Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

May 9th, 1990

We were supposed to play the Mets today. Perhaps mercifully, we were rained out.

The game has been rescheduled for the end of August.


We have tomorrow off and then we are in Philadelphia.

[rpriske]

May 11th, 1990

We have lost six in a row and now e have had two days off.

The Phillies are pitching Kevin Gross (1-1, 4.32).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (2-2, 4.09).

I have gone only 9 for 54, or .167, against Gross.

I opened the game by grounding out to Walt Weiss at 2nd.
After that Robby Thompson tripled and scored on a Ruben Sierra groundout.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Alan Cockrell on 3rd. I walked on four straight pitches.
Robby hit into a double play.

I took care of a Steven Finken grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 3rd.

The Phillies scored in the 4th when Tom Herr crossed on a Von Hayes double.
Heyes scored on a Darrin Fletcher sac fly.

Phillies lead 2-1

I came up in the 5th with two out and Bruce on 1st. I lined one into right for a single, Bruce went to 3rd.
Stolen base #23.
We were left on.

We tied it back up in the 6th when Alvin Davis scored on a Tim Naehring single.

Game tied 2-2

I came up with one out in the 7th and grounded out to Finken at 3rd.

The Phils took the lead back in the 8th when Scott Pose crossed on a Herr double.
Mark Williamson took over for us after that.
Herr ended up scoring on an error by Alan.
Bo Jackson scored on a Fletcher groundout.

Phillies lead 5-2

I came up with two out in the 9th, now facing Jeff Russell.
Fastball misses. 1-0
Swing and miss on a slider. 1-1
Changeup, low. 2-1
Fastball, fouled back. 2-2
Fastball, dribbled back to the mound, but I outrun the play for an infield single!

I was left and we lost for the 7th straight time.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, a walk, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

May 12th, 1990

Today the Phillies are pitching an old adversary with the Dodgers, Orel Hershiser (0-5, 4.85).

The Giants have Frank Viola (1-5, 6.02).

Two great pitchers having a tough year.

I have gone 12 for 57, or .211 against Hershiser.

I led things off by grounding out back to Hershiser.
Robby Thompson then singled and scored on a Ruben Sierra triple. Ruben scored on an Alvin Davis groundout.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off again in the 3rd and managed a walk.
Stolen base #24.
I went to 3rd on a groundout by Robby and scored on a groundout by Ruben.

Giants lead 3-0

We strike again in the 4th when Harold Baines and Tim Naehring scored on an Alan Cockrell double.
I flew out to end the inning.

Giants lead 5-0

I handled a Von Hayes grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.

I got the final out int eh 5th off a Steven Finken grounder.

The Phillies got on the board in the 6th when Scott Pose scored on a Tom Herr double.
Herr then scored on a Bo Jackson single.

Giants lead 5-2

I led off the 7th, now facing Greg Harris. I lined out to Jackson in left.
A few batters later, Alvin smashed a two run homer.

Giants lead 7-2

In the 8th Tim smacked a solo shot.

Giants lead 8-2

I led off the 9th against Joe Hesketh. I knocked through the left side for a single.
I was erased when Robby hit into a fielder's choice.
Ruben and Alvin ended up scoring on a Harold single.
Then Dale Murphy scored on a double by pinch hitter Tom O'Malley.

Giants lead 11-2

Tom stayed in to play 3rd.

Frank ended up with the complete game win. He needed it and we needed it.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, a run scored, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

May 13th, 1990

It is the last day of the road trip, and it has been a long one.

The Phillies are pitching Dave Stewart (4-1, 2.98).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (4-2, 4.98).

Stewart just came over from the AL this year and I haven't faced him yet.

I started things by lining out to Garry Templeton at short.

The Phillies struck first when Von Hayes scored on the 1st off a Darrin Fletcher double.

Phillies lead 1-0

Harold Baines tied it up in the 2nd with a solo homer.

Game tied 1-1

They got it right back in the bottom half when Jose Vizcaino scored on a Hayes single.
Randy Milligan followed with a three-run blast.
Bo Jackson made it back-to-back.

With a man on and two out, Jim brought in Rod Nichols.

Phillies lead 6-1

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Finken at 3rd.

In the 4th, Jackson homered again - a two-run shot this time.

Phillies lead 8-1

I came up in the 5th with Rod on 1st. I walked.
We never got anything out of it.

I came up in the 7th with two out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I flew out to Scott Pose in centre.

With two men on and one out in the 7th, Jim went to Mark Ross.
Both runners scored on a Templeton double.

Phillies lead 10-1

It never got better than that.

This season has been painful.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk.

Time to head home... to face the Mets.

[rpriske]

May 14th, 1990

We are back home and the Mets are in town.

They are pitching Andy Benes (3-1, 3.49).

The Giants have John Burkett (1-3, 6.75).

I have very little exposure to Benes, but it has gone very well - 3 for 3.

I handled a Lenny Dykstra grounder for the 1st out of the game.

I led off the home half and lost my perfect record against Benes by grounding out to Scott Fletcher at 2nd.

In the 3rd I started a Priske - Chimelis - Davis double play to get Mike Fitzgerald and Kevin Elster.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and flew out to Dykstra in centre.

In the 4th the Mets struck first, with Dykstra scoring on a Kevin Mitchell single. Then Mitchell scored on a Wally Joyner single.

Mets lead 2-0

I took care of a Mike Gallego grounder for the 2nd out in the 6th.

I then led off the bottom of the 6th by popping out to Joyner at 1st.

I came up next with two out in the 8th. I flew out to Mitchell in right.

Bobby Thigpen came in for the 9th.
I took care of a Greg Vaughn fielder's choice for the 2nd out.
Vaughn and Mitchell ended up scoring on a Fletcher single.

Mets lead 4-0

We were shut out.

I went 0 for 4.

I would never say this out loud, but I am starting to wonder if I will be traded this year. I am a free agent after the season and the team is going nowhere. I must have value to a contending team.

Even just across the Bay in Oakland.

[rpriske]

May 15th, 1990

We were shut out by the Mets yesterday. Can we turn it around today?

The Mets are pitching Kevin Brown (2-3, 3.33).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (1-3, 4.70).

I have little exposure and less success against Brown. I have gone 0 for 5.

Not only did Lenny Dykstra score in the 1st, but he scored on my throwing error.

Mets lead 1-0

I led off for the home side, trying to make up for my gaffe. I lined one up the middle for a single.
Stolen base #25.
I advanced to 3rd on a fly out by Alvin Davis and scored on a fly out by Ruben Sierra.

Game tied 1-1

The Mets struck again in the 3rd when Mike Gallego scored on a Dave Magadan double.
Magadan ended up scoring on a double play by Wally Joyner.
It didn't stop there as Kevin Mitchell scored on a Dave Cochrane single.
Rick walked Dykstra with the bases loaded, scoring Scott Fletcher.
Then, it happened again. Cochrane scored on my error.
Two errors in one game! I think losing is getting to me. I am infected by it.
Rick walked Magadan, scoring Brown.
Then he walked Mitchell, scoring Dykstra.

Jim tried to give Rick enough to get out of it, but he finally had to go to Rod Nichols.
He got the 3rd out.

Mets lead 8-1

I came up with two out in the 3rd and grounded out to Joyner at 1st.

I got the 1st out in the 5th off an easy grounder by Brown.
I also got the 2nd out off a Gallego grounder.

We were in a big hole, but we had a pretty good 5th inning.

Alan Cockrell led off with a single. He stole 2nd and then scored on a one out single by Robby Thompson.
Then Tim Naehring singled and I came up with two out and hit a two run single!
I stole 2nd and scored on a single by Alvin!

Mets lead 8-5

Mark Davis took over for us in the 6th.

I came up in the 7th with two out, Robby on 1st, and Jim Clancy pitching.
I walked.
Robby scored on a single by Alvin.
Alvin and I were left on.

Mets lead 8-6

Mark Williamson took over in the 8th.

I came up with one out in the 9th. David Wells was on the mound.
I outran a bouncer to 3rd for a single.
I went to 3rd on a double by Alvin.
Ruben singled and we both scored to tie the game!
They intentionally walked Harold Baines.
Alan Cockrell struck out and then Dale Murphy reached on an infield single to load the bases.
Robby singled for the walk-off win!

I was named player of the game! I went 3 for 4 with three singles, a walk, two RBI, three runs scored, two stolen bases... and two errors.

[rpriske]

May 16th, 1990

We are wrapping up with the Mets today. Maybe we can actually take the series.

New York is pitching Dwight Gooden (4-1, 3.12).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (2-3, 4.06).

I have done well against Gooden thus far, going 14 for 47, 0r .298.

I handled a Kevin Mitchell grounder for the 3rd out in the 1st.

I then led off for our side by grounding out to Mitchell at 3rd.

I took care of a Greg Vaughn grounder for the 1st out in the 2nd.

Alan Cockrell homered in the bottom half.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 3rd and struck out.
Alvin Davis followed me with a home run.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up next with one out in the 5th. I dropped one into right for a single.
Stolen base #27.
I scored on a double by Alvin.

Giants lead 3-0

I led off the bottom of the 7th by grounding out to Scott Fletcher at 2nd.

With one out and a man on in the 8th, Jim went to Bobby Thigpen.

He got through the 8th all right but in the 9th he gave up a two run homer to pinch hitter, and all around scumbag, Mel Hall.
Then Mike Fitgerald scored on a. Lenny Dykstra double.

Game tied 3-3

Dale Murphy led off the bottom of the 9th with a pinch hit single.
Then I came up, facing Randy Myers.
Fastball out of the zone. 0-1
Splitter, fouled back. 1-1
Fastball, catches the corner. 1-2
Changeup. I tried to check my swing, but I had struck out.

Mark Williamson came in to pitch the 10th.

I took care of a Huber Brooks grounder for the 2nd out in the 11th.

Willie Fraser took over for us in the 12th.
Craig Grebeck took over at short after Tim Neehring left for a pinch hitter.

I led off the bottom of the 12th against Jim Clancy.
I grounded out to Mike Gallego at short.
William Max smashed a two run blast in the 13th.

Mets lead 5-3

We couldn't get them back and lost the game.

I went 1 for 6 with a single, a run scored, and a stolen base.

We have a day off now before the Expos come to town.

You know what that means - the family is coming to town!

A little less fun now that we are playing so badly.

[rpriske]

May 18th, 1990

The family is in town. It is great to see them, but I have to admit that I am not in the best mood.

We won the World Series and now we are playing at the bottom of the league.

Today the Expos are pitching Chuck Finley (3-3, 4.32).

The Giants have Frank Viola (2-5, 5.37).

I have gone only 4 for 25 against Finley.

I got in the action early, taking care of a Chris Sabo grounder for the 2nd out of the game.
I then caught a Pedro Guerrero pop for the 3rd.

I led off for our side and lined one into centre for a single.
With one out I grabbed stolen base #28 AND #29.
I scored on an Alvin Davis single.

Giants lead 1-0

I took care of a grounder by Jose Oquendo for the 2nd out in the 2nd.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and singled again, this time to right.
Stolen base #30 and an extra base when Mike Urzendowski threw it away.
I scored on a Ruben Sierra single.

Giants lead 2-0

I was having a pretty good game, but in the 4th I booted a Guerrero grounder.
It didn't cost us, thankfully.

I came up next with one out in the 5th. I grounded out to Oquendo at 2nd.

Sabo led off the 6th with a homer.
I took care of a Shane Mack grounder for the 1st out.

I handled an Oqunedo grounder for the 1st out in the 7th.

Mark Davis took over for us with two out and a man on on in the 8th.

He got the out and then I led off the bottom of the inning.
I grounded out to Oquendo again.

Bobby Thigpen took the mound for the 9th.
Three batters later, we had the win.

A nice outing for Frankie.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, two runs scored, three stolen bases, and an error.

[rpriske]

May 19th, 1990

We had a good game yesterday. Let's see if we can keep it going.

Today the Expos are pitching Wally Whitehurst (1-3, 3.66).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (4-3, 6.00).

I have done very well against Whitehurst, going 8 for 22, or .364.

I took care of a Shane Mack grounder for the 2nd out in the game.

I then led off for our side. I lined out to Mack in right.
A few batters later, Alvin Davis scored on a Robby Thompson double and then Robby scored on an Alan Cockrell double.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. I struck out.

I took care of a Whitehurst grounder for the 2nd out in the 3rd.

I did the same in the 5th off a Thomas Howard grounder.

I led off in the bottom of the 5th by flying out to Pedro Guerrero in left.

I then came up with two out in the 7th and grounded out to Chris Donnels at 3rd.

The Expos scored in the 8th when Alex Cora scored on an Jose Offerman double.
With two out and two on, Jim brought in Mark Williamson.
He got out of it.

Giants lead 2-1

Bobby Thigpen took the 9th and for the second straight day he pitched a perfect inning for the save.

I didn't have a great game, going 0 for 4, but we won again!

[rpriske]

May 20th, 1990

We finish up with the Expos today. Let's go for a sweep!

Sorry Granddad!

The Expos are pitching Scott Erickson (1-1, 4.15).

The Giants are going with John Burkett (1-4, 5.71).

I have limited exposure to Erickson, going 1 for 3.

Two batters in, Chris Sabo hit a two run homer.

Expos lead 2-0

I led off for the home side and legged out an infield single.

The fans booed when I reached. The home fans. What the hell?

They cheered stolen base #31 though.
I went to 3rd on an Alvin Davis fly ball.
With two out, Harold Baines walked but we were both left on.

I took care of a Sabo grounder for the 3rd out in the 3rd.

I then led off the bottom half by grounding out to Jose Offerman at short.

Alvin ended up scoring on a sac fly by Harold.

Expos lead 2-1

We tied it up in the 4th when Dale Murphy scored on a Tim Naehring single.

I came up with two out and Tim on 1st. First Erickson was called for a balk. Then I flew out to Thomas Howard in centre.

Game tied 2-2

I took care of an Erickson grounder for the 3rd out in the 5th.

In the bottom half, both Ruben Sierra and Harold scored on an Alan Cockrell single.

Giants lead 4-2

I took care of a Sabo grounder for the 1st out in the 6th.
With a man on 2nd, I did the same to Pedro Guerrero for out #2.

I came up in the bottom of the 6th with two out. I made it three with a grounder to Offerman.

I got the 1st out in the 7th off a Michael Urzendowski grounder.

Mark Davis took over for us in the 8th.

With one out, Sabo hit his second homer of the game.
After giving up another hit, Mark gave way for Mark Williamson.
This Mark did no better. Two hitters later, Chris Donnels hit a three-run blast.

I took care of a Howard grounder for the 2nd out.

Expos lead 6-4

Rob Deer led off the bottom of the 9th with a pinch hit home run!

I came up to face Mike Henneman, representing the tying run.

Slider out of the zone. 1-0
Slider. High. 2-0
Slider. In there. 2-1
Slider. Popped up over the home dugout. 2-2.
Forkball. Low. 3-2
Forkball. Foul ball. 3-2
Slider. Popped up very high, but caught by Urzendowski behind the plate.

The Expos won, 6-5

I went 1 for 5 with a single and a stolen base.

It was good to see the family but a 15-25 season following a World Series win is not what we were hoping for at this point.

Tomorrow the Phillies are coming to town.

Oh, and All-Star Voting starts.

Vote early. Vote often.

[rpriske]

May 21st, 1990

The Phillies are in town.

They are pitching Kevin Gross (1-3, 4.06).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (2-3, 3.55).

I have gone only 10 for 57, or .175, against Gross.

I led off for the home side, knocking one into right for a single.
Stolen base #32.
It was moot as Harold Baines followed with a home run.

Giants lead 2-0

I took care of a Steven Finken grounder for the 3rd out in the 2nd.

The Phillies got on the board in the 3rd when Gross scored on a Randy Milligan sac fly.
Then Bo Jackson hit a three-run blast to take the lead.
Later in the same inning, Tommy Herr and Finken scored on a Gross double.
Gross, indeed.

That was enough for Jim who brought in Rod Nichols.
He got the 3rd out.

Phillies lead 6-2

I came up with one out in the 3rd and took a walk.
With two out, stolen base #33.
I was left there.

In the 4th, Milligan homered.

Phillies lead 7-2

I caught a Von Hayes pop for the 3rd out in the 5th.

I led off the bottom of the 5th by picking up another walk.
Stolen base #34 AND #35, and when I stole 3rd, Jerry Willard threw the ball away and I scored!

Phillies lead 7-3

The 6th went pretty well for us.

With one out, Dale Murphy walked.
Robby Thompson singled.
Joe Hesketh relieved.
Joel Chimelis singled, loading the bases.
Greg Myers got a 2-run, pinch-hit double.
I walked.
Harold struck out.
Ruben Sierra got an RBI single.
Alvin Davis hit a two-run single.
Clint Jenkins relieved.
Alan Cockrell flew out.

Giants lead 8-7

Mark Ross took the mound for us in the 7th.

I caught a Finken pop for the 1st out.
They tied it back up when Herr scored on a double by Darrin Fletcher.
Then Fletcher scored on a Scott Pose single.

Phillies lead 9-8

Mark Davis took over for us in the 8th.

In the 8th, Jackson hit his second home run of the game, this time with one man on.

Phillies lead 11-8

I led off the bottom of the 8th against Michael Jackson. (Not that one.)
I flew out to Hayes in right.

It got worse in the 9th when Finken led off with a homer.
I got the 1st out off a Jose Vizcaino grounder.

With two out, Jim went to Willie Fraser.
He got the 3rd out.

Phillies lead 12-8

We didn't go down without a fight as Dale hit a two run homer.
That was all though.

It was a good day if you are a fan of offense, but a bad day if you are a fan of the Giants.

We lost, 12-10.

I went 1 for 2 with a single, three walks, three runs scored, and four stolen bases.

[rpriske]

May 22nd, 1990

Today the Phillies are pitching Mike Moore (5-2, 2.13).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (1-3, 5.61).

Moore just came over from Seattle this year so Harold Baines is the only one of us who has faced him.

I led off the home side by popping out to Moore.

I came up next with two out in the 3rd and knuckled one into right for a single.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

I made my first play to get the third out in the 4th off a Garry Templeton grounder.

I came up with one out in the 6th and took a walk.
I went to 2nd on an infield hit by Harold.
Stolen base #36.
Ruben Sierra then hit a three-run homer.

Giants lead 3-0

I caught a foul pop by Jose Vizcaino for the 1st out in the 8th.

With one out and two on, despite throwing a shutout, Jim brought in Bobby Thigpen.
He got out of it.

I led off the bottom of the 8th, now facing Jeff Gray.
I flew out to Bo Jackson in left.

The Phillies broke up the shutout in the 9th when Templeton scored on a Tom Herr groundout.
That was all they could manage and we won, 3-1.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, a run scored, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

Now we have an overnighter to St. Louis.

[rpriske]

May 23rd, 1990

We are in St. Louis trying to turn things around.

I could say part of that literally every day.

The Cardinals are pitching Dave Fleming (1-6, 5.87).

The Giants have Frank Viola (3-5, 4.86). Frank pretty much symbolizes our season.

I have faced Fleming, but not much, going 0 for 2.

I opened the game by getting my first hit off Fleming - a single to centre.
I went to 2nd on a wild pitch.
I was left there.

The Cards started the scoring int he bottom half when Lance Johnson tripled and scored on a Ruben Amaro sac fly.

Cardinals lead 1-0

Robby Thompson led off the 2nd with a home run.

Game tied 1-1

They got the lead right back in the bottom half when Jeromy Burnitz scored on a Jeff Branson single.

Cardinals lead 2-1

I led off the 3rd by taking a walk.
I went to 2nd on a Ruben Sierra groundout.
Alvin Davis then walked but we were both left on.

I took care of an Amaro grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

I came up in the 5th with Frank standing on 1st. I reached on an infield single, moving Frank to 2nd.
With one out, Ruben smashed a three run homer!

Giants lead 4-2

I handled a Terry Shumpert grounder for the last out in the inning.

I led off the 7th, now facing Bob Kipper. I grounded out to Terry Pendleton at 3rd.

I came up with one out in the 9th. Mike Schooler was pitching. I lined out to Johnson in centre.

Mark Williamson came in to pitch the 9th for us.
He gave up a hit but a double play took care of that for him and we had the win.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, a walk, and a run scored.

[rpriske]

May 24th, 1990

We are finishing up a quick two game series in St. Louis.

The Cardinals are pitching Terry Clark (2-7, 5.49).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (5-3, 5.30).

I have done well against Clark, going 4 for 13, or .308.

I led off the game by lining out to Terry Shumpert at 2nd.

The 2nd went... very well.

Robby Thompson - double
Alan Cockrell - walk
Wild pitch
Dale Murphy - strikeout
Rob Deer - RBI single
Tim Naehring - reached on error. Alan scored.
Scott - sac bunt
Me - two run single!
Stolen base
Harold Baines - walk
Alvin Davis - walk
Robby - two run single
Alan - strikeout.

Giants lead 6-0

Mike Sarbaugh hit a lead off homer in the bottom of the 3rd.

Giants lead 6-1

I led off the 4th, now facing Manuel Molina. I grounded out to Shumpert.

I got Sarbaugh for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th off a Molina fielder's choice.

I came up in the 6th with one out and Tim on 2nd. I lined out to Andy Van Slyke at 1st.

It started to rain in the 7th.
We ended up with a 51 minute rain delay.

When we came back, Jim went to Rod Nichols to pitch, with one out and a man on 1st.

Rob led off the 8th with a home run!
I came up with two out, facing Bruce Luttrell. I walked on four pitches.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

Giants lead 7-1

Willie Fraser took over for us in the 8th.
He gave up a run when Jeromy Burnitz scored on a Bernie Williams double.
I caught a Shumpert fly for the 3rd out.

Giants lead 7-2

The Cards loaded them up in the 9th our Willie got out of it and we hd the win.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, a run scored, two RBI, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

After the game Willie was sent down to Phoenix and Scott Service was placed on waivers in order for the team to call up Roy Smith.
Smith pitched for six years in Cleveland before the Giants signed him to a minor league deal.

We are heading to Pittsburgh, where Smith is getting the start.
Rick Sutcliffe is being pushed to the bullpen.

[rpriske]

May 25th, 1990

We are in Pittsburgh and the Pirates are pitching Mark Gubicza (2-3, 2.53).

The Giants have our newest arm, Roy Smith, in his first appearance of the year.

I have had little exposure to Gubicza, but have gone 2 for 4.

I led things off by grounding out to Charlie Montoyo at short.

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

I came up in the 2nd with two out, Ryan Klesko on 3rd, and Tim Naehring on 2nd. I grounded out to Scott Bryant at 3rd.

I took care of a Kirk Gibson grounder for the final out in the 2nd.

In the 3rd, Bryant scored on a McGee groundout.

Pirates lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 5th. I grounded out to Bryant again.

Things went better after that as Harold Baines scored on a Ruben Sierra double. Then Ruben and Alvin Davis scored on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up with two out in the 6th, now facing Mike Stanton. I blooped one into left for a single.
Stolen base #38
I scored on a double by Harold.

Giants lead 4-1

Alvin led off the 7th with a home run.

Giants lead 5-1

I came up in the 8th, with one out, Tim on 1st, and Charles Hudson pitching.
Tim went to 2nd on a wild pitch and then they got a double play when I flew out to McGee in centre and he threw out Tim trying to go to 3rd.

With a man on 2nd in the bottom frame, Jim brought in Bobby Thigpen.
He got out of it.

Things didn't go quite as well in the 9th as Gibson scored on a Montoyo double.
Then Bryant scored on a McGee groundout.
Bobby got the 3rd out, though, and the Giants won 5-3.

I went 1 for 5 with a single, a run scored, and a stolen base.

Good outing for Roy. Welcome to the team.

[rpriske]

May 26th, 1990

Continuing in Pittsburgh.

The Pirates are pitching Mike Bielecki (6-3, 3.52).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (2-3, 4.28).

I have gone 6 for 23, or .261, against Bielecki.

I started things off by grounding out to Scott Bryant at 3rd.

In the 2nd Alvin Davis scored on a Tim Naehring single. Dale Murphy scored on a Joel Chimelis sac fly.
I came up with two out and two on but grounded out.

Giants lead 2-0

In the bottom half, Kirk Gibson scored on a Bryant double.

Giants lead 2-1

In the 3rd, Ruben Sierra hit a two run homer.

Giants lead 4-1

I led off the 4th by reaching on an infield single.
Stolen base #39.
I went to 3rd on a Harold Baines fly out and scored on a Ruben groundout.

Giants lead 5-1

I took care of a Sid Bream grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.

I came up with one out in the 6th. Rod James was on the mound. I grounded out to Charlie Montoyo at short.

I got Bream again for the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th.

In the 8th, Tim Naehring scored on a single by Joel.
I came up with one out, Greg Myers on 2nd, and Joel on 1st.
I hit one to Bryant at 3rd for a fielder's choice.
Harold walked, loading the bases.
We were left that way.

Giants lead 6-1

I handled a Willie McGree grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 8th.

In the top of the 9th Alvin led off with a home run and later Dale Murphy scored on a single by Tim.

Giants lead 8-1

With one out and a man on in the bottom of the 9th, Jim brought it Rod Nichols.
We won... for our fifth straight win!

We are on a roll! (Still in last, but you have to start somewhere.)

I went 1 for 5 with a single, a run scored, and a stolen base... for the 2nd straight day.

[rpriske]

May 27th, 1990

Game three in Pittsburgh, trying to keep our streak going.

Now with me, though, as I am getting the day off.

Down 1-0, I came in as a pinch hitter in the 8th with two out. I walked against Rick Reed but was then caught trying to steal.

Mark Williamson took over for John Burkett in the bottom of the 8th. I stayed in to play 3rd.

With the game on the line in the top of the 9th, Joel Chimelis reached on a leadoff double and then scored on a Ryan Klesko single, tying the game. Ryan later scored on a Ruben Sierra single.

Giants lead 2-1

Bobby Thigpen came in for the save opportunity.
The first three batters got three singles, loading the bases.
Scott Bryant then hit a two run single for the walk-off and a disastrous blown save for Bobby.

Our win streak is done.

Just a walk and a caught stealing for me.

On our way to Chicago we found out that Ruben Sierra was named the NL Player of the Week!

[rpriske]

May 28th, 1990

We are playing in Wrigley today.

The Cubs are pitching Dan Freed (3-3, 3.88).

The Giants have Frank Viola (4-5, 4.56).

I have gone 4 for 16 against Freed.

As usual, I was first up. I lined out to Bret Barberie at 2nd.

In the bottom of the 1st, Barberie scored on a Dave Martinez sac fly.

Cubs lead 1-0

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Steve Balboni at 1st.
Before the inning was up, though, we tied it up with Ruben Sierra scoring on an Alvin Davis double.

Game tied 1-1

I took care of an Otis Nixon grounder for the 1st out int he bottom of the 3rd.
Then I handled a Balboni grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up with two out in the 4th and Robby Thompson on 2nd. I grounded out to Jeff King at 3rd.

In the 6th Balboni scored on a King sac fly.
I took care of a Freed grounder fielder's choice ball, getting the runner at home. But then Frank walked Nixon with the bases loaded.

Cubs lead 3-1

I came up with two out in the 7th and grounded out to Travis Freeman at short.

I took care of a Balboni grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 7th.

Mark Williamson took the mound for us in the 8th.

We had a big 9th as both Alan Cockrell and Rob Deer homered. I grounded out to 1st of the 3rd out, but...

Giants lead 4-3

Bobby Thigpen came in for the 9th. Three batters later, we had the win.

I went 0 for 5. I am hitting .296

[rpriske]

May 29th, 1990

We snatched a win yesterday. Let's keep it going.

Today the Cubs are pitching Greg Maddux (2-3, 4.60).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (6-3, 4.88).

I have gone 10 for 36, or .278, with a home run against Maddux.

I led off by managing a walk.
With one out, stolen base #40 AND #41.
I scored on a Ruben Sierra groundout.

Giants lead 1-0

I took care of a Paul O'Neill grounder for the final out in the 1st.

I led off the 3rd, lining one into centre for a single.
With one out, stolen base #42.
I went to 3rd on a groundout by Ruben.
I was awarded home on a Maddux balk.

Giants lead 2-0

I took care of a Steve Honey grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 3rd.

I came up with the bases loaded in the 4th and grounded out to 1st.

Then came the 5th.
Harold Baines - reached on error by Bret Barberie at 2nd.
Ruben - walk
Robby Thompson - single. bases loaded.
Alan Cockrell - 2-run double
Dale Murphy - strikeout
Ryan Klesko - 2-run single
Tim Naehring - RBI double
Scott Garrelts - groundout
ME - walk
Harold - strikeout

Giants lead 7-0

I handled a Chris Hoiles grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.
I did the same to Steve Honey in the 6th.

With two out in the 6th, Scott walked pitcher Tracy Toy, breaking the Perfect Game.

With one out in the 7th, Travis Freeman broke up the no-hitter with a single.

I came up with one out in the 8th. They brought in Chris Pollack to face me. My third walk from three different pitchers.
Stolen base #43.
Uh, yeah. What was I thinking there?
I went to 3rd on a passed ball and scored on a sac fly by Harold.

Giants lead 8-0

Rod Nichols relieved for us in the 8th.

The Cubs got on the board the tinning when Honey scored on a Mark McLemore single.
I took care of an O'Neill grounder to end the inning.

Giants lead 8-1

In the 9th Todd Logan took Rod deep for a two-run homer.

We won 8-3

I went 1 for 2 with a single, three walks, three runs scored, and four stolen bases.

[rpriske]

May 30th, 1991

We finish up in Chicago today before heading home.

The Cubs are pitching Bill Krueger (2-6, 4.28).

The Giants have Roy Smith (1-0, 1.29).

I haven't faced Krueger much, but I am 2 for 2 against him.

I led things off by keeping that perfect line with a single to right centre.
Stolen base #44.
I went to 3rd on a Robby Thompson fly out and scored on an Alvin Davis groundout.

Giants lead 1-0

I took care of the first batter in the bottom of the 1st - a Dave Martinez groundout.

I handled a Travis Freeman grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 2nd as well.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Fryman at short.

The Cubs tied it up in the 3rd when Steve Hosey scored on a Martinez single.

Game tied 1-1

It did not stay tied for long.

The top of the 4th went like this:
Alvin - home run
The next two guys made outs.
Tim Naehring - walk
Rob Deer - walk
Greg Myers - RBI single
Roy - RBI single
Me - RBI single
Robby - two run triple
Alvin - RBI single

Giants lead 8-1

In the bottom half, Fryman hit a solo homer.
I few batter Slater, Todd Logan hit a three-run homer.
Jim went to Rod Nichols at that point.

Giants lead 8-5

Then, in the 5th, Fryman hit ANOTHER three run homer. Suddenly we were tied again.

Game tied 8-8

I came up in the 6th with two out and Carl Willis pitching. I grounded out to Chris Hoiles at 1st.

Mark Davis took the mound for us in the 6th.
He gave up the lead before getting an out when Logan scored on a single by Randy Velarde.

Cubs lead 9-8

It got worse in the 7th when Paul O'Neill homered.
I got the 2nd out off a Hoiles grounder.

Cubs lead 10-8

I came up in the 9th with one out and Joe Boever pitching.
I grounded out to Fryman at short.

The Cubs were on a 7-game losing streak. We led them by 7.

We lost.

I went 2 for 5 with a pair of singles, two runs scored, an RBI, and a stolen base.

We are headed home to face the Astros.