July 18th, 1989

Today the Cardinals are pitching Rick Mahler (5-9, 2.98).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (9-7, 2.90).

I have gone 8 for 32, or .250, against Mahler.

I led off the home half by grounding out to Ruben Amaro at 2nd.

I made my first defensive play in the 3rd, dealing with a Scott Fletcher grounder for the 1st out.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and hit on through the left side for the first hit of the game.
Stolen base #75.
I got no further.

The Cardinals struck first when Ruben Amaro scored on a Mike Marshall single in the 4th.

Cardinals lead 1-0

I got the 1st out in the 5th off another Fletcher grounder.

Woof. I dropped what should have been an Andy Van Slyke groundout in the 6th, allowing Amaro to score.

Cardinals lead 2-0

I led off the bottom of the 6th and flew out to Van Slyke in right. Salt in the wound.

In the 8th Amaro hit a solo homer.
I made a very good play on a Lance Johnson grounder for the 2nd out.
I caught a Marshall liner for the 3rd.

Cardinals lead 3-0

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 8th and grounded out to Fletcher at short.

Jeff Robinson took over for us in the 9th.
I got the 3rd out for him off a Fletcher grounder.

In the bottom of the 9th Robby Thompson scored on a Ryan Klesko double but that was all we could get and lost 3-1.

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

July 19th, 1989

We finish against the Cardinals today and really need a win after yesterday's disappointment.

The Cards are pitching Terry Clark (3-12, 4.70).

The Giants have Frank Viola (16-3, 1.43).

I have gone 2 for 8 against Clark.

I took care of a Lance Johnson grounder for the 1st out of the game.

I led off for our side and I managed a walk.
Stolen base #76.
I scored on a Keith Hernandez double.
Keith ended up scoring on an error.

Giants lead 2-0

I caught an Andy Van Slyke pop for the 1st out in the 2nd.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. I walked again.
We are both left on.

In the 3rd Vance Law scored on a Johnson groundout.
Then Mike Brown scored on a Scott Fletcher single.

Game tied 2-2

I came up in the 5th with Frank standing on 1st. I hit one to the wall in left-centre for a double. Frank went to 3rd.
Robby Thompson hit a sac fly, scoring Frank and moving me to 3rd.
I was left on but we had the lead back.

Giants lead 3-2

They tied it back up in the 7th when Mike Brown scored on a Lance Johnson single.
I took care of a Scott Fletcher grounder for the 3rd out.

Game tied 3-3

I came up with two out in the 7th and I popped out to Fletcher at short.

With one out and two on in the 8th, Jim went to Bobby Thigpen.
I got the 3rd out for him off a grounder by pinch hitter Willie McGee.

Mark Davis took the mound and Steve Stanicek took over for Rob Deer in right on a double with in the 9th.

I came up in the bottom of the 9th with two out, Alan Cockrell on 2nd, and Ryan Klesko on 1st. Todd Worrell was pitching,
Can I get us a walk off?

Fastball at the letters for a strike. 0-1.
Inside with a changeup. 1-1.
Fastball, which I hit on the ground to Marlin McPhail for the 3rd out.

Extra innings.

I couldn't get it done and that could b huge because in the top of the 10th, Mike Marshall hit a three-run homer.

Cardinals lead 6-3

Keith Hernandez led off the bottom of the 10th with a home run.
Ruben Sierra doubled and then scored on a double by Alan.

But that was it. We lost 6-5.

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

Thankfully the Dodgers also lost, but we trail by four.

We are headed to Chicago.

July 20th, 1989

We are at Wrigley and ready to face the Cubs.

They are pitching their Jeff Robinson (6-9, 4.22).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (5-7, 3.38).

I have hit only 1 for 9 against Robinson.

I led off the game by grounding out to Tim Barker at short.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half off a Billy Hatcher grounder.
I caught a Paul O'Neill pop for the 3rd.

I took care of a Robinson grounder for the last out in the 2nd.

I caught a Bret Barberie pop for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 3rd.

I led off the 4th by managing a walk.
I was caught trying to steal 2nd.

I took care of a Mike Brumley grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 4th.

In the 5th we got on the board when Ruben Sierra scored on an Alan Cockrell single.

Giants lead 1-0

I got another Barberie grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom half, but Hatcher scored on a the play.

Game tied 1-1

I led off the 6th by grounding out to Barker again.

I took a Chris Hoiles grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

In the 7th, Ryan Klesko scored on a Brian Giles double.
I came up with two out and Brian on 2nd. Lance McCullers was now pitching. I struck out.

Giants lead 2-1

Bobby Thigpen came in with Hatcher on 3rd and one out in the 8th.
Hatcher scored on a Dave Martinez sac fly.
Then O'Neill homered.

Cubs lead 3-2

We weren't able to score in the 9th and that was it.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk and a caught stealing.

July 21st, 1989

After a disappointing loss yesterday, we are back at it in Chicago.

The Cubs are pitching Dan Freed (5-11, 3.44).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (9-3, 2.20).

I have gone 3 for 10 against Freed.

I opened things up by legging out an infield single.
I was erased on a Keith Hernandez double play.

In the 2nd, Tom Naehring hit a two run dinger!

Giants lead 2-0

I came up with one out in the 3rd and walked on four straight.
Stolen base #77.
With one out, stolen base #78.
Robby Thompson and Ruben Sierra walked, loading the bases.
Then Rob Deer walked and I scored.

Giants lead 3-0

I got the 2nd out in the bottom of the 3rd off a Mike Brumley grounder.
I then did the same to Freed for the 3rd.

I came up in the 4th with one out, Bob Brenly on 3rd, and Bruce on 2nd.
I fouled out to O'Neill.
Bob and Bruce scored on a single by Keith.

Giants lead 5-0

I came up next with one out in the 6th. Jim Neidlinger was now pitching. I reach don an error by Brumley.
Stolen base #79 AND 80.
I wasn't able to score.

I handled a Neidlinger grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

In the 7th Rob Deer hit a two run homer.
I came up with two out, Ryan Klesko on 3rd, and Bob on 2nd. I grounded out.

Giants lead 7-0

The Cubs finally scored on the 7th when Dave Martinez crossed on a Paul O'Neill sac fly.

Giants lead 7-1

Keith led off the 8th with a solo shot.

Giants lead 8-1

The first two guys got on in the bottom of the 8th so Jim when to John Burkett.
With one out, Brumley scored on a Martinez single.

Giants lead 8-2

Willie Fraser came in to pitch the 9th.
I handled a Hatcher grounder for the 2nd out.
I then did the same to Dave Valle to end the game.

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

July 22nd, 1989

We are trying to continue on from yesterday's win.

Today the Cubs are pitching John Dopson (4-7, 3.10).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (7-6, 3.06).

I have done poorly against Dopson, going only 1 for 12.

I kicked things off by turning that around with an infield hit.
Stolen base #81.
I went to 3rd on a Keith Hernandez fly ball and scored on a Ryan Klesko ground ball.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the 2nd out in the home half off a Bret Barberie grounder.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and flew out to Charlie Hayes in left.

The Cubs got the run back int he 3rd when Mark McLemore scored on an Otis Nixon groundout.

Game tied 1-1

In the 4th we got the lead back when Mike Young smacked a two run homer!

Giants lead 3-1

I led off the 5th by dropping one into left on the first pitch I saw.
Stolen base #82.
I moved to 3rd on a single by Keith and scored on a Dopson wild pitch.
Keith ended up scoring on a Tim Naehring single and Ryan scored on a sac fly from Mike.

Giants lead 6-1

I caught a McLemore pop for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.

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

We got Paul O'Neill and Chris Hoiles to end the 6th with a nice Priske - Giles - Hernandez double play.

We got another int he 7th when Alan Cockrell scored on a single by Mike.

Giants lead 7-1

I took care of a Hayes grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 7th.

I led off the 8th, now facing Mark Grant. I struck out.
Keith followed me with a home run. Later, Ryan scored on a triple by Alan, who then scored on a sac fly from pinch hitter, Steve Stanicek.

Giants lead 10-1

Steve took over for Rob Deer in right.

I handled a McLemore grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.
I then took care of a Grant grounder for the 2nd.

I came up in the 9th with two out and Mike on 2nd. Lance McCullers was on the mound. I flew out to O'Neill in right.

John Burkett came in to pitch the 9th for us.
We got Hoiles and Todd Logan with a Giles - Priske - Hernandez double play.
I then took care of a Hayes grounder to end the game.

Nice win for us.

I went 2 for 6 with a pair of singles, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

Jim told me that I am getting the day off tomorrow. Nothing big, just letting me rest my legs.

July 23rd, 1989

We are wrapping up in Chicago, but I have the day off.

I ended up making a pinch running appearance, but that was it. We lost, 1-0, only getting two hits off Greg Maddux.

I feel bad for Scott Garrelts, who pitched great.

Now we are heading to Atlanta.

July 24th, 1989

We are in Atlanta and the Braves are pitching Brian Holman (8-8, 3.51).

The Giants are going with our Ace, Frank Viola (16-3, 1.53).

I kicked things off by grounding out to Eddie Williams at 1st.

In the 2nd both Rob Deer and Alan Cockrell scored on a costly Atlanta error.

Giants lead 2-0

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

In the 4th Ron Gant scored on a groundout by Williams.
Then Jeff Blauser scored on a throwing error by Tom O'Malley.

Game tied 2-2

I got the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th off a Walton grounder.

I led off the 6th, flying out to Lonnie Smith in left.

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

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

I took care of a Smith grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 8th.
Then, with a man on 2nd, Jim went to Bobby Thigpen.
I got another Gant grounder to end things for him that frame.

We had a big 9th, all with two out.
Alan Cockrell hit a solo homer to give us the lead.
Steve Stanicek reached on an error.
Tom O'Malley walked.
Ryan Klesko, pinch-hitting, walked.
I came up and they brought in Norm Charlton to face me. He uncorked a wild pitch, scoring Steve. Then I walked.
Keith Hernandez singled, scoring Tom and Ryan.
I was left on 2nd.

Giants lead 6-2

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th for us.
We got Blauser and Williams with a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play.

We had this one.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk.

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

After they game we were told about a trade made by the team.

We sent three minor leaguers (Jerry Brooks, Mike Perez, and Butch Henry) to the Padres for reliever Mark Williamson.
Mark has had a pretty good year, and he is controlled next year, too. He could be a good addition.

July 25th, 1989

Still in Atlanta, and Mark Williamson hasn't joined the team yet.

The Braves are pitching Ben McDonald (2-8, 4.65).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (5-7, 3.33).

I have gone 2 for 7 against McDonald.

I started the game off with a fly to Ken Griffey Jr. in centre.

I got the last out in the 2nd off a Gary Sheffield grounder.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Sheffield at short, returning the favour.

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

I got a Lonnie Smith grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.

We finally opened the scoring in the 7th when Robby Thompson scored on a Tim Naehring single and then Ruben Sierra scored on an error.

Giants lead 2-0

I caught a Jeff Blauser pop for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 7th.

I led off the 8th, now facing Steve Farr. I grounded out to Ron Gant at 2nd.

They got those runs back in the 8th when Sheffield and Eddie Williams scored on a single by Smith.
Then Smith scored on a single by Andres Galarraga.
With one out and the bases loaded, Jim went to Bobby Thigpen.
He got his outs, including a grounder by Jerome Walton that I took are of for the 3rd.

Braves lead 3-2

We couldn't score in the 9th and lost.

I went 0 for 4.

After the game, we had a player cross the field!

The Giants traded minor leaguers Nikco Riesko and Bronswell Patrick to the Braves for Lonnie Smith! Lonie is not having the best season, but he is a strong veteran presence to finish of his contract with us.

Mark Williamson joined us after the game. Mike Antle is going to Phoenix.

July 26th, 1989

Even though he is at the park, Lonnie Smith hasn't been added to our roster yet.

Today the Braves are pitching Len Damian (4-7, 4.53).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (10-3, 2.22).

I have done well against Damian, going 6 for 20, or .300

I led off the game by hitting one up the middle for a single.
Keith Hernandez followed with a double play.
But then Robby Thompson singled and Ruben Sierra homered!

Giants lead 2-0

In the bottom half, Andres Galarraga scored on a Gary Sheffield single.
I took care of a Jeff Blauser grounder to end the inning.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up with one out in the 2nd and drew a walk.
Stolen base #83.
I was left at 2nd.

I came up with two out in the 4th and struck out.

Sheffield tied it up in the 4th with a home run.

Game tied 2-2

We took the lead right back when Keith Hernandez led off the 5th with a homer.
Then Rob Deer scored on an Alan Cockrell single.

Giants lead 4-2

In the bottom half, Damian scored on a Galarraga double.

Giants lead 4-3

I came up with one out in the 6th and hit a dribbler for catcher Nelson Santovenia to field and throw me out.

With a man on and one out in the 7th, Jim went to the new arm, Mark Williamson.
The first guy he faced, Ken Griffey Jr., singled and scored Jerome Walton, tying the game.

Game tied 4-4

I came up in the 8th with one out, Tim Naehring on 2nd, and pinch hitter Steve Stanicek on 1st. They brought Norm Charlton in to face me.
I flew out to Griffey in deep centre, but at least Tim advanced.
He then scored on a double by Keith.

Giants lead 5-4

Mark Davis came in for us in the bottom of the 8th.

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 9th, off a Galarraga grounder.
Mark couldn't go the full two innings and left with two on and two out in the 9th, turning the ball over to Jeff Robinson.
Jeff got the last guy to give us the win.

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

We trail the Dodgers by only three games.

Lonnie Smith is added for our last game in Atlanta.
Steve Stanicek is heading down to Phoenix.

July 27th, 1989

We finish at Atlanta today and the Braves are pitching Sergio Valdez (4-4, 2.72).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (8-6, 2.93).

I have hit 2 for 9 against Valdez.

I kicked things off by flying out to Jerome Walton in right.

I took are of an Andres Galarraga grounder for the final out of the 1st.

I then did the same to Valdez for the final out of the 2nd.

Tim Naehring homered in the 3rd.
I came up with two out and hit one to the walk in right-centre for a double.
I was left on.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 5th with one out and Tim on 3rd.
Tim scored on a passed ball by Terry Kennedy.
I struck out.

Giants lead 2-0

I got the first out in the bottom of the 5th off a Brad Komminsk grounder.
I caught a Ken Griffey Jr pop for the 3rd.

I then handled a Ron Gant grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th.
After that, though, Andres Galarraga scored on a Gary Sheffield sac fly.

Giants lead 2-1

In the 7th, Ryan Klesko scored on a single by Tim. (Good day for him!)
I came up with two out and Tim on 2nd. Steve Farr was on the mound. I walked.
Then Lonnie Smith walked, loading the bases.
Passed ball! We all movedup and Tim scored.
Lonnie and I were left on.

Giants lead 4-1

Komminsk led off the bottom of the 7th with a homer.
I caught a Griffey pop for the 3rd out.

Giants lead 4-2

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th off a Ron Gant grounder.

Mark Williamson came in to pitch the 9th.
He got the first two but then Eddie Williams hit a pinch home run.
I made a GREAT play to get Jerome Walton to end and give us the 4-3 win!

I went 1 for 3 with a double and a walk.

We are now only two games behind the Dodgers, though they also traded for Tom Henke today.

Tomorrow we are in Houston.

July 28th, 1989

We are in the Astrodome today.

Houston is pitching Mike Scott (8-11, 2.86).

The Giants are going with Scott Garrelts (9-9, 2.69).

I have not done well against Scott, going 9 for 47, or .191.

I led off the game by grounding out to Craig Worthington at 3rd.

I returned the favour by catching a hard Worthington liner for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

Scott G. seemed to be favouring his elbow in the 2nd. I hope he is okay.

In the 3rd, Brian Giles hit a one out solo homer for us.
I came up with two out and managed a walk.
Stolen base #84 and 3rd base when Bill Worden threw that ball away trying to catch me.
I was left there.

Giants lead 1-0

The Astros got it back in the bottom half when Bill Doran scored on a Glenn Davis sac fly.

Game tied 1-1

In the 4th both Ruben Sierra and Rob Deer scored on a Ryan Klesko double.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up with one out in the 5th and grounded out to Dickie Thon at short.

In the bottom half we got Doran and Worthington with a Priske - Giles - Deer double play.

In the 6th, Harold Baines scored on a Jim Edmonds groundout.

Giants lead 3-2

I came up in the 7th with two out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. On the first pitch I hit my first home run of the season!
Woo-hoo!

That makes 12 for my career.

Giants lead 5-2

Willie Fraser took over for us with a man on and one out in the bottom of the 7th.
I took care of a Worthington grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up in the 9th with pinch hitter Robby Thompson on 1st. They brought in Lee Guetterman to face me. I grounded into a fielder's choice.
Then Lonnie Smith hit into a double play.

Mark Davis came on for the 9th.
Three up, three down and we had the win.

I went 1 for 4 with a HOME RUN, a walk, a run scored, two RBI, and a stolen base.

July 29th, 1989

We are in Houston but I have the day off.

I came in as a pinch hitter for Ryan Klesko to lead off the 9th. The game was tied 1-1 and Lee Guetterman was pitching.
I grounded out to Casey Candaele at short.

We ended up winning 2-1 in 11 innings.

Mark Davis got the win and Mark Williamson got the save.

We now trail the Dodgers by only one game.

July 30th, 1989

Tomorrow is the Trade Deadline. We already got Mark Williamson and Lonnie Smith. Any more?

Today we are still in the Dome, facing the Astros.

Houston is pitching Chris Hammond (5-6, 2.95).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (5-8, 3.35).

I have gone only 1 for 7 against Hammond.

I led things off by flying out to Dave Gallagher in left.

I took care of a Dickie Thon grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 1st.

I then did the same in the 2nd - this time it was Craig Biggio.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Rob Deer on 2nd. I walked.
Rob scored and I went to 2nd on a single by Lonnie.
We were left on.

Giants lead 1-0

In the bottom half, Jim Edmonds scored on a Harold Baines single.
I made the play to get the 3rd out, but Robby Thompson dropped my throw for an error.
Thankfully, Lonnie made a great catch on a Biggio liner to make up for it.

Game tied 1-1

I handled a Gallagher grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.

Rob led off the 5th with a home run.
I came up with one out and grounded out to Thon at short.
Lonnie followed me with a home run.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up with two out in the 7th. Pete Ladd came in to face me. I popped out to Glenn Davis at 1st.

I took care of a Biggio grounder for the last out in the 8th.

Jeff Robinson came in to pitch the 9th for us.
He gave up one hit but got the three outs to give us our fifth win in a row!

I went 0 for 3 with a walk.

I would really like to get my average up.

``````````````````````
Travel day was we head to L.A. for a BIG series for us.

We had no last minute trades, but we DID find out that Scott Sanderson was the NL Pitcher of the Month!

August 1st, 1989

We are in L.A. and any game against the Dodgers ic crucial to us right now.

The Dodgers are pitching Jim Deshaies (8-8, 2.96).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (10-3, 2.33).

I have had little exposure to Deshaies, going 1 for 4.

I opened the game by grounding out to Kent Hrbek at 1st.

We go that early as Tim Wallach hit a two run home run with none out in the bottom of the 1st.
Later, Chili Davis scored on a Gene Larkin groundout.

Dodgers lead 3-0

I caught a Phil Plantier pop for the 1st out in the bottom of the 2nd.
I then took care of a Wallach grounder for the 3rd out that inning.

I came up in the 3rd, one out, Tim Naehring on 3rd, and Ryan Klesko on 2nd. I flew out to left but Tim scored on a the sac fly.

Dodgers lead 3-1

I caught a Davis pop for the 1st out in the bottom half.
I took care of a Benito Santiago fielder's choice ball for the 2nd out.

In the 4th, Robby Thompson scored on a single by Tim.

Dodgers lead 3-2

L.A. got it right back in the bottom half when Plantier scored on a Steve Sax sac fly.

Dodgers lead 4-2

I came up in the 5th with one out and Bruce on 1st. I doubled into the right field corner, sending Bruce to 3rd.
Bruce scored and I went to 3rd on a Lonnie Smith groundout.
I was left on.

Dodgers lead 4-3

Once again, L.A. got it right back as Santiago scored on a Larkin triple.
John Burkett came in for us to get the last out of the inning.

Dodgers lead 5-3

In the 6th, Alan Cockrell hit a solo homer.

Dodgers lead 5-4

I came up with two out in the 7th and walked.
Stolen base #85, but I was left on.

Mark Williamson took the mound for us in the 7th.
That inning, Hrbek scored on a Larkin double.

Dodgers lead 6-4

In the 8th, Sax scored on a throwing error by Mark.

Dodgers lead 7-4

I came up in the 9th with two out, Tim on 2nd, and Bryan Harvey pitching.
I reached 1st and moved Tim to 3rd on an infield single.
Lonnie struck out and we took the loss.

We just can't lose these.

I went 2 for 3 with a double, a single, a walk, an RBI, and a stolen base.

August 2nd, 1989

The 1st place Dodgers are pitching Mike Witt (12-7, 2.87).

The 2nd place Giants have Scott Garrelts (10-9, 2.70).

Witt is tough but I have done well against him, going 6 for 20, or .300.

I kicked things off by taking a walk.
I advanced to 2nd on a Lonnie Smith groundout and 3rd on a Ruben Sierra groundout.
I was left on.

I took care of a Steve Sax grounder for the 1st out in the home half.
A few batters later I snagged a Phil Plantier liner for the 2nd out.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom of the 2nd off a Dave Anderson grounder, but Gene Larkin scored on the play.
I caught a Sax liner to end the inning.

Dodgers lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 3rd and lined out to Chili Davis in left.

In the bottom half, Davis scored on a Tim Wallach single. Then Wallach scored on a Larkin double. Larkin scored on a Benito Santiago single.

Dodgers lead 4-0

I took care of an Anderson grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.
Then I did the same to Sax for the 2nd.

We finally got on the board in the 5th when Robby Thompson scored on a double by Scott.

Dodgers lead 4-1

In the bottom half, Plantier scored on a Wallach double.

That was it for Scott as Jim went to John Burkett.
Wallach ended up scoring on a Witt sac fly.

Dodgers lead 6-1

I led off the 6th with a single through the right side.
I was erased on a fielder's choice by Lonnie.
Before the inning was up, though, Rob Deer smacked a three-run dinger.

Dodgers lead 6-4

With the bases loaded we turned a Priske - Thompson - Deer double play to get Plantier and Wallach to end the inning.

In the 7th, Tim Naehring hit a solo jack to bring us within one.
I came up with one out and pinch hitter Mike Young on 1st. They brought Ken Dayley in to face me. I flew out to Davis in left.

Dodgers lead 6-5

Willie Fraser came in for us to pitch in the 7th.

I took care of a Sax grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.

I came up in the 9th with one out and pinch hitter Keith Hernandez standing on 1st. Bryan Harvey was on the mound.
I moved the potential tying run to 2nd as I reached on an infield single.
Lonnie flew out to right.
Ruben lined out to centre.

That's it. We are back to trailing by three.

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

August 3rd, 1989

We have one more game in L.A. We really need this one.

The Dodgers are pitching Matt Young (8-1, 1.90).

The Giants have Frank Viola (16-3, 1.50).

Big pitching match-up (which probably means the final will be 8-6, or something.)

I have never faced Young, as he has been in the AL before this year. Our entire line-up is a combined 1 for 8 against him.

I led off the game by grounding out to Steve Sax at 2nd.

In the 2nd, Benito Santiago scored on a Dave Anderson single.
We then got Anderson and Phil Plantier with a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play.

Dodgers lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 3rd and took a four pitch walk.
Stolen base #86.
I scored on a Lonnie Smith single!
Then Lonnie scored on a Robby Thompson double!
Then Robby scored on a Ruben Sierra single!

Giants lead 3-1

I took care of a Sax grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom half.
I caught a Kent Hrbek pop for the 3rd.

I came up with one out in the 5th and grounded out to Tim Wallach at 3rd.
After that, though, both Lonnie and Robby walked. Ruben singled, scoring Lonnie. Rob Deer singled, scoring both Robby and Ruben.

Giants lead 6-1

I handled another Sax grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.

I came up in the 6th with two out and Frank on 1st. Jerry Gleaton was pitching. I grounded out to Sax again.

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

In the 8th, Keith Hernandez scored on an Alan Cockrell double.

Giants lead 7-1

In the bottom half, Wallach scored on a Gene Larkin single.

Giants lead 7-2

I came up in the 9th with pinch hitter Mike Young on 1st and Jeff Reardon on the mound.
I grounded into a fielder's choice.
Stolen base #87.
Lonnie walked.
Stolen base #88 on a double steal!
Robby walked.
I was thrown around trying to turn a Ruben fly into a sac.

All of that and no runs.

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th for us.
For the third time, I took care of a Sax grounder. This time it was the last out of the game.

Back within two games.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk, a run scored, and three stolen bases.

Now we are heading home to face the Astros.

August 4th, 1989

We are back in Candlestick and the Astros are in town.

They are pitching Chris Hammond (5-7, 3.02).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (6-8, 3.24).

I have not done well against Hammond, going only 1 for 9.

I got in on the action right away, making a routine play on leadoff man Dickie Thon's grounder.

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

In the 2nd we got not he board. First Rob Deer hit solo homer. Then I came up with two out and Keith Hernandez on 3rd and Tim Naehring on 2nd. I singled, scoring Keith.
Tim and I were left on.

Giants lead 2-0

I made a nice snag of a Casey Candaele liner for the 1st out in the 3rd.
Then I took a Bill Worden grounder for out #2.

In the 4th, the Astros go their first hit... a Baines homer.

Giants lead 2-1

In the 5th we turned a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Dave Gallagher and Jim Edmonds.

I led off the bottom of the 5th by grounding out to Glenn Davis at 1st.

I took another Thon grounder for the 3rd out in the 6th.

In our half of the 6th, Keith scored when Rick walked with the bases loaded. Then I came up and singled Alan Cockrell home.

Giants lead 4-1

In the 7th, Ruben Sierra scored on a single by Keith.

Giants lead 5-1

I came up with one out in the 8th, now facing Pat Combs. I walked.
I was replaced on a Lonnie Smith fielder's choice.

Rick loaded the bases with none out in the 9th and Jim went to Mark Davis.
Glenn Davis doubled, scoring Thon and Craig Worthington.
I made a great play on a grounder by pinch hitter Craig Biggio for the 1st, out Baines scored.
Davis scored on a Tony Barron sac fly, tying the game and giving Mark a blown save.

Game tied 5-5

We went to extras and Bobby Thigpen took the mound for us in the 11th.

I led off the bottom of the 11th, now facing fellow Canadian, Rheal Cormier. I popped out to Thon at short.
We ended up winning in a kind of lame fashion... Keith walked with the bases loaded, giving us the 6-5 walk-off.

I went 2 for 5 with a pair of singles, a walk, and two RBI.

The Dodgers also won.

After the game, Ryan Klesko was sent to AA Shreveport.
Steve Stanicek was called back up.

Ryan wasn't playing great, but that seems a little harsh.

August 5th, 1989

We have the Astros again, of course, and they are pitching Manny Hernandez (6-9, 3.80).

The Giants are pitching Scott Sanderson (9-6, 2.89).

I have had a lot of experience with Hernandez, but not a ton of success, going 5 for 30, or .167.

I handled a grounder by the first batter of the game - Tony Barron.
Then I snagged a liner from the second - Craig Worthington.

I led off the home half by flying out to Barron in left.

I took care of a Dave Gallagher grounder for the first out in the 2nd.

The bottom of the inning went well, culminating in a three run homer by Bob Brenly.

Giants lead 3-0

I led off the 3rd with a groundout to Casey Candaele at 2nd.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Bob on 2nd. I struck out.

Things were going pretty smoothly for the team until the 8th when Glenn Davis hit a Grand Slam.

Astros lead 4-3

I led off the bottom of the 8th, now facing Lee Guetterman. I flew out to Barron again.

With two out and one on in the 9th, Jim went to Mark Williamson.

We were unable to score in the 9th and dropped a winnable game.

I went a big fat zero for 4.

We now trail the Dodgers by three games.

August 6th, 1989

We finish the series against the Astros today.

Houston is pitching Randy Tomlin (5-5, 2.86).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (10-4, 2.53).

I haven't faced Tomlin much, going 0 for 1.

The Astros struck quickly with Craig Worthington scoring on a Harold Baines single in the 1st. Then Craig Biggio scored on a Glenn Davis sac fly.

Astros lead 2-0

I led off the home half by doubling to the right field wall.
Stolen base #89.
I scored on a Lonnie Smith groundout.

Astros lead 2-1

I got the 1st out in the 2nd off a Casey Candaele grounder.

I took care of a Biggio grounder for the 2nd out in the 3rd.

I led off the bottom of the 3rd, lining out to Calvin James in left.

We tied it up in the 4th with back-to-back doubles by Keith Hernandez and Alan Cockrell.

Game tied 2-2

I handled another Candaele grounder for the 1st out in the 5th.

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

I came up next in the 7th, with one out and Bruce on 1st. While I was up, Bruce went to 2nd on a passed ball.
I grounded out to Dickie Thon at short.
Lonnie singled Bruce home, to give us the lead.

Giants lead 3-2

I took care of a Tomlin grounder for the 2nd out in the 8th.

In the bottom half, Robby Thompson smacked a solo homer.

Giants lead 4-2

With one out and a man on 2nd in the 9th, Jim brought in Bobby Thigpen.
He got the last two guys and we had the win.

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

The Dodgers also won.

August 7th, 1989

The Reds are in town now. They are on a six game winning streak.

They are pitching Dennis Martinez (11-9, 3.38).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (10-10, 2.99).

I have gone 5 for 15 against Martinez.

I led off the home half of the game by flying out to Kal Daniels in left.

I took care of a Felix Fermin grounder for the 2nd out in the 2nd, but Daniels scored on the play.

Reds lead 1-0

I took care fo a Martinez grounder for the 2nd out in the 3rd.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and flew out to Daniels again.

I took care of a Mike Greenwell grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.

In the 4th, Robby Thompson doubled home Ruben Sierra then scored on a Keith Hernandez single, giving us the lead.

Giants lead 2-1

They tied it back up in the 5th when Fermin scored on a Martinez single.

Game tied 2-2

I came up in the 5th with one out and Scott on 1st. I singled to left, moving Scott to 2nd.
We are both left on.

I took care of an Al Newman grounder for the 3rd out in the 8th.

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

Mark Davis came in to pitch for us in the 9th.
I got the 1st out for him off a pop by pinch hitter, Jim Paciorek.
I then grabbed a liner by Glenn Davis for the 2nd out.

In the bottom of the 9th, Alan Cockrell doubled how Keith Hernandez to give us the walk-off win!

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

The Dodgers also won. It is still three games.