June 20th, 1988

We are back home and the Padres are in town.

They are pitching Mark Langston (7-6, 2.49).

The Giants have Frank Viola (9-4, 2.15).

I have gone only 7 for 35, or .200, against Langston.

I led off the home side by flying out to Junior Felix in centre.

I made a nice play for the 1st out in the 3rd, snagging a Felix grounder and stealing a hit away.

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

I got the 3rd out in the 6th, off a grounder by Armando Verdugo.

I came up with two out in the 6th and struck out. (Langston's eleventh of the game.)

With two out in the 8th, Frank ran out of gas and Jim went to Scott Garrelts.

In the 9th Mark Davis came in, along with Tom O'Malley for Brian Giles in a double switch.
There was still no score.

I came up with one out in the 9th and I flew out to Tony Gwynn in right.

We got the first two out in the 10th off a nice Davis - Priske - Aldrete double play,
The Padres followed with a Gwynn double and a John Kruk single to get the first run of the game.

Padres lead 1-0

Mark Langston left the game with two out in the 9th, so he fell just short of a ten inning, one hit shutout. The Padres still won though.

I went 0 for 4.

Greg Litton and Alan Cockrell swapped places again.

Which one is where now? I have lost track.

June 21st, 1988

We are hosting the Padres and they are pitching Richard Dotson (0-4, 4.47).

The Giants have Willie Fraser (2-3, 4.66).

I have gone 6 for 19, or .316, against Dotson.

I took care of a Tony Gwynn grounder for the 3rd out in the 1st.

I then came up to bat and lined one into right for a base hit. Stolen base #57. I advanced to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete groundout but was unable to score.

In the 2nd I caught a looper by Ozzie Guillen for the 2nd out.
I then handled a Dwayne Murphy grounder for the 3rd.

I took care of a Rick Cerone grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.

I came to bat with two out in the 3rd and I grounded out to Harold Reynolds at 2nd.

In the 6th I got the 2nd out off a fielder's choice by Guillen.

I came up in the 6th with one out and Willie on 1st. I flew out to Carmelo Martinez in left.

Scott Garrelts took over on the mound for us in the 8th, with the game still scoreless.
That changed quickly as Gwynn scored on a sac fly by Martinez. Then John Kruk scored on a double by Guillen.
We ended the inning with a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Murphy and Cerone.

Padres lead 2-0

Jeff Robinson took over for us in the 9th.
Reynolds scored on a Gwynn double. Then Gwynn scored on a Kruk single.

Padres lead 4-0

I led off the 9th by reaching on an infield single, but Mike then hit into a double play.

We managed another hit, but were never able to score.

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

We have dropped below the Dodgers into 2nd place in the division.

We got some good news after the game. Atlee Hammaker has been activated from the 60-day DL and sent on a rehab assignment to Phoenix.

June 22nd, 1988

Today is the end of the three game set against the Padres.

They are pitching Bryn Smith (1-8, 4.59).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (8-4, 2.25).

I have gone 4 for 22, or .182, against Smith.

Rick is still suffering from a bit is a hamstring issue, but he says he will be fine.

I led off the home side by grounding out to Harold Reynolds at 2nd.

I made the second out int he 2nd off an Armando Verdugo grounder.

I then caught a Carmelo Martinez pop for the 3rd out in the 3rd.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Steve Stanicek on 1st. Steve was thrown out trying to steal with me at the plate. I grounded out back to Smith.

I took care of an Ozzie Guillen grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.

In our half of the 4th, Chili Davis clocked a home run to put us in front.

Giants lead 1-0

The Padres got it back in the 5th when Reynolds scored on a double by Martinez.

Game tied 1-1

I made a nice play on a Verdugo grounder for the 1st out in the 6th.
But then Junior Felix scored on a Reynolds triple.

Padres lead 2-1

I came up with one out in the 6th and I hit one down the right field line for a double. I went to 3rd on a groundout by Mike Aldrete but was left there.

I handled a Tony Gwynn grounder for the 1st out in the 7th.

Mark Davis took over for us in the 9th.
I got the 1st out for him off a grounder by pinch hitter Rick Cerone.
With two out the Padres widened their lead when Randy Ready hit a solo shot.

Padres lead 3-1

I led off the 9th against Lance McCullers. I struck out.
The guys behind me did no better and we lost the game.

I went 1 for 4 with a double. I am currently hitting .301

After that, Alan Cockrell was sent back down and Brad Wellman was called back up.

Tomorrow is a travel day and we are heading to Houston. The Astros lead the division but it is a tight three team race with us and the Dodgers.

June 24th, 1988

We are in the Astrodome.

The Astros are pitching John Candelaria (9-3, 2.90).

The Giants have Eric Show (6-4, 2.88).

I have gone 5 for 22, or .22, against Candelaria.

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

I got the 2nd out in the 2nd off a Dickie Thon grounder. After that, though, Dave Gallagher scored on a Candelaria single.

Astros lead 1-0

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Brian Giles on 2nd. I popped out to Doran.

Craig Biggio led off in the 4th with a no-doubter.
I got the 3rd out off a Candelaria grounder.

Astros lead 2-0

I then got the 1st out in the bottom of the 5th off a Doran grounder.

I came up with two out in the 6th and grounded out to Glenn Davis at 1st.

I then came up with two out in the 9th and walked to bring the potential tying run to the plate. Mike Aldrete struck out and we were shut out.

Candelaria pitched a one hitter.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk.

That is four losses in a row for us and we have now dropped below the Padres into 4th as they have won four in a row.

June 25th, 1988

Another game in the Astrodome.

Which I like, by the way. I would love to not have to lather on sunscreen every time I play...

Houston is pitching Manny Hernandez (6-7, 4.31).

The Giants have Frank Viola (9-4, 2.02).

I have gone 2 for 10 against Hernandez.

I kicked off the game by sending one up the middle for a single.
I went to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete single and scored on a Chili Davis single.
Mike ended ups coring on a Ruben Sierra single and then both Chili and Robby Thompson scored on a Chris Brown single.

We hit around.

Giants lead 4-0

I led off again in the 2nd and I grounded out to Bill Doran at 2nd.

The Astros got on the board in the 3rd when Tim Jones scored on a Jim Dwyer single.

Giants lead 4-1

I came up with one out in the 4th and grounded out to Doran again.

That inning Craig Biggio scored on a Dave Gallagher double.

Giants lead 4-2

I came up in the 6th with two out and Chris on 2nd and Frank on 1st. I grounded out to Jones at 3rd.

That inning Biggio scored on a Jones groundout.

Giants lead 4-3

It was getting close but in the 7th Chili scored on a single by Robby. Rob Deer scored on an error. Bob Brenly hit a two run homer.

Giants lead 8-3

I finally had a defensive play in the 7th, snagging a hot Doran liner for the 1st out. I then handled a Dwyer grounder for the 2nd.

I led off the 8th, now facing David Wilhelmi. I hit one off the plate that BIggio fielded and threw me out.

I caught a Gallagher pop for the 1st out in the bottom half.
I then caught a Dickie Thon flare for the 2nd.

Frank gave up a hit to the first batter in the 9th and Jim went to Andy McGaffigan. He got his three, including a third out grounder by Harold Baines handled by yours truly, and we had broken our losing streak!

I went 1 for 5 with a single and run scored. I am hitting .296

We lost a guy today, as Frank Williams was claimed off waivers by the Cubs.

June 26th, 1988

We are in Houston under the Dome again today.

The Astros are pitching Mike Scott (9-3, 2.74).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (8-4, 3.05).

I have gone 7 for 36, or .194, against Scott.

I led off the game by grounding out to Glenn Davis at 1st.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half off a Craig Biggio fielder's choice.

The Astros opened the scoring in the 2nd when Davis scored on a Dave Gallagher single. Then Harold Baines scored on a Dickie Thon single. Gallagher scored on a Tim Jones double. Thon scored on a throwing error by Brian Giles. Jones scored on a double play. Jim Dwyer and Biggio scored on a Davis double.
Jim went to Andy McGaffigan. Bruce gave up seven runs, but only three were earned.
I took care of a Gallagher grounder for the 3rd out.

Astros lead 7-0

I came up in the 3rd with Andy on 1st. I struck out.

I got the final out of the inning of a grounder by Scott.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Andy on 1st. I got clipped by a slider and was given 1st. We both moved up when Mike Aldrete hit a groundout but got no further.

After replacing Chris Brown as a pinch hitter, Tom O'Malley stayed in to play 3rd in the 7th. Bobby Thigpen also took over on the mound.

I led off the 8th with a single to shallow centre. I scored on a pinch hit double by Mike Easler. Mike scored on a Chili Davis triple and Chili scored on a Robby Thompson sac fly.

Astros lead 7-3


I came up in the 9th with two out and Tom on 3rd. They brought Jeff Heathcock in to face me. I grounded out to Bill Doran at 2nd to end the game.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a run scored, and a hit-by-pitch.

We got an All-Star Voting update. I am still leading at my position and Chili is running a close 2nd at his.

Now we are heading to Atlanta.

June 27th, 1988

From a place in the National League I really like to play (not that I want to leave the Giants, mind you), to a place I would never want to play.

The Braves were the name of my high school teams back in Victoria, but at least there we didn't do the 'tomahawk chop'.

Today the Giants are pitching Rick Sutcliffe (8-5, 2.25).

The Braves have Len Damian (4-3, 2.40).

I don't have a lot of experience against Damian, going 2 for 8.

I led off the game by dropping one into right centre for a single. With one out I got stolen base #58. I was left.

Atlanta got to us quickly when Gary Sheffield and Milt Thompson scored on a Ken Griffey Jr. double with none out. A walk and a single loaded them up and then Rick threw a wild pitch, letting Griffey score. I finally got a Jeff Blauser grounder for the 1st out, but Ron Gant scored on the play. Andres Galarraga then scored on groundout.

Braves lead 5-0

In the 2nd I struck out and then handled a Griffey grounder for the 3rd out in their half.

I came up with two out in the 5th and flew out to Thompson in right.

Goose Gossage took over on the mound for us that inning.
He pitched two scoreless innings for us and then turned it over to Bobby Thigpen.

I led off the 8th by hitting one to left for a single. I was replaced when Mike Aldrete hit into a fielder's choice.

In the bottom half Griffey hit a solo shot off Bobby.
I took care of a Galarraga grounder for the 3rd out.

Braves lead 6-0

We were shut out.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles and stolen base.

Alan Cockrell up. Greg Litton down... and Brad Wellman still wasn't claimed by anybody.

June 28th, 1988

Second game in Atlanta. The Braves are pitching Sergio Valdez (0-1, 0.67).

The Giants have Willie Fraser (2-3, 4.05).

I have faced Valdez a grand total of once, going 0 for 1.

I led off the game by making that 1 for 2 with a single to right. Stolen base #59 and then Mike Aldrete walked to fill the base behind me. I went to 3rd on a Chili Davis fly ball and scored on a Rob Deer sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up again in the 2nd, with two out and Willie on 1st. I flew out to Ken Griffey Sr. in left.

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Ron Gant and Griffey Sr. to end the inning.

I came up with one out in the 5th and flew out to Griffey Sr. again.

In the bottom half I caught a sky high pop up by Jeff Blauser for the 2nd out.

As he walked off the field, we could see Willie looking at his hand. Then he was talking to the trainer who indicated the the was done. It seems that he developed a blister on his finger.

Goose Gossage and Steve Stanicek both came in with a double switch, with Alan Cockrell leaving along with Willie.

Unfortunately Goose gave up a leadoff triple to Gary Sheffield, who then scored on a Milt Thompson sac fly. Then Gant scored on a single by Andres Galarraga. I took care of a Griffey Sr. grounder for the 3rd out.

Braves lead 2-1

I came up in the 7th with one out and Brian Giles on 1st. While I was at the plate, Brian stole 2nd AND 3rd (his 6th and 7th stolen base).
I struck out.

Ruben Sierra took over in CF for us after pinch hitting for Steve.

In the 8th Scott Garrelts was brought in for Goose with one out and a man on.

He pitched out of it but we weren't able to score in the 9th and lost 2-1.

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

We are three games behind the Astros and in 4th in the division. This is not what we were expecting this year.

June 29th, 1988

We are finishing up in Atlanta today.

The Giants are going with Eric Show (6-5, 2.84).

The Braves are pitching Tom Glavine (6-6, 3.62).

I have done decently well against Glavine, going 9 for 33, or .273, with a home run.

I kicked off the game by outrunning a dribbler back to Glavine for an infield single. I advanced to 2nd on a Mike Aldrete single. I went to 3rd on a double play by Chili Davis. That's as far as I got.

In the 2nd I made a pretty good play to turn a hit into a groundout by Ken Griffey Sr. for the 1st out.
Later that frame, Jeff Blauser scored on a Nelson Santovenia single.

Braves lead 1-0

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

I took care of a Milt Thompson grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.

The 4th went pretty well for us.

With one out, Rob Deer singled.
Ruben Sierra singled.
Robby Thompson hit into a fielder's choice, moving Rob to 3rd but now there were two out.
Alan Cockrell singled, scoring Rob.
Brian Giles doubles, scoring Robby and Alan.
Eric singled, scoring Brian.
I doubled, scoring Eric.
Mike walked and both of us were left on.

Giants lead 5-1

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Brad Komminsk and Santovenia.

I got the 1st out in the 5th off a Gary Sheffield grounder.

I came up with one out in the 6th, now facing Marty Clary. I flew out to Milt Thompson in right.

I got the last out in the inning off a Komminsk grounder.

I came up in the 8th with two out and Alan on 3rd. Ken Dayley was pitching. I grounded out to Andres Galarraga at 1st.

In the bottom half Ron Gant hit a solo homer.
I got the 3rd out off a Blauser grounder.

Giants lead 5-2

Mark Davis came in to close things out in the 9th.
I got him the 1st out, handling a Komminsk grounder. Santovenia walked but Jerome Walton hit into a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to end the game.

I went 2 for 5 with a pair of singles and an RBI.

Tomorrow is a day off as we head home to face the Pirates.

In time for that game, Alan Cockrell is heading back to Phoenix and Greg Litton is rejoining us.

July 1st, 1988

It is Canada Day in San Francisco. Well, it is for me, as the only Canadian on the roster.

The Pirates are in town and they are pitching Gil Heredia (1-7, 4.09).

The Giants are going with ace, Frank Viola (10-4, 2.10).

I have gone 2 for 5 against Heredia.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by flying out to Benny Collard in centre.

I next came up in the 3rd with two out and Frank on 1st. I singled to right, moving Frank to 2nd. We got no further.

I then came up with one out in the 6th and grounded out to Frank White at 2nd.

I finally had a defensive play in the 7th, taking a grounder from Heredia for the 3rd out. (Of course there were less defensive plays to go around as Frank had struck out eleven by this point.)

With all this strikeouts, despite pitching a two hit shutout Frank reached his limit and Jim went to Scott Garrelts to pitch the 8th.

...and changianpitcher's in a scoreless duel will usually cost you, and it did. Bip Roberts and Kirk Gibson scored on a single by White.

Pirates lead 2-0

I came up with one out in the 9th and grounded out to White again.
I wanted that one back as Mike Aldrete followed me with a home run.

That was it. We lost 2-1.

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

July 2nd, 1988

Today the Pirates are pitching Jose DeLeon (12-4, 3.09).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (8-6, 2.53).

I have done pretty well against DeLeon, going 8 for 24.

I led off the home side by walking on five pitches. With two out I got stolen base #60 but was left there.

I got the 3rd out in the 3rd, catching a Bip Roberts liner.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Brian Giles on 3rd. I grounded out to Pat Tabler at 1st and was unable to get the run in.

The Pirates opened the scoring in the 4th when Charlie Montoyo crossed on a Jody Davis single.

Pirates lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 6th and flew out to Benny Colvard in centre.

With one out and one on in the 7th, Jim went to Jeff Robinson.
With two out I flubbed what should have been an easy pop by Ken Phelps.
Thankfully it didn't lead to any runs.

Chili Davis led off our half of the 7th with a homer.

Game tied 1-1

In the 8th Pat Tabler answered with a two run dinger.
I handled a Colvard grounder for the 1st out.
DeLeon scored on a Roberts triple.
That was it for Jeff and Bobby Thigpen relieved.

Pirates lead 4-1

I came up in the 8th with two out and pinch hitter Chris Brown on 1st. I flew out to Colvard again.

Mark Davis came in for us in the 9th.
I got the 1st out for him off a Davis grounder.

We weren't able to score in the 9th and lost again.

We are five games off the pace, with the Padres in first.

The door revolved again with Alan Cockrell coming up and Greg Litton going down.

July 3rd, 1988

We are trying to salvage a game against the Pirates. We need to stop the bleeding.

The Pirates are pitching Bob Walk (7-4, 2.90).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (8-5, 3.26).

I have done very well against Walk, going 6 for 12 with a home run.

I led off the home half by taking Bob up on his name. Walk.
With two out I got stolen base #61 but got no further.

We opened the scoring int he 2nd when Alan Cockrell and John Rabb scored on a Brian Giles double.
I came up with two out and grounded out.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off in the 5th and I flew out to Pete Rice in centre.

In the 6th we made a nice Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Kirk Gibson and Ken Phelps to end the inning.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Brian on 2nd. John Cooke was pitching. I grounded out to Sid Bream at 1st, but at least I advanced the runner. He did not end up scoring.

I got the 2nd out in the 8th off a Bip Roberts grounder.
With two out and a man on, Jim went to Scott Garrelts, despite Bruce pitching a shut out.
He gave up a hit but got out of it.

In the bottom half, Rob Deer belted a solo homer.

Giants lead 3-0

Jim let Scott try to get the save but with two out he loaded the bases, and Jim went back to Mark Davis. Roberts grounded a roller to me for the 3rd out.

We had the win!

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

After the game I checked out the new Top Prospect list to see what we had coming up. Our top prospects are pitching heavy.

#20 - John Burkett
#25 - Kevin Tapani
#35 - Al Leiter
#40 - Butch Henry

Our non-pitchers are all lower

#56 - Mark Lewis - 2B
#74 - Tim Naehring - 2B
#77 - Rudy Pemberton - LF

For the 4th of July game, Alan Cockrell was gone for Greg Litton again.
The Cubs are in town for the fireworks.

July 4th, 1988

As per usual, I keep my thoughts about American national pride to myself on the Fourth of July. The party atmosphere is pretty nice, no matter what the reason.

The Cubs are in town to face us and they brought Dan Freed (4-9, 4.60).

The Giants are pitching Eric Show (7-5, 2.80).

We started off in style with a sweet Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Mike Brumley and Larry Parrish to end the top of the 1st.

Then I led off our side, as per usual. This time I walked on six pitches. With one out Chili Davis singled, moving me up a base. With two out, Robby Thompson smashed a two run triple! Robby then scored on a Bob Brenly single.

Giants lead 3-0

The Cubs got on the board in the 2nd when Billy Hatcher tripled and then scored on a wild pitch. We ended the inning with another Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Tom Foley and Keith Miller.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up that inning with one out and Brian Giles on 2nd. I flew out to Dave Martinez in centre, but advanced the runner. He didn't end up scoring.

I led off in the 5th and grounded out to Foley at 2nd.

I got the 3rd out in the 6th, catching a Paul O'Neill pop.

I came up in the 7th with two out and Steve Stanicek on 2nd. I got the four finger salute - intentional walk.
It worked. We were both left on.

The Cubs struck in the 8th, with pinch hitter Marvell Wynne scoring on a double by Martinez.

Giants lead 3-2

Mark Davis came in to hold that lead in the 9th. I got the 2nd out for him, catching a Miller pop up. A perfect inning and he had the save and we had the win.

A good day for some fireworks!

I went 0 for 2 with a pair of walks (one intentional), and a run scored.

After the game Alan Cockrell was recalled, but this time it was Tom O'Malley who was sent down.

July 5th, 1988

It is the Cubs again today, of course. They are pitching Bill Krueger (2-3, 3.69).

The Giants are going with Willie Fraser (2-3, 3.70).

Robby Thompson is the only one of us who has faced Krueger before.

The Cubs struck in the bottom of the 1st when Otis Nixon scored on a Paul O'Neill fielder's choice.

Cubs lead 1-0

I led off our side by hammering one to left for a single. I went to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete double. We both scored on a one-out single by Rob Deer.

Giants lead 2-1

The Cubs got it back in the 2nd when Keith Miller scored on a Chris Speier groundout.

Game tied 2-2

I came up with one out in the 2nd and outrun a dribble to 3rd for an infield single. I went to 2nd on a groundout by Mike and then scored on a single by Chili Davis.

Giants lead 3-2

The 3rd went pretty well for us.
Ruben Sierra walked.
Robby singled, moving Ruben to 3rd.
Alan Cockrell singled, scoring Ruben.
Chris Brown walked, loading the bases.
Willie doubled, scoring all three base runners.
Jim Niedlinger relieved to face me.
I walked.
Mike laid down a sac bunt to move Willie and I up a base.
Niedlinger balked, scoring Willie.
Chili singled, scoring me.

Giants lead 9-2

I made a great play on a Miller grounder for the 3rd out in the 4th.

In the bottom half Robby scored on a single by Willie. That's four RBI for him!
I came up with two out and Willie on 1st. I grounded out to Larry Parrish at 1st.

Giants lead 10-2

I handled a Speier grounder for the 2nd out in the 5th.

In our half of the 5th, Rob smacked a two-run dinger.

Giants lead 12-2

I came up in the 6th with two out and Chris on 3rd. I lined out to O'Neill in right.

In the 7th, Rob homered again!

Giants lead 13-2

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

Willie ended up finishing the game in under a hundred pitches.

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

That was just what our bats needed! Lighting a fire!

Alan was sent back down, of course, with Tom O'Malley coming back up.

July 6th, 1988

We wrap up against the Cubs today, hoping for the same kind of belated fireworks that we provided yesterday.

Chicago is bringing John Dopson (3-6, 4.09).

The Giants have Frank Viola (10-4, 2.00).

I have gone 0 for 4 against Dopson.

The Cubs struck early, with Otis Nixon and Dave Martinez scoring on a one out double by Paul O'Neill. He then scored on a sac fly by Billy Hatcher. Then then loaded the bases before we got out of it.
Frank is not at his best, apparently.

Cubs lead 3-0

I led off for us and walked on five pitches.
I advanced to 2nd on a deep flyball by Mike Aldrete.
I then got stolen base #62.
I ended up scoring on a single by Rob Deer.

Cubs lead 3-1

We finished the top of the 2nd with a nice Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Nixon and Larry Parrish.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Frank on 1st. I grounded out to Parrish at 1st.

I got the 3rd out in the 4th, catching a pop by Martinez.

I led off in the 5th by grounding out to Nixon at 3rd.

I came up next with two out in the 7th. I walked on four straight.
I went to 3rd on a single by Mike.
We were both left on.

In the 8th Robby Thompson scored on a Steve Stanicek sac fly.

Cubs lead 3-2

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th for us.
I got the 2nd out behind him off a Dave Stegman grounder.

I led off our last chance, facing their closer, Bill Long.
I singled and took an extra base when Marvell Wynne played a little sloppily in left.
I went to 3rd on a Chili Davis groundout... but that was two. Rob Deer grounded out to short and I was left ninety feet away.

We lost 3-2.

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

Alan Cockrell is back. Tom O'Malley is down.

Some pre-deadline deals are happening. What about us? We may be in 4th but we are still in the thick of it.

We have tomorrow off and then the Cardinals are coming to town.

July 8th, 1988

The Cardinals are here and we are ready to go!

They are pitching Rick Mahler (8-8, 2.83).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (8-6, 2.48).

I have gone 4 for 19, or .211 against Mahler. Time to make that a little better.

The Cards struck right away with Willie McGee scoring on an Andy Van Slyke single.
I made a good play to get Mike Marshall for the 2nd out grounder.

Cardinals lead 1-0

I led off our half by taking a pitch too far inside on the very first pitch. I was hit and awarded 1st. I then got stolen base #63 despite running on a pitch out. With one out I got stolen base #64. I scored on a Chili Davis sac fly.

Game tied 1-1

I caught a Mahler fly for the 2nd out in the 2nd. But then Oddibe McDowell scored on a McGee single.

Cardinals lead 2-1

In the 3rd Marshall scored on a frankly bull balk call on Rick.

Cardinals lead 3-1

I came up with two out in the 3rd and started 0-2 but six pitches later I had a walk. Stolen base #65 AND an extra base when Mike Brown threw it away. I was left there.

I caught a McGee pop for the 3rd out in the 4th.

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

I came up with two out in the 5th and flew out to McDowell in left.

I took care of a Tom Herr grounder for the 2nd out in the 6th. I then did the same for a Mahler grounder to end the frame.

In the bottom half, Mike Aldrete scored on a Rob Deer single.

Cardinals lead 3-2

In the 7th I got the 2nd out off a Van Slyke grounder.

In the bottom half I came up with two out and Steve Stanicek on 2nd and pinch hitter Alan Cockrell on 1st. I should have been the 3rd out on a grounder but Terry Pendleton threw it away and instead Steve scored and Alan and I were in scoring position. We were left, but not before tying the game.

Game tied 3-3

Scott Garrelts took over for us in the 8th. John Rabb also came in to play 3rd for Brian Giles, who left for a pinch hitter.

Mark Davis took over for us in the 9th.
That didn't go well as he gave up a two run homer to McDowell.
Then Van Slyke scored on a Marshall single.

The Cardinals lead 6-3

Nothing personal against Mark, but I really miss having Dennis Eckersley to close.

I came up in the 9th with two out and Steve on 1st. St. Louis closer Todd Worrell was pitching. I grounded out to Herr at 2nd and the game was over.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk, a hit-by-pitch, a run scored, and three stolen bases.

Alan down. Tom O'Malley back up.

July 9th, 1988

We lost to the Cardinals yesterday and we want to get it back today.

The Cards are pitching Danny Cox (7-8, 4.31).

The Giants are countering with Eric Show (8-5, 2.77).

I have done pretty well vs Cox, going 10 for 34, or .294.

I led off the home side by putting one through the right for a single. Stolen base #66. I scored on a Mike Aldrete double.

Giants lead 1-0

They got it back in the 2nd when Oddibe McDowell scored on a Mike Marshall single. We erased Marshall and Ruben Amaro with a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play.

Game tied 1-1

I took care of a Willie McGee grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.
Cox scored on an Andy Van Slyke double.

Cardinals lead 2-1

I led off in the 3rd by lining out to Van Slyke in right.

I handled an Amaro grounder for the 2nd out in the 4th.

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

In the 7th Marshall hit a leadoff homer.
I got the 1st out off a fielder's choice by Tom Herr.

Cardinals lead 3-1

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

Scott Garrelts took over in the 8th.
He loaded the bases with none out but pitched out of it.

We were unable to get any more in and lost 3-1.

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

Tom O'Malley down. Alan Cockrell up.

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The All-Star Rosters have been announced. I was voted on the team. This is my 2nd All-Star Team.
Frank Viola will be coming with me!

We also got a handful of prospects who will be playing in the Prospects game - a new thing added to the All-Star Weekend.

Pitchers John Burkett, Al Leiter, and Butch Henry along with 2B Mark Lewis.

July 10th, 1988

We want to salvage game against the Cardinals and go into the All-Star Break with a win.

St.Louis is pitching Ted Power (5-8, 4.08).

San Francisco has Bruce Ruffin (9-5, 3.04).

I have gone 4 for 18 against Power.

The Cards struck immediately with Vince Coleman leading off with a double and then scoring on a Willie McGee single.
We ended the inning with a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Andy Van Slyke and Mike Marshall.

Cardinals lead 1-0

I led off the bottom half by singling through the right side. I was thrown out trying to steal against a pitchout.
Later that frame we got the lead when Mike Aldrete and Chill Davis scored on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 2-1

I got the 1st out int he 2nd off a Jose Uribe fielder's choice ball.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Brian Giles on 3rd.

I did something I don't do very often.

I blasted a two run homer over the fence in left!! My second of the year and the eleventh of my career!

Giants lead 4-1

I caught a pop up by Power for the 3rd out in the 5th.

I came up with one out in the 5th and I took a four pitch walk. Stolen base #67. I then scored on a single by Mike.

Giants lead 5-1

In the 6th Rob Deer scored on an Alan Cockrell double.

Giants lead 6-1

I led off in the 7th, now facing Tim Crews. I flew out to Vince Coleman in left.

With two out int he 9th I dropped a Marshall liner... that is an error.
Sigh. And this day was going so well for me.

It didn't hurt us. We won 6-1.

I went 2 for 3 with a home run, a single, a walk, two RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base.
And an error.

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The prospects game was today and John Burkett, Butch Henry, and Al Leiter pitched consecutive scoreless innings, giving up no hits and one walk between them.

``````````````

Here is what the NL West looks like, going into the break.

Dodgers 49-38 --
Padres 50-39 --
Astros 47-40 2.0
GIANTS 45-41 3.5
Reds 37-52 13.0
Braves 34-51 14.0

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It seems that management is trying to go for it, I guess.

They traded Andy McGaffigan and minor leaguer Kevin Tapani to the Mariners for 3B Jim Presley.

Third was certainly a weakness for us, and Presley has a certain pedigree. The question is whether he is past his top days. We are deep in pitching prospects, but still...

He seems like a good guy.

July 12th, 1988

We are in Dodger Stadium for the All-Star Game!

I am playing SS and leading off for the NL.

I opened the game against Teddy Higuera of the Brewers by striking out.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half by snagging a liner by Tony Fernandez of the Blue Jays.
Wade Boggs of the Red Sox scored on a single by Jose Canseco of the A's.
I caught a pop up by Don Mattingly of the Yankees for the 3rd out.

AL leads 1-0

Hey, why is the AL the Home Team when we are playing in Dodger Stadium?

In the 2nd Ryne Sandberg of the Blue Jays scored on a single by Lloyd Moseby of the A's.
We got a Gant - Priske - Clark double play to get Moseby and Dan Gladden of the Brewers.
(That was Ron Gant of the Braves and Will Clark of the Reds.)
Ozzie Virgil of the Tigers homered off Bill Gullickson of the Pirates.
Gullickosn walked Canseco with the bases loaded, forcing in Rickey Henderson of the A's.
My teammate Frank Viola relieved!
He, uh, then gave up a grand slam to Mattingly.

AL leads 8-0

I came up int he 3rd with one out and Oddibe McDowell of the Cardinals on 2nd. Roger Clemens of the Red Sox was pitching.
I struck out again.

That was it for Frank. Two batters and one home run.

I caught a liner by Virgil for the 3rd out in the 3rd.

I led off the 6th, now facing Dan Quisenberry of the Blue Jays. I legged out a hit to short for an infield single. I moved to 2nd when Quisenberry was called for a balk. I need up scoring own single by Darryl Strawberry of the Mets.

AL leads 8-1

I was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 7th.

We ended up losing 8-4.

Mattingly was named MVP, obviously.

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

So we got beaten pretty badly, but it was still a lot of fun.

We found out that the gap in the bullpen made by trading away Andy McGaffigan was going to be filled by prospect, Al Leiter! To make room for Jim Presley it was Tom O'Malley down.

July 14th, 1988

We are back from the All-Star Break and we have two new teammates - Jim Presley and Al Leiter.

We are in Pittsburgh and the Pirates are pitching Jose DeLeon (13-5, 2.95).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (8-6, 2.55).

I have gone 8 for 27, or .296 against DeLeon, which is pretty close to my overall average this season.

I opened up the game by striking out.

I then led off the 3rd by taking a fastball to the ribs. I'll take it.
I took 2nd on a wild pitch by DeLeon. Then with one out I got stolen base #68. The extra base didn't matter as Rob Deer socked a two out home run!
Jim Presley was up next and he also got hit by pitch. As it followed a home run, Jim took it personally, or maybe he wanted his new team to know who he was. When the dust settled both he and DeLeon had been ejected. Brian Giles took over at 3rd.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up in the 4th with two out and Bob Brenly on 2nd. Kip Gross was pitching. I struck out.

I made my first defensive play in the 4th, handling a Ken Phelps grounder for the final out.

I caught a Frank White pop for the 1st out in the bottom of the 5th.

I came up in the 6th with two out and Bob on 3rd and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I popped out to White at 2nd.

I came up with two out in the 8th. Bob was on 2nd again. They brought Cecilio Guante in to face me. I struck out for the 3rd time today.

I got the 3rd out in the 8th off a grounder by pinch hitter Pat Tabler.

Bottom of the 9th.
Bip Roberts up first.
I caught his pop fly. One out.

Sid Bream next.
Rick struck him out.

Kirk Gibson.
Slider for strike one.
Changeup for strike two.
Fastball low. 1-2
Fastball, fouled back.
Fastball, low and outside. 2-2
Fastball.... deep to centre... Alan Cockrell going back... and he caught it!

RICK SUTCLIFFE HAS PITCHED A NO-HITTER!!!!

I went 0 for 4 with a hit-by-pitch, a run scored, a stolen base, and three strikeouts...

BUT WHO CARES?? TODAY IS ALL ABOUT RICK!

Later we found out that Jim was facing a five game suspension.

Alan was sent down in favour of Greg Litton.