[rpriske]

April 10th, 1986

We really hate to start the season off on a low note. Two games in an don win yet.

Today the Astros are pitching Bert Blyleven. The Giants have Terry Mulholland.

I am a goose egg for seven vs Bert.

I led off the game and made it 0 for 8 as I grounded out to Glenn Davis at 1st.

In the 2nd we staked a claim as Mike Aldrete, Bob Brenly, Robby Thompson, and Lee Mazzilli hit consecutive singles, scoring two.

Giants lead 2-0.

I made my first defensive play in the bottom half, grabbing a Ron Hassey grounder for the 2nd out.

I led off the 3rd by swinging through a Blyleven fastball for the K.
Before the inning was up, Aldrete singled home Chili Davis, who had walked.

Giants lead 3-0.

I came up in the 4th with two out and Robby on 3rd. A good time to break my Blyleven slump, but nope. I grounded out to Bill Doran at 2nd.

In the bottom half I pivoted on a Thompson / Priske / Aldrete double play to get Doug DeCinces and Ken Griffey out.

Mike Aldrete was at it again in the 6th as he smacked a solo home run.

Giants lead 4-0.

In the home half the Astros got on the board with a two run homer by Glenn Davis. Later Chuck Jackson hit a pinch hit single to score Griffey. Then Bill Doran singled to score both Hassey and Dickie Thon.

Astros lead 5-4.

I came up with one out in the 7th, now facing Mike Flanagan. I worked a walk. Steve Stanicek pinch hit for Kenny Oberkfell and I ran right into a pitchout for a caught stealing.

Pat Perry relieved for us after that.

In the 9th Brenly showed us how it is done as he hit a lead-off homer to tie the game!

Game tied 5-5.

Frank Williams came it to pitch the 9th, and try to force extras. I did my part as I started a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Thomas Mitchell and Harold Baines out. Then I took a Keith Hernandez grounder it end the inning.

I lead off the 10th, facing Frank DiPino. I ground out to DeCinces at 3rd.

Scott Garrelts came in for us. I got the 2nd out for him, off a Griffey grounder. I also got the 3rd out, off a former teammate of ours, Kenny Smith!

I then got the 1st out in the Astros' 11th, off a Thon grounder.

In the 12th I came up with two out and now facing Jeff Heathcock. I grounded out to DeCinces again.

Willie Fraser took the mound for us in the 12th. He got all three he faced that inning, but in the 13th he gave up a solo shot to DeCinces for the walk-off.

Three straight losses to start the season.

I am hitting below .100

And now we are heading to L.A. to face the Dodgers.