[rpriske]

September 3rd,1985

Today the Phillies are going with John Denny (9-11,4.38).
The Giants have Atlee Hammaker (11-12, 3.39) on the mound.

I am only 1 for 8 vs Denny. Yesterday's lifting still stings. I need to show Nestor that it is a mistake not to count on me.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by hitting a grounder that didn't even reach the grass. Grounded out the Ernie White behind the plate.

In the 2nd Von Hayes hit a lead-off homer to open the scoring. I took a Juan Samuel grounder for the 3rd out.

Phillies lead 1-0.

In the 3rd I snagged a Tim Raines liner for the 2nd out. Nice play.

In the home half I came up with one out and dropped the ball into shallow left for a single. I quickly picked up stolen base #103. I now have the fifth most in a single season in the modern era. Next stop, Maury Wills.
I move to 3rd on a Kenny Oberkfell groundout. That should have been it but Samuel throws away a Chili Davis grounder and I score.

Game tied 1-1.

The Phillies get the lead back in the 4th as Denny singles home Rick Schu. I grab another Samuel grounder for the final out.

Phillies lead 2-1.

In the top of the 5th I take a Mike Schmidt grounder for the last out.

Into the bottom half I led off by grounding out to Craig Reynolds at short. Kenny O was then thumped by a pitch and Chili made them pay by hitting a two run homer.

Giants lead 3-2.

Philadelphia tied in back up in the 6th when Hayes scored on a Whitt sac fly. Schu grounded to me for the 2nd out.

Game tied 3-3.

I was pulled for a pinch hitter in the 7th again.

We ended up losing 4-3 in 13 innings.

I watched nearly as much as I played.

We are 68-63.

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

Jose Cruz of the Astros got his 2000th hit. If I am going to get there, first I have to gain the trust of my manager.