Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

Mike Antle was sent to Phoenix and Joel Chimelis was called up.

April 12th, 1990

The Braves beat the Giants 8-0.

And after that we went back home.

April 13th, 1990

The Padres beat the Giants 11-3.

April 14th, 1990

The Giants beat the Padres 6-3

April 15th, 1990

The Padres beat the Giants 3-2

Huge news after the game. The Mets traded Ron Darling! I guess they decided they were deep enough at pitcher. He went to Oakland for Mike Gallegos and a minor leaguer.

April 17th, 1990

The Dodgers beat the Giants 6-2

While I was gone we went 1-4.

Not okay.

[rpriske]

Butch Davis was placed on waivers and I was reactivated.

April 18th, 1990

The Dodgers are pitching Mike Witt (0-3, 5.12).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (2-1, 9.00).

I have gone 13 for 33, or .394, against Witt.

The Dodgers strike in the 1st, with Kent Hrbek and Chili Davis scoring on a Gene Larkin single.

Dodgers lead 2-0

I lead off for our side. I grounded out right back to Witt.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and Scott on 1st.
Scott moved to 2nd on a wild pitch and then scored on my single!
I was caught stealing. Again.
What is going on?

Dodgers lead 2-1

I came up next in the 6th, with one out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. Tim went to 3rd on a wild pitch and then I walked.
Caught stealing. Again.
Tim scored on an error.

Game tied 2-2

With two on and one out in the 7th, Jim gave the ball to Mark Davis.
He got out of the jam.

In the 8th, Robby Thompson scored on a pinch hit double by Rob Deer.
I came up with Rob on 2nd and Tim on 3rd. Steve Farr was on the mound.
RBI single! Rob stopped at 3rd.
Rob scored on a sac fly by Alvin Davis.
Stolen base #8. (8 for 12...)
With two out I scored on a Harold Baines single.

Giants lead 6-2

Mark Williamson came in to pitch the 9th for us.
I caught a Hrbek pop for the 2nd out.

We took the game.

I went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles, a walk, a run scored, two RBI, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

Tomorrow is an off-day and then we play in San Diego.

[rpriske]

April 20th, 1990

We are in San Diego to take on the Padres.

They are pitching Storm Davis (0-1, 5.40).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (0-1, 4.66).

I have done very well against Davis, going 9 for 20.

I led things off by grounding out to Tom Quinlan at 3rd.

We opened the scoring in the 2nd when Robby Thompson scored on a Dale Murphy sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

Things turned back around in the bottom of the 2nd when Junior Felix scored on a Luis Lopez single. Then Harold Reynold scored on a Quinlan fielder's choice and Ozzie Guile scored on a Darrell Sherman single.

Padres lead 3-1

I came up in the 3rd with Bruce on 2nd. I walked.
We were both left there.

We got one back in the 4th when Dale launched a solo homer.

Padres lead 3-2

They got it back in the bottom half when Reynolds scored on a Lopez sac fly.

Padres lead 4-2

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

I got the final out in the 6th off a grounder by pinch hitter, Eric Young.

I came up with two out in the 7th, now facing Carlos Diaz. I grounded out to Quinlan again.

Mark Ross took the mound for us in the 7th.

I got the final out in the 8th off a Lopez grounder.

I came up with two out in the 9th, now facing Bob Patterson.
I walked.

Alvin couldn't get on and the game was over. We lost another one.

I went 0 for 3 with two walks.

[rpriske]

April 21st, 1990

After yesterday's loss we are looking to bounce back against the Padres.

San Diego is pitching Shane Rawley (1-0, 3.29).

The Giants have John Burkett (1-1, 6.97).

I have little exposure to Rawley, going 1 for 3.

I kicked things off by flying gout to Junior Felix in centre.

The Padres got on the board in the bottom half when Darrell Sherman scored on a John Kruk single.

Padres lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 3rd and grounded out to Tom Quinlan at 3rd.

All nine Giants came up in the 4th.
Alvin Davis scored on an Alan Cockrell sac fly.
Ruben Sierra scored on a Robby Thompson sac fly.
Harold Baines scored when John walked with the bases loaded.
I felt out to end the top of the inning.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up in the 7th with John standing on 1st and Butch Henry on the mound.
I got a clean single to left. John moved to 2nd.
We were left there.

I came up in the 8th with two on and two out. I flew out to right.

Bobby Thigpen took over for us in the 8th.
He blew the save when Randy Ready and Ozzie Guillen scored on a Torey Lovullo single.

Game tied 3-3

We took the lead in the 10th, but in an odd way. Dale Murphy scored when Bob Patterson was called for a balk.
I came up with two out and Tim Naehring on 3rd. Gregory Sillivent was pitching.
I grounded out to Sillivent.

Giants lead 4-3

Jim made a couple of defensive changes, bringing in Joel Chimelis and Ryan Klesko for Alvin Davis and Harold Baines.

Mark Williamson took the mound for us.
We had our second blown save of the game when Kruk scored on a Guillen single.

Game tied 4-4

I made a nice play on a Luis Lopez grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 11th.

I handled an Armando Verdugo grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 12th.
With one out and a man on in the inning, Jim finally brought in the man I think should be our full-time closer, Mark Davis. He also replaced Robby with Craig Grebeck in a double switch.
I caught a Guillen pop for the 2nd out.
I then took care of an Eric Young grounder for the 3rd.

I came up with two out in the 13th and Sterling Hitchcock pitching.
I struck out.

It turns out Mark Davis did no better than the other two. Armando Verdugo hit a 14th inning home run to give the Padres a walk-off, 6-4 win.

And before it seems like I am piling too much criticism on other people, I went 1 for 7 with a single.

[rpriske]

April 22nd, 1990

I know it is early, but we are in last place.

Defending World Series Champions. They did NOT gut the team. Other than a couple odd choices around the bullpen (and moving me to 3rd), it is not a dramatically different team from last year. We just have to get a move on.

We are still in San Diego. Today the Padres are pitching Tim Belcher (1-3, 5.70).

The Giants need Frank Viola - defending Cy Young winner - to turn his early season around (0-3, 7.36).

I have gone 5 for 19, or .263, against Belcher.

I started us off by ripping one to centre for a single.
I ran into a pitchout again.
Am I tipping something?

The Padres opened the scoring in the 2nd when Ozzie Guillen tripled in Hariold Reynolds and then scored on a passed ball.

Padres lead 2-0

I led off the 3rd by taking a walk.
No pitchout this time. Stolen base #9.
With one out I went to 3rd on a wild pitch. I then scored on a Ruben Sierra sac fly.
Harold Baines followed that with a home run.

Game tied 2-2

They got the lead right back in the 3rd when Armando Verdugo scored on a Junior Felix single.
Then John Kruk scored on a Reynolds single.
Felix and Reynolds scored on a Randy Ready single.

What is going on with Frank? This is not the Ace we are used to.

That was enough for Jim and he brought in Rod Nichols.
He got the 3rd out.

Padres lead 6-2

I came up in the 4th with two out and Rod on 1st. I walked again.
We were left on.

I led off the 7th and hit one down the left field line for a double.
I got no further.

I dealt with an Eric Young bunt for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.
Then Felix scored on a Guillen single.

Padres lead 7-2

I came up in the 9th with pinch hitter Dale Murphy on 2nd and Butch Henry on the mound.
I grounded out to Tom Quinlan at 3rd.
Dale ended up scoring on a Ruben single, but that was it. We lost, 7-3.

I went 2 for 3 with a single, a double, two walks, a run scored, and a stolen base.

Our Ace is pitching like a deuce.

I just heard that Mike Aldrete was player of the week down in Phoenix. Maybe we could use him back up here?

[rpriske]

April 23rd, 1990

We are finishing up in San Diego today, trying to salvage something.

The Padres are pitching Bryn Smith (3-0, 1.71).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (2-1, 7.17).

I have gone 9 for 41, or .220, against Smith.

I kicked things off by flying out to Junior Felix in centre.

The Padres struck in the bottom of the 1st as Felix scored on an Armando Verdugo single.
I took care of a Randy Ready grounder for the final out of the inning.

Padres lead 1-0

They kept at it in the 2nd when Eric Young scored on a Smith single.

Padres lead 2-0

We evened it up in the 3rd when Greg Myers hit a two run homer.
I came up with one out and grounded out to Ready at 1st.

Game tied 2-2

We took the lead in the 4th when Dale Murphy scored on a Tim Naehring single.

Giants lead 3-2

I took care of a Young bunt for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.

I came up with one out in the 5th and took 2nd on a throwing error by Tom Quinlan at 3rd.
I scored on a Robby Thompson single.
Robby stole 2nd and then scored on an error by Felix in centre.

Giants lead 5-2

In the bottom of the 5th, Felix scored on a Verdugo double.

Giants lead 5-3

In the 6th Ozzie Guillén scored on a Young sac fly.

I took care of a Sterling Hitchcock bunt for the 2nd out... but played it so well that I got Quinlan at 2nd instead of giving up the sac!

Giants lead 5-4

I came up with one out in the 7th, facing Hitchcock. I took the walk.
Stolen base #10.
I took 3rd when Robby reached on an error by Ready.
We were left on.

The 8th was good for us.

Alvin Davis - single
Dale - single
Tim - double, Alvin scored
Greg - double, Dale and Tim scored
Scott - sac bunt
Me - Greg scored on a wild pitch. I walked
Robby - I stole 2md, took 3rd on an error. Sac Fly. I scored.
Ruben Sierra - single
Harold Baines - fly out

Giants lead 10-4

In the bottom of the 8th Guillén scored on a Young double.

Willie Fraser received for us then.
Young scored on a single by pinch hitter Harold Reynolds.
Greg Bailey hit a pinch hit, two run homer.

Giants lead 10-8

Bobby Thigpen came in for the 9th.
He got the save.

I went 0 for 3 with two walks, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

We head back home now, to face the Pirates.

[rpriske]

April 24th, 1990

We are home to face the Pirates.

They are pitching Mark Gubicza (1-1, 2.55).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (1-0, 2.84).

Gubicza is an AL vet so I haven't faced him before.

I handled a Dave Winfield grounder of the 3rd out in the 1st.

Then I led off for our side and I sent one up the middle for a single.
Stolen base #12.
I went to 3rd on a Ruben Sierra groundout. Left there.

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

In the bottom half, Dale Murphy clocked a solo homer.

Giants lead 1-0

They got it back and then some in the 3rd when Gubicza and Willie McGee scored on a Lee Stevens double.
I took care of a Winfield grounder again for the 2nd out.

Pirates lead 2-1

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 3rd and legged out an infield single.
I was replaced on a Robby Thompson fielder's choice.

In the 4th I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Brian Harper and Bryant.
I then took care of a Charlie Montoyo grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up with one out in the 5th and Alan Cockrell on 1st. This time I was the one that hit into a fielder's choice.
Stolen base #13.
Left at 2nd.

In the 6th I got a Winfield grounder for the 3rd time.

I came up in the 7th with two out and Alan on 1st. I grounded out to Bip Roberts at 2nd.

Mark Williamson relieved for us in the 8th.

Montoyo hit a three run homer with none out in the 9th.
Mark Davis took over for us after that.

Pirates lead 5-1

I came up in the 9th with Alan on 1st again but there were two out, Roger McDowell was pitching.
I fouled out to Bryant at 3rd. Game over.

I went 2 for 5 with two singles and two stolen bases.

[rpriske]

April 25th, 1990

At 7-12 the Giants are tied for the worst record in the National League.

We are also the defending World Series Champions.

Things have to change.

Today we face the Pirates. They are pitching Mike Bielecki (3-0, 3.86).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (0-2, 4.97).

I have gone 5 for 21, or .238, against Bielecki.

In the 1st I started a Priske - Chimelis - Davis double play to get Bip Roberts and Brian Harper, but Willie McGee scored on the play.

Pirates lead 1-0

I led off the home side by grounding out to Sid Bream at 1st.

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

Things turned around in the 4th when Alvin Davis smacked a three-run homer!

Giants lead 3-1

I caught a Bielecki pop for the 3rd out in the 5th.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 5th. I hit one into the left field corner for a double.
Then Joel Chimelis walked.
I scored on a Harold Baines single.

Giants lead 4-1

The Pirates struck back in the 6th when Roberts scored on a Harper double.
Then Harper scored on a Dave Winfield single.

Giants lead 4-3

Mark Ross took the mound for us with two out and a man on in the 7th.

He got out of it and then I led off the bottom half, now facing Bill Gullickson. I grounded out to Charlie Montoyo at short.

With one out and a man on the 8th, Jim went to Mark Davis.

With one out in the 9th, Mark gave way to Bobby Thigpen.
He got the final outs and we had the win.

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

[rpriske]

April 26th, 1990

The Giants finish up with the Pirates today, even at one game apiece.

The Bucs are pitching Rick Reed (2-1, 3.38).

The Giants have John Burkett (1-1, 4.67).

I have little exposure to Reed, going 1 for 4.

I led off the home side by taking 1st on catcher's interference.
I went to 2nd on a Robby Thompson single.
Double steal! Then they threw it away and I scored!

Giants lead 1-0

The lead was short lived as Kirk Gibson scored in the 2nd on a Brian Harper double.
Then Harper scored on a Charlie Montoyo double.
Scott Bryant and Montoyo crossed on a Willie McGee triple.
A Lee Stevens sac fly cashes him in.

Pirates lead 5-1

Dale Murphy led off the bottom of the 2nd with a home run.
I came up with two out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. I walked.
We were left on.

Pirates lead 5-2

In the 3rd, Dave Winfield scored on a Harper single.
That was enough for Jim and Rod Nichols came in with two men in scoring position and none out.
Rod got out of it.

Pirates lead 6-2

In the 5th, Harper scored on a double by Bryant.

Pirates lead 7-2

I led off the bottom of the 5th with another walk.
Stolen base #15.
With one out, stolen base #16.
I scored on a Ruben Sierra sac fly.

Pirates lead 7-3

With one out in the bottom of the 6th, Alan Cockrell hit a solo homer.
I came up with two out and drive one up the middle for a single.
I got caught stealing again.

Pirates lead 7-4

Willie Fraser took the mound for us to lead off the 7th.

In the bottom half Ruben tripled and then scored on an Alvin Davis sac fly.

Pirates lead 7-5

Mark Ross took over for us in the 9th.
Winfield ended up scoring a Bryant single. Then Harper scored on a Montoyo single.

Pirates lead 9-5

I led off the bottom of the 9th against Mark Eichhorn. I popped out to Roberts at 2nd.
We were unable to score.

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

I have stolen 16 but I have been caught 7 times.

[rpriske]

April 27th, 1990

We keep losing.

Now the Cardinals are in town.

They are pitching Dave Fleming (1-3, 4.28).

The Giants have Frank Viola (0-4, 8.03).

Frank is supposed to be our best.

Fleming is a 20-year old rookie.

They struck right away, in the 1st, when Lance Johnson and Andy Van Slyke scored on an Oddibe McDowell double.

Cardinals lead 2-0

I led off for our side and grounded out to McDowell at 1st.

The 2nd went a little better for us.

Alvin Davis - one-out single.
Alan Cockrell - double, Alvin scores
Rob Deer - single, Alan scores
Tim Naehring - single, error
Frank - double, Rob and Tim score
ME - groundout
Robby Thompson - double, Frank scores

Giants lead 5-2

In the 3rd Johnson scored on an error by Alvin.

Giants lead 5-3

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

I led off the bottom half, now facing Manuel Molina. I flew out to Van Slyke in left.
A few batters later, Dale Murphy slugged a two run homer.

Giants lead 7-2

In the 6th it was Tim who hit a two run shot!
I came up with one out and Frank on 1st. They brought Bob Kipper in to face me.
I walked.
I was replaced on a fielder's choice by Robby. Frank went to 3rd.
They were left on.

Giants lead 9-3

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

I caught a Johnson flare for the 1st out in the 8th.

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with two out, Rob on 1st, and Bruce Lutrell pitching. I hit an RBI double off the wall in centre!
I was left on.

Giants lead 10-3

Mark Davis took the mound for us in the 9th.
Three batters later and we had the win.

Now THAT is more like it!

I went 1 for 4 with a double, a walk, and an RBI.

[rpriske]

April 28th, 1990

After a nice wain against the Cardinals yesterday, we are ready to go again. Let's start a streak!

Today the Cards are pitching Jose Melendez (0-1, 2.89).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (3-1, 6.99).

Melendez is a rookie andnone of us have faced him before.

I took care of a Lance Johnson grounder for the 2nd out of the game.

I led off for the home side by flying out to Johnson in centre. Seems fair.

We did score in the 1st when Robby Thompson crossed on a Rob Deer single.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off the bottom of the 3rd and grounded out back to Melendez.

We got a couple more in the 4th when Rob scored on a Tim Naehring sac fly and Ryan Klesko scored on a Greg Myers single.

Giants lead 3-0

The Cardinals got on the board in the 5th when Jose Uribe scored on a Terry Shumpert sac fly.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up in the 5th with Scott on 1st. I hit it to Uribe at short for a fielder's choice.
Stolen base #17.
I moved to 3rd on a single by Robby.
Robby was thrown out trying to steal and then I was left on base.

I came up with two out in the 7th, now facing their version of Jeff Robinson.
I grounded out to Uribe.

Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch the 9th.
He gave up one hit but that was all and we had the win.

I went 0 for 4 with a stolen base. But we won.

[rpriske]

April 29th, 1990

We are going for the sweep against St. Louis today.

The Cardinals are pitching Terry Clark (1-3, 5.34).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (1-1, 2,70).

I have gone 3 for 10 against Clark.

I got in the action right away, handling a ground ball from the leadoff hitter, Vince Coleman.
And then caught an Andy Van Slyke foul ball for the 2nd out.

It didn't go all great though as Lance Johnson scored on an Oddibe McDowell single.
Then, ugly, Terry Pendelton, McDowell, and Jose Uribe (who reached an an error by Robby Thompson that should have been the 3rd out), all scored on a Ruben Amaro triple.

Cardinals lead 4-0

I led off for our side and managed a walk.
I went to 3rd on a single by Robby. He took 2nd when they tried to catch me.
I scored on a Ruben Sierra groundout.
Robby scored on a Harold Baines sac fly.

Cardinals lead 4-2

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

I caught an Amaro pop for the 1st out in the 4th.

I led off the bottom of the 6th with another groundout to Branson.

We did score that inning when Robby crossed on a Ruben single.

Cardinals lead 4-3

That was short-lived at the Cards struck in the 7th, with Coleman scoring on a Van Slyke sac fly.

Willie Fraser took over for us with one out and a man on 3rd.
He got out of it.

Cardinals lead 5-3

I caught an Amaro foul for the 2nd out in the 8th.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 8th and reached on an infield single.
I took 2nd out a two out single by Ruben.
We were left on.

Mark Williamson took the mound for us in the 9th.
I handled a Lance Johnson grounder for the 3rd out.

We were unable to score in the 9th and took the loss.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, and a run scored.

We get a day off tomorrow and then the Cubs come to town.

[rpriske]

We finished April at 10-14, dead last in the NL West and 6.5 games behind the Padres in first.

For my part, I hit quite well. I hit .328 with an amazing .500 OBP. My OPS+ is at 151 and my WAR is 1.5, for a projection of 9.9.

Pretty nice for my Free Agency year.

I would still like to win, though.

Rick Sutcliffe is our only starting pitcher that isn't dramatically underperforming.

As for the hitters, Dale Murphy has been a great pickup, as has Alvin Davis. greg Myers and Rob Deer have done well in more limited time, but pretty much everyone else is below league average.

[rpriske]

May 1st, 1990

The Cubs are in town and we are ready to start the new month off right.

Chicago is pitching Randy Johnson (2-3, 2.90).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (1-2, 4.78).

I have gone 2 for 7 against Johnson.

I led off the home half of the game by striking out.

In the 3rd I made an error on an Otis Nixon grounder. It was costly as Todd Logan scored on a the play.
Then Tim Barker scored on a Bret Barber fielder's choice.

Two unearned runs because of my error.

Cubs lead 2-0

I led off the bottom of the 3rd, hoping to make it up, and walked.
Stolen base #18.
I scored on a Robby Thompson single.
Robby ended up scoring a sac fly by Harold Baines. Then Ruben Sierra scored on an Alan Cockrell single.

Giants lead 3-2

I led off again in the 4th and grounded out back to Johnson.

I led off for the 4th time this game in the 6th. I reached on an error by Barker at short.
I moved to 2nd on a sac bunt by Robby.
Stolen base #19 got me to 3rd.
I scored on a Ruben sac fly.

Giants lead 4-2

After Bruce walked the first batter in the 7th, Jim went to Mark Davis.

In the bottom of the 7th Dale Murphy scored on a sac fly by pinch hitter Rob Deer.
I grounded out to end the inning.

Giants lead 5-2

Bobby Thigpen took the mound in the 8th.

In the 9th I made another error. Inexcusable.

Bobby bailed me out, but he shouldn't have needed to.

We got the win.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk, two runs scored, two stolen bases, and two errors.

[rpriske]

May 2nd, 1990

We have the Cubs again and they are pitching Dan Freed (1-2, 4.78).

The Giants have Frank Viola (1-4, 6.61).

I have gone 4 for 12 against Freed.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by grounding out to Tim Barker at short.
We scored in the 1st when Robby Thompson was pushed across when Dale Murphy was walked with the bases loaded.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 2nd and flew out to Paul O'Neill in right. He robbed me with a great catch.

I took care of a Todd Logan grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.

The Cubs evened it up in the 4th when Brady Anderson scored on a wild pitch by Frank.

Game tied 1-1

We got it right back when we answered with Alvin Davis scoring on an error and then Dale scored on a wild pitch.

Sloppy game.

I grounded out to end the inning.

Giants lead 3-1

The Cubs got the first run actually scored on a hit ball when Anderson scored in the 6th off an O'Neill single.
Then O'Neill scored on a Jeff King double to tie it back up.

Frank tied the team record with 12 strikeouts in only six innings.

Game tied 3-3

I came up in the 7th with one out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I flew out to Anderson in centre.

After Frank gave up a leadoff single in the 9th, Jim went to Mark Williamson. Frank set a new team record with 13 strikeouts.

Unfortunately, Mark gave up a two run homer to Logan.

Cubs lead 5-3

We lost a winnable game.

I went 0 for 4.

Tomorrow is a travel day as we are heading up to Canada.

[rpriske]

May 4th, 1990

We are in Montreal and trying to turn our fortunes around. That is the story of this season.

The Expos are pitching John Denny (0-1, 5.09).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (4-1, 5.70).

I have hit 3 for 21, or only .143, against Denny.

I led off the game by grounding out to Alvaro Espinoza at short.

In the bottom half Thomas Howard scored on a Chris Sabo groundout.
I handled a Pedro Guerrero grounder for the 3rd out.

Expos lead 1-0

Alvin Davis homered in the top of the 2nd to get that run back for us.

Game tied 1-1

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Alan Cockrell on 1st. I flew out to Howard in centre.

In the bottom half, Howard scored on a Sabo double.

Expos lead 2-1

I took care of an Espinoza grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.

I led off the 6th by dropping one into left for a single.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

I took care of another Espinoza grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th.

I came up in the 8th with one out, pinch-runner Joel Chimelis on 3rd (he came in for Tim Naehring), and Alan on 1st. They brought Kenny Rogers in to face me.
What is the worst thing I could do?
I hit into a double play.

Joel stayed in to play short.
Mark Williamson took over on the mound.

We couldn't make up that run and lost.

That is on me. I should have been able to cash in Joel, somehow.

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

[rpriske]

May 5th, 1990

Still in La Belle Province.

The Expos are pitching Scott Erickson (0-0, 2.25).

The Giants have John Burkett (1-2, 6.98).

Erickson is a 22 year old rookie and we have never seen him before. This is his first start, and only his second appearance.

I led things off by hitting a clean liner to right for a single.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd. Again.
Later, Robby Thompson scored on a roundball by Alvin Davis and Ruben Sierra scored on a Dale Murphy single.
I definitely cost us a run.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up with one out in the 2nd and lined out to a nice catch by Chris Donnels at 3rd.

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

I took care of a Pedro Guerrero grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 5th.

In the 6th Harold Baines smacked a two run homer to double our lead.

Giants lead 4-0

The Expos got on the board in the 6th when Thomas Howard tripled home Eric Plunk.
Then Shane Mack singled Howard home.

Giants lead 4-2

I led off the 7th, now facing Plunk. I struck out.

In the 8th, Russ McGinnis scored on an Offerman single.
Things got worse, including John walking Mack with the bases loaded to tie the game, still with none out.
Offerman scored on a sac fly by Chris Sabo.
Mark Williamson took over after that.
Alvaro Espinoza doubled home Howard and Mack.
Espinoza scored on a McGinnis single.

Expos lead 8-4

I came up with one out in the 9th. Juan Agosto was pitching. I walked.
Robby hit into a double play.

That was a disaster. We turned a win into a loss.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, and a caught stealing. My 9th.

[rpriske]

May 6th, 1990

Third game of a four game set in Montreal.

Today the Expos are pitching Steve Avery (2-2, 5.45).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (2-2, 4.03).

I have done well against Very, going 5 for 12, or .417.

I kicked things off by striking out.

The Expos struck early as Thomas Howard scored on a Shane Mack double in the 1st.

Expos lead 1-0

The lead did not last long as Alvin Davis led off the 2nd with a home run.
I grounded out with two men on to end the inning.

Game tied 1-1

I took care of an Avery bunt for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

Both Alvin and Rob Deer scored on a Greg Myers single in the 4th.
Once again I came up with two men on. This time I flew out.

Giants lead 3-1

In the bottom half, Michael Urzendowski scored on an Avery single.

Giants lead 3-2

We got the run back in the 5th when Dale Murphy scored on an Alvin double.

Giants lead 4-2

In the bottom half, Chris Sabo homered.

Giants lead 4-3

I came up in the 6th with two out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. For the third straight time I made the 3rd out, this time on a grounder to Jose Oquendo at short.

I returned the favour, taking care of an Oquendo grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th.

Mark Davis took over on the mound for us in the 7th.
I got the 1st out for him off a Jose Offerman grounder.
Then the Expos tied it up when Howard crossed on a Mack triple.

Game tied 4-4

In the 8th I came up with two out for the fourth time in a row. This time Greg Myers was on 2nd and pinch hitter Harold Baines was on 1st. Mark Tindall was pitching. I grounded out to Sabo at 1st.

Willie Fraser took the ball for us in the 8th.
He got through it and then Bobby Thigpen took the 9th.
I got the 1st out for Bobby off a Mack grounder.

Bobby got through the 9th but in the 10th he gave up an RBI single to Offerman and the Expos walked us off, 5-4.

I went 0 for 5 and left seven men on base.

Terrible.

[rpriske]

May 7th, 1990

We are finishing up with the Expos today, after already losing three to them.

Today the Expos are pitching Chuck Finley (3-3, 4.29).

The Giants have Frank Viola (1-5, 6.20).

I have gone only 3 for 24 against Finley and have been ice cold lately.

No time like the present to break out of a slump.
I led off the game by taking a fastball to the side.
Hey. I will take it.
I went to 2nd on a Ruben Sierra groundout.
I was left there.

I led off again in the 3rd. I lined one to centre for a single.
I advanced to 2nd on a Robby Thompson bunt.
Stolen base #20 gives me 3rd.
I scored on a Ruben double.

Giants lead 1-0

Chuck Finley slammed into Alan Cockrell at the plate in the 3rd, trying to score on a sac fly. Not only was he called out, but he left the game, injured.

I came up with the bases loaded - Dale Murphy, Tim Nahring, and Alan - and one out. Mark Tindall was pitching. I hit into a run scoring fielder's choice.

Giants lead 2-0

Frank got wild in the bottom of the 4th. He walked Alvaro Espinoza with the sacks full.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up in the 6th with two out and Tim on 1st. I singled to right and Tim went to 3rd.
We were left on.

I took care of a Milt Cuyler fielders choice ball for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 6th, but Espinoza scored on the play, to tie the game.
Then Shane Mack singled home Chuck Jackson.

That was enough for Jim and he brought in Mark Ross.

Expos lead 3-2

Mark pitched the 7th as well and then Mark Williamson came in for the 8th.
I took care on a Jose Offerman grounder for the 2nd out.

I led off the top of the 9th, now facing Kenny Rogers.
I singled to left, representing the tying run.
Robby laid down a sac bunt, moving me to 2nd.
Ruben singled and I scored from 2nd!

Game tied 3-3

Mark pitched a clean 9th and we were going to extras again.

I came up in the 11th with pinch hitter Greg Myers on 1st. Juan Agosto was pitching.
I got my fourth single of the game, moving Greg to 2nd.
Robby matched doubled his total for the season so far by laying down his 3rd sac bunt of the game, moving Greg and me up.
They intentionally walked Ruben.
Bases loaded with one out... and we couldn't score.

Mark Davis took the mound for us in the 11th.

I came up with one out in the 13th, still facing Agosto. I grounded out to Offerman at short.

Willie Fraser took over for us after that.
I made a nice play on a Jackson grounder for the 2nd out.
Then it happened. With Espinoza on 2nd, Offerman singled, and they walked us off again.

We have lost five in a row.

I went 4 for 6 with four singles, two runs scored, one RBI, and a stolen base.

We are heading to New York. Things don't get any easier.

[rpriske]

May 8th, 1990

We got beat up by one of the worst teams in the league. Now we are in Shea to face one of the best.

The Mets are pitching Andy Benes (2-1, 3.03).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (1-2, 275).

Benes is a second year player but we never saw him last year.

I led things off by lining one into centre for a single.
Stolen base #21.
With one out I scored on a Harold Baines single.

Giants lead 1-0

They got it right back when Lenny Dykstra led off the bottom half with a triple and then scored on a Mike Gallego groundout.

Game tied 1-1

They took the lead in the 2nd when Wally Joyner scored on a wild pitch.
Then Kevin Elster and Mike Fitzgerald scored on a Dykstra double.

Mets lead 4-1

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded one up the middle for another single.
Stolen base #22.
I went to 3rd on a groundout by Robby Thompson and scored on a single by Harold again.

Mets lead 4-2

In the 4th Rob Deer scored on a Ryan Klesko triple.
Then we tied it up on a Joel Chimelis sac fly.
I came up with two out and legged at an infield hit.
I was thrown out trying to steal.

Game tied 4-4

The Mets got the lead right back when Elster doubled and then scored on a Fitzgerald single.
Rick continued to have control problems and walked greg Vaughn with the bases loaded.

That was it for Jim who brought in Rod Nichols.
He got out of it.

Mets lead 6-4

In the 6th Vaughn socked a solo homer.

Mets lead 7-4

I led off the 7th, now facing David Wells. I grounded out to Gallego at short.

I came up next in the 9th, with one out, pinch hitter Ruben Sierra on 1st, and Rick Aguilera pitching.
I dunked one into left for my fourth single of the game. Ruben went to 2nd.
Our next two struck out and we had lost. Again.

Well, I had a good game. 4 for 5 with four singles, two runs scored, two stolen bases, and a caught stealing.

I was singled out as the star of the game, despite being on the losing side.