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April 2nd, 1987
We are wrapping up our spring schedule against the Pirates.
The Giants have Mark Grant facing Rick Rhoden.
I led off the game by singling to right. I am immediately caught stealing on a pitchout.
Chili Davis got the scoring started with a solo homer.
Giants lead 1-0.
I made my first defensive play in the 2nd, taking a Rhoden grounder for the final out.
I came up with one out in the 3rd and struck out.
The team came up back after that, though, as Chris Brown singled, Chili walked, Steve Stanicek singled - scoring Chris. Then Rob Deer smacked a three run homer.
Giants lead 5-0.
In the bottom half I started a Priske - Grich - Cockrell double play to get Ozzie Smith and Kirk Gibson to end the inning.
I came up in the 4th with one out and Phil Ouellette on 1st. Cecilio Guante was pitching. I managed a walk. Guante struck out the next two, leaving us.
The Bucs got on the board in the 4th when Sap Randall singled homer Don Baylor from 2nd. I grabbed an Ozzie Smith grounder for the 3rd out with bases loaded.
Giants lead 5-1.
Bill Laskey took over for us in the 5th. He gave up single to Johnny Ray but then Gibson hit into another Priske - Grich - Cockrell double play. It is a good thing too because Leon Durham then put one over the right field fence.
Giants lead 5-2
I was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 6th.
We ended up winning 7-5.
Overall I was not thrilled with my spring performance, but it did start to pickup at the end. Hopefully that continues into the season.
When all settled out, there were some surprises on our Opening Day Roster.
Rotation
Bruce Ruffin
Eric Show
Doyle Alexander
Terry Mulholland
Dave Miller
Miller came out of nowhere to take the last spot.
Bullpen
Dennis Eckersley
Scott Garrelts
Jeff Robinson
Frank Williams
Mark Clear
Mark Davis
The bullpen is going to be a strength again.
LINEUP
SS - Rusty Priske
3B - Chris Brown
RF - Chili Davis
CF - Steve Stanicek
LF - Rob Deer
C - Bob Brenly
1B - Tom O'Malley
2B - Bobby Grich
Alan Cockrell got a lot of work at 1st during the spring but in the end they gave the spot to a utility man. Huh.
Bench
C - Scott Bradley
1B - Dan Driessen
IF - Craig Grebeck
IF - John Rabb
OF - Eddie Milner
In addition to Alan, Bill Laskey was sent down. I couple of guys I knew well were placed on waivers - the biggest name being Mark Grant.
We are ready for Opening Day in San Francisco.
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Rusty Priske
Poet, Canadian, Baseball Fan
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