[rpriske]

October 4th, 1985

Finale series of the year and the Braves are pitching Len Barker (5-17, 5.15).

The Giants are going with Jeff Robinson (9-12, 4.31).

We have already blown away general expectations for the team, but if we can go 2-1 we also hit .500 for the season.

I hope to do my part. I have gone 3 for 8 vs Barker.

The Braves got on the scoreboard early as Ron Cey walked with two out in the 1st and then scored on an Andres Galarraga double. I grabbed a Reggie Jackson grounder for the 3rd out.

Braves lead 1-0.

I led off the bottom half by flying out to Reggie in right.

I got the 3rd out again in the 2nd, grabbing a Milt Thompson grounder.

In the 3rd Atlanta loaded the bases with none out. We got Reggie and Galarraga in a Priske - Castino - Hargrove double play, but they scored a run. I got a Dusty Baker grounder for the 3rd out for the 3rd staring inning.

Braves lead 2-0.

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

In the 4th I caught a diving liner by Paul Zuvella. I hit the ground hard and it find of hurt my leg. Not too bad, though. I shook it off.

In the 5th I came up with two out again. This time I grounded out to Dusty Baker at 1st.

In the 6th Nestor switched to Frank Williams on the mound. He gave up a run in the 7th when Reggie doubled to score Galarraga. After loading the bases with two out Nestor switched to Pat Perry. Zuvella grounded out to me to end it.

Braves lead 3-0.

I got the 1st out in the 8th, taking a grounder from pinch-hitter Christopher Clark. I then did the same to Milt Thompson for the 2nd out.

Steve Howe relieved for Atlanta that inning and Lee Mazzilli led off with a pinch hit single. I then came up and also singled! Then Gerald Perry threw away the ball when Lee tried to go to 3rd and he ended up scoring while I advanced to 2nd. I went to 3rd on a Chili Davis grounder, but that was the 2nd out.

Then... I saw my opening... and did it.

I stole home.

It worked! My 124th stolen base was a steal of home!

It rattled Howe and he walked Rob Deer. Before the inning was up he came around to score on a pinch hit single by Sixto Lezcano! Tie game!

Game tied 3-3.

Ron Davis came in to pitch the 9th, Guy Sularz was now at 1st after Mike Hargrove had been pinch hit for, quite successfully. Terry Harper was on left, on a double switch
Things went badly for Ron right away. He walked Ron Cey, who was then lifted for a pinch runner - Mike Cole. Then he pitched a little tight on Andres Galarraga and grazed him. Reggie hit into a Castino - Priske - Sularz double play, moving Cole to 3rd. Dusty walked. Gerald Perry singled, and the Braves had the lead back. Zuvella grounded out to me to end it.

Braves lead 4-3.

Bottom of the 9th. Was our comeback for nothing?
Brian Fisher was pitching for the Braves.
John Castino walked!
But then Terry Harper hit into a double play.
It came down to me... but, no. Nestor gave me the word. It was Tom O'Malley going up.
Sigh.
Still, it worked last inning.
He walked, so I guess it worked.
He went to 2nd on a wild pitch.
Ken Oberkfell grounded out and the game was over.

We now have to win both of our last two games to reach .500

I went 1 for 4, with a pretty amazing steal of home.