Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

March 1st, 1989

We are playing the Cardinals but I am sitting to give Tim Naehring a start.

I took over in a double switch in the 5th. We were tied 5-5. Scott Garrelts pitched well in his first start, but Ozzie Soto was not so fortunate.

I led off the 6th against Jerry Kutzler and grounded out right back to him.

Al Leiter took over for us in the 6th.

In the 7th Nikco Riesgo blasted a three-run homer for us.
I came up with two out and Pete Carey on 1st. Todd Worrell was pitching. Pete stole 2nd but then I grounded out to 1st.

Giants lead 8-5

Bryan Hickerson took the mound for us.

In the bottom frame, Lance Johnson scored on a Terry Shumpert single.

Giants lead 8-6

Mark Davis came in to close things out in the 9th. He gave up his 4th walk in 2.2 innings, which is a little concerning, but that was it and we had the win.

[rpriske]

I have changed my mind on how I am going to report on Spring Training.

I am still playing it, but now I am going to just give you a summary of the game.

March 2nd, 1989

Lost 3-1 to the Mets. I came in as a pinch hitter and went 0 for 1.

After the game it was announced that the Giants had signed Keith Hernandez!
Surprisingly to me, it is a minor league deal with a major league option. Sure he is 35, but he is still a Major League player with Major League production.


March 3rd

The Giants beat the Cubs, 4-1

I went 1 for 3 with a single.


March 4th

We beat the Phillies, 1-0.

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


March 5th

We lost 1-0 to the Pirates.

I went 0 for 3.


March 6th

We lost 4-2 to the Braves.

I went 0 for 3.


March 7th

We lost 2-1 to the Reds.

I went 1 for 2 with a single, a walk, a run scored, and two stolen bases.


March 8th

We lost 6-1 to the Expos.

I only came in as a pinch hitter and went 0 for 1.


March 9th

We lost 6-4 to the Padres.

I went 0 for 2 with a walk and a run scored.


March 10th

We beat the Dodgers, 6-4.

I went 1 for 3 with a single and a caught stealing.


March 12th

We lost 8-1 to the Astros.

I singled in a pinch hit opportunity.


March 13th

We lost 6-3 to the Cardinals.

I went 0 for 3.


March 14th

We beat the Mets 7-2.

I went 1 for 3 with a single.


March 15th

We lost 4-3 to the Cubs in 11 innings.

I didn't start but came in a s pinch hitter and stayed to play SS. I went 0 for 1 with a walk and a stolen base.


March 16th

We beat the Phillies 7-4.

I went 1 for 3 with a double and a run scored.


March 17th

We lost 5-3 to the Pirates in 13 innings.

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


March 18th

We lost 6-4 to the Braves.

I went 1 for 2 with a double, a walk, two runs scored, and three stolen bases.


March 19th

We lost 2-1 to the Reds.

I came in as a pitch hitter and stayed in. I went 1 for 1 with a single, a walk, a run scored, and two stolen bases.


March 20th

We beat the Expos, 3-2.

I went 0 for 2 with two walks and a stolen base.


March 21st

We beat the Padres 6-5 in 12 innings.

I went 0 for 3 with a stolen base.


March 22nd, 1989... also known as my 21st Birthday!

That is a big deal in the U.S., though it is less so in Canada.

We celebrated with a 10 inning, 4-3 win over the Dodgers.

I went 0 for 3.


March 23rd

We beat the Astros, 6-0.

I went 0 for 2 with a walk.


March 25th

We beat the Cardinals, 3-1.

I went 1 for 2 with a single, a walk, an RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base.


March 26th

We lost 6-3 to the Mets.

I went 1 for 2 with a single, a walk, two RBI, a run scored, and two stolen bases.


March 27th

We lost to the Cubs, 6-4.

I went 0 for 2 with a walk.


March 28th

We beat the Phillies, 1-0.

I went 1 for 3 with a single and a caught stealing.


March 29th

We beat the Pirates, 5-3 in 13 innings.

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


March 30th

We beat the Braves, 7-0.

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

[rpriske]

Spring Training went... okay.

Let's see where the team is to start the season.

Rotation

Frank Viola
Rick Sutcliffe
Scott Garrelts
Bruce Ruffin
Scott Sanderson

Bullpen

Mark Davis, closer
Bobby Thigpen
Jeff Robinson
Willie Fraser
Dave Miller
John Burkett

The big change there are the two Scotts joining the rotation. That creates an opening for Bobby and Jeff to move to higher leverage innings. But why, when you are switching Willie to the 'pen? He could still be a starter.

Primary lineup

SS - Rusty Priske (of course)
1B - Keith Hernandez (YES!)
LF - Ruben Sierra
RF - Rob Deer
CF - Luis Medina
2B - Robby Thompson
3B - Jim Presley
C - Alan Cockrell

Against lefties, Keith will sit. Jim moves to 1st and Brian Giles goes to 3rd.

Bench

C - Bob Brenly (couldn't find a taker for him)
IF - Chris Brown, Tim Naehring
OF - Mike Aldrete, Steve Stanicek

That's right. Mike has shifted to the OF.

That means some players have to go through waivers. That includes Max Venable, Phil Ouellette, Scott Bradley, Jessie Reid, Fran Mullins, Kelvin Torve, and Tom O'Malley.

The writers are saying that our rotation looks pretty strong, at the cost of a weaker bullpen. Other than that, our strength is a middle infield.

What we don't have is a strong middle of the lineup. Losing Chili Davis is still huge.

The experts have us finishing 3rd, behind the Reds and Dodgers.

[rpriske]

April 3rd, 1989

It is Opening Day and we are in San Diego.

The Giants have Frank Viola going against Mark Langston.

I have gone 7 for 42, or .167, against Langston.

Let's get this season off to a good start, eh?

I kicked things off by flying out to Junior Felix in left.

I made my first defensive play of the year for the 2nd out in the bottom half - a grounder by Randy Ready.

We were first on the board in the 2nd when Rob Deer scored on a Jim Presley double.

Giants lead 1-0

I made the 1st out of the bottom of the 2nd, catching a John Kruk pop.
That inning we also made out first double play, a Thompson - Priske - Presley affair to get Harold Reynolds and Ozzie Guillen.

I came up in the 3rd with Frank on 1st. I flew out to Gary Pettis in centre.

I got the last out of the inning off a Tony Gwynn fly.

In the 4th Alan Cockrell scored on a single by Jim.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up with one out in the 5th and I got my first hit of the season - a single past 1st.
Next, of course, came stolen base #1.
I was left there.

The Padres got on the board in the 5th when Guillen scored on a ground out by Pettis.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up in the 7th with one out and Frank on 1st. I hit into a double play.

Mark Davis came in to close things out in the 9th. He gave up a lead off double but then I caught a Kruk pop for the 1st out. He also got the next two and we had won Opening Day.

Only 161 more games to go!

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

[rpriske]

April 4th, 1989

We got rained out.

Tomorrow is now a double header.

All of our waiver guys cleared.

[rpriske]

April 5th, 1989

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe against the Padres' Tim Belcher in the first game of a double header.

I have gone 2 for 10 against Belcher.

I opened things up by lining out to Harold Reynolds at 2nd.

I got the last out of the inning off a slow grounder by John Kruk.

In the 2nd. Gary Pettis scored on a Junior Felix groundout, handled by me.

Padres lead 1-0

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

Ruben Sierra led off the 4th with our first home run of the year.

Game tied 1-1

I made the 1st out in the bottom half off a Pettis grounder and the 2nd off an Ozzie Guillen grounder.

I came up next with two out in the 5th and worked a walk.
I advanced to 2nd on a Keith Hernandez single and scored on a single by Ruben.

Giants lead 2-1

I led off the 7th by grounding out to Guillen at short.

With one out in the 8th, Jim went to Mark Davis. Bob Brenly also took over for Alan Cockrell in a double switch.

I came up with one out in the 9th, now facing Dennis Lamp. I hit one down the 3rd base line which I legged out for an infield hit.
Stolen base #2.
I scored on a single by Ruben.

Giants lead 3-1

Mark gave up a leadoff single to Armando Verdugo. I took care of a Pettis grounder for the 1st out. Pinch hitter Brooks Pounder reached on an error by Robby Thompson, moving Verdugo to 3rd. A strikeout and a fly ball later, we were 2-0.

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

[rpriske]

April 5th, 1989

It is the second half of the double header and we are trying to continue our perfect start to the season.

The Giants are pitching Scott Garrelts against the Padres and Bryn Smith.

This is Scott's first start in the Majors since 1983.

I have gone 6 for 29 against Smith.

I kicked things off by grounding out to Harold Reynolds at 2nd.

The Padres opened the scoring in the 2nd when John Kruk scored on a double play.

Padres lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 3rd and lined out to Gary Pettis in centre.
We tied it up that inning when Keith Hernandez scored on a Rob Deer single.

Game tied 1-1

They got the lead right back when Reynolds scored on a Tony Gwynn single.

Padres lead 2-1

I caught a pop up by Ozzie Guillen in the 4th for the 2nd out.

I came up with one out in the 5th and lined out to Randy Ready at 3rd.

In the 6th both Rob and Luis Medina scored on a Jim Presley single.

Giants lead 3-2

I led off the 7th with a triple off the centre field wall!
I scored on a single by Keith.

Giants lead 4-2

Bobby Thigpen took over on the mound for us in the 8th.

I led off the 9th, facing Mark Williamson. I grounded out back to him.

Bobby gave up a lead off walk in the 9th, but that was it and we became 3-0.

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

Tomorrow is a travel day as we head to Cincinnati.

[rpriske]

April 7th, 1989

We are in Cincinnati to face Frank Castillo and the Reds.

The Giants are pitching Bruce Ruffin.

I have very little exposure to Castillo, going 1 for 3.

I led things off by grounding out to Kurt Stillwell at short.

In the 2nd Jim Presley smacked a solo homer.
I came up with two on and two out and flew out to left.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 3rd Keith Hernandez scored on a Rob Deer double.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up in the 4th with one out and Bruce on 1st. I reached with an infield single. With two out we both moved up on a wild pitch. That is as far as we got.

The Reds tied it up in the 4th when Nick Esasky and Eric Davis scored on a single by Stillwell. Then Bruce walked Ron Tingley with the bases loaded. Then he did the same to Al Newman with two out. And against to Esasky! That is seven walks for Bruce!

And that was enough for Jim who pulled him for John Burkett. He got out of it.

Reds lead 5-2

I made my first defensive play in the 5th, handling a Stillwell grounder for the final out of the inning.

I came up with two out in the 6th and grounded out to Stillwell again.

I came up with one out in the 9th and facing Rob Dibble. I grounded out to Esasky at 3rd.

Our perfect season was not to be. We are now 3-1.

I went 1 for 5 with a single.

[rpriske]

April 8th, 1989

Another day in Cincinnati and the Reds are pitching Dennis Martinez (0-0, 1.12).

The Giants are back to our Ace, Frank Viola (1-0, 1.17).

I haven't faced Martinez much, but have had a bit of success, going 3 for 8.

I kicked things off by grounding out to Kurt Stillwell at short.

Frank struck out the side to start the game.

We got on the board in the 2nd when Rob Deer and Robby Thompson scored on a Jim Presley double.
I came up and was hit by a pitch.

Giants lead 2-0

Ruben Sierra led off the 3rd with a home run and then Robby scored on an Alan Cockrell single.

Giant lead 4-0

I got the 2nd out int he bottom half off a Martinez grounder, but Tracy Jones scored on the play.

Giants lead 4-1

I led off the 4th by dropping one into right for a single. With one out I went to 2nd on a single by Ruben. Then Rob walked to load them up. I was thrown out at home on a fielder's choice by Luis Medina.
Then Robby came up and doubled, clearing the bases.

Giants lead 7-1

In the bottom half, Kal Daniels scored on a single by Will Clark.
I made a great play on a Jones grounder to end the inning.

Giants lead 7-2

In the 5th I came up with one out and Frank on 1st. Mike Campbell was pitching. I got hit for the second time this game, and this one hit my awkwardly on the hand.

Damn, that hurts. It could be broken. I was taken from the game to get it looked at.

While I was getting x-rays, the boys took care of business. We won 15-3.



I sat the next day, and the Reds got revenge, beating us 8-2.

Meanwhile, my hand was still hurting like hell, but it was just a bad bruise. No trip to the DL needed. It just needed time.

Oh, and Ruben Sierra was named NL Player of the Week!

I was still sore but I wasn't going to miss our home opener against the Dodgers!

[rpriske]

April 10th, 1989

It is our home opener in San Francisco!

My hand is still sore, but I wouldn't miss this game for anything!

The Dodgers are here and they are pitching Mike Witt (1-0, 7.94).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (1-0, 1.23).

I have gone 3 for 12 against Witt.

The Dodgers struck right away as Chili Davis scored on a Kent Hrbek double. Then Tim Wallach scored on a Benito Santiago ground out.

Dodgers lead 2-0

I led off the home half by grounding out to Dave Anderson at short.

I made a great play on an Anderson grounder to open the 2nd, but Mike Aldrete dropped the ball at 1st! Luckily it didn't cost us.

I took care of a Gene Larkin grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.

I led off the bottom of the 4th with an infield single - our first hit of the game. Mike hit into a double play to erase me.

In the 5th, Steve Sax scored on a sac fly by Wallach.
I handled a Hrbek grounder for the 3rd out.

Dodgers lead 3-0

In the 6th I took care of a grounder from Witt with a man on 3rd to end the frame.

I came up with one out in the bottom half and I reached on a throwing error by Wallach.
I moved to 2nd on a ground out by Mike but got no further.

I caught a Sax pop for the 1st out in the 7th.

Rob Deer led off the bottom half with a home run.
Ruben Sierra scored when pinch hitter Keith Hernandez hit into a double play.
I came up with two out and Steve Stanicek on 3rd and Luis Medina on 2nd. I lined one into right centre to score Steve!

Game tied 3-3!

Bobby Thigpen took over on the mound for us in the 8th.
I took care of a Santiago grounder for the 1st out.
With one out, the Dodgers loaded the bases, and then Bobby walked Domingo Michel to give back the lead.
With the bases still loaded, I took care of a Sax grounder to end the inning.

Dodgers lead 4-3

In the 9th Mark Davis came in to pitch and Jim Presley replaced Mike at 1st in a double switch.
Mark got his four guys but we were unable to score in our half and dropped the game to L.A.

That isn't the right way to celebrate a Home Opener!

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles.

[rpriske]

April 11th, 1989

We've got the Dodgers again and they are pitching Ken Howell (0-1, 5.68).

The Giants are going with Scott Garrelts (1-0,2.57).

I have gone 4 for 13 against Howell. My hand is still hurting but I am good to go.

I led off for the home side and I lined one into right for a single.
With one out I grabbed stolen base #3.
I moved to 3rd on a Ruben Sierra single.
Rob Deer walked, to load them up.
The next two guys struck out. Ugh.

I grabbed a Brian Deak grounder to end the top of the 2nd.

I did the same to Tim Wallach to end the top of the 3rd.

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by grounding out to Kent Hrbek at 1st.

I came up next with one out in the 5th and lined out to Gene Larkin in right.
Robby Thompson followed me with a home run!

Giants lead 1-0

Jeff Robinson took over for us in the 7th.
I took care of a Dave Anderson grounder for the 2nd out.

I led off the bottom half by grounding out to Anderson at short.

The Dodgers took the lead in the 8th when Steve Sax smacked a two run homer. It got worse when Wallach did the same thing.
Jim went to Dave Miller after that.
Just to drag things out, we had a rain delay after that which lasted over a half hour.

Dodgers lead 4-1

Willie Fraser took the mound for us in the 9th.
He gave up and RBI single to Wallach that scored Deak.
He later walked Larkin with the bases loaded for another run.
I got him out of it with a play on a Domingo Michel grounder.

Dodgers lead 6-1

I led off our lat chance, facing Frank DiPino. I flew out to Chili Davis in left.

We couldn't score and we were back to .500

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

[rpriske]

April 12th, 1989

Bruised hand and all, I am here to keep us above .500.

We are facing Jim Deshaies (1-0, 2.70) and the Dodgers.

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (0-1, 12.27).

I have never faced Deshaies.

I led off the home half by flying out to Chili Davis in left.
Rob Deer did a little better, hitting a two run homer.

Giants lead 2-0

I made the first out in the 2nd, off a Benito Santiago grounder.
I then did the same to Kent Hrbek for the 2nd.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Bruce on 1st. I reached with an infield single but we were left on.

I came up next in the 4th with two out and Brian Giles on 2nd. I grounded out to Dave Anderson at short.

The Dodgers got on the board in the 5th when Hrbek scored on a Phil Plantier double.

Giants lead 2-1

They took the lead in the 6th when Santiago hit a two run homer.

Dodgers lead 3-2

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

I came up with one out in the bottom frame and I grounded out to Anderson again.

Bobby Thigpen took the mound for us in the 8th.
With two out he gave up a solo shot to Chili.

Dodgers lead 4-2

In the bottom half, though, Luis Medina hit a two run homer and then, I came up with the bases loaded and smacked a three-run double!

Giants lead 7-4

Mark Davis came in to close things out (with Keith Hernandez also taking over at 1st).
I got the 1st out on a pop by Hrbek.
With two out I took a bad hop, hitting me in the face, but I still managed to throw out Anderson to seal the game.

My big double hit the highlight reel tonight!

I went 2 for 5 with a single, a double, and three RBI.

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

[rpriske]

April 14th, 1989

The Braves are here and they have brought Tom Glavine (1-0, 8.03).

The Giants have our Ace, Frank Viola (2-0, 1.80).

I have done well against Glavine, going 12 for 38, or .316, with a home run.

I got in on the action right away, taking care of a grounder by lead off hitter, Gary Sheffield.
I then did the same to #2 hitter, Andres Galarraga and #3 hitter Ron Gant! Busy inning!

I then led off our side by taking a four pitch walk.
I was thrown out trying to steal against a pitch out.

In the 2nd Brad Komminsk hit a solo home run.
Then Willie Darkis made it back-to-back.

Braves lead 2-0

I came up in the 3rd with two out and legged out an infield single.
I got no further.

In the 6th Galarraga hit a two run homer.

Braves lead 4-0

I led off the bottom of the 6th by popping out to Sheffield at short.

In the 7th Galarraga hit a two run homer for the second straight inning.

That was it for Frank as Jim went to John Burkett.

Braves lead 6-0

I came up with one out in the 8th and I grounded out to Jeff Blauser at 3rd.

Willie Fraser came in to pitch the 9th for us.

In the end, we were shut out and were back to .500

I went 1 for 3 with a single, walk, and caught stealing.

[rpriske]

April 15th, 1989

We have the Braves again and they are pitching Johnny Cash (1-1, 4.61).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (1-0, 2.51).

I have done well against Cash, going 9 for 22, or .409.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by grounding out to Jeff Blauser at 3rd.
Alan Cockrell followed me by hitting a home run.

Giants lead 1-0

Andres Galarraga matched that in the 2nd.
I took care of a Blauser grounder for the 1st out. I then caught a Ron Gant pop for the 3rd.

Game tied 1-1

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by lining out to Blauser.

I handled a Lonnie Smith grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.
Galarraga hit his second solo shot.
I took care of a Blauser grounder for the 3rd out.

Braves lead 2-1

I led off in the 6th and I hit one into centre for a single. I moved to 2nd on a deep fly by Alan. Then Ruben Sierra smashed a two run bomb!

Giants lead 3-2

I took care of a Jerome Walton grounder for the 1st out in the 8th. Then I did the same to Smith for out #2.

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

Mark Davis came in to close out the 9th. Three up, three down and we had the win.

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

Hopefully we can keep that going tomorrow as we have a double header against the Braves!

[rpriske]

April 16th, 1989

We have a double header with the Braves today.

For Game One, they are pitching Brian Holman (1-1, 6.00).

The Giants are going with Scott Garrelts (1-0, 1.38).

I have gone only one of nine against Holman.

I led off the home half of the game by managing an infield hit back to the pitcher. That is eleven games in a row with a hit for me.
Unfortunately, Keith Hernandez then hit into a double play.

Atlanta opened the scoring in the 3rd when Ken Griffey Jr. tripled and scored on a Lonnie Smith single.

Braves lead 1-0

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Jim Presley on 2nd. I grounded out to Gary Sheffield at short.

I made my first defensive play on a Jeff Blauser grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.

In the 5th, Jim tied it up with a solo homer!

Game tied 1-1

Scott pitched well through five, striking out eight, but he is still getting used to being a starter so he had to leave after that. Jim went to Dave Miller to start the 6th.
He ran into trouble right away as Terry Kennedy smacked a two run homer.

Braves lead 3-1

I led off in the 6th and flew out to Rex Hudler in right.

I took care of a Smith grounder for the 1st out in the 7th.
With two out, Andres Galarraga hit a solo homer.
That was it for Dave as Jim went to Willie Fraser.
I made a nice play on a Blauser liner to end the threat.

Braves lead 4-1

I came up with one out in the 8th and hit one up the middle for a single.
With two out I scored on a Ruben Sierra double.

Braves lead 4-2

Jeff Robinson came in to pitch the 9th for us.
He loaded the bases but got out of it, but we were unable to do anything in the bottom half and lost.

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

But we aren't done. We have another game to play now.

[rpriske]

April 16th, 1989

We lost the first game of the double header so we need to bear down and salvage the day.

Now the Braves are pitching Len Damian (0-1, 13.50).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (0-1, 22.50).

Both are looking for a bounce back game.

I have done well against Damian, going 5 for 15.

The Braves struck quickly, plating Ken Griffey Jr. and Lonnie Smith on a Gary Sheffield single in the 1st.
I took care of a Rex Hudler grounder to end the frame.

Braves lead 2-0

I led off our half by working a free pass.
Keith Hernandez bunted me over to 2nd.
I was left there.

I have to say, I am getting a little annoyed at how rarely I am given the green light to steal so far this year.

In the 2nd, Robby Thompson connected with a solo homer.

Braves lead 2-1

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

In the 4th, Willie Darkis hit one out with the bases empty.

Braves lead 3-1

I came up in the 5th with two out, Jim Presley on 2nd, and Scott on 1st. I walked, loading the bases.
Keith singled to centre, moving everyone up one base and scoring Jim.
That is all we could get.

Braves lead 3-2

In the 6th Robby singled, stole 2nd, and scored on a double by Jim, tying the game.

Game tied 3-3

I led off the bottom of the 7th by hitting one into left for a single, extending my hit streak to 12 games.
Finally. Stolen base #4.
I scored on a double by Ruben Sierra.

Giants lead 4-3

In the 8th, Jim switched in Mark Davis to pitch. He also double switched in Steve Stanicek for Luis Medina in centre.

I came up in the bottom of the 8th in a big situation. One out. Duane Ward pitching. Robby was on 3rd. Jim was on 2nd. Steve was on 1st.
I hit a dribble back to the pitcher and they got Robby at the plate. I was safe on a fielder's choice.
Keith did no better.

We couldn't get the insurance but Mark didn't need, getting rid of all three batters he faced in the 9th and we had the split.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, two walks, a run scored, and a stolen base.

Tomorrow the Padres are coming to town.

[rpriske]

April 17th, 1989

The Giants are two games behind both the Padres and Dodgers, and now the Pads are in San Francisco.

They are pitching Storm Davis (1-0, 2.45).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (0-1, 6.75).

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

I led off the bottom of the 1st by hitting one to the left field wall for a double.
With one out I grabbed stolen base #5.
Ruben Sierra walked, but we couldn't get me across.

I handled an Ozzie Guillen grounder for the 2nd out and then a Junior Felix grounder for the 3rd out in the 2nd.

We opened the scoring in the 2nd when Bruce doubled home Mike Aldrete!
I came up next and grounded out back to Davis for the 3rd out.

Giants lead 1-0

I made a nice play on a Tony Gwynn grounder to end the top of the 3rd with a man on 3rd.

The Padres tied it up in the 4th when John Kruk scored on a Guillen groundout. Then they took the lead when Armando Verdugo scored on a single by Davis.

Padres lead 2-1

Then in the 5th, Gary Pettis scored on a sac fly by Kruk.

Padres lead 3-1

I came up in the 5th with one out and Steve Stanicek on 1st. I hit into a fielder's choice.
Stolen base #6 and an extra bag when they threw the ball away. Unfortunately, I was left on 3rd again.

John Burkett took over for us in the 6th.

We tied it up in the 6th when Ruben and Rob Deer scored on a Jim Presley double.
I grounded out to the pitcher for the 3rd out.

Game tied 3-3

Jeff Robinson came in to pitch in the 7th.

I came up in the 8th with two out and pinch hitter Keith Hernandez on 1st. Kent Tekulve was pitching. He walked me, but that was all we could get.

Mark Davis took over in the 9th.

We went to extras and I got the 1st out in the 10th off a Pettis grounder.

Bobby Thigpen took the mound for us in the 11th. I got the 1st out for him, taking care of a grounder by pinch hitter, Randy Bush.
The Padres managed to score the tinning when Guillen crossed on a double by Torey Lovullo. I then took care of a Dennis Lamp grounder to end it.

Padres lead 4-3

I led off the bottom of the 11th against Lamp and I dumped one into left for a single.
With two out, Lamp baked, moving me up a bag. Once again, though, I was left on base and we lost.

I was left on base four times.

I went 2 for 5 with a single, a double, a walk, and two stolen bases.

[rpriske]

April 18th, 1989

Yesterday was a tough loss. Today is a marquee match-up.

The Padres are pitching Mark Langston (0-2, 3.86).

The Giants have Frank Viola (2-1, 3.74).

I have gone 8 for 46, or .174, against Langston.

I got into the action early, taking care of an Eric Young grounder for the 2nd out of the game.

I led off the home side by grounding out to Harold Reynolds at 2nd.

I came up next in the 3rd, with none out, Tom Naehring on 2nd, and Frank on 1st. I flew out to Randy Bush in left.
Tim ended up scoring on an error and then Ruben Sierra hit a home run.

Giants lead 3-0

I took care of a Bush grounder for the 2nd out in the 5th.

I came up in the bottom of the inning, with Frank on 1st. I hit into a double play.

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

I led off in the 7th and finally got a hit - a single into right. That extended my hitting streak to 14 games.
Stolen base #7 AND 8!
I then scored on an Alan Cockrell triple!
Alan scored on a Jim Presley single and then Jim scored on a Robby Thompson double.

Giants lead 6-0

With a nice lead, Jim decided not to push Frank any further and brought in John Burkett for the 8th.
I snagged an Ozzie Guillen liner for the 1st out behind him.
Bush walked but I took care of a fielder's choice ball from Torey Lovullo for the 2nd out.

I came up in the bottom half, with two out and Gregory Sillivent pitching. I took a walk but was left.

Willie Fraser came in for the 9th. He gave up one hit but struck out a couple and we had the win.

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

I have the longest hitting streak for the NL so far this year.

[rpriske]

April 19th, 1989

We had a good game against San Diego yesterday. Let's see how we do today!

The Padres are pitching Ed Wojna (1-0, 1.08).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (2-0, 2.42).

I have gone 6 for 21 against Wojna.

Rick is pitching on short rest.

I got into it right away, taking care of a Harold Reynolds grounder for the 1st out.

I then led off our side by hitting one to the fence in deep left centre and legging out a triple! That is 15 straight games with a hit for me!
I scored on a sac fly by Keith Hernandez.

Giants lead 1-0

They got it right back int he 2nd when Junior Felix scored on a single by Ozzie Guillen and a throwing error by Rob Deer.
Then Guillen scored on a groundout by Torey Lovullo.
Then Tom Dodd scored on a double by Reynolds.

Padres lead 3-1

I made a GREAT play in the 3rd to get John Kruk at 2nd on what turned out to be a Felix fielder's choice. It should have been a hit, but I changed that.

I led off the bottom half by taking a walk. I was then thrown out as I ran into a pitchout.

I took care of the first batter in the 4th, handling a Lovullo grounder.

I came up in the 5th with one out, Bob Brenly on 3rd, and Rick on 1st.
I hit into a double play.

Dave Miller took over for us after that. I am unsure why Jim didn't pinch hit for Rick, though it paid off.

In the 7th, Reynolds scored on a single by Tony Gwynn.

Padres lead 4-1

I came up with one out in the 8th and I dropped one into shallow right for a single.
Keith then hit into a double play.

Willie Fraser took the mound for us in the 9th.
He got his three but we couldn't do anything in our half and had to take the loss.

I went 2 for 3 with a single, a triple, a walk, and a run scored.

I am currently hitting .328.

Tomorrow is a travel day, but we aren't going very far. We are heading south to L.A.

[rpriske]

April 21st, 1989

We are in Chavez Ravine to face the Dodgers.

L.A. is pitching Mike Witt (3-0, 3.32).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (1-0, 1.50).

I have gone 5 for 16 against Witt.

I kicked thing off by singling through the right side to immediately stretch my hit streak to 16 games.
With one out I scored on a Ruben Sierra triple.
Rob Deer followed with a two run homer.
Alan Cockrell ended up walking with the bases loaded, scoring Luis Medina.
All nine of us came to the plate.

Giants lead 4-0

We ended the inning with a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Tim Wallach and Kent Hrbek.

I led off the 2nd by flying out to Phil Plantier in centre.

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

I came up in the 4th with two out and Alan on 1st. I grounded out to Wallach at 3rd.

I handled a Steve Sax grounder for the last out in the 5th.

Chili Davis led off the bottom of the 6th with a home run.
I took care of a Gene Larkin grounder for the 2nd out, but Hrbek scored on the play.

Giants lead 4-2

I came up with one out in the 7th and I grounded out to Wallach again.

In the 8th, Ruben scored on a single by Rob.

Giants lead 5-2

Mark Davis took over for us with one out and one on in the 8th.
Brian Giles also took over for Jim Presley at 3rd in a double switch.

I came up with two out in the 9th, now facing Bryan Harvey. I grounded out to Sax at 2nd.

I handled a groundball from Candy Maldonado to end the game.

I went 1 for 5 with a single and a run scored.
Not my best, but at least we won.