July 7th, 1987

We are finishing up the server sin Pittsburgh and the Pirates are pitching Bob Walk (5-9, 5.35).

The Giants are going with Doyle Alexander (10-2, 2.96).

I have gone 3 for 7 against Walk, with a rare Rusty Home Run.

I led off the game by making that 4 for 8 as I singled through the right side.
I moved to 2nd on a Mike Aldrete groundout. I grabbed stolen base #84. I ended up scoring on a wild pitch while Rob Deer was up.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and the bases loaded. I hit one into the left field corner for a double, scoring Bobby Grich and John Rabb! Then both Doyle and I scored on a single by Mike!

Giants lead 5-0!

The Pirates got on the board in the bottom half when Ozzie Virgil doubled home Don Baylor. I caught a Bip Roberts pop for the 2nd out.

Giants lead 5-1

In the 3rd Johnny Rabb clocked a two out solo homer.
I came up with two out and Doyle on 1st. Fernando Gonzalez was now pitching. I grounded out to Ozzie Smith at short.

Giants lead 6-1

In the bottom half we got a nice Grich - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Smith and Johnny Ray out. Bobby is fighting a cold but you couldn't tell it on the field.

In the 4th Chili Davis hit a two run homer to widen our lead.

Giants lead 8-1

In the bottom half Kirk Gibson scored on a Virgil sac fly.

Giants lead 8-2

I came up with two out in the 5th and grounded out to Ray at 2nd.

I took a Roberts grounder for the 1st out in the bottom frame.

In the 7th I got the 1st out off a Baylor fielder's choice.

I came up with one out in the 8th, now facing Cecilio Guante. I grounded out to Roberts at 3rd.

Doyle ended up getting the complete game win!

I went 2 for 5 with a single, a double, two RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base!

I even made the highlight reel that night!

After the game Dave Miller was sent back to Phoenix and Scott Service was called up.

We are heading to St.Louis.

July 9th, 1987

We are in St.Louis too ace the Cardinals and Greg Mathews (6-5, 3.90).

The Giants are going with Eric Show (6-9, 4.44).

I have gone 1 for 4 vs Mathews.

I led off the game by striking out.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half, taking a Tom Herr grounder.

I led off the 3rd by returning the favour, grounding out to Herr at 2nd.
Mike Aldrete followed me with a solo homer.

Giants lead 1-0

The Cards tied it up with an RBI double by Herr, scoring Mathews.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with one out in the 5th and flew out to Oddibe McDowell in centre.

I handled a Jack Ayer grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.

In the 6th Rob Deer scored on a Scott Bradley double.

Giants lead 2-1

Once again the lead was short lived as Mike Marshall scored on a single by Terry Pendleton and an error by Chili Davis.

Game tied 2-2

I came up with two out in the 7th and grounded out to Pendleton at 3rd.

I made the last out of the inning by taking a Herr grounder again.

I caught a McDowell pop for the last out in the 8th.

Dennis Eckersley took the mound for us in the 9th, hoping to push the game to extras.
He only faced one batter as Pendleton put one over the right field wall to walk off.

We lost and I went 0 for 4.

We just heard that Goose Gossage has been traded from the Padres to the Braves. Even a vet isn't safe. I wonder if I will ever be traded.

July 10th, 1987

Today the Cardinals are throwing Ted Power (8-8, 5.20) at us.

The Giants are answering with Bryan Hickerson (6-4, 4.40).

I have gone 2 for 10 vs Power.

I kicked off the game by outrunning a weak hit for an infield single. Stolen base #85 AND #86! I scored on a Chili Davis sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I caught an Andy Van Slyke liner for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Tom Herr at 2nd.

I returned the favour, handling a Herr grounder for the 1st out int he bottom frame.

We scored again when Rob Deer scored on a Bobby Grich single.

Giants lead 2-0

The Cards got on the board in the bottom half when Luis Iglesias scored on a Vince Coleman triple. Then Coleman scored on a ground out by Herr.

Game tied 2-2

I led off the 5th by grounding out to Iglesias at short.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half off a Mike Marshall grounder. I then get the 3rd out with a man on 3rd, grabbing an Iglesias grounder.

In the 6th Mike Aldrete launched a solo homer.

Giants lead 3-2

I came up with two out in the 7th and struck out.

The Cardinals even up the score in the 7th when Andy Van Slyke scored on a Terry Pendleton sac fly.

Game tied 3-3

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 9th off another grounder by Herr.

I came up in the top o the 10th with the potential winning run in the form of pinch hitter Jerry Mumphrey on 1st. There was none out and Tim Crews was brought in to face me. I do my part and drop one into left for a single, moving Jerry to 2nd.
Brian Giles took over for Jerry as pinch runner.
Chris Brown hit into what looked like a double play but I hit Herr hard enough to stop him from turning it. I hurt my shoulder on the play but it was worth it. I was fine.
Then Brian scored on a sac fly by Chili and of that wasn't enough, Steve Stanicek belted a two run home run!

Giants lead 6-3

Dennis Eckersley came in to shut it down in the 10th. I got the 2nd out for him off a Willie McGee grounder. Iglesias follows with a double, scoring Tom Pagnozzi. Then the Cards pulled within one when Iglesias scored on an Oddibe McDowell pinch hit double. Vince Coleman walked and Herr singled, scoring McDowell, and our lead was gone.

Game tied 6-6

We got the lead back in the 11th when Rob Deer scored on an Alan Cockrell single. I came up with Alan on 1st and two out. Dan Schatzeder was pitching. I flew out to Van Slyke in right.

Giants lead 7-6

Scott Garrelts took over on the mound. Scott struck out the side and we had the hard fought win!

I went 2 for 6 with a pair of singles, a run scored, and two stolen bases.

July 11th, 1987

Today the Cardinals are pitching Bob Kipper (8-5, 3.38).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (11-4, 2.76).

I have the day off. That collision yesterday didn't hurt much, but I can use the rest.

I prefer to play.

I made a fruitless pinch hit appearance but the guys didn't need me, beating the Cardinals 9-4.


There was a bit o fa shock after the game when was saw that Stanicek had been traded. Turned out it was PETE Stanicek, Steve's brother. He went from the Orioles to the Mariners.

The Giants DID make a trade, but it was giving up some minor leaguers I don't know for Mike Griffin of the Rangers.


They have announced the All-Star teams.

Bruce Ruffin is going. So is Scott Garrelts and Dennis Eckersley.
Chili Davis is going.

Oh, and so am I.

I am an All-Star. Wow.

July 12th, 1987

We still have a game to play.

The Cardinals are pitching Mike Schooler (3-2, 5.29).

The Giants are going with Scott Service making his big league debut.

I led off the game by grounding out to Bill Buckner at 1st.

My first defensive play was the last out in the 2nd - a grounder by Buckner.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and hit a trickle down to 3rd and outran it for a single. Stolen base #87. I moved to 3rd on a ground out by Chris Brown, but got no further.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half, handling a Jack Ayer grounder.

The Cardinals open the scoring when Vince Coleman crossed on a Tom Herr single.

Cardinals lead 1-0

We got it back in the 4th when Rob Deer led off with a homer. I singled with two out and two on but Alan Cockrell was thrown out trying to score.

Game tied 1-1

They get the lead back when Scott throws a wild pitch, allowing Terry Pendleton to score.

Cardinals lead 2-1

In the 5th Coleman scored on an Oddibe McDowell single.

Cardinals lead 3-1

I came up in the 7th with one out and Dan Schatzeder on the mound. I grounded out to Pendleton at 3rd.

I got the 1st out in the home half, off a Willie McGee grounder.
I then got Coleman for the 2nd out, but Mike Aldrete dropped my throw.
Coleman ended up scoring on another error - this time by Chris Brown. McDowell followed with a two run homer.
That's it for Scott. Nestor went to Frank Williams.

Cardinals lead 6-1

I came up in the 9th with two out and Bobby Grich on 1st. Bill Campbell was pitching. I struck out.

Not a great showing by us.

I went 2 for 5 with a couple of singles and a stolen base.

We are going into the All-Star Break with a six game lead on the Reds.

We just found out the details of the Griffin trade. We also got Ruben Sierra. Both guys seem like they are under-performing to me, but I know what that can be like.

Sergio Valdez and Dave Miller have been dropped from the 40-man,
Sierra is going to Phoenix. So is Frank Williams. Griffin is joining us.

There was also another big announcement. Bobby Grich is hanging them up after this season. We kind of knew, but now it is official.

It has been great learning from him. (Honestly, he is a bit of a prima donna, but that doesn't mean I can't learn from him.)

July 14th, 1987

Wow. Fenway Park.

All-Star Game.

Wow.

I need to get my head straight if I don't want to look like a rube out there.

I am lead off the game, facing Zane Smith of the Mariners. I ground one to Tony Fernandez at 2nd but I think my adrenaline is making me even faster and I outran him for a single.
With one out, Will Clark of the Reds singled and I went to 2nd.
With two out Kirk Gibson walked to load the bags.
Juan Samuel of the Phillies grounded out, stranding all of us.

Three Reds on the field and I am the only Giant. Who is leading who?
Ron Darling of the Mets was starting for the NL.

The AL got on the board in the 1st when Wade Boggs scored on a Don Mattingly double.

AL leads 1-0

In the 2nd Lance Parrish of the Angels belted a three-run homer off Steve Trout of the Reds.

AL leads 4-0

I led off the 3rd, now facing Jose Rijo of the A's. I thought I got a single but Kirby Puckett caught it with a diving catch.

We finish off the 3rd with a Priske - Samuel - Clark double play getting Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken out.

In the 4th I caught a Tony Fernandez liner for the 1st out. (Blue Jays!)

We got on the board in the 5th when Dwight Evans of the Phillies doubled off Bob Forsch of the Angels, scoring Tim Wallach of the Dodgers!
I came up with none out and Evans on 3rd. I hit a dribbler to Forsch and was thrown out.
Evans ended up scoring on a Kal Daniels single. Daniels scored on a pinch hit double by Von Hayes.

AL leads 4-3

I came up in the 6th with two out and Evans on 1st. Mark Eichhorn of the Jays was pitching. I flew out to Jack Clark in right.

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch for the NL in the 7th. He walked Jack Clark, but that was it.

Chili Davis came in as pinch hitter against Tom Henke in the 8th, but struck out.

Dennis Eckersley came in to pitch the 8th. I caught a Dan Pasqua pop behind him for the 3rd out.

I was lifted for Rich Gedman of the Expos in the 9th. The NL was unable to score.

This experience was amazing.

Lance Parrish of the Angels was named MVP.

Bruce Ruffin never got in the game.

Oh, we found out that Sergio Valdez was claimed off waivers by Atlanta.

July 16th, 1987

I am on a post-All-star high! We are at home to face the Cubs and they are pitching Richard Dotson (5-10, 5.07).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (12-4, 2.88). He didn't get in the ASG after making the team, but that also means we get him to start today.

I have only gone 1 for 10 vs Dotson.

I got the 3rd out of the game, off a hard grounder by Paul O'Neill.

I led off our half by putting own through the right side for a single. Stolen base #88 AND #89 (on my 100th attempt of the season.) I scored on a Chris Brown single. Chris ended up scoring on a Rob Deer sac fly.

Giants lead 2-0

In the 2nd I came up with one out and Bruce on 1st. I singled again, this time up the middle. Bruce went to 2nd. Then Chris grounded it to short and I went in hard to 2nd, colliding with Gary Jones.
Too hard.
The trainer came in and I was shook up, heading back to the dugout.
After that, Bruce scored on a Chili Davis single.

Giants lead 3-0

But that was it for me. The trainer was concerned enough that I came out of the game for Brian Giles.

We ended up winning 6-2.

Jerry Mumphrey also had to come out of the game later.


After the game I got the word. It was a concussion. A bad one.

I was heading to the DL for the first time, and like for an extended stay. Five weeks, probably.

This is torture.

They brought up Craig Grebeck to replace me on the roster, but it is Brian Giles who will get the playing time. (It turns out that Jerry's injury wasn't serious.)

While I sit at home, we got word that the Giants were now the #1 team in baseball according to the Weekly Power Rankings.

Good. Because I am going to me back and I still want to play in the World Series.

July 22nd, 1987

We got some internal reinforcements as Robby Thompson was activated from the list... and Jeff Robinson went on it. He is expected to miss two weeks.

Craig Grebeck was sent down and Frank Williams was called up.

The Giants have a 7 game lead on the Reds.

July 25th, 1987

Chili Davis had a big day! He got five hits against the Cardinals!

The Giants won 12-3.

July 28th, 1987

Doyle Alexander shut out the Dodgers! After losing both halves of a double-header against the Cardinals yesterday, Doyle cranked it up and the Giants won 1-0!

The Reds have won 4 in a row and the lead is now 6.5 games.

July 30th, 1987

As the Trading Deadline approaches, the Giants pulled the trigger on a pretty big deal.

We traded three minor leaguers, including my old teammate, Terry Mulholland, to Cleveland for Rick Sutcliffe.

Rick is a solid vet in the middle of his career, having a great year!
Plus, he seems like a pretty fun guy!

Butch Henry has been called up in a recent shuffle, but he was sent down to make room for Rick.

Chili Davis peeled off a 20-game hitting streak! Well done Chili!

Meanwhile, however, the Reds have been making headway. We lead them by five games.

August 3rd, 1987

Mike Griffin has not be doing great since coming to us. Today he was sent down and Pat Perry was called back up.

Our lead is down to 4 games.

I need to get back on the field. 3 more weeks.

August 6th, 1987

Pat Perry was sent back down, but it was because Jeff Robinson has been activated from the DL.

The lead is down to two. TWO. The Giants have lost five in a row.

August 11th, 1987

After splitting a four game series with the Reds, we were shut out by John Candelaria and the Astros, 1-0.

Luckily the Reds also lost so our lead is still 2.

We beat the Astros the next three games while the Reds started losing. Our lead is getting more comfortable. It is up to five.

August 20th, 1987

We were shut out again, this time by Ron Darling of the Mets.

We still lead the Reds by five.

August 21st, 1987

A big day! I was sent to Phoenix for injury rehab.

Also, Scott Service was called up and Bryan Hickerson was sent down.

August 21st, 1987

It is my first game with the Phoenix Firebirds. In fact, in is my first minor league game ever.

I am with some familiar faces. Fran Mullins, Eddie Milner... Bryan Hockerson is pitching.

We are facing the Albuquerque Dukes on the road and Dennie Powell is pitching.

Phoenix is a pretty good team, going 70-39 so far.

I opened the game vs Powell by grounding out to Jeff Hamilton at 3rd.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half, off a fielder's choice ball by Hamilton.

In the 2nd I was pivot on a Miscik - Priske - Litton double play to get Tony Brewer and Darrell Porter to end the inning.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Bobby Miscik on 1st. I hit another one to Hamilton but this time it was an infield single. We were left.

We got things going in the 4th when Phil Oullette and Greg Litton scored on a single by Alonzo Powell and then Powell scored on a single by Bobby.

Firebirds lead 3-0

I led off the 5th by hitting another weak one, this time back to the pitcher, and outrunning it for a single. I stole 2nd with one out. I moved to 3rd on a groundout by Craig Grebeck and scored on a Kelvin Torve single.

Firebirds lead 4-0

In the 6th Greg scored on a single by Bobby. I came up with one out, Alonzo on 2nd, and Bobby on 1st. Steve Cummings was now pitching. I hit it back to Cummings who got Bobby at 2nd for a fielder's choice.
Alonzo scored and I went to 3rd on a single by Eddie Milner! That was it.

Firebirds lead 6-0

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th off a grounder by Chuck Lynn.

I came up with one out in the 8th. Larry Pashnick was brought in to face me. I flew out to Gregg Ritchie in left.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half off a grounder by Joe Vavra.

In the 9th Kelvin Torre scored on a double by Phil. Phil scored on a single by pinch hitter Charles Kinard.

Firebirds lead 8-0

I caught a pop up by pinch hitter Luis Natera for the 1st out in the bottom half. Bryan struck out the last two guys to nail down his shutout.

I went 2 for 5 with two singles, a run scored, and a stolen base.

August 22nd, 1987

Still in Albuquerque.

The Dukes are pitching Tim Meeks (2-1, 6.75).

The Firebirds have John Burkett (12-1, 3.49).

I led off the game by grounding out to Jeff Hamilton at 3rd.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Fran Mullins on 1st. I flew out to Stu Pederson in centre.

We opened the scoring in the 4th when Kelvin Torve doubled and then scored on an Alonzo Powell triple. Powell then scored on a Bran Wellman single. I flew out to left to end the inning.

Firebirds lead 2-0

The Dukes answered in the bottom half when Hamilton hit a solo homer.

Firebirds lead 2-1

In the 7th I came up with one out and Fran on 2nd. I got an intentional walk. We replaced Fran with a pinch runner, Lamar Hall, and it paid off as he scored on a single by Eddie Milner. Then Phil Ouellette doubled and Eddie and I both scored.

Firebirds lead 5-1

I finally made a defensive play int he 7th, getting the 1st out off a Hamilton grounder. I then did the same to Chuck Lynn for the 3rd.

I led off the 9th, now facing Timothy Cota. I grounded one back to COta but outran it for an infield single.
I went to 2nd as Eddie also got an infield hit. I went to 3rd on a fielder's choice by Phil and scored on the same by Kelvin.

Firebirds lead 6-1

Pat Perry came in to mop things up for us. He ended up giving up a run on a wild pitch, but that was it so Phoenix had a 6-2 win.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, and two runs scored.

August 23rd, 1987

The Firebirds are finishing up today in Albuquerque. I hope I go from here to rejoin the Giants. We'll see.

The Dukes are pitching Larry Person (2-1. 6.00)

The Firebirds have another former teammate of mine, Dave Miller (6-1, 2.67).

I opened the game by putting one up the middle for a single.
Eddie Milner walked behind me. We set up a double steal and Duke catcher Jon Debus threw the ball away trying to catch me at 3rd. I ended up scoring and Eddie got an extra base. He ended up scoring on a double play ball and Phil Ouellette scored on a Brad Wellman single.

Firebirds lead 3-0

The Dukes came out just as strong on the bottom half, as Gregg Ritchie scored on a Jeff Hamilton single. Jonathan Pequignot scored on a David Price sac fly. Hamilton scored on a Domingo Michel single. Then Christopher Chapman scored on a balk by Dave!
I took a Joe Vavra grounder for the 2nd out. Debus singled and Michel scored.
I handled a Darrell Porter grounder for the 3rd out.
Ouch.

Dukes lead 5-3

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Bobby Miscik on 1st. I grounded into a fielder's choice. I then scored on a double by Eddie.

Dukes lead 5-4

In the bottom half Pequignot scored on a double by Hamilton. Then Hamilton scored on a single by Price.
That was enough for Coop and Dave got the hook.
Mike Griffin came in. He has been lights out in AAA, I wonder when he'll be back up with the Giants?

Dukes lead 7-4

In the 3rd we got a Miscik - Priske - Litton double play to get Debus and Porter out.

I came up in the 4th with one out and Mark Berry on 1st. There was a wild pitch that sent Mark to 2nd and then he went 3rd as I singled through the left side. I stole 2nd - my 3rd since starting my rehab assignment. Mark scored and I went to 3rd on a groundout by Eddie. I then scored on a single by Phil.

Dukes lead 7-6

I got the 1st out in the bottom frame off a grounder by Hamilton.

I then did the same in the 5th off a Debus grounder.

I came up in the 6th with one out and Steve Cummings pitching. I walked. Stolen base #4 AND #5. I was unable to score.

After Mike gave up a leadoff single (his first hit allowed), Coop went to Charlie Corbeil in the 6th. Hit, walk, hit and Hamilton and Chapman crossed on a Michel single (breaking Mike's perfect ERA). After that Price scored on a Debus sac fly.

Dukes lead 10-6

I came up with two out in the 8th and struck out.

I took a Chapman grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.
We couldn't score in the 9th and took the loss.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, a walk, three runs scored, and four stolen bases.

My hope was in vain. I am heading back to Phoenix with the team to face the Tucson Toros. They have to bring me up after that game (unless they actually want to assign me to AAA. I certainly hope not.)

August 25th, 1987

The Firebirds are home in Phoenix. We are pitching Butch Henry (8-7, 2.70).

We are facing the Tucson Toros and they are going with Derek Livernois (4-3, 3.89).

I have faced him before and have gone 1 for 4.

I led off the home half of the game by striking out.

The Toros got on the board first when Randy Brian singled home Jim Pankovits in the 2nd.

Toros lead 1-0

In the 3rd Vern Followell scored on a Nelson Rood groundout.

Toros lead 2-0

I came up in the bottom half with none out and Alex Taveras on 1st. I knocked one through the eight side for a single, moving Alex to 3rd. Eddie Milner then grounded out, scoring Alex and sending me up a base. I then stole 3rd and scored on a Kelvin Torre grounder.

Game tied 2--2

In the 4th Deron McCue smashed a solo shot to put us up.

Firebirds lead 3-2

In the 5th I started a Priske - Taveras - Litton double play to get Mike Botkin and Followell out.

In the 5th I came up with none out and Alex on 1st. This time I walked. Eddie dropped one into the right field corner for a double. Alex scored and I went to 3rd. Then Kelvin doubled, scoring Eddie and I. Kelvin after scored on a Mark Berry single and Mark scored on a sac fly by Fran Mullins.

Firebirds lead 8-2

I got the 3rd out in the 6th off a Pankovits grounder.

I led off the bottom of the 6th, now facing Mike Dowless. I put one up the middle for a single. I advanced to 3rd on a single by Eddie. Kelvin then smacked a three run dinger! Later in the frame Craig Greback scored on a double by Deron. Then both Deron and Greg Litton scored on a single by Alex. I came up for the second time that inning, now facing Donald Dunster, and grounded out to end it.

Firebirds lead 14-2

In the 8th Mark Berry stole 2nd. If that happened in the bigs, the name one of our guys would be wearing a fastball.
Instead Mark scored on a single by Deron.

Firebirds lead 15-2

Butch ended up going the distance as we notched an easy win.

I went 2 for 4 with two singles, a walk, three runs scored, and a stolen base.

I am hitting .412 in AAA.

After the game it became official - I was heading to Philadelphia to rejoin the Giants.
Tom O'Malley was sent down.


I am coming back to a 4 game lead on the Reds.

August 26th, 1987

I am back in the orange and black!

The Giants are in Philly to take on the Phillies!

The Phils are pitching Erik Hanson (11-8, 3.44).

The Giants have Doyle Alexander (13-6, 3.12).

I have gone 3 for 10 vs Hanson.

I led off the game by flying out to Tim Raines in left.

In 2nd I came up with two out and the bases loaded. I singled through the left side, scoring Robby Thompson and Chris Brown!

Giants lead 2-0

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half, off a Juan Samuel grounder.

Rob Deer hit a one out solo shot in the 3rd.

Giants lead 3-0

The Phillies got on the board in the bottom of the 3rd when Jose Vizcaino scored on a Raines sac fly.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up with one out in the 4th and struck out.

In the 4th Samuel scored on a Ron Hassey sac fly.

Giants lead 3-2

Chili Davis led off the 5th with a solo bomb.

Giants lead 4-2

I led off the 6th by flying out to Bo Jackson in right.

In the 7th Von Hayes scored on a Dwight Evans sac fly.

Giants lead 4-3

I came up with one out in the 8th and John Cerutti on the mound. I walked. Stolen base #90. I got no further.

In the 9th Chris smashed a three-run homer!
I came up with one out and two on, facing Jeff Gray, but I popped one up.

Giants lead 7-3

Jeff Robinson came in to finish things up for us. He gave up a double but that was all and we had the win.

I went 1 for 5 with a single, a walk, two RBI, and a stolen base.

Tomorrow is a travel day as we head back to San Francisco to face the Mets.

August 28th, 1987

It is great to be back in San Francisco after my rehab stint with the Firebirds ended with me joining the Giants on the road.

Today we are going with Rick Sutcliffe (10-9, 3.57).

We are facing Dwight Gooden (18-5, 2.16), and the Mets.

Rick has been with the team for a bit, but due to my injury, this is my first game behind him.

I have gone 6 for 29 vs Gooden.

I led off the home half of the game by grounding out to Hubie Brooks at short.

I got the 3rd out in the 2nd off a Larry Parrish grounder.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Wally Backman at 2nd.
Mike Aldrete and Chill Davis followed with back-to-back doubles to put us on the board.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 5th with one out and Rick on 1st. I out one through the right side for my 100th hit of the season. Rick advanced to 3rd.
Stolen base #91. We were both left there.

I got the 2nd out in the 6th off a Lenny Dykstra grounder.

In the 8th the Mets tied it up when Greg Vaughan scored on a passed ball. With two out and a man on 3rd, Nestor went to Scott Garrelts. He got out of it.

Game tied 1-1.

I led off the bottom of the 8th against new pitcher, Jesse Orosco. I walked. but then Mike hit into a double play.

Dennis Eckersley came in to pitch the 9th.

I came up with two out in the 10th, now facing Roger McDowell. I grounded out to Kevin Mitchell at short.

Jeff Robinson came in to pitch the 11th. The Mets responded with a two run homer by Mitchell.

Mets lead 3-1

We weren't able to get back and lost in extras.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, and stolen base.

After the game we found out that Brian Giles was placed on waivers. Tom O'Malley was called back up.

Brian filled in for me while I was gone, but did not perform well.

August 29th, 1988

Today the Mets are pitching Sid Fernandez (13-6, 2.09).

The Giants have Eric Show (11-11, 3.79).

The Mets have no end of great pitchers.

I have gone 5 for 28 vs Sid.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by dropping one into short right for a single. With one out, stolen base #92. I was left.

I led off again in the 3rd but this time I struck out. Mike Aldrete, Chili Davis, and Steve Stanicek followed me with a home run, a single, and another home run.

Giants lead 3-0

I then came up with one out in the 4th and hit one off the right field wall for a double! Stolen base #93! I scored on a sac fly by Mikey.

Giants lead 4-0

The Mets cracked their goose egg in the 5th when I handled a grounder by Fernandez for the 2nd out, but Jim Dwyer scored on the play.

Giants lead 4-1

I next came up with two out in the 6th and I grounded out to Wally Backman at 2nd.

In the 8th Robby Thompson scored on a single by Chris Brown. I came up with two out and Chris on 2nd and Scott Bradley on 3rd. Clavin Sciraldi was pitching. I singled and scored both runners! I then moved to 2nd on a single by Mikey but we were both left.

Giants lead 7-1

Eric allowed a couple of baserunners in the 9th but none scored and we had the win.

I went 3 for 5 with a double, two singles, two RBI, a run scored, and two stolen bases!

August 30th, 1987

We are finishing off with the Mets and they are throwing up yet another top arm - Ron Darling (16-4, 2.35).

The Giants have a great arm of our own - Bruce Ruffin (16-8, 2.85).

I have gone a mere 2 for 24 vs Darling.

We got a nice Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Lenny Dykstra and Wally Backman as the first two outs of the game.

I led off our half by working a full count walk. Unfortunately I ran into a pitch out.

I next came up with one out in the 3rd. I struck out.

I led off in the 6th, still in a scoreless game, at outran an infield hit for a single. Mike Aldrete followed me with a double play ball.

I got the 1st out in the 7th off a Larry Parrish grounder. I then did the same to Dave Magadan for the 3rd.

The Mets finally cracked the egg when Darling led off the 8th with a triple and then Dykstra singled him home. Later Dykstra scored on a Parrish sac fly. Darryl Strawberry scored on a Carlton Fisk single. I ended things with another Magadan grounder.

Mets lead 3-0

John Rabb answered back with a lead off homer in the bottom frame. I came up with one out and struck out again.

Mets lead 3-1

The Mets were back at it in the 9th when pinch hitter Greg Vaughn scored on a Strawberry single. Then Backman scored on a sac fly by Kevin Mitchell.

Mets lead 5-1

We weren't able to score in the 9th and we had the loss.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, and a caught stealing.

Tomorrow the Expos come to town.

August 31st, 1987

The Expos are in town and you know what that means - my parents brought my grandparents down to watch the series! That is always fun. MY granddad is a big Expos fan, but my mom says he watches the Giants mostly now.

Montreal is pitching Jeff Russell (5-12, 6.35).

We have Doyle Alexander (14-6, 3.08).

I have gone 8 for 24 vs Russell.

I got action right away as the first batter, Mark McLemore, grounded one to me for the 1st out.
The Expos got on the board quickly as Jose Oqendo followed with a single and then scored on a Pedro Guerrero double.

Expos lead 1-0

I led off the home half by grounding out to Guerrero at 3rd.
Before the inning was up we had evened things when Chili Davis scored on a Steve Stanicek double.

Game tied 1-1

We had trouble in the 2nd when an error by Steve put Chris Sabo on 2nd and an error by Child allowed him to score. Then McLemore hit a two run homer. Three unearned runs.

Expos lead 4-1

Things got dicey again in the 3rd when the first three batters reached to load the bases. Tim Flannery then hit what seemed like a routine double play to Mike Aldrete at 1st, but Mike threw it away and Guerrero scored.
Our defence is not normally this bad.
Sabo then doubled home Rich Gedman and Shane Mack.
Nestor pulled Doyle for Frank Williams, but Doyle really got the raw end, there. Seven runs (so far) on five hits? Three errors?
Flannery ended up scoring on a Russell groundout.

Expos lead 8-1

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by grounding out to Guerrero again.
Just like in the 1st, Chili scored on an RBI by Steve.

Expos lead 8-2

In the 4th, once again the first three batters reached to load things up. Mack singled home Oquendo. Flannery WALKED, forcing in Guerrero. Frank threw a wild pitch, allowing Gedman to cross.
THIS is the game my family came down from Victoria for?
Sabo walked, reloading the bags. Somehow Frank managed to strike out the next three batters to stop the bleeding.

Expos lead 11-2

I got the 3rd out in the 5th, grabbing a Gedman grounder.

I led off the bottom of the 5th by fouling out to Gedman behind the plate.

Mark Davis took over not he mound for us in the 6th.
We got a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play for him to get out Mack and Flannery.

We had a collision at 2nd on the 7th. Robby was okay but the Expos got some hard looks after that, going in that hard when up by nine runs.

I came up in the bottom of the 7th with two out and Eric Plunk pitching. I finally got a hit, hitting one to the wall in left-centre for a double. Bobby Grich hit for Mike but to no avail.

Dennis Eckerlsey came in to pitch the 9th. That says more about the fatigue in the pen than anything else.

I came up in the bottom of the 9th with one out and pinch hitter Jerry Mumphrey on 1st. Randy St. Claire was pitching. I struck out.

We couldn't score and lost 11-2.

Embarrassing. The Expos are a last place team. The Reds are hot on our heels, trailing us by only two games.

I went 1 for 4 with a double.

After the game we heard that the team is calling up 12 players from Phoenix as rosters expand!

John Burkett, Bryan Hickerson, Butch Henry, Willie Fraser, Mike Griffin, Pat Perry, Kelvin Torve, Phil Oullette, Craig Grebeck, Eddie Milner, Fran Mullins, and Jessie Reid.

I know most of them after my rehab stint.

With Butch up, I am not the youngest player on the team!

The 'Pennant Chase' odds are up and we have been given a 74% chance of making the playoffs. Good, but not good enough.

September 1st, 1987

With my family still in town, I hope we can put on a bit better show for them.

Today the Expos are pitching Bryan Clutterbuck (1-16, 7.15).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (10-9, 3.43).

I have gone only 1 for 9 vs Clutterbuck.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by grounding out to Mark McLemore at 2nd.

In the 2nd the Expos opened the scoring when Thomas Howard crossed on a Bryan Dayett sac fly.

Expos lead 1-0

We grabbed the lead in the bottom half when Rob Deer and John Rabb scored on a double by Rick Sutcliffe.
I flew out to end it.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up in the 4th with two out and Alan Cockrell on 1st. I grounded out to Pedro Guerrero at 3rd.

In the 5th Chili Davis smacked a two run homer.

Giants lead 4-1

Mark Clear took over pitching for us in the 6th. He double switched with Bobby Grich taking over at 2nd for Robby Thompson.

I led off in the 7th, now facing Keith Comstock, making his major league debut. I struck out.

I made my first defensive play in the 8th, taking care of a McLemore grounder for the 1st out.
With a man out Dennis Eckersley came in, with a double switch that saw Tom O'Malley taking over for Mike Aldrete at 1st.
Guerrero immediately doubled, scoring Jose Oquendo from 1st. Then Guerrero scored on a Thomas Howard single. I caught a Tim Flannery pop to end the threat.

Giants lead 4-3

In the 9th Eck struck out the first two and then I handled a grounder from pinch-hitter Joey Cora to end the game.

We got the win, which was great, but I played pretty badly. I went 0 for 4.

September 2nd, 1987

We are wrapping up agains the Expos today and I want to have one really good game in front of my family.

The Epos are pitching Wally Whitehurst (3-9, 5.81).

The Giants have Bryan Hickerson (8-7, 4.21).

I have done well in limited chances against Whitehurst, going 3 for 6.

I got in the action early, handling a Jose Oqiendo grounder for the 2nd out of the game. Unfortunately it was followed by a walk, a single, and a three-run homer by Rich Gedman.

Expos lead 3-0

I led off the bottom half by taking pitch off my knee. That stung, but I was okay. With one out, stolen base #94. Chili Davis followed with a home run to out us back within one.

Expos lead 3-2

I came up with two out in the 2nd and pushed one through the left side for a single. I got no further.

I next came up in the 4th with none out, Alan Cockrell on 2nd, and Bryan on 1st. I hit one deep to short for an infield single, loading the bags. Mike Aldrete then grounded out, but the rest of us moved up, scoring Alan. Chili then singled, scoring both Bryan and I. Steve Stanicek double, scoring Chili and later Steve scored on an error.

Giants lead 7-3.

I got the 1st out in the 5th, off an Oquendo grounder.

I came up in the 5th with one out, Bryan on 1st, and Michael Mielke pitching. I lined one past the 2nd baseman for a single. Bryan moved to 3rd. I tried to steal 2nd but I was caught.
Mike Aldrete reached on an error and Bryan scored. Chili walked and then Steve hit a two run triple.

Giants lead 10-3

I got the 3rd out in the top of the 7th off a Mark McLemore grounder.

I came up with one out in the 7th and Jeff Shaver on the mound. I grounded out to Joey Cora at 2nd.

I got the 1st out in the 8th off a grounder by pinch hitter Ken Landreaux. I then took a Shane Mack grounder for a 2nd out fielder's choice.
Scott Service took over pitching for us after that. He immediately coughed up a two run gopher ball to Gedman.

Giants lead 10-5

We got them back and more when Rob Deer hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the 8th.
I ended the inning by striking out to Mark Tindall.

Giants lead 13-5

Scott gave up a 9th inning walk but that was it and we had the win.

Steve Stanicek had five hits!

I had a good day myself, going 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and a stolen base. (And a caught stealing... my 13th one of those this year.)

Chili and Steve were the top players of the day according to SportsCentre.

So, I got my good game in for my family. They are heading back and we have an off-day tomorrow, waiting for the Phillies to come to town.

September 4th, 1987

September and we are in 1st place. Could this be my first trip to the post-season?

The Phillies are in town and they are bringing Kevin Gross (12-10, 4.18).

The Giants are pitching Bruce Ruffin (16-9, 2.90).

I have gone only 5 for 28 vs Gross.

I got active right away as I took a Tim Raines grounder for the 1st out. Then I did the same to the 2nd batter, Von Hayes.

I led off our half by grounding out to Garry Templeton at short.

In the 2nd I got the 3rd out off a Ron Hassey grounder.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Chris Brown on 3rd. I snuck one through the left side for an RBI single! I got no further.

Giants lead 1-0

The Phillies tied it up quickly as Dwight Evans led off the 4th with a home run.

Game tied 1-1

In the 5th Raines hit a bigger one - a three run blast.

Phillies lead 4-1

I led off in the 6th by wearing a curveball. I advanced to 2nd on a groundout by Mike Aldrete. I picked up stolen base #95 as Chili Davis was being walked. I was left there.

In the 7th we got a sweet Ruffin - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Ray Knight and Gross off a bunt.

We got one back in the bottom half when Robby Thompson crossed on a groundout by Chris.

Phillies lead 4-2

The Phils got it right back when Hayes hit a solo homer in the 8th.
Nestor brought Pat Perry in to pitch.
The Phillies loaded the bases against him but couldn't score.

Phillies lead 5-2

I came up in the 8th with none out and pinch hitter Jerry Mumphrey on 2nd. I flew out to Bo Jackson in left.
Jerry ended up scoring on an error.

Phillies lead 5-3

Dennis Eckersley came in to pitch the 9th.
He got his three and Chris hit a solo shot in the bottom half, but we still fell short, losing 5-4.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, and RBI, and a stolen base.

September 5th, 1987

Today the Phillies are pitching Erik Hanson (11-9, 3.69).

The Giants have Eric Show (12-11, 3.66).

I have gone 4 for 14 against Hanson.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by making that 5 for 15 with a single through the left side. With one out I picked up stolen base #96. With two out I went to 3rd on a balk by Hanson and then scored on a wild pitch.

Giants lead 1-0

The lead was short lived as Juan Samuel hit a solo shot with one out in the 2nd.

Game tied 1-1

We got it right back when Robby Thompson led off the bottom half with a solo shot of his own.

Giants lead 2-1

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by flying out to Bo Jackson in right.
Mike Aldrete followed me with a solo homer.

Giants lead 3-1

In the 5th Ray Knight scored from 3rd when Steve Stanicek dropped a fly in centre.

Giants lead 3-2

I came up with one out in the 5th and hit my 2nd home run of the season! I don't do that very often!

Giants lead 4-2

In the 7th I started a nice Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Samuel and Garry Templeton.

I came up with two out in the 7th and flew out to Tim Raines in left.

Dennis Eckersley came in to close it out in the 9th. He gave up a single, but that was all, and he had his MLB leading 35th save.

I went 2 for 4 with a HOME RUN, a single, an RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base. Good day!

After the game we found out that Ruben Sierra had been called up from Phoenix. Another smart, young guy I can take baseball with.

September 6th, 1987

We are wrapping up the series against the Phillies. They are pitching Mike Morgan (7-14, 6.22).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (11-9, 3.39).

I have never faced Morgan, even though he has started for Philadelphia that last couple of years.

Rick allowed a couple of baserunners in the 1st but we finished things off with a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Dwight Evans and Bo Jackson.

I led off our half by hitting it behind 2B for a single. Stolen base #97. I went to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete groundout and scored on a Chili Davis single. Steve Stanicek then reached on an error and Rob Deer popped a three-run tater.

Giants lead 4-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Rick on 1st. I hit one into the right field corner for a double, moving Rick to 3rd. Mike got another productive groundout as Rick scored and I moved to 3rd. I was left there.

Giants lead 5-0

In the 3rd Steve scored on a Robby Thompson groundball.

Giants lead 6-0

I got the 3rd out in the 4th off a Jackson grounder.

I came up in the bottom of the 4th with one out and Rod Nichols on the mound. I grounded out to Evans at 1st.

In the 5th Chili scored when Chris Brown was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

Giants lead 7-0

The Phillies got on the board in the 6th when Von Hayes scored on a single by Evans. I grabbed a Jackson grounder to end it.

Giants lead 7-1

I led off the bottom half by grounding one right back to Nichols.

In the 7th Juan Samuel crossed on a Ray Knight groundout.

Giants lead 7-2

I came up in the 8th with one out and Rick on 1st. Xavier Hernandez was pitching. I got hit by a completely unintentional pitch. Rick and I were left there.

Rick allowed a couple of runners in the 9th but no runs and we had the win.

I went 2 for 4 with a single, a double, one run scored, and one stolen base.

I am hitting .275.

We are hitting the road again, on our way to Houston.

September 7th, 1987

We are in Houston, playing in the Astrodome.

The Astros are pitching Mike Scott (14-11, 2.99).

The Giants have Doyle Alexander (14-7, 3.23).

I have gone 7 for 33 against Scott, about average for him.

I led off the game by striking out.

The 'Stros got on the board first when Keith Moreland crossed on a 2nd inning single by Tim Jones.

Astros lead 1-0

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Alan Cockrell on 1st. I grounded out to Bill Doran at 2nd.

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th, snagging a liner by Ken Griffey.
Then I got the 2nd off a Jones grounder.

I then handled a grounder by Harold Baines for the final out in the 5th.

We were still hitless.

I came up with one out in the 6th and grounded one right back to Scott.

Chili Davis broke up Scott's no-hitter with a single in the 7th, but was still unable to score.

Nestor lifted Doyle with two out in the 7th. His pitch count was just too high. Jeff Robinson came in stranded the two inherited runners.

After Chili broke the curse, the floodgates seemed to open. I came up in the 8th with one out and the bases juiced. Robby Thompson was on 3rd, Chris Brown was on 2nd, and pinch hitter Ruben Sierra was on 1st. I hit one deep to right. Baines caught it but Robby scored to tie the game!

Game tied 1-1

Scott Garrelts took over in the bottom of the 8th.

In the 9th Nestor turned it over to Dennis Eckersley with the game still tied. He also double switched Bobby Grich in for Robby.

I came up in the 10th with two out and Doug Sisk pitching. I knocked one through the left side for a single. Stolen base #98. Mike Aldrete singled and I scored from 2nd, giving us the lead. Mike then scored on a Chili double. Chili scored on a wild pitch.

Giants lead 4-1

Three outs later, Eck had nailed down the win!

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a sac fly, an RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base!

September 8th, 1987

It is the middle game in Houston and the Astros are pitching Craig McMurtry (6-3, 4.45).

The Giants have Bryan Hickerson (9-7, 4.24).

I have gone 2 for 5 vs McMurtry.

I led off the game by putting one through the right side for a single. Stolen base #99. With one out, Chili Davis walked. Double steal... and that is #100!
Steve Stanicek walked, to load the bases.
Yet somehow, we were unable to score.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Chris Brown on 1st. I struck out.

We opened the scoring in the 3rd. First Mike Aldrete walked and later scored on a single by Steve. Then Chili scored on a single by Rob Deer.

Giants lead 2-0

In the bottom half I got the first out on a fielder's choice ball by Bill Doran.

I came up with one out in the 4th and grounded out to Karl Allaire at short.

The Astros got on the board in the 4th when Harold Baines scored on a Mark Bailey sac fly.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up in the 6th with one out and Chris on 3rd and Bryan on 2nd. Scott McGregor was now pitching. I flew out to Baines in right... too shallow for Chris to score. Mike Aldrete followed with a two run single.

Giants lead 4-1

I came up with one out in the 8th and Dwight Bernard pitching. I grounded out to Doran at 2nd.

With one out in the 9th, Bryan finally ran out of gas (after striking out TEN Astros). Nestor went to Scott Garrelts. Scott got one out but one batter reached on an error and another got a single so Nestor swapped in Dennis Eckersley. Doran hit one deep but it stayed in the park and the game was over.

I went 1 for 5 with a single and two stolen bases.

Bryan was named the #3 star of the day across all of MLB.

September 9th, 1987

We are wrapping up the series in the Astrodome today.

Houston is pitching Bryn Smith (13-9, 3.13).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (16-10, 3.00).

I have gone 4 for 15 vs Smith.

I kicked off the game by grounding out to Tim Jones at short.

In the bottom half Bill Doran singled but then Brian Harper hit into a nice Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play.

In the 2nd Rob Deer doubled and then scored on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 1-0

The Astros got it back in the bottom half when Craig Biggio scored on a Jeffrey Leonard double.

Game tied 1-1

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Jones again.

I got the final out of the inning by catching a Harold Baines pop up.

I led off the 6th by grounding out to Keith Hernandez at 1st.
The rest of the inning went better. Mike Aldrete and Chili Davis scored on a double by Rob. Then Steve Stanicek scored on a single by Robby and Rob scored on a Chris Brown sac fly.

Giants lead 5-1

I led off again in the 7th, now facing Mark Ross. I finally got a hit, putting own up the middle for a single. Stolen base #101 AND 102. I ended up scoring on a single by Steve.

Giants lead 6-1

Mark Davis came in to relieve for us during the 7th. He finished off the inning and in the 8th Nestor went to Scott Service.

I led off for the fifth time, in the 9th, facing Anthony Kelley. I grounded out to Doran at 2nd.

Scott ended up getting six out sin a row to secure our fifth straight win.

I went 1 for 5 with a single, a run scored, and two stolen bases.

We follow this game with a travel day as we head to Cincinnati.

September 11th, 1987

We are in Cincinnati to take on the Reds. They are pitching Rick Mahler (12-11, 4.52).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (12-9, 3.33).

We are on a five game roll.

I have not done well against Mahler, going 1 for 13.

I led off the game by flying out to Claudell Washington in right.

Chris Brown opened the scoring by hitting a solo shot to open the 3rd. I came up with one out and Rick on 1st. I walked on four straight. With two out Chili Davis singled to load the bases. We were all left there.

Giants lead 1-0

The Reds grabbed the lead in the bottom half when Eric Davis hit a two run blast.

Reds lead 2-1

In the 4th I started a nice Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Doug DeCinces and Ernie Whitt.

Rick led off the 5th with a double. Then I came up and singled up the middle, moving Rick to 3rd. I was erased on a fielder's choice by Mike Aldrete, but Rick scored on the play.

Game tied 2-2

We got another Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play in the 6th. This time we got Claudell Washington and DeCinces. I then caught a Kurt Stilweel pop for the 3rd out.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Phil Ouellette on 2nd. I dropped one into left for an RBI single! Stolen base #103. I moved to 3rd on a single by Mike and then scored on a fielder's choice by Chili.

Giants lead 4-2

In the 8th Eric Davis tripled and scored on a Doug DeCinces double.
Dennis Eckersley took over after that.
DeCinces ended up scoring on a Stillwell single, tying the game. Pinch runner John Bryant scored on a Kal Daniels single. Stillwell and Daniels scored on a Will Clark single.
Bad day for Eck.

Reds lead 7-4

I led off the 9th, facing John Franco. I struck out. Franco shut us down and our winning streak was over.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, a walk, an RBI, a run scored, a stolen base.

September 12th, 1987

The middle game in Cincinnati. The Reds are pitching Tom Browning (18-7, 3.94).

The Giants have Eric Show (13-11, 3.56).

Browning is a very good pitcher but I have had good success against him, going 9 for 23.

I led off the game by walking on four straight pitches. Stolen base #104. I moved to 3rd on a ground out by Mike Aldrete and scored on a ground out by Chili Davis.

Giants lead 1-0

The Reds got it right back when Al Newman scored on a Will Clark single in the bottom half. Then Clark scored on a Claudell Washington double. Eric Davis scored on a wild pitch. Washington scored on a Doug DeCinces sac fly.

Reds lead 4-1

I came up with two out in the 3rd and struck out.

I got the first out in the bottom frame, off a Newman grounder.

In the 4th we got back-to-back homers by Chili and Rob Deer.

Reds lead 4-3

I came up with one out in the 5th and reached on an error to Newman at 2nd. Stolen base #105. Chili walked but both of us were left.

Butch Henry took over pitching for us in the 5th. I got the 1st out for him, off a Kal Daniels grounder. After Newman walked we got him and Clark with a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play.

Frank Williams took the mound for us in the 6th. Davis scored on a double by Washington. I got the 2nd out off an Ernie Whitt grounder. Then I caught a Browning liner to end it.

Reds lead 5-3

I led off the 7th by striking out. With two out Chili hit his 2nd home run of the game. Then Rob singled and Robby Thompson hit s two run blast!

Giants lead 6-5!

In the bottom half I got the 2nd out off a Newman grounder.

I came up with two out in the 8th, now facing Don Robinson. I lined out to Daniels in left.

Dennis Eckersley relieved for us in the 8th. I got the 3rd out, catching a Whitt pop up.

Eck allowed a couple of baserunners in the 9th and Nestor went to Scott Garrelts with one out. He struck out Newman and then Alan Cockrell made a great leaping catch on a Clark fly to end the game.

Great game for the team, but it could have been better for me. 0 for 4 with a walk, a run scored, and two stolen bases.

We got some good news after the game. Bob Brenly was activated from the 60-day DL and sent to Phoenix for some rehab time.

Bob is the heart of the team. It will be great to get him back.