[rpriske]

June 19th, 1987

After that marathon game yesterday we are back at it at Jack Murphy Stadium.

The Padres are pitching ex-Giant Eric King (5-8, 4.19).

The Giants are going with Bryan Hickerson (4-4, 4.24).

I have gone 2 for 11 against Eric, but I have been ICE cold lately. I need to break out of this slump.

I opened the game by dropping one in front of the plate to get thrown out by catcher Darrell Miller.

In the home half I got the 1st out on a fielder's choice by Randy Ready.

I then got the 1st out in the bottom of the 2nd off an Ozzie Guillen pop. Followed by a Carmelo Martinez grounder for the 2nd.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and I did what I couldn't do all of yesterday - a singled through the left side. Stolen base #66. I was left there.

The Padres opened the scoring that inning when Tony Gwynn crossed on a Kevin McReynolds fielder's choice.

Padres lead 1-0

We got in back in the 4th when Rob Deer put one in the bleachers.

Game tied 1-1

I got the 1st out in the bottom half off a Guillen grounder.

I got the 2nd out in the 5th by handling a Ready grounder.

I led off the 6th by grounding out to Martinez at 1st.

The Pads got the lead back in the 6th when McReynolds scored on a Martinez single.

Padres lead 2-1

It was short lived as Chris Brown scored on a John Rabb double in the top of the 7th.

Game tied 2-2

I led off the 8th, now facing Mark Williamson. I grounded out to Glenn Hubbard at 2nd.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half, grabbing a McReynolds floater.

In the top of the 9th Rob scored on a Bobby Grich single. With two on and two out, I struck out.

Giants lead 3-2

Dennie Eckersley came in to close things out. Tom O'Malley and Brian Giles took over at the corners as well.
Walk. Bunt single. Strike out.
Eck was clearly struggling after yesterday's exertion. Nestor gave him the hook and went to Mark Clear, who didn't pitch yesterday.
Walk, to load the bases. 5-2-3 double play to end the game and give us the win.

Whoa. That was intense.

I went 1 for 5 with a stolen base. I need to do better.

We have the biggest division lead in baseball, leading the Reds by six games.

Sergio Valdez is making his big league debut tomorrow on short rest.