Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

July 11th, 1986

Today the Pirates are throwing Dennis Martinez (6-6, 2.88) in there.

The Giants are going with Eric King (6-2, 3.87).

I am a mere 0 for 2 vs Martinez.

I led off the home half by hitting one up the middle for a single. Unfortunately Mike Aldrete then grounded into a double play.

I got the first out in the 2nd, grabbing a Bip Roberts pop.

The Pirates loaded them up with none out in the 3rd before Keith Moreland hit into a Priske - Thompson - Walling double play. Johnny Ray scored.

Pirates lead 1-0.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Denny Walling on 2nd. A grounded out right back to Martinez, but at least I moved Denny up. Aldrete blasted a double to centre and Denny scored.

Game is tied 1-1.

Eric ran out of steam in the 4th. He had only allowed one run but was in danger every inning. Nestor turned it over to Mike Perez with two out and two on. Things did not go well. Mike has yet to give up a run but this time he walked Ray to load the bases and then Fred Lynn launched a Grand Slam.

Pirates lead 5-1.

I came up in the 5th with two out and Bob Brenly on 1st. I singled to right, moving Bob to 3rd. Aldrete singled behind me, scoring Brenly and I went to 3rd. I was left there.

Pirates lead 5-2.

Mike loaded the bases with one out in the 6th and Nestor turned the ball over to Frank Williams. He got us out of it.

I came up with two out in the 7th and I worked a walk. That turned into stolen base #69. Aldrete doubled off the wall again and I scored!

Pirates lead 5-3.

Pat Perry took over on the mound to lead off the 8th. I got the 2nd out for him, grabbing a Ray grounder. I did the same in the 9th off a Keith Moreland grounder.

I came up in the bottom of the 9th representing the tying run. Pinch-hitter Scott Bradley was on 1st and they brought Cecilio Guante in to face me with none out.
He struck me out.
We weren't able to make up the runs.

I went 2 for 4 with 2 singles, a walk, a stolen base, and a run scored.

We are now tied with the Reds, a half game behind the Dodgers.

[rpriske]

July 12th, 1986

Today the Pirates are using Mike Bielecki (2-2, 2.02).

The Giants are going with Willie Fraser (9-3, 4.23).

This is Bielecki's first full year and we had never faced him. He looks pretty good though.

I was first to face him in the bottom of the 1st and I hit one past Ozzie Smith at short for a single. I picked up stolen base #70, even though I ran on a pitchout. After Mike Aldrete got out I stole 3rd for #71. I scored on a Chili Davis groundout. Rob Deer followed with a solo homer. Later Kenny Oberkfell scored on a Lee Mazzilli single.

Giants lead 3-0.

I came up with one out in the 2nd and I grounded out to Bip Roberts at 2nd. Mike followed with a solo homer! Bielecki walked the next three guys and Robby Thompson scored Chili and Deer with a single.

Giants lead 6-0.

The Bucs got not he board in the 3rd when Ozzie scored from 2nd on a Kirk Gibson single.

Giants lead 6-1.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and I grounded out to Roberts again.

I made my first defensive play in the 4th, grabbing a Roberts grounder for the 1st out. I then was pivot on a Thompson - Priske - Mazzilli double play to get Tom Baine and Denny Gonzalez to end the inning.

I got the 3rd out the next inning, off an Ozzie grounder.

I came up in the 5th with Robby on 3rd and Lee on 2nd. There were two out and Bruce Sutter was pitching. I hit one into left for a single and both runners scored!

Giants lead 8-1.

The Pirates got one back in the 6th when Gibson clocked a deep one.

Giants lead 8-2.

I got the 1st out in the 7th, off a Baine grounder.

I came up in the bottom frame with two out and Scott Bradley on 2nd. San Spillner was the pitcher. Another single! Another RBI as Scott scrambled home from 2nd! Then came stolen base #72! That's as far as I got, but what a game this has been!

Giants lead 9-2.

Mike Perez took over mound duties for us in the 8th. He allowed a base runner but another Thompson - Priske - Mazzilli double play erased Joe Orsulak and Gibson to end the inning.

Three more int he 9th and it was over. A 9-2 win! We are now 55-32!

And who was named Player of the Game? This guy! 3 for 5 with 3 RBI, a run scored, and 3 stolen bases!

That's a game for the highlight reel!

The Dodgers also won but the Reds fell back.

The All-Star Game Rosters were announced - both Dennis Eckersley and Scott Garrelts are going! Good for those guys.

I'll get there one day.

[rpriske]

July 13th, 1986

Today the Pirates are pitching Jose DeLeon (6-8, 3.36).
The Giants are going with Dennis Eckersley (12-4, 2.08).

That probably means Eck won't get to play in the All-Star Game, but the post-season is a little mere important.

I have gone 4 for 15 vs DeLeon.

I led off the se for the home squad by taking a walk. I grabbed stolen base #73 and went to 3rd on a wild pitch. Mike Aldrete walked and I then scored on a Chili Davis sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0.

After Fred Lynn reached on a strikeout/passed ball, Keith Moreland hit into a sweet Priske - Thompson - O'Malley double play.

I came up in the 3rd with Eck standing on 1st. I flew out to Kirk Gibson in right.

I came up next in the 5th with two out and Bob Brenly on 1st. I moved him to 3rd dropping a single into centre. We both scored on a double by Aldrete.

Giants lead 3-0.

I made the 2nd and 3rd outs in the 8th, grabbing grounders by Bip Roberts and pinch hitter Tom Baine.

I led off the bottom half, now facing Dan Spillner. I snuck one through he left side for a single. Once again I scored from 1st on an Aldrete double. Mike later scored on a Kenny Oberkfell single.

Giants lead 5-0.

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch the 9th. Three batters later we had the 5-0 win!

56-32!

WE ARE IN FIRST PLACE!!

I went 2 for 3 with a walk, THREE runs scored and a stolen base!

Talk about going into the All-Star Break on a high!

Also, Mike Aldrete was named NL Player of the Week! Way to go Mike!

For me in means a few days home in Victoria.

It would have been nice to go to the ASG... especially since it is in Montreal, but I can also use the break.


In the end the AL won 8-3. I was right that Eck wouldn't pitch, but Scotty Garrelts got in and pitched a perfect inning, striking out two.

[rpriske]

July 17th, 1986

We are coming out of the break on a road trip. We start in Chicago.

The Cubs are pitching Richard Dotson (2-6, 3.95).
The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (7-5, 2.88).

I have never faced Dotson. Last year he was on the other side of town with the White Sox.

I led off the game on a sunny afternoon by banning one off the wall in centre and running out a triple! I scored on a Mike Aldrete sac fly. Later Chili Davis scored on a Denny Walling single.

Giants lead 2-0.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Kenny Oberkfell on 2nd. I flew out to Dave Owen in right.

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 3rd, taking a Dotson grounder. I then did the same to Billy Hatcher for the 2nd out.

I led off the 5th by popping up to Cecil Cooper at 1st.

In the 6th we got another run when Walling scored on a Bob Brenly fielder's choice.

Giants lead 3-0.

I got the 1st out int he bottom half, taking a Hatcher grounder again.

I led off the 7th, now facing Odell Jones. I flew out to Hatcher in centre.

Brenly struck big in the 9th, blasting a two-run homer. I came up with one out and Rich Bordi pitching. I dropped one into short right for a single. Next came stolen base #74. Aldrete easily brought me home with a triple! Mike scored on a Chili groundout.

Giants lead 7-0.

Bruce allowed the first runner for the Cubs to reach and Nestor could see he was tired so he turned it over to Mike Perez. A strikeout followed by a Priske - Thompson - Walling double play and we won again!

We are 9-0 vs the Cubs this year.

I went 2 for 5 with a pair of runs scored and a stolen base!

[rpriske]

July 18th, 1986

Today the Cubs are pitching Greg Maddux (3-9, 4.16).
The Giants have Dennis Eckersley (13-4, 1.95).

I have gone 2 for 9 vs Maddux, but one of those two was a home run.

I opened the game by striking out.

In the bottom of the 2nd I grabbed a Shawon Dunston grounder for the 1st out. Chris Hoiles went deep to open the scoring for the Cubs. It got worse when Greg Maddux hit a two run shot! WTH?! (Worse, it was after an error that should have ended the inning.)

Cubs lead 3-0.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and I struck out again.

I gt the 1st out in the bottom half, grabbing a Jim Gantner grounder. Another error extended another inning as the Cubs made us pay again, as Dunston singled home scumbag Mel Hall.

Cubs lead 4-0.

In the 4th Hoiles scored on a Billy Hatcher single.

Cubs lead 5-0.

I came up with one out in the 5th and I grounded out to Dunston at short.

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Thompson - Walling double play to get Hall and Dunston to end the inning.

Eck left the game in the 6th, giving way to Mike Perez. It was a double switch where Kenny Oberkfell left for Tom O'Malley.

I came up in the 7th with none out, Bob Brenly on 3rd and O'Malley on 1st. Odell Joins was pitching. I hit into a double play, but at least Bob scored.

Cubs lead 5-1.

Pat Perry came in to pitch to start the 8th. He struck out the first two and then I took a Hoiles grounder to end it.

I came up with two out in the 9th and I struck out.

Bad game for me. Bad game for us.

We fell behind both the Reds and Dodgers. They lead the division and we trail by a half game.

[rpriske]

July 19th, 1986

The Cubs are pitching Bill Swift (2-13, 5.35).
The Giants have Terry Mulholland (7-6, 3.81).

I have ogen 2 for 9 vs Swift.

I kicked off the game by flying out to Dave Owen in right.

The Cubs got to it right away, pushing Billy Hatcher across on Mel Hall single. I took a Keith Miller grounder for the 2nd out, It should have been a double play but Jody Davis took out Robby Thompson. Ray Knight scored on the play. Terry blew an easy grounder from Cecil Cooper and Hall scored. I finished it with a Dave Owen grounder.

Cubs lead 3-0.

We got one back int he 2nd when Rob Deer scored on a Denny Walling single.

Cubs lead 3-1.

In the bottom half I blew a Hatcher grounder for my 8th error of the year. Terry plunked Knight that inning and things were starting to get tense.

I led off the 3rd by striking out.

In the 4th Deer smoked a two run homer and we were right back in it!

Game tied 3-3!

The tie was short lived as Davis scored on an Owen grounder that I handled. Miller then scored on a Swift single! I took a Hatcher grounder to end the threat but...

Cubs lead 5-3.

There is no quit in us! In the 4th Kenny Oberkfell scored on a Mulholland single! I came up with one out, Terry on 1st and Bob Brenly on 3rd. I struck out.

Cubs lead 5-4.

I got he 2nd out in the bottom half, off a Knight grounder.

In the 6th we evened it back up with Brenly singling home Robby.

Game is tied 5-5.

Frank Williams came it to relieve in the 6th. I made a nice play, snagging a Dave Martinez pinch-hit liner for the 1st out.

I led off the 7th, now facing Aurelio Lopez. I struck out again. We grabbed the lead for the first time when Aldrete scored on a Walling double.

Giants lead 6-5.

Scotty Garrelts took over in the 8th. The first batter he faced even the score as Keith Miller took him deep. Then Marvell Wynne pinch hit a triple, scoring Owen.

Cubs lead 7-6.

I led off the 9th, with Dennis Lamp pitching. I grounded out to Lamp.

That's it. We lost.

We fell to 1.5 games back.

[rpriske]

July 20th, 1986

Another afternoon at Wrigley.

Today the Cubs are pitching Vida Blue (5-7, 4.96).
The Giants are using Eric King (6-3, 4.03).

Blue is new to the NL so none of us have faced him.

I kicked off the game vs the vet by whiffing with a full count. Before the inning was up, Chili Davis scored on a Rob Deer sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0.

I got the 2nd out in the 1st, grabbing a pop fly by Ray Knight.

The Cubs took the lead in the 2nd when Jim Gantner smacked a two run homer.

Cubs lead 2-1.

I led off the 3rd by striking out again.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half by taking a Blue grounder.

I got the last out in the 4th by doing the same with a Cecil Cooper grounder.

I led off the 5th by flying out to Billy Hatcher in centre.

I got the first out in the bottom half, grabbing a Gantner pop.

The Cubs struck again in the 6th, as Dave Owen crossed on a Chris Hoiles double. Then Hoiles scored on a Cooper single. That was it for Eric as Nestor pulled him for Pat Perry. Tom O'Malley also replaced Denny Walling at 1st in a double switch.

Cubs lead 4-1.

I came up with one out in the 7th. I finally got something going, dropping a ball into left for a single. I not only stole base #75, but I got to 3rd when Hoiles threw the ball away. I scored on a Robby Thompson sac fly. After that Chili hit a solo homer.

Cubs lead 4-3.

The Cubs immediately widened the gap as Billy Hatcher scored on an Owen single. Frank Williams then came on in relief.

Cubs lead 5-3.

In the 8th Bob Brenly scored on an O'Malley fielder's choice. I came up with Tom on 1st and two out, now facing Aurelio Lopez. I flew out to Hatcher again.

Cubs lead 5-4.

Mark Davis took over pitching after that. He loaded up the bases with one out and then uncorked a wild pitch that scored Hoiles. I got a pinch hitter Rick Burleson grounder for the 2nd out, holding Cooper at 3rd.

Cubs lead 6-4.

And that is how it ended. Another loss.

Thankfully, both the Reds and Dodgers lost as well.

Little did we know that we were watching Eric King's last game as a Giants.

Over night we heard about a trade that sent King and a minor leaguer named Jim Corsi to the Padres for Eric Show.

As much as I liked King, getting Show is a pretty big deal for us!

Tomorrow we are in St.Louis to face the Cardinals.

[rpriske]

July 21st, 1986

We are in St.Louis. The new Eric hasn't... showed up yet.

The Cards are pitching Mike Schooler (4-3, 4.21).

The Giants have Willie Fraser (10-3, 4.10).

I am 1 for 5 vs Schooler.

I kicked things off by pushing one through the middle for a single. You know what was next. Stolen base #76. I scored on a one out Mike Aldrete single.

Giants lead 1-0.

Vince Coleman is trying to do what I do. He has stolen 58. I got the first out, getting a Terry Pendleton grounder as Vince went to 3rd. He scored on a Willie McGee double. I got a Tommy Herr grounder for the 2nd out, but McGee scored. I got a Bruce Bochte grounder of rat e 3rd out. I made all three outs but it took six batters to do it.

Cardinals lead 2-1.

I led off the 3rd by whiffing on a Schooler curve.

I came up next with two out in the 5th and I hit one off the fence in centre for a double. Robby Thompson doubled behind me and I crossed to tie things up.

Game is tied 2-2.

The Cards got it right back as Coleman crossed on a Pendleton double in the bottom half. I grabbed an Andy Van Slyke pop for the 3rd out.

Cardinals lead 3-2.

With one out and two on in the 6th, Nestor went with Pat Perry on the mound. He got out of it.

In the top of the 7th I led off, with Greg Minton now pitching. I doubled into the right field corner... but I tried to stretch it to a triple and was thrown out by Van Slyke.

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Thompson - Walling double play to get Coleman and Pendleton out.

In the 9th Denny Walling led off with a walk but then Ben Oglivie pinch hit into a double play. I came up with two out and the game on the line. Todd Worrell was pitching. I grounded out to Herr at 2nd on the first pitch.

I went 3 for 5 but we lost 3-2.

We trail the Reds by 2.5 and the Dodgers by 2 games. Our moment at the top was short lived.

I met Eric Show after the game. He seems like a smart dude.

[rpriske]

July 22nd, 1986

Today the Cardinals are pitching Bob Kipper (8-11, 3.94).
The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (8-5, 2.71).

I am 0 for 6 vs Kipper.

We have lost 4 in a row.

I led off the game by flying out to Willie McGee in centre.

St.Louis struck forst, scoring both Vince Coleman and Terry Pendleton on a two out single by Tom Herr. A wild pitch and a Bruce Bochte single and Herr scored.

Cardinals lead 3-0.

I made my first defensive play for the 1st out in the 2nd, grabbing a Bill Almon grounder.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and I worked a walk. I moved to 2nd when both Robby Thompson and I outran an infield hit. Chili Davis then took care of business and put one in the seats to tie it up.

Game is tied 3-3.

I led off the 5th by lining out to McGee again.

I took a Herr grounder for the 1st out in the home half of the 6th.

I came up again with two out in the 7th. Kipper walked me again. I was running on the first pitch and grabbed stolen base #77. Robby singled and I scampered home!

Giants lead 4-3.

Jeff Robinson took over pitching for us after Bruce left for a pinch hitter. I got the 2nd out for him, catching a Coleman pop-up.

I came up with one out in the 9th. Mark Clear was pitching. I walked for the 3rd time. This time I ran into a pitch out and was thrown out trying to steal.

Scott Garrelts took over, trying to nail down the win in the 9th. Three straight strikeouts later and he had done just that.

A win!

I went 0 for 2 but walked three times and scored twice. Also, another stolen base.

Both the Reds and Dodgers also won.

[rpriske]

July 23rd, 1986

Today the Cardinals are pitching Danny Cox (6-9, 3.81).
The Giants are going with Dennis Eckersley (13-5, 2.01).

I have done pretty well against Cox, going 6 for 20.

I kicked off the game by flying out to Andy Van Slyke in right.

I also got the 1st out on the other side, grabbing a Vince Coleman grounder, with a pretty sweet play I might add. Before thinning was up, though, Van Slyke parked a two-run dinger into the bleachers.

Cardinals lead 2-0.

They struck again in the 2nd when Bruce Bochte scored on a Bill Almon groundout.

Cardinals lead 3-0.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and I put one through the left side for a single. I quickly picked up stolen base #78. I got no further.

In the bottom half Terry Pendleton scored on a Tom Herr sac fly. I got a Mark Salas grounder for the 2nd out, but Willie McGee scored on the play.

Cardinals lead 5-0.

I grabbed a Cox grounder for the 1st Cards out in the 4th. I got a Pendleton pop for the 3rd. We finally kept them off the board for an inning.

I came up with one out in the 5th and I struck out.

Mike Perez took over for Eck in the 6th. He finished out the inning and then Frank Williams came in to pitch the 7th. They get to Frank when McGee hit a two out double, scoring Pendleton. I took a Van Slyke grounder to end it.

Cardinals lead 6-0.

I led off the 8th by grounding out to Almon at short. We finally broke the goose egg when Mike Aldrete hit a solo homer.

Cardinals lead 6-1.

Frank gave up a walk and a hit to open the 8th and Nestor went to Jeff Robinson. He couldn't stop Herr from scoring when Almon outran a double play ball.

Cardinals lead 7-1.

And that was the final. I went 1 for 4 with a stolen base but we really didn't get anything happening.

The Reds and Dodgers both won so we are 3.5 back.

Tomorrow is a travel day as we head to Pittsburgh.

[rpriske]

July 25th, 1986

We are in Pittsburgh to face Dennis Martinez (7-6, 2.91).

For us it is the Giants' debut of Eric Show (6-10, 3.77).

I have gone 2 for 5 vs Martinez.

I opened the game at Three Rivers Stadium by working a walk on eight pitches. With one out I went to 2nd on stolen base #79. On the very next pitch I went to 3rd with stolen base #80! Mike Aldrete singled and we had the lead.

Giants lead 1-0.

I made my first defensive play in the 2nd, grabbing a Jason Thompson grounder for the last out.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and I hit a little chopper which Tony Pena grabbed and through me out.

The Pirates took the lead in the bottom half when Keith Moreland singled home with Martinez and Ozzie Smith with two out.

Pirates lead 2-1.

I grabbed a Thompson grounder in the 4th for the 2nd out.

I led off the 6th by dropping one into right on the first pitch. I went to 2nd on a sac bunt by Robby Thompson. I then went to 3rd on an Aldrete groundout. Chili Davis walked and Rob Deer flew out, leaving us there.

In the bottom frame the Bucs got another when Martinez singled home Pena from 2nd. I grabbed on Ozzie grounder for the last out.

Pirates lead 3-1.

Eric's debut came to a close in the 7th when Nestor lifted him for Pat Perry with one out and one on. Perry got out of it and was immediately lifted for a pinch hitter.

I came up with one out in the 8th and grounded out to Johnny Ray at 2nd.

Mark Davis came it to pitch for us in the 8th. He lost the first two batters before I stopped pinch hitter Tom Baines with a groundball out. Dale Berra then hit a pinch hit single, scoring both Pena and Dusty Baker.

Pirates lead 5-1.

Things looked bad. But the 9th went a little differently.

Aldrete and Child opened with a pair of singles. Deer flew out and then Kenny Oberkfell singled, loading the bases. Then Bob Brenly singled, scoring Aldrete. Denny Walling doubled, scoring Chili and Kenny O. Lee Mazzilli pinch hit and singled, moving Walling to 3rd. I hit into a fielder's choice. Robby Thompson walked and Aldrete, up for the 2nd time that inning, flew out.

Game tied 5-5.

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch in the 9th. Three batters later, we were off to extra innings.

I came up in the 11th with two out and Scott Bradley on 3rd. Bruce Sutter was pitching. They gave me the four-fingered salute to face Robby instead. He made them pay, dropping a single into left and scoring Scott. Then Aldrete singled and I scored from 2nd. Chili singled, scoring Robby. Deer walked, loading the bags. Kenny O singled, scoring Aldrete and Chili.

Giants lead 10-5!

Mike Perez came it to shut it down. He allowed a hit and a walk but that was it and we had the 11 inning win.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, two walks, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

The Reds and Dodgers have also been winning. We trail by four games.

[rpriske]

July 26th, 1986

The Pirates are pitching Mike Bielecki (2-3, 2.89).
The Giants have Terry Mulholland (7-6, 3.95).

I am 1 for 3 vs Bielecki.

I kicked off the game by popping out to Johnny Ray at 2nd.

The Pirates opened the scoring in the 2nd when Fred Lynn scored on a Dusty Baker groundout. Then Keith Moreland scored on a Big Roberts single and Mike Aldrete error.

Pirates lead 2-0.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Denny Walling on 2nd. I put one up the middle for an RBI single! Then I picked up stolen base #81. Robby Thompson walked and Aldrete singled, scoring me to tie the game. Mike has hit in 17 straight.

Game tied 2-2.

I took an Ozzie Smith grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half. I did the same to Lynn for the 3rd out.

I kept at it in the 4th, taking a Moreland grounder for the 1st out. Unfortunately, when I went to get a Roberts grounder for the 2nd out, I instead made my 9th error of the season. Thankfully it did not lead to a run.

I came up in the 5th with Mulholland on 2nd and none out. I popped out to Ozzie at short. Robby did better behind me, doubling and scoring Terry. Aldrete and Child Davis walked before Robby scored on a Rob Deer groundout.

Giants lead 4-2.

In the bottom half I caught a Kirk Gibson pop for the 2nd out.

I came up in the 6th with one out and Bob Brenly on 3rd and Denny on 2nd. Jim Winn was the pitcher. I struck out.

I took a Moreland grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.

I came up in the 8th with one out and Denny on 1st. Aaron Carlie was on the hill. I took a walk. Mike and I were left there.

Mark Davis came in to pitch for us that inning. I got the 1st out for him, taking a Lynn grounder.

Scott Garrelts came in for the 9th to close things down. I also got him the 1st out, handling a Roberts grounder. Scott gave up one hit but that was it and we had a 4-2 win.

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

The Reds have now won 6 in a row so we didn't make up ground.

[rpriske]

July 27th, 1986

Sunday afternoon game was rained out. We have a make up scheduled for late August.

In the meantime, we are off to L.A. for a big series.

[rpriske]

July 28th, 1986

Facing the Dodgers and Orel Hershiser (9-6, 2.97).

The Giants have Dennis Eckersley (13-6, 2.25).

Big match-up.

I have gone only 1 for 18 vs Hershiser. I want to turn that around, right now.

I opened up the game by putting one past the shortstop for a single! I then stop base #82 and moved to 3rd when the ball got away on the throw. Robby Thompson singled and I scored.

Giants lead 1-0.

L.A. tied it up in the 2nd when Sid Bream hit a solo homer.

Game tied 1-1.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and struck out.

The Dodgers took the lead that inning when Steve Sax singled home Mookie Wilson. We ended things with a Priske - Thompson - Walling double play to get Sax and Mike Marshall.

Dodgers lead 2-1.

In the 4th Mike Scioscia singled home Franklin Stubbs. I took a Mookie grounder for the last out.

Dodgers lead 3-1.

They kept at it int he 5th. Hershiser scored on a Sax ground out. Later Bream walloped a three-run homer. I took a Tim Wallach grounder to end it, but the damage was done.

Dodgers lead 7-1.

I came up with two out in the 6th and grounded out to Wallach at third.

We got one back in the 7th when Robby scored on a Chili Davis sac fly.

Dodgers lead 7-2.

In the 8th Bob Brenly led off with a home run. I came up with one out and Denny Walling on 1st. Ken Howell was brought in to face me. It worked as he struck me out.

Dodgers lead 7-3.

Frank Williams came in to pitch for us. He got his outs but we couldn't score in the 9th and took the loss.

The Dodgers trail the Reds by a half game. We are back by 3.5

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

[rpriske]

July 29th, 1986

Today the Dodgers are pitching Bob Welch (7-7, 2.68).
The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (9-5, 2.78).

Noen of us have faced Welch before, oddly. He has been around for years. How come nobody has seen him?

I kicked things off by hitting one off the right field wall for a triple! I scored on a one out single by Mike Aldrete.

Giants lead 1-0.

The Dodgers even it up right away with a Candy Maldonado double scoring Steve Sax.

Game tied 1-1.

In the 2nd Kenny Oberkfell scored on a wild pitch by Welch.

Giants lead 2-1.

I led off the 3rd by striking out.

I made my first defensive play int he bottom half, and it was nice one! I got to a Mariano Duncan grounder that looked like a sure single and threw him out.

We lost the lead in the 4th when Tim Wallach blasted a two run homer.

Dodgers lead 3-2.

I came up with one out in the 5th and took a ten pitch walk. I tried to steal but was gunned down on a pitchout.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half, off a Mookie Wilson grounder.

I got Mookie again in the 7th, grabbing his pop up for the 2nd out.

I came up with one out in the 8th, now facing Ken Howell. He struck me out. That was my 100th strikeout of the season, apparently.

Nestor lifted Bruce for Mark Davis with one out and one on in the 8th. He couldn't stop the inherited runner as Mariano Duncan stole 2nd and then scored on a Maldonado single. Candy went to 2nd on a passed ball and scored on a Tim Wallach single.

Dodgers lead 5-2.

We were unable to score in the 9th and it was over.

I went 1 for 3 with a triple, a walk, and a runs scored. Oh, and a caught stealing and two strikeouts.

The Reds lost so the Dodgers are back in 1st and we trail by 4 games.

Two days until the trading deadline...

[rpriske]

July 30th, 1986

The Dodgers are bringing the big guns today - Fernando Valenzuela (13-4, 1.48).
The Giants have Eric Show (6-10, 3.79).

Fernando has owned me. I have gone 1 for 23 against him.

I led off the game by taking a four pitch walk! Benito Santiago picked him up, throwing me out trying to steal 2nd.

I made my first defensive play in the 2nd, grabbing a Sid Bream grounder for the 2nd out.

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

In the bottom half I got a Mariano Duncan grounder for the last out.

The Dodgers were the first not he board in the 4th when Franklin Stubbs smashed a two-run homer. I took a Mookie Wilson grounder for the last out.

Dodgers lead 2-0.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Eric on 1st. I flew out to Mike Marshall in right.

I got the firs tout int he bottom half, taking a Santiago grounder. I then took a Fernando grounder for the 2nd out.

In the 6th we got a Thompson - Priske - Walling double play to get Marshall and Bream to end the inning.

We got on the scoreboard in the 7th when Kenny Oberkfell scored on a Show sac fly. I came up with two out and Denny Walling on 2nd. I lined out to Marshall in right.

Dodgers lead 2-1.

Eric let the two guys on in the 8th and Nestor went to Mark Davis. He pitched out of it.

We were unable to get that last run int he 9th and lost 2-1.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk and a caught stealing.

Tomorrow we are home to face the Braves. It is also the trading deadline. I wonder...

[rpriske]

July 31st, 1986

The Braves are in town and they are pitching Mike Carista (5-5, 2.86).
The Giants have Terry Mulholland (8-6, 3.88).

None of us have faced Carista.

I took a Gary Sheffield grounder for the first play of the game.

I led off the bottom half by taking a four pitch walk. Good start. I moved to 2nd on a Robby Thompson fly ball. I then picked up stolen base #83 going to 3rd. I scored on a Mike Aldrete groundout. Chili Davis followed with a solo homer.

Giants lead 2-0.

In the 2nd Denny Walling hit a solo blast as well!

Giants lead 3-0.

Problems in the 3rd. Terry was cruising but he felt something give in his pitching elbow.
Mike Perez took over with two out and one on.

I led off the bottom half by striking out.

I caught a Claudell Washington pop for the 3rd out in the 4th.

Atlanta struck in the 5th, with Tommy Thompson scoring on a Milt Thompson single.

Giants lead 3-1.

I came up that inning with one out and I grounded out to Sheffield at short.

After Mike walked the first batter in the 6th, Nestor pulled him for Pat Perry. He got it done.

I got the 2nd out in the 7th, taking a Carista grounder.

I came up that inning with one out and pinch hitter Lee Mazzilli on 1st. They brought Ed Vande Berg in to face me. I hit one deep and Lee scored on my double! I then picked up stolen base #84 going to 3rd. I was unable to score.

Giants lead 4-1.

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch the 8th. Nestor wants a 6-out save from him. He gave up a single in the 9th. I got him the 2nd out off a grounder by Gerald Perry. He did the rest himself.

We won 4-1.

I went 1 for 3 with a double, walk, an RBI, a run scored, and two stolen bases.

We got real bad news about Terry. Bone chips in his elbow. He is done for the year.

Mark Grant is called up.

[rpriske]

August 1st, 1986

We all made it past the first trade deadline... too bad Terry didn't make it with us.

Today the Braves are pitching Pascual Perez (5-9, 4.70).
The Giants are going with Willie Fraser (10-4, 4.15).

I have gone 3 for 13 vs Pascual.

We made a nice play in the 1st, getting a Thompson - Priske - Walling double play to get Milt Thompson and Ron Oester.

I led off the bottom half by grounding out to Perez.

(NOTE: the pbp said "and Priske, not a speedster, is out." LIES)

Atlanta scored first when Gary Sheffield knocked in George Hendrick from 2nd in the 3rd.

Braves lead 1-0.

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

In the 5th Hendrick scored on a Bob Brenly passed ball.

Braves lead 2-0.

In the bottom half Denny Walling homered for the second straight day.

Braves lead 2-1.

I got the 1st out in the 6th, grabbing an Oester pop. I then took an Andres Galarraga grounder for the 2nd out.

I led off the bottom half by flying out to Hendrick in right. We tied it up when Robby Thompson scored on a Mike Aldrete single. We later took the lead when Mike scored on a Kenny Oberkfell single.

Giants lead 3-2.

Willie took that momentum and retired the side on strikes in the 7th!

I came up with one out in the bottom half, now facing Jeff Dedmon. I grounded out to Galarraga at 1st.

In the 8th we got an insurance run when Chili Davis scored on a Bob Brenly single.

Giants lead 4-2.

Scott Garrelts came in two shut things down in the 9th. I took a grounder from pinch-hitter Joel Youngblood for the 1st out. Scott struck out the next two and we were done with a 4-2 win.

0 for 4 for me today.

[rpriske]

August 2nd, 1986

Today the Braves are pitching Joe Johnson (7-10, 4.57).
The Giants have ace Dennis Eckersley (13-7, 2.38).

I have gone 3 for 7 vs Johnson.

This could be a good one.

I led off the home half of the 1st by flying out to Claudell Washington in right.

I came up next in the 3rd with one out and John Rabb on 1st. I grounded out to Johnson but he threw it away and John and I were both safe on his error! We made them pay for it when we both scored on a two out double by Mike Aldrete!

Giants lead 2-0.

I made my first defensive play int he 5th when I snagged a Washington pop up. The Braves got their first hit that inning.

I came up in the bottom half with one out and I grounded out to Ron Cey at 3rd.

In the 7th I came up with two out and Rabb on 1st. I popped out to Gary Sheffield at short.

Eck gave up his 2nd hit in the 8th but nice Priske - Thompson - O'Malley double play erased Washington and George Hendrick.

In the end Dennis threw a two hit shutout, striking out seven as we beat the Braves 2-0!

I went 0 for 4, though I scored a run.

[rpriske]

August 3rd, 1986

Today the Braves are pitching Tom Glavine (7-7, 4.67).
The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (9-6, 2.89).

I have gone 2 for 12 against Glavine, but one was a home run.

Gary Sheffield started the Braves off with a single but Milt Thompson hit into a Priske - Thompson - Walling double play.

I led of the home half by sneaking one through the left side for a single. I then stole base #85 and went to 3rd when catcher Tommy Thompson threw it away. Glavine coaxed a pop fly but then walked Chili Davis and Rob Deer. I scored on a Mike Aldrete sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Kenny Oberkfell on 2nd. I grounded out to Glavine.

In the 3rd Robby Thompson scored on a Bob Brenly single.

Giants lead 2-0.

I got the last out in the top of the 4th off a Gerald Perry grounder.

I came up in the 4th with one out and Ruffin on 2nd. I struck out.

At one point, across the 5th and 6th innings, Bruce struck out five in a row.

I came up with two out in the 6th and I got clipped by an errant changeup. It wasn't too bad. It also gave me the chance to snag stolen base #86!

The Braves broke the goose egg in the 7th when Claudell Washington scored from 1st on a Perry double. Nestor replaced Bruce with Jeff Robinson after that.

Giants lead 2-1.

We got in back int he bottom frame with Deer launched a solo shot.

Giants lead 3-1.

I came up in the 8th with one out and pinch hitter Lee Mazzilli on 1st. Brian Fisher was on the mound. I popped one straight up for Thompson behind the dish.

Scott Garrelts came in for the 9th. He gave up one hit but that was it and we had the win.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, two stolen bases, and a run scored.

The Dodgers have lost the last two so while they lead the division, the Reds only trail by a half game and we are back by 2.5.

Speaking of the Reds, they are in town starting tomorrow.