August 4th, 1986

I have family in town for this game! My Uncle is a big Reds fan... hopefully he still cheers for me.

The Reds are pitching William Brennan (1-1, 4.38).
The Giants have Eric Show (6-11, 3.73).

Brennan is new. None of us have ever faced him.

I was the first to face him in the bottom of the 1st. I grounded out to Ryne Sandberg at 2nd.

Things went well for us in the 2nd. First Rob Deer walked. Mike Aldrete singled and Rob went to 3rd. Bob Brenly hit into a fielder's choice and then got picked off 1st.With two out Kenny Oberkfell walked. Brennan uncorked a wild one and Rob scored. Another wild pitch sent Kenny to 3rd. Lee Mazzilli walked. Then Show doubled! Kenny O scored. I singled and Lee scored!

Giants lead 3-0.

I led off the 5th by reaching on an infield hit to deep short. With one out I stole base #87 and then scored on a Chili Davis double. Deer singled. Aldrete singled, scoring Chili. Brenly walked. Kenny O hit a sac fly, scoring Deer.

Giants lead 6-0.

I made my first defensive play in the 8th, grabbing an Al Newman grounder for the 1st out.

I came up with one out in the 6th and the Reds brought in Rob Dibble to pitch. He walked me. Stolen base #88 soon followed. Once again, Chili doubled and I scored.

Giants lead 7-0.

Ben Oglivie pinch hit for Deer that inning and stayed in to play left.
The same happened in the 8th when Dan Driessen and Scott Bradley took over for Denny Walling and Kenny O.

I didn't want to say anything, in order to avoid the jinx, but Kurt Stillwell singled in the 8th, breaking up Eric's no-hitter! After that Nestor decided to let him enjoy the fruits of his great game in the clubhouse while Pat Perry took over pitching. I got the 1st out for him, taking a Charlie Moore grounder. Stillwell ended up scoring on an error by Aldrete! At least Eric won't be charged with it.

Giants lead 7-1.

I led off the bottom frame, now facing Rob Murphy. I flew out to Dwight Evans in right.

I made the 2nd out in the 9th, grabbing a Tracy Jones grounder and the 3rd on a Wade Rodwen grounder.

Big win for us!

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, w all, an RBI, two runs scored, and two stolen bases!

That is five wins in a row for us!

August 5th, 1986

Another new pitcher for the Reds - Blaine Beatty (0-2, 8.62).
The Giants are going with Mark Grant (0-0, 2.76).

An important game and two unproved hurlers.

The Reds got out to a quick start when Kal Daniels hit a three-run homer in the 1st.

Reds lead 3-0.

I led off the home half by striking out.

The Reds struck again in the 2nd when Dwight Evans singled home Tim McIntosh from 2nd.

Reds lead 4-0.

I made my first defensive play in the 3rd, taking a Ryne Sandberg grounder for the 2nd out.

I came up int he 3rd with one out and Denny Walling on 2nd. I flew out to Evans in right.

I got the 1st out in the 4th off a Kurt Stillwell grounder. I caught a Daniels pop in the 5th for the last out.

We finally got on the board in the 5th when Bob Brenly led off with a solo smash. I came up with two out and Kenny Oberkfell on 3rd. I flew out to Evans again.

Reds lead 4-1.

The Reds got it back and then some when Eric Davis hit a two-run homer in the 6th. That was it for Mark as Nestor brought in Mike Perez to pitch. I got him the 2nd out by grabbing a McIntosh pop.

Reds lead 6-1.

Frank Williams took over pitching with one out and a man on in the 7th. I got the 3rd out for him off a Sandberg grounder.

I came up with two out in the 8th, now facing Rob Murphy. I grounded out to Al Newman at 3rd.

Pat Perry came in to pitch the 9th. It never got better for us and we lost 6-1.

I went 0 for 4.

We are 65-41 and trail the Dodgers by 3.5 games.

August 6th, 1986

Today the Reds are bringing Jay Tibbs (9-6, 3.37).

The Giants are going with Willie Fraser (11-4, 3.91).

I have gone 10 for 19 vs Tibbs! .526! I hope I can continue THAT trend!

The Reds got on the board in the 1st when Al Newman scored on a Will Clark sac fly.

Reds lead 1-0.

I led off our half by flying out to Kal Daniels in left.

We evened it up in the 2nd when Mike Aldrete scored on a Kenny Oberkfell grounder.

Game tied 1-1.

Clark struck again in the 3rd, singling home Charlie Moore. Then Daniels doubled home Newman.

Reds lead 3-1.

I led off the bottom of the 3rd putting one through the right side for my 100th hit of the season. Unfortunately Robby Thompson followed by hitting into a double play.

I made my first play in the 5th, snagging a tough liner by Newman for the 1st out.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Willie on 1st. I hit into a fielder's choice to replace Willie on 1st. I moved to 2nd on a wild pitch but got no further.

After Willie gave up a hit to the leadoff man, Nestor pulled him for Mike Perez. In hearted runner Eric Davis scored on a Moore double.

Reds lead 4-1.

Mike gave up a couple of hits in the 7th and left with one out. Frank William was next into the game. Davis doubled, scoring both inherited runners.

Reds lead 6-1.

I came up in the 7th with two out and Kenny O on 3rd. Wayne Rosenthal was pitching. I grounded out to Ryne Sandberg at 2nd.

Jeff Robinson came in to pitch the 8th. I got the 2nd out for him, grabbing a Newman grounder.

Things took a change in the bottom half. With two out Kenny singled, scoring both Robby T and Rob Deer. Then John Rabb smacked a three-run blast and the game as tied!

Game tied 6-6!

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch the 9th. The Reds loaded the bases against him but he pitched out of it.

I led off the bottom of the 9th, with Ted Power now on the mound. I struck out. But Robby T scored on a Deer sac fly for a walk-off 7-6 win!

Big come from behind win for us!

I only went 1 for 5 but I am still pretty happy! We are now only one game behind the Reds and 2.5 behind the Dodgers!

Tomorrow is a travel day and we are heading to Atlanta!

August 8th, 1986

We are in Atlanta. This is pretty much my least favourite place to play, with all that tomahawk nonsense.

The Braves are pitching Joe Johnson (7-11, 4.43).

The Giants have ace Dennis Eckersley (14-7, 2.25).

I have gone 3 for 11 vs Johnson.

I kicked off the game by flying out to Milt Thompson in centre.

We opened the scoring in the 2nd when Bob Brenly singled home Rob Deer from 2nd.

Giants lead 1-0.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and I dropped one into centre for a single. Then came stolen base #89. I was left there.

In the 5th Bob scored on a Denny Walling double play ball.
I came up with two out and Eck on 1st. I took a walk. We were both left on.

Giants lead 2-0.

I made a big play in the 6th, with a diving catch of a Thompson grounder for the 2nd out.

Eck was great, racking up the strikeouts, but that used too many pitches so he was gone after six, turning it over to Jeff Robinson. He ran into trouble right away, walking the first two batters. I got the first out for him, off a Gerald Perry grounder. Andres Galarraga then scored on a George Hendrick single. Gerald perry scored on a Tommy Thompson single. Hendrick scored on a Gary Sheffield single.
That was it for Jeff. Nestor went with Mark Davis next.

Braves lead 3-2.

I led off the 8th, now facing Ken Dayley. He struck me out.

In the bottom half Ron Cey hit a solo blast to widen Atlanta's lead.

Braves lead 4-2.

In the top of the 9th we got right back in it when Denny hit a two run homer!
I came up with two out and Ben Oglivie on 1st. I singled but we were both left.

Game tied 4-4.

Pat Perry came in to pitch the bottom of the 9th. He got the first two batters but then Brad Komminsk homered to give the Braves a walk-off 5-4 win.

Disappointing loss for us.

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

August 9th, 1986

Today the Braves are pitching Robert Faron (7-12, 5.35).
The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (10-6, 2.83).

I have gone 2 for 2 vs Faron.

Small sample size of course, but he hasn't gotten me out yet!

Of course that changed quickly as I grounded out to Ron Oester at 2nd on the first pitch of the game.
Robby Thompson followed me with a triple and then scored on a Chili Davis single. Chili later scored on a Mike Aldrete groundout.

Giants lead 2-0.

I made the first defensive out as well, catching a Gary Sheffield pop up. The Braves eliminated the gap early with Andres Galarraga hitting a two-run bomb.

Game tied 2-2.

I came up in the 2nd with one out, Kenny Oberkfell on 3rd and Ruffin on 1st. Faron struck me out.

In the 4th I came up with one out and Denny Walling on 2nd. I grounded out to Sheffield at short.

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Thompson - Walling double play to get George Hendrick and Tommy Thompson.

In the 5th I got the 1st out off a Sheffield grounder. I then did the same to Milt Thompson for the 2nd out.

I came up in the 6th with two out, Kenny O on 3rd and Denny on 2nd. I finally connected with a single through the right side for two runs!

Giants lead 4-2!

Ron Cey cut the lead in half by hitting a solo smash to lead off their half of the 6th. Claudell Washington came up next and grounded out to me for the 1st out.

Giants lead 4-3.

Joel Youngblood doubled to lead off the Braves' 7th, pinch hitting for Faron, and then Nestor went to the 'pen, bringing in Pat Perry. He later scored when Denny dropped a throw from Robby on a once hitter Jeff Blauser grounder.

Game tied 4-4.

I came up int he 8th with none out, Denny on 2nd and pinch hitter Scott Bradley on 1st. (Denny 4 for 4 today!) Ed Vande Berg was pitching. It was ugly. I tried to bunt them over but I popped it up at the plate. Tommy Thompson caught it and gunned it to 2nd to double off Denny.

Mark Davis took over mound duties. He got his guys and it reminded tied up.

Scott Garrelts took over in the 9th. He got his and we were on to extra innings.

I came up in the 10th with Kenny O on 2nd and pink hitter Lee Mazzilli on 1st. There were two out and Ken Dayley was pitching. I worked a walk and the bases were loaded for Robby. Alas, Dayley struck him out.

Mike Perez tok over pitching for us. He got his three and we were off to the 11th when Kenny O doubled to score Aldrete and Brenly.

Giants lead 6-4.

Three outs later and we had the win.

I went 1 for 5 with a pair of RBI and a walk.

The Dodgers won but the Reds lost so we were now tied with them, 3.5 games behind L.A.

August 10th, 1986

Still in Atlanta and today the Braves pitching Mike Carista (5-7, 3.02).

The Giants have Eric Show (7-11, 3.56).

I am 0 for 2 vs Carista.

I kicked off the game by making that 0 for 3 as he struck me out.

On the defensive side I grabbed a Milt Thompson grounder for the 2nd out in the 1st.

In the 2nd we opened the scoring when Denny Walling singled home both Mike Aldrete and Bob Brenly.
I came up with two out, Kenny Oberkfell on 2nd and Denny on 1st but I flew out to right.

Giants lead 2-0.

I got the 1st out in the 3rd off a Carista grounder. I then got the last out in the 4th, making a nice play on a Brad Komminsk grounder.

This was after I came up with the bases loaded and made the last out.

Good thing I am having a good defensive game.

Atlanta got on the board in the 5th when Tommy Thompson scored on a Gary Sheffield sac fly.

Giants lead 2-1.

Bob Brenly got it back by cracking a lead-off home run in the 6th.
I came up with two out and Denny on 2nd. I grounded out to Sheffield at short. For the 3rd time in a row I made the 3rd out.

Giants lead 3-1.

In the bottom half I started a sweet Priske - Thompson - Walling double play to get Andres Galarraga and Ron Cey.

I then got the 1st out in the 7th off Claudell Washington grounder.

Scott Garrelts took the mound in the 8th.

I led off the 9th, now facing Brian Fisher. I grounded out to Rob Oester at 2nd.

I took a Cey grounder for the last out and we had the 3-1 win.

My defensive game was on point. My offensive game was non-existent.

The Reds also won but the Dodgers lost. We both trail L.A. by 2.5 games.

As we head off the Cincinnati we are told my some news outlet that we are considered the hottest team in baseball!

Why, I'm not sure. We still trail by 2.5 games...

August 11th, 1986

Big games in Cincinnati!

Today the Reds are pitching Jay Tibbs (9-6, 3.30).
The Giants are going with Willie Fraser (11-4, 4.07).

I'm not going to lie. I love facing Tibbs. I have gone 11 for 22 against him.

He got the best of it the first time today as I led off the game by lining out to Will Clark at 1st.

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

I made my first defensive play that inning, grabbing an Al Newman grounder for the 3rd out.

The Reds got on the board first when Newman hit a two run single in the 5th.

Reds lead 2-0.

I came up with one out in the 6th and I worked a walk. Next came stolen base #90. I was left at 2nd.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom frame off an Eric Davis grounder.

With one out in the 7th, Nestor lifted Willie for Frank Williams.

Kenny Oberkfell singled to open the 8th. This is mostly notable because it was our first hit! I came up with two out and Kenny O still on 1st. Donnie Moore was now pitching. I struck out.

Jeff Robinson came it to pitch for us in the bottom half. I got the 3rd out for him off a Clark grounder.

In the 9th Mike Aldrete scored on a Chili Davis single, but that was all we could get and we lost 2-1.

I got a walk and a stolen base, but that was all.

August 12th, 1986

Still in Cin-City with the Reds pitching Blaine Beatty (1-2, 6.55).
The Giants have Mark Grant (0-1, 4.64).

I am 0 for 3 vs Beatty.

I led off the game by making that 0 for 4 as a whiffed on a full count changeup.
Mark struggled early as he gave up a hit followed by two walks before Eric Davis singled home Al Newman to put the Reds on the board. Dwight Evans then scored on a Ryne Sandberg sac fly. Cal Daniels then singled but Chili Davis gunned down Will Clark trying to score from 2nd.

Reds lead 2-0... but it could have been worse.

I got the 1st out in the 2nd off a Tim McIntosh grounder. The Reds struck again when Evans doubled home Newman from 1st.

Reds lead 3-0.

I led off the 3rd by flying out to Evans in right.

It kept getting worse when Davis led off the bottom of the 3rd with a solo homer. Later Newman singled home both Daniels and Kurt Stillwell.
I caught an Evans pop to end it but things were getting ugly.

Reds lead 6-0.

We finally struck back in the 4th when Robby Thompson launched a two-run homer.

Reds lead 6-2.

Mark only got through four so Lee Mazzilli led off for him in the 5th. He singled. Then I came up and hit into a fielder's choice. Then came stolen base #91. I moved to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete groundout. I was left there.

Mike Perez took over pitching after that. The Reds got to him in the 6th when Clark doubled home Newman from 1st.

Reds lead 7-2.

I came up in the 7th with Kenny Oberkfell on 3rd, pinch-hitter Tom O'Malley on 1st, and one out. Ted Power was pitching. I dropped one into right for an RBI single!

Reds lead 7-3.

Frank Williams came in to pitch. I got the 1st out for him, catching a Sandberg pop. Stillwell hit a two out homer to give the Reds another run.

Reds lead 8-3.

It never got any better.

We lost. I ended up going 1 for 4 with an RBI and a stolen base.

August 13th, 1986

Today the Reds are pitching Tom Browning (13-7, 3.35).

Well, the Giants have an ace of our own - Dennis Eckersley (14-7, 2.17).

I have gone 3 for 10 vs Browning.

I kicked off the game by lining out to Dwight Evans in right.

I returned the favour in the home half by taking an Evans grounder for the 2nd out.

In the 2nd Denny Walling scored on an error. I came up with two out and Bob Brenly on 2nd and Dennis Eckersley on 1st. I singled to load the bases but we left them loaded.

Giants lead 1-0.

The Reds got theirs back in the bottom half when Kal Daniels scored from 1st on a Kurt Stillwell double. Then Charlie Moore doubled to take the lead. Browning grounded out to me to end it.

Reds lead 2-1.

I also got their next out - the 1st out in the 3rd, off an Al Newman grounder.

In the 4th Ryne Sandberg hit a solo homer.

Reds lead 3-1.

I came up with one out in the 5th and I legged out an infield hit. I was erased on a fielder's choice by Mike Aldrete.

I got the last out of the inning off an Evans grounder.

The Reds added to the damage in the 6th with a Will Clark solo homer. After that Nestor went with Pat Perry to pitch. He also replaced Walling with Tom O'Malley in a double switch. They got to him too as Daniels scored from 2nd on a Stillwell single.

Reds lead 5-1.

I came up in the 7th with two out and O'Malley on 1st. I flew out to Eric Davis in centre.

Things got worse in the bottom half when Davis tripled. scoring Evans and Clark.

Reds lead 7-1.

Mike Perez took over mound duties in the 8th. He got his three but we did no better in the 9th and fell 7-1.

I went 2 for 4, which was nice, but we fell hard to the Reds... again.

August 14th, 1986

Today the Reds are pitching Andy Hawkins (6-6, 5.75).
The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (10-6, 2.89).

I have gone 2 for 8 against Hawkins, and one of those was a home run!

I kicked off the game by playing out to Eric Davis in centre. However, Mike Aldrete followed with a double and then Chili Davis smacked a two-run bomb!

Giants lead 2-0!

I led off the 3rd by pushing one past shortstop for a single. Then came stolen base #92. I moved to 3rd on a one out groundout by Chili. Then it was Rob Deer's turn to go deep! Another two runs!

Giants lead 4-0!

The Reds got not he board in the bottom half when Davis singled home Al Newman from 2nd. Then Ryne Sandberg doubled, scoring both Dwight Evans and Davis. It gets worse. Tim McIntosh doubles, scoring Sandberg and Kal Daniels. Then Hawkins, of all people, doubled home McIntosh.

Reds lead 6-4.

In the 4th Robby Thompson scored on a Bob Brenly fielder's choice. I came up with two out and Bob on 1st. Bob actually stole 2nd during my at bat... but I was then walked. We were both left.

Reds lead 6-5.

In the 6th we took the lead back when pinch hitter Lee Mazzilli smacked a two run home run of reliever Rob Murphy! I followed that by walking again. Stolen base #93 followed. I was left there.

Giants lead 7-6!

Jeff Robinson came it to pitch for us in the bottom half. I got him the 1st out, taking a grounder by Will Clark.

In the 7th Robby Thompson tripled home Denny Walling!

Giants lead 8-6.

In the 8th I came up with two out and Ron Robinson pitching. I struck out.

Scott Garrelts came in to try and grab a two inning save. Things didn't go well right away as Clark doubled home Newman. I took a Sandberg grounder for the 2nd out, holding Evans at 3rd.

Giants lead 8-7.

I got him the 1st out in the 9th, taking a McIntosh grounder. I then did the same against defensive switch Wade Rowden. We got the last guy and the 8-7 win.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, two walks, a run scored, and two stolen bases.

Good day!

But now, from tough to tougher as we are heading home to face the Dodgers!

August 15th, 1986

The Dodgers are opening up with Bob Welch (8-9, 2.71).

The Giants have Eric Show (8-11, 3.46).

I have hardly faced Welch, going 1 for 2.

I led off the bottom half by flying out to Franklin Stubbs in left.

I got the 2nd out in the 2nd, taking a Tim Wallach grounder. Unfortunately Mike Scioscia followed that with a solo homer.

Dodgers lead 1-0.

The 3rd went very strangely. With one on and two out Eric threw away an easy play and then Robby Thompson dropped a simple pop fly. With the bases loaded Eric then hit Wallach, forcing a run across. Scioscia then hit a two run double.

Dodgers lead 4-0.

I led off the bottom half by hitting a grounder to Mariano Duncan at short He threw it away, though, so I reached 2nd. Mike Aldrete walked to fill the base behind me. Chili Davis hit into a fielder's choice and I went to 3rd. Rob Deer did the same and I scored.

Dodgers lead 4-1.

I got the 2nd out in the 4th, taking a Duncan grounder.

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

Frank Williams took over for Show in the 6th.

The Dodgers got to him in the 7th when Mike Marshall singled Sax home from 2nd. I grabbed a Sid Bream grounder to end the inning.

Dodgers lead 5-1.

After Frank gave up a hit to the first batter in the 8th, Nestor pulled him for Mike Perez. A beautiful, behind the back toss by Robby set up a spinning throw by me for a Thompson - Priske - Mazzilli double play to get Wallach and Scioscia. Highlight reel worthy!

I came up in the bottom frame with none out and pinch hitter Scott Bradley on 1st. Steve Trout was now pitching. I hit into a fielder's choice that would have been a double play if not for my speed. Unfortunately we couldn't avoid it twice as Aldrete hit into a double play behind me.

Jeff Robinson came in to pitch the 9th.
He got his three but we were unable to score and lost 5-1.

I scored a run but went 0 for 4.

August 16th, 1986

The Dodgers are back and this is the game I have not been looking forward to.

Former teammate Mike Krukow is pitching for the Dodgers. (8-5, 2.03).

The Giants have Willie Fraser (11-5, 4.00).

I have never faced Mike.

I got the 2nd out for Willie, off a Steve Sax grounder.

I led off our half by hitting one to deep centre that was flagged down by Mookie Wilson.

The Dodgers open the scoring in the 2nd when Tim Wallach doubles home Sid Bream. I handle a Mike Scioscia grounder for the 2nd out.

Dodgers lead 1-0.

I take a grounder by Sax to get Mariano Duncan at 2nd for the 2nd out in the 3rd.

They struck again in the 4th when Tim Wallach scored from 2nd on a Scioscia single.

Dodgers lead 2-0.

I led off the home half by hitting a little number that Scioscia fielded in front of the plate and threw me out.

In the 5th Rob Deer scored on a double play ball to shorten the lead to one.

Dodgers lead 2-1.

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

I then led off by legging out a weak hit to short for an infield single. I advanced to 2nd on a Robby Thompson groundout. Chili singled and I went to 3rd. Chili then stole 2nd. Somehow, we managed to not score.

In the 7th we grabbed the lead when John Rabb smacked a two-run dinger!
I came up with two out and Mikey struck me out.

Giants lead 3-2.

Scottt Garrelts came in to pitch the 9th. He gave up two singles but then a fly ball and a Priske - Thompson - Walling double play and we had the win.

1 for 4 for me today.

August 17th, 1986

The rubber match of the three game set saw the Dodgers pitching Rick Honeycutt (10-2, 2.56),
The Giants were throwing Mark Grant (0-2, 6.04).

I have gone 4 for 17 vs Honeycutt.

The Dodgers struck quickly with Franklin Stubbs hitting a two run double in the 1st. He then scored on a Sid Bream single. I took a Benito Santiago grounder to end it.

Dodgers lead 3-0.

I led off the bottom half by popping out to Mariano Duncan at short.

I got the 1st out in the 2nd, taking a Dave Anderson grounder. I later started a Priske - Rabb - Walling double play to get Duncan and Steve Sax.

I made a nice play in the 3rd, snagging a liner by Stubbs that looked like a hit.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and worked a walk. Next came stolen base #94. I scored on a Mike Aldrete single.

Dodgers lead 3-1.

I came up with two out in the 5th and grounded out to Anderson at 3rd.

Frank Williams took over for Mark during the 6th. He immediately gave up a two run homer to Anderson.

Dodgers lead 5-1.

We got one back in the 7th when Rabb scored on a Lee Mazzilli single.
I came up with two out and Kenny Oberkfell on 2nd and Rabb on 1st. I grounded out to 1st.

Dodgers lead 5-2.

Miek Perez came in to pitch the 8th.

I got the 3rd out in the 9th, handling a Steve Sax grounder.

We never got back and fell 5-2.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk, a stolen base, and a run.

Tomorrow is an off-day and then the Phillies come to town.

August 19th, 1986

The Phillies are in town and they brought Kevin Gross (7-8, 4.48).

The Giants are going with ace, Dennis Eckersley (14-8, 2.32).

I am 2 for 15 vs Gross.

I led off our half by flying out to Bo Jackson in right.
We did manage to score in the 1st as Mike Aldrete crossed on a Rob Deer single.

Giants lead 1-0.

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

Chili Davis led off the bottom of the 4th with a solo blast to double our lead.

Giants lead 2-0.

I made my first defensive play in the 5th, taking a Keith Miller grounder for the 2nd out.

The pails finally got to Eck when Juan Samuel led off the 6th with a solo blast.

Giants lead 2-1.

I led off the bottom frame by grounding out to Miller at 3rd.

Eck left for Jeff Robinson in the 7th. He gave up a triple but got out of it.

Deer led off the bottom half with a solo blast.

Giants lead 3-1.

I came up with two out in the 8th, now facing John Cerutti. I grounded out to Reynolds again.

Scott Garrelts came out in the 9th to add to his league-leading 32 saves. Three batters later and that number was 33.

We won 3-1.

I did absolutely nothing.

August 20th, 1986

Today the Phillies are pitching rookie Erik Hanson (10-11, 3.74).
The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (11-6, 3.13).

None of us have seen Hanson before.

I led off our half by grounding out to Juan Samuel at 2nd.

The Phils struck in the 2nd when Samuel scored on a Greg Jelks triple. Samuel later scored on a groundout by Ernie Whitt.

Phillies lead 2-0.

Despite that, the inning went very well for us.

Rob Deer opened the inning with a single. Then Kenny Oberkfell walked. Bob Brenly singled with one out, scoring Rob. With two out Bruce was hit by a pitch... not the thing you want to see with your pitcher, loading the bases. I came up and singled home Kenny and Bob! Mike Aldrete then doubled and both Bruce and I scored.

Giants lead 5-2.

The pails fought back in the 3rd when Jelks singled home Von Hayes.

Giants lead 5-3.

I came up with two out in the 4th and I legged an infield hit back to the pitcher. I tried to steal on a pitchout and I was gunned down by Whitt.

In the 5th John Russell doubled home Hayes.

Giants lead 5-4.

After Bruce walked the lead-off man in the 7th, Nestor replaced him with Jeff Robinson.

I came up in the bottom half with one out and Joh Cerutti on the mound.
I grounded out to Craig Reynolds at short.

Scott Garrelts took over in the 8th.

I picked up the 1st out in the 9th, taking a Hayes grounder. I did the same on Mike Schmidt for the 2nd.

Soon we had the win.

I went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI and a run scored.

August 21st, 1986

Today the Phillies are pitching Charles Hudson (10-9, 3.54).
The Giants are going with Eric Show (8-12, 3.40).

I have gone 6 for 12 vs Hudson!

I got the 2nd out of the game off a Tim Raines grounder.

I led off our half by taking an 8-pitch walk. I was erased quickly by a Mike Aldrete fielder's choice.

The Phillies got on the board in the 2nd when Mike Schmidt scored on an errant pick off throw to 1st.

Phillies lead 1-0.

I got the 1st out in the 3rd, catching a Juan Samuel pop.
However...
Ernie Whitt demolished a 2-out, 1st pitch Grand Slam.

Phillies lead 5-0.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and hit one off the right field wall for a triple! Mike singled behind me and I crossed for our first run.

Phillies lead 5-1.

We scored again in the 4th when Bob Brenly scored on a single by Show! I grounded out to end the inning.

Phillies lead 5-2.

I got the 1st out in the 6th, taking a Whitt grounder.

Pat Perry took over pitching for us in the 7th. I grabbed a Samuel grounder for a fielder's choice 1st out.

I led off the home half, now facing Clint Jenkins. I outran a dribbler to short for an infield single. I tried to steal but ran into a pitchout and was thrown out.

Frank Williams came in to pitch the 9th.

I led off the bottom half, now facing Willie Hernandez. He struck me out.

We lost 5-2.

I went 2 for 4 with a triple, a single, a walk, and a run scored.


We heard after the game that Mark Davis had signed an extension. It looks like he will around for three more years!

Tomorrow the Mets come to town.

August 22nd, 1986

The Mets are in town and they are pitching Sid Fernandez (8-11, 2.70).

The Giants are going with Willie Fraser (12-5, 3.88).

I am 3 for 15 vs El Sid.

I led off the home half of the 1st by grounding out to Alfredo Griffin at 2nd.

We opened the scoring in the 2nd when Bob Brenly reached on a dropped 3rd strike and then scored on a Denny Walling double.

Giants lead 1-0.

I led off the 3rd for us by striking out.

I made my first defensive play on the 4th, snagging a Kevin Mitchell grounder for the 2nd out.

In the bottom frame Rob Deer walked and later scored on a Brenly double. I came up with two out and the bases loaded and grounded out back to Sid.

Giants lead 2-0.

The Mets got on the board in the 6th when Mitchell doubled home Darryl Strawberry. I took a Hubie Brooks grounder to end the threat.

Giants lead 2-1.

After Willie struck out his 8th and 9th, I got the final out in the 7th off a Ross Jones grounder.

I led off the bottom half by working a walk to finally reach base. Next came stolen base #95. After Chili Davis walked I stole #96 with one out. Rob Deer them blasted a three run homer.

Giants lead 5-1.

Mark Davis took the mound for us in the 8th. He allowed a couple of baserunners but got out of it.

I led off the bottom half, now facing Doug Sisk. I dropped one into right for a single. Stolen base #97. I moved to 3rd on a deep fly by Mike Aldrete and scored on a Chili triple. He scored on a Deer sac fly.

Giants lead 7-1.

I got the 2nd out in the 9th off a Ken Phelps grounder. Mark ended up giving up an RBI double to Jones before striking out pinch hitter Randy Milligan to wrap it up.

We won 7-2.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, THREE stolen bases, and two runs scored!

August 23rd, 1986

Today the Mets are pitching Ron Darling (8-9, 2.82).

The Giants are going with Mark Grant (0-3, 6.16).

Sounds like a bad match-up for us.

I have gone 1 for 15 vs Darling.

The Mets struck early. I started a Priske - Thompson - Walling double play in the top of the 1st to get Alfredo Griffin and Leon Durham, but Lenny Dykstra scored on the play.

Mets lead 1-0.

I led off the bottom half by striking out.

They struck again in the 3rd when Dykstra singled home Ross Jones. I got the 2nd out, taking a Griffin grounder.

Mets lead 2-0.

I led off our half of the 4th by grounding out to Durham at 1st.
We got on the board that inning when Mike Aldrete scored on a Rob Deer single.

Mets lead 2-1.

I got the 1st out in the 5th, snagging a Dave Cochrane pop up.

I came up in the bottom frame with two out, Bob Brenly on 2nd and Mark Grant on 1st. I grounded out to Durham again.

In the 6th Darryl Strawberry smacked one over the centre field wall with a man on.

Mets lead 4-1.

Mike Perez took over with one out in the 7th. He got his two and then we took over.

With one out Robby Thompson smacked a solo homer. That seemed to charge the guys up. Bob Brenly followed with a double.
Rick Aguilera relieved Darling.
He got the 2nd out but then walked pinch hitter Ben Oglivie.
I came up and connected with an RBI single!
Mike Aldrete put the capper on it with a huge three-run homer.

Giants lead 6-4.

Scott Garrelts came it to pitch the 8th. He walked the first man he saw but then got the next six out to pick up the save.

I went 1 for 4 with an RBI single and a run scored.


Big news down in Everett. Rookie-ball pitcher Al Leiter threw a no-hitter while striking out NINETEEN.

When is he making the team?

August 24th, 1986

Today the Mets are pitching Dwight Golden (11-8, 2.43).

The Giants have Dennis Eckersley (15-8, 2.28).

This could be amazing!

I have gone 2 for 18 vs Gooden.

Eck struck out the side to start the game.

I led off our half by, well, also striking out.

In fact, all six batters in the 1st inning struck out.

The Mets opened the scoring in the 2nd when Dave Cohcran doubled home Darryl Strawberry.

Mets lead 1-0.

Strawberry doubled home both Golden and Alfredo Griffin in the 3rd.

Mets lead 3-0.

We got one back in the bottom half when John Rabb hit a solo homer.
I came up with two out and singled through the left side. Next came stolen base #98, but I was left there.

Mets lead 3-1.

I made my first defensive play in the 4th, taking a Hubie Brooks grounder for the 1st out.

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

Jeff Robinson took over for Eck with one out in the 8th. I got the 1st man he faced, grabbing a Lenny Dykstra grounder.

I came up with two in the bottom half and grounded out to Gooden.

Pat Perry came in to pitch the 9th. Leon Durham tripled but left the game immediately with some injury. Ken Phelps took over as pinch runner and he scored on a wild pitch by Pat.

Mets lead 4-1.

We could not score in the 9th and we went down with a loss.

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

Tomorrow the Expos come to town!

And my grandparents are in town for the game!

August 25th, 1986

My grandfather has always been an Expos fan. He used to watch the games with the sound turned down because it was on the french channel.

Today the Banners are cheering for the Giants. They are both wearing Giants caps and my grandma is wearing a #22 jersey.

Montreal is pitching Wally Whitehurst (1-2, 6.17).

We have Bruce Ruffin (12-6, 3.18).

Whitehurst has only been up for four games. None of us have faced him.

The Expos struck quickly with Chuck Jackson leading off with a triple and then scoring on a Ken Landreaux sac fly. I then got Pat Tabler's grounder for out #2.

Expos lead 1-0.

I led off the bottom half by grounding one deep into short for an infield single. I easily grabbed stolen base #99. Then, the big one... I grabbed 3rd with stolen base #100! I then scored on a Mike Aldrete groundout to tie the game.

Game tied 1-1.

In the 3rd I grabbed a Jackson pop for the 2nd out.

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by dropping one into short centre for a single. What next? Stolen base #101! After Mike struck out, I stole #102! I scored on a Child Davis groundout.

Giants lead 2-1.

In the 4th we got another one when Robby Thompson scored on a Scott Bradley single. I came up with two out and grounded out to short.

Giants lead 3-1.

I got the 1st out in the 6th, handling a Tabler grounder. Montreal tied it up, though, when Pedro Guerrero singled home both Jackson and Landreaux. I ended things by grabbing a Tim Flannery grounder.

Game tied 3-3.

I came up in the 7th with one out and pinch hitter Lee Mazzilli on 1st. I struck out.

Jeff Robinson relieved to open the 8th. He got his guys and then turned it over to Scott Garrelts in the 9th.

I came up in the 9th with two out and Tom O'Malley on 1st. Greg Harris was now pitching. I singled through the left side, pushing Tom to 2nd. We were left there and we were off to extra innings!

Scotty got the 1st out in the 10th but when he gave up a single to Landreaux, Nestor went with Frank Williams. (bringing Dan Driessen in on a double switch.) Frank did no better, giving up two singles and letting Landreaux score. A Thompson - Priske - Driessen double play ends it.

Expos lead 4-3.

And that is where it ended.

Bad ending for us, but I went 3 for 5 with 4 stolen bases and 2 runs scored.

I just heard that Mel Hall was named Player of the Week.

The things I have heard about that guy would make your stomach turn.