May 6th, 1988

Today the Giants are in Chicago and are sending up Frank Viola (4-1, 2.44) to face Greg Maddux (2-3, 3.64) and the Cubs.

I have gone 6 for 23 with a home run against Maddux.

I opened the game by flying out to Marvell Wynne in centre.

I then got the first out on the other side, grabbing a Billy Hatcher liner.

We struck first in the 3rd when Bob Brenly singled and then scored on a Brian Giles triple.
I came up with one out and Brian still on 3rd. I dropped one into left for an RBI single! With two out, stolen base #23. I stopped there.

Giants lead 2-0

I got the last out of the inning off a Maddux grounder.

I came up with two out in the 5th and I flew out to Wynne again.

In the bottom half Damon Berryhill scored on a Casey Candaele grounder.

Giants lead 2-1

I got the 2nd out in the 6th, off a Hatcher grounder. I then caught a pop up from Mike Brumley to end the inning.

With one out in the 7th Robby Thompson launched a solo shot.

Giants lead 3-1

I led off the 8th by grounding out to Candaele at 2nd.

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Berryhill and Candaele.

Mark Davis came in two lock it down in the 9th. I got him the first out off a Hatcher grounder. He ended up giving up a single but I caught a Larry Parrish pop for the final out and we had the win.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, an RBI, and a stolen base. My average is down to .384

May 7th, 1988

Today the Giants are sending up Rick Sutcliffe (3-2, 1.90) to face the Cubs and Jeff Robinson (2-3, 4.50).

The OTHER Jeff Robinson.

I have gone 0 for 4 against Robinson.

I led off the game by grounding out right back to Robinson.

In bottom of the 1st Brady Anderson scored on a Paul O'Neill fielder's choice.

Cubs lead 1-0

We got it back in the 2nd when Ruben Sierra scored on a Bob Brenly single. I ground out to end the inning.

Game tied 1-1

They grabbed the lead back in the 3rd when Billy Hatcher scored on an O'Neill single.

Cubs lead 2-1

I came up in the 4th with two out and Bob on 2nd. I walked on four pitches. Then Mike Aldrete singled and Bob scored!

Game tied 2-2

I came up next with none out in the 6th and Rick standing on 2nd. This time I got the four finger salute and was intentionally walked. (What a waste of time throwing the four pitches. Why not just announce that they are giving me the base?)
Mike followed with a single, scoring Rick. Then Chili Davis grounded out to the pitcher... but Robinson blew it! Everyone safe on his error!
Rob Deer then doubled, scoring all three of us! After that Rob scored on a single by Bob and Robby Thompson scored on a Brian Giles sac fly.

Giants lead 8-2

After ten guys got up last inning, I led off the 7th, now facing Steve Comer. I dropped one into left for a single. I tried to advance to 3rd on a single by Mike, but was gunned down.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half, off a Damon Berryhill grounder.

We got another in the 8th when Bob scored on a double by Brian.

Giants lead 9-2

I then caught a liner from pinch hitter Keith Miller for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.

With a comfy lead, Jim lifted me for a pinch hitter in the 9th.

The Cubs scored once more but we won, 9-3.

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

We are now tied with Atlanta, only a half game behind Houston for the division lead.

May 8th, 1988

We wrap up in Chicago today, with the Giants pitching Eric Show (4-2, 3.24) and the Cubs going with John Dopson (0-3, 5.79).

This is the first time we have faced Dopson.

I kicked things off by striking out.

I got the first out on the other side, erasing Billy Hatcher on a fielder's choice ball by Brady Anderson. Anderson ended up scoring on a Paul O'Neill single.

Cubs lead 1-0

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Brian Giles on 2nd. I grounded out back to Dopson, moving Brian to 3rd. He was not able to score.

In the bottom half I caught a Dave all liner for the final out.

In the 4th Rob Deer scored on a Ruben Sierra double to tie it up.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with two out in the 5th and grounded out to Mike Brumley at short.

The Cubs regained the lead that inning when Anderson scored on an O'Neill single again.

Cubs lead 2-1

I came up with two out in the 8th and flew out to O'Neill in right.

Scott Garrelts took over for us in the 8th. He got his guys but we were unable to score in the 9th and fell 2-1.

I went 0 for 4. I am now hitting .370

And the amazing thing is that I am disappointed that it has fallen so low.

Both Houston and Atlanta also lost so the standings remain the same.

Tomorrow we are in Pittsburgh!

May 9th, 1988

We had heavy delays heading into Pittsburgh. We made it in time for the game, but not much more!

I led off, facing Jeff Fassero. I struck out.

Bruce Ruffin was pitching for us. Bip Roberts led off with a triple and then scored on a Sid Bream sac fly.
I caught a Kirk Gibson pop for the 2nd out.

Pirates lead 1-0

In the 2nd I threw away what should have been the 3rd out. We have got to get it together.

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Fassero.

In the 3rd I threw away ANOTHER easy out. What is going on?
Roberts - who I should have thrown out - scored on a Ken Phelps single.
We should have gotten out of it with a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play, but Bream scored on the play. Then Gibson scored on a Brian Giles error.

Pirates lead 4-0

Bob Brenly tried to fire us up by hitting gone over the fence in the 4th.

Pirates lead 4-1

I finally made a play on a grounder, getting Charlie Montoyo for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th. I then got Roberts out for the 3rd out.

I led off the 5th by grounding out to Frank White at 2nd.
Chili Davis launched a solo shot.

Pirates lead 4-2

We lost what we had made up, and more, when Phelps hit a three-run homer in the 5th.
Andy McGaffigan came in after that.
He did no batter as White hit a two-run dinger.
We managed a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Pete Rice and Montoyo.

Pirates lead 9-2

I came up with two out in the 7th, now facing John Tuozzo. I grounded out to Montoyo at short.

Bobby Thigpen came in for us with one out and one on in the 8th.
I caught a Bream pop for out #2.

In the 9th Bob scored on a two out double by pinch hitter Chris Brown. I came up next and flew out to Phelps in right.

This disaster game is over. We lost 9-3. We made four errors, and two of those were me. I also went 0 for 5.

Tomorrow has got to be better than today.

May 10th, 1988

The Giants are looking to bounce back from yesterday's fiasco. They are sending Willie Fraser (0-1, 4.81) against the Pirates and Gil Heredia (0-1, 4.05).

We have never faced Heredia.

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

In the 2nd Robby Thompson doubled and scored on a Brian Giles double. I came up with two out and Brian still on 2nd. I broken me little slump with an RBI single! Stolen base #24. That was it.

Giants lead 2-0

I got the 2nd out in the bottom of the 3rd off a Bip Roberts grounder.

I came up in the 4th with two out and Willie on 1st. I hit one off the wall for an RBI double!

Giants lead 3-0

The Pirates got on the board in the bottom half, with Ken Phelps scoring on a Frank White double. Then White scored on a Leon Durham single. I handled a Benny Colvard grounder for the 3rd out.

Giants lead 3-2

In the 5th Chili Davis scored on a sac fly by Robby.

Giants lead 4-2

In the 6th I came up with one out and Brian on 1st. I flew out to Colvard in centre.

I took a Kirk Gibson grounder for the 1st out int he bottom frame.

I got the 2nd out in the 7th, taking a Durham grounder.

I came up in the 8th with two out and Willie on 1st. I lined out to Colvard again.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half off a grounder by pinch hitter Pat Tabler.

The 9th went well for us. Mike Alderete singled and stole 2nd. With one out, Ruben Sierra singled.. Then Rob Deer doubled, scoring Mike. Robby was walked intentionally. Bob Brenly singled, scoring Ruben. Brian reached on an error, and Rob scored. Robby scored on a sac fly by pinch hitter Brad Wellman. I struck out.

Giants lead 8-2

Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch the 9th. He gave up one hit but that was it and we had the game.

I went 2 for 6 with a single and a double, two RBI, and a stolen base.
My average is down to .354

We are now on to St.Louis.

May 11th, 1988

The Giants are in St.Louis and are pitching Frank Viola (5-1, 2.25) against the Cardinals and Rick Mahler (2-5, 2.74).

I have gone 3 for 16, .188 against Mahler.

I led off by outrunning a bouncer for an infield single. Stolen base #25. I moved to 3rd on a sac bunt by Mike Aldrete and then scored on a Chili Davis sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the final out in the 2nd off a Jose Uribe grounder.

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

In the 3rd Mahler scored on a Vince Coleman triple. Then Coleman scored on a single by Oddibe McDowell.

Cardinals lead 2-1

I came up with one out in the 6th and I walked. I went to 2nd on a wild pitch but stopped there.

In the bottom half McDowell smacked a solo homer.
I caught a Terry Pendleton pop for the 3rd out.

Cardinals lead 3-1

In the 7th Ruben Sierra scored on a Rob Deer single.

Cardinals lead 3-2

I got the 1st out in the bottom half off an Uribe grounder.

I led off the 8th by grounding out to Uribe at short.

In the bottom half McDowell hit his 2nd home run of the game.

Cardinals lead 4-2

And there it stayed.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, a run scored, and a stolen base.

May 12th, 1988

The Giants finish up in St.Louis today, with Rick Sutcliffe (4-2, 2.11), going against Danny Cox (2-4, 4.91) and the Cardinals.

I have gone 10 for 30 against Cox.

I opened the game by grounding out to Tom Herr at 2nd.

Mike Marshall clocked a two run homer in the 1st.

Cardinals lead 2-0

I led off the 3rd by flying out to Willie McGee in centre.
We got those runs back that inning as Mike Aldrete scored on an error and Ruben Sierra scored on a Rob Deer single.

Game tied 2-2

That was short lived as Andy Van Slyke hit a two run homer in the bottom half. Then Marshall made it back-to-back with his second blast.
I handled a grounder from Ruben Amaro to end the inning.

Cardinals lead 5-2

I came up in the 4th with two out and Brian Giles on 1st. Brian stole 2nd and then went to 3rd when I reached on an error by Marshall. We were both left.

Andy McGaffigan took over on the mound for us that inning.
I got the 2nd out for him off a Cox grounder. I then got the 3rd doing the same to Oddibe McDowell.

In the 5th Van Slyke scored on a wild pitch.

Cardinals lead 6-2

With one out and one on in the 6th, Goose Gossage took over for us, with a double switch that brought in John Rabb for Brian Giles at 3rd.
I made a great play on a Cox grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up in the 7th with John on 1st. I lined out to McDowell in left.

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

I caught a Terry Pendleton pop for the 1st out in the 8th.
With one out and one on, Bobby Thigpen took over.
Herr ended up scoring on a Tom Pagnozzi double. Then Pagnozzi scored on a single by pinch hitter Steve Balboni.

Cardinals lead 8-2

Bob Brenly led off the 9th against Tim Crews with a home run.
I came up with two out and I grounded out to Crews to end the game.

We lost 8-3.

I went 0 for 5.

Ugh.

Down to .341

And now we are heading home to face the red hot Mets.

May 13th, 1988

We are home to play the Mets. Today that means Sid Fernandez (6-0, 1.65). Yeah.

The Giants have Eric Show (4-3, 3.16).

I have gone 7 for 32 against El Sid, or .219.


I led off the home half by flying out to Gerald Young in centre.

I came up next in the 3rd with one out and Steve Stanicek on 3rd and Chris Brown on 2nd. (Both Ruben Sierra and Brian Giles had the day off today.) I flew out to centre but both guys moved up on the sac fly. Then Chris scored on a single by Mike Aldrete.

Giants lead 2-0

I made my first defensive play in the top of the 4th, catching a Darryl Strawberry pop up for the 1st out. We then got Kevin Mitchell and Wally Joyner with a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play.

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

In the 7th we got Strawberry and Mitchell with a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play.

In the bottom half Robby Thompson scored on a sac fly by Steve.

Giants lead 3-0

I led off the 8th, now facing Calvin Schiraldi. I grounded out to Hubie Brooks at short. Later that inning Mike scored on a wild pitch.

Giants lead 4-0

Strawberry led off the 9th with a home run.
Mark Davis came in after that.
Three batters later we had the 4-1 win.

We did what nobody else has been able to do so far this year - given Sid Fernandez a loss.

I went 0 for 3 with a sac fly RBI.

Down to .333

After that game we found out that Tom O'Malley was sent back to Phoenix and Alan Cockrell was called up.

There is talk that I might get the day off.

May 14th, 1988

It is the Giants vs the Mets.

Bruce Ruffin vs Dwight Gooden.

But I have the day off. That's okay. I was getting a little tired and could use recharge.



We got beat up, 8-2. And for some reason, Bruce pitched the whole game. What was up with that?

May 15th, 1988

We are finishing the series against the Mets today.

The Giants have Willie Fraser (1-1, 4.18) facing Pascual Perez (4-1, 1.80).

I have gone 4 for 21, or .190, against Perez.

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

Apparently my break wasn't enough. I handled a grounder from Hubie Brooks to lead off the 2nd and I threw it away for an error. He then scored on a Mel Hall single. Then Hall scored on a Gerald Young single with two out.

Two unearned runs because of my error.

Mets lead 2-0

In the 3rd Darryl Strawberry scored on a sac fly by Brooks.

Mets lead 3-0

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Willie on 2nd. I grounded out to Ray again, except he took a page from my book and made a bad throw, allowing me to reach safely. Willie went to 3rd. We got no further.

In the 4th Young and Ray scored on a Strawberry double.
Jim pulled Willie for Andy McGaffigan after that.
I took care of a Kevin Mitchell grounder for the 3rd out.

Mets lead 5-0

In the 5th Wally Joyner scored on a Hall groundout.

Mets lead 6-0

In the 6th Young scored on a triple by Ray. Then Ray scored on a wild pitch.
I caught a Brooks pop for the 3rd out.

Mets lead 8-0

I led off the bottom of the 6th with a four-pitch walk. Mike Aldrete singled and I moved to 2nd. We were left.

Bobby Thigpen took over pitching for us in the 8th.

I came up with one out in the 8th and I grounded out to Ray again.

Mike Easler pinch hit for Mike Aldrete and took over at 1st.

The score stayed at 8-0.

If we want to prove we are a top team in this league, those last two games just cannot happen.

But, maybe we aren't. 20-18. 4 games out of first. 4th place on the NL West.

Tomorrow the Phillies come to town. Time to turn things around.

May 16th, 1988

The Phillies are in town and are pitching Mike Morgan (3-2, 4.12).
The Giants are pitching Frank Viola (5-2, 2.53).

I am ice cold right now, but I have gone 2 for 2 against Morgan.

I led off the home half of the game by making that 3 for 3 with an infield single. With two out I went to 3rd when Rob Deer reached on an error to Von Hayes in centre. We were unable to cash in.

We got not he board in the 2nd when Bob Brenly doubled and scored on a Brian Giles single.
I came up with two out and Brian on 1st. I grounded out to Walt Weiss at short.

Giants lead 1-0

The Phillies got it back in the 3rd when Tim Raines launched a two run dinger.

Phillies lead 2-1

I made my first defensive play in the 5th, taking a Raines grounder for the 3rd out.

I then came up with one out and grounded out to Dwight Evans at 1st.

In the 6th Evans scored on a Bo Jackson triple.

Phillies lead 3-1

Scott Garrelts took over for us in the 8th after Frank left for a pinch hitter.
We walked Evans and then Jackson hit a home run.

Phillies lead 5-1

I led off the bottom of the 8th by grounding out to Ken Oberkfell at 3rd.

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th.
He gave up a run when pinch hitter Keith Hughes scored on a single by Alfredo Griffin. Then Evans hit a two run blast.

Phillies lead 8-1

And there it stayed.

This was not the turn around we needed.

I went 1 for 4 with a single. I am down to .324

May 17th, 1988

Today the Phillies are pitching Pete Smith (1-3, 4.40).
The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (4-3, 2.78).

I have never faced Smith

I led off the home half by grounding one back to Smith.

I got the 3rd out in the 2nd off a grounder from Alfredo Griffin.

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

We got on the board in the 4th when Mike Aldrete scored man wild pitch.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the 1st out in the 5th off a leadoff grounder by Ken Oberkfell.

I came up with two out in the 5th and grounded out to Smith again.

Rick gave up his first hit of the game in the 6th... and then the boys let him know we supported him, and how.

Our 6th went like this...

Mike Aldrete - single.
Ruben Sierra - fly out.
Rob Deer - single.
Robby Thompson - double, Mike scored.
Bob Brenly - double, both runners scored.
Alan Cockrell - groundout.
Brian Giles - intentional walk.
Rick Sutcliffe - unintentional walk.
Rusty Priske - two run single.
Mike - three run homer.
Ruben - strikeout.

Giants lead 9-0

I got pinch hitter Francisco Melendez's grounder for the 1st out in the 7th.
I then caught a Griffin pop for the 3rd out.

I handled a Walt Weiss grounder for the 1st out in the 8th.

In the 9th, Rick gave up his second hit, but that was it.

Big, BIG win!

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

May 18th, 1988

We finish up with the Phillies today and really want to maintain our momentum from yesterday.

The Phillies are pitching Kevin Gross (3-1, 1.97).
The Giants are going with Eric Show (5-3, 2.91).

I have not done well against Gross, going 6 for 31, or .194.

The Phillies struck early as Tim Raines scored on a Von Hayes single in the 1st.
I made a nice play on a Ken Oberkfell liner for the 3rd out.

Phillies lead 1-0

I led off our half by grounding out to Alfredo Griffin at 2nd.
A Mike Aldrete single and a Chili Davis home run put us ahead.

Giants lead 2-1

Bad news in the 2nd. Eric clearly had not been himself, throwing multiple wild pitches for one. After he struck out Walt Weiss he was clearly in pain and was taken from the game holding his side.

Andy McGaffigan took over for us.

I led off in the 3rd. I hit a nice one to centre but Hayes made a great grab to rob me of a hit.

Andy gave it everything he had, but he had to come out in the 5th, clearly exhausted. Goose Gossage took over in a double switch, bring in Chris Brown for Brian Giles at 3rd. Hayes doubled off him, letting Raines (the one inherited runner) to score to tie the game up.

Game tied 2-2

I led off in the 6th by striking out.

In the 7th Gross scored on a Raines double, giving Philadelphia the lead. Then Raines and Hayes scored on a Dwight Evans single.
Bobby Thigpen relieved for us.
I took an Oberkfell grounder for the 3rd out.

Phillies lead 5-2

Jeff Robinson took over for us in the 8th, after Bobby left for a pinch hitter.
I got the 2nd out for Jeff off a Weiss grounder.

I came up with two out in the 8th and reached on a n error to Evans at 1st. That was it.

I took a grounder from Evan for the 2nd out in the 9th, but pinch hitter Ricky Jordan scored can the play.

Phillies lead 6-2

And there it stayed.

Word that evening was that Eric's ab strain wasn't too serious, but his next start might be questionable.

I went 0 for 4. Down to .314

Tomorrow is an off day before the Expos come to town.

May 20th, 1988

As happens every year, my parents and grandparents have made the trip down to San Francisco from Victoria when the Expos are in town. I make sure they all have the latest gear even though I know my granddad is a Montreal fan.

The Expos are pitching Steve Avery (0-1, 5,25).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (3-4, 4.08).

Avery is a rookie with all of 12 major league innings to his credit.

We finished off the top of the 1st with a nice little Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Jose Offerman and Jose Oquendo out.

I then led off the bottom half by legging out an infield single.
I went to 2nd on a hit & run by Mike Aldrete, who was thrown out.
That's as far as I got.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Brian Giles on 1st. I lined out to Pedro Guerrero in left.

The 4th one tour way as Chili Davis led off with a single, followed by a Rob Deer walk and a Ruben Sierra single to load the bases. Chili scored on a Robby Thompson sac fly and then Bob Brenly hit a three-run homer!

Giants lead 4-0

I led off in the 5th, now facing Kenny Rogers. I flew out to Shane Mack in deep centre.

In the 6th we turned a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Mack and Guerrero to end the inning.

We turned the same play to end the top of the 7th, getting Chuck Jackson and Russ McGinnis.

I came up with one out in the 7th and I took a nine pitch walk. With two out I picked up stolen base #26. Chili walked and then Rob launched a three run bomb!

Giants lead 7-0

Bruce ended up with a complete game shut out, striking out eleven!

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, a run scored, and a stolen base.

May 21st, 1988

Today the Expos are pitching Bill Gullickson (0-0, 3.38).
The Giants have Frank Viola (5-3, 2.66).

I have done very well against Gullickson, going 4 for 9.

I hope to have a good day for the family.

The Expos went 3 up 3 down to open the game and then I came up. I struck out.

I made my first defensive play in the 3rd, off a Russ McGinnis grounder for the 2nd out.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and managed an infield single. I then picked up stolen base #27. I ended up scoring on a Child Davis single.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 5th I took a Chris Sabo grounder for the 1st out.

I came up that inning with none and Frank on 1st. I walked on five pitches. Then Gullickson was called for a balk and both of us move to scoring position. Frank scored on a sac fly by Chili but I was left on.

Giants lead 2-0

In the 6th I got Jose Offerman's grounder for the 2nd out. I then got the 3rd out in the 7th off a Rich Gedman grounder.

I came up with one out in the 7th and flew out to Chuck Jackson in right.

In the 8th Ruben Sierra singled and scored on a Bob Brenly single.

Giants lead 3-0

Oh boy. Then the 9th came. With a man on and two out Robby Thompson muffed what should have been the third out. Chuck Jackson followed with a game tying home run.
Mark Davis came in for us after that.
Things went no better for him. A walk followed by back to back singles and McGinnis crossed the plate.

Expos lead 4-3

I came up with one out in the 9th to face Mike Henneman. I lined out to McGinnis at 1st. We couldn't get the run back.

I feel for Robby. I have been there.

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

May 22nd, 1988

We finish up agains the Expos today and my family heads back right after the game. It was nice to see them. I just wish we were playing better.

Today the Expos are pitching Scott Bankhead (2-5, 3.31).

The Giants are answering with Rick Sutcliffe (5-3, 2.41).

I have gone 5 for 19 against Bankhead.

The Expos loaded them up in the 1st but Rick pitched out of it.

I led off our half by hitting one over the head of Russ McGinnis at 1st... or so I thought! He somehow managed to catch it!

In the 2nd Ruben Sierra doubled and scored on an Alan Cockrell single.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 3rd and I hit one to centre for a double! I was left there.

I was set to start a double play on a McGinnis ground ball in the 4th. Instead I dropped it for my 6th error of the year.
I was picked up by a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get McGinnis and Brian Dayett.

In the 6th Pedro Guerrero scored on a single by Dayett. Then Chris Sabo scored on a Chuck Jackson single. I ended the threat, handling a Bankhead grounder.

Expos lead 2-1

I led off the bottom half by dropping one into shallow centre for a single. Stolen base #28. Then, with one out, stolen base #29! That set up a game-tying single by Chili Davis!

Game tied 2-2

I got the 3rd out in the 7th off a Guerrero grounder.

I then got the 3rd out in the 8th of a Dayett pop.

I led off the bottom of the 8th by grounding out to Jose Oquendo at 2nd.

Mark Davis took over for us in the 9th.
He gave up the go-ahead run when pinch hitter Joey Cora scored on a double by Jose Offerman. Then Offerman scored on a Oquendo single.

Expos lead 4-2

We got them right back in the bottom of the 9th when Rob Deer and Alan scored on a single by pinch hitter Brad Wellman!
I flied out to end the inning and we were heading to the 10th!

Game tied 4-4

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch for us.
I got the 2nd out behind him off a McGinnis grounder.

The bottom of the 10th started with a double by Mike Aldrete. They intentionally walked Chili. Then Mitch Williams balked! Then they intentionally walked Rob. Then Ruben Sierra singled for the walk-off win!

Giants win 5-4!

I went 2 for 5 with a double, a single, a run scored, and two stolen bases!

I get to send my family home on a high note!

That night we got the good word... Rob Deer had signed a four year contract extension!

Also, the All-Star Ballot has come out! I want to make it two years in a row!

Tomorrow is a travel day and we are heading to New York.

May 24th, 1988

In New York to take on the Mets, and today that means Dwight Gooden (7-2, 2.73).

The Giants have Eric Show (5-3, 2.98).

I have gone 7 for 32, or .219, against Gooden.

I kicked off the game by striking out on three pitches.

I next came up with two out in the 3rd and I legged out an infield single, but got no further.

The Mets opened the scoring in the 4th when Gerald Young scored on a Kevin Mitchell groundout.

Mets lead 1-0

I made my first defensive play in the 5th, handling a Gooden grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up with one out in the 6th and hit one right in front of the plate which Carlton Fisk fielded and threw me out.

I took care of a Lenny Dykstra grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 6th. Then I caught a Darryl Strawberry pop for the 3rd.

We even things up in the 8th when Brian Giles led off with a home run.
I came up with one out and grounded out to Hubie Brooks at short.

Game tied 1-1

In the bottom half I took care of a Dykstra grounder for the 2nd out and a Strawberry grounder for the 3rd out.

When the Mets threatened to get the walk-off win, we answered with a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Johnny Ray and Brooks to end the inning and send us to the 10th.

In the 10th I came up with two out, now facing Randy Myers. I flew out to Dykstra in centre.

Mark Davis came in to pitch for us in the 10th. He allowed a couple of baserunners, but sent us to the 11th.

He pitched two and then Scott Garrelts came in to pitch in the 12th.

I led off the 13th against David Wells. I grounded out to Brooks again.

In the 14th Scott ran into a bit of trouble so Jim brought in Jeff Robinson and Steve Stanciek in a double switch, taking out Ruben Sierra. Jeff got the 3rd out and sent us to the 15th.

But it ended in the 15th when Dykstra scored on a single by William Max, who had been in the game since the 10th when Wally Joyner had been lifted for a pinch runner.

After a long game, we still got the loss.

I went 1 for 6 with just a single.

May 25th, 1988

Today the Giants are pitching Bruce Ruffin (4-4, 3.48) against Pascual Perez (5-1, 1.66) and the Mets.

The New York rotation is pretty much an All-Star team.

I have gone 4 for 24 against Perez. .167

I opened up the game by improving that with a double into the left field corner!
I then scored on a Mike Aldrete double!

Giants lead 1-0

I got in on the action defensively right away as well, handling Gerald Young's ground error the 1st out in the bottom half.

I came up in the 2nd with two out, Robby Thompson on 3rd, and Brian Giles on 2nd. I grounded out back to Perez on the first pitch.

The Mets evened it up in the 2nd when Darryl Strawberry scored on a Wally Joyner double.

Game tied 1-1

I took a Lenny Dykstra grounder for a fielder's choice in the 3rd. Then a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play got Dykstra and Kevin Mitchell.

In the 5th I came up with one out and Bruce on 3rd after his triple! I popped out to Joyner at 1st.

In the bottom half Perez scored on a Dykstra groundout.

Mets lead 2-1

We got it back, and more, in the 6th. Ruben Sierra reached with a two out single. Then Robby Thompson double, scoring Ruben. Bob Brenly walked and then Brian doubled, scoring both runners. He then scored on a double by Bruce. Clavin Schiraldi struck me out to end it.

Giants lead 5-2

In the 8th Young scored on a Strawberry single.
Jeff Robinson received for us after that. He got the 3rd out.

Giants lead 5-3

I led off the 9th against Kevin Brown. I reached on an error by Hubie Brooks at short. Mike then hit into a double play.

We got a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Johnny Ray and Mel Hall, but Joyner scored on the play. Then Jeff just can't get the last out. Single by pinch hitter Greg Vaughn. Single by Young. Two run double by Dykstra for the walk-off.

We lost 6-5

I went 1 for 5 with a double and a run scored.

May 26th, 1988

Finishing up in New York today.

The Mets have got Ron Darling (4-4, 3.05).

The Giants are going with Frank Viola (5-3, 2.37).

I have gone 3 for 27 against Darling.

I led off the game by grounding out back to Darling.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and singled through the left side. Stolen base #30. Then I scored on a Mike Aldrete triple!

Giants lead 1-0

I got the last out on the inning of a nice snag of a Wally Joyner liner.

I led off the 5th by striking out.
We got another run that inning when Chili Davis scored on a Rob Deer single.

Giants lead 2-0

I got the first out in the bottom half off a Johnny Ray grounder.

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

I came up with two out in the 9th, now facing Jesse Orosco. I grounded out to Ray at 2nd.

We are able to hold and Frank got a complete game shutout. He was the star of the day on TSN!

I went 1 for 5 with a single, a run scored, and a stolen base.
Down to .304

After the game we found out that Brad Wellman was being placed on waivers so that Tom O'Malley could come back up.

Brad has survived this game before. I hope this works out for him.

May 27th, 1988

Today the Giants are in Philadelphia to take on the Phillies.

The Phillies are pitching Erik Hanson (2-3, 4.05).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (5-3, 2.15).

I have done well against Hanson, going 6 for 18 with a home run.

I led off the game by working a walk. Unfortunately I ran into a pitch out and was thrown out trying to steal.

I made my first defensive play in the 3rd, taking a Tim Raines grounder for the 3rd out.

I then led off the 4th by grounding out to Alfredo Griffin at 2nd.

I got my old teammate Kenny Oberkfell for the 2nd out in the 5th. I then got a similar groundout from Ron Hassey for the 3rd out.

I came up with one out in the 6th and Rick on 1st. I grounded into a double play.

I got the 2nd out in the 7th off a fielder's choice ball by Von Hayes.

I came up with two out in the 9th. We still didn't even have a hit, but the score was tied 0-0. Hanson had walked four, though, and he gave me a base without doing either - I was hit by a fastball.
I showed I was fine by stealing base #31. I was left there.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half, off a Griffin grounder, but Raines moved to 3rd. Rick pitched out of it and we were going to the 10th.

Chili Davis broke up the no-hitter in the 10th. I almost feel bad for Hanson.
Almost.
They pulled him after that. Trying to preserve his arm, I imagine.

Iron Rick is still pitching, though.

I came up in the 11th with two out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. Clint Jenkins was on the mound. I got the four fingered salute. Intentional walk.
We were both left.

I guess 10 innings was enough for Rick, as Mark Davis came in for the 11th.

In the 12th Chili walked and scored on a Rob Deer double.

Giants lead 1-0

Mark then gave up back-to-back singles. I made a great play on a Walt Weiss grounder to get the first out and keep anyone from scoring.
Then pinch hitter Ron Cey hit one to deep centre for what looked like a single sac fly but Alan gunned down Bo Jackson at the plate to end the game!

What a win!

I went 0 for 2 with a pair of walks, a hit-by-pitch, and a stolen base.

Rick Sutcliffe was named the top star of the day across the league. Erik Hanson was #2. (Honestly, I think those were backwards.)

After an amazing play by Alan Cockrell, he was sent back to AAA to make room for reliever Greg Litton.