Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

June 25th, 1989

Finishing up in San Diego. The Padres are pitching Bryn Smith (3-7, 3.18).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (3-6, 3.96).

I have gone 7 for 33, or .212, against Smith.

I led things off by flying out to Eric Young in centre.

I came up next in the 3rd with two out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I grounded out to John Kruk at 1st.

In the bottom half, Randy Ready scored on a double by Young.

Padres lead 1-0

I took care of an Armando Verdugo grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 4th. I then did the same to Ozzie Guillen for the 3rd.

In the 5th we evened it up when Keith Hernandez scored on a Ruben Sierra single.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with one out in the 6th and grounded out to Kruk again.

I handled another Verdugo grounder to end the 6th.

The Padres got the lead back in the 7th when Junior Felix scored on a sac fly by Smith.

Padres lead 2-1

Bobby Thigpen took over for us in the 8th.

I led off the 9th, now facing Dennis Lamp. I dropped one into left for a single.
I moved to 2nd on a fly out by Ryan Klesko.
I moved to 3rd on a groundout by Robby Thompson.
Then Rob Deer grounded out and the game was over.

We lost a tight one.

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

We got an All-Star Voting Update after the game. I am still leading at SS. Mark Davis leads at RP. Alan Cockrell is in 2nd at C. Frank Viola is in 4th at SP. (That last one is ridiculous. Frank is killing it this year!)

Now we head to Houston.

[rpriske]

June 26th, 1989

We are in the Astrodome and the Astros are throwing Mark Knudson (2-2, 2.74) at us.

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (6-2, 2.22).

I have gone only 2 for 11 against Knudson.

I kicked things off by grounding out to Rance Mulliniks at 3rd.

I came up next with one out in the 3rd and I grounded out to Mulliniks again.

In the bottom of the 3rd we made a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Knudson and Bill Doran.

Glenn Davis opened the scoring with a leadoff homer in the 4th.
I took care of a Dave Gallagher grounder for the 2nd out.

Astros lead 1-0

I handled a Jim Edmonds grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.

I came up with one out in the 6th and worked a walk.
Stolen base #60
I scored on a Robby Thompson single.

Game tied 1-1

I took care of a Mulliniks grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th.
Doran scored on a Harold Baines single, giving Houston back the lead.
Then Baines scored on a Dickie Thon single.

Astros lead 3-1

With two out and a man on in the 7th, Jim went to Willie Fraser.
I took are of a Davis grounder for the 3rd out.

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

Mike Antle took over for us in the 8th.
He stopped the Astros from scoring but we were also unable to get on the board and lost.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk, a run scored, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

June 27th, 1989

Another crack at the Astros today. They are pitching Manny Hernandez (4-9, 4.19).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (4-5, 3.70).

I have gone only 3 for 26 against Sanderson.

I started things off by outrunning an infield squibbed back to the pitcher.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

I took care of a Craig Biggio grounder for the final out in the inning.

In the 2nd we turned a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Dave Gallagher and Dickie Thon.

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Hernandez.

I returned the favour for the 1st out in the bottom half.

I came up with one out in the 5th and grounded out to Rance Mulliniks at 3rd.

In the 6th Bill Doran scored on a Harold Baines groundout.
Baines and Biggio scored on a Gallagher double.

Astros lead 3-0

I came up with two out in the 7th and reached on an inflated single to 2nd.
Stolen base #61.
I was left there.

I took care of a Glenn Davis grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 8th. Tough play. Highlight reel stuff.
Baines followed with a home run.

Astros lead 4-0

We ended up shut out.

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

[rpriske]

June 28th, 1989

We are trying to salvage a win in Houston.

The Astros are pitching Mike Scott (6-7, 2.74).

The Giants have Frank Viola (12-3, 1.52).

I have gone only 9 for 47, or .191, against Scott.

Things went bad right away. Scott threw a full count slider that got away from him and hit me right in the head.

I was able to walk off the field under my own power but my vision was blurry.

Scary.

Brian Giles took over for me and the guys went on to a 3-0 win.

The good news is that after the game I started to feel better and the team doc gave me a clean bill of health.

We are headed to Chicago and I won't have to miss another game.

[rpriske]

June 29th, 1989

We are at home to face the Cubs. I said we were going to Chicago but that may have been from the head-knocker. After getting my bell run yesterday, I am feeling pretty good.

The Cubs are pitching John Dopson (3-5, 3.35).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (8-5, 2.75).

I have little exposure against Dopson and it is all bad. I have gone 0 for 8.

I got in on the action right away, handling a grounder from leadoff hitter Billy Hatcher for the 1st out of the game.

I led off the home half by grounding out to Chris Hoiles at 1st.

In the 2nd we got a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Dave Martinez and Chip Hale.

Jim Presley belted a two run dinger in the bottom of the 2nd to give us the lead.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off in the 3rd and extended my futility streak against Dopson by grounding out to Hale at 2nd.

Jim kept at it in the 4th, doubling home Ruben Sierra.

Giants lead 3-0

I came up with one out in the 5th and finally broke the egg - I singled to right.
Unfortunately, Keith Hernandez then hit into a double play.

I took care of a Hoiles grounder for the 1st out in the 7th.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I struck out.

I took care of a Hatcher grounder for the 3rd out in the 8th.

Scott ended up pitching a three-hit shutout! He was one of the top highlights on the sports shows!

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

[rpriske]

June 30th, 1989

Today the Cubs are pitching Greg Maddux (5-7, 2.93).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (3-7, 3.88).

I have gone 9 for 32, or .281, with a home run against Maddux.

I got into it right away, taking care of a grounder from lead off man Billy Hatcher, for the 1st out.

I led off for the home side and I hit a double to left.
I went to 3rd on a groundout by Keith Hernandez and scored on a single by Robby Thompson.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 3rd with Rick standing on 2nd. I lined out to Chris Hoiles at 1st.

I got the 3rd out in the 5th off another Hatcher grounder.

I came up in the 5th with two out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. I grounded out to Bret Barberie at short.

We kept that thin lead until the 8th when Hatcher scored on a Hoiles single.
With two on and two out, Jim went to Bobby Thigpen.
I took care of a Chip Hale grounder behind him to end the threat.

Game tied 1-1

I led off the bottom of the 8th by grounding out to Hoiles at 1st.

Mark Davis came in to pitch for us in the 9th.
I handled a grounder by pinch hitter Dave Martinez for the 3rd out.

I got the 1st out in the 10th off yet another grounder from Hatcher.

I came up with one out in the 10th, now facing Mitch Williams. I grounded out to Hale at 2nd.

Jeff Robinson took the mound for us in the 11th.
We finally took it in the 11th when Ruben Sierra scored on an Alan Cockrell single, giving us the 2-1 win.

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

We got some really bad news after the game. Jim Presley left the first game of the Cubs series with a sore knee. It turns out that he has torn his PCL. He will require surgery and be out for the better part of a year.

Tom O'Malley is called up from Phoenix. Tim Naehring is taking over at 3rd.

Better news: Frank Viola was named the NL Pitcher of the Month for June.

[rpriske]

July 1st, 1989

Today the Cubs are pitching Dan Freed (3-10, 3.88).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (6-3, 2.37).

I haven't had much exposure to Freed. I have gone 2 for 6.

We turned a Thompson - Priske - Stanicek double play to get Dave Martinez and Paul O'Neill to end the top of the 1st.

I led off the bottom half by flying out to Billy Hatcher in left.

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

I did the same to Bret Barberie for the 3rd out in the 3rd.

The Cubs opened the scoring in the 4th when Chris Hoiles scored on a Hatcher double.
I ended things with a Mike Brumley groundout.

Cubs lead 1-0

I led off the bottom of the 4th by striking out.

I got the 2nd out in the 5th off a Freed grounder.
I took care of a Martinez liner for the 1stout in the 6th as well.

Steve Stanicek singled in the bottom of the 6th to break up the Perfect Game. I came up with two out and Steve on 1st. I popped out to Tim Barker at short.

Things turned around for us in the 7th.
Robby Thompson doubled and then scored on a Rob Deer single. Then both Rob and Ruben Sierra scored on a Tim Naehring single.

Giants lead 3-1

I caught a Barker pop for the 1st out in the 8th.
Bobby Thigpen took over for us after that.
I handled a Martinez grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 8th. I hit one down the left field line for a double.
I was left there.

Mark Davis came in for the 9th.
He hit the first batter he saw but got the next three to grab the save.

I went 1 for 4 with a double.

[rpriske]

July 2nd, 1989

Today the Cubs are pitching Randy Johnson (4-9, 3.07).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (4-6, 3.78).

I have seen very little of Johnson, going 1 for 4.

I took care of a grounder from Billy Hatcher, the first batter of the game.

I led off for the home side and hit one to the wall in right centre for a double!
Stolen base #62.
Unfortunately, I was left on 3rd.

I got the 3rd out in the 3rd off another Hatcher grounder.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and took a walk.
I was caught trying to steal 2nd.

I got the 3rd out in the 6th off a Bret Barberie grounder.

I came up with two out in the 6th and grounded out to Chris Hoiles at 1st.

I returned the favour for the 2nd out in the 7th.
After that, though, Paul O'Neill scored on a Mike Brumley single.

Cubs lead 1-0

In our half, we got it back and then some as Robby Thompson belted a pinch-hit three-run homer!

Giants lead 3-1

In the 8th we made a Priske - Giles - Hernandez double play to get Johnson and Hatcher to end the frame.

I came up with two out in the 8th and struck out. (That was Johnson's 12th, setting a Cubs record.)

With a man on and one out in the 9th, Jim went to Jeff Robinson to finish things off.
He walked the first guy he saw but got the next two to earn his first save.

I went 1 for 3 with a double, a walk, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

The All-Star Voting Update came out. Mark Davis and I lead, still. Alan Cockrell is running 2nd and Frank Viola is in 3rd.

On our travel day we found out that we are now the #2 team on the Weekly Power Rankings, behind our five game winning streak.
We know there is only one ranking that matters, though, and we trail the Dodgers by 4.5 games (and the Reds by one).

Next we are in Pittsburgh.

[rpriske]

July 4th, 1989

A big Fourth of July in Pittsburgh. Hopefully we can send the fans home unhappy.

The Pirates are pitching Richard Dotson (2-6, 4.93).

The Giants have Frank Viola (13-3, 1.50).

I have done pretty well against Dotson, going 10 for 30.

I kicked things off by grounding out to Sid Bream at 1st.

The Bucs struck early as Ozzie Smith and Kirk Gibson scored on a 1st inning double by Dave Winfield.
I took care of a Brian Harper grounder for the 2nd out.

Pirates lead 2-0

I got the 2nd out in the bottom of the 3rd off a Gibson grounder.

I led off the 4th, reaching on an error by Bip Roberts.
Stolen base #63.
I scored on a Keith Hernandez single.
Keith ended up scoring on a Rob Deer single and Ruben Sierra scored on an Alan Cockrell double. (Rob was thrown out trying to score in between.)

Giants lead 3-2

In the bottom of the 4th I made an error trying to throw out Charlie Montoyo to end the inning. Thankfully it didn't cost us.

I came up with two out in the 5th and grounded out to Smith at short.

In the 6th Ruben smashed a three-run homer!

Giants lead 6-2

In the bottom half we ended things with a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Lee Stevens and Bream.

I came up with two out in the 7th, now facing James Moody. I grounded out to Roberts at 2nd.

In the 8th Rob hit a two run dinger, widening our lead.

Giants lead 8-2

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Smith and Gibson.

I came up in the 9th with two out and Brian Giles on 1st. Jeff Fassero was pitching. I fouled out to Montoyo.

John Burkett came in to pitch the 9th for us.
Three up, three down and we had the game for our sixth straight win.

I didn't do so great. 0 for 5 with a stolen base and a run scored.

[rpriske]

July 5th, 1989

Another day in Pittsburgh.

The Pirates are pitching Jose DeLeon (4-7, 2.14).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (9-5, 2.52).

I have done okay against DeLeon, hitting 8 for 30, or .267.

I opened the game by grounding out to Charlie Montoyo at 3rd.

Ken Phelps led off the bottom of the 2nd with a home run.
I got the last out of the inning off a DeLeon grounder.

Pirates lead 1-0

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

In the 4th Lee Stevens hit a two run homer.

Pirates lead 3-0

We got on the board in the 5th when Ryan Klesko scored on a Tim Naehring double.

Pirates lead 3-1

I came up with one out in the 6th and dropped one into left for a single.
I was left there.

In the 7th Montoyo scored on an Ozzie Smith double.

Pirates lead 4-1

I led off the 9th, now facing Aaron Carlie. I struck out.
Before the inning was up, both Keith Hernandez and Robby Thompson scored on an error, but we still lost, 4-3.

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

[rpriske]

July 6th, 1989

We finish in Pittsburgh today.

The Pirates are pitching Bob Walk (8-2, 2.28).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (3-7, 3.71).

I have done well against Walk, going 6 for 17, including a home run.

I led things off by hitting one into short right centre for a single.
Stolen base #64.
I went to 3rd on a dropped fly that allowed Keith Hernandez to reach.
I scored on a Rob Deer sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I made the 2nd out in the bottom half, off a Kirk Gibson grounder.

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

I led off the 3rd by reaching on a two base throwing error by Charlie Montoyo.
I went to 3rd on a fly-out by Keith but got no further.

The Pirates tied it up in the 4th when Ozzie Smith scored on a Dave Winfield single.
We ended the inning with a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Phelps and Harper again.

Game tied 1-1

I led off the 5th by popping put to Harper at the plate.

I ended the 6th, taking care of a Smith grounder.

I came up in the 7th with two out and Tim Naehring on 1st. I drew the walk. Keith then singled and I went to 3rd while Tim scored, putting us ahead.
Keith and I were left on.

Giants lead 2-1

I took care of a Montoyo grounder for the last out in the 7th.

With a man on in the 8th, Jim went to Mark Davis.

I came up in the 9th with two out and Jeff Fassero on the mound. I lined out to Lee Stevens in centre.

I got a Winfield grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.
Mark got the next two guys too and we had the win.

Tomorrow we are in St.Louis.

[rpriske]

July 7th, 1989

We are in St. Louis and the Cardinals are pitching Terry Gilmore (5-10, 4.83).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (7-3, 2.18).

I have gone 2 for 7 against Gilmore.

I kicked things off by hitting one into right for a single.
Stolen base #65.
Keith Hernandez then walked.
With one out, stolen base #66.
With two out, Ruben Sierra walked, loading the bases.
I scored on an infield single by Alan Cockrell.

Giants lead 1-0

The Cards struck back in there half as Lance Johnson scored on a Mike Marshall single.

Game tied 1-1

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Tim Naerhing on 2nd. I grounded out to Terry Pendleton at 3rd.
Tim scored on a single by Keith.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up in the 4th with two out and Ryan Klesko on 3rd. I walked.
We were both left on.

In the bottom half, Marshall scored on a Scott Fletcher single, tying things back up.
Fletcher ended up scoring on a throwing error by Ryan in centre.

Cardinals lead 3-2

I got the 2nd out in the bottom of the 6th, taking care of a Pendleton grounder.
Then I did the same to Fletcher to end the inning.

I led off the top of the 7th, now facing Tim Crews. I grounded out to Vance Law at 2nd.

Things turned around for us in the 8th.
With one out Steve Stanicek hit a pinch hit Grand Slam.
I walked after that but got no further than 2nd.

Giants lead 6-3

Mark Davis came in for us to pitch in the 8th.
Lance Johnson reached on an error and then Oddibe McDowell homered to bring them back within one.
That doubled the number of earned runs given up by Mark from one to two.

Giants lead 6-5

I got Mark the 1st out in the bottom of the 9th off a Law grounder.
He got the rest done and we had the win.

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

[rpriske]

July 8th, 1989

Today the Cardinals are pitching Bill Fultz (3-9, 4.80).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (5-6, 3.53).

Fultz is a rookie and this is our first time seeing him.

My first time facing him also opened the game and I grounded out to Scott Fletcher at short.

We opened the scoring in the 2nd when Alan Cockrell scored on a Steve Stanicek double.

Giants lead 1-0

In the bottom of the 2nd we turned a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Oddibe McDowell and Terry Pendleton to end the inning.

I led off the 3rd by hitting one up the middle for a single.
With one out, stolen base #67.
I was left there.

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

In the 5th Alan scored on a groundout by Steve.

Giants lead 2-0

I took care of a Mike Marshall grounder for the last out in the 4th.

I led off the 5th by grounding out to Fletcher again.

In the bottom of the 5th, McDowell hit a lead off homer to put the Cards on the board.
We then turned a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Pendleton and Fletcher.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up in the 7th with one out and Steve on 1st.
I popped out to Fletcher.

In the 8th we got a couple more as Rob Deer scored on a Ruben Sierra single. Later Ruben scored on a double by Steve.

Giants lead 4-1

I took care of a Ruben Amaro grounder for the last out in the 8th.

I led off the 9th, now facing Tim Crews. I flew out to McDowell in centre.

Scott ended up with at the complete game win.

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

```````````````

The All Star Voting and rosters were announced.

Mark and I were voted in. This is my third straight year. It is the first for Mark.
We also got tow other guys selected - Frank Viola and Alan Cockrell.
Frank's three years were the same as mine. Like Mark, this i the first time for Alan.

[rpriske]

July 9th, 1989

Still in the glow of the All-Star announcements, we are playing in St. Louis.

The Cardinals are pitching Terry Clark (3-10, 4.84).

We have Frank Viola (14-3, 1.54).

Will this mean Frank doesn't get to pitch at the ASG? Unsure.

I haven't had much exposure to Clark, but I have gone 2 for 5 against him.

I kicked things off by taking a walk.
I advanced to 3rd on a Keith Hernandez single. Keith was thrown out trying to make it to 2nd.
With two out Rob Deer walked and then I scored on an infield single by Ruben Sierra.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Frank on 1st. Andy Van Slyke robbed me of a hit with a sliding catch in right.

I caught a Mike Marshall liner for the 1st out in the bottom half.
I then took care of a Terry Pendleton grounder for out #2.

In the 3rd Rob scored on a double by Ruben.

Giants lead 2-0

I took care of a grounder by Clark for the final out if the inning.

I came up in the 4th with two out and Bob Brenly on 1st. I flew out to Lance Johnson in left.

In the bottom half we turned a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Oddibe McDowell and Van Slyke to end the inning.

In the 5th Robby Thompson hit a solo homer!

Giants lead 3-0

I came up in the 6th with two out and Bob on 2nd. I grounded out to Scott Fletcher at short.

I came up in the 8th - once again with two outs - with Tim Naehring on 2nd and Frank on 1st. Bob Kipper was pitching. I flew out to McDowell in centre.

Terry Shumpert singled in the 8th, breaking up Frank's No-Hit bid.

We got some more in the 9th. Keith scored on a single by Ruben. Ruben scored on a double by Ryan Klesko. Ryan scored on a double by Tim.

Giants lead 6-0

Frank gave up his second hit in the 9th but we cleaned thing sup with a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Johnson and McDowell to end the game.

A two hit shutout for Frank!

I went 0 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.

We have passed the Reds into 2nd in the division, though we still trail the Dodgers by four games.

[rpriske]

We are in Arlington for the All-Star Weekend!

Fred McGriff won the Homerun Derby.

We didn't have anyone in it.

Then came the big game. I was starting and leading off.

I led off against Bret Saberhagen of the Royals. I grounded out to Ryne Sandberg of the Blue Jays at 2nd.

We took the field behind Jose DeLeon of the Pirates.
I got into things right away, taking care of a hometown guy Barry Larkin grounder for the 1st out.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and now facing Tim Leary of the Angels.
I faced him back when he was a Met. I grounded out to Seattle's Edgar Martinez at 3rd.

In the 4th, Astro Craig Biggio made an error behind the plate for us, allowing Brewer Barry Bonds to score. Biggio also got called for catch interference that inning.

NL leads 1-0

I was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 5th.

We ended up losing 4-0, and I was the only Giants to get int he game. Pretty disappointing.

But still... the All-Star Weekend is a blast!

When we get back, we are at home against the Pirates.

Trades are starting to happen around the league. I wonder if the front office is going to help us out as we make a run at L.A.

[rpriske]

July 13th, 1989

We are to face the Pirates.

Pittsburgh is pitching Bob Walk (8-3, 2.23).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (9-6, 2.65).

I have done well against Walk, going 7 for 20 with a home run.

I got the 3rd out in the top of the 1st off a Brian Harper grounder.

I then led off for our side and grounded out to Ken Phelps at 1st.

I came up next with two out in the 3rd. I flew out to Lee Stevens in centre.

I got the 3rd out in the top of the 4th off a Charlie Montoyo grounder.

Bip Roberts finally opened the scoring with a solo homer in the 5th.

Pirates lead 1-0

We turned that around in the bottom half when Tim Naehring hit a two run blast.

Giants lead 2-1

They got it right back in the 6th when Phelps scored on a Scott Bryant single. Then Lee Stevens scored on a throwing error by Alan Cockrell.
Bryant scored on a Montoyo single.

With two out and one on in the 6th, Jim went to Jeff Robinson.
He did no better as Montoyo scored on a Roberts single.

Pirates lead 5-2

I led off the bottom of the 6th by popping out to Walk.

I came up next with one out in the 8th. Aaron Carlie was now pitching. I hustled out an infield single.
With two out, Robby Thompson hit a two run dinger!

Pirates lead 5-4

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th.
Roberts scored on an Ozzie Smith sac fly.

Pirates lead 6-4

I came up with two out in the 9th. Ryan Klesko was on 2nd and Tim was on 1st. John Tuozzo was pitching.
Slider for a ball. 1-0
I hit a fastball deep down the right field line, but it hooked foul. 1-1
Fastball high and away. 2-1
Fastball outside. 3-1
Ball four.
Baes loaded.
Tying run at 2nd, winning run at 1st.

Keith Hernandez to the plate.
Fastball outside. 1-0
Fastball high. 2-0
Fastball hit on the ground. Fielded by Phelps who ran to 1st for the 3rd out.

We lost, 6-4.

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

``````````````````
Do you want to know who impresses me? Alan Cockrell. In the middle of his best season so far, he spends the time trying to help the less fortunate in San Francisco. I dig that.

Good job, Alan.

[rpriske]

July 14th, 1989

Time to bounce back from that loss yesterday.

Today the Pirates are pitching Mike Bielecki (5-9, 3.83).

The Giants have Frank Viola (15-3, 1.45).

I have gone only 4 for 19 against Bielecki. I need to do better.

I got the 2nd out of the game off an Ozzie Smith grounder.

I led off the home side by hitting one up the middle for an infield single.
Stolen base #68.
With one out, stolen base #69, dude.
I scored on a Robby Thompson groundout.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 2nd, Sid Bream scored on a Charlie Montoyo grounder.

Game tied 1-1

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Alan Cockrell, Brian Giles, and Frank filling the bases. I managed an RBI walk. Then Keith Hernandez did the same.
We left them full.

Giants lead 3-1

In the 3rd we got a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Bip Roberts and Kirk Gibson to end the frame.

I handled a Pete Rice grounder for the 3rd out in the 4th.

I came up in the 4th with one out and Brian on 2nd. While I was at the plate, Brian stole 3rd. I grounded out to Bream at 1st, but Brian scored on the play.

Giants lead 4-1

I led off the bottom of the 7th, now facing Clay Parker. I grounded out to Montoyo at 3rd.

In the 8th Ruben Sierra hit a solo homer!

Giants lead 5-1

With one out and a man on in the 9th, Jim went to Bobby Thigpen.
I took care of a grounder from pinch hitter Dave Winfield for the final out and we had the win!

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, two RBI, a run scored, and two stolen bases!

[rpriske]

July 15th, 1989

Good win yesterday. We need to keep it going.

The Pirates are pitching Rick Reed (9-4, 2.23).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (4-7, 3.51).

I have very little experience with Reed, going 0 for 2.

The Bucs struck first as Kirk Gibson hit a solo shot in the top of the 1st.
I took care of a Brian Harper grounder for the 3rd out.

Pirates lead 1-0

I led off the home half by hitting one up the middle for a single.
Stolen base #70.
I went to 3rd on a Keith Hernandez groundout and scored on a Robby Thompson groundout.

Game tied 1-1

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

I came up with one out int he bottom of the 3rd and took a four pitch walk.
Stolen base #71.
I advanced to 3rd on a fly out by Keith and scored on a single by Robby.

Giants lead 2-1

I got the 3rd out in the 4th off another Harper grounder.

I then got the 3rd out int he 5th off a Charlie Montoyo grounder.

I came up in the 5th wth two out out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I grounded out to Ozzie Smith at short.

I got the 3rd out in the 7th off a Ken Phelps grounder, saving a run.

I led off the bottom of the 8th, now facing James Moody. I lined out to Lee Stevens in centre.

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th for us. I caught a pop from pinch hitter Steve Bryant for the final out of the game.

Another win!

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

We trail the Dodgers by four games.

[rpriske]

July 16th, 1989

We finish with the Pirates today. They are pitching Jose DeLeon (5-7, 2.08).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (8-3, 2.20).

I have gone 9 for 33, or .273, against DeLeon.

I made the first play of the game, getting Bip Roberts out on a grounder.

I led off for our side by grounding out to Ozzie Smith at short.

I took care of a Mike Blowers grounder for the 3rd out in the 2nd.

In our half, Tim Naehring scored on a single by Bruce.
Then I came up with Bruce on 1st and I singled to right and advanced to 2nd when they unsuccessfully tried to catch Bruce at 3rd.
We are both left on.

Giants lead 1-0

I caught a Charlie Montoyo pop for the 2nd out in the 3rd.

In the bottom of the 3rd Rob Deer hit a solo bomb.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up in the 4th with two out and Tim on 2nd. I grounded out to Roberts at 2nd.

In the 5th Keith Hernandez singled and later scored on a Ruben Sierra double play.

Giants lead 3-0

I came up in the 6th with two out and Tim on 1st. Clay Parker was now pitching. I grounded out to Roberts again.

I took care of a Brian Harper grounder to end the top of the 7th.

In the 7th Keith scored again, this time on a double by Ruben.

Giants lead 4-0

The Pirates got on the board in the 8th when Blowers scored on a Montoyo single.

Giants lead 4-1

I came up in the 8th with two out and Bruce on 1st. Kip Gross was the pitcher. I popped out to Montoyo at 3rd.

In the 9th Dave Winfield hit a solo homer.
With one out and a man on, Jim went to Mark Davis.
Mark got the last two outs and we had the win.

I went 1 for 5 with a single.

Tomorrow the Cardinals come to town.

[rpriske]

July 17th, 1989

Three games back and now we get the Cardinals.

St. Louis is pitching Michael Pitz in his first appearance this season.

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (6-6, 3.31).

None of us ever faced Pitz before, though he did appear with the Mets over the last couple of years.

I made the first play of the game, throwing out Ruben Amaro after his grounder.

I led off for our side, getting the first look at Pitz. I got hit by a fastball on an 0-2 count.
Stolen base #72.
I moved to 3rd on a Robby Thompson's groundout, but was left there.

I got the first out in the 2nd off a Mike Marshall grounder.

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by grounding out to Scott Fletcher at short.

I made a great play on a Marshall grounder for the 2nd out in the 4th.

We opened the scoring in the 4th when Alan Cockrell scored on a Ryan Klesko double.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 5th and hit one through the left side for a single.
Stolen base #73.
I went to 3rd on a Keith Hernandez fly ball, but once again, I was left.

In the 6th Rob Deer scored on a single by Tim Naehring.

Giants lead 2-0

I caught a Terry Pendleton pop for the 2nd out in the 7th.
I then took care of a grounder from pinch hitter Willie McGee for the 3rd out.

I led off the bottom of the 7th, now facing Tim Crews. I walked.
Stolen base #74 and an extra base when Mike Brown threw the ball away.
I scored on a sac fly by Keith.

Giants lead 3-0

Ruben Sierra led off the bottom of the 8th with a home run.
Later Ryan scored on a double by TIim.
I came up with two out and Tim on 2nd. They brought in Manuel Molina to face me. I grounded out to 1st.

Giants lead 5-0

I should have gotten the 1st out in the 9th but I flubbed it! An error coming because I was preoccupied with my last plate appearance.

Jim brought in John Burkett after that.
He got his three and we had the win.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, a hit-by-pitch, a run scored, and three stolen bases. And an error.

Word is, there have been some troubles in attempting to extend Mark Davis. I hope they pull it off. He was a great replacement for Dennis Eckersley.