Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

May 13th, 1989

Game #2 in the welcoming north. Montreal!

The Expos are pitching Steve Avery (5-1, 2.91).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (3-1, 3.86).

I have little exposure to Avery, but what I have had has been very good. I have gone 4 for 5 against him.

I led things off by grounding one right back to Avery.
Keith Hernandez followed me with a home run.

Giants lead 1-0

I got in on the action right away in the bottom half, taking care of a Jose Offerman grounder for the 1st out.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Steve Stanicek on 3rd. I didn't get a hit, but I DID get a sacrifice fly!

Giants lead 2-0

In the 4th, Dave Parker reached when I dropped an easily catchable pop fly. Error.
He ended up scoring on a Rich Gedman single.

Giants lead 2-1

I got the 1st out int he bottom of the 5th off another Offerman grounder.

I came up with one out in the 6th and flew out to Doug Snyder in right.

The Expos tied it up in the 6th when Chris Sabo scored on a Gedman single.

Game tied 2-2

With two out and a man on in the 7th, Jim went to Jeff Robinson. Pedro Guerrero grounded out to me to end the inning.

We grabbed the lead back in the 8th when Alan Cockrell launched a two run homer!
I came up with two out and legged out an infield single to the pitcher.
I was left.

Giants lead 4-2

Mark Davis took over for us in the bottom of the 8th.

We got some more insurance in the 9th when Ruben Sierra and Rob Deer scored on a Jim Presley single.

Giants lead 6-2

I handled a Gedman grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 9th. I then took care of another by pinch hitter Shane Mack for the final out as Mark pitched two perfect to grab the save!

Back to .500

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a sac fly, and an RBI.

We finish in Montreal tomorrow.

[rpriske]

May 14th, 1989

We wrap up in Montreal today and the Expos are pitching Wally WHitehurst (3-1, 2.61).

The Giants have Frank Viola (4-2, 2.14).

I have done well against Whitehurst, going 7 for 17.

I led things off by lining out to Doug Snyder in right.

In the 2nd, Luis Medina launched a big two run homer.
I came up with two out and hit now into left for a single.
Stolen base #26, but got no further.

Giants lead 2-0

In the bottom half I took care of a Gery Redus grounder for the 2nd out.

In the 3rd we got a big three run dinger from Alan Cockrell!

Giants lead 5-0

The Expos got on the board the tinning when Jose Offerman crossed on a Dave Parker single.

Giants lead 5-1

I came up with one out in the 4th and grounded out to Pedro Guerrero at 1st.

Offerman scored again in the 4th, this time off a Patrick Abbatiello double.

Giants lead 5-2

I made the last out int he 6th, off an easy grounder by pitcher, Mark Tindall.

I led off the 7th against Tindall by popping out to Offerman at short.

With one out and one on in the 7th, Jim went to Jeff Robinson.

I came up in the 9th with two out and Tim Naehring on 1st. My old teammate, Atlee Hammaker, was brought in to face me. He got me to ground out to Guerrero again.

Mark Davis took over for us in the 9th. The Expos ended up with two men in scoring position but Mark maintained his perfect ERA and Save record as we got the win.

I went 1 for 5 with a single and a stolen base. My batting average is down to .266

We are now off to Philadelphia.

[rpriske]

May 15th, 1989

We are in Philadelphia and the Phillies are pitching Kevin Gross (5-1, 3.27).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (2-2, 2.95).

I have had trouble against Gross, going 7 for 44, or .159.

I led things off by knocking one into left for a single.
I was left there.

I got the 1st out on the other side, grabbing a Tom Herr liner.
Ricky Jordan scored on a two out single by Von Hayes.

Phillies lead 1-0

I took care of a fielder's choice ball by Scott Pose for the 1st out in the bottom of the 2nd.

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

I next came up in the 5th with one our and Rick standing on 2nd. I flew out to Pose in centre.

In the bottom half, Jordan scored on a wild pitch by Rick.

Phillies lead 2-0

I got the last out in the 6th, off a grounder by Randy Romagna.

Things turned really bad in the 7th hen Bo Jackson smashed a three-run homer.
Jim went to John Burkett after that.
John gave up a homer to the first guy he faced - Hayes.

Phillies lead 6-0

I led off the 8th with a pop up to Herr at 2nd.

We were unable to break the goose egg and are back to .500

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

[rpriske]

May 16th, 1989

We are still in Philadelphia and the Phillies are pitching Mike Morgan (2-2, 1.35).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (1-2, 4.19).

I have gone 3 for 9 against Morgan.

I led off the game by flying out to Von Hayes in right.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half off a Walt Weiss grounder.

I then got the1st out in the bottom of the 2nd off a Ricky Jordan grounder.
I did the same to Mike LaValliere for the 3rd.

The Phillies opened the scoring int he 3rd when Ty Gainey crossed on a single by Morgan.

Phillies lead 1-0

I led off the 3rd and was the first Giants to reach base - in this case, with an infield single.
Stolen base #27.
I advanced to 3rd on a fly ball by Robby Thompson. That was as far as I got.

I made a great play on a Gainey grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.

I came up with one out in the 6th and flew out to Gainey in centre.

I then came up with one out in the 8th, now facing Ed Nunez. I grounded out to Tom Herr at 2nd.

I took care of a Gainey grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.
With a man on and two out in the 8th, Jim went to Bobby Thigpen.
He got his out and then in the 9th... a whole lot happened.

Robby singled.
Rob Deer singled.
Ruben Sierra was safe on a fielder's choice. Robby went to 3rd.
Alan Cockrell was hit by a pitch to load the bases.
Luis Medina hit a Grand Slam Home Run!

Giants lead 4-1!

Mark Davis came in to try and close things out. He gave up a single but that was all and we had the win!

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

We wrap up in Philly tomorrow.

[rpriske]

May 17th, 1989

We finish in Philadelphia today and the Phillies are bringing Pete Smith (0-1, 4.75).

The Giants answer with Scott Garrelts (4-2, 1.95).

I have gone 3 for 12 against Smith.

I kicked things off by grounding out to Tommy Herr at 2nd.

The Phillies struck early as Herr and Ricky Jordan scored on a Keith Hughes triple in the 1st.

Phillies lead 2-0

I came up with one out in the 3rd and worked a walk.
Stolen base #28.
I scored on a single by Keith Hernandez.

Phillies lead 2-1

They got the run right back in the bottom half when Herr scored on a single by Walt Weiss. Then both Hughes and Weiss scored on a single by Ty Gainey, with some assistance by a throng error by Rob Deer.
After Scott walked Randy Romagna, Jim went to John Burkett to try to stop the bleeding. He got the 3rd out.

Phillies lead 5-1

I came up with one out in the 5th and I reached on an infield single.
However, something happened as I legged it out. I felt something pop in my left knee.
That was it for me for the day.

Afterwards, the team trainer diagnosed me with a hyper-extended knee. He figures I will have some tenderness for about a week.
This is not great for someone who depends do much in his wheels, like I do.

The guys came back a bit after I left, but we still lost, 5-3.

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

Tomorrow is a travel day, so I can rest up a bit as we head to New York.

[rpriske]

May 19th, 1989

My knee is still sore but the season doesn't stop. We are in New York to face the Mets. They are pitching Dwight Gooden (7-1, 2.29).

The Giants have Frank Viola (5-2, 2.20).

Gooden is great but I have done okay against him, going 12 for 42, or .286.

I started things off by striking out.

The Mets struck first, as Kevin Mitchell crossed on a Johnny Ray single in the 2nd.

Mets lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 3rd and managed a walk.
Then Mike Aldrete also walked.
We were both left on.

I made my first play in the 3rd, taking care of a Gerald Young grounder for the 2nd out.

I got the final out in the 4th off a Ray grounder.

I led off the 5th by flying out to Darryl Strawberry in right.

We evened thing sup in the 6th when Rob Deer reached on an error and then crossed on an Alan Cockrell single.

Game tied 1-1

I then came up with one out in the 7th and flew out to Lenny Dykstra in centre.

They took the lead back in the 7th when Wally Joyner scored on an infield single by Ross Jones.

Mets lead 2-1

It got worse in the 8th when Dykstra scored on a Joyner single. Kevin Mitchell then scored on a single by Ray.

Mets lead 4-1

I came up to face Randy Myers with two out in the 9th and I grounded it right back to him to end the game.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk.

We are back below .500

After the game, Ryan Klesko was called up. Let's see what the prospect can do.

[rpriske]

May 20th, 1989


Time to get that game back in Shea.

It will be tough as the Mets are pitching Sid Fernandez (3-0, 1.30).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (2-3, 3.36).

I have gone 8 for 40, or .200, against Fernandez, and I still have this sore knee.

Top Prospect Ryan Klesko is making his major league debut for us today!

I led things off by flying out to Johnny Ray at 2nd.

I then led off the 4th, with neither team yet having a hit.
I didn't change that - I struck out.

The Mets DID get a hit in the 4th, but nothing came of it.

I don't know what happened with Fernandez. They pulled him for a pinch hitter in the 5th, despite pitching a no-hitter.
I came up with two out in the 6th, now facing Jesse Orosco. I flew out to Lenny Dykstra in centre.

In the 7th, Ryan broke up the no-hitter while getting his first Major League hit!
Still no score.

I finally got a defensive play in the 7th, catching a Darryl Strawberry pop for the 1st out.
Things didn't go especially well for Rick that inning as he walked a few, and ended up walking pinch hitter Dave Magadan with the bases loaded.
Then pinch hitter Hubie Brooks hit a two run double.
Gerald Young followed with a two run double.
Jim had seen enough and Rick was pulled for John Burkett.
Dykstra got an RBI double.
Wally Joyner had an RBI single.
Kevin Mitchell, who led off the inning with a single. then hit a two run homer.
After making a play on Strawberry for the 1st out, I did the same for the 2nd out.
That was a long inning.

Mets lead 9-0

I got pulled for a pinch hitter in the 8th. No sense risking my knee in this mess.

There was no more scoring.

I went 0 for 3.

[rpriske]

May 21st, 1989

We finish up in New York today.

The Mets are pitching Ron Darling (2-4, 3.04).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (3-1, 3.41).

I have gone only 6 for 37, or .162, against Darling. Plus my knee is still causing me issues.

I led off the game by reaching on an error by Johnny Ray at 2nd. I wasn't there long as Keith Hernandez hit into a double play.

I made my first play of the game on a Ross Jones grounder for the final out in the 2nd.

I came up in the 3rd with one out, Ryan Klesko on 3rd, and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I doubled into the left field corner, knocking in both men!
On took 3rd on a groundout by Keith and was left there.

Giants lead 2-0

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

I came up in the 5th with two out and Ryan on 3rd again. I couldn't get it done this time, flying out to Lenny Dykstra in centre.

The Mets got on the board in the 5th when Darling scored on a Dykstra sac fly.

Giants lead 2-1

I made the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th off a Kevin Mitchell grounder.
I then did the same to Darryl Strawberry for the 2nd.
Scott then walked the next three batters before giving up a single to pinch hitter Mel Hall (ugh), scoring Ray and Rick Cerone.

Mets lead 3-2

I came up with one out in the 8th, now facing Kevin Appier. I grounded out to Ray.

Bobby Thigpen took over for us in the bottom of the 8th.
He got through his inning but we weren't able to score in the 9th and had lost again. That is four in a row.

I went 1 for 4 with a double and two RBI.

We have a travel day to head home, where the Expos are coming to meet us. You know what that means... family trip time!

I just wish we were playing better for them.

[rpriske]

May 23rd, 1989

We are back in San Francisco and my family has come down from Victoria for the Expos series, as has become tradition.

I am still working on a tender wheel, though. And we are not playing especially well. We have lost four in a row and are 3 games below .500. Meanwhile, the Expos are three games ABOVE .500

Montreal is pitching Chuck Finley (6-2, 1.96).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (4-3, 2.70).

I have done poorly against Finley, hitting 1 for 14.

They got a couple of baserunners in the 1st but didn't score, and then I led off the home half by flying out to Dave Parker in left.

I came up again in the 2nd, with two out, Jim Presley on 3rd, and Alan Cockrell on 2nd.
I flew out to Doug Snyder in right.

We got on the board in the 3rd when Keith Hernandez singled and then scored on a Ruben Sierra triple.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 4th I started a nice Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Chris Sabo and Rich Gedman to end the inning.

I came up in the bottom of the 4th with one out and Alan on 2nd.
I flew out to Parker again.
Alan ended up scoring on a single by Keith.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off in the 6th and finally picked up a hit - a soft single into right.
Then Keith walked.
Our old teammate, Atlee Hammaker, came in to pitch and he thumped Robby Thompson. Clearly accidental.
Rob Deer hit a grounder and I was thrown out at home on his fielder's choice.
After that, though, Keith and Robby scored on a single by Ruben and Rob scored on a single by Jim Presley.

Giants lead 5-0

With one on and one out in the 8th, Jim went to John Burkett.
He left the runner on.

I came up with two out in the 8th, now facing Mark Tindall. I reached on an error by Jose Offerman. (I kind of dispute that call. It should have been an infield single.)
I went to 2nd on a wild pitch, but that was all.

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th. Three batters later, we had the shutout and ended our losing streak.

I went 1 for 5 with a single. My batting average is down to .254

[rpriske]

May 24th, 1989

Let's see if we can turn that win into a winning streak.

Today the Expos are pitching Steve Avery (5-3, 3.22).

The Giants have Frank Viola (5-3, 2.45).

I have done very well in limited action against Avery, going 5 for 8. I am still limping today, though.

I led off the home side by striking out.
Two batters later, Robby Thompson launched a two-run banger!

Giants lead 2-0

In the 2nd we turned a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Dave Parker and Rich Gedman to end the inning.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Mike Aldrete on 2nd. I grounded out to Chris Sabo at 3rd.
Miek scored on a Ryan Klesko single.

Giants lead 3-0

In the 3rd I made by 4th error of the season, allowing Gary Reds to reach on what should have been a double play ball.
That led to Patrick Abbatiello scoring on a Jose Offerman sac fly.

Giants lead 3-1

I led off in the 5th and grounded out to Pedro Guerrero at 1st.

I came up next with one out in the 7th. My futility continued with a strike out.

With a two run lead, Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th.
Three up, three down and we had the win.

Nice, but I still went 0 for 4 with an error.

Not how I want to play with my family here.
Or ever.

I woke up with my leg feeling better, though. No more excuses. Let's get it going.

[rpriske]

May 25th, 1989

I am feeling physically good. I am unhappy with my recent play.

Time to redouble my efforts.

We finish up with the Expos today and I want to put on a show for my family.

Montreal is pitching Shane Rawley (2-4, 2.50).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (2-4, 3.84).

Rawley just came over from he AL this year so I have never faced him before.

Right away things go the other way. Jose Offerman reached on an error by Robby Thompson and then scored on a single by Pedro Guerrero on a play I think I should have made. Not an error, but my standards are somewhat higher than that.
We get Guerrero and Dave parker with a Sutcliffe - Priske - Hernandez double play.

Expos lead 1-0

I led off the home side by flying out to Shane Mack in right.

We evened things up in the 2nd when Rob Deer scored on an aAlan Cockrell single.

Game tied 1-1

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

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by legging out an infield single. This confirms that the leg is feeling good and I am ready to run!
And run I did... right into a pitchout.

I took care of a Patrick Abbatiello grounder for the 3rd out in the 4th.

In the bottom half, Jim Presley knocked a two run blast to put us in the lead!

Giants lead 3-1

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

I came up with one out in the 5th and flew out to Parker in left.

I did the same to Guerrero for the 2nd out in the 6th.

Things went the other way int he 8th when Guerrero evened things back up with a two run homer.

With two out and a man on, Jim brought in Bobby Thigpen. He got out of it.

Game tied 3-3

I led off the bottom of the 8th against Juan Agosto. I lined out to Mack in right.

With one out in the 9th, Jim brought in Mark Davis.
I took care of a Mack grounder for the 3rd out.

I looks like my family is getting some bonus baseball today.

Ryan Klesko led off the bottom of the 10th with a pinch hit double and then I came up to face Jeff Russell. I got the intentional walk.
Keith Hernandez struck out. Robby flew out. We moved up on a wild pitch. Then Rob snuck one through the middle, letting Ryan score and we had the walk-off win!

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, and a caught stealing.

We are back to .500

Next the Phillies come to town.

[rpriske]

May 26th, 1989

Today the Phillies are pitching Mike Morgan (2-3, 1.22).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (3-2, 3.53).

I have gone 4 for 12 against Morgan.

We finished the top of the 1st with a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Randy Romagna and Tom Herr.

I led off for our side and flew out to Ty Gainey in centre.

The Phillies opened the scoring in the 2nd when Walt Weiss crossed on a double by Darrin Fletcher.

Phillies lead 1-0

I handled a Herr grounder for the 3rd out in the 3rd.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I grounded out to Herr at 2nd.

I caught a Von Hayes pop for the 2nd out in the 6th.

I led led off the bottom half by working a walk. Was then thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

Bobby Thigpen took over with one out in the 8th.

I came up in the home half with one out and pinch hitter Mike Aldrete on 1st. I hit into a fielder's choice, but was left on 1st.

Jeff Robinson took over in the 9th.
He gave up a homer to Hayes, the first batter he faced.

Phillies lead 2-0

We were unable to score and the shutout stood.

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

I am hitting .244.

I am not okay with this.

[rpriske]

May 27th, 1989

Today the Phillies are pitching John Denny (1-3, 5.73).

The Giants are answering with Bruce Ruffin (1-2, 3.64).

I have only gone 2 for 11 against Denny.

I got into the action right away, taking care of a Randy Romagna grounder for the 1st out.

I led off the home half by knocking one into shallow centre for a single.
I ran into a pitchout. This is happening way too often.

I handled a Ricky Jordan grounder for the 2nd out in the 2nd.

I came up with one out in the 3rd, still with the only hit of the game. I flew out to Von Hayes in right.

The Phils eventually got a hit, but in the 5th a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play erased Jordan and Mike Lavalliere to end the top of the inning.

I came up next with one out in the 6th and I grounded out back to Denny.

We finally opened the scoring in the 7th when an Alan Cockrell double scored both Jim Presley and Ryan Klesko.
I grounded out for the 3rd out.

Giants lead 2-0

Bruce allowed only on ehit through 8 shutout innings, but he was visibly flagging so Jim brought in Mark Davis for the 9th. Three batters later, we had the victory.

I went 1 for 4 with a single and a caught stealing. My 7th of the year.

We found out after the game that Rick Bosetti had been signed to be out 1B Coach. I met him and he seems like a good guy. Keith Hernandez gave him a strong endorsement.

[rpriske]

May 28th, 1989

The Phillies and Giants traded shutouts and now we wrap up the series.

Philadelphia is pitching Pete Smith (2-1, 3.75).

We have Scott Garrelts (5-3, 2.37).

I have gone 4 for 14 against Smith.

The Phils struck early as Randy Romagna scored on a Von Hayes double in the 1st.
I took care of a Bo Jackson grounder for the 2nd out.

Phillies lead 1-0

I led off the home half by taking a walk.
Stolen base #29.
I was left on 2nd.

Juan Gonzalez led off the 2nd with a home run.
A few batters later, Walt Weiss scored on a Romagna single.

Phillies lead 3-0

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

I took care of a Romagna grounder for the 1st out in the 5th.
Ricky Jordan scored on a wild pitch.

Phillies lead 4-0

I came up with two out in the 5th and walked for the second time.
Stolen base #30.
Then Keith Hernandez walked but we were both left on.

In the 6th I started a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Gonzalez and Weiss.

In the bottom half Jim Presley got us on the board with a solo shot.

Phillies lead 4-1

Willie Fraser took the mound for us in the 7th.
I got a Romagna grounder for the 1st out.
I then got a Jordan grounder for the 2nd out.
After that, though, Willie left the game with a calf strain. It sounds like it isn't serious but it did mean Mike Antle had to wrap up the inning for us.
He struck out his one guy to get it done.

I came up in the 7th with Bob Brenly on 2nd and pinch hitter Mike Aldrete on 1st.
I replaced Mike by hitting into a fielder's choice. Bob went to 3rd.
Stolen base #31.
Bob scored on a groundout by Keith.
I scored on a single by Robby Thompson.

Phillies lead 4-3

Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch the 8th.
I caught a Tom Herr pop for the 2nd out.
I then took care of a Gonzalez grounder for the 3rd.

Jeff Robinson took the 9th.
The Phillies loaded the bases with one out (an error, an intentional walk, and an unintentional walk) but then Jeff struck out the next two guys.

I led off the bottom of the 9th against Michael Jackson.
I walked for the third time.
I was erased on a fielder's choice by Keith.
We were unable to score and lost, 4-3.

I went 0 for 2 with three walks, a run scored, and three stolen bases.


The All-Star Voting update came out.

I am leading at SS.
Alan Cockrell is running in 2nd at catcher, behind Craig Biggio of the Astros.
Mark Davis is running 2nd as a Reliever behind Randy Myers of the Mets.

Speaking of the Mets, they are coming to town tomorrow.

[rpriske]

May 29th, 1989

Pitching fans have been looking forward to this one as the Mets are in town and we are seeing a clash of two of the best pitchers in the league.

The Mets have Dwight Gooden (7-1, 1.98).

The Giants have Frank Viola (6-3, 2.21).

I have gone 12 for 45, or .267, against Gooden.

We ended the top of the 1st with a sweet Hernandez - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Lenny Dykstra and Wally Joyner.

I then led off for our side and walked on four straight pitches.
Stolen base #32.
With two out, Rob Deer smacked a two run homer!

Giants lead 2-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out, Alan Cockrell on 2nd, and Frank on 1st. I hit one down the line into the right field corner for a triple! Two RBI!
I scored on an infield hit by Keith Hernandez.

Giants lead 5-0

The Mets got on the board in the 3rd when Gerald Young scored on a Dykstra single.

Giants lead 5-1

I took care of a Darryl Strawberry grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 4th and reached on an infield single!
Stolen base #33.
I reached 3rd on an infield single by Keith.
Kevin Brown relieved for Gooden.
Robby Thompson walked to load the bases.
Rob walked to score me.
Keith and Robby scored on a single by Ruben Sierra.

Giants lead 8-1

I caught a Mike Fitzgerald pop for the 1st out in the 5th.

I faced Brown with one out in the bottom of the 5th. I grounded out to Hubie Brooks at short.

With one out in the 7th, Jim replaced Frank with John Burkett.
Our side of the pitching match-up lived up to the hype.

With our commanding lead, I left the game in the 7th.

We ended up winning, 9-1.

Player of the game... me! I went 2 for 3 with a triple, a single, a walk, two RBI, three runs scored, and two stolen bases!

Back to .500

[rpriske]

May 30th, 1989

We overcame one great pitcher in the first game of the series, only to run into another one.

Today the Mets are pitching Sid Fernandez (4-0, 1.20).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (2-4, 3.69).

I have gone only 8 for 42, or .190, against Sid.

The Mets struck first as Lenny Dykstra scored on a wild pitch in the 1st.
I dealt with a Darryl Strawberry grounder to end the threat.

Mets lead 1-0

I led off the bottom half with a grounder right back to Fernandez.
We did a little better after that, including a two run homer by Rob Deer.

Giants lead 2-1

I got the 2nd out in the 2nd off a Rick Cerone grounder.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Mike Aldrete on 2nd. I grounded out to Kevin Mitchell at 3rd.

The Mets tied it up in the 4rd when Wally Backman scored on a single by Strawberry.
I made a great play on a grounder by (ugh) Mel Hall to save another run.

Game tied 2-2

We got the lead back in the 4th when Alan Cockrell hit a solo shot.

Giants lead 3-2

I made a nice play on a Mitchell grounder for the 3rd out in the 5th.

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

I caught a Fernandez pop for the 2nd out in the 6th with the bases loaded.

With one out in the 7th, Jim went to Willie Fraser. He immediately gave up two hits but then got out of it.

I came up in the 7th with one out and pinch hitter Luis Medina on 1st. I hit one to Backman for a fielder's choice.
I ran into a pitchout for a caught stealing.
This is just not my day.

Mark Davis took the mound for us in the 8th. He still has a perfect 0.00 ERA.
I took care of a Cerone grounder for the 1st out.
I shouldn't have mentioned the perfect ERA.
Chico Walker tripled and scored on a wild pitch.

Game tied 3-3

Can I turn my fortunes around?
I came up with two out in the 9th, in a tie game. Mike Aldrete was on 3rd and pinch hitter Keith Hernandez was on 2nd. Randy Myers was on the mound.
Uh, I guess not. I was given the intentional walk.
Ryan Klesko flew out and we were heading to extras.

Bobby Thigpen came in to kick off the 10th.

We gave up the lead in the 11th when Walker scored on a Backman single. We ended the threat with a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Backman and Wally Joyner.

Mets lead 4-3

David Wells got the next three batters and the game ended with me standing on-deck.

I went 0 for 4 with an intentional walk and a caught stealing.

[rpriske]

May 31st, 1990

We finish up against the Mets today.

New York is pitching Ron Darling (4-4, 2.49).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (3-3, 3.20).

I have gone 7 for 40, or .175, against Darling.

New York's rotation just rough to face.

I caught a Wally Joyner pop for the 2nd out of the game.

I led off for our side and flew out to Gerald Young in left.
Keith Hernandez followed me with a home run.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the 2nd out in the 3rd off a fielder's choice ball by Lenny Dykstra.
Joyner followed with a big, three-run homer.

Mets lead 3-1

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by striking out.

We ended the top of the 4th with a Priske - Giles - Hernandez double play to get Johnny Ray and Mike Fitzgerald.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Bob Brenly on 2nd. I hit one into short right for an RBI single!
Stolen base #34.
I scored to tie the game on a single by Keith.
Keith and Ryan Klesko ended up scoring on a Ruben Sierra single.

Giants lead 5-3

The lead was host lived as Darryl Strawberry hit a three run homer in the 6th.
That was it for Scott - as well as Luis Medina - as Jeff Robinson and Miek Aldrete came it with a double switch.
Jeff got the last two outs of the inning.

Mets lead 6-5

I came up in the 6th with two out and Brian Giles on 3rd. Kevin Appier was pitching. I grounded out to Ross Jones at short.

And was booed.

In the 8th Dykstra scored on a sac fly by Kevin Mitchell.

Mets lead 7-5

We got in back in our half when Tim Naehring scored on a double by Bob.

Mets lead 7-6

In the 9th we had Rob Deer taking over for Mike in left, after pinch hitting for him, and Bobby Thigpen taking the mound.
I too care of a Gerald Young grounder for the 3rd out.

I led off the bottom of the 9th against Randy Myers. I struck out.
We were unable to score and lost.

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

Tomorrow is a travel day as we head to Atlanta.

I hate playing in Atlanta.

[rpriske]

June 2nd, 1989

We are in Atlanta, playing in front of the super-racist tomahawk chop.

The Braves are pitching Ben McDonald (2-3, 6.14).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (5-4, 2.70).

We NEED to win this game. We are 25-27. This season is just not going the way we want. Neither am I.

McDonald is a rookie. None of us have seen him before.

I led off the game by flying out to Ken Griffey Jr. in centre.
Ryan Klesko followed me with a home run.

Giants lead 1-0

I caught a Lonnie Smith liner for the final out in the inning.

In the 2nd Alan Cockrell hit a solo blast.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off the 3rd by hitting one through the left side for a single.
Stolen base #35.
Then, with one out, I stole 3rd and scored when they threw the ball away!
Robby Thompson then singled, stole 2nd and get an extra base on another throwing error and scored on a Rob Deer single.

Giants lead 4-0

I came up in the 4th with one out and Alan on 2nd and Luis Medina on 1st. Infield fly.

In the bottom half we got a Priske - Thompson - Medina double play to get Jeff Blauser and Gary Sheffield to end the inning.

The Braves got on the board in the 5th when Terry Kennedy scored on a single by pinch hitter, Jeff Bagwell.

Giants lead 4-1

I came up with two out in the 6th, now facing Ricky Horton. I walked.
Stolen base #37 and an extra base on yet another throwing error by Kennedy.
I was left on.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom of the 6th off a tough Blauser grounder.
After that, though, Andres Galarraga and Sheffield scored on a Kennedy double.

Giants lead 4-3

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th off a Ron Gant grounder.
Galarraga tied this game with an RBI single, scoring Griffey Jr.

Jim went to Mike Antle. He got out of it, but...

Game tied 4-4

I came up with one out in the 8th and they brought in Duane Ward to face me. I popped out to Gant at 2nd.

Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch for us in the 8th.
Things did not go well. Gant hit a three run homer with two out.
Jeff Robinson came in to try to stop the bleeding. I took care of a Galarraga grounder to do just that.

Braves lead 7-4

We were unable to score in the 9th and a very winnable game just vanished.

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

[rpriske]

June 3rd, 1989

We are in Atlanta and the Braves are pitching Tom Glavine (5-5, 4.76).

The Giants have Frank Viola (7-3, 2.16).

I like facing Glavine. I have gone 13 for 41, or .317, with one of my rare dingers.

I led thing off by picking up my 50th hit of the season - a single to centre.
Unfortunately, Mike Aldrete then hit into a double play.

In the bottom half Jerome Walton got a leadoff walk but then Lonnie Smith hit into a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play.

Rob Deer led off the 2nd with a home run.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Frank on 1st. I got another single!
I was erased on a fielder's choice by Mike.
We were unable to score.

I got a nice hope on a grounder from Glavine for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

Frank finally gave up a hit in the 5th, but we kept them off the board.

I led off the 6th by reaching 2nd on a throwing error by catcher Nelson Santovenia on a little dribbler. Speed pays off in many ways.
I moved to 3rd on a single by Mike. Glavine then plunked Robby Thompson to load the bags.
I scored and we all moved up one on a single by Rob.
Miek ended up being thrown out at home on a grounder but then Robby scored on a wild pitch.

Giants lead 3-0

I took care of a Walton grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Luis Medina on 1st. I was nicked by a pitch and awarded 1st.
Mike hit into another double play.

I came up with two out in the 9th, now facing Norm Charlton. He walked me.
Stolen base #38, but that was as far as I got.

I took care of a Jeff Blauser grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 9th.
A strikeout and a flout followed and we had the win, while Frank had a shutout.

I went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles, a run scored, a hit-by-pitch, and a stolen base. Even the out was a reach on error.

Later in the day we found out that the team had signed a new 3B coach - Fred Whitfield. He played, mostly for Cleveland, back in the late sixties. He seems like a good guy.

Word is, he is going to take over working with us on infield defense, though Chris Breshears is going to keep on with the running game and Rick Bosetti is going to help Antonio Lucero with hitting.

[rpriske]

June 4th, 1989

We finish in Atlanta today.

The Braves are pitching Len Damian (2-3, 4.76).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (2-4, 3.62).

I have done well against Damian, going 6 for 17, or .353.

I kicked things off by striking out.

In the bottom half Jerome Walton scored on an Andres Galarraga sac fly.

Braves lead 1-0

Rob Deer led off the 2nd with a homer. Then Ruben Sierra crossed on an Alan Cockrell single.
I came up with two on and two out but I flew out to centre.

Giants lead 2-1

I got the final out of the inning off a Damian grounder.

I came up in the 4th, once again with men on 2nd and 3rd and two out. I grounded out to Jeff Blauser at short.

I made a great play on a Lonnie Smith grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 6th, holding Galarraga at 3rd. Unfortunately then Blauser doubled to tie the game.

Game tied 2-2

I came up with one out in the 7th and was hit on a 2-2 count.
Stolen base #39, but I was left on 2nd.

In the 8th Walton scored on a Ken Griffey Jr. double.
Later that frame, Galarraga scored when Rick walked Ron Gant with the bases loaded. Then Jeff Bagwell singled, scoring Smith.
That was it for Rick. Willie Fraser came in from the 'pen.
He did no better as Blauser scored on a Terry Kennedy single.

Braves lead 6-2

I came up in the 9th with two out and Mike Aldrete on 1st. Duane Ward was pitching. I was hit for the second time this game and fifth time this season.
Miek and I moved up on a wild pitch, but it could have been defensive indifference.
Keith Hernandez walked, and now it is a little interesting. Tie run at the plate with two out.
The Braves went to Dave Smith to face Robby Thompson.
Sinker at the knees. 0-1
Robby hit the next pitch to Gant at 2nd, who threw him out, ending the game.

Awful game for me. Not just 0 for 3, but I had some great chances, which I squandered. I did have two hit-by-pitches and a stolen base.


The All-Star Vote was updated. I am still leading at short. Mark Davi sis running second in relief. Alan Cockrell is in second at catcher. Frank Viola is in 5th at Starting Pitcher.

On our way to Cincinnati we got word that the team was making a change. Luis Medina, who had been pretty disappointing and had pretty much loss his position to rookie, Ryan Klesko, was heading to Phoenix. Back was last year's starter, Steve Stanicek.

I expect Ryan will keep playing and Steve will back him up.

We also heard that Rob Deer was named the NL Player of the Week! Good job Rob!