Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

August 30th, 1989

I was given the day off today. Need to rest my banged up wheel.

Rick Sutcliffe pitched us to a 2-1 win over the Phillies.

Next we have an off-day.

Then came the September call-ups!

Joining the team:

Scott Service, Bryan Hickerson, Mike Antle, Ryan Klesko, Mike Aldrete, Luis Medina, Phil Ouellette, Scott Bradley, Jessie Reid, Greg Litton, Fran Mullins, Alonzo Powell, and Max Venable.

Just in time for the Mets coming to town.

[rpriske]

September 1st, 1989

The Mets are in town and we have a crowded dugout.

Unfortunately we just hit September and we are still four game out of 1st.

The Mets are pitching Sid Fernandez (10-2, 1.86).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (12-12, 2.80).

I have hit 8 out of 50 against Fernandez.

And my leg still hursts.

Ugh.

In the 1st I started a Priske - Thompson - Deer double play to get Gerald Young and Wally Joyner.

I then led off for our side and managed a walk.
Lonnie Smith moved me over with a sac bunt.
I was left there.

I led off next in the 3rd and grounded out to Kevin Mitchell at 3rd.
Later that inning, though, Ruben Sierra scored on a Robby Thompson single to give us the lead.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 4th with two out and Luis Medina on 2nd. I flew out to Gerald Young in left.

The Mets tied it up in the 5th when Darryl Strawberry scored on a Mike Fitzgerald single.
Then Fitzgerald scored on a Ross Jones single.
I felt with a Young grounder for the 3rd out.

Mets lead 2-1

I came up in the 7th with pinch hitter Mike Aldrete on 1st. I walked again.
Alonzo Powell came in as pinch runner for Mike.
Lonnie singled to load the bases with none out.
Ruben singled and both Alonzo and I scored!
Lonnie ended up scoring on a sac fly by Robby.

Giants lead 4-2

Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch the 8th for us.
Pinch hitter Randy Milligan scored on a Lenny Dykstra sac fly.
Then Young and Joyner scored on a pinch hit single by Dave Magadan.

Mets lead 5-4

I came up in the 8th with one out, pinch runner Brian Giles on 2nd, and pinch hitter Fran Mullins on 1st. Roger McDowell was pitching.
I singled, scoring Brian to tie it up!
Ryan Klesko took over running for Fran on 2nd.
Lonnie hit into a double play.

Game tied 5-5

Brian and Ryan stayed in and Mark Davis entered to pitch for us.

The Mets took the lead back in the 10th when Kevin Mitchell scored on a Strawberry double.

Mets lead 6-5

I came up in the bottom of the 10th with the game on the line. Two out and Ryan on 1st. Randy Myers was pitching.

I fouled a first pitch fastball back over the screen. 0-1
I turned on a curveball and dropped it into centre for a single, moving Ryan to 2nd.
But then Lonnie struck out, and we had lost.

I went 2 for 4 with two singles, two walks, a run scored, and an RBI.

After the game Craig Grebeck was called up from Phoenix.

Meanwhile, our top prospect, Al Leiter tore his flexor tendon. He is not only not available for us, but he is going to miss all of next year too.

[rpriske]

September 2nd, 1989

We are playing the Mets again.

Today they are pitching Ron Darling (10-12, 2.13)

The Giants have Frank Viola (19-5, 1.74), going for win #20.

I have gone 8 for 46, or .174, against Darling. My leg is still bothering me, but I am here to play.

We turned a Thompson - Priske - Deer double play in the 1st to get Gerald Young and Lenny Dykstra.

I led off the home side by hitting a foul pop caught by Kevin Mitchell at 3rd.

Mitchell then hit a lead off homer in the 2nd.

Mets lead 1-0

I led off again in the 3rd and struck out.

In the 4th, Wally Joyner scored on a single by Mitchell.
Then Mitchell scored on a Johnny Ray single.

Mets lead 3-0

In the bottom of the 4th, Alan Cockrell hit a solo homer.

Mets lead 3-1

I took care of a Young grounder for the 3rd out in the 5th.

I then led off the bottom half by reaching on an infield single.
I was left on 1st.

In the 7th we turned a Priske - Thompson - Deer double play to get Darryl Strawberry and Ray.

I came up with two out in the 7th and grounded out to Kevin Elster at short.

We ended the game with me standing on deck. Frank went the distance but we couldn't get it done for him.

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

We finish up with the Mets tomorrow.

[rpriske]

September 3rd, 1989

We wrap up the series with the Mets today, trying to avoid a sweep.

New York is pitching Pascual Perez (7-11, 3.48).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (13-5, 2.65).

I have gone 6 for 30, or .200, against Perez.

My leg is still a little sore, but starting to feel better.

I led off the home half by striking out.

I took care of a Gerald Young grounder for the 2nd out in the 3rd.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and managed a walk.
I was sent to 2nd on a Perez balk.
I was left there.

We got on the board in the 5th when Ryan Klesko scored on a Ruben Sierra double.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 5th and walked again.
I moved to 2nd on a Lonnie Smith single.
We both moved up on yet another balk call on Perez.
Ryan then belted a three run homer!

Giants lead 4-0

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

They brought in David Wells to face me with one out in the 7th.
I dropped one into right for a single.
I went to 2nd when Lonnie reached on an error by Junior Ortiz.
This time we were left on.

Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch in the 8th.
The Mets broke the shutout against him when Ortiz scored on a Young single.
Young then scored on a Lenny Dykstra double.

Giants lead 4-2

Mark Davis took over in the 9th.
Three batters later, we had the win.

I went 1 for 2 with a single, two walks, and a run scored.

We are now headed to Cincinnati.

[rpriske]

September 4th, 1989

We are in Cincinnati to face the Reds. They are ahead of us in the standings. both of us chasing the Dodgers.

They are pitching Tom Browning (10-12, 2.53).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (7-10, 3.61).

I have done pretty well against Browning, going 12 for 41, or .293.

I woke up with my leg feeling tip-top. I am ready to start running!

I kicked things off by flying out to Kal Daniels in left.
Thing picked up after that as Lonnie Smith ended up scoring on an error and then Rob Deer scored on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 2-0

That got one back in a crappy way as Rick balked with Mike Greenwell on 3rd.

Giants lead 2-1

I took care of a Felix Fermin grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 2nd.

I led off the 3rd, flying out to Greenwell in right.
Later that frame, Ruben Sierra hit a solo shot to give us another run.

Giants lead 3-1

I handled an Al Newman grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 3rd.

I came up with two out in the 5th and worked a walk.
I guess I was a little too eager to get back on the steal train as I ran into a pitchout and was thrown out.

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

In the 6th, Lonnie crossed on a double play.

Giants lead 4-1

I made a nice play to snag a Newman liner for the last out in the 7th.

I came up with one out in the 8th, now facing Rob Murphy. I grounded out to Fermin at 2nd.

We got some more in the 9th.
Rob and Robby scored on a Ryan Klesko single.
I came with one out and a couple of guys on. They brought Curt Hasler in to face me. I hit a sc fly scoring Alan Cockrell.

Giants lead 7-1

Bryan Hickerson came in to pitch the 9th for us, making his season debut.
Three batters later, we had the win.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk, and RBI, a sac fly, and a caught stealing.

The NL West now has the Reds trailing the Dodgers by two, and the Giants two more behind the Reds.

[rpriske]

September 5th, 1989

We wrap up in Cincinnati today.

The Reds are pitching Jack Armstrong (7-3, 2.69).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (10-9, 3.03).

I have not done well against Armstrong, hitting 2 for 15.

I led things off by striking out.

I got the first out in the bottom half, getting a grounder from lead off hitter, Al Newman.
Mike Greenwell followed and I got the same off him for the second out.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Scott on 2nd. I dumped one into centre for a single, moving Scott to 3rd.
We were left on.

The Reds opened the scoring in the 3rd when Matt Nokes crossed on a Newman single.

Reds lead 1-0

I came up in the 5th with two out, Alan Cockrell on 3rd, and Scott on 1st. I walked, to load the bases.
We were all left there.

I handled a Nokes grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 5th.
But then Newman scored on a Greenwell single.
Worse, Eric Davis hit a two run homer.

Reds lead 4-0

We got some back in the 6th when Ryan Klesko scored on a Robby Thompson double and then Robby scored on a Ruben Sierra groundout.

Reds lead 4-2

I took care of a Felix Fermin grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th.

I came up in the 7th with one out, pinch hitter Mike Aldrete on 1st, and Greg Cadaret pitching. I popped out to Newman at 3rd.

Mark Williamson took over on the mound for us in the 7th.

In the 8th, Kal Daniels scored on a Nokes sac fly.

Reds lead 5-2

We couldn't score in the 9th and dropped the game.

I went 1 for 3 with a single and a walk.

The Dodgers won so the only team to lose ground was us.

Now we head to Atlanta.

[rpriske]

September 6th, 1989

We are in Atlanta - my least favourite place to play.

The Braves are pitching Ben McDonald (2-12, 3.96).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (12-12, 2.79).

I have only gone 2 for 10 against McDonald.

I led off the game by popping up but reaching on an error by Mario Diaz.
Stolen base #101. (Finally!)
I went to 3rd on a fly out by Lonnie Smith and scored on a Ryan Klesko single!
Rob Deer followed with a two run homer!

Giants lead 3-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Bob Brenly on 1st. While I was up, McDonald balked. It didn't matter, though, as he walked me.
Lonnie hit into what could have been been a double play, but I broke it up.
We didn't end up scoring.

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Thompson - Deer double play to get Jeff Blauser and Diaz, but Andres Galarraga scored on the play.

Giants lead 3-1

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

I then did the same to a Galarraga grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 4th.

I led off the 5th with a groundout to Diaz at 2nd.

I handled a Chris Jelic grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.

In the 6th, Jeff Bagwell scored on a Ken Griffey Jr. double.
Then Griffey scored on a Galarraga single, tying the game.
Then HE scored on a Diaz single.
The Braves ended up leaving the bases loaded.

Braves lead 4-3

I came up with two out in the 7th, now facing Steve Farr. I flew out to Griffey in centre.

Jeff Robinson took over for us in the 7th.
I took care of a Bagwell grounder for the 1st out behind him.

In the 8th we turned another Priske - Thompson - Deer double play. This time we got Bob Tumpane and Jelic.
I took care fo a grounder from pinch hitter Ron Kittle for the 3rd out.

I came up with it all on the line. 9th inning. Two out. Robby Thompson on 2nd. Bob Brenly on 1st. Duane Ward pitching.

1st pitch - Fastball, low. 1-0
2nd pitch - Swing & miss at a fastball. 1-1
3rd pitch - Changeup, very low. 2-1
4th pitch - Fastball, low. 3-1
5th pitch - Called strike on a fastball. Full count.
6th pitch - Runners on the move. Fastball. I lined it hard down the 3rd base line... and Bagwell made a great play to grab the liner.

Game over.

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

We got some big news after the game. Ruben Sierra, who was set to be a free agent after the season, signed a four year contract extension for just under $1.5m. Good news for Ruben and good news for us!

[rpriske]

September 7th, 1989

We need to bounce back from yesterday's loss. The Braves are the kind of team we NEED to beat.

Today the Braves are pitching Len Damian (5-9, 4.25).

The Giants have Frank Viola (19-6, 1.79).

No excuses today.

I have hit 7 for 23, or .304, against Damian.

I kicked things off by grounding out to Andres Thomas at short.

Frankie started things off right by striking out the side.

I led off the 3rd by hitting one to nearly the same spot - but just off by enough to sneak through for the first hit of the game.
Stolen base #102.
Then, with one out, stolen base #103!
But then I was thrown out trying to score on a shallow fly ball.

We got on the board in the 4th when Ruben Sierra scored on a Tim Naehring double.

Giants lead 1-0

I caught an Andres Galarraga pop for the first out in the bottom half.

I led off the 5th with a full count walk.
With one out I ran into a pitchout and was caught stealing.

I took care of a Thomas grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.
I then did the same to Nelson Santovenia to end the inning.

I took are of a Mario Diaz grounder for the first out in the bottom of the 6th.
I handled a Jerome Walton grounder for the third out.

I led off the 7th, now facing Marty Clary. I walked again.
Stolen base #104.
I took 3rd on a Lonnie Smith single.
With one out, Lonnie stole 2nd.
We were both left on.

In the 8th, Robby Thompson scored on a sac fly by Tim.
I came up with two out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I fouled out.

Giants lead 2-0

And Frank got a two hit shutout, walking one, to notch his 20th win of the season!

He was the top story on the Baseball News.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, two walks, three stolen bases, and a caught stealing.

Now we are heading to Houston.

[rpriske]

September 8th, 1989

We are in the Astrodome and ready to keep the momentum going.

The Astros are pitching Rheal Cormier (6-7, 3.27).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (14-5, 2.54).

Cormier is a fellow Canadian - from Moncton - and this is his rookie season. I have faced him once, going 0 for 1. In fact, our entire lineup is 2 for 12 against him.

I kicked thing off by grounding out to Glenn Davis at 1st.

Houstin opened the scoring right away as Clavin James led off their half with a triple and then scored on a Craig Worthington sac fly.

Astros lead 1-0

Alan Cockrell duplicated the feat in the 2nd, hitting a triple and scoring on a Tim Naehring sac fly.

Game tied 1-1

In the bottom of the 2nd we turned a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Dickie Thon and Casey Candaele.

In the 3rd I came up with one out and did something I almost never do. For the 2nd time this season, I hit one over the wall for a home run!

Giants lead 2-1

In the bottom half I caught a Worthington pop for the 2nd out.

I handled a Craig Biggio grounder for the final out in the 5th.

I led off the 6th by getting on the exact opposite way as last time - I legged out an infield single.
Stolen base #105.
With two out, Rob Deer and Robby Thompson both walked, loading the bases.
Alan struck out, leaving us all out there.

I came up in the 7th with one out, Tim on 2nd, and Keith Hernandez on 1st. They brought in German Gonzalez to face me.
I flew out to Dave Gallagher in centre.

With one out in the 8th, Jim decided Bruce was getting tired so he brought in Mark Davis to get the five out save, I expect.

I was right, and he did. We had the 2-1 win!

I went 2 for 4 with a single, a HOME RUN, an RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base.

Seeing my home run on the highlight reel was a lot of fun.

[rpriske]

September 9th, 1989

My home run yesterday decided the game. How will we do today?

The Astros are pitching Chris Hammond (8-9, 3.06).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (8-10, 3.52).

I have gone 3 for 13 against Hammond.

I led things off by taking four straight out of the zone.
Stolen base #106 and I then went to 3rd on a fly ball by Lonnie Smith.
I scored on a Ruben Sierra sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off again in the 3rd and this time I ate a fastball to the back. it hurt, but not enough to take me out of the game.
With one out I nabbed stolen base #107.
I was left there.

In the 4th, Steve Stanicek scored on a wild pitch.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off for the 3rd time in the 5th. I hit one off the right field fence for a double.
Stolen base #108.
Lonnie walked.
I scored on a fielder's choice by Ruben.

Giants lead 3-0

In the bottom half, Mark Bailey hit a solo homer.
I took care of a Casey Candaele grounder for the 3rd out.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up in the 6th with two out and Rick on 1st. I dropped one into right and Rick went to 3rd on my single.
Lonnie walked again, but we left the bases loaded.

The Astros changed things up in the 6th when Harold Baines hit a two run homer to tie the game.
Then Glenn Davis made it back-to-back.

Astros lead 4-3

That was short lived. In the 7th Robby Thompson pinch hit doubled and scored Rob Deer, Tim Naehring, and Steve. I then walked and the two of us were left on.

Giants lead 6-4

Willie Fraser took the mound for us in the 7th.

I came up in the 9th with two out, Steve on 2nd, Craig Grebeck on 1st, and Lee Guetterman pitching. I lined out to Jim Edmonds in centre.

Mark Davis came in for the 9th.
He go two out but also loaded the bases before Jim turned it over to Bobby Thigpen. He got the strikeout and the save and we had the win!

I went 2 for 3 with a single, a double, two walks, a hit-by-pitch, two runs scored, and three stolen bases.

I would say that was a good day.

The Reds and Dodgers are tied atop the NL West. We trail by three games.

[rpriske]

September 10th, 1989

We finish up in Houston today.

The Astros are pitching manny Hernandez (7-12, 4.14).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (10-10, 3.03).

I have gone only 5 for 33, or .152, against Hernandez.

I opened up the game by flying out to Jim Edmonds in centre.

In the bottom half we turned a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Dickie Thon and Craig Worthington.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom of the 2nd off a Dave Gallagher grounder but Craig Biggio scored on the play.

Astros lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 3rd and hit one into the left field corner for a double!
Then I scored on a Lonnie Smith single!

Game tied 1-1

Houston got the lead back in the bottom half when Karl Allaire scored on a Worthington sac fly.

Astros lead 2-1

I came up next with one out in the 5th and legged out an infield single back to the pitcher.
Stolen base #109.
I scored on a two out single by Ryan Klesko.

Game tied 2-2

Once again, the Astors go 5th lead right back in the bottom half when Allaire scored on a Worthington single.

Astros lead 3-2

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

I came up with two out in the 7th and grounded out to John Olerud at 1st.

After Scott walked the first batter in the bottom of the 8th, Jim pulled him for Bobby Thigpen.
We turned a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Biggio and Gallagher to end the inning.

I came up in the 9th. Two out. Down by one. Greg Litton was on 3rd. Tim Naehring was on 1st. Lee Guetterman was pitching.

I fouled a slider back into the netting. 0-1
Fastball away. 1-1
I hit a fastball bouncing down the 3rd base line. Worthington fielded it... but couldn't make something out of nothing and I had an RBI single to tie the game!
Tim and I were left on but...

Game tied 3-3

Tim took over at 3rd, Greg took over at 1st, and Mark Williamson came in to pitch.
Edmonds led off with a double.
Allaire grounded out but the potential winning run moved to 3rd.
Pinch hitter Louie Meadows flew out, but it was deep enough. Edmonds scored and we lost, 4-3.

Too bad about the loss, for sure, but I had a strong day.

3 for 5 with a double, two singles, two runs scored, and a stolen base.

We are heading back home, to face the Braves.

[rpriske]

September 11th, 1989

The Braves are in town but I am getting the day off. Jim has been happy with my play but I have been going really hard and wants me refreshed.

I pinch hit in the 8th. The game was still scoreless and Lonnie Smith had reached on an error to lead off. I came in for Brian Giles to face Steve Farr.
I singled and Lonnie went to 2nd.
Then Robby Thompson moved us both uo with a sac bunt.
Ryan Klesko cashed in Lonnie with a sac fly. I was left on, but we had the lead.

Giants lead 1-0

I stayed in to play short and Tim Naehring shifted to 3rd.
John Burkett was pitching for us.
Three outs later, we had the win.

1 for 1 with a single. Not bad in a game I wasn't playing.

[rpriske]

September 12th, 1989

We finish a mini-set with the Braves today.

Atlanta is pitching Len Damian (5-10, 4.16).

The Giants have the man, Frank Viola (20-6, 1.73).

I have gone 8 for 25, or .320, against Damian.

Let's get it on.

I led off for the home side by legging out an infield hit to deep short.
With one out I got stolen base #110, and an extra base when Nelson Santovenia threw it away.
I was left at 3rd.

We got it going in the 2nd when Alan Cockrell scored on a Tim Naehring double.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off in the 3rd and lined out to Ron Gant in left.

I came up in the 5th with two out and Alan on 2nd. I walked.
Damian then hit Lonnie Smith to load the bases.
We were all left there.

I finally got a defensive play in the 6th when I nabbed an Andres Galarraga liner for the 3rd out.

I came up with two out in the 7th and walked again.
This time I ran into a pitch out and was caught stealing.

I caught a jammer by pinch hitter Eddie Williams for the 2nd out in the 8th.

Lonnie scored on an error in the bottom of the 8th.

Giants lead 2-0

Frank walked the first guy in the 9th and Jim went to Mark Davis.
We immediately turned a Thompson - Priske - Deer double play to get Gant and Galarraga.
Mark got the 3rd out and we had the win.

I went 1 for 2 with a single, two walks, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

Tomorrow is big as the Reds are coming to town.

[rpriske]

September 13th, 1989

The Reds are in town for a two game set. We have been playing pretty well. Time to bring it together.

They are pitching Frank Castillo (11-6, 3.01).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (15-5, 2.49).

I have gone only 3 for 16 against Castillo, but I am running pretty hot.

I led off for the home side and took one up the middle for a single.
I went to 2nd as Lonnie Smith reached on an error by Al Newman at 2nd.
With one out Ryan Klesko singled to load the bases.
A great chance, but we were unable to cash in.

I caught a Felix Fermin pop for the 2nd out in the 2nd.

With one out in the bottom half, Bob Brenly put one over the left field wall.
I came up with two out and struck out.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 3rd I started a Priske - Thompson - Deer double play to get Newman and Kal Daniels.
I then took care of a Jim Paciorek grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up in the 4th with two out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. I got clipped by a single and was awarded 1st.
Lonnie singled, scoring Tim and moving me to 2nd.
We were left on.

Giants lead 2-0

The lead evaporated in the 5th when Eric Davis socked a three-run homer.

Reds lead 3-2

In the bottom of the 5th, though, Ryan and Rob Deer hit back to back doubles to tie it up.

Game tied 3-3

I took care of a Kurt Stillwell grounder for the 1st out in the 6th.
Mark Williamson took over for us after that.

I led off the bottom of the 6th by flying out to Daniels in left.

I got the 1st out in the 7th off a Newman grounder.

In the bottom half we got the lead back when Ruben Sierra scored on a single by pinch hitter, Keith Hernandez.
They brought Rob Dibble in to face me with two out and two on. I popped out to Newman at 2nd.

Giants lead 4-3

Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch for us in the 8th.

In the bottom of the 8th, Robby Thompson smacked a two run homer!

Giants lead 6-3

I handled a grounder by pinch hitter Tracy Johns for the 1st out in the 9th.
Two more outs and we had the win.

I went 1 for 4 with a single and a hit-by-pitch.

We now trail the Reds by one game and the Dodgers by three.

[rpriske]

September 14th, 1989

We can catch up with the Reds by winning today.

They are pitching Tom Browning (11-13, 2.53).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (9-10, 3.59).

I have gone 12 for 43, or .279, against Browning.

The Red struck in the top of the 1st when Mike Greenwell scored on an Eric Davis groundout.
I took care of a Jim Paciorek grounder for the 3rd out.
Two errors cost us there.

Reds lead 1-0

I led off for our side by taking a walk.
Unfortunately I ran into a pitchout and was caught stealing.

I caught a Kurt Stillwell pop for the 1st out in the 2nd.
I caught a Browning pop for the 3rd.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and got our first hit of the game - a double to right.
I was left there.

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

In the 5th, Al Newman scored on a Greenwell single.

Reds lead 2-0

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

I took are of a Davis grounder for the 1st out in the 6th.
I snagged a Will Clark liner for the 2nd.

In the 7th, Stillwell scored on a Newman groundout.
Then Tim McIntosh scored on a Greenwell single.
Kal Daniels followed with a two run homer.

Jim went to Bryan Hickerson after that.

He was met with a Davis home run.

Reds lead 7-0

We finally got on the board in the 7th, and it was a couple of pinch hitters - Chris Brown knocking in Fran Mullins.
I came up with two out and Chris on 2nd. I grounded out to Newman again.

Reds lead 7-1

Chris stayed in to play 3rd and Mike Aldrete took over at 1st. Scott Service came in to pitch.
I handled a Browning grounder for the 3rd out in the 8th.

The game ended with me standing on deck. This was ugly.

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

Tomorrow the Padres come to town.

[rpriske]

September 15th, 1989

We have got the Padres in town now. We really need to turn it on if we have any choice - no matter how remote - of reaching the playoffs.

The Padres are pitching Bryn Smith (8-14, 2.91).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (10-10, 3.07).

I have gone 7 for 36, or .194, against Smith.

I led off the home side by legging out an infield single to deep short.
Stolen base #111.
Lonnie Smith walked. I like to think I distracted the pitcher.
Reb Deer then reached on an infield single, loading the bases with none out.
With one out, Ruben Sierra cleared the bases with a double!

Giants lead 3-0

I caught an Ozzie Guillen pop for the 1st out in the 2nd.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 2nd and hit one down the 3rd base line and reached on another infield single!
Stolen base #112!
I scored on a single by Lonnie!
Then Rob reached on an error. Alan Cockrell followed with a single and Lonnie scored.
As if that wasn't enough, Ruben blasted a three-run homer!

Giants lead 8-0

I came up in the 3rd with two out, Craig Grebeck on 2nd, and Woody Williams pitching. I grounded out to Carmelo Martinez at 1st.

In the 4th Rob hit a two run homer to extend out lead into the double digits.

Giants lead 10-0

I led off in the 6th by grounding out back to Williams on the mound.

In the 7th we turned a Grebeck - Priske - Deer double play to get pinch hitters Glenn Hubbard and Robert Grandstaff.

In the bottom half, pinch hitter Alonzo Powell singled and then scored on a single by Craig.

Giants lead 11-0

Alonzo took over in centre and Jessie Reid took 1st, while Rob moved to right.

The Padres got on the board in the 8th when Junior Felix hit a solo homer.

With two out and a man on that inning, Jim went to Bryan Hickerson.
I took care of a John Kruk grounder to end the inning.

Giants lead 11-1

I led off the bottom of the 8th against Butch Henry. I struck out.

I got the 1st out in the 9th off a grounder by pinch-hitter Mark Parent.
Two outs later and we had a decisive win.

I went 2 for 5 with a pair of singles, two runs scored, and two stolen bases!

[rpriske]

September 16th, 1989

We had a big win yesterday but we can't let off the gas.

Today the Padres are pitching Bob Patterson (4-9, 3.53).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (12-13, 2.81).

I have gone 3 for 9 against Patterson.

I led off for the home side by lining a full count pitch into centre for a single.
Alas, I ran into a pitchout and was gunned down trying to steal.

A few batter later, Robby Thompson launched a two run homer.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Bob Brenly on 2nd. I walked.
Lonnie Smith then stroked a double to the left field corner and both Bob and I scored.
Then Lonnie scored on a Ruben Sierra single.

Giants lead 5-0

I made my first defensive play in the 4th, taking care of a John Kruk grounder for the 1st out.

I led off the bottom of the 4th, now facing Kimiyasu Kudo. I walked again.
I took 2nd on a passed ball by Armando Verdugo.
With one out, I scored when Ruben reached on an error by Ozzie Guillen.

Giants lead 6-0

With two out and a man on in the 6th, Jim went to Scott Service. He got the 3rd out.

I came up with one out in the 6th and grounded out to Guillen at short.

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

Bryan Hickerson came in to pitch the 9th for us.
Three batters later he had preserved the shutout.

I went 1 for 2 with a single, two walks, two runs scored, and caught stealing.

We are one game behind the Reds and three behind the Dodgers.

I am a little tired, but we have a day off after tomorrow's game. I am ready to keep the train rolling.

[rpriske]

September 17th, 1989

As I said yesterday, I am a little tired today, but I can rest tomorrow.

Today the Padres have Tim Belcher (11-13, 2.82).

The Giants are going with the man, Frank Viola (21-6, 1.67).

I have gone 5 for 19 against Belcher.

Uh... forget that.

At the last minute, right when we were ready to go, Jim told me he had changed his mind. I am sitting.

Well, THAT is bull. I am ready to go.

I ended up pinch hitting in the 9th, and getting a single, but we lost, 3-2.

I am steamed.

We did get some pretty big news after the game, though.

Scott Garrelts has signed a new 5 year contract extension! It will be great to keep such a great arm!

Tomorrow is an off day and then... the Dodgers.

[rpriske]

September 19th, 1989

The Dodgers are in town and we still trail them by three games.

They are pitching Orel Hershiser (14-7, 2.57).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (15-5, 2.56).

I have had problems with Hershiser and have gone only 12 for 54, or .222, against him.

I led off for the home side and grounded out to Tim Wallach at 3rd.
A couple fo batters later, though, Ryan Klesko belted a two run dinger!

Giants lead 2-0

I then came up with one out in the 3rd and reached on an error by Kent Hrbek at 1st.
I was thrown out trying to steal.

In the 4th, Wallach hit a home run to tie the game.
Then Chili Davis scored on a triple by Benito Santiago.
He scored on a Candy Maldonado sac fly.
We made three errors that inning and it cost us, badly.

Dodgers lead 4-2

In the 5th we turned a Priske - Thompson - Deer double play to get Steve Sax and Hrbek.

Mark Williamson took over for us in the 6th.

I led off in the bottom of the 6th and grounded out to Sax at 2nd.

I handled a Hershiser grounder for the 2nd out in the 7th.
I then took care of a Wallach grounder for the 3rd.

With two out in the bottom of the 8th, Keith Hernandez blasted a pinch hit homer to bring us back within one.
I came up after that and walked.
I was left on.

Dodgers lead 4-3

Mark Davis took the mound for us in the 9th.

In the bottom of the 9th, with one out, Rob Deer walked.
Then Ruben Sierra singled.
Then Robby Thompson homered to give us a 6-4, walk off win!

I went 0 for 3 with a walk and a caught stealing. That ended my hit streak at 11 games. (Though I have an 18 game on-base streak still going.)

The Reds won so they trail the Dodgers by one and we trail the Reds by one.

The Mets clinched the NL East today, but we aren't giving up the West without a fight.

[rpriske]

September 20th, 1989

Things are getting very interesting as we close in on the end of the season.

It is a three-way dogfight for the division.

11 games left and we are 2 games back.

Today the leading Dodgers are pitching Matt Young (12-3, 1.88).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (9-11, 3.68).

I have very little experience with Young, going 0 for 4.

I led off the home side by lining out to Kent Hrbek at 1st.

In the 2nd we turned a Thompson - Priske - Klesko double play to get Benito Santiago and Candy Maldonado.

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

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

In the 4th, Santiago hit a solo homer to open the scoring.

Dodgers lead 1-0

I took care of a Steve Sax grounder for the 3rd out in the 5th.

I led off in the 6th and finally reached base - a walk.
I was erased as Lonnie Smith hit into a fielder's choice.

I caught a Santiago blooper for the 1st out in the 7th.
I took care of another Spiers grounder for the 3rd out.

The Dodgers widened their lead in the 8th when Chili Davis scored on a Tim Wallach sac fly.

Dodgers lead 2-0

I came up with one out int he 8th, now facing Ken Dayley.
I grounded out to Wallach at 3rd.

Bobby Thigpen took over for us in the 9th.

He got his three but we needed to get at least two in the bottom of the 9th...

Ruben Sierra led off with a walk and Rob Deer hit a two run homer!

Extra innings!

Game tied 2-2

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

He got his three and was then lifted for a pinch hitter in the bottom frame.
I came up with one out and Bryan Harvey on the mound.
I popped out to Wallach.

Jeff Robinson got the call for us in the 11th.

I came up next in the 12th, with two out and Jeff Reardon pitching.
I grounded one back to Reardon for the 3rd out.

Willie Fraser took over for us in the 13th.

I took care of a Domingo Michel grounder for the 1st out.

In the bottom of the 13th, Lonnie singled and then Ruben took Reardon deep for a walk off, two run homer!

We beat the Dodgers, 4-2 in 13 innings!

I went 0 for 5 with a walk, but more importantly... we won!

The Reds won so they are tied with the Dodgers atop the NL West. We are a mere one game back.