[rpriske]

June 22nd, 1986

In the evening game the Astros pitched Joe Niekro (7-4, 3.58).
The Giants had Dennis Eckersley (10-3, 2.07).

I am 2 for 7 vs Niekro.

I got the 3rd out in the top of the 1st off a Keith Hernandez grounder.

I led off the home half by dropping a single into short right!
I moved to 3rd on a Chris Brown single... but was thrown out trying to turn a Mike Aldrete fly-ball into a sac.

I came up next in the 3rd, with one out, and singled again, this time to centre. I tried to steal 2nd and was thrown out again! What is going on? I am finally hitting and my wheels have betrayed me!

Mike Aldrete led off our part of the 4th with a solo shot to get something on the board!

Giants lead 1-0.

Harold Baines led off the 5th with the firs that for the Astros but Doug DeCinces hit into a sweet Priske - Oberkfell - Deer double play to erase the runner.

I came up with two out in the 5th and I singled to centre again! I moved to 3rd on a Brown single again. Niekro walked Aldrete to load the bags but Deer grounded out.

Houston tied it up in a strange way when Eck struck out pinch hitter Chuck Jackson for what should have been the 3rd out but the ball got past Bob Brenly and Jackson made it to 1st. Then Bill Doran doubled and Jackson scored!

Game tied 1-1.

Jeff Robinson relieved for Eck in the 7th. I feel like we robbed Dennis of the W.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Jeff Heathcock on the mound. I ground out to Doran at 2nd.

Mark Davis took over for Robinson in the 8th. I got the 2nd out for him, handling a Dickie Thon grounder.

Scott Garrelts took over with one out in the 9th, also bringing in Child Davis on a double switch. He walked Doran but Brenly threw him out trying to steal. Then Jerry Mumphrey reached on an error by... me.
It didn't cost us, but what is going on? I am defense and speed first.

We didn't score and it was extra innings.

Scott gave up singles to the first two batters in the 9th and Nestor switched him for Frank Williams. He got out of it.

I led off the bottom of the 10th with Houston closer Dave Smith pitching. He struck me out.
Pat Perry came it to pitch in the 11th.

We got Kenny Oberkfell to 2nd with two out in the 11th and Jeff Calhoun intentionally walked Chili to face me.
I am 3 for 5 today and they still would rather face me.
Okay.
Ball one. Fastball.
I fouled off a curve.
Fastball and I hit a scorcher... right to Tim Jones at short. 3rd out.

In the top of the 12th Doug DeCinces hit a two out homer to take the lead.

Astros lead 2-1.

We were up against it.

Chris Brown grounded out.
Mike Aldrete walked.
Rob Deer... launched a 1-1 pitch over the wall for a walk-off 3-2 win!

WOOOOO!!!!!!!

Big win.

I went 3 for 6, which was nice, but I was thrown out on the base paths twice and made an error.

Tomorrow the Padres are coming to town... and Nestor has already told me that he is giving me a rest day.

Today was a long day.