May 28th, 1986

Today the Phillies are pitching Kevin Gross (2-4, 3.79).
The Giants are using Dennis Eckersley (7-1, 1.87).

I have gone 2 for 11 vs Gross.

Eck has been a heck of a free agent, eh?

I kicked off the game by whiffing.

I got the last out of the 1st off a Cliff Johnson grounder.

I then got the 2nd out in the 2nd off a Darren Daulton grounder.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and I grounded out to Craig Reynolds at short.

In the bottom half the Phillies opened the scoring when Gross and Tim Raines scored on a Juan Samuel double.

Phillies lead 2-0.

In the 4th I got a Daulton grounder for the 2nd out again. That was followed by Bo Jackson hitting one out of the deepest part of the park. I got a Gross founder to finish the inning off.

Phillies lead 3-0.

I handled a Raines grounder for the 1st out in the 5th.

We got on the board in the 6th when Lee Mazzilli led off with a homer. I came up with one out and Gross struck me out again.

Phillies lead 3-1.

Jeff Robinson took over for Eck in the 7th.

I came up with two out in the 8th and grounded out to Mike Schmidt at 3rd.

Mark Davis came it to pitch in the 8th. He nearly got out of it when Chris Brown dropped what should have been the 3rd out, allowing Raines to score from 3rd.

Phillies lead 4-1.

We couldn't do anything in the 9th.

We are now 29-16.

We have lost 4 in a row and trail the Reds by two games.

I went 0 for 4.

May 29th, 1986

On the road facing the Phillies behind Mike Maddux (1-1, 1.93).

The Giants are going with Eric King (3-1, 2.32). We have lost 4 in a row.

I am 0 for 3 vs Maddux.

I led off the game by grounding out to Craig Reynolds at short.
In the end, though, all nine of our batters came to the plate and we scored three. Mike Aldrete singled home Chris Brown. Kenny Oberkfell walked home Chili Davis. Lee Mazzilli walked home Rob Deer.

Maddux walked home TWO runs.

Giants lead 3-0.

Tim Raines started off their half by grounding out to me.

I led off the 2nd by hitting one into right for a single. I moved to 2nd on a wild pitch. With one out I stole 3rd for stolen base #38. Chili put one into the seats in right for a two-run homer.

Giants lead 5-0.

Eric had some control problems of his own, walking three in the 2nd, but it didn't turn into any runs.

The Phils did score in the 3rd when Juan Samuel tripled home Raines. Samuel tried to score on a Mike Schmidt fly ball but Lee Mazzilli turned it into a catch and throw double play!

Giants lead 5-1.

I led off the 4th by flying out to Von Hayes in centre.

In the bottom half Darren Daulton smacked a two-run dinger.
Eric didn't make it out of the 4th, despite being in line for the win at that time. Curt Brown came in with one out and Bo Jackson on 2nd. Raines grounded out to me for the 2nd out. The inherited run crossed on a Samuel single. The Phillies tied it up with Hayes singled home Samuel from 2nd.

Game tied 5-5.

We got the lead back in the 6th when Kenny O singled home Rob Deer.

Giants lead 6-5.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half, catching a Daulton pop.

I came up with one out in the 6th, now facing Clint Jenkins. I flew out to Hayes again.

Pat Perry came in to pitch for us in the 6th. I got the 1st out for him, handling a Raines grounder for the 3rd time today.

I came up in the 8th with one out and Kenny O on 2nd and pinch hitter Ben Oglivie on 1st. Bob McClure was pitching. I lined out to Reynolds at short.

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch for us in the 8th.

In the 9th, with two men on base, I grabbed a Reynolds grounder and took it unassisted to 1st to get Reggie Jackson for the 3rd out.

The losing streak is over as we won 6-5!

We are 30-16.

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

The Reds were inactive so we trail by 1.5.

Tomorrow we are in New York to face the Mets!

May 30th, 1986

We are in New York at Shea Stadium to face the Mets.

New York is pitching Dwight Gooden (3-4, 3.02).

The Giants are using Bruce Ruffin (4-1, 2.92).

I have gone 2 for 14 vs Gooden.

I led thing off by grounding out to Joe Renfield at 2nd.

Darryl Strawberry launched a HUGE homer in the bottom of the first. There was a man on.
I got the last out off a Ken Phelps grounder.

Mets lead 2-0.

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

In the bottom half I got the 1st out, taking a Hubie Brooks fielder's choice ball.

I got the 2nd out in the 5th, taking a Lenny Dykstra grounder.

I led off the 6th by flying out deep to Dykstra in centre.

The Mets get another run that inning when Strawberry led off with a triple and then scored on a wild pitch.

Mets lead 3-0.

They struck again in the 7th when Brooks doubled home Gooden and Alfredo Griffin. That was it for Bruce and Curt Brown took the ball.

Mets lead 5-0.

I came up in the 8th with two outs and flew out to Strawberry in right.

Pat Perry came in to pitch the bottom half.

We got on the board in the 9th when Mike Aldrete hit a sac fly to score Chris Brown.

That was all we managed and lost 5-1.

I went 0 for 4.

We have slipped into 3rd, falling behind the Dodgers.

May 31st, 1986

Today the Mets are pitching Tim Leary (0-3, 5.40).
The Giants are going with Willie Fraser (4-2, 4.19).

I am the only one in our line-up who has faced Leary, and I was 0 for 1.

I led off the game by flying out to Darryl Strawberry in right.

I got the last out of the inning, taking a Hubie Brooks grounder.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Bob Brenly on 3rd and Lee Mazzilli on 2nd. I legged out an infield single to score Bob!

Giants lead 1-0.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half, catching a pop by Ken Phelps.

I did the exact same thing in the 3rd, off a Kevin Mitchell pop. I then grabbed a Lenny Dykstra liner for the 2nd out.

In the 4th I got the 1st out for the 3rd straight inning - this was another Brooks grounder. I then caught a Dave Cochrane liner for the last.

I led off the 5th by singling to left. I quickly picked up stolen base #39. I moved to 3rd on a Chris Brown single. I was unable to score.

In the 5th I made it four innings in a row when I took a Dave Magadan grounder for the 1st out.

In the 7th I came up with one out and now facing Calvin Schiraldi. I grounded out to Brooks at short.

With two out and two on in the bottom half, Nestor went to Jeff Robinson to pitch. I got Wally Backman's grounder to end the threat.

We kicked off the 8th by Child Davis hitting a solo homer! Later Mike Aldrete scored on an error. I came up with two out and two on, facing Jesse Orosco, but he struck me out.

Giants lead 3-0.

Scott Garrelts took over pitching for us in the bottom half. I got the 2nd out for him off a Dyksta grounder. Scott got us through the 9th for a 3-0 win!

A good day for me, going 2 for 5 with an RBI, stolen base, and a busy day in the field!

We are 31-17!

The OSA has just downgraded my rating from 5 stars to 4! I need to get hitting!

June 1st, 1986

Today the Mets are pitching Sid Fernandez (2-4, 3.90).
The Giants are going with Terry Mulholland (4-3, 4.62).

I have gone 2 for 13 vs Sid.

I kicked off the game by hitting a double into the right field corner!
With one out I went to 3rd with my 40th stolen base of the year!
I later scored on a wild pitch.
That was followed by Chili Davis scoring from 2nd on a Mike Aldrete single.

Giants lead 2-0.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Scott Bradley on 2nd. I struck out.

In the bottom of the 3rd, with Dave Cochrane on 2nd, I snagged a tough liner by Wally Backman and was able to double Cochrane off.

In the 4th I came up in the same situation as the 2nd - with Bradley on 2nd and two out. This time I walked. We were left there.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half, grabbing an Alfredo Griffin grounder.

The Mets get not he board in the 5th when Hubie Brooks knocks a lead-off homer. I got the next guy, Ken Phelps, out on a groundball. I then got the 2nd off a similar ball from Kevin Mitchell.

Giants lead 2-1.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Ed Lynch on the mound. He struck me out.

We ended the 7th with an Oberkfell - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Brooks and Phelps.

Terry gave up a couple of hits in the 8th before Nestor went with Mark Davis. I got the 2nd out for him, grabbing a Wally Backman liner. I then took a Griffin grounder to end the threat.

Scott Garrelts came in to close things out in the 9th. I got the 2nd out for him off a Darryl Strawberry grounder. One more out and Scott hd picked up his league leading 17th save.

We won 2-1 and were now 32-17

I went 1 for 3 with a double, a walk, a run scored, and a stolen base!

We just got word that Bob Brenly is leading vote-getters to be the NL starting catcher for the All-Star game.

None of the rest of us are showing at all.

On our travel day Curt Brown was sent to Phoenix and Mike Perez was called up.

I like Mike. He is a young Puerto Rican pitcher. He has not played above A ball.

We are heading to Canada to play the Expos!

June 3rd, 1986

We are in Montreal!

It is good to be back in Canada!

We have Dennis Eckersley (7-2, 2.09) on the mound.
The Expos are going with Scott Bankhead (2-7, 4.55).

I am 0 for 2 vs Bankhead.

I led off the game by making it 0 for 3. Strike out.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Lee Mazzilli on 1st. I struck out again.
Things got better after that.
Chris Brown singled and then Chili Davis smacked a three-run homer. Rob Deer singled and then scored on a Mike Aldrete double.

Giants lead 4-0.

I came up in the 5th with one out and struck out for a 3rd straight time!

I came up in the 7th with two out and lined out to Dwight Evans in right. At least I didn't strike out, I guess.

Despite Eck pitching a shut out, Nestor lifted him in the 8th. Jeff Robinson came in with one out and one on. I made my first defensive play when he came in as Thomas Howard hit it to me for a fielder's choice. Jeff got all five outs he needed to end the game and we shut out the Expos, 4-0.

Terrible day for me at the plate, but good day for the team.

We are now 33-17.

June 4th, 1986

We've got Bruce Ruffin (4-2, 3.28) going for us today.
The Expos are pitching David Palmer (3-3, 4.06).

I am 2 for 8 vs Palmer.

Montreal has lost 6 in a row.

I started off the game by working a walk. Unfortunately Chris Brown swung at the first pitch and hit into a double play.

The Expos struck early as Dwight Evans homered with two out in the 1st. Then Mike Heath doubled and Leon Durham homered.

Expos lead 3-0.

I led off the 4th by walking again. Then Chris walked behind me. Chili Davis doubled and I crossed. Palmer then walked both Rob Deer and Mike Aldrete for another run. He struck out Bob Brenly but then Tim Flannery blew what should have been an inning ending double play and Chili scored. Lee Mazzilli singled and Deer scored. Bruce struck out and I came up with two out and the bases jacked. I grounded out to Tom Foley at short.

Giants lead 4-3.

The Expos tied it up in the bottom half when Flannery scored on an Armando Moreno sac fly.

Game tied 4-4.

After Bruce allowed a couple of baserunners in the 5th, Nestor made the switch and brought in Mike Perez, for his big league debut. He struck out the first two guys he faced to end the inning! Good job Mike!

He also struck out the 3rd guy he faced to lead off the 6th. Then I handles a grounder from Foley for the 2nd out. Then he struck out Moreno! Mike is on fire! Let's get him lead!

I came up with one out in the 7th, now facing Andy McGaffigan. He struck me out.

We couldn't score one and Mike left for a pinch hitter so Jeff Robinson took over.
I got Jeff the 3rd out, taking a grounder from Evans.

I came up in the 9th with two out, Mazzili on 2nd and pinch hitter Ben Oglivie on 1st. Jeff Reardon was pitching. I singled up the middle and Lee scored! I knocked in the go ahead run in the 9th!

Giants lead 5-4.

Scott Garrelts came in to try and close thing out. He leads the NL in saves. The Expos managed to load the bases but Scott struck out Heath looking to end it.

We won 5-4!

We are 34-17.

I went 1 for 3 with a couple of walks, but that one hit was the game winning RBI!

My mom likes it when I make the highlights.

We have caught the Dodgers and trail the Reds by two games.

Speaking of the Reds, it seems we claimed Dan Driessen off waivers from them.

Also, Atlee Hammaker was activated from the 60-day and sent to Phoenix for rehab.

Driven certainly looks like someone who can help us, but no word yet who he will replace on the roster.

We didn't have long to wait. Keith Smith was sent down on our off-day as Driessen joined the team.

I met him an the seemed a little... disinterested.

Colin Ward was placed on waivers.

Tomorrow we are home vs the Reds. Big series.

June 6th, 1986

We are home to face the division leading Reds. Both teams have won four in a row.

The Reds are pitching Jay Tibbs (6-3, 2.70).

The Giants are going with Terry Mulholland (5-3, 4.28).

Tibbs is a good pitcher but I have had BIG success against him, going 8 for 15!

I got the 2nd out of the game, taking a Ryne Sandberg grounder.

I led off the home half by flying out to Eric Davis in deep centre.

I got the 2nd out in the 2nd off another grounder - this one by Kurt Stillwell.

Terry really lost his control in the 3rd. He gave up a hit and a couple of walks - including to Tibbs - to load the bases and then TIbbs scored on a wild pitch. He bore down after that and got away with no more damage.

Reds lead 1-0.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and grounded out to Sandberg at 2nd.

I got the 2nd out in the 5th off a Kal Daniels grounder. I then got the 3rd off one by Sandberg.

I came up int he 5th with two out and Bob Brenly on 2nd. I hit one down the 1st base line and into the right field corner! Bob scored as I got an RBI double! That was our first hit of the game! Then Chris Brown singled and I hustled home, outrunning the throw, to give us the lead!

Giants lead 2-1!

I got the 3rd out in the 6th, taking a Gary Redus grounder.

I came up in the 7th with two out. I hit a squibbed back to Tibbs but outran the play for an infield single! Mike Aldrete came up behind me, pinch hitting for Brown. I stole 2nd on a pitchout... but still made it! Stolen base #41! Mike walked and then Chili Davis singled and I scored from 2nd!

Giants lead 3-1!

Terry left for a pinch hitter that inning so now Scott Garrelts took over in the 8th. He walked pinch hitter Nick Esasaky but then Daniels hit into an Oberkfell - Priske - Deer double play!

They got to Scott in the 9th. He gave up a hit and walk with one out and Nestor saw that he was lagging so he pulled him for Mark Davis. That didn't help as Mark gave up a two run double to Stillwell. The save was blown and the game was tied.

I came up in the 9th with one out and Ron Robinson on the mound. I grounded out to Will Clark at 1st.

Pat Perry took over pitching in the 10th after Mark was lifted for a pinch hitter. I should have gotten him the 1st out by a fumbled an Al Newman grounder. Error.
After having a great game, I messed it up. Unforgivable. Thankfully we got an Oberkfell - Priske - Deer double play on pinch hitter Tracy Jones to erase my mistake. That was followed by single, walk, RBI single by Eric Davis to give the Reds the lead.

Reds lead 4-3.

And that was it. We couldn't score in the 10th and we lost a very winnable game.

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

We are now 34-18. 3 games behind the Reds and 1.5 behind the Dodgers.

June 7th, 1986

Today the Reds are pitching Andy Hawkins (4-2, 5.43).

The Giants are going with Eric King (3-1, 2.93).

I am 1 for 2 vs Hawkins and that one was a homer.

I led off the bottom half by striking out.

In the 2nd my first play of the game turned bad quick as I bobbled a grounder by Al Newman. My 2nd error in two games.
I got another chance right away, handling a Tracy Joins grounder for the 2nd out. I then did the same on a Kurt Stillwell grounder to end the inning.

The Reds struck first in the 3rd when Eric Davis smacked a solo homer.

Reds lead 1-0.

I came up in the bottom half with one out and singled through the right side. I then moved to 3rd on a hit & run single by Chris Brown. Chili Davis then cleared us off with a sweet homer to left.

Giants lead 3-1.

In the 4th Kal Daniels scored when Chris dropped a Jones grounder. I feel his pain. Then Jones scored on a Stillwell triple.

Game is tied 3-3.

I led off the bottom of the 5th by grounding out to Newman at 3rd.

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

Jeff Robinson took over for Eric in the 7th with a man on. The first batter he faced was Davis and he homered for the 2nd time today.

Reds lead 5-3.

I came up in the bottom half with one out and Donnie Moore on the mound. I singled through the left side. I picked up stolen base #42 and moved to 3rd on a Brown ground out. Chili matched his namesake and hit his 2nd homer of the game!

Game is tied 5-5.

Mark Davis took the mound to start the 8th. Two batters later and Nick Esasky was hitting a two-run pinch-hit home run.
Frank Williams took over then.
I got the last out for him off a pinch-hitter Wade Rowdon grounder.

Reds lead 7-5.

In the bottom half Mike Aldrete tripled and Bob Brenly doubled to narrow the lead.

Reds lead 7-6.

Pat Perry took the mound to start the 9th. He allowed two baserunners before getting his first out. Then Nestor switched to Mike Perez who gave up an RBI single to Will Clark.

Reds lead 8-6.

John Franco came in to close things out for the Reds. I was first up. I struck out. The guys behind me did no better and we lost.

We are now 37-14.

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

June 8th, 1986

Today the Reds are pitching Jeff Russell (1-1, 3.38).
The Giants are back to Dennis Eckersley (8-2, 1.90).

I have gone 4 for 12 vs Russell!

I led off the home half by singling through the right side! I quickly picked up stolen base #43. With one out I scored on a Chili Davis single.

Giants lead 1-0.

In the 2nd I came up with one out and Lee Mazzilli on 1st. Lee moved up on a wild pitch and then I moved him to 3rd with a deep fly to centre. Unfortunately he was left there.

In the 3rd Chili walked and later scored on a Bob Brenly sac fly.

Giants lead 2-0.

The Reds got one back in the 4th off a Gary Redus solo homer.

Giants lead 2-1.

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

I made my first defensive play in the 5th, taking an Eric Davis grounder for the 3rd out.

In the 6th I came up with one out, Kenny Oberkfell on 3rd, and Mazzilli on 2nd. Ted Power was now pitching. I grounded out to Al Newman at 3rd and couldn't even move the runners. Thankfully Chris Brown picked me up and singled them both home.

Giants lead 4-1.

In the 7th, something devastating happened. Eck felt something in his back go tight and had to leave the game.
If he is hurt... we are hurt.

Jeff Robinson took over with one out.

In the bottom half, things went better. Mike Aldrete singled with one out. Then new pitcher, Rob Murphy, walked Brenly. They both move dup on a wild pitch and then Kenny O singled, scoring Mike. Mazzilli hit a sac fly to score Bob. Tom O'Malley pinch hit for Robinson and walked. I then came up and singled, scoring Kenny!

Giants lead 7-1!

Mike Perez came in to pitch for us in the 8th. I started a nice Priske - Oberkfell - Deer double play to get Eric Davis and Ryne Sandberg to end the inning.

In the 8th we got another as Rob Deer scored on a double by Aldrete.

Giants lead 8-1.

Three outs later and we had ended the Cincinnati win streak!

I went 2 for 5 with an RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base!

We found out after the game that Bob Brenly and Chili Davis were leading their positions in All-Star voting, which is cool.

More importantly, we found out that Eck's sore back is not too serious and he shouldn't even miss his next start!

It also seems that Colin Ward cleared waivers and is staying with the organization.

Robby Thompson was activated from the D.L. and Scott Bradley was sent to Phoenix.

We have an off-day and then the Braves come to town!

June 10th, 1986

The Braves are in town and pitching Joe Johnson (4-5, 3.95).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (4-2, 3.57).

Neither hurler has faced the other team before.

I led off the home half by hitting the first pitch into the right field corner and running it out for a triple! I later scored on a Chili Davis ground out.

Giants lead 1-0.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and grounded out to Gary Sheffield at short.

I made my first defensive play in the 4th, grabbing a Milt Thompson rounded for the 1st out. Then I made the 3rd out, doing the same to Ron Oester.

In the bottom half Chili took one out for a home run!

Giants lead 2-0.

The Braves spoiled the thus far perfect game in the 5th. Claudell Washington singled but then got thrown out trying to steal so Ruffin still faced the minimum.

I came up in the 5th with one out, Kenny Oberkfell on 3rd and Ruffin on 1st. I dropped a ball into left for an RBI single!

Giants lead 3-0.

Atlanta got a run when MILT Thompson's double scored TOMMY Thompson from 1st.

Giants lead 3-1.

I got the 1st out in the 7th, off an Andres Galarraga grounder.

I came up in the 8th with one out and Ken Dayley pitching. I struck out.

Scott Garrelts came in to close thing out in the 9th. He gave up one hit but that was it and we had the 3-1 win!

Great game for me! 2 for 4 with a triple, single, RBI, and run scored!

Meanwhile the Reds and Dodgers are now tied atop the NL West! We trail by 2.5.

June 11th, 1986

Today the Braves are pitching Robert Faron (3-6, 5.43).

The Giants have Terry Mulholland (5-3, 4.01).

Faron is another new pitcher for us.

I got my first chance in the 1st but dropped a Gary Sheffield grounder! Error!
We made up for it with a Thompson - Priske - Deer double play to get Sheffield and Ron Oester.

I led off the home half by hitting one down the left field line for a double! Chris Brown walked behind me. With one out Mike Aldrete walked to load 'em up. With two out Robby Thompson singled, scoring me and Chris!

Giants lead 2-0.

I nabbed an Andres Galarraga liner for the 1st out.

I came up in the 2nd with two out ate a Faron fastball. Chris singled, moving me up a bag. We stopped there.

In the 3rd Bob Brenly singled home Mike Aldrete from 2nd!

Giants lead 3-0.

Things went bad for Terry in the 4th, culminating with a bases loaded walk to Brad Komminsk. We got out of it when Tommy Thompson hit into a Thompson - Priske - Deer double play.

Giants lead 3-1.

I came up in the bottom half with one out and I singled up the middle. I picked up stolen base #44! Then I picked up stolen base #45! Then Chris Brown put one in the seats! Home run!

Giants lead 5-1.

I finished off the top of the 5th with a Priske - Thompson - Deer double play, getting Milt Thompson and Sheffield.

I led off the home half of the 6th, now facing Ed Vande Berg. I grounded out to Oester at 2nd.

In the 7th Brenly smacked a solo shot!

Giants lead 6-1.

After Terry walked Sheffield with one out in the 8th, Nestor called in Mike Perez (and Tom O'Malley for Rob Deer.)

In the bottom half Ben Oglivie pinch hit for Mike, hit a double, but then had to be taken out of the game with something wrong with his leg. Dan Driessen came in as pinch runner. I was in, facing Jeff Dedmon. I got thumped again! What the hell! Chris Brown hit into a double play so I was out of there. Driessen went to 3rd but was left.

Pat Perry came in to pitch the 9th. Three outs later we had the 6-1 win!

Another strong game for me! 2 for 3 with a single, a double, two stolen bases, two runs scored... and two hit-by-pitches.

37-20.

Oh boy. When it seemed like Atlee Hammaker was going to come off his rehab assignment... he tore his UCL. He is done. For a year.

We also don't know how bad Ben O is.

June 12th, 1986

Back on the road and into Houston to face the Astros.

They are pitching Mark Knudson (4-1, 3.15).

The Giants are pitching Eric King (3-1, 2.92).

I have faced Knudson once, without a hit.

I led off under the Astrodome by knocking one into left for a single. A couple of pitches later I was crossing the plate on a Chris Brown double.

Giants lead 1-0.

I made my first defensive play in the 2nd, snagging a Harold Baines grounder for the 1st out.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and flew out to Jerry Mumphrey in centre. Before the inning was up Chili Davis doubled Chris Brown home.

Giants lead 2-0.

I led off the 5th by singling into right. I quickly picked up stolen base #46. After Brown struck out I stole base $47! I was left there, though.

The Astros tied things up with a Bill Doran homer in the 6th. Then they took the lead when Keith Hernandez hit another two run blast. That was it for Eric as Nestor switched him for Frank Williams.

Astros lead 4-2.

I came up in the 7th with two out and Jeff Calhoun pitching. I grounded out to Doug DeCinces at 3rd.

Pat Perry came in to pitch for us that inning. I got him the 3rd out, catching a pop up from pinch hitter Chuck Jackson.

We couldn't get those runs back and lost 4-2.

Still a decent day for me, going 2 for 4 with a couple of stolen bases.

We also got good news about Ben Oglivie. He just has a pulled muscle and will be fine.

June 13th, 1986

Still in the 'dome, today the Giants are pitching Dennis Eckersley (9-2, 1.86).

The Astros are going with Joe Nekro (6-3, 3.56).

I am 1 for 4 vs Niekro.

I kicked off the game by hitting one to deep right, where it was caught by Harold Baines.

I got into it early on the other side, taking Ken Griffey grounder for the 2nd out. Houston opened the scoring that inning as they loaded them up for Dickie Thon to get an RBI single.

Astros lead 1-0.

We got it right back in the 3rd when Bob Brenly led off with a solo homer.
I came up with two out and hit a floater into left for a single. That was followed by stolen base #48. Chris Brown singled and I scored from 2nd.

Giants lead 2-1.

Griffey led off the home half by grounding out to me again. Baines did the same for the 3rd out.

I got the 2nd out in the 4th off a Ron Hassey grounder. I then got the 1st out in the 5th off the same by Thon.

I led off the 6th by grounding out to Niekro on the mound.

In the bottom half I took a Keith Hernandez grounder of for the 1st out. One inning later, I did the same to Jerry Mumphrey and then to Niekro, for the 3rd out.

They are sure keeping me busy out there!

In the 8th Kenny Oberkfell pinch hit for Eck and hit an RBI double, scoring Lee Mazzilli with none out. I was up next and they brought in lefty Frank DiPino to face me. He struck me out.

Giants lead 3-1.

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch int he bottom of the 8th. He got the 6 outs he needed and we won 3-1!

I went 1 for 4 with a run and a stolen base.

I am hitting .233 which doesn't seem like much, but it is a lot better than it was earlier in the year.

June 14th, 1986

Today the Giants are pitching Willie Fraser (5-2, 3.64).

We are facing the Astros and Mike Scott (8-1, 2.01).

I have gone 4 for 17 vs Scott.

I led off the game by flying out to Harold Baines in right.

U next came up in the 3rd with one out and John Rabb on 2nd. I blasted one right into the right field corner, scoring Rabb and reaching with a triple! I then scored on a Chris Brown sac fly.

Giants lead 2-0.

I made my first defensive play in the 4th, grabbing a Baines grounder for the 2nd out. That was followed by a solo homer by Ron Hassey.

Giants lead 2-1.

I caught a Jerry Mumphrey for the 2nd out in the 5th.

I led off the 6th by sneaking one past Dickie Thon at short. I moved to 2nd on a Brown sac bunt. (I am not a fan of that move. I could have gotten to 2nd on my own.) Chili Davis then walked. I then grabbed stolen base #49 going to 3rd. On the NEXT pitch Chili stole 2nd! We couldn't cash in, however.

I got the 2nd out in the 6th off a Ken Griffey grounder. I caught a Baines pop to end it.

In the 7th the Astros tied it up when Hassey hit his 2nd solo blast of the game.

Game tied 2-2.

I led off the 8th, now facing Frank DiPino. I had a little trickier in front of the plate but outran the play for a single. I scrambled to 3rd on a Brown single. We both scored when Mike Aldrete tripled!

Giants lead 4-2.

Willie plunked the lead off hitter for the Astros in the 8th and Nestor lifted him for Scott Garrelts. He double switched Bob Brenly in for Rabb.

I came up with one out in the 9th. Jeff Heathcock was now pitching. I lined out to Baines in right.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half, grabbing a Keith Hernandez grounder.

Scotty finished them off for the 4-2 win!

We are 39-21.

I went 3 for 5 with a triple, RBI, run scored, and stolen base! My average is up to .241!

June 15th, 1986

Afternoon game under the Dome. The Astros are pitching Bert Blyleven (3-5, 3.19).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (5-2, 3.33).

I have had some pretty serious problems with Blyleven. 0 for 14.

I get to see right away if I can change that. I led off the game by... striking out.

I get the 3rd out of the bottom half, grabbing a Chuck Jackson grounder.

I then get the 1st out in the 2nd, this time off a Doug DeCinces grounder.

I came up next with two out in the 3rd. I finally broke my goose egg vs Bert by raking a single to right. I then grab stolen base #50! I was stranded there.

I got the last out in the Houston half, making a sweet play on a Jackson grounder.

The Astros open the scoring in the 5th when DeCinces doubled Joey Cora home.

Astros lead 1-0.

I came up with one out in the 6th. I grounded out to Dickie Thon at short.

I came up in the 9th with one out and Bert was still pitching. I lied out to Wes Clements in centre.

He shut us out. 1-0.

I went 1 for 4. I DID get my 50th stolen bag.

Tomorrow we are in San Diego.

June 16th, 1986

We are in San Diego and the Padres are pitching Dan Petry (4-7, 5.20).
The Giants are pitching Terry Mulholland (6-3, 3.76).

I have gone 2 for 6 vs Petry. Plus, I am running pretty hot!

I like it in Jack Murphy. It was the first major league stadium I ever attended a game at.
I led off by wearing a fastball! Bad move, Danny boy!
Or not. Robby Thompson hit into a double play.

I got the first out on the other side, grabbing a Randy Ready grounder. I also get the 3rd out off a Kevin McReynolds grounder.

In the 2nd Carmelo Martinez homered to put the Pads on the board.

Padres lead 1-0.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and flies out to McReynolds in centre.

We tied things up in the 4th when Robby scored on a Petry wild pitch.

Game tied 1-1.

In the 5th I came up with one out and Bob Brenly on 2nd. Petry walked me. With two out Chili Davis singled, scoring Bob. I went to 2nd. That was it.

Giants lead 2-1.

In the bottom half it was San Diego's turn to cash in on a wild pitch as Terry uncorked one, scoring Ozzie Guillen. Ted Simmons scored on a John Kruk sac fly.

Padres lead 3-2.

In the 6th McReynolds led off with a solo homer. Then Martinez hit his 2nd homer! That was enough for Nestor and out came the hook. Pat Perry took over on the mound. I got him the 2nd out on a Guillen grounder.

Padres lead 5-2.

I led off the 7th, now facing Alejandro Pena. I flew out to McReynolds in centre.

Pat was lifted in the 8th, for Frank Williams. Frank does no better, giving up a two-run blast to Frank White.

Padres lead 7-2.

I came up in the 9th, with one out and Bob Brenly on 1st. Ed Wojna was pitching. I end it by hitting into a double play.

Bad game for me and the team.

Interestingly, the Weekly Power Rankings came out and we are in 3rd. Of course, the two teams ahead of us - the Dodgers and Reds - are the two teams ahead of us in our division.

June 17th, 1987

Afternoon game in San Diego.

The Padres are pitching Scott McGregor (3-3, 3.17).
The Giants are going with Eric King (3-2, 3.28).

I am 0 for 4 vs McGregor. Another goose egg to crack.

I kick off the game by picking up my 60th strikeout of the season.

Chili Davis doesn't! He hits a solo homer to put us not he board!

Giants lead 1-0.

I catch a John Kruk pop up for the 2nd Padres out of the game.

In the 2nd the Pads even it up off a Kevin McReynolds homer. I got the 2n out after that off a Carmelo Martinez grounder.

Game tied 1-1.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded right back to McGregor.

The 4th went very well. We loaded the m up with none out and first Chili scored on a Robby Thompson sac fly and then Lee Mazzilli launched a two out, three-run home run.

Giants lead 5-1.

I picked up an Ozzie Guillen grounder for the 2nd out in the home half.

I led off the 5th by striking out again. Chris Brown did better, launching a solo shot of ranter run!

Giants lead 6-1.

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Thompson - Deer double play to get Juan Beniquez and pinch hitter Harold Reynolds out.

San Diego came charging back in the 6th as Tony Gwynn hit a triple to score Randy Ready and Kruk. Then McReynolds doubled, scoring Gwynn. Ozzie Guillen singled. I got us out of it with another Priske - Thompson - Deer double play to get Guillen and Beniquez.

Giants lead 6-4.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Mazzilli on 1st. Ed Wojna was pitching. I struck out for the third time today.

Jeff Robinson took over pitching duties for us in the bottom half. I got the 2nd out for him, grabbing a Ready pop.

In the 8th we got our 3rd Priske - Thompson - Deer double play, this time nabbing McReynolds and Guillen.

We got a little insurance in the 9th as Mazzilli singled home Robby Thompson from 3rd. I came up with two out and Lee on 1st. Lance McCullers was pitching. I flew out to Gwynn in right.

Giants lead 7-4.

Scott Garrelts came in to close things out for us.
I got him the 2nd out off an easy Beniquez grounder. He got the other two outs courtesy of strikeouts and we had the win.

Good day for the team but a terrible day for me at the plate. (Good in the field, though.)

40-23.

June 18th, 1987

In San Diego to face Dave Dravecky (3-8, 3.69) and the Padres.

The Giants are pitching Dennis Eckersley (10-2, 1.82).

I have gone 7 for 20 vs Dravecky!

I like our chances today, but don't get cocky!

I led off the game by grounding out to Ozzie Guillen at short.
We got a couple of hits including a single by Rob Deer that scored Chris Brown.

Giants lead 1-0.

The Padres got it back in the 2nd when Kevin McReynolds hit a lead-off jack.

Game tied 1-1.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and I flew out to McReynolds in centre.

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Thompson - Deer double play to get Ted Simmons and Randy Ready out.

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

I got the 1st out in the bottom half off a Guillen grounder.

In the 5th Carmelo Martinez gave the Pads the lead with another solo homer.

Padres lead 2-1.

They hit another in the 6th, this time it was a two-run bomb by Tony Gwynn.

Padres lead 4-1.

After Eck gave up a lead-off single in the 7th, Nestor gave him the hook and brought in Mike Perez. We started him off with another Priske - Thompson - Deer double play to get Guillen and Martinez.

I came up with one out in the 8th. I hit a grounder to Guillen but he booted it, giving me a free base. We didn't make anything of it.

Frank Williams came in to pitch after Mike was lifted for a pinch hitter.

We couldn't get any more across and lost 4-1.

That's why they play 'em, I guess.

An 0 for 4 day for me and a loss for the team.

We have the 3rd best record in all of baseball. The two best are also in the NL West.

I have heard rumours that the team is in pretty hard negotiations with Mark Davis for an extension.

If the team doesn't do SOMETHING we could be a VERY different team next year.

Guys who have contracts ending this year:

Dan Driessen
Ken Oberkfell
Mark Davis
Guy Sularz
Terry Harper
Ben Oglivie
Lee Mazzilli
Mark Calvert

Plus Eck has a vesting option. I assume he will get it.

Losing Lee, Kenny, and Ben would really change this team.