Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

May 28th, 1988

After an amazing game yesterday, we are still in Philadelphia and the Giants are pitching Willie Fraser (1-2, 4.50) against the Phillies and Pete Smith (1-4, 5.77).

I have limited exposure to Smith, going 1 for 4.

I opened up the game by grounding out to Alfredo Griffin at 2nd.

The Phillies struck quickly with Tim Raines scoring on a Griffin single. Then Dwight Evans homered, with still nobody out. With one out, Von Hayes also homered.

Phillies lead 4-0

In the 2nd Mike LaValliere score on a Griffin single.
That was enough for Jim, who gave Willie the hook for Andy McGaffigan.
I made a very good play to get Evans for the 2nd out, but Raines scored on the play.

Phillies lead 6-0

I came up with one out in the 3rd and I earned a walk. Stolen base #32. I advanced to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete groundout, but was left there.

The Phils threatened to score again in the 3rd but a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play got Kenny Oberkfell and LaValliere to end the inning.

In the 4th Raines scored on a Griffin double. Griffin ended up scoring on a Hayes single.

Phillies lead 8-0

I came up in the 5th with two out and John Rabb on 2nd. I popped out to Griffin.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half, off a grounder by Kenny O. I made another sweet play on a Griffin grounder for the 3rd out.

Bobby Thigpen took over not he mound for us in the 6th.

In the 7th Bobby surprised everyone by clocking a two run homer after Chris Brown pinch hit for Brian Giles and got on.
I came up with two out and hit one off the centre field wall for a triple!
I was unable to score.

Phillies lead 8-2

In the bottom half, Walt Weiss scored on a LaValliere single.

Phillies lead 9-2

In the 8th Griffin scored on a Bo Jackson sac fly.
I handled a Hayes grounder for the 2nd out.
Pinch hitter Francisco Melendez scored on a single by Kenny O.
I took a LaValliere grounder for the 3rd out.

Phillies lead 11-2

In the 9th Chris hit a solo homer.

We lost 11-3

I went 1 for 3 with a triple, a walk, and a stolen base.

After the game we heard that Alan Cockrell was back from Phoenix and Greg Litton was going back down.

[rpriske]

May 29th, 2020

It is our last day in Philadelphia before we head to Canada. The Phillies are pitching Kevin Gross (4-2, 2.06). The Giants are going with Eric Show (5-3, 2.63).

I have gone 6 for 35, .171, against Gross.

I opened the game by putting one into the right field corner for a double. With one out I picked up stolen base #33. I then scored on a Chili Davis single. Chili later scored on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off the 3rd by taking a four pitch walk. Stolen base #34. I advanced to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete groundout. Then Chili flew out to left and I was thrown out trying to score.

Rob Deer led off the 4th with a home run.

Giants lead 3-0

I got the 1st out in the bottom half off a Bo Jackson fielder's choice ball. I got the 2nd out off a Walt Weiss fielder's choice. Jackson ended up scoring on a Ken Oberkfell single.

Giants lead 3-1

I led off the 5th by grounding out to Weiss at short.

I got the last out in the 6th, taking a grounder from Kenny O.

I got out #2 in the 7th, off a Gross grounder.

I led off the 8th with an easy grounder to Alfredo Griffin at 2nd.

Scott Garrelts relieved for us in the 8th.
I got the 3rd out for him off a Weiss grounder.

In the 9th Robby scored on a triple by Brian Giles.

Giants lead 4-1

Mark Davis came in to try to close the door.
Kenny O scored on a Tim Raines single. The Phillies loaded them up after that, but Mark struck out the last two to end the threat.

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

Another swap after that with Alan Cockrell going back to Phoenix and Greg Litton coming up. Also, Brad Wellman cleared waivers and is with Phoenix again.

We are off to Montreal.

[rpriske]

May 30th, 1988

It is always great to get back to Canada, even as the visiting team.

The Giants are bringing Bruce Ruffin (4-4, 3.49).

The Expos have Wally Whitehurst (3-5, 6.92).

In eight at-bats against Whitehurst I have five hits. That is a trend I would like to continue.

I led off the game by lining out to Shane Mack in centre.

I then get the first out on the other side, taking a grounder from Jose Offerman.

In the 2nd Rob Deer was hit by a pitch and ended up scoring on a double play.

Giants lead 1-0

I took care of a Whitehurst grounder to end the 2nd.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and flew out to Chuck Jackson in right.

Chili Davis blasted a two-run homer in the 4th.

Giants lead 3-0

Russ McGinnis led off the home half with a jack of his own.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up in the 5th with two out and Bruce on 1st. I flew out to Mack again.

I came up next with one out in the 8th. Ed Nunez was now pitching. I grounded out to Chris Sabo at 3rd.

In the 9th Ruben Sierra got us some insurance with a two run dinger.

Giants lead 5-1

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 9th, handling a McGinnis grounder.
Jeff Robinson took over with one out and one on.
He got the next two outs and we had the win.

I went 0 for 4 and I am now hitting .296

The shuttle was going again. Alan Cockrell is back. Greg Litton has gone down.

[rpriske]

May 31st, 1988

Another day in friendly Montreal!

The Expos are pitching Steve Avery (0-2, 5.32) against the Giants and Frank Viola (6-3, 2.13).

I have very limited exposure to Avery, going 1 for 2,

I led off the game by making that 2 for 3 as I doubled to centre. Mike Aldrete walked. We both moved up with a double steal. Chili Davis walked. I scored on a Rob Deer single. Mike scored on a Ruben Sierra single. A strikeout and a double play ended things.

Giants lead 2-0

Frank walked the first guy he faced but a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play took care of that.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Brian Giles on 2nd. I dropped one into shallow right for a single, moving Brian up. Mike singled, scoring Brian and moving me to 2nd. I moved to 3rd on a fielder's choice by Chili. We were left.

Giants lead 3-0

Rich Gedman got the Expos on the board with a one out homer in the bottom of the 2nd.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up with one out in the 4th and I singled through the left. Stolen base #36. I scored on a single by Mike.

Giants lead 4-1

I got the first out in the 5th off a Chuck Jackson grounder. Russ McGinnis followed with a home run. Then I took care of a grounder by pinch hitter Joey Cora for the 2nd out.

Giants lead 4-2

I led off the 6th now facing Jeff Russell. I struck out.

In the 7th Ruben and Robby scored on a single by Brian. I came up with two on and two out and struck out again.

Giants lead 6-2

With a man on 3rd and two out in the 8th, Jim went to Scott Garrelts. He stranded the runner.

I snagged a hot liner by Pedro Guerrero for the 1st out in the 9th. Scott gave up an infield single, but that was all and we had the win.

I went 3 for 5 with two singles, a double, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

After the game Alan Cockrell was sent back down, but this time it was Brad Wellman coming back!

[rpriske]

June 1st, 1988

It is our last day in Montreal. The Expos are pitching Scott Bankhead (2-5, 2.97).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (5-3, 1.90).

I have gone 7 for 23, or .304, against Bankhead.

I kicked off the game by grounding out to Jose Oquendo at 2nd. Mike Aldrete ended up scoring on a Montreal error. Then Rob Deer and Ruben Sierra scored on a Bob Brenly single.

Giants lead 3-0

I led off the 2nd by grounding out to Chris Sabo at 3rd.

I made my first defensive play of the game to get the first guy in the bottom of the 2nd - Shane Mack with a grounder.

I came up in the 4th with none out and Rick on 1st. I hit it to Sabo for a fielder's choice. Stolen base #37 and an extra base on a bad throw by the catcher. I scored on a single by Mike.

Giants lead 4-0

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half off a Pedro Guerrero grounder.

I led off the 6th facing Ed Nunez. I flew out to Shane Mack in centre.

Also in the 6th, Montreal pinch hitter Mike Devereaux scored on a Sabo single. Then Jose Offerman scored on a wild pitch by Rick.

Giants lead 4-2

In the 7th I caught a pop up by pinch hitter Tim Flannery for the 2nd out.

In the 8th Devereaux scored on a single by Offerman.

Giants lead 4-3

Mark Davis came in for us to shut down the 9th. Three batters later he had the save and we had the win.

I went 0 for 5 with a run scored and a stolen base.

Tomorrow is a travel day as we head home to face the Astros.

[rpriske]

June 3rd, 1988

The Giants are home to face the Astros.

We have Eric Show (6-3, 2.51) against John Candelaria (7-1, 2.84).

I have gone 4 for 20 against Candelaria.

I got in on the action right away, making a difficult catch on a ball from leadoff hitter Bill Doran. I then caught a Harold Baines pop for the 3rd out.

I led off our half by grounding out to Dickie Thon at short.

Craig Biggio led off the 2nd with a home run.
Later that inning, Keith Hernandez scored on a passed ball by Bob Brenly.

Astros lead 2-0

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Brian Giles on 3rd. I hit it deep to centre for a sac fly.

Astros lead 2-1

I handled a Biggio grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.

In the 6th Biggio hit his second leadoff homer of the game.
Then Keith Hernandez scored on a Tim Jones sac fly.

Astros lead 4-1

I came up with one out in the 6th and managed an infield hit. Mike Aldrete then hit into a double play.

Bobby Thigpen took over on the mound for us in the 7th.

I made a sweet catch off a Doran floater for the 3rd out in the 8th with the bases loaded.

With one on and two out in the 9th, Jim went to Andy McGaffigan. He gave up a hit but stranded the runners.

I came up with one out in the 9th, now facing Anthony Kelley. I took an eight pitch walk. Then Mike singled, bringing the potential tying run to the plate. Chili Davis hit into a fielder's choice and I went to 3rd. Rob Deer singled, and I scored.

That's all we could manage and lost 4-2.

I went 1 for 2 with a single, a walk, a sac fly, and an RBI.

[rpriske]

June 4th, 1988

Today the Astros are pitching Manny Hernandez (5-4, 3.74).

The Giants are answering with Bruce Ruffin (5-4, 3.23).

I have only one hit in eight at bats against Hernandez.

I handled a Jim Dwyer grounder for the 2nd out of the game.

I then led off our half by striking out.

I next came up with two out in the 3rd and I took a four pitch walk. Stolen base #38. I then went to 3rd on a wild pitch. Mike Aldrete walked and then stole 2nd (#6 for him). Chili Davis then got ahold of one for the three-run homer.

Giants lead 3-0

In the 4th I came up with two out and Brian Giles on 2nd. I singled and knocked him in. Stolen base #39. I moved to 3rd when Mike reached on an error to Bill Doran at 2nd. Then Chili hit ANOTHER three-run blast!

Giants lead 7-0

Houston got on the board in the 5th when Tim Johns scored on a Dwyer single. Then reliever David Wilhelmi scored on a Harold Baines sac fly.

Giants lead 7-2

With one on and one out in the 6th, Bruce came out for Andy McGaffigan.

I came up in the bottom half, facing Wilhelmi. There was one out and Andy was on 1st. I flew out to Dwyer in left.

I got the 2nd out in the 7th off a Doran grounder.

In our half, Robby Thompson knocked one out with Chili on base.

Giants lead 9-2

I left for a pinch hitter in the 8th.

We ended up winning 14-2.

I went 2 for 3 with a couple of singles, a walk, and RBI, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

Chili scored for times, tying the team record. He was the top name name on the highlights that night.

[rpriske]

June 5th, 1988

It is the rubber game against the 1st place Astros. They are pitching Chris Hammond (4-4, 2.77). The Giants are going with ace Frank Viola (7-3, 2.15).

I have never faced Hammond.

I handled a grounder from leadoff hitter Bill Doran for an out.

I led off our half, and I struck out on three pitches.

In the 2nd we got Criag Biggio and Dave Gallagher with a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play. I then handled a Dickie Thon grounder for the 3rd out.

In the bottom half, Brian Giles walked with the bases loaded to put us ahead. I flew out to end the inning.

Giants lead 1-0

They got it back in the 3rd when Tim Jones tripled and scored on a Doran sac fly.

Game tied 1-1

We grabbed the lead right back when Mike Aldrete scored on a Ruben Sierra single and then Chili Davis scored on a Bob Brenly sac fly.

Giants lead 3-1

I handled a Harold Baines grounder or the 1st out in the 4th.
Craig Biggio hit a solo shot that inning.

Giants lead 3-2

I came up with one out in the 4th and managed an infield single. Stolen base #40. Mike walked behind me. Stolen base #41. Then Chili walked.
That was NINE walks from Hammond.
I scored on a single by Rob Deer. Mike scored on a sac fly by Ruben.

Giants lead 5-2

I made the 2nd out when pinch hitter Nelson Liriano hit into a fielder's choice. Liriano ended up scoring on a Doran double.

Giants lead 5-3

In the 6th Baines scored on a Biggio single.
I got Dave Gallagher for the 2nd out off a grounder.

Giants lead 5-4

I led off on the 6th, facing David Wilhelmi. I walked. I advanced to 3rd on a double by Mike. We both scored on a single by Chili.

Giants lead 7-4

I got the 2nd out in the 7th off a routine roller by pinch hitter Keith Hernandez.

I came up with two out in the 7th, now facing Doug Sisk. Infield single but I was left.

With one out in the 9th, Frank gave way for Mark Davis. He got the last two guys and we had the win.

I went 2 for 4 with two singles, a walk, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

We got an All-Star Voting Update after the game and I am leading at my position! Chili Davis is in second for CF. I am sure he will make the team even if not voted in.

Tomorrow is an off day before the Braves come to town.

[rpriske]

June 7th, 1988

The Braves are in town and they are pitching Brian Fisher (3-4, 4.70).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (6-3, 2.02).

I have done very well against Fisher, going 5 for 10.

I led off the home half by legging out an infield hit. With one out I got stolen base #42. I got no further.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and walked on four pitches. Stolen base #43. I was left there.

I handles a Jeff Blauser fielder's choice ball for the 2nd out in the 4th.

In the 5th the Braves cracked the egg, with John Russell scoring on a Milt Thompson single.

Braves lead 1-0

I got the 2nd out in the 6th off a Gary Sheffield grounder.

I led off in the 6th, by putting one up the middle for a single. Mike Aldrete followed with a double play.

I got the first guy in the 7th, Russell, with a grounder. I then did the same to Thompson for the 3rd.

Things turned around for us that inning. Rob Deer reached on an error and then Ruben Sierra replaced him with a fielder's choice. Robby Thompson singled and Bob Brenly walked. Another error and Ruben scored and Brian Giles was on. Rick singled, scoring Robby and Bob. I hit into a fielders choice off Ken Dayley.

Giants lead 3-1

Then the Braves loaded them up in the 8th. Andres Galarraga scored on a Sheffield sac fly. Ken Griffey Jr. scored on a Blauser single, tying the game.

Game tied 3-3

Rick walked pinch hitter Gerald Perry to lead off the 9th and was then pulled for Mark Davis. Perry ended up scoring on a Griffey sac fly.

Braves lead 4-3

Duane Ward shut us down and we had the loss.

I went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles, a walk, and two stolen bases. My batting average is back to .307

[rpriske]

June 8th, 1988

Game two of the Braves' visit to San Francisco.

They are pitching Tom Glavine (5-4, 3,27).

The Giants have Eric Show (6-4, 2.65).

I have done decently against Glavine, going 8 for 29, or .276, including a home run.

I led off our half by flying out to Milt Thompson in right.

Nelson Santovenia led off the 2nd with a homer.

Braves lead 1-0

In the bottom half, Brian Gile scored on a double by Eric with two out. Then I came up and lined out to Ken Griffey Jr. in centre.

Game tied 1-1

Atlanta got back on top in the 5th when Jeff Blauser scored on a double by Glavine.

Braves lead 2-1

I came up with one out in the 5th and managed an infield single. With two out I got stolen base #44. I was left.

I caught a Brad Komminsk flare for the 1st out in the 7th. I grabbed a grounder from Thompson for the 3rd.

In the 8th I handled a Ron Gant grounder for the 3rd out.

I led off in the 8th by flying out to Thompson again.

I took care of a Santovenia ground error the 1st out in the 9th.

In the 9th Ruben Sierra scored on a Brian Giles single. I came up with two out and two on, but couldn't get it done against Duane Ward.

Game tied 2-2... going to extras.

Mark Davis came in to pitch for us in the 10th.

In the bottom of the 10th Mike Aldrete was hit by a Steve Farr pitch to lead off. He moved to 2nd on a fly ball and moved to 3rd on a groundout. He then scored on an error by Farr to win the game!

We won 3-2.

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

[rpriske]

June 9th, 1988

We are finishing up agains the Braves today. They are pitching Johnny Cash (4-6, 3.35).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (6-4, 3.24).

I have gone 3 for 10 against Cash.

I led off the home half by legging out an infield hit. Stolen base #45. I moved to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete groundout but got no further.

I came up next with one out in the 3rd and I grounded out to Gary Sheffield at short. Mike ended up scoring on a Rob Deer single.

Giants lead 1-0

The Braves got it back in the 4th when Ron Gant scored on a Milt Thompson single. Then Thompson scored on a Brad Komminsk double.

Braves lead 2-1

In the 5th they struck again when Andres Galarraga scored on a triple by Gant. I took care of a Nelson Santovenia grounder to end the threat.

Braves lead 3-1

I came up with one out in the 5th and put one down the right field line for a double. I scored when Mike doubled behind me.

Braves lead 3-2

I came up in the 7th with one out and John Rabb on 2nd. I out one through the left side for an RBI single to tie the game! I went to 2nd when they tried to catch John at the plate. I was then thrown out trying to steal 3rd.

Game tied 3-3

Scott Garrelts came out to pitch for us in the 8th.

I came up with two out int he bottom of the 9th, facing Steve Farr for Atlanta. I grounded out Gant at 2nd and we were going to extras.

Jeff Robinson took over on the mound for us in the 10th.

In the bottom of the 10th Mike led off with a walk and ended up scoring on a two out, walk-off single by Robby Thompson!

We won 4-3.

I went 3 for 5 with two singles, a double, a run scored, an RBI, and a stolen base.

We are now only a half game behind the Astros for the division lead!

Brad Wellman was DFAd again. Alan Cockrell was recalled.

As much as I like Brad on the team, I hope that one of these times he gets snagged by a team that will keep him in the majors.

Tomorrow the Reds are coming to town.

[rpriske]

June 10th, 1988

The Reds are in town and they brought Tom Browning (4-6, 4.10).

The Giants are pitching Frank Viola (8-3, 2.32).

I have done well against Browning, going 11 for 30, or .367.

I led off the home half by grounding out to Will Clark at 1st.

In the 2nd I should have had groundout from the first batter, Kurt Stillwell, but I dropped the ball. Error. Not okay.

I DID make the second out in the 3rd, grabbing a pop by Al Newman.

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

I caught a fly from Dave Parker for the 1st out in the 5th.

John Rabb launched one in the 5th, putting us on the board. I came up with two out and flew out to Kal Daniels in left.

Giants lead 1-0

I handled a Newman grounder for the 3rd out in the 8th.

I then came up with none out in the bottom half and Frank standing on 1st. I moved him up a base on an infield single. With one out, Chili Davis singled to load them up.
Rob Deer followed with a massive grand slam.

Giants lead 5-0

Frank finished with a three-hit shutout!

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

[rpriske]

June 11th, 1988

We shut out the Reds yesterday... what about today?

The Giants are pitching Willie Fraser (1-3, 5.79).

The Reds have Scott Terry (4-4, 5.05).

I have done very well in limited action against Terry, going 3 for 4.

The Reds going nobody on in the 1st and then I led off for our side by striking out.
Mike Aldrete singled and scored on a Robby Thompson single. Then Chili Davis scored on a Bob Brenly single.

Giants lead 2-0

I then came up with two out in the 2nd and grounded out to Curt Wilkerson at 2nd.

The 4th went well for us.
Robby led off with a single.
With one out, Steve Stanicek singled.
Brian Giles walked, loading the bases.
Willie doubled, scoring Robby and Steve!
I singled, scoring Brian!
Mike singled, scoring Willie and me!

Giants lead 7-0

I came up in the 6th with none out and Willie on 1st. Charlie Puleo was the pitcher. I struck out.

I made my first defensive play in the 7th, handling a groundball from pinch hitter Wade Rowdon for the 2nd out. I then took care of a Kurt Stillwell fielder's choice ball for the 1st out in the 8th. A Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play took care of Wilkerson and Tim McIntosh to end the inning.

I came up with one out in the 8th, now facing Rob Dibble. I grounded out to Stillwell at short.

I took care of an Al Newman grounder for the 2nd out in the 9th.

Willie ended up with a three-hit shutout as we blanked the Reds for the 2nd day in a row!

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

The shuttle was going again as Alan Cockrell headed back to Phoenix and Greg Litton was called up.

[rpriske]

June 12th, 1988

We still have the Reds and they are pitching Jack Armstrong (0-2, 8.84).

The Giants are pitching Rick Sutcliffe (6-4, 2.22).

We have never faced Armstrong, but he certainly has been struggling.

I led off the home side by popping out to Kurt Stillwell at short.

In the 2nd I started a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Stillwell and Ernie Whitt to end the inning.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and I flew out to Dave Parker in right.

In the 5th I got the 1st out off a Stillwell grounder.

I got the 2nd out in the 6th off a fielder's choice ball from Claudell Washington.
Washington ended up scoring on a Kal Daniels single.

Reds lead 1-0

I led off the bottom half by hitting one to the centre-field wall for a double.
Mike Alerte followed with a walk. I then stole 3rd for #47.
Armstrong was called for a balk and I scored.
A couple of batters later, Ruben Sierra hit a three-run homer.

Giants lead 4-1

I got the first out in the 7th off a Stillwell grounder.

I came up in the 7th with none out and Rick on 1st. I flew out to Washington in centre.
Rick ended up scoring on a Chili Davis double.

Giants lead 5-1

I handled an Al Newman grounder for the 2nd out in the 8th.

Mark Davis came in to shut things down in the 9th. Three batters later, we had the win and the sweep!

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

The All-Star voting update has come out and I am leading at short! Chili Davis and Scott Garrelts are getting nice support as well.

Greg Litton is back down and Alan Cockrell is back up.

Brad Wellman cleared waivers and is back with Phoenix.

[rpriske]

June 13th, 1988

We have headed down the coast to San Diego with a five-game win streak going.

The Padres are pitching Storm Davis (5-2, 3.81).

The Giants are going with Eric Show (6-4, 2.59).

I have gone 2 for 3 against Davis.

I led off the game by striking out.

The Padres opened the scoring in the 2nd when Ozzie Guillen scored on a Harold Reynolds single. Randy Ready followed with a three-run scorcher.

Padres lead 4-0

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

In the bottom half, John Kruk scored on a groundout by Armando Verdugo.

Padres lead 5-0

We got on the board in the 4th when Robby Thompson scored on an Alan Cockrell double.

Padres lead 5-1

In the 5th I singled with one out. Stolen base #48 AND an extra base when Verdugo threw it away. I scored on a single by Mike Aldrete.
Chili Davis followed with a two-run homer.

Padres lead 5-4

Andy McGaffigan took over pitching for us in the 5th. John Rabb also double switched for Bob Brenly behind the plate.
I got the 2nd out for Andy off a Carmelo Martinez grounder.

In the 6th Verdugo scored on a triple by pinch hitter Torey Luvullo.

Padres lead 6-4

I led off the 7th, now facing Frank DiPino. I was hit by a change-up. No intention there.
With two out I picked up stolen base #49. Then Rob Deer walked but that is all we got.

Steve Stanicek led off the 8th with a pinch hit home run!
I came up with two out and Alan on 2nd. I tied the game with an RBI single! Stolen base #50 followed, but that was as far as I got.

Game tied 6-6

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch in the 8th for us. He got us through two and we were headed to extras.

Mark Davis came in to pitch in the 10th.
Unfortunately, and RBI by Harold Reynolds gave the Padres a 7-6 walk off.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of single, a hit-by-pitch, an RBI, a run scored, and three stolen bases.

[rpriske]

June 14th, 1988

Game two in San Diego. The Padres are pitching Tim Belcher (7-3, 1.78).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (6-4, 3,29).

Belcher is having a good season and I have gone only 1 for 6 against him.

I opened up the game by hitting a triple and extending my hitting streak to eleven games!
I ended up scoring on a one-out wild pitch.
Rob Deer hit a solo shot as well.

Giants lead 2-0

In the bottom half, I caught a John Kruk pop for the 2nd out.

I handled an Ozzie Guillen grounder for the 2nd out in the 2nd.

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Mark Wasinger at 2nd.

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

I did the same to Guillen in the 4th.

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

I came up next in the 7th with one out and Brian Giles on 2nd. I grounded out to Ready at 3rd.
Mike Aldrete followed with a two run homer.

Giants lead 4-0

The Padres got not eh board in the 7th when Rick Cerone scored on a pinch hit sac fly by Harold Reynolds.
Jeff Robinson took overran the mound for us that inning. He got his out and then Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch in the 8th.

I led off in the 9th, facing Dennis Lamp. I flew out to Dwayne Murphy in centre.
Bobby ended up finishing off the game for the save.

I went 1 for 5 with a triple and a run scored.

We now lead the NL West!

After the game, Alan Cockrell was aback to Phoenix and Brad Wellman was back with us.

[rpriske]

June 15th, 1988

We are finishing off in San Diego today.

The Padres are pitching Mark Langston (6-6, 2,68).

The Giants have Frank Viola (9-3, 214).

I have gone 7 for 32, or .219 against Langston.

I led off with a walk. I went to 2nd on an infield hit by Mike Aldrete. With one out we pulled off a double steal and then got an extra base when Armando Verdugo threw it away.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with two out, John Rabb on 3rd, and Frank on 1st. I struck out.

I got Carmelo Martinez for the 2nd out in the 2nd, but Ozzie Guillen scored on the play. I caught a Junior Felix fly for the 3rd out.

Game tied 1-1

I got the 1st out in the 3rd, catching a floater by Harold Reynolds.
After that, though, Langston scored on a Tony Gwynn double.

Padres lead 2-1

I came up in the 4th with two out, Robby Thompson on 3rd and Brian Giles on 2nd. I flew out to Felix in centre and left two men on for the second straight time.

I got the 1st out in the 5th off a Reynolds grounder.

I made a great play for the 2nd out in the 6th, turning a Guillen hit into an out.
I then handled a Felix grounder for the 3rd.

I came up with two out in the 7th and struck out.

In the bottom half I caught a Reynolds pop for the 2nd out.
I did the exact same thing to John Kruk in the 8th.

We were never able to get that run back and lost 2-1.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk, a run scored, and a stolen base.
My hitting streak ended at eleven.

Mark Langston struck out fifteen of us today.

Tomorrow is a travel day and we are heading to Cincinnati.

Brad Wellman is hitting waivers again. Alan Cockrell is back.

[rpriske]

June 17th, 1988

We are in Cincinnati to take on Andy Hawkins (3-6, 6.20) and the Reds.

The Giants are pitching Rick Sutcliffe (7-4, 2.14).

I have gone 6 for 22, or .273, against Hawkins... and two of those hits were home runs!

I kicked off the game by walking on five pitches. Stolen base #52. I took 3rd on a single by Mike Aldrete and then Chili Davis hit a three-run homer!

Giants lead 3-0

We hit around in the 1st so I led off again in the 2nd. I reached with an infield single. Stolen base #53 on a missed hit & run by Mike. I advanced to 3rd on a deep flyball by Chili, but was unable to score.

I came up in the 4th with one out and Steve Stanicek on 1st. I struck out.
Steve ended up scoring on a double by Mike.

Giants lead 4-0

In the 5th Robby Thompson tripled and scored on a single by Brian Giles.

Giants lead 5-0

I made my first defensive play that inning, getting the final out of the frame off an Al Newman grounder.

I came up with one out in the 6th, now facing Charlie Puleo. I flew out to Claudell Washington in centre.

The Reds got on the board in the 6th when Washington scored on a Dave Parker single.
I took care of a Kurt Stillwell grounder to end the inning.

Giants lead 5-1

In the 7th I did the thing I hate the most... I made an error, allowing Curt Wilkerson to reach 1st with one out.
He ended up scoring on a balk by Rick, but it is still my fault.
Pinch hitter Gary Redus scored on a double by Newman. Newman scored on a Washington single.
After we got the 2nd out, it was clear something wasn't right with Rick. He left the game limping.
Jeff Robinson took over, but we were worried about Rick.
Jeff got out of the inning, but the score was a lot closer.

Giants lead 5-4

I came up in the 8th with one out, Brian on 2nd, and Steve on 1st. Kent Tekulve was pitching. I hit into the right field corner for an RBI double!
Steve then scored on a groundout by Mike. I was left on base.

Giants lead 7-4

Mark Davis came in to pitch for us in the 8th.
He gave up a leadoff homer to Parker. Mark got the next six outs, though and we had it.

Giants win 7-5


I went 2 for 4 with a double, a single, an RBI, a run scored, and two stolen bases.

Big news afterwards!
As we await word on his physical state, it was announced that Rick Sutcliffe had signed a four year contract extension!

That is great... but I hope it isn't a street hat will be told about how he was extended on the day he got a severe injury...


Oh, and as usual... Alan Cockrell was sent down and Greg Litton was called up.

[rpriske]

June 18th, 1988

It is the middle game in Cincinnati. The Reds are pitching Jack Armstrong (0-3, 8.28).

The Giants have Eric Show (6-4, 2.93).

I have gone 1 for 4 against Armstrong.

I opened up the game by flying out to Kal Daniels in left.
We managed a run that inning, as Mike Aldrete crossed on a Rob Deer double.

Giants lead 1-0

They got it right back when Al Newman scored on a Daniels single.

Game tied 1-1

Then in the 2nd, Tim McIntosh hit a lead off homer.

Reds lead 2-1

I led off the 3rd by earning a walk. Mike hit into a double play.

I made my first defensive play in the 4th, getting the first out off an Armstrong grounder.

I led off the 5th by flying out to Daniels again.

With two out in the 6th, Bob Brenly tied the game with a solo bomb.

Game tied 2-2

I got the first out in the bottom half off a Curt Wilkerson grounder.

I led off the 7th by flying out to Claudell Washington in centre.

I got out #1 in the bottom of the 8th, catching Kurt Stillwell pop. I then took care of a Wilkerson grounder for the 2nd out.

Scott Garrelts took over for us in the 9th, trying to force extra innings.
He couldn't. A walk and an RBI double with two out and the Reds won, 3-2.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk.

I just heard that Ken Griffey has been traded from the Royals to the Braves. That means both Griffeys, father and son, are now on the same team.

That is kind of cool.

[rpriske]

June 29th, 1988

We are finishing up in Cincinnati today.

The Reds are pitching Ron Robinson (4-6, 4.68).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (7-4, 3.15).

I have gone 4 for 16 against Robinson.

I led off the game by taking a walk. Stolen base #54. I went to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete groundout, but did not score.

Ruben Sierra led off he 2nd with a home run.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 3rd with Bruce standing on 2nd and none out. I connected with an RBI single! Stolen base #55. With one out I went to 3rd when Chili Davis was safe on an error by Will Clark. I was thrown out trying to score on a Rob Deer fly ball.

Giants lead 2-0

I made the final out in the 3rd off a grounder by Kal Daniels.

I came up in the 5th with Bruce on 1st and none out. I hit into a fielder's choice. Stolen base #56. I went to 3rd on a groundout by Mike and scored on a single by Chili.

Giants lead 3-0

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half, of an Al Newman grounder, but Dave Parker scored on the play.

Giants lead 3-1

A sweet Aldrete - Priske - Aldrete double play got Clark and Nick Esasky to end the 6th.

I came up with two out in the 7th and grounded out to Clark at 1st.

Jeff Robinson took over on the mound for us with one out in the 7th.
We got Ernie Whitt and Parker with a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to end the inning.

In the 8th Chili scored on an error and then Rob Deer scored on a single by Robby Thompson.

Giants lead 5-1

In the bottom half an Aldrete - Priske - Robinson double play took care of Newman and Claudell Washington. I then caught a Clark pop up for the 3rd out.

I came up in the 9th with one out and Brian Giles on 2nd. Rob Dibble was pitching. I grounded out to Clark at 1st, but at least I advanced the runner. He ended up scoring on a balk.

Giants lead 6-1

Andy McGaffigan came in to pitch the 9th. Three batters later, we had the win.

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

Greg Litton was sent down and Alan Cockrell was called up.

We are heading home to face the Padres.