Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

August 8th, 1989

Today the Reds are pitching Frank Castillo (7-5, 3.23).

The Giants have Frank Viola (17-3, 1.53).

I have gone 3 for 12 against Castillo.

I handled a Mike Greenwell grounder for the 2nd out of the game.

I then led off the bottom of the 1st by grounding out to Felix Fermin at short.

In the 2nd, Fermin tripled home Glenn Davis.
He then scored on a Matt Nokes sac fly.

Reds lead 2-0

I led off the bottom of the 4th by grounding out to Fermin again.

In the 5th I dropped a Castillo grounder for an error.
Grrrr....
We got him when Al Newman hit into a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play.

I caught a Kal Daniels pop for the 1st out in the 6th.
Later that frame, Davis scored on a Fermin fielder's choice.

Reds lead 3-0

I came up with one out in the 6th and struck out.

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

Jeff Robinson came in to pitch the 9th for us.

I led off the bottom of the 9th by striking out again.

We were shut out.

I went 0 for 4.

The Dodgers won their 5th straight. We are four back.

[rpriske]

August 9th, 1989

After being shut out yesterday we need to get back at the Reds today.

They are pitching Tom Browning (6-11, 2.57).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (6-8, 3.30).

I have done well against Browning, going 12 for 37, or .324.

I took care of a Kal Daniels grounder for the 3rd out in the 1st.

I then led off our side by lining out to Beau Allred in centre.

In the 2nd, Matt Nokes hit a solo jack.

Reds lead 1-0

I caught a Mike Greenwell pop for the 1st out in the 3rd.

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

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

I came up with one out in the 5th and hit one to deep centre, but it was caught by Allred.

In the 6th, Clark scored on a Felix Fermin single.
Then Nokes scored on a Stillwell single.

Reds lead 3-0

In the 7th, Daniels homered.

Reds lead 4-0

I came up with two out in the 7th and flew out to Daniels.

Willie Fraser took over for us in the 8th.

I caught a Jim Paciorek pop for the 2nd out.

I took care of a Browning grounder for the 1st out in the 9th.

We finally got on the board in the 9th who Alan Cockrell hit a solo homer but that was it and we lost again.

I went 0 for 4.

The Dodgers won again.

[rpriske]

August 10th, 1989

We have one more against the Reds, and it has not gone well.

They are pitching Jack Armstrong (5-3, 2.78).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (9-7, 2.97).

I have gone only 2 for 13 against Armstrong.

In the 1st Mike Greenwell hit a one out double and then Scott threw TWO wild pitches to score him!
I took care of a Jim Paciorek grounder for the 3rd out.

Reds lead 1-0

I led off our half by striking out.

I came up next in the 3rd, with one out, Steve Stanicek on 3rd, and Brian Giles on 2nd. I walked, filling the bags.
Steve tried to turn a Lonnie Smith fly into a sac, but was thrown out at the plate.

In the 4th Eric Davis scored on a John Bryant triple.
I handled a Kurt Stillwell grounder for the 3rd out.

Reds lead 2-0

I came up in the 5th with two out and Steve on 3rd. I grounded out to Bryant at 2nd.

We got onto board in the 6th when Lonnie Smith tripled and scored on a Rob Deer sac fly.

Reds lead 2-1

I took care of an Armstrong grounder for the 3rd out in the 7th.

With a man on in the 8th, Jim went to Bobby Thigpen.
Al Newman scored on an Eric Davis single.
Greenwell scored on a Keith Hernandez error.
Davis scored on a Paciorek single.
We turned a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Paciorek and Fermin.

Reds lead 5-1

I came up with one out in the 8th. I was hit by a changeup. Clearly accidental.
I was left on 1st.

Mark Davis came in for the 9th.
We got Newman and Greenwell with a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play.

We lost. Three in a row.

I went 0 for 2 with a walk and a hit-by-pitch.

The Dodgers are leaving us in the dust and now they are coming to town.

[rpriske]

August 11th, 1989

The Dodgers are in town and I have the day off.

I have been cold as ice and maybe this will give me a recharge, but I hate to sit out against the team we have to beat.

I got in as a pinch hitter in the 8th. I was leadings goff against starter Jim Deshaies.

We were losing 2-1.

I walked.
I moved to 2nd on a Lonnie Smith groundout.
With two out, Ruben Sierra walked.
Robby Thompson singled and I scored from 2nd, tying the game!

Game tied 2-2

We ended up winning in the 11th!

[rpriske]

August 12th, 1989

We beat the Dodgers yesterday. We need to keep at it if we want to narrow the gap.

Today L.A. is pitching Mike Witt (14-7, 2.93).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (10-10, 2.95).

I have done well against Witt, going 7 for 22, or .318.

I led off the home side by flying out to Phil Plantier in centre.

I made the 2nd out in the 2nd off a Tim Wallach grounder.

In the 2nd both Keith Hernandez and Tim Naehring scored on a Steve Stanicek single.
I came up with two out and Steve on 2nd but I flew out to right.

Giants lead 2-0

We ended the top of the 3rd with a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Bill Spiers and Plantier.

I caught a pop by our old teammate, Chili Davis, for the 1st out in the 4th.

I handled a Brian Deak grounder for the 2nd out in the 5th.

I led off the bottom of the 5th by legging out an infield hit.
With one out I got stolen base #90 AND #91!
I scored on a Ruben Sierra groundout.
Robby Thompson followed that with a home run!

Giants lead 4-0

In the 6th Bill Spiers scored on a throwing error by Bob Brenly.

Giants lead 4-1

With two out and two on in the 7th, Jim went to Jeff Robinson.
He got out of it.

I came up in the 7th with pinch hitter Mike Young on 1st and new pitcher Ken Dayley on the mound. I hit it to Wallach for a double play.

Mark Williamson took the mound for us in the 8th.

In the bottom half Robby scored on a single by Keith.

Giants lead 5-1

Mark gave up a single in the 9th, but that was it and we had another win!

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

[rpriske]

August 13th, 1989

We have defeated the Dodgers two games in a row and are going for the sweep.

Today L.A. is pitching Matt Young (9-2, 2.21).

The Giants have our Ace, Frank Viola (17-4, 1.61).

I haven't seen much of Young, going 0 for 2.

I took care of a Tim Wallach grounder for the second out of the game.

I led thing off for our side by walking on four straight pitches.
Stolen base #92.
I was left at 2nd.

I came up next with one out in the 3rd. I grounded out to Steve Sax at 2nd.

I returned the favour, getting Sax for the 1st out in the 4th.

In the bottom fo the 4th, Ruben Sierra tripled and scored on a Robby Thompson sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 5th we turned a Thompson - Priske - Stanicek double play to get Benito Santiago and Gene Larkin to end the frame.

I came up with two out in the 5th and flew out to Chili Davis in left.

I took care of a Kent Hrbek grounder for the second out in the 7th.
But then both Davis and Santiago scored on a Larkin single, giving the Dodgers the lead.

Dodgers lead 2-1

I handled a Phil Plantier grounder for the first out in the 8th.

I led off in the 8th, now facing Tom Henke. I legged out an infield single.
Lonnie Smith then erased me with a fielder's choice.

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th for us.
We got a Priske - Thompson - Stanciek double play to get Davis and Hrbek for him.

In the bottom of the 9th, with the game on the line, Robby and Tim Naehring doubled to tie it up and send it to extras!

Jeff Robinson came in to pitch and Keith Hernandez replaces Steve Stanicek at 1st in a double switch.

I took care of a Larkin grounder for the 1st out behind Jeff.
I caught a Plantier pop for the 3rd.

I led off the bottom of the 10th, now facing Bryan Harvey.
I lined one into left on a full count for a single.
Lonnie hit into another fielder's choice to get me at 2nd.

Candy Maldonado homered to lead off the 11th.

Dodgers lead 3-2

We couldn't get it back and dropped the game.

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

Tomorrow is a travel day as we head to Montreal.

[rpriske]

August 15th, 1989

Back home in Canada, playing in Montreal.

We took 2 out of 3 from the Dodgers, but if we want to be back in the playoff picture, we need to reel off some sweeps, honestly.

Today the Expos are pitching Jeff Bitterer (1-2, 2.55).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (6-9, 3.37).

This will be the first time most of us have seen Bittiger.

I kicked things off under the roof of State Olympique by flying out to Reggie Sanders in centre.

I caught a Dave Parker pop for the final out of the inning.

With one out in the 2nd, Alan Cockrell put one in the left field seats!
I came up with two out and Tim Naehring on 1st. I grounded out to Chris Sabo at 3rd.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 3rd, Ruben Sierra smacked a solo dinger!

Giants lead 2-0

I led off the 5th, taking a four pitch walk.
I was thrown out, running into a pitchout.
Before the inning was up, though, Rob Deer hit a two-run homer and Robby Thompson made it two homers, back-to-back!

Giants lead 5-0

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

I came up in the 6th with two out and Tim on 2nd. Mark Tindall was pitching. I grounded out to Jose Oquendo at 2nd.

I handled a Parker grounder for the 1st out int he bottom of the 7th.

The same as the 6th, I came up in the 8th with two out and Tim on 2nd. This time it was our old teammate, Atlee Hammaker pitching. I had a hit stolen by Sabo, who speared a tough liner.

The Expos finally got on the board in the 8th when Sabo hit a two run bomb.

Giants lead 5-2

Rick gave up a single to the leadoff hitter in the 9th - Parker - and Jim went to Mark Davis to finish things off.
That didn't happen.
Mark got the 1st out but then gave up a single to Jose Oquendo and walked Jackson before Michael Urzendowski doubled home all three runners to tie the game!
I took care of a grounder by pinch hitter Patrick Abbatiello for the 2nd out and then made a great play on a Sabo grounder to preserve the tie.

Game tied 5-5

Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch the 10th.
He gave up a leadoff triple to Pedro Guerrero.
With one out, Guerrero scored on a wild pitch and the game - which was WELL in hand - was over.

Brutal loss. Just brutal.

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

We need to put this one behind us.

[rpriske]

August 16th, 1989

After a disappointing loss, we have to get back on that horse.

Today the Expos are pitching Scott Bankhead (9-6, 3.68).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (11-4, 2.52).

I have done okay against Bankhead going 8 for 32, or .250.

I kicked things off by grounding out to Chris Sabo at 3rd.
Before the inning was up, though, Rob Deer smacked a two run homer.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up in the 2nd with two out, Keith Hernandez on 2nd, and Tim Naehring on 1st. I legged out an infield hit to load the bases.
Doug Snyder made a great diving catch on a Lonnie Smith knock to leave it that way.

We ended the 2nd with a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Jose Oquendo and Terry Kennedy.

In the 3rd, Jose Offerman crossed on a Sabo single.

Giants lead 2-1

I caught a Dave Parker liner for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.
I then dealt with an Oquendo grounder for the 3rd out.

I led off the 5th, grounding out to Oquendo at 2nd.

I got the last out in the inning, off a Bankhead grounder.

In the 6th Alan Cockrell scored on a single by Bruce.
I came up with Tim on 3rd, Bruce on 1st, two out and Juan Agosto pitching.
I flew out to Parker in left.

Giants lead 3-1

I go the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th off a Parker grounder.
Then, though, Reggie Sanders scored on a single by pinch hitter, Joey Cora.
We finished the inning with a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Cora and Kennedy.

Giants lead 3-2

After Bruce walked the first batter int he bottom of the 8th, Jim went to Bobby Thigpen.

I came up with two out in the 9th, now facing Eric Plunk. I grounded out to Sabo again.

Mark Williamson came in to pitch the 9th.
I took care of a Parker grounder for the 1st out.
I then handled a Reggie Sanders grounder for out #2.
Mark struck out Oquendo and we had the win.

I went 1 for 5 with a single.

[rpriske]

August 17th, 1989

We are trying to take the series in Montreal today.

The Expos are pitching Chuck Finley (13-8, 2.17).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (11-10, 2.83).

I have done poorly against Finley, going 2 for 18.

I was the first batter of the game, as usual on the road, and I flew out to Doug Snyder in right.

In the 2nd, Keith Hernandez scored on a single by Scott.
I was the 3rd out of the inning.

Giants lead 1-0

I handled a Dave Parker grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.

In the 4th Parker and Snyder scored on a Patrick Abbatiello single.

Expos lead 2-1

I came up in the 5th with one out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. I hit one to the wall in centre for an RBI double, tying the game!
Lonnie Smith was then plunked by Finley.
I went to 3rd on a Ruben Sierra fielder's choice.
We were left on.

Game tied 2-2

The Expos got the lead back in the bottom of the 5th, when Jose Offerman scored on a Chris Sabo single.

Expos lead 3-2

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

Willie Fraser took the mound for us in the 7th.
Shane Mack hit a one out, pinch hit home run off him.

Expos lead 4-2

We were unable to get those runs back and lost the game.

I went 1 for 4 with a double and RBI.

We are now heading to Philadelphia.

[rpriske]

August 18th, 1989

Losing the series to the Expos was very disappointing. We need to put that behind us and take down the Phillies.

They are pitching Kevin gross (14-6, 2.78).

The Giants have Frank Viola (17-4, 1.63).

Looks like a good match-up.

I have gone 8 for 48, or .167, against Gross.

I led off the game by striking out.

The Phillies struck in the 2nd when Bo Jackson crossed on a Luis Salazar single. Then Tom Herr scored on a Mike LaValliere sac fly.
I took are of a Gross grounder to end the inning.

Phillies lead 2-0

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Steve Stanicek on 2nd. Steve moved to 3rd on a wild pitch but then I grounded out to Herr at 2nd.

I took care of a Jose Vizcaino grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 3rd. But then Ricky Jordan scored on a Jackson double.

Phillies lead 3-0

I handles a LaValliere grounder for the last out in the 4th.

I dealt with another Vizcaino grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.

I led off the 6th by lining out to Gross.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half - Bo Knows groundouts.
I got the out on a LaValliere fielder's choice, but Dwight Evans scored on the play.
Herr and LaValliere scored on a Gross double.
This was getting ridiculous.
Jim had seen enough and brought in John Burkett. He got out of the inning.

Phillies lead 6-0

I came up with one out in the 8th and finally did SOMETHING - a single to centre.
Then I got picked off 1st by the catcher, LaValliere.

This is a joke.

Jeff Robinson took over for us in the 8th.

This game has been a nightmare but in the 8th we turned a pretty nifty Hernandez - Priske double play.

We were shut out.

I went 1 for 4 with a single and a pick-off.


This is a bad run.

We have dropped to 3rd, behind the Reds.

[rpriske]

August 19th, 1989

Playing in Philadelphia. We haven't been playing great lately.

I haven't been playing great lately.

The Phillies are pitching John Denny (4-7, 4.13).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (9-8, 3.01).

I have gone 3 for 15 against Denny.

I opened the game by grounding out to Jose Vizcaino at short.

In the bottom half, Vizcaino and Tom Herr scored on a Bo Jackson double.
Then Jackson scored on a Dwight Evans single.

Phillies lead 3-0

We got one back in the 2nd when Robby Thompson took one out.

Phillies lead 3-1

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Vizcaino again.

We evened things up in the 4th when Rob Deer and Robby scored on a Tim Naehring double.

Game tied 3-3

I handled a Denny grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 4th.

I led off the 5th by fouling out to catcher, Darrin Fletcher.

Jackson led off the bottom of the 5th with a home run.

Phillies lead 4-3

I took care of a fielder's choice ball by Jackson for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 6th.

I came up in the 7th with two out and Bob Brenly on 1st. I grounded out to Herr at 2nd.

Mark Williamson took the mound for us in the 7th.
Evans scored on a double by pinch hitter Mike LaValliere.
Then he scored on a single by Vizcaino.

Phillies lead 6-3

And that is how it stayed. Another loss for us and another bad game for me.
I went 0 for 4.

[rpriske]

August 20th, 1989

One last game in Philadelphia.

The Phillies are itching Erik Hanson (11-9, 2.44).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (6-9, 3.37).

I have done well against Hanson, going 6 for 20 with a home run.

I kicked things off by taking a walk.
Stolen base #93. Then Keith Hernandez walked.
I went to 3rd on a Ruben Sierra double play and scored on a Rob Deer single.

Giants lead 1-0

They got it right back in the bottom of the 1st when Jose Vizcaino scored on a Bo Jackson sac fly.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with one out in the 3rd and dropped one into short left for a single.
Stolen base #94... then $95!
I was left on 3rd.

In the bottom of the 3rd, Von Hayes smacked a two run homer.
Then Dwight Evans did the same.
That was it for Rick as Jim brought in John Burkett.

Phillies lead 5-1

Darrin Fletcher led off the bottom of the 4th with another homer.

Phillies lead 6-1

I led off the 6th by grounding out to Ricky Jordan at 1st.

I finally had a defensive play in the 7th when I took care of a Hayes grounder for the 1st out.
With two out and a man on, Jim switched to Willie Fraser.
He immediately gave up a single to Evans, scoring Jordan.
I caught a Luis Salazar pop to end it.

Phillies lead 7-1

I came up with one out in the 8th and walked for the second time.
I was left on again.

Jeff Robinson came in to pitch the bottom of the 8th.

Robby Thompson hit a solo shot in the 9th, but we still lost, 7-2.

Another loss, thought this time I did okay. I went 1 for 2 with a single, two walks, a run scored, and three stolen bases.

Now we are heading to New York. Things only get tougher.

[rpriske]

August 21st, 1989

Things only get tougher as we are now in New York to face the pitching of the Mets.

Today they have Sid Fernandez (9-2, 1.81).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (12-4, 2.52).

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

I faced him first and I grounded out to Hubie Brooks at short.

I took care of a Kevin Mitchell grounder to end the 1st.

Alan Cockrell led off the 3rd with a home run!
I came up with two out and flew out to Gerald Young in left.

Giants lead 1-0

I made a nice play on a Johnny Ray liner for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 4th.

I came up in the 5th with one out and the bases juiced - Keith Hernandez on 3rd, Alan on 2nd, and Tim Naehring on 1st.
I struck out.
None of them scored.

The Mets tied it up in the 5th when Mike Fitzgerald scored on a Lenny Dykstra double.
Then Dykstra scored on a Wally Joyner single to take the lead.

Mets lead 2-1

It got worse in the 6th when Darryl Strawberry and Brooks scored on a single by Fernandez.
After that, Jim went to Mark Williamson. (And Mike Young replaced Rob Deer on a double switch.)
Then Fernandez took me out to break up a double play, and stepped on my hand!
It wasn't bad enough to take me out of the game, but that pissed me off!
Fitzgerald then scored on a Dykstra single.

Mets lead 5-1

I grabbed a Mitchell fly for the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th.

I came up with one out in the 8th. I was El Sid's 9th strikeout.

In the bottom half we turned a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Brooks and Fitzgerald.

We were unable to score and lost another game. That is five in a row.

I went 0 for 4.

[rpriske]

August 22nd, 1989

Another day at Shea.

The Mets are pitching Ron Darling (10-10, 2.17).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (11-11, 2.89).

I have gone 8 for 43, or .186, against Darling.

We are on a five game losing streak.

I kicked things off by reaching on an error by Wally Joyner at 1st.
With one out I got stolen base #96.
I get to 3rd on an infield single by Ruben Sierra and score on a Rob Deer sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

Alan Cockrell led off the 2nd with a home run!

Giants lead 2-0

I made the 1st out in the bottom of the 2nd off a Kevin Mitchell grounder.

I led off the 3rd by flying out to Lenny Dykstra in centre.

In the 4th, Mitchell scored on a Rick Cerone double.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up in the 5th with one out and Scott on 1st. I replaced him with a fielder's choice to Johnny Ray at 2nd.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

In the 6th with Lonnie Smith and Keith Hernandez took Darling deep!

Giants lead 4-1

I came up in the 7th with two out and Brian Giles on 1st. They brought David Wells in to face me.
I was left at the plate when Brian was thrown out trying to steal.

In the bottom half, Ray scored on a Ross Jones double.
Then Dave Magadan scored on a Darryl Strawberry groundout.
With one out and the potential tying run on 3rd, Jim went to Willie Fraser.
I caught a Dykstra liner for the 3rd out, leaving Jones at 3rd.

Giants lead 4-3

I led off the 8th against Roger McDowell. I grounded out to Cerone at the plate.

In the 9th, Rob homered!

Giants lead 5-3

Mark Davis came in to get the save.
He gave up a walk, but that was all and we broke out losing streak.

I went 0 for 4 with a run scored, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

[rpriske]

August 23rd, 1989

We are finishing up in New York today. The series is even.

The Mets are pitching Pascual Perez (7-9, 3.32).

The Giants have Frank Viola (17-5, 1.84).

I have gone 5 for 27, or .185, against Perez.

I am feeling a little tired, but I am in there. Tomorrow is an off-day.

I kicked things off by grounding out to Johnny Ray at 2nd.

I got the 1st out on the other side, taking care of a Lenny Dykstra grounder.
I caught a Darryl Strawberry pop for the 3rd out.

I came up in the 3rd with one out, Brian Giles on 3rd, and Bob Brenly on 2nd.
I hit a two run single! I went to 2nd on the throw home.
Stolen base #97.
I was left at 3rd.

Giants lead 2-0

I took care of a Perez grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 3rd.

I did the same to a Mike Fitzgerald grounder for the final out in the 4th.

I came up with one out in the 5th and flew to to Dykstra in centre.

In the 6th, Wally Backman scored on a Wally Joyner double.

Giants lead 2-1

I took care of a grounder from pinch hitter William Max for the 2nd out and Hubie Brooks for the 3rd out in the bottom of the 7th.

I led off the 8th against David Wells and lined out to Brooks at short.

I handled a Backman grounder for the final out in the 8th.

Robby Thompson scored on a single by pinch hitter Mike Young in the top of the 9th.

Giants lead 3-1

Mark Davis came out for the 9th.
He handled all three batters for his second save in two days.

We had the win.

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

We are heading home to face the Expos.

That means my family is coming down from Victoria!

[rpriske]

August 25th, 1989

We are back in San Francisco and feeling refreshed after an off day and two wins from the Mets.

Today the Expos are in town, and so are my family! Great to see them, as always!

Montreal is pitching Wally Whitehurst (10-4, 3.17).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (6-10, 3.56).

I have done very well against White hurst, going 8 for 20, or .400!

Hopefully I can continue that.

I led off the home half of the game by grounding out to Pedro Guerrero at 1st.

I took care of the 1st out in the 2nd - a Dave Parker grounder.

Reggie Sanders led off the 3rd with a home run.
I took care of a Michel Urzendowski grounder for the 1st out.
I also handled a Jose Offerman grounder for the 3rd.

Expos lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 3rd and took a cutter a little too far inside and got nicked.
Stolen base #98, despite running into a pitch out!
I was stranded at 2nd.

In the 4th, Chris Sabo scored on a Parker double.
Then Guerrero scored on a Sanders single.
Parker scored on a Urzendowski single.
We turned a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play with the bases loaded to end the threat.

Expos lead 4-0

Keith Hernandez homered in the 4th to put us on the board.

Expos lead 4-1

In the 5th, Offerman scored on a Guerrero groundout.
With two out and a man on, Jim went to John Burkett. He also brought in Bob Brenly to catch in a double switch.
He got out of it.

Expos lead 5-1

I came up in the 5th with one out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. I grounded out to Jose Oquendo at 2nd, advancing Tim.
He then scored on a wild pitch.

Expos lead 5-2

The 6th went our way as first Ruben Sierra and Robby Thompson scored on a double by Keith and then Keith scored on an error.

Game tied 5-5

I led off the bottom of the 7th against an old teammate, Atlee Hammaker.
I legged out an infield single up the middle.
Stolen base #9, again despite a pitch out!
Lonnie Smith walked behind me.
Ruben hit into a double play and I went to 3rd.
I was left 90 feet away.

Parker led off the 8th with a home run, grabbing the lead back for Montreal.

Expos lead 6-5

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th for us. No save opportunity this time.
He go his three and then Tim led off the bottom of the 9th with a game tying home run!
I came up with one out and Jeff Russell on the mound. I grounded out to Sabo at 3rd.

Game tied 6-6. Extra innings!

I took care of an Urzendowski grounder for the 1st out in the 11th.
With a man on and one out, Jim brought in Bobby Thigpen, as well as Steve Stanicek in a double switch.
I took care of an Offerman grounder for the 2nd out and a Sabo grounder for the 3rd, preserving the tie.

I came up with one out in the 12th, facing Mike Henneman. I worked a full count walk.
I went to 2nd and Lonnie was safe at 1st on an error by Sabo.
Ruben then singled up the middle and I scrambled home from 2nd... SAFE!

Walk off! 7-6 win!

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, a run scored (the winning run!), and two stolen bases.

And a celebratory dinner with the family!

[rpriske]

August 26th, 1989

Another game agains the Expos with my family in town.

My grandfather was traditionally a Montreal fan, but now he is ALL IN on the Giants. I wonder why.

The Expos are pitching Scott Bankhead (9-8, 3.60).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (12-5, 2.73).

I have gone 9 for 25, or .257, against Bankhead.

I caught a Chris Sabo pop for the 2nd out of the game.

I led off for the home side by taking a five pitch walk.
Lonnie Smith hit one to short to get me thrown out, but I broke up the double play.

In the 2nd we turned a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Dave Parker and Jose Oquendo.

In the bottom half, Keith Hernandez scored on a Steve Stanicek single.

Giants lead 1-0

I took care of a Jose Offerman grounder for the 2nd out in the 3rd, but Doug Snyder scored on the play.

Game tied 1-1

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by grounding out back to Bankhead.

In the 4th we turned a Hernandez - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Pedro Guerrero and Parker.

In the bottom half, Alan Cockrell launched a solo homer.

Giants lead 2-1

I handled an Oquendo grounder for the 1st out in the 5th.

I came up with one out in the 5th and walked again.

And then it happen.

Stolen base #100.

But... I bruised my thigh on the slide. The trainer came out and we decided that discretion was the name of the game and I was removed from the game.

Absolutely not what I wanted, but it really hurt.

The scoring held at 2-1 and we had the win.

The evening was much less celebratory as I spent the time icing my leg.

Here is hoping I feel better tomorrow.

[rpriske]

August 27th, 1989

My leg is still hurting but I am in the lineup for the final game against the Expos. That's good. I don't want to sit out any games during my family's trip.

The Expos are pitching Chuck Finley (15-8, 2.14).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (12-11, 2.89).

I have only gone 3 for 22 against Finley.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by flying out to Reggie Sanders in centre.

I made the 1st out in the 3rd off a Michael Urzendowski grounder.

I came up in the 3rd with one out, Alan Cockrell on 3rd, and Tim Naehring on 2nd. I hit it to centre again, but this time it was a sac fly!

Giants lead 1-0

In the 4th we turned a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Pedro Guerrero and Dave Parker.

I led off in the 6th by lining out to Jose Oquendo at 2nd.

I took care of a Sanders grounder for the 3rd out in the 7th.

The Expos tied it up in the 8th when Urzendowski scored on a single by Jose Offerman.
We got him and Chris Sabo with a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to end the inning.

Game tied 1-1

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with one out, Tim on 2nd, and Mike Henneman pitching. They gave me the intentional walk.
Lonnie Smith made them right by hitting into a double play.

I snagged a Parker liner for the 1st out in the 9th.
Then Guerrero scored on a Doug Snyder triple.
With two out, Jim went to Bobby Thigpen.
He got his out, but...

Expos lead 2-1

We couldn't get it back. No sweep for us.

My family is heading back to Victoria and we are waiting for the Phillies.

[rpriske]

August 28th, 1989

The Phillies are in town and are pitching Kevin Gross (15-7, 2.70).

The Giants have our Ace, Frank Viola (18-5, 1.81).

I have gone only 9 for 52, or .173, against Gross.

Plus I still have this nasty leg bruise.

Oh well. Game on.

I took care of a Von Hayes grounder for the 3rd out of the game.

I then led off for our side by taking a full pitch walk.
I didn't get past 1st.

I grabbed a Ricky Jordan liner for the 2nd out in the 2nd.

In the bottom half, Tim Naehring smacked a two run dinger.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off in the 3rd by flying out to Bo Jackson in centre.

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

We turned a Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play in the 5th to get Dwight Evans and Luis Salazar to preserve the shutout.

I came up in the bottom of the 5th with one out and Frank on 1st. I lined out to Jordan at 1st.

I then came up in the 7th with one out, Alan Cockrell on 2nd, and Tim on 1st.
I was hit by a Gross curveball (thankfully not on the leg), and we loaded them up.
With two out, Ruben Sierra walked, pushing Alan across.
Then Rob Deer walked, scoring Tim.
We left them loaded.

Giants lead 4-0

I took care of a Jordan grounder for the 1st out in the 8th.
Then I did the same to Dwight Evans for out #2.
And Luis Salazar for #3. Busy inning.

Frank ended with a one hit shutout!

I went 0 for 2 with a walk and a hit-by-pitch.

[rpriske]

August 29th, 1989

Today the Phillies are pitching John Denny (5-7, 4.11).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (9-9, 3.14).

I have gone 3 for 19 against Denny. .158

I am still limping, though I hide it on the field.

I led off for the home side by grounding out to Tom Herr at 2nd.

I caught a Dwight Evans pop for the 3rd out in the 2nd.

Darrin Fletcher hit a one out home run in the 3rd.

Phillies lead 1-0

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. I grounded out to Luis Salazar at 3rd.

Rob Deer evened things up with a home run in the 4th.

Game tied 1-1

John Denny walked the first FOUR batters in the 5th, allowing Keith Hernandez to score and bringing me up with the bases loaded.
I flew out to left but Alan Cockrell scored on a sac fly.

Giants lead 3-1

I led off in the 8th, now facing Clint Jenkins. I grounded out to Ricky Jordan at 1st.

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th for us.
He got his three and we had the win.

I went 0 for 3 with an RBI and sac fly.

Dave Stewart of the Orioles pitched a no-hitter today.