[rpriske]

July 9th, 1986

Today the Cubs are going with Greg Maddux (3-8, 4.28).
The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (7-5, 2.90).

I have gone 2 for 5 with a home run vs Maddux.

Bruce got in trouble early as Billy Hatcher led off with a triple and then scored on a Ray Knight sac fly.

Cubs lead 1-0.

I led off the home half by grounding out right back to Maddux. We even the game up, though, when Mike Aldrete scored on a Kenny Oberkfell fielder's choice.

Game tied 1-1.

Chicago took the lead back in the 2nd when Jim Gantner scored on a Hatcher single.

Cubs lead 2-1.

In the 3rd we got a textbook Thompson - Priske - Deer double play to get Knight and Mel Hall.

I led off the 3rd by eating a whiff.

In the 5th I came up with one out and Lee Mazzilli on 2nd. I grounded out to Shawon Dunston at short, unable to even advance the runner.

I took a Hall grounder for the 1st out in the 6th.

We tied it back up that inning when Chili Davis scored on a Kenny O single.

Game tied 2-2.

I got the 1st out in the 7th off a Jody Davis grounder.

I came up in the bottom half with two out and pinch-hitter Scott Bradley on 2nd. I struck out again.

Since Bruce left for Scott that inning, Mark Davis came in to pitch for us.

I got the 1st out for the 3rd straight inning. This time it was a Hatcher grounder.

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch the 9th with the game still tied. Tom O'Malley also replaced Kenny O at 3rd in a double switch.

I came up int he bottom of the 9th with two out and Robby Thompson on 3rd and Bob Brenly on 2nd. Rich Bordi was pitching. I struck out for the 3rd time today.

I got the 3rd out in the top of the 10th, snagging another Hatcher grounder.

Jeff Robinson came it to pitch for us in the 11th.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 11th, now facing Scott Bailes. I struck out for the FOURTH time today.

I made the 1st out in the 12th, grabbing a grounder from pinch hitter Marvell Wynne.

Then we got the walk-off in the biggest way possible. Bob Brenly hit a Grand Slam to grab as the 12 inning, 6-2 win!

Big win but wow, did I ever have a terrible game.

Six win s in a row for us but the Dodgers and Reds both also won.

We found out after that the Giants claimed Denny Walling off waivers from the Blue Jays. This guy was the World Series MVP in 1984 with the Astros.