[rpriske]

March 4th, 1988

It is the last day in town for my parents. We are playing Tom Browning and the Reds.

The Giants have Frank Viola on the mound.

I led off the home half by taking a seven pitch walk. I went to 2nd on a wild pitch. I went to 3rd on a passed ball. None of that mattered as Chili Davis launched a one out home run.

Giants lead 2-0

I got the 3rd out in the 2nd, taking a Tim McIntosh grounder.

The Reds got on the board in the 3rd when Al Newman crossed on a Will Clark single.

Giants lead 2-1

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by putting one down the left field line for a double. Finally! My first hit of the spring. And I got to do it in front of my folks. With two out I stole 3rd but was not able to score.

I got the 2nd out in the 4th off a Fred Manrique grounder.

In the 4th Robby Thompson scored on a Steve Stanicek single.

Giants lead 3-1

Mike Griffin took over pitching for us in the 5th.

I came up with one out in the bottom half, with William Brennan now pitching for the Reds. I struck out.

Kal Daniels led off the 6th with a homer. Five batters later Dave Parker hit a pinch hit, three-run shot off a visibly exhausted Mike. Why did Jim push him like that?
After that, Jim brought in John Burkett.

Reds lead 5-3

I left the game in the 7th.

There was no more scoring.

I went 1 for 2 with a double, a walk, a run scored, and a stolen base.

I went out for dinner with the family afterwards, so they could hear me gripe about the new skipper.
I am sure I will get used to him, but he is no Nestor.