May 7th, 1985

Two evenly matched teams by record (we are 12-12, the Pirates are 11-12).
They have a struggling Jim Beattie (0-2, 7.30 era). We have a major-league debut by Colin Ward. Day game in Pittsburgh.

I am a still underperforming, in my opinion. I am hitting .268 with only one homer. I am stealing up a storm, though, and my defense has been okay.

Let's see how it goes today.

I lead off against Beattie and I blast a double to right field. I make the turn and try to stretch it to a triple... and I am thrown out by Kirk Gibson.

Nestor praised me for my aggressiveness and hustle, but still...

Ward gave up a single to the first batter he faced - Ozzie Smith - but then Kenny Smith and I teamed up to gun him down trying to steal. Then Joe Orsulak smashed a liner up the middle and I got in in a diving grab! We got out of it without giving up a run but Ward looked a little shaky out there. I am sure he will settle down in the 2nd.

Kenny Smith knocked in Terry Harper in the 2nd to put us up 1-0.

I was right about Ward. He got three in order, including two strikeouts.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and nobody on. I popped out to Ozzie at short.

I got the first out of the bottom half - a grounder by Beattie. Then I got the 3rd out - a grounder by Robin Yount. So far, so good.

I was up again in the 5th. This time there was one out and Ken Oberkfell standing on 2nd. Beattie struck me out.

In the bottom half we got the first half of a double play but Greg Gross took out Kenny O to save Denny Gonzalez.

In the 6th Tom O'Malley pinch-hit for Ward and he sac flied to score Jeff Leonard. I came up with Harper on 2nd and Kenny O on 1st, facing Bob Walk on the hill. I singled to centre and Harper scored.

We now lead 3-0.

Curt Brown came in to pitch. He got his 3 in the 6th before giving up one run in the 7th after a triple by Bill Madlock and a sac fly by Greg Gross.

I came up in the 8th with Kenny O on 1st and two out. I grounded out to Gonzalez at 2nd.

Ron Davis came in to pitch the 8th. A bit of sloppy play ended up with the Pirates scoring a run. I got the 2nd and 3rd outs grounders by Yount and Gibson.

Out lead was down to one run... but it held.

We won 3-2 and are now 13-12.

Colin Ward picked up the win in his debut and was named Player of the Game.

Elsewhere today Buddy Bell of the Orioles got his 2000th career hit.

Man, what would THAT be like?

Someone just told me I am 3rd in WAR among NL hitters. Really?

Back home!

I am moving in with Chris Brown. (The team is nervous about me living on my own for some reason.)

The Cubs are in town tomorrow. We have Mike Krukow up there and they are giving us Bob Owchinko. I have never faced him,

May 9th, 1985

We are home with the Cubs in town. Mike Krukow and Bob Owchinko have had similar results so far.

Mikey got through the top of the first without giving up a run. I led off the bottom half and I hit what looked to be a single to left but Mel Hall made a great sliding catch to rob me.

In the 3rd I started a Priske - Oberkfell - Deer double play to nail Gary Jones and Ryne Sandberg to end the inning. In the bottom half I came up with two out and Terry Harper on 2nd. Owchinko struck me out.

I started out the 4th by grabbing a pop fly off the bat of Leon Durham. The Cubs drew first blood the frame with an RBI single by Dave Valle, scoring Hall. 1-0 Cubs.

I got the 3rd out in the 5th, handling a Sandberg grounder with no trouble.
In the bottom of the 5th I came up with one out and Harper, Oberkfell, and Krukow filling the bags. I grounded out but Harper came home. I tied the game! Chris Brown walked and then Chili Davis hit a bases-clearing double! 4-1 Giants!

In the 7th Krukow gave way to Mark Davis (and a double switch pulled Bob Brenly for John Rabb). Rabb immediately threw out Dave Martinez trying to steal to end the inning!

I came up with two out and nobody on, now facing Rich Bordi. He struck me out too.

In the 8th Jeff Leonard knocked in Chili to put us up 5-1.

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch the 9th. The Cubs went in order and we had won the game!

Nice homecoming!

We are only a game behind the Padres, but there is a lot of baseball still to play!

Brian Harper cleared waivers and is off to Phoenix.

Terry Mulholland is up for us tomorrow with Darryl Banks going for the Cubbies.

May 9th, 1985

Today Darryl Banks is pitching for the Cubs. He is a rookie so I am not familiar with him. He doesn't look too tough, but you never know.

We have Terry Mulholland. Bigger prospect but so far their results are comparable.

Personally, I just want to get my home batting average above .200 and catch the Padres.

In the 1st Terry gave up a hit and a walk but I took Jody Davis' grounder to get the 3rd out with no damage done.

I led off the bottom half by grounding out to Ryne Sandberg at 2nd.

In the 2nd we ended the inning with an amazing Brenly - Priske - Deer double play (with me covering 3rd) to get Mel Hall and Banks he had tried for a sac bunt. Pretty nice.

In the 3rd I hooked up with Brenly again as I took his throw to gun down Bob Dernier trying to steal. Our defence was going pretty well but Sandberg singled between me and Kenny Oberkfell. No error but I think we should have reached it. Then Sandberg stole 2nd ON A PITCH OUT.

Thankfully we got out of that without anyone scoring.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Kenny O on 2nd. I struck out. Why can't I hit at home?

I handled a Dernier grounder for the 1st out and a Gary Joins grounder of the 2nd out in the 5th.

In the bottom of the 6th I came up with one out and nobody on. I grounded out to Shawn Dunston at 3rd. 0 for 3.

In the 7th the Cubs scored on a wild pitch by Terry. Then they got two more off a double by Leon Durham. We trailed 3-0. Mark Davis relieved Terry M but he gave up another run.

4-0

In the 8th Davis gave up another run before I speared a liner by Dernier for the 1st out.

5-0

I came up in the 8th with Terry Harper on 1st and one out. Al Holland was pitching. (Do they call him Swamp Thing? They should.) I flew out to Mel Hall in left. 0 for 4.

Curt Brown pitched the 9th.

Bob Brenly hit s solo homer in the last frame. We lost 5-1.

I am happy with my defensive play today but I got goose egg at the plate and we lost. No celebrations here.

That's it for the Cubs. The Cardinals are in tow next. They are brining Dave LaPoint, who has pitched well but not gotten the wins to show for it. We have Atlee Hammaker, who is clearly our best pitcher these days.

I went 0 for 3 vs LaPoint when we faced him before. Hammaker shut out the Cards already this year. I like our chances.

May 10th, 1985

We;ve got Atlee Hammaker facing Dave LaPoint and the Cards.

I feel good about our chances today.

That went away quickly as the Cardinals scored twice in the top of the 1st.

I led off the bottom of the 1st and LaPoint struck me out.

I handled a grounder by Lonnie Smith to get the 3rd out in the 2nd.

St.Louis scored again in the 3rd. 3-0.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Kenny Oberkfell on 3rd. I couldn't get it done. I grounded out to Bill Lyons at short.

In the 6th I came up with two out and the bases empty. I grounded out to Lyons again.

Frank Williams took eh mound for us in the 7th. I got the 3rd out for him in the 8th, handling a Juan Beniquez grounder.

The Cards scored two more times in the top of the 9th. We had five runs to make up.

I got my last chance with one out and nobody on. I grounded to short again, but this time it was Darrel Thomas playing there and he mucked it up. I was safe on his throwing error. Chris Brown hit into a double play and it was over.

5-0 Cardinals. We only managed 3 hits (and none were mine.)

No win for Atlee and now we are using Jeff Robinson, who has yet to get a win at all. The Cards are throwing John Stuper at us. I haven't faced him yet.

May 11th, 1985

Jeff Robinson for us and John Stuper for the Cardinals.

Let's go!

I got into it right from the first batter as Lonnie Smith grounded out to me.

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

I made a solid play on the 2nd to stop a ball going into the outfield but it was still an infield hit by Smith. The inning went poorly. Herr singled past me to score the 3rd run before we even got an out.

By them time we finished them off, the Cards had scored EIGHT times.
They scored another in the 3rd before Nestor finally pulled Robinson. Curt Brown took over. He gave up another. 10-0.

In the 3rd I grounded out to Juan Beniquez at 1st with one out and nobody one.

We actually managed a couple of runs on the 4th but they were right back at it in the 5th. 13-2.

I struck out in the 5th. We were floundering and I was doing nothing to help.

I handled a pop-up by Terry Pendleton and a Priske - Oberkfell - Deer double play to get Darrell Porter and David Green in the 6th. Big deal.

Pat Perry came in to pitch for us in the 7th. Later that inning I came up with one out and nobody on, now facing Burt Hooton. I popped out to Herr.

Scott Garrelts pitched for us in the 8th. It started to rain that inning. Would we get a mercy rule rain out? No.

I got a little scare that inning. While trying to pivot a double play I twisted my ankle. The trainer came out but everything was okay. I walked it off.

The Cards scored another run that inning. 14-2.

Ron Davis came in to pitch for us in the 9th.

Oddibe McDowell tried too teal 3rd and was thrown out.

Tried to steal 3rd. In the 9th. Up by 12.

Someone deserves to wear a fastball for that.

Instead I start a double play off Herr to end the inning.

We lost 14-2.

And I am angry.

We have the Cardinals tomorrow. Will there be fireworks?

May 12th, 1985

We have Colin Ward, who went 5 scoreless innings in his first start, facing the Cardinals and Rich Gale, who has done very well so far this year.

Both teams are 14-15.

Things are still a little tense after the move by Oddibe McDowell. He isn't starting, though.

It didn't take long for Colin to give up his first run... in the 1st off a sac fly by Andy Van Slyke, scoring Tom Herr.

I led off the bottom half by flying out to Lonnie Smith in left.

In the 2nd I snatched a liner by Terry Pendleton for the first out. St. Louis struck again, however, as Gale hit a 2 run double. 3-0 Cardinals

In the 3rd I came up with two out and nobody on and Gale struck me out.

In the 4th Smith hit an RBI single and then Herr scored another on a ground out. I grabbed a grounder by Willie McGee for the 2nd out but the damage was done. 5-0 Cardinals.

In the 5th, after Ward allowed the first two batters to reach, Nestor called in Pat Perry. He got out of it.

I came up in the 6th with one out and empty bases and cracked a double to left. I quickly stole 3rd to make me 26 for 28 in stolen bases. I then scored our first run and a single by Chris Brown. 5-1 St.Louis

I handled a grounder by Bill Lyons for the 3rd out in the 7th.

Later tha tinnign I came up with Kenny Oberkfell on 2nd and Tom O'Malley on 1st and two out, facing a fresh arm in lefty Dave Rucker. I grounded out to Juan Beniquez at 1st.

Frank Williams came in to pitch for us in the 8th. In the 9th he loaded the bases before getting an out but then pitched out of it without allowing a run!

Neil Allen handled the last two innings for the Cards and we couldn't manage another run.

We lost 5-1.

That is 4 losses in a row.

We got a much needed off day on Monday and then the Pirates come to town.

May 14th, 1985

Jose de Leon and the Pirates are in town. We have Mike Krukow going.

I haven't faced de Leon but he looks pretty good. We have lost four in a row. We've got to stop that.

I led off the bottom of the 1st with a single to centre! Jeff Leonard flew out but then I got stolen base #27. I got no further.

A Castino - Priske - Deer double play got Bill Madlock and Greg Gross to get out of the 2nd.

In the 3rd I came up with one out and John Castino on 2nd. RBI single to left! Then stolen base #28. I was left there again, but we led 1-0!

In the 4th Bob Brenly hit a two-run homer! 3-0!

In the 5th I came up with one out and the bases clear. I flew out to Kirk Gibson in right.

In the 7th Terry harper hit a solo homer! Later that inning I came up with two out and Castino on 2nd. I grounded out to Dale Berra at short. 4-0

Brenly knocked in another run in the 8th! 5-0!

Krukow pitched a 3-hit shut out!

May 15th, 1985

Big game today! Atlee hammer vs John Candelaria and the Pirates!

Let's keep the momentum from yesterday!

In the 1st I took a grounder by Denny Gonzalez. (I had no chances yesterday.) The Pirates pushed one across before we got an at-bat.

I struck out to lead off. I got another grounder in the 2nd to get Greg Gross for the 3rd out.

I came up in the 3rd with one out at Hammaker on 1st. I reached on a fielder's choice. I made the most of it by stealing base #29. I was left there.

I made the first out in the 4th, grabbing another grounder by Gonzalez. I then grabbed a nasty liner by Gross and a grounder by Dale Berra in the 5th. (From no chances to LOTS)

I came up in the 6th with one out and nobody on. I returned the favour by grounding out to Gonzalez at 2nd.

Atlee pitched himself out of a base loaded jam in the 7th and we still trailed 1-0... until Rob Deer hit a solo shot that inning to tie it up!

In the 8th I jumped and snagged a liner by Robin Yount for the 2nd out and handled a grounder by Kirk Gibson for the 3rd.

John Castin pinch hit for Kenny Oberkfell to lead off our half of the 8th and he swatted a home run to put us up 2-0! On out later I came up and grounded out to Ron Wotus at 1st.

Ron Davis came in to close out the 9th for us. That did not go so great. Tony Pena singled and then Bill Madlock singles and a misplay by Terry Harper put them on 2nd and 3rd with still none out. But then Ron struck out pinch-hitter Steve Kemp. But then he uncorked a wild pitch to pnch0hitter Willie Aikens and Pen scored, tying the game. He struck out Aikens and pinch-hitter Tim Tolman and we went to the bottom of the 9th tied 2-2.

We couldn't score and it was extra innings.

Nestor stuck with Davis and he gave up a single to Joe Orsulak and then another to Gonzalez. Orsulak tried to go too 3rd and Kenny Smith, who had replaced Chili Davis for defense in centre, gunned him down at 3rd. Tom O'Malley came up hurting after the slide but he is tough. Gonzalez got as far as 3rd but Davis got out of it.

I came up in the 10th, now facing Lee Smith, with two out and nobody on. I flew out to Gibson in right. On to inning #11.

Mark Davis replaced Ron Davis. He got the Pirate sin order, including a 3rd out foul pop by Kemp that I caught.

In the 12th he gave up a single to Orsulak he moved up a bag on a balk but was then gunned out by Brenly trying to steal 3rd.

In the 13th I got Gonzalez trying to go to 2nd on a Gibson grounder for the 2nd out, but we couldn't get the double play. A Pena single and a hit batsman on Madlock and the bases were loaded. Mark struck out Cecilio Guante and got out of it.

Both teams had run out of pitch hitters.

I faced Guante to lead off our half of the 13th and singled past Yount at short. Then Tom O'Malley cracked a ball into the right field corner and I scored from 1st!

We won in 13! 3-2!

Along the way Jeff Leonard hurt his PCL while running the bases. It looks like a D.L. stint for sure.

The next morning it was confirmed. He went to the 15-day and Mike Aldrete was called up from Phoenix.

Travel day. We are heading to New York to face the Mets!

May 17th, 1985

New York City! Shea Stadium! The Mets!

Jeff Robinson vs Sid Fernandez!

(Okay, the last line isn't that iconic...)

I led the game off, facing Fernandez for the first time, and he struck me out.

I came up again in the 3rd with two out and Kenny Oberkfell on 2nd. I worked a walk. (Something I need to do more of.) Chris Brown grounded out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the 3rd I took a grounded by Mike Fitzgerald and then... threw it away. Two-base throwing error. Unacceptable. My 7th error already this year. By the time I took a Cesar Cedeno grounder for the 3rd out, the Mets had scored FOUR unearned runs. If we lose this game it is on my head.

In the 4th I let a Larry Herndon single get past me. I think I have really rattled myself. We did follow it with an Oberkfell - Priske - O'Malley double play to get Herndon and Fitzgerald and I took a Fernandez grounder for the 3rd out.

We repeated the double play in the 5th - now with Curt Brown pitching for us - to erase Lenny Dykstra and Wally Backman.

I came up in the 6th with one out and nobody on, desperately wanting to turn this around. I flew out to Herndon in left.

Pat Perry came in to pitch for us in the bottom of the 8th. I handled a Hubie Brooks grounder for the 2nd out.

I led off the top of the 9th and struck out. It ruined out to be a No-Hitter by Sid Fernandez.

We lost 4-0. The loss was entirely my fault.

We are back below .500

And tomorrow we face Ron Darling. It doesn't get any easier.

Kinda skimmed through this dynasty so far, but it sounds like Rusty is a threat to steal any base, every time he gets on. Nice job getting his first homer. I'm digging this concept, keep it up. Although I have to admit, with his stats in spring training, I'll never understand why Rusty made the big league squad

Not what I expected, certainly. When I made it, the plan was to watch him start in the low minors and move up.

But a: I had never done this before and made him way too good.and b: the Giants were really terrible. :)

I decided to keep on it, but if I do this again, I will try to reign in his current abilities.

May 18th, 1985

Today we face Ron Darling and the Mets. Darling is 6-0 with an ERA around 2.50

We have Terry Mulholland ditching for us. Tough day to be a hitter.

AT LEAST THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN!

We got a New York Rain Out!

Tomorrow is now a double header.


May 19th, 1985

The schedule shift allowed us to change our pitchers as well. Mike Krukow will now match up against Darling and Mulholland will face Walt Terrell this evening.

GAME ONE

I led off the game, ready to show my mettle against the hottest young pitcher going.

I struck out.

In the bottom of the 1st Darryl Strawberry took Krukow deep, for a two-run homer.

In the 2nd I came up with two out and Kenny Smith on 3rd and John Castino on 2nd. I grounded out to Wally Backman at 2nd.

I came up next in the 5th, with two out and nobody on. I popped out to Backman.

In the 6th I had my first defensive play, starting a Priske - Castino - Aldrete double play to eraseCesar Cedeno and Larry Herndon.

Krukow, since the Strawberry homer, has pitched as well as Darling. He struck out 9 before being pulled in the 7th for Mark Davis. (A double switch bringing in Tom O'Malley for Aldrete at 1st.)

I cam up next in the 8th, with one out and nobody on. I grounded out to Hubie Brooks at short. It just isn't my day.

The game ended as a 2-0 shut out for Darling.

GAME TWO

Terry Mulholland was facing Walt Terrell. Terrell was good so for this year, but he was no Ron Darling.

Painful way to start the game! What would have been ball four anyway hit me in the right knee. Corey Gianetti came out to check me out, but I was okay. This might affect my running game, though.

With stealing on the back burner I moved to 2nd the old fashioned way... with Kenny Oberkfell hitting an infield single. Terrell unloaded a wild pitch and we both moved up. Chili Davis grounded out, but I scored.

We scored 3 times in the 1st.

Defensively I caught a pop up by Hubie Brooks for the 2nd out. The Mets ended up getting 2 back right away.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and John Castino on 1st. This time Terrell struck me out.

In the bottom half Wally Backman hit one past me. I need to tighten up, in the field and at the plate.

Chili Davis led off the 3rd with a homer. We led 4-2.

I next came up in the 4th, with two out and nobody on. I grounded out to Backman at 2nd. I am hitting below .230 now. Why am I leading off?

I returned the favour for Backman as the 3rd out in the 4th, but only after Lenny Dykstra hit an RBI double. 4-3 for us.

I also got the 1st out in the 5th, handling a Hubie grounder.

In the 7th, once again, I was up with two out and nobody on. I flew out to Dykstra in centre.

Pat Perry came in two pitch for us in the 7th. He got all three batters he faced that frame. In the 8th he gave up a lead-off single to Darryl Strawberry and was lifted for Frank Williams. That inning ended with me charging hard to take a Danny Goodwin grounder to 1st for the 3rd out. Nice play to hold our lead!

In the 9th John Castino launched a 3-run blast that gave us the insurance we needed! 7-3! After Eddie Vargas reached on an error, I came up with him on 1st and still nobody out. Tim Leary came in to face me... and he got me to roll into a double play.

Ron Davis came in for the 9th. He struck out the side and we salvaged a split of the double header.

Tomorrow is another new city for me... Philadelphia!

May 20th, 1985

In Philly to take on the Phillies!

We have Atlww Hammaker and they have John Denny. That would seem to be advantage us for two evenly matched teams.

I led off, as always, and dropped a single into centre! I tried to steal, of course, and they had me with a pitch-out... but I outran the throw anyway! Stolen base #30!
Chris Brown struck out and then Chili Davis walked. Chili and I pulled off a double steal and voila! Stolen base #31 and I was standing on 3rd with only one out. Rob Deer singled and Chili and I both scored! Kenny Oberkfell ended up knocking in Deer and we were up 3-0!

In the bottom of the 1st Juan Samuel got on board but they we erased him and Craig Reynolds with a nice Oberkfell - Priske - Aldrete double play. They then got three straight hits before we took on Von Hayes trying to steal and narrowed the lead to one run.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and nobody on and Denny struck me out.

That inning we foiled a blunt attempt by Denny when Hammaker threw it to me covering third and we gunned down Ken Landreaux for the 2nd out.
Samuel managed to single after that to tie the game, though.

In the 3rd Atlee gave up a solo homer to Mike Schmidt and now we were trailing 4-3.

I handled a grounder by Ernie Whitt to start off their 4th.

In the 5th I came up with two out and nobody on again... and again, I struck out.

In the 6th I took a grounder by Whitt again, this time for the 2nd out. Pretty nice play, actually. I also got the 3rd out on a Denny grounder.

After 7 innings, Denny had struck out TWELVE.

Mark Davis came it to pitch for us in the 7th. He gave up a one out homer to Reynolds. 5-4 Phils. I took a grounder from Tim Raines for out #2. Schmidt got a double (he was now a single shy of the cycle).

I led off the 8th by striking out for the 3rd time. We scratched another run across that inning so we went into the 9th only down 5-4. They brought in their closer, Willie Hernandez. I was due up 4th. I never came to the plate.

13 stake outs for John Denny. We turn average pitchers into All-stars.

Tomorrow the rookie starts for us and a crafty 40-year old for them. Colin Ward vs Don Sutton.

May 21st, 1985

Still in Philly. Colin Ward facing Don Sutton.

I led the game off against the veteran righty by flying gout to Von Hayes in centre.

I got the 3rd out of the inning taking a grounder from Tim Raines.

In the 2nd Ward helped his own cause by hitting a single that scored Mike Aldrete from 2nd. Then I came up with Ward on 1st and two out. I lined out to Rick Schu at 2nd.

1-0 Giants

It was short live, however, as the Phillies score twice in thier half of the inning.

2-1 Phillies

But then came the 3rd. By the time I struck out to end it, we had nine batters come up to the plate and had scored 5 times.

6-2 Giants.

The Phils scratched one across in the 4th. I ended that inning taking a liner from inch-hitter Len Matuszek. Sutton's day was short. Marty Bystrom relieved for him.

Bad news int eh 5th when Rob Deer hurt his knee on a defensive play in centre field. He had to leave the game, replaced by Kenny Smith. Word is that it isn't serious.

Ward was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the 6th so I came up with none out and Tom O'Malley on 1st. I hit into a fielder's choice. No shock, I stole base #32 right away. With Chris Brown still up, I then stole 3rd for bag #33! Brownie singled and I crossed the plate.

Giants up 7-3

Pat Perry came in to pitch.

Mike Aldrete hit a solo homer in the 7th - his first of his career.

8-3 Giants

Perry was lifted for a pinch hitter after pitching one so Curt Brown was out there for the 7th. Pinch-hitter Chris Chambliss went deep for the Phils.

8-4 Giants

I led off the 8th against Steve Fireovid and hit what I thought was going to be a homer to right. The wind knocked it down, though, and I flew out to Raines.

In the 9th Aldrete hit a 2-run double. I made the 3rd out. 0 for 6. Ugh.

Giants up 10-4

Scott Garrett pitched the 9th for us.

On top of my poor hitting, I threw away what should have been the 3rd on on a Schu grounder. That is 8 errors for me.

It didn't change the final result as we won 10-4.

Tomorrow we have the struggling Jeff Robinson facing the hot Kevin Gross.

May 22nd, 1985

In Philadelphia facing Kevin Gross who is 4-1 with a 2.44 ERA.
We are sending up Jeff Robinson who is 0-5 with a 7.11 ERA.

Time to turn things around?

I lead off the game by grounding out to Juan Samuel at 2nd.

We didn't score in the top half but the Phillies did better, with Rick Schu hitting a solo homer in the bottom half.
I took a pop up from Tim Raines for the 2nd out and grounder from Von Hayes for the 3rd.

Phillies lead 1-0

That lead did not stay intact for long as Terry Harper hit a two-run shot in the 2nd. I came up with two out and the bases empty and Gross struck me out to end the frame.

Giants up 2-1

I started a Priske - Oberkfell - Aldrete double play to get Barry Bonnell and Darren Daulton to end the inning.

In the 3rd I got more action, taking a grounder from Gross for the 2nd out.

In the 4th Harper hit his second homer of the game! I came up with two out and Aldrete on 2nd and Gross struck me out again.

Giants up 3-1

I got a Bonnell grounder in the bottom half, but the Phillies were pretty active, scoring twice before Daulton popped out to me to end it.

Tie game 3-3

Then came the 5th.

Chris Brown reached on error. Chili Davis walked. Rob Deer singles, scoring Brownie. Bob Brenly singled, scoring Chili. Kenny Oberkfell doubled, scoring Deer. Harper popped out. They walked Aldrete intentionally. Robinson flew out. I singled, scoring Brenly.

They finally lifted Gross for Marty Bystrom.

Brown singled, scoring Kenny O and Aldrete. Chili singled, scoring me. Deer flew out.

We scored seven times.

Giants up 10-3

They got one back in the bottom half after Aldrete dropped a throw from Kenny O, scoring Steve Jeltz on what would have been the 3rd out. I took grounder from Hayes to end things.

Giants lead 10-4

In the 6th I got another grounder by Bonnell for the 2nd out. After a Daulton double Frank Williams came it to relieve Robinson. He stranded Daulton.

I came up in the 7th with two out and nobody on. I struck out for the 3rd time today.

Pat Perry took the mound for us to start the bottom of the 7th. A couple of errors lead to the Phils scoring 3 times before Perry is pulled for Mark Davis.

Giants lead 10-7

Chili hits a solo homer in the 8th.

Giants lead 11-7

Juan Samuel hits a two-run shot off Mark Davis in the 8th. Then Don Baylor pinch-hits and hits a solo shot. The lead is down to one! Mark walks Tim Raines and Nestor lifts him for Ron Davis. He gets Hayes.

Giants lead 11-10

We don't score in the 9th so it is down to it. Three outs to go.

Ken Landreaux singled. Bonnell grounds to Chris Brown who gets Landreaux at 2nd. Fielder's choice. Ron walks Daulton and the tying run is now on 2nd. Jeltz hits a grounder and Oberkfell - Priske - Smith double play to end the game.

A nail biter but we are back to .500. 19-19

We have a travel day tomorrow and then we are back in my home country to face the Expos!

May 24th, 1985

We are in Montreal!

I was more a Blue Jays fan than an Expos fan, but my grandfather will sure be watching this game!

We have Mike Krukow going and they have Ed Whitson. Good match-up!

Now I just have to start hitting.

I started off badly, striking out to lead things off.

I got into the act defensively early, taking a Pat Tabler grounder for the 2nd out of the bottom of the 1st.

In the 2nd I started a Priske - Oberkfell - Aldrete double play to get Al Cowens and Mickey Hatcher out.

I led off the 3rd by striking out again.

In the bottom of the frame Dale Murphy took Krukow deep with a man on. I got the 2nd out via a Tim Wallach grounder and the 3rd out via a Tim Flannery pop up.

Expos lead 2-0

I was up next in the 5th, with two out and Kenny O on 2nd. I grounded out to Flannery at 2nd... but he threw it past Tabler at 1st! Kenny O scored and I went to 2nd. Not as good as a hit, but I will take it.

Expos lead 2-1

We got a nice Oberkfell - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Murphy and Wallach to end the inning.

I also got the 1st out in the 6th off a Flannery grounder. Then another double play to end the 7th - this time it was Priske - Oberkfell - Aldrete to get Gary Matthews and Davey Concepcion.

I led off the 8th, now facing Greg Harris, and hit a nice single to left. Harris only faced me and was pulled for Gene Garber. You know what was coming. Everybody at State Olympique knew what was coming. Including the Expos who tried a pitchout on me but I outran it anyway. 34 for 36 in stolen bases. I then stole 3rd without Charlie Moore even making a throw. That is #35.

If only I was actually hitting. I would be stealing a lot more. As it is I am on pace for well over 100. More importantly, Chris Brown singled and I scored the tying run.

In the bottom of the 8th I snagged a Murphy grounder for the 2nd out.

Jeff Reardon came in for the Expos in the 9th and Nestor pulled Terry Harper for Tom O'Malley. That paid off as he singled. Eventually the bases were loaded with one out for... not me. Nestor went with John Castino.

That sucks, but I can't blame him. I am just not hitting.

Castino struck out but then Chris Brown knocked two in.

Giants up 4-2.

The Expos got one back in the bottom of the 9th but we still got the 4-3 win. Ron Davis got his 9th save and we were up to 20-19.


I just heard that my buddy Dave Linton is now pitching relief in AA Shreveport. He is doing well down there. Hopefully he can work his way back up.

And hopefully I don't see him on the way down.

Tomorrow we have Atlee Hammaker facing Bryn Smith.

May 25th, 1985

In Montreal facing the Expos. Today we have Atlee Hammaker facing Bryn Smith. I feel like we have the edge here.

I lead off, as usual. Unfortunately, also as usual, I made the first out, popping up to Davey Concepcion at short.

In the bottom half I got the 2nd out, handling a Tim Wallach pop.

In the 3rd I came up with one out and Tom O'Malley on 2nd. I struck out.

I should have had the 2nd out in the bottom half, but the grounder I took from Dale Murphy ended with O'Malley dropping my throw to 1st. Error for Tom. That was costly as Murphy ended up scoring on an Al Cowens single with two out.

1-0 Expos

Rob Deer got it right back with a solo homer in the 4th.

Tied 1-1.

I got the first out in the bottom half by catching a foul pop by Mickey Hatcher. Another error, this time by Bob Brenly, led to a Concepcion sac fly to score Charlie Moore and give the lead back to Montreal.

2-1 Expos

In the 5th I came up with two out and O'Malley on 2nd. Smith threw a wild pitch past me and Tom moved to 3rd. I grounded out to Wallach at 3rd and left Tom there.

The bottom half went poorly as a series hits, and a passed ball, and a balk, gave Montreal two more runs.

4-1 Expos

I got the first out in the 6th, taking a Concepcion grounder. After Pat Table doubled, Nestor lifted Atlee for Frank Williams. He got out of it.

Williams was pinch hit for in the 7th, to no avail, so Mark Davis came in to pitch for us. He allowed one hit but I caught a pop by pinch hitter Tim Flannery to end the frame.

I led off the 8th, now facing Greg Harris and flew out to Murphy in centre. Chris Brown followed with a solo homer.

4-2 Expos

Tim Wallach hit a sac fly before I started a Priske - Oberkfell - O'Malley double play to get Murphy and Cowens to end the inning.

We went into the 9th down 5-2 facing Jeff Reardon.

It ended the same way.

We are 20-20. I am hitting .211. How can they keep me at lead-off.

How can they keep me on the roster?

(Well, I know the answer to the last one. They don't have a better option.)

Tomorrow we send up Terry Mulholland (2-2, 4,46) to face Bill Gullickson (4-3, 3.11)

May 26th, 1985

Another game in La Belle Province. We have Terry Mulholland facing Bill Gullickson.


I lead the game off the right way for a change, cracking a single to centre. Chris Brown followed with another single and I moved up to 2nd. Unfortunately Chili Davis damned near hit into a triple play, erasing me and Brownie.

In the bottom half Al Cowens hit and RBI single.

Expos up 1-0

In the 2nd I came up with Mulholland on 1st and two out. I grounded out to Tim Wallach at 3rd.

I grabbed a hot liner by Davey Concepcion for the 2nd out in the 2nd. Nice! Pat Tabler hit an RBI single after that, though.

Expos lead 2-0

The 3rd got worse. By the time Concepcion grounded out to me, Montreal had scored three times, including a Bill Gullickson triple.

Expos lead 5-0

In the 5th I came up with Tom O'Malley (who pinch hit for Terry) on 2nd and none out. I hit a trickle to 3rd but outran it for an infield hit. O'Malley moved to 3rd. Brownie followed with a single again and we were on the board. Chili hit into fielder's choice and I moved to 3rd. Rob Deer singled and I crossed!

Expos lead 5-2

Curt Brown took the mound. I took a Toby Harrah grounder for the 1st out and a Ticket Hatcher pop up for the 2nd out. Charlie Moore slipped one past me for a hit, though.

In the 6th Kenny O cracked a solo homer! I came up with two out and Mike Aldrete on 2nd. I popped out.

Expos lead 5-3

In the bottom half I got a Tabler grounder for the 2nd out and a Dale Murphy grounder for the 3rd.

In the 7th I bungled an easy grounder by Cowens. Error for me. I fixed the error by starting a Priske - Oberkfell - Aldrete double play on Harrah to end the inning.

I got the 3rd out in the 8th, catching a Rod Carew pop. (Carew!)

Greg Harris pitched the 9th for Montreal. Aldrete and Sixto Lezcano got on and Nestor pulled me for John Castino. Sigh.

We lost 5-3. Back below .500

Another game in Montreal tomorrow.

We have the struggling Jeff Robinson and the Expos have the sharp Andy McGaffigan.

Oh. All-Star voting starts today. Will any Giant go? I doubt it.

May 27th, 1985

Jeff Robinson vs Andy McGaffigan
Giants vs Expos

I started off the game by... striking out. Again.

Davy Concepcion led off the bottom of the 1st by singling past me. Grrr...
And then Pat Tabler hit one over my head. Is it going to be one of those days?
Thankfully Jeff pitched out of it.

The 2nd went better. Kenny Oberkfell knocked in Rob Deer and then Bob Brenly scored on a balk. I made the 3rd out with a fly ball.

Giants up 2-0

In the 3rd I made the 3rd out on the right side, catching a pop up by Dale Murphy.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Mike Aldrete on 1st. I struck out again.

In the bottom of the 5th McGaffigan grounded out to me for the 1st out.

In the 6th our lead vanished as Al Cowens hit one out with Tim Wallach on base. Robinson gave up another hit and Nestor went to Frank Williams (and Tom O'Malley for Chris Brown in a double switch). Frank got out of it.

TIED 2-2

I led off the 8th, now facing Gene Garber, by grounding out to Concepcion at short.

Scott Garrelts came it to pitch for us, still a tie game. He got through the 8th but in the 9th, a pair of pinch-hitters - Toby Harrah and Rod Carew - gave the Expos a walk-off 3-2 win.

We are down to 20-22

And I can't buy a hit.

Not for nothing but Chris Brown was named NL Player of the Week! Good on ya Brownie!

We got an off-day and then home vs the Mets. Ron Darling is coming to town. We have Mike Krukow. Darling shut us down last time.

May 29th, 1985

Home against the Mets. Mike Krukow for us. Ron Darling for them.

Challenge time.

Mike got all three in the first and then it was my turn. No good. Grounder to Cesar Cedeno at 1st.

The Mets scored in the 3rd, on a two out throwing error by Chris Brown. Ouch. I got a Wally Backman liner for the 3rd out to minimize the damage.

Mets up 1-0.

I came up on the 3rd with one out and Krukow on 2nd. Darling struck me out.

The Mets scratched across another in the 4th, after a single, passed ball, balk, productive out. Ugh.

Mets lead 2-0

But we finally got on the board that inning! Terry Harper knocked in Rob Deer to get us back within one.

Mets up 2-1

I led off the bottom of the 5th... by striking out again. Thankfully it wasn't tall on me as Deer cracked a two-run homer!

Giants lead 3-2!

The lead was short lived. In the 6th I took a grounder from Larry Harndon for the 2nd out but there was no way I could stop Cedeno from scoring from 3rd.

Game tied 3-3

The Mets tried to get something going in the 7th. Krukow did a good job but ran out of gas. He got pulled for Mark Davis (in a double switch with John Rabb replacing Harper). Davis got out of it. The game was still tied.

I am not sure why the double switch as Nestor immediately pinch-hit for Rabb. I came up with none out and Tom O'Malley on 1st, now facing Greg Minton. The changed look helped as I singled to right, moving O'Malley to 3rd. Chris Brown grounded out but I moved to 2nd. They gave Chili the four-fingers salute and the bases were jacked. Deer flew out to right but O'Malley scored on the sac.

Giants lead 4-3

Nestor went for some defensive changes, pulling Deer and Chili for Eddie Vargas and Sixto Lezcano. O'Malley stayed in to play 1st and Aldrete moved to left. We better hold this because we downgraded the offence a lot.

Davis got two out before giving ups s ingle so in came Frank Williams (and another double switch as John Castino took over for Brown at 3rd. There are only three of us left playing the position was started the game at.) It worked Frank got the out.

We got some insurance in the bottom of the 8th. Kenny Oberkfell knocked Castino in from 2nd. O'Malley knocked Kenny O in. By the time I came up there was still none out and O'Malley was on 1st and Aldrete was on 3rd. They brought Jesse Orosco in to face me... and he served up my 3rd K of the game. Ken Smith pinch hit and scored Aldrete on a grounder.

Giants lead 7-3.

Ron Davis in to pitch the 9th. A little grounder by Wally Backman came my way for the 3rd out and we picked up a win over the tough Mets!

Tomorrow they are sending Dwight Gooden against Atlee Hammaker.

May 30th, 1985

We've got Atlee Hammaker. The Mets have Dwight Gooden. A nice afternoon for a ballgame. Let's get it in.

On the first we turned a nice Oberkell - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Lenny Dykstra and Wally Backman.

I started off the bottom of the 1st nicely, dropping a ball into left, getting a single from Gooden. After Chris Brown popped out I was sent to the bench on a Chill Davis fielder's choice.

In the 3rd I came up with one out and nobody on. I smashed the ball over Dykstra's head in centre and picked up a double! I moved to 3rd on a Brown ground out and then scored on a single by Chili!

Giants up 1-0!

We held that lead until eh 5th, when the Mets scored two, including one off a bad throw by Chris Brown.

Mets lead 2-1.

I came up that inning with two out and the bases empty. I flew out to Larry Herndon in left.

In the 6th Chili scored on a Bob Brenly grounder to tie things up.

Tied 2-2.

In the 7th I came up with two out and Mike Aldrete on 1st. Gooden struck me out.

Nestor had lifted Atlee for a pinch hitter so Scott Garrelts took over for us in the 8th. He get through that frame and then in the 9th I had my first defensive play, catching a pop off the bat of William Max for the 2nd out.

The Mets turned to Jesse Orosco to hold us in the 9th and push the game to extras. He was successful.

In the 10th I took a Backman grounder for the 2nd out.

In the bottom half I was scheduled to come up with one out and John Castino, who had just pinch hit for Garrelts, on 1st. Nestor went with John Rabb.

I guess the two hits I already had today don't mean anything.

Even worse, after we didn't score that put Tom O'Malley at short.

We did pull it off, though, with Rob Deer hitting a two-run homer in the 11th to give us a 4-2 win.

Ron Davis ended up with the win.

22-22

After the game Rabb was sent to Phoenix and Fran Mullins was called up.

They pinch hit for me with someone they then sent down?

The Phillies come in tomorrow. Two pitchers who are struggling a bit with Terry Mulholland going for us and Joe Niekro for them.

May 31st, 1985

The Phillies are in town and they are putting Joe Niekro (2-3, 6.10). We are answering with Terry Mulholland (2-3, 5.13)

I led off the bottom of the 1st by singling to left. I tried to steal 2nd on a 1-0 count but they pitched out and caught me dead. Later that inning Chris Brown scored on a Terry Harper sac fly.

Giants up 1-0.

In the 2nd I got the 1st out by taking a Von Hayes grounder.

I came up that inning with two out and Tom O'Malley on 2nd. I lined out to Tim Raines in left.

I got the first out again in the 3rd, this time a Niekro grounder.

I came up that inning with two out and nobody on. I struck out but by that point we had scored SIX runs that frame.

Giants up 7-0!

And it is a good thing that happened because the Phils got three back in the 4th.

In the 5th... I made an error. A Craig Reynolds grounder that I should have made in my sleep. Grrr. That's my tenth error. They ended up getting 3 unearned runs. If we lose this game, it is my fault.

Giants lead 7-6.

I came up in the 5th, now facing Steve Fireovid, with Rob Deer on 1st and one out. I got robbed of a single by Hayes in centre.

Frank Williams came in to pitch for us in the 6th.

In the 7th we got two guys on ahead of me and Nestor lifted me for Mike Aldrete. He didn't get a hit but we did score two that inning,

We ended up winning 9-6.

23-22

A lot happened after that game!

Brian Harper and John Rabb were both called up from Phoenix.

Mike Aldrete and Fran Mullins were sent down.

What is with the guy who pinch-hits for me being sent down? That is two in a row.

I am pretty surprised about Mike.

June 1st, 1985

Today the Phillies are sending Kevin Gross (4-3, 3.21) against Jeff Robinson (1-5, 6.06)

We have our work cu tout of run, but we have won 3 in a row, so let's go!

Things started off bad right away as Juan Samuel hit a lead-off homer.

Phillies lead 1-0

I lead off the bottom half by grounding out to Mike Schmidt at 3rd. Chili Davis did a little better, smacking a two-run homer.

Giants up 2-1!

I got the 1st out in the 3rd, taking a Rick Schu grounder for the play. I made a nice play to end the inning as well, cutting off a throw from the outfield to gun down Tim Raines trying to turn a single into a double. Unfortunately they got a run.

Game tied 2-2

I lead of the 3rd by grounding out to Juan Samuel at 2nd.

In the 4th Philadelphia grabbed the lead when Von Hayes knocked a solo shot over the fence. They got another in the 5th when Craig Reynolds hit an RBI triple.

Phillies lead 4-2

I came up that inning with two out and nobody on. I grounded out to Schu at 1st.

Schmidt grounded to me to start off the 6th. In the 7th Jeff Robinson ran out of gas and Nestor handed the ball to Mark Davis. I got the 3rd out by taking a Don Baylor grounder.

In the 8th Mike Schmidt showed off his power with a solo homer taking Mark deep.

Phillies lead 5-2

I came up in the 8th with one out and none on. I grounded out to Schu again.

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch the 9th. He did his job but we were only able to scratch one run across before running out of outs.

We lost 5-3.


Another move after the game. Jeff Leonard was activated from the D.L.
Terry Harper was Designated.

In baseball it is a good idea not to get too attached to people.

June 2nd, 1985

We have a good match-up today. The Phillies are sending Don Sutton (3-4, 5.06) against Colin Ward (2-1, 2.51)

I went 0 for 3 against Sutton last time.

Yesterday Samuel started out with a homer. Today he popped out to me. Better start.

I lead off our half with a pretty bogus strikeout. Apparently Sutton gets the 'vet's strike zone'.

In the 3rd I came up with John Castino on 2nd and two out. I grounded out to Juan Samuel at 2nd... but he bungled it. I was safe on the error and John moved to 3rd.

The I got thrown out trying to steal. For the 3rd out. With a man on 3rd. There is no excuse for that. I never should have tried.

In the 6th I came up with Colin Ward on 1st and one out. Sutton struck me out.

Unmentioned in all this is that Ward pitched six PERFECT innings until walked Samuel to lead off the 7th. Samuel got thrown out trying to steal so when I caught the liner by Tim Raines for the 3rd out, Ward ha still faced the minimum through 7.

In the bottom of the 7th Rob Deer hit a solo homer, putting us up 1-0 (an the was then lifted for Eddie Vargas. Defensive replacement.)

You could see Ward dragging out there in the 8th but Nestor left him in until Ken Landreaux picked up a hit. With the no-hitter off the table, Ron Davis got the nod to try and save thing for Ward-o. It looked bad until Nestor's previous move paid off. With one out and the bases loaded, Darren Daulton hit a fly ball to deep centre. Mike Schmidt tried to score on the sac fly but Eddie Vargas unleashed a perfect throw to gun him down.

Ronnie held on through the 9th and we picked up the 1-0 win!

Great game Colin Ward! One-hitter (with a little help!)

24-23


Hey, I saw an all-star voting update. Bob Brenly is running 3rd at catcher, though he has no chance of catching Gary Carter.

Speaking of Carter, the Expos are in town tomorrow.

June 3rd, 1985

Today the Expos are sen ding up Ed Whitson (4-2, 2.00) and the Giants have Mike Krukow (5-3, 2.83). Should be a good one!

The games tarted off the way I like it, as I handled a nice grounder from Davey Concepcion and a nice pop up from Dale Murphy for the second out.

When I led off the bottom half, I outran a grounder to Whitson for an infield single. I then grabbed stolen base #36. Kenny Oberkfell singled and I scored!

Giants lead 1-0!

I lead off again in the 3rd and I blasted the ball, hitting the wall in centre. I legged out a triple! Kenny O walked and I scored on a sac fly by Chili Davis.

Giants up 2-0!

In the 4th I got the 1st out - a pop up by Toby Harrah, but with two out Whitson singled past we (I should have had it!) to score Tim Flannery from 2nd.

Giants up 2-1.

In the 5th the Expos got one on a Mickey Hatcher sac fly, and another on a Harrah single.

Expos lead 3-2.

I led off the 5th by lying out to Harrah in right.

If I thought missing tha Whitson grounder was bad, in the 6th I actually bungled an easy grounder by him. My 11th error. I erased it by then starting a Priske - Castino - O'Malley double play to get Whitson and Concepcion. Later that inning Murphy hit a two-run homer. I got a Tim Wallach fly to end things but by then...

Expos lead 5-2.

Tom O'Malley knocked Jeff Leonard in that inning to narrow the gap by one.

Expos lead 5-3.

In the 7th I came up with one out and nobody on. I singled to centre. That was followed by stolen base #37. Just like in the 1st, Kenny O singled me home.

Expos lead 5-4

Scott Garrelts took the mound for us in the 8th. I got a pop up from pinch-hitter Rod Carew for out #2

In the 9th I was due up with Chris Brown representing the tying run at 1st and nobody out. But despite going 3 for 4 today, Nestor went with Ken Smith.

Not happy.

We did not score. We lost.

Record 24-24

I have understood Nestor wanting to pull me in other games. Today? I am not happy.

June 4th, 1985

The Expos are sending up Bryn Smith (5-4, 3.81). We are answering with Atlee Hammaker (4-4, 2.30)

Good match-up.

I was unhappy with Nestor pinch hitting for me yesterday. Time to prove he was wrong.

I started things off well defensively, snagging a Dave Concepcion liner for the first out.

In the bottom of the 1st, I buckled down and hit a ball to deep centre. It went to the fence and I legged out a double. Kenny Oberkfell grounded out but I moved up to 3rd. After Chili popped out, Rob Deer doubled and I crossed.

Giants up 1-0!

It didn't stop there. In the 2nd John Castino knocked Jeff Leonard in from 2nd. I came up with one out and Tom O'Malley on 3rd and Castino on 2nd. I hit what looked like a sac fly but Dale Murphy made a beautiful throw to get O'Malley going home.

Giants up 2-0.

And STILL it didn't stop. In the 3rd Chili Davis was singled home by Jeff Leonard.

Giants up 3-0!

In the top of the 4th Concepcion hit it to me again Ground out.

I came up in the bottom half with one out and nobody on. I singled to centre. With Kenny O up I stole my 38th AND 39th bases. Kenny grounded out and I crossed for the 2nd time.

4-0 Giants!

The Expos got on the board int he 5th, pushing one across before I got the 2nd out, nailing Mickey Hatcher at 2nd on a Razor Shines fielder's choice.

Giants lead 4-1

I also got the 2nd out in the 6th, handling a Pat Tabler grounder.

I lead off the bottom half by striking out against Smith.

In the 7th Tim Wallach led off with a solo homer.

Giants still lead 4-2

In the 8th Atlee had reached his limit so Nestor brought in Ron Davis (and Brian Harper for Jeff Leonard in a double switch.) Ron let his inherited runner score.

Giants up 4-3. It is getting awfully close...

I came up with one out and nobody on, now facing Vern Ruhle. I grounded out to Tim Flannery at 2nd but he booted it. I reached on an error. I then, of course, took full advantage and grabbed stolen base #40. I moved to 3rd on a Kenny O ground out, but Chili flied out and I was left there.

Gary Matthews led off the 9th as a pinch hitter and ground out to me. One down. Mickey Hatcher then hit a line drive... to me. Two down. Ron Davis nicked Razor Shines so he went to 1st. Then the same happened to Flannery. (Iffy call. He leaned into it.) Ron struck out Davey Concepcion to end it.

We won 4-3.

(And I got two hits, scored twice and stole 3 bases.)

25-24


Fran Mullins was recalled after the game with John Rabb going back down.
Terry Harper was assigned to AAA, Phoenix.

June 5th, 1985

The Expos are sending Bill Gullickson (5-4, 3.21) out there. The Giants will have Terry Mulholland (3-3, 5.16)

I went 2 for 4 vs Gully. Works for me.

The game started out the way I like it - Davey Concepcion grounded out to me. Then Pat Tabler lined out to me. Good inning.

Things looked good to start the bottom half but Tim Wallach made a diving catch and my hard hit ball to get me out.

I almost got revenger int he top of the 2nd but Wallach outran the grounder for a single. He ended up scoring, too. I did take a liner from Charlie Moore and picked off Toby Harrah on 2nd for a nice double play.

Expos lead 1-0

In the 3rd Gullickson led off with a triple and later scored.

Expos lead 2-0

Montreal kept it going in the 4th as Moore knocked in Harrah.

Expos lead 3-0

I lead off the 4th with Gullickson still not allowing a base-runner. I grounded out to Concepcion at short. Kenny Oberkfell ruined the perfect game with a single, but we still didn't score.

Everything fell apart in the 5th. Terry allowed 3 runs and five runners without getting an out before Nestor turned things over to Curt Brown. He induced a pop up from Mickey Hatcher which I caught. I also handled a Concepcion grounder for the third out but Montreal scored again first.

Expos lead 7-0

We got some back that inning, including an RBI single by me.

Expos lead 7-2

Frank Williams took over pitching duties for us in the 6th. I got the 3rd out on an Al Cowens grounder.

Brian Harper knocked one in for us that inning.

Expos lead 7-3

In the 7th I got out #2 on a grounder by Hatcher.

I came up with two out and nobody on. I grounded out to Wallach at third.

Pat Perry took over mound duties in the 8th. I got the 3rd out on a Dale Murphy grounder.

I was busy on defense today.

I started out the 9th by taking a Wallach grounder. A Child Davis throwing error turned into another Montreal run. They ended up getting two before I took a Tabler grounder for out #3.

Expos lead 9-3

That's how it ended.

Back to 25-25

Day off tomorrow as we travel to Houston.

June 7th, 1985

We landed in Houston and are ready to go!

The Astros are pitching Bert Blyleven (5-3, 3.01). We are sending out Jeff Robinson (1-6, 5.98). A bit of a mismatch.


On the road means I get to start things off. Today that meant being struck out by the wily vet.

I came up again in the 3rd with two out and John Castino on 2nd. I popped out to Bill Doran at 2nd.

I made my first defensive play in the 4th - a simple groundout by Jerry Mumphrey.

In the 5th Castino got his second hit, and it was a solo shot to left centre.

Giants lead 1-0!

In the bottom half the Astros finally got their first hit... and it was also a solo homer, this one by Jose Cruz. The next batter was Doug DeCinces and he grounded out to me.

Game tied 1-1.

I led off the 6th by grounding out to Doran. Before the inning was up, though, Kenny Oberkfell and Child Davis had crossed on RBI hits by Bob Brenly and Jeff Leonard.

Giants lead 3-1!

I got a bit of revenge on Doran that inning, but taking a grounder from him for the 2nd out. An error by Robinson allowed Terry Puhl to score before we got the 3rd out.

Giants lead 3-2.

Nestor pitch hit for me in the 7th.

The SEVENTH.

We went on to win 4-2.

Nice game for Jeff Robinson. Not so nice for me.

26-25. 2 games behind the Dodgers. 1,5 behind the Reds. Tied with the Padres.

June 8th, 1985

Another day under the dome. The Astros are pitching Bob Knepper (3-7, 3.49). The Giants have Mike Krukow (5-4, 2.92) Looks good for us.

I lead off the 1st against Knepper... and ground out to Dickie Thon at short

In the bottom half I was the pivot on an Oberkfell / Priske / O'Malley double play to get Bill Doran and Keith Hernandez.

I led off the 4th and flew out to Jim Pankovits in right.

Krukow spoiled Knepper's perfecto in the 6th with two out. I then spoiled his shut out with an RBI double, scoring Mikey! Then Chris Brown singled and I scored from 2nd!

GIANTS up 2-0!

The Astros struck back in the 7th with a Pankovits RBI double, scoring Thon.

Giants lead 2-1.

Nestor pinch hit for me in the 8th.

The guys turned it on after I left and beat Houston 6-1.

I got an RBI double and scored a run but still got lifted.

We are at 27-25

June 9th, 1985

The Astros are going with Ray Burris (5-1, 3.67). The Giants are answering with Atlee Hammaker (5-4, 2.42)

Should be good!

I lead off the game by grounding out to Bill Doran at 2nd.

Houston gets off to an early lead when Keith Hernandez knocks Jerry Mumphrey in with one out. I then speared a Doug DeCinces liner for the 2nd out.

Astros up 1-0

In the 2nd I get the 1st out off a Dickie Thon pop.

In the 3rd I came up with two out and nobody on. I thought I had a single by Mumphrey made a nice play in centre to turn it into a fly out.

The game switched up in the 4th when Kenny Oberkfell scored on an error to Thon and Child Davis scored on a Jeff Leonard sac fly.

Giants lead 2-1

Thon made up for his gaffe by tying it back up with an RBI single, scoring DeCinces.

Game tied 2-2

In the 5th I came up with one out and John Castino on 3rd. I struck out.

Later that inning DeCinces hit a massive three run homer. Atlee really fell apart that inning, walking four before Nestor went to Curt Brown with the bags full and only one out. He got Terry Puhl to ground out but at the cost of another run. Then Burris hit an RBI single. Doran hit an RBI single. Mumphrey damn near did but Rob Deer gunned down Burris trying to score from 3rd.

Astros up 8-2.

I got the first out in the 6th off a Hernandez grounder before Jose Cruz hit a two run homer. This is getting ugly. I got the 2nd and 3rd outs on grounders by Thon and Puhl.

Astros up 10-2.

Things nearly got worse in the 7th when Burris plunked Tom O'Malley. He was not happy but 'cooler heads prevailed'. Before the inning was up Sixto Lezcano hit a pinch hit two run homer. I came up right after with two out and grounded out to Doran .

Astros lead 10-4.

Frank Williams took over on the mound for us that inning.

In the 8th Deer hit an RBI single, scoring Kenny O.

Astros lead 10-5.

We got a double play that inning, Castino / Priske / O'Malley to get Cruz and Ron Hassey.

We didn't come back.

27-26

Tomorrow we are in Atlanta. Time to pick up some games.

June 10th, 1985

Tech difficulties. I lost my entire post.

Here is the short version. Pascual Perez and the Braves beat Terry Mulholland and the Giants 7-3.

Rusty Priske went 0 for 4 with 4 strikeouts.

Ugh.

San Francisco is 27-27.


Oh and the Atlanta Braves icons are racist.

June 11th, 1985

We have Colin Ward (3-1, 1.66) going against Mike Payne (1-3, 4.15). Bounce back day!

And I started off the right way! I singled into centre to lead off the game! What was next? Stolen base #41 of course!
Payne got the next two to fly out but then walked both Rob Deer and Bob Brenly, pushing me to 3rd... before striking out Jeff Leonard.

The Braves were more successful. I started a Priske / Oberkfell / O'Malley double play to get Dusty Baker and Bob Horner but Brad Komminsk scored on the play.

Atlanta up 1-0.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Kenny O on 2nd and Tommy O on 1st. I piddly little infield hit turned into a single to load the bags for the 2nd straight inning. Oh, apparently that was my 50th hit of the season. I should have more by now.
Chris Brown sac flied Kenny home to tie the game.

Game tied 1-1

In the 4th I came up with to out and nobody on. I flew out to Dusty Baker in left.

I was the middle part of a Ward / Priske / O'Malley double play to get Ben Oglivie and Rafael Ramirez out that inning.

After Colin gave up a double to Mike Payne in the 5th he was lifted for Pat Perry. (Colin has been pitching well but he doesn't have the stamina to go deep.) I made a superstar stop to throw out Komminsk for the 2nd out. Highlight reel play! I got Baker for the 3rd out to keep the game tied.

Perry was lifted for a pinch hitter so Scott Garrelts came in for the 6th. He gave up the lead on a lead-off homer by Bob Horner.

Braves up 2-1.

I led off the 7th by singling past Paul Zuvella at 2nd. I then scored on a hit & run double by Chris Brown.

Game tied 2-2.

The Braves loaded the bases that inning but a couple of nice plays by Chris Brown and myself stopped them from scoring.

In the 8th I came up, now facing Ken Dayley on the mound, with one out, Sixto Lezcano (who pinch hit for Tom O'Malley) on 2nd, and Brian Harper (who pinch hit for Scott Garrlets) on 1st. Three hits so far today but this time, a whiff. Neither pinch hitter stayed in as Eddie Vargas took over at 1st and Mark Davis took over pitching duties.

I got the 3rd out on the bottom half but taking a Zuvella grounder.

In the 9th, with two out, Davis walked Komminks and then Gerald Perry took him downtown for a walk-off 4-2 win for Atlanta.

Frustrating loss. We are down to 27-28.

On the plus side, I went 3 for 5.

June 12th, 1985

In Atlants with the Braves sending up Rick Mahler (7-2, 3.50). We have Jeff Robinson (2-6, 5.46). We need to get our bats in.

Not like that. I started off the game by flying out to Dusty Baker in left.
Before the inning was up, though, Rob Deer put one in the bleachers.

Giants lead 2-0

I got the 2nd out of the bottom frame, taking a grounder from Brad Komminsk.

I led off the 3rd by striking out.

In the 4th Bob Brenly added to the score by matching Deer's homer.

Giants up 4-0!

In the bottom half I was the pivot on an Oberkfell / Priske / O'Malley double play, getting Baker and Bob Horner.

I led off the 5th with another strikeout. Child Davis and Deer pushed a couple more runs across!

Giants up 6-0!

Paul Zuvella popped up to me for the 2nd out that inning. Paul Runge pinch hit for Mahler and I snagged his liner to end the inning.

In the 6th I came up with two out and Kenny O on 1st, now facing Jeff Dedmon (BONG!). I struck out for the 3rd time.

Robinson ran out of steam in the 8th and Nestor brought in Scott Garralts with one out and Gerald Perry on 1st after a walk. Garrelts did not do well. By the time Rafael Ramirez homered it was a mere one run lead.
Ron Davis was brought in to stop the bleeding. He got out of it.

Giants lead 6-5.

I led off the 9th now facing Steve Howe. I singled into right. After Chris Brown popped out I stole 2nd for bag #42. They walked Chili and I then stole 3rd for base #43. I scored on a single by Brenly.

Giants lead 7-5.

In the 9th Atlanta got a runner to 2nd, but that is it.

San Francisco wins 7-5.

We are 28-28

We are home tomorrow with the Padres coming to town.

June 13th, 1985

The Padres are in town and they are sending up Dave Dravecky (2-3, 5.65). The Giants are answering with Mike Krukow (6-4, 2.79).

San Diego is a game ahead of us, in 3rd in the NL West. I think it is a good day to pull even with them and start moving up towards the Dodgers and Reds.

We are facing one of my closest challengers in the stolen base race. In the 1st Alan Wiggins singled and stole 2nd. That puts him at 26, tied with Tim Raines. (I have 43.) He eventually scored.

Padres lead 1-0.

I led off the bottom half by popping up to Wiggins at 2nd.

I led off the 4th by grounding out to Al Newman at 3rd.

I finally took a grounder in the 5th... and threw it past Tom O'Malley at 1st. Error. George Hinshaw went to 2nd. Thankfully nothing came of it.

In the 6th I came up with one out and nobody on. I pooped up to Chris Speier at short.

Things turned a little sour in the 7th as a strong of San Diego hits used across a couple more runs.

Padres lead 3-0.

In the 8th Nestor went with Mark Davis on the mound (and brought in John Castino for Chris Brown at 3rd in a double switch). He induced a pop up to me from Kevin McReynolds for the 2nd out. Unfortunately he also gave up an RBI single to John Kruk.

Padres lead 4-0.

I lead off the 9th, down by 4, now facing Craig Lefferts. I grounded out to Kruk at 1st. A Rob Deer homer stopped the shut out but we still lost, 4-2.

We are 28-29.

I went 0 for 4.

June 14th, 1985

The Padres are pitching Tim Lollar (4-6, 4.31). The Giants are using Atlee Hammaker (5-5, 3.00)

Atlee allowed a couple o men on base in the 1st but pitched out of it. I led off the bottom frame by popping out to John Kruk in right.

The wheels fell off in the 2nd. The Padres hit around and knocked in four before we could get out it.

Padres up 4-0.

In the 3rd I was involved in a collision at 2nd as Al Newman tried to take me out to avoid the double play. He broke up the play but it was him who had to leave the game. They got the last laugh, though.

Padres up 6-0

That was it for Atlee as John Castino hit for him that inning. I came up with none out and Castino on 1st. I flew out to Kevin McReynolds in centre.

Curt Brown came it to pitch for us in the 4th.

Rob Deer hit a two run homer for us that inning.

Padres up 6-2.

In the 5th I came up with one out and Curt Brown on 1st. Lollar walked me. Normally that is a very bad thing to do, but this time I had Curt on the base in front of me. We are not able to make anything out of it.

Bob Brenly hit a solo shot in the 6th.

Padres lead 6-3.

I finally got a defensive chance in the 7th... and blew it. A grounder by George Hinshaw turned into an off-line throw and an error. That is 13 on the year. After a walk Curt Brown got the hook and Frank Williams came in, along with Brian Harper in for Jeff Leonard in left with a double switch.
Then Deer in centre followed my lead and bungled an easy one. I took a Terry Kennedy grounder to end it but two error sled to another run for San Diego.

Padres up 7-3.

In the bottom half I came up with two out and nobody on, now facing Dave Rozema. He struck me out.

After pitching the 8th Frank Williams had to come out of the game. There is something wrong with his shoulder. Pat Perry came in to pitch the 9th.
I got a grounder by Ron Roenicke for the 3rd out.

We did nothing in the bottom half to change the outcome.

The Padres beat us 7-3.

And I was still hitless.


After the game Frank Williams went on the D.L. and Bill Laskey was called up.

Also, somewhat surprisingly, Rob Deer was sent down and Terry Harper was called up.

June 15th, 1985

The Padres are sending up Charlie Lea (4-3, 3.55). The Giants are answering with Terry Mulholland (3-5, 6.58)

I have managed one hit vs Lea, but it was in 7 tries.

The Padres have won 5 in a row.

In the 1st I caught a hard liner by Ozzie Guillen for the 2nd out. Nice play.

I led off our half by grounding out to George Hinshaw at 1st.

In the 2nd I took a grounder from Gerald DeSimone for the 3rd out.

I came up in the 3rd with none out and Mulholland on 1st.

I hit my second ever home run!!

Giants lead 2-0!

Apparently that took my head out of the game because in the 5th I should have had another DeSimone grounder, but I threw it away. Error. Luckily it didn't cost us.

That inning I came up with one out and Terry on 1st again and I popped up to DeSimone at 3rd.

At the risk of jinxing it, Terry is through 7 without giving up a hit. (He walked someone before I gave up the error so I didn't blow the perfecto.)

And jinx it I did. DeSimone hit a single in the 8th. (Past me, too. I should have had it.) He also los nth shut out that inning as Alan Wiggins hit a sac fly. I took a grounder from Guillen to end things.

Giants still up 2-1.

I lead off the bottom of the 8th, now facing Craig Lefferts, by taking a four pitch walk.
Chris Brown pinch hit for Oberkfell and hit into a double play... but Guillen muffed it! We were both safe! Chili flew out to centre and I moved up to 3rd. Then Bob Brenly hit a double and we both scored!

Giants up 4-1!

Terry got the 1st out before giving up a single to John Kruk and Nestor came out with the hook. Ron Davis in to finish things off... which he did quickly, for his 15th save.

Giants win 4-1!

And I hit a home run!

June 16th, 1985

Double header today!

In game one the Padres are going with Eric Show (6-3, 2.23)
The Giants have Colin Ward (3-1, 1.73)

Should be a barn-burner!

Against Show I have gone 0 for 3.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by grounding out to George Hinshaw at 1st.

I came up in the 3rd with none out and Ward standing on 2nd. I grounded out to Chris Speier at 3rd, but at least I advanced Ward to 3rd. Child Davis homered and scored both before the inning was over.

Giants up 2-0!

In the 4th Ward scored Terry Harper with a sac fly before I struck out to end the inning.

Giants up 3-0!

I got my first defensive play on the 5th, handling a grounder by Ron Hodges for the 2nd out.

Ward was lifted in the 7th - he pitched well, just ran out of steam. Mark Davis and Sixto Lezcano came in, replacing Harper, in a double switch.
The Padres scratched one across on a passed ball by Bob Brenly.

Giants up 3-1.

That inning I came up with one out and none on. I grounded out to Hinshaw again.

Ron Davis came it to shut things down in the 9th. He gave up a single to John Kruk but struck out the other three batters his faced for his 16th save.

Giants win 3-1!

We are back to .500 at 30-30.

I did horribly. I haven't figured out Eric Show yet.

Another game still to come today.

June 16th, 1985

Game two!

The Padres are going with Mark Thurmond (5-2, 3.44) and the Giants are sending up Jeff Robinson (3-6, 5.01)

I got some action in the top of the 1st, handling a George Hinshaw grounder for the 2nd out and a Kevin McReynolds grounder for the 3rd.

I led off the bottom half with less success, striking out.

In the 3rd I came up with 2 out and nobody on and grounded out to Chris Speier at 3rd.

Chris Brown got the 1st hit of the game in the 4th.

In the 5th, things went pretty well. Kenny Oberkfell hit a one out single. Tom O'Malley hit a two out double. Sixto Lezcano pinch hit for Robinson (who was pitching a no-hitter at the time) and he knocked both of them in with a single. They brought in Andy Hawkins to pitch.

Then I homered! My 3rd ever and my 2nd it two days!

Giants up 4-0!

(I don't know about lifting Robinson, though. The guy had a no-hitter going!)

Pat Perry took over pitching duties for us in the 6th. The first batter he faced was Gerald DeSimone who grounded out to me. Hawkins came up and singled, erasing the combined no-hit bid.

Later that inning Terry Harper knocked Jeff Leonard home.

Giants up 5-0!

In the 7th Ken Smith pinch hit for Perry and hit a solo homer! I came up after him with two out and grounded out to Hinshaw at 1st.

Giants lead 6-0!

Scott Garrelts took the mound for us in the 8th. He pitched the last two and finished off the double header sweep.

We won 6-0! The Padres ended with 4 hits.

31-30

We are now tied with the Padres for 3rd in the NL West, 4 games behind the Reds and 3 behind the Dodgers.

Speaking of the Reds, they come to town tomorrow. Big series!

June 17th, 1985

The Reds are in town and if we want to make a move not he division it might have to start right now.

The Reds are sending up Ron Robinson (1-2, 2.25). We are answering with Mike Krukow (6-5, 2.86).

I went 1 for 3 against Robinson last time.

We fell behind right away as Eric Davis had an RBI single in the 1st.

Reds up 1-0

I led off the bottom half by grounding out to Bill Almon at short.

Things got worse for me in the 2nd. A Tracy Jones grounder should have been the 3rd out but I threw it wide and Tom Foley scored.

Reds up 2-0 on my error.

In the 3rd Eric Davis hit a two-runhomer to centre. This is getting bad.

Reds up 4-0

I came up that inning with two out and nobody on. I popped up to Foley at 2nd.

In the 4th Robinson, of all people, hit a two-run double. This is a blow out already.

Reds up 6-0

Nestor had seen enough after a two-out single in the 5th and pulled Krukow for Bill Laskey, making his season debut. He has been a Giant for parts of the last three years, but without a lot of success. He finished the inning and then gave up lead-off single in the 6th but I started a Priske - Castino - O'Malley double play to get Alan Nicely and Jones.

I came up that inning with one out and nobody on. I flew out to Eric Davis in right.

I took the first grounder in the 8th to throw out Eddie Milner for out #1. Laskey had done well up to here but he gave up a solo homer to Knicely.

Reds up 7-0

Chris Brown hit for Laskey that inning and lead off with a double. We were now facing Joe Price... and he struck me out.

Curt Brown came in to pitch for us in the 9th. He gave up an infield hit to Lee Mazzilli but Kal Daniels hit into the second Priske - Castino - O'Malley double play.

We managed nothing into the bottom half and lost 7-0.

That isn't what I call making a move on the leaders.

We are back to .500. 31-31

June 18th, 1985

The Reds are going with Jay Tibbs (3-3, 3.73). The Giants are answering with Atlee Hammaker (5-6, 3.48)

I have gone 3 for 4 against Tibbs. Time to step up.

I started off the bottom of the 1st by blasting one to centre but Eddie Milner got there to catch it.

I made my first defensive play on the 2nd, taking a grounder by Tom Foley for the 2nd out and then another from Tracy Jones for the 3rd.

I got the 1st out in the 3rd off a pop-up by Tibbs. After that Kal Daniels hit a triple... but Kenny Oberkfell nailed him with the hidden ball trick! Kind of bush league... but kind of funny too.

I came up that inning with two out and nobody on and grounded out to Dan Driessen at 1st.

The Reds opened the scoring in the 4th. Eric Davis walked then stole 2nd. He tried to steal 3rd and Bob Brenly threw the ball away, allowing him to score.

Reds up 1-0

In the 5th Daniels hit an RBI single, scoring Bill Russell from 2nd.

Reds lead 2-0

In the 6th Alan Knicely hit a two-run homer. Nestor turned the game over to Bill Laskey at that point. He let the Reds go back-to-back, surrendering a solo homer to Foley.

Reds up 5-0

I came up with none out and Laskey on 2nd. I singled to shallow left, moving Bill to 3rd. Then Kenny O singled and I went to 3rd as Laskey scored. Chili Davis lined out to Foley at 2nd... but he dropped it! I scored on the error. Then Brenly doubled, scoring Kenny. Jeff Leonard flew out, but Bob moved up to 3rd. Terry Harper singled, scoring Brenly. Tom O'Malley doubled, scoring Harper. John Castino flew out but then Sixto Lezcano pinch hit for Laskey and walked. I singled, scoring O'Malley. They finally changed their pitcher, to Warren Brusstar. I stole 2nd... of course. Kenny O flew out.

Did you count along?

Giants lead 7-5!

A two hit inning is a good inning in my books! Plus an RBI and a run scored!

Mark David took the mound for us. He handled the 7th but in the 8th he allowed two singles to lead off and Nestor went to Scott Garrelts. (Double switching with Brian Harper taking over for Terry Harper in right.) Russell hit into a Priske - Castino - O'Malley double play. Knicely was still on 3rd, though. Scott walked Tracy Jones and then Lee Mazzilli got a pinch hit single, scoring Knicely. Daniels walked and the bases were juiced. Driessen hit a scorcher but Castino managed to snag it to end the threat.

Giants still up 7-6.

I came up that inning with two out and nobody on, now facing Ted Power. I struck out.

Ron Davis came in to close things out... but couldn't. Eric Davis homered off Ron's second pitch, tying the game. Will Clark came in as pinch hitter but grounded out to me. The next three batters all hit singles, loading the bases. Ron struck out Jones and pinch hitter Paul Householder to avoid giving the Reds the lead.

We loaded the bases in the bottom half but also could not score. Off to extras!

Pat Perry took the ball in the 10th. He walked Driessen but allowed nothing else.

That inning I came up with two out and nobody on, now facing Donnie Moore. I struck out.

I got the 1st out in the 11th - a ground out by Wade Rowdon - after Knicely had doubled. We got out of it.

In the 12th Daniels reached on a single, but another Priske - Castino - O'Malley double play took care of him and Driessen.

Then, there in the 12th, with me standing on-deck, Brian Harper singled, scoring Perry from 3rd and giving us a walk-off 8-7 win!

Big win!

32-31.

I went 2 for 6, which isn't nothing.

June 19th, 1985

The Reds are sending up Mario Soto (8-3, 3.10) and the Giants are countering with Terry Mulholland (4-5, 5.84)

So far against Soto I am 0 for 5. Yeah.

Them to change that.

I got in on the action right away, handling lead-off hitter Duane Walker's grounder for the 1st out.

I led off the bottom half by making good solid contact, lining it right to Soto. Bad luck. Bob Brenly hit a two out homer, though.

Giants up 1-0.

I got the 1st out of the 2nd too, taking a grounder from Alan Knicely. Then I did the same with Bill Russell's grounder for the 2nd out. Then the 2nd out in the 3rd inning, taking a Tracy Jones grounder. I was busy!

I came up in the 3rd with two out and nobody on. I broker that goose egg against Soto by blasting one to right centre and legging out a triple! Unfortunately I was left there.

Back at in the 4th, getting the 1st out of another Walker grounder and the 3rd out off a Bill Almon grounder.

In the 5th John Castino hit a solo homer! I came up with two out and nobody on and hit a deep fly pulled in by Eric Davis in centre.

Giants lead 2-0!

In the 6th I took yet another groundball, this one by Soto, for the 3rd out.
Later that inning, Soto walked Chris Brown with the bases loaded.

Giants lead 3-0!

The Reds came back in the 7th, A wild pitch scored Knicely. Then Russell scored Almon with a sac fly. I got Jeff tread way with a grounder for the 3rd out but the Reds were within one.

Giants up 3-2.

I cam duo that inning with one out and nobody on. Soto walked me. You know what is coming next. Stolen base #45. Stolen base #46. Sac fly by Chris Brown. Brenly and Terry Harper then hit back-to-back solo homers.

Giants up 6-2!

Mulholland finally had to leave in the 8th, after walking a couple. Scott Garrelts took over. He got out of it. In the 9th, though, he gave up three straight hits, scoring one, before giving way to Mark Davis. A wild pitch scored another. Treadway grounded out but another run scored. The Reds were within one run... but that is as far as they could get.

The Giants held on to win 6-5!

33-31

I went 1 for 3 with a triple, a walk, and a run scored. Oh, and two stolen bases.

The Reds have fallen behind the Dodgers, thanks to us.

Tomorrow we head down the coast to San Diego.

June 20th, 1985

We are in San Diego and the Padres are greeting us with Eric Show (6-4, 2.36). The Giants are bringing Jeff Robinson (4-6, 4.68)

I am 0 for 7 against Show.

We have won 2 in a row and the Padres are on a 6 game slide.


I led off the game and Show struck me out. 0 for 8.

Robinson struggled in the 1st, having up a 2-run single to John Kruk, a 1-run single to Chris Speier, a 1-run single to George Hinshaw, and a 1-run single by Alan Wiggins. (The last was unearned due to a Chili Davis error.)

Padres lead 5-0.

I led off the 3rd by flying out to Kevin McReynolds in centre. 0 for 9.
Chili homered.

Padres up 5-1.

Robinson left in the 4th after walking Hinshaw and striking out Show. Bill Laskey took over. He quickly gave up an RBI-single to Wiggins. We finished the inning off with a Castino - Priske - O'Malley double play.

Padres up 6-1.

I came up in the 5th with none out and Laskey on 1st. I struck out. 0 for 10. Oberkfell scored Laskey.

Padres up 6-2.

In the 7th Ken Smith pinch hit for Laskey and legged out an infield hit but then had to leave the game with an injured foot. I came up with Eddie Vargas on 1st and none out. Show was gone (thank god!) and I was facing Dave Rozema. I grounded out to Hinshaw at 1st, but at least I advanced the runner. Unfortunately, he did not cross.

Curt Brown took over pitching for us. He gave up a one out homer to McReynolds.

Padres lead 7-2.

I came up in the 9th with Sixto Lezcano on 1st and two out, facing Kent Tekulve. I grounded out to Gerald DeSimone at 2nd.

This was an all around bad game.

33-32

June 21st, 1985

Today in San Diego the Padres are pitching Mark Thurmond (5-3, 3.58) and we are sending up Colin Ward (4-1, 1.67).

Ward has been pretty hot since he was called up. Let's hope it continues.

Except... Nestor gave me the day off. He says it isn't play related.

Fran Mullins played short and went 0 for 4 with a walk.

We lost 5-3.

June 22nd, 1985

The Padres are going with Dave Dravecky (3-4, 5.43). We are sending up Mike Krukow (6-6, 3.19)

I have gone 0 for 3 vs Dravecky... and yes, I am back in the line-up.

I started things off by eliminating that o-fer, hitting a single to centre. I guess word is getting around because I tried to steal and was gunned down on a pitch-out.
Chili Davis knocked in Chris Brown to give us the lead.

Giants up 1-0.

I got the 2nd out of the Padres half, taking a grounder by Kevin McReynolds.

I led off the 3rd by dropping a ball into right for my second single. Brown singled behind me and John Kruk overran the ball in right, leaving us at 2nd and 3rd. I later scored on a grounder by Bob Brenly. Jeff Leonard scored Brown.

Giants up 3-0!

I came up in the 4th with two out and nobody on. Dravecky struck me out.

I got the 2nd out that inning, taking a pop-up by Terry Kennedy.

In the 5th Leonard plated Brown again!

Giants up 4-0!

Once again I got the 2nd out of the inning, taking a grounder from Ozzie Guillen. This time I also got the 3rd, snatching a liner off the bat of McReynolds.

I came up in the 6th with two out and Kenny Oberkfell on 2nd. I grounded out to George Hinshaw at 1st.

I got in the action right away in the bottom half, handling a Kruk grounder for the 1st out.

In the 7th with men on 1st and 2nd I took a grounder from Alan Wiggins to gun down pinch hitter Ron Roenicke at 2nd. A fielder's choice. Then Krukow balked, scoring Hinshaw from 3rd.

Giants lead 4-1.

After giving up a one-out walk in the 8th, Nestor lifted Krukow for Ron Davis. (He double switched with Terry Harper, bringing in Eddie Vargas to play right.) Ron got out of it.

I came up in the 9th, now facing Craig Lefferts, with none out and Vargas on 1st. I popped up to Hinshaw.

Ron Davis pitched a 1-2-3 9th and we won, 4-1.

34-33

I went 2 for 5.

After the game the club sent Brian Harper down to Phoenix and called Rob Deer back up.

June 23rd, 1985

Today the Padres are going with Tim Lollar (5-6, 4.28) and the Giants have Atlee Hammaker (5-6, 3.57).

I am 0 for 5 vs Lollar.

I thought I had an infield single to lead off but Chris Speier at third made a pretty nice play to throw me out.

In the bottom half I got the 2nd out - a grounder by Ozzie Guillen.

In the 2nd Speier knocked in Carmelo Martinez to open the scoring. Later Lollar knocked in Speier.

Padres up 2-0.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and nobody on. I grounded out to Speier again. In the bottom half I got the 1st our on another Guillen grounder.

We got not he board in the 5th who Kenny Oberkfell knocked Terry Harper in. I came up with two out and Kenny on 3rd. I grounder out to Alan Wiggins at 2nd.

Padres lead 2-1.

Later Wiggins scored on a Speier ground out.

Padres lead 3-1.

I got the 1st out in the 6th, handling a Ron Hodges grounder. Then I got the 2nd out in the 7th, retiring Guillen on a Kevin McReynolds fielder's choice. Mark Davis took over for Atlee that inning. (A double switch, bringing in Sixto Lexcano for Terry Harper.)
Speier grounded out to me to end the threat.

I came up in the 8th with one out and nobody on. I grounded out to George Hinshaw at 1st. I took a grounder from Ron Roenicke for the 1st out in the bottom half.

Bob Brenly knocked in a run in the 9th but we still fell short, losing 3-2.

Back to .500, 34-34

I got a goose egg.

Tomorrow is a travel day. Tuesday we are in Cincinnati.

June 25th, 1985

We are in Cincy to face the Reds. We are going with Jeff Robinson (4-7, 4.94). The Reds are using Mario Soto (8-4, 3.41).

I have gone 1 for 8 against Soto.

The Reds are in 2nd place in the division, ahead of us by 5 games.

Riverfront Stadium is very... red.

I started off the game but striking out... according to the ump. Bad call.

I came up again in the 3rd, with on out and Robinson on 1st. I hit one right up the 1st base line which got through for a double, moving Jeff to 3rd. Kenny Oberkfell then doubled, scoring both of us.

Giants lead 2-0!

In the 4th Tom Foley got an RBI single to narrow the lead.

Giants up 2-1.

I led off the 5th by striking out... this time for real.

I made my first defensive play that inning, taking a Tracy Jones grounder for the 1st out. Later, with Soto on 3rd and one out, Dan Driessen flew out to Terry Harper in right for what looked like a sac fly, but Terry managed to gun down Soto going home, even at the cost of his own body. He hurt his back and had to leave the game. Sixto Lexcano took his spot.

Bill Laskey took over on the mound for us in the 6th. He took the decision away from Robinson by allowing a sac fly by Eddie Milner to score Eric Davis and tie the game.

Game tied 2-2

I led off the 7th by taking a four pitch walk. After that the Reds brought in Ron Robinson to take over pitching duties.
Kenny O whiffed on a hit & run, but I swiped the bag for stolen base #47. They walked Chili Davis and then I stole 3rd for #48. Rob Deer struck out but Bob Brenly legged out an infield single as I scored.

Giants lead 3-2!

I handled the 2nd out of the inning, with another grounder from Jones.

Ron Davis came it to pitch the 8th after Laskey left for a pinch-hitter. I got the 3rd out for him, of a Bill Almon grounder.

I led off the 9th, now facing Donnie Moore, and I lined out to Kal Daniels in left.

Things got tense in the bottom of the 9th as Tom Foley hit a one out triple, representing the tying run. It didn't take long. Alan Nicely singled to cash him in. I started a Priske - Castino - Deer double header to end things and we were off to the 10th.

Game tied 3-3.

We couldn't get a run in the top half and Nestor turned it over to Mark Davis in the bottom half. He gave up a two out single to Bill Russell, but no damage.

In the 11th, with the bases empty and two out, Nestor pinch-hit for me with Ken Smith.

Back to this.

It turned out to be Foley again, in the bottom of the 11th who hit an RBI double to hand us a 4-3 loss.

We are down to 34-35.

I went 1 for 4 with a walk, two runs scored and two stolen bases but when the chips were down, Nestor didn't have faith in me.


Some exciting news for one of my teammates (and the team): Chili Davis signed a 4-year contract extension for $1.3 million. Good for Chili! Good for the Giants!

June 26th, 1985

In Cincy, facing the Reds.

The Giants are going with Terry Mulholland (5-5, 5.48).
The Padres are sending out Jeff Russell (4-3, 4.88).

This I like. I have gone 3 for 6 against Russell.

I lead off and grounded out to Tom Foley at 2nd... but he dropped the ball! Safe on error! I'll take it!
You know what comes next... stolen base #49.
Then Kenny Oberkfell doubled and I crossed for the first run of the game, only two batters in. Rob Deer knocked Kenny O home and we had the lead.

Giants up 2-0.

In the 2nd I came up with two out and John Castino on 2nd. This time I really grounded out to Foley.

I got the 1st out in the 3rd as payback, handling a Foley grounder. Later that frame Dan Driessen pushed Tracy Jones across to put the Reds on the board. Then Eric Davis got a game-tying single, scoring Kal Daniels.

Game tied 2-2.

In the 4th I came up with one out and Castino on 3rd and Mulholland on 1st. I did the worst possible thing... I grounded into a double play.

In the 5th Davis knocked Russell across and the Reds took the lead. I got the 3rd out to stop it from getting any worse on a diving stop off the bat of Bill Almon.

Reds lead 3-2.

The Reds' 6th: Single, Single, Single, Single, Walk, Single

At the point Nestor pulled Terry for Pat Perry.

Sac Fly, Walk, Single, Walk, Strikeout, Groundout. Six runs.

Reds lead 9-2.

In the 7th I came up with one out and pinch hitter Sixto Lezcano on 1st, now facing Frank Pastore. I singled into left. I was erased on a fielder's choice by Kenny O. We ended up not scoring.

Bill Laskey took the mound for us in the 7th.

I came up in the top of the 9th with one out and Castino on 1st, now facing John Franco. He struck me out.

We lost 9-2.

34-36

June 27th, 1985

Today we are sending Mike Krukow (7-6, 3.05) to face Joe Price (4-2, 3.83) of the Reds.

I am 0 for 2 vs Price.

I led off the game by smacking it into left centre.... it went to the wall and I just kept running! Stan-up triple! Chris Brown popped up by I managed to score on a Chili Davis ground-out.

Giants up 1-0!

The 2nd went even better!

Bob Brenly singled. Jeff Leonard walked. Terry Harper laid down a sac bunt and moved both of them up. Kenny Oberkfell walked to load the bases. Krukow struck out, bringing me up with two out. I managed to outrun an dinfiked hit for a single, scoring Brenly. Brown singled, scoring Leonard and Kenny O. Chili grounded out.

Giants up 4-0!

The Reds got on the board that frame when Eddie Milner hit a solo homer.

Giants lead 4-1.

I led off the fifth by hitting a scorching line drive that Tom Foley managed to snag.
I made my first defensive play that inning, taking a grounder by Alan Knicely for the 1st out. Unfortunately the Reds scored again off a Ron Robinson sac fly that scored Tracy Jones.

Giants lead 4-2.

I came up in the 7th with two out and nobody on, facing Robinson. I popped it up to Eric Davis in right to end the inning.

We got a couple more in the 8th, with both Leonard and Harper collecting RBI singles.

Giants up 6-2!

I came up in the 9th with one out and nobody on, facing Ted Power. I grounded out to Dan Driessen at 1st.

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch the 9th for us. He got in trouble right away, having up a single to Davis, walking Bill Almon, and an RBI double to Milner. Will Clark pinch hit and scored both runners with a double. The lead was now only one run, with none out.
Nestor called in Ron Davis. He struck out Knicely but then walked Jones. Bill Russell came up and hit to me... and I started a Priske/Oberkfell/Deer double play to end the game!

We won 6-5!

I went 2 for 5 with a single, triple, RBI, and run scored!

We are 35-36.

Elsewhere, Bert Blyleven got his 200th career win.

We are heading home and the Astros are coming to town. Time to make up some ground.