Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

April 22nd, 1989

We beat the Dodgers yesterday. Let's see if we can turn that into a trend.

Today L.A. is pitching Ken Howell (1-1, 5.50).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (0-1, 6.32).

Bruce has has a rough start to the year, but we know he is better than that.

I have gone 5 for 17 against Howell.

I opened the game by dropping one into short left centre for a single. Hitting streak is now to 17 games!
Stolen base #9, but I was left at 2nd.

I made really nice play on a Tim Wallach grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.
I caught a Kent Hrbek pop for out #3.

In the 2nd Jim Presley scored on an Alan Cockrell double.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Wallach at 3rd.

The Dodgers tied it up in the 3rd when Steve Sax scored on a Benito Santiago single.

Game tied 1-1

I got the 1st out in the bottom half off a Gene Larkin grounder.

I came up in the 5th with two out and Alan on 1st. I grounded out to Dave Anderson at short.

Wallach homered in the 5th, taking the lead for L.A.

Dodgers lead 2-1

I took care of a Santiago grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th.
I then did the same to Hrbek for the 2nd.

Jeff Robinson took over on the mound for us in the 7th.

I led off the 8th by grounding out to Sax at 2nd.

In the bottom half, Chili Davis scored on a Larkin double.

Dodgers lead 3-1

Rob Deer homered in the 9th, but that still left us one short and we lost, 3-2.

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

[rpriske]

April 23rd, 1989

We finish up in L.A. today. The Dodgers are pitching Orel Hershiser (3-1, 2.43).

The Giants have Frank Viola (3-1, 2.83).

I have gone 10 for 51, or .196, against Hershiser.

I kicked things off by getting my hit streak out of the way with an infield single. That is 18 games in a row.
Stolen base #10.
I went to 3rd on a Keith Hernandez single and scored on a Ruben Sierra sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the final out of the inning off a Kent Hrbek grounder.

I led off the 3rd with another infield single. Stolen base #11. Once again, I went to 3rd on a single by Keith, but this time I scored on a wild pitch.

Giants lead 2-0

In the bottom half, Steve Sax scored on a double by Tim Wallach.

Giants lead 2-1

I got the last out in the 4th off a Hershiser grounder.

I came up in the 5th with Frank on 2nd. I grounded out to Sax at 2nd, advancing the runner. Frank scored on a single by Ruben.

Giants lead 3-1

I caught a Chili Davis liner for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.
Wallach scored on a Benito Santiago triple.

Giants lead 3-2

I took care of a Gene Larkin grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th. I then did the same to Phil Plantier for the 3rd.

I came up with one out in the 7th and Steve Stanicek on 2nd. I was given an intentional walk. That worked as Keith then hit into a double play.

I took care of a Davis grounder to end the 7th.

I handled a Santiago grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.
But then Larkin hit a solo shot to tie the game.

Game tied 3-3

We got a guy to 3rd on the 9th, but left him there.

Bobby Thigpen took over for us to try to force extras.

He couldn't. Wallach hit a walk-off single to score pinch hitter Jeff Hamilton.

We lost, 4-3

Terrible.

I went 2 for 3 with a pair of single, a pair of stolen bases, and a pair of runs scored.

I have hit in 18 straight.

But we just aren't winning.

Barry Bonds of the Brewers just had a 24 game hit streak end. I am hoping I can out do that one.

Tomorrow is a travel day and we are heading to St. Louis.

[rpriske]

April 25th, 1989

The Giants are at 9-10. Obviously it i early but the deeper a hole we dig, the further it will be to climb out.

We are in St. Louis to take on the Cardinals, who are also around .500, but have lost five in a row.

They are pitching Rick Mahler (2-2, 2.49).

We have Rick Sutcliffe (2-1, 2.96).

I have gone 6 for 25, or .240, against Mahler.

I kicked things off by grounding out to Frank White at 2nd.

I made the last out of the inning, taking care of a Mike Marshall grounder with a man on 3rd.

The Cardinals opened the scoring in the 3rd when Mike Brown crossed on a Vince Coleman groundout.

Cardinals lead 1-0

I led off the 4th. We still hadn't had a baserunner and while I didn't get a hit, I became our 1st man on when White bungled my grounder.
Stolen base #12.
I went to 3rd on a Robby Thompson groundout and scored when Ruben Sierra singled - our first hit of the game.
Ruben ended up scoring on an Alan Cockrell sac fly.

Giants lead 2-1

I made a great play to get Marshall on the ground for the 1st out in the bottom frame.

With one out in the 5th, Luis Medina hit a solo shot.
I came up with two out and got a base hit through the left side to stretch my hit streak to 19 games!
Stolen base #13 and an extra base when they threw the ball away trying to catch me.
I was left at 3rd.

Giants lead 3-1

It started to rain in the 5th and amidst that, White scored on a Coleman single.

Giants lead 3-2

We had a rain delay of just over an hour in the 6th. With the conditions being a little rough out there, Jim went with an early hook for Rick. He and Alan left in a double switch, giving us a new battery of Willie Fraser and Bob Brenly.

I took care of a Scott Fletcher fielder's choice ball for the 2nd out.

Bob made the most of his first at bat, hitting an RBI double to score Luis in the 7th. I then came up with two out and Bob on 2nd, facing Greg Harris. I grounded out to White again.

Giants lead 4-2

I caught a mile high pop up by Brown for the 1st out in the bottom half.
But then Coleman scored on a double by Oddibe McDowell. McDowell scored on a Marshall single to tie things up.

Game tied 4-4

Bobby Thigpen took over for us in the 8th.
I caught a floater by Brown for the 2nd out.
I then made a fine play on a Coleman grounder to end the inning.

Keith Hernandez pinch hit for Jim Presley in the 9th. He doubled, but we were unable to score so then Brian Giles took over at 3rd and Mark Davis took over on the mound in a double switch as we tried to force extras.
Mark walked his first batter of the season but then Marshall hit into a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to end things and send us to the 10th.

I led off bonus time against Mike Schooler. I walked.
Stolen base #14.
Robby grounded out and I went to 3rd.
I scored on a wild pitch by Schooler.

Giants lead 5-4

Three batters later, Mark had secured the win.

It was a scrappy win on a miserable day, but we will take it.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, two runs scored, and three stolen bases. My hit streak is at 19.

[rpriske]

April 26th, 1989

Game 2 in St. Louis and the Cardinals are pitching Terry Clark (1-2, 3.55).

The Giants are going with Scott Garrelts (2-0, 1.78).

I have very little exposure to Clark, but what there has been, has been good. I have gone 2 for 3 against him.

I opened things up by working a walk.
Stolen base #15.
I scored on a Robby Thompson single.
Robby scored on a Jim Presley groundout.

Giants lead 2-0

I then came up with two out in the 2nd and grounded out to Scott Fletcher at short.

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th, making a good play on an Andy Van Slyke grounder.
I then did the same to Terry Pendleton for the 3rd.

I came up with two out in the 5th and took another walk.
Stolen base #16.
I was left on.

The Cards got on the board in the 6th when Vince Coleman scored on a Van Slyke triple. Then he scored on a Mike Marshall single, tying the game.

Game tied 2-2

I came up in the 7th with one out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I walked for the 3rd time.
We were both left on.

I took care of a fielder's choice ball by pinch hitter Willie McGee for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

Scott walked the first batter in the bottom of the 8th and Jim hooked him for Bobby Thigpen.
Oddibe McDowell, the inherited runner, ended up scoring on a Pendleton sac fly.

Cardinals lead 3-2

I came up in the 9th with two out and Alan on 1st. Terry Leach was pitching.
Sinker - ball one.
Sinker - called strike.
Sinker - fouled off.
Sinker - called strike three.

It was good too. Sigh.

We lost.

I went 0 for 2 with three walks, but that means my hitting streak ended at 19 games.
I also scored once and stole two bags.

[rpriske]

April 27th, 1989

It is our last day in St. Louis and we need to grab the series win.

The Cardinals are pitching Terry Gilmore (1-3, 4.38).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (1-1, 7.71).

Gilmore is pretty new. Our entire lineup is a combined 1 for 1 against him.

Obviously Scott has been struggling.

I opened things up by reaching with an infield single.
I went to 3rd on a Robby Thompson double and scored on a Ruben Sierra groundout.
Rob Deer followed with a home run.

Giants lead 3-0

In the 2nd Mike Marshall scored on a double play.

Giants lead 3-1

I led off the 3rd by striking out.

I caught a Gilmore pop for the 1st out in the bottom half.

In the 4th, Marshall hit a solo homer.

Giants lead 3-2

I came up next with one out in the 5th and I hit one into short centre right for a single.
Stolen base #17... and #18!
Robby walked.
Ruben doubled and I scored, but Robby was thrown out trying to score from 1st.

Giants lead 4-2

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half off a Mike Brown grounder.
Then, though, pinch hitter Vance Law doubled and scored on a Vince Coleman single.

Giants lead 4-3

Keith Hernandez led off the 6th with a home run!

Giants lead 5-3

I came up with one out in the 7th, now facing Tim Crews. I grounded out to Frank White at 2nd.

White then led off the bottom frame with a homer.
I caught a liner by pinch hitter Willie McGee for the 1st out.
With one out and a man on, Jim went to Jeff Robinson on the mound.
I took care of a Coleman fielder's choice for out #2.
Coleman stole 2nd and then scored on an Oddibe McDowell double, tying the game.

Game tied 5-5

In the 9th we got a nice Thomson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get White and Brown.

I came up with one out in the 10th, facing Mike Schooler. I grounded out to White again.

Mark Davis took the mound for us in the 10th.

I took care of a White grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 11th.
With two out, Marlin McPhail reached 2nd on a throwing error by... me.

I came up next with two out in the 12th, now facing Greg Harris. I grounded out to White again.

Willie Fraser took over for us in the 12th.
He gave up three straight hits and the game was over. We lost, 6-5.

I went 2 for 6 with a pair each of singles, runs scored, and stolen bases.

We are down to 10-12 and heading for Pittsburgh.

[rpriske]

April 28th, 1989

We are in Pittsburgh to face the Pirates.

They are pitching Mike Bielecki (2-2, 4.81).

The Giants are going with Frank Viola (3-1, 2.95).

I have gone 4 for 14 again Bielecki.

I opened up the game by grounding out to Sid Bream at 1st.

Bip Roberts led off the bottom half with a single but then I got him out on an Ozzie Smith fielder's choice.

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

Luis Medina has been struggling so far this year but he led off the 3rd with a solo shot to put us on the board!
I came up with one out and Frank on 1st. I grounded out to Roberts at 2nd, but advanced the runner. He was still left.

Giants lead 1-0

I took care of a Roberts grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half. I then did the same to Smith for the 2nd.

I got the 2nd out in the 4th off a Brian Harper grounder.

With a man on 3rd I started a nice Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play, nailing Smith and Kirk Gibson to end the 5th.

I came up with one out in the 6th and grounded out to Charlie Montoyo at 3rd.

In the bottom half We just missed another run-saving double play. Instead Dave Winfield scored on a Montoyo fielder's choice, tying the game.
I handled a Bielecki grounder to end the threat.

Game tied 1-1

Frank walked two in the 7th, brining his total to five, and Jim called in John Burkett to take over with one out. He got out of it.

I came up with two out in the 8th and and reached on a two base error by Gibson in left. Robby Thompson walked behind me but we were both left on.

Dave Miller took over for us in the bottom of the 8th.
I got the 2nd out for him off an easy pop by Bream.

In the bottom of the 9th, I took care of the first batter - Scott Bryant - with a groundout.
But we couldn't even make it to extras as Winfield hit a walk-off single, scoring Roberts, and we lost, 2-1.

I went 0 for 4.

The only thing keeping us out of the Divisional basement is the Astros (who are 4-19, pee-yew).

[rpriske]

April 29th, 1989

We lost yesterday against the Pirates but we get another shot today.

They are pitching Richard Dotson (2-0, 1.77).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (0-2, 5.40).

I have done well vs Dotson, going 8 for 23, or .348.

I opened things up by legging out an infield single.
I went to 2nd as Robby Thompson reached on an error.
Stolen base #19.
I scored on a one out single by Rob Deer.
Then Robby scored on a wild pitch.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off the 3rd with a groundout to Bip Roberts at 2nd.

In the 4th Keith Hernandez popped a solo shot with one out.

Giants lead 3-0

I made my first play on defense that inning, handling a Kirk Gibson grounder for the 2nd out.

I came up next with two out in the 5th and grounded out to Roberts again.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom frame, catching an Adam Brown pop.

I then got the 2nd out in the 6th, taking care of an Ozzie Smith grounder.
I also took care of one by Gibson for out #3.

In the 7th Jim Presley tripled and scored on a Steve Stanicek sac fly.

Giants lead 4-0

With one out and a man on in the bottom half, Jim decided Bruce had gone as far as he could go and went to Dave Miller.
Dave Winfield immediately scored on a Lee Stevens double.

Giants lead 4-1

I led off the 8th flying out to Winfield in right.

I got pinch hitter Denny Gonzalez's grounder for the 1st out in the home frame.
After that I got Gibson for the 3rd.

With one out in the 9th, and two men on, Jim brought in Mark Davis to shut things down.
I got the next guy for him - a pinch hit pop fly by Brian Harper.
Then Winfield scored on a pinch hit single by Scott Bryant.
That was it, and we had the 4-2 win.

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

[rpriske]

April 30th, 1989

We are wrapping up April and wrapping up in Pittsburgh. The best we can finish the first month of the season is a game under .500

The Pirates are pitching Jose DeLeon (2-2, 3.41).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (2-1, 3.06).

I have gone 8 for 28, or .286, against DeLeon.

I kicked thing off by grounding out to Ozzie Smith at short.

I returned the favour, catching a Smith pop for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

In the 2nd we turned a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Ken Phelps and Brian Harper.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and took a walk.
I got no further.

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th off a Dave Winfield grounder.
I did the same to Harper for out #3.

I kept it going in the 5th, getting the first guy, Lee Stevens.

I led off the 6th by striking out.

The Pirates were first to break the deadlock when Winfield hit a two out solo shot in the 6th.

Pirates lead 1-0

I came up in the 8th with two out, Luis Medina on 3rd, and Aaron Carlie pitching. I struck out.

Bobby Thigpen took over for us in the 8th.
I got the 3rd out for him, off a Phelps grounder.

We were never able to get on the board and lost, 1-0.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk.

Lousy day.

We finished April 11-14, 7 games behind the Dodgers.
Our rotation has been fairly solid, as had Mark Davis in the pen, but the rest of the relievers have kind of struggled.

As for the hitters, I am doing fairly well, as are Ruben Sierra and Jim Presley. Alan Cockrell, Keith Hernandez, and Rob Deer are putting in solid work. Robby Thompson has been a little cold.
Luis Medina has really struggled so far, as has the entire bench.

We are having depth issues and the fact that Luis was the replacement for Chili Davis tells you all you need to know.

After the game it was announced that Dave Miller was heading to Phoenix and Mike Antle was called up. He will meet us in San Francisco where we are facing the Cubs.

[rpriske]

May 1st, 1989

Back home to face the Cubs, who are pitching Jeff Robinson (2-2, 2.65).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (2-1, 1.95).

I have done nothing against Robinson, going 0 for 6.

I got in on the action right away, dealing with a Dave Martinez grounder for the first out.

I let off the home half by getting my first hit off Robinson - a double into the right field corner.
Stolen base #20.
I scored in an infield single by Ruben Sierra with one out.

Giants lead 1-0

I took care of a Tom Foley grounder for the first out in the 2nd.
I did the same to Dave Valle for the 2nd out.

I led off in the 3rd and flew out to Martinez in centre.

The Cubs got on the board in the 4th when Paul O'Neill scored on a Foley single.

Game tied 1-1

We got the lead back in the bottom half when Jim Presley scored on a Luis Medina single and then Alan Cockrell hit a two run homer.
I came up with two out and flew out to left.

Giants lead 4-1

We scored again in the 5th when Robby Thompson crossed on a Keith Hernandez single.

Giants lead 5-1

Willie Fraser took over for us in the 7th.

We made a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play behind him to get O'Neill and Chris Hoiles.

I led off in the 7th, now facing Bill Long. I dropped one into left for a single.
Stolen base #21.
Robby bunted me over to 3rd.
I scored on a groundout by Ruben.

Giants lead 6-1

I made a great play on what should have been a pinch hit by Marvell Wynne for the 1st out in the 9th.
After Willie walked Martinez, Jim brought in John Burkett.
Two batters later, the game was over.

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

A good day.

[rpriske]

May 2nd, 1989

We finish with the Cubs today.

Chicago is pitching Randy Johnson (2-2, 2.25).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (1-1, 7.47).

I wonder how long Jim will stick with Scott if he doesn't turn things around.

I have never faced Johnson before.

The Cubs got not he board right away when Bret Barberie crossed on a groundout by Otis Nixon.

Cubs lead 1-0

I led off for the home side. I dropped one into short right for a single.
I moved to 3rd on a Robby Thompson double.
We both scored on a Ruben Sierra double.
Ruben ended up scoring on a passed ball.

Giants lead 3-1

I got the 3rd out in the 2nd off a Johnson grounder.

I then did the same to Dave Martinez for the 1st out in the 3rd.

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by grounding out to Tom Foley at 2nd.

I returned the favour for the 2nd out in the 4th.

I got Martinez again for the 3rd out in the 5th.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Brian Giles on 1st. I hit it to Barberie at 3rd for a fielder's choice. Stolen base #22, but that was it.

I took care of a Barberie grounder for the 1st out in the 6th.

Scott ended up pitching a solid seven. Even the run he gave up was unearned.
Mark Davis took over in the 8th, with Chris Brown taking over for Brian at 3rd on a double switch.

I came up in the 8th with Chris on 1st. Foley made an amazing stop at 2nd to get me, but Chris went to 2nd.

Mark ended up getting a two inning save.

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

Scotty was named Player of the Game. Good for him.

Tomorrow the Pirates come to town.

[rpriske]

May 3rd, 1989

The Pirates are in town and they brought Mike Bielecki (2-2, 3.94).

The Giants are answering with Frank Viola (3-1, 2.72).

I have only gone 4 for 17 against Bielecki.

I got in the action right away, taking care of a Bip Roberts grounder for the 1st out.
Unfortunately the inning didn't stay that good as Dave Winfield blasted a two run homer.

Pirates lead 2-0

I led off for our side and grounded out to Charlie Montoyo at 3rd.

We got not he board in the 2nd when Keith Hernandez scored on a Luis Medina single.

Pirates lead 2-1

I got the 3rd out in the 3rd off a Winfield grounder.

I came up in the bottom half with two out and I grounded out to Montoyo again.

I caught an Ozzie Smith pop for the 3rd out in the 5th.

In the bottom frame I came up with two out and Luis on 1st. I walked on four straight but we were both left.

I got the 2nd out in the 6th off another Winfield grounder.

I came up in the 7th with two out and Frank on 2nd. Clay Parker was now pitching. I flew out to Lee Stevens in centre.

After Frank walked the 1st guy in the 9th, Jim went to Bobby Thigpen.

With a man on and me standing on-deck, Steve Stanicek pinch hit and struck out. We lost, 2-1.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk.

[rpriske]

May 4th, 1989

Today the Pirates are pitching Richard Dotson (2-1, 2.22) and the Giants have Bruce Ruffin (1-2, 4.50).

I have gone 9 for 27 against Dotson.

I got the 2nd out of the game, taking care of a fielder's choice ball by Kirk Gibson.

I then led off the home half by popping out to Bip Roberts at 2nd.

I made nice grab on a Sid Bream liner for the 1st out in the 2nd.
We finished the frame with a nice Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to erase James McCollom and Charlie Montoyo.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and I grounded out to Ozzie Smith at short.

We turned it around for a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Brian Harper and Bream to end the top of the 4th.

In the 5th, Tim Naehring got our first hit of the game, and it was a big one! Home run!
I came up with two out and Bruce on 1st. I hit an RBI triple!
I scored on a Robby Thompson double!
Robby scored on a Rob Deer single.

We combined for a perfect reverse cycle that inning!

Giants lead 4-0

With one out and two on in the top of the 7th, Jim went to Jeff Robinson.
After Bob Brnely allowed pinch hitter Denny Gonzalez to reach on a dropped 3rd strike on what should have been the 3rd out, Roberts singled, scoring Lee Stevens and McCollom.
Then Gonzalez scored on a wild pitch.
Roberts and Smith scored on a Harper single.

Pirates lead 5-4

I led off in the 7th against James Moody. I worked a walk.
I moved to a 2nd on a sac bunt by Robby.
Ruben Sierra got us the lead back with a two run dinger!

Giants lead 6-5

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 8th for us. Mike Aldrete replaced Rob on a double switch.
I got the 3rd out for him off a Smith grounder.

In the bottom half, Tim scored on a single by Mike.
I came up with one out, Bob on 3rd and Mike on 1st. Bill Gullickson was on the mound. I flew out to Gibson in left, too shallow for Bob to score.
Both Bob and Mike ended up scoring on a single by Ruben.

Giants lead 9-5

Bobby Thigpen came in to wrap things up in the 9th.
Gibson walked but then Harper hit into a Thigpen - Priske - Hernandez double play.
One more out and we had the win.

I went 1 for 4 with a triple, two runs scored, an RBI, and a walk.

That was it for a mini-set with the Pirates. Tomorrow the Cardinals fly in.

[rpriske]

May 5th, 1989

The Cardinals are here and they are pitching Rock Mahler (2-3, 2.70).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (2-2, 2.75).

I have gone 7 for 28 against Mahler.

The Cards have lost seven in a row.

With a man on 3rd, I took care of a Mike Marshall grounder for the 3rd out of the game.

I then led off for our side and legged out a slow roller for a single.
Stolen base #23.
I scored on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 1-0

I grabbed a Scott Fletcher grounder for the 2nd out in the 2nd.

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

In the 5th we turned a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Fletcher and Frank White.

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

Then I came up in the 7th with two out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I flew out to Andy Van Slyke in right.

With two out in the 9th, Vince Coleman scored on an Oddibe McDowell double, tying the game.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 9th. Mike Schooler was pitching. I grounded out to White at 2nd and we were going to extras.

Willie Fraser took over on the mound for us in the 10th.

I came up in the 12th with two out and Greg Harris throwing. I struck out.

Mike Antle made his major league debut, coming on for us in the 13th.
I got the 3rd out for him, taking care of a Ruben Amaro grounder.

Mike's firs tinning went well but in the 14th Mike Brown scored on a Van Slyke single.
With two out and the bases loaded, Jim went to John Burkett. He walked Terry Pendleton to force in a run.

Cardinals lead 3-1

We got nothing in the bottom half and that was the game.

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

[rpriske]

May 6th, 1989

I was disappointed by yesterday's loss but today is a new day.

The Cardinals are pitching Terry Clark (1-3, 4.81).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (3-1, 1.88).

I have little exposure to Clark, going 2 for 4.

I got the 2nd out of the game, off a fielder's choice ball by Andy Van Slyke.

I led off the home half by walking on five pitches. Stolen base #24.
I moved to 3rd on a groundout by Ruben Sierra, but was left there.

In the 2nd I started a Priske - Giles - Hernandez double play to get Scott Fletcher and Ruben Amaro.

St. Louis opened the scoring in the 3rd when Oddibe McDowell crossed on a Van Slyke triple. Then Mike Marshall singled him home.

Cardinals lead 2-0

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Luis Medina on 2nd. While I was at the plate, Clark was called for a balk, giving Luis 3rd. I walked on five again.
I tried to steal 2nd but ran into a pitchout and was gunned down.
Luis ended up scoring on a wild pitch.

Cardinals lead 2-1

In the 4th I handled an Amaro grounder for the 2nd out.

Our half of the 4th went pretty well. We led off with back-to-back doubles by Keith Hernandez and Alan Cockrell. Alan ended up scoring on an error that let Mike Aldrete reach, Mike later scored on a single by Scott. I flew out to centre to end the inning.

Giants lead 4-2

I caught a pop by McDowell for the 2nd out in the 5th.

In the bottom half, Brian Gile sled off with a single before scoring on a two out double by Alan.

Giants lead 5-2

After giving up a double and a walk to lead off the 7th, Scott was lifted for Jeff Robinson.
He got a couple outs before Marshall doubled home Vince Coleman and McDowell.

Giants lead 5-4

I led off the bottom of the 7th against Tim Crews. I grounded out to Fletcher at short.

We got some insurance in the 8th when Keith scored on a sac fly by Mike.

Giants lead 6-4

Mark Davis came in to pitch and Steve Stanicek came in to play CF on a double switch to start the 9th. Hopefully the double switch part doesn't matter.
Mark allowed a couple of baserunners but no runs and we had the win.

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

[rpriske]

May 7th, 1989

We finish with the Cardinals today, splitting so far.

St. Louis is pitching Terry Gilmore (1-4, 4.86).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (2-1, 5.16).

I have very little exposure to Gilmore, but it has gone well. I am 2 for 3 against him.

I led off the home half of the first by grounding out to Frank White at 2nd.
Robby Thompson followed me with a solo homer.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the 1st out in the 2nd, catching a pop by Scott Fletcher.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and flew out to Vince Coleman in left.

In the 5th I came up with two out and Scott on 1st. I grounded out to White again.

I made a nice play to snag a Terry Pendleton liner for the last out of the top of the 6th.

In the 7th I started a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Fletcher and Mike Brown.

Scott still had a shutout, but he used a lot of pitches to get there, so with a man on and two out in the 8th, Jim had to got to Bobby Thigpen. He got the 3rd out.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 8th and grounded out to Fletcher at short.

Willie Fraser came it to nail the door closed in the 9th. Mark Davis has been used a lot lately and wasn't available.
I caught a Ruben Amaro pop with two men on for the 2nd out. One more guy and we had the tight, 1-0 win.

We were back to .500

I went 0 for 4. My batting average is down to .268

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

[rpriske]

May 9th, 1989

We are at Wrigley Field to face the Cubs.

Chicago is pitching Dan Freed (1-4, 4.26).

The Giants have Frank Viola (3-2, 2.29).

I have gone 0 for 2 against Freed, thus far.

I opened the game by making that 1 for 3 with a single through the left side.
Stolen base #25. I went to 3rd on a single by Robby Thompson. I scored and Robby went to 3rd on a single by Ruben Sierra.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the 2nd out in the bottom of the 2nd off a Billy Hatcher grounder.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Mike Brumley at short.
Robby followed me with a home run.

Giants lead 2-0

The Cubs got on the board in the 3rd when Brumley scored on a Dave Martinez groundout.

Giants lead 2-1

I got the 1st and 3rd outs in the bottom of the 4th, taking care of grounders by Paul O'Neill and Hatcher.

I came up in the 5th with two out and Luis Medina on 2nd. I grounded out to Chris Hoiles at 1st.

In the 6th Robby scored on a single by Keith Hernandez.

Giants lead 3-1

I took care of a Dave Martinez grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.

I led off the 8th with a single to centre. Robby bunted me over the 2nd. I was then thrown out trying to steal 3rd.

Mark Davis came in to close things out in the 9th. Bob Brenly also took over behind the plate. Mark gave up a two out single but then I handled a Hatcher grounder to end the game.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, a run scored, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

[rpriske]

May 10th, 1989

We are wrapping up a mini-set in Chicago today. The Cubs are pitching Greg Maddux (2-5, 2.81).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (2-2, 2.42).

I have gone 8 for 29, including a home run, against Maddux.

I led things off by grounding out to Chip Hale at 2nd.

The Cubs struck fast as Dave Martinez led off with a triple and then scored on a Billy Hatcher sac fly.
I handled a tough grounder by Paul O'Neill for the 2nd out and then caught a Dave Valle pop for the 3rd.

Cubs lead 1-0

In the 2nd both Mark McLemore and Mike Brumley scored on a two out single by Martinez.

Cubs lead 3-0

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Rick on 1st. I walked.
Ruben Sierra tied things up with a two out home run!

Game tied 3-3

We took the lead in the 4th when Mike Aldrete scored on a Luis Medina double.
I came up with one out and Luis on 3rd. I flew out to Hatcher in left, unable to score Luis.

Giants lead 4-3

I came up in the 6th with two out and Mike on 2nd. RBI single!
Robby Thompson walked. Ruben walked. Rob Deer popped put, leaving the bases loaded.

Giants lead 5-3

I took are of a Hale grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th.

I got taken out by Brumley to break up a double play. It hurt my leg, but I was able to walk it off.

Our lead vanished in the 7th when O'Neill launched a two run homer.
I should have made the 3rd out on another Hale grounder but I airmailed the throw for an egregious error.
Jeff Robinson took over on the mound for us after that. He walked a guy but got out of the inning.

Game tied 5-5

I came up with two out in the 8th, now facing Joe Boever. I fouled out to McLemore at 3rd.

Bobby Thigpen took over for us in the 8th.

We lost the game with a walk off error by Ruben in left, allowing O'Neill to score.

Defense cost us the game. We made three errors, including mine.

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

Tomorrow is a travel day as we head to Montreal.

[rpriske]

May 12th, 1989

Back in Canada to face the Expos.

It is always nice to be in my home country, but more that that, we need to start picking up some more wins.

The Expos are pitching Chuck Finley (4-2, 2.55).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (4-1, 2.23).

I have not done well against Finley. 1 for 10.

I led off the game by striking out.

I came up next in the 3rd with two out and Luis Medina on 1st. I grounded out to Patrick Abbatiello at 2nd.

I made my first defensive play in the 3rd, dealing with a Pedro Guerrero grounder for the 2nd out.

In the 4th we got a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Chris Sabo and Gery Redus. I then took care of a Shane Mack grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up with one out in the 6th and grounded out to Guerrero at 1st.

I returned the favour for the 1st out in the bottom half. With a couple of baserunners, I caught a Redus pop for out #2.
After an error by Keith Hernandez loaded the bases, Mack singled home Dave Parker and Sabo.

Expos lead 2-0

With one out and one on in the 7th, Jim brought in Willie Fraser. Scott didn't give up any earned runs, but he walked five.
Guerrero doubled home Jose Offerman (who reached on another error by Keith.)

Expos lead 3-0

I came up in the 8th with pinch hitter Steve Stanick on 1st. I hit it back to Finley to replace Steve on a fielder's choice.
I was left there.

John Burkett took over on the mound for us in the 8th.

We never could score. A shut out loss and we are back under .500

I went 0 for 4.

[Ekcut]

Sorry, I just found this and I find it fascinating. I did something simular myself, except I was a pitcher...and I didn't write updates.

Would you be able to post some career highlights? I wont be able to read through all pages.

[rpriske]

Career highlights?

Well, 'I' was picked #1 overall by a pretty woeful team and have helped turn the Giants into a contender. We made the post season in Year 3, but that is it. This year is the first 'wrong direction turn around'.

I made the All-Star Team a couple of times and have a handful of Gold Gloves. I led the league in WAR last year but didn't get the MVP.

The big thing is the Stolen Bases. I predict that we will one day be saying Rickey who?