[rpriske]

September 25, 1987

In Atlanta, home of the bloody tomahawk chop.

Still, if we manage to clinch today, that will be something. The Reds have to lose, so it may not be today.

The Braves are pitching Sergio Valdez (4-8, 7.79).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (19-10, 2.88).

We can also get a 20th win for Bruce!

Do you recognize the name Sergio Valdez? He started a couple of games for the Giants this year, but was plucked off the waiver wire by Atlanta back in July. Obviously I have never faced him.

We change that right away as I opened the game by lining out to Milt Thompson in centre.
That did not set the tone for the inning. Mike Aldrete reached on an error and Chili Davis launched a two run homer. Then Steve Stanicek doubled and Rob Deer hit another two run homer.

Giants lead 4-0

The Braves got one back right away and Thompson scored on a Jeff Blauser single. Then Blauser scored on a Gary Sheffield single. It kept coming as Andres Galarraga and Gerald Perry scored on a double by my old pal, Kenny Oberkfell!

Game tied 4-4

In the 2nd I came up with none out, Chris Brown on 2nd, and Bruce on 1st. I walked, loading the bases. We all moved up a base, scoring Chris, as Mike singled. The Braves pulled Sergio and went to Duane Ward, who walked Chili for another run. He then struck out Steve before Rob got his second homer in as many at-bats... this one a Grand Slam!

Giants lead 10-4

I came up to face Ward with two out in the 3rd. He got me to 0-2 before I wore a fastball. Clearly no intent there. I went to 2nd on a single by Mike. We were both left there.

In the bottom half Sheffield scored on a double by Kenny O. Nestor went to Scott Service after that. No 20th win for Bruce, even if we do keep our lead.

Giants lead 10-5

We were back at it in the 4th. Wth one out Rob walked and Robby Thompson doubled. Than Bob Brenly doubled, scoring them both. Chris followed with a two-run dinger. Even Scott walked and that was it for Ward. The Braves brought in Rick Camp. I singled, moving Scott to 2nd. I was thrown out on a fielder's choice by Mike. Scott scored on a single by Chili. Steve reached and Mike scored on an error.

Giants lead 16-5

I didn't come up in the 5th. That is notable because it is the first inning that I didn't.

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Galarraga and Sheffield.

I led off the 6th by grounding out back to Camp.
But we kept rolling. With two out Chili singled, Steve walked, Rob was hit-by-pitch. Robby singled, scoring Chili and Steve. Bob singled, scoring Rob. Chris singled, scoring Robby.

Giants lead 20-5

I got the last out of the inning off a grounder by Chris Jelic.

I was set to lead off the 7th, but with this lead, Nestor decided to rotate some other guys in. Bobby Grich hit for me.

The Braves managed another run in the 9th, but not before we scored four more times.

24-6.

Wow.

However, the Reds also won, so we have to wait another day pop the champagne. It is up to us now. We win one more time and we have it!

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, a HBP, and a run scored.