Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

June 22nd, 1990

We are in Houston under the Dome.

The Astros are pitching Chris Hammond (5-7, 3.83).

The Giants are going with Scott Garrelts (9-4, 4.31).

I have gone 6 for 19, or .316, against Hammond.

I kicked things off by taking a four pitch walk.
Stolen base #60.
I scored on an Alvin Davis single.

Giants lead 1-0

I took care of a Felix Jose grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Scott on 1st. I drove one up the middle for a single, sending Scott to 3rd.
Alvin walked, to load the bases.
We were left that way.

The Astros also loaded the bases in the 2nd but then Scott walked Hammond, forcing Craig Biggio across.

Game tied 1-1

I led off the 5th but struck out.

I came up next in the 7th with one out, Robby Thompson on 3rd, and Tim Naehring on 2nd. I flew out to right but got the sac fly!

Giants lead 2-1

I handled a Craig Worthington grounder for the final out in the 7th, behind Mark Davis who came in to finish the inning.

I caught a Glenn Davis pop for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.

Bobby Thigpen got the 9th. He gave up a leadoff single to pinch hitter John Olerud, who ended ups coring on a two out single by Jose.

Going to extras tied 1-1.

I came up with one out in the 10th, facing Lee Guetterman. I grounded out to Clay Bellinger at short.

I took care of a Guetterman grounder for the final out in the 10th.

With two out in the 11th, Jim went to Mark Williamson.
He walked Rusty Greer but then got his out.

Gene Nelson came in to pitch the 12th.

I came up in the 13th with Rya Klesko on 1st and Mark Knudson pitching. I lined out to Davis at 1st.

Things turned out way in the 14th when Alan Cockrell scored on a pinch hit double by Tom O'Malley.

Giants lead 2-1

Rick Sutcliffe came in to close things out.
He couldn't. With one out he gave up a gopher ball to Davis to tie the game back up.
I took care of a sac bunt by Knudson for the 2nd out.
Then Craig Biggio came home on a Bellinger single to give the Astros the walk off, 3-2 win.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, a sac fly, a run scored, an RBI, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

June 23rd, 1990

After that deflating loss yesterday we are back at it in the Astrodome.

The Astros are pitching my countryman, Rheal Cormier (4-3, 3.94).

The Giants are going with Frank Viola (5-6, 3.88).

I have a bit of experience with Cormier, going 2 for 6 including a home run.

I answered the call by taking a four pitch walk.
Stolen base #61 and an extra base when Craig Biggio threw it away.
Alvin Davis walked. Cormier has yet to throw a strike.
Our first swing of the game was an RBI double by Ruben Sierra.
Alvin then scored on a Harold Baines groundout.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up with one out in the 2nd and flew out to Felix Jose in right.

I took care of a Glenn Davis grounder for the 1st out int he bottom of the 4th.
I then did the same to Spike Owen for the 3rd out.

I led off the 5th by grounding out to Davis at 1st.
Alvin followed me with a home run.

Giants lead 3-0

The Astros got on the board in the 6th when Jose scored on a Rusty Greer single.
Then Craig Worthington scored on a Biggio sac fly after a collision at home.

Giants lead 3-2

I came up with one out in the 7th and walked for the second time.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

I came up in the 9th with one out and Tim Naehring on 1st. They brought in Pat Combs to face me. He struck me out.

Mark Williamson came in to pitch the 9th for us.
He gave up a leadoff single but the next three to grab the save.

I went 0 for 3 with two walks, a run scored, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

[rpriske]

June 24th, 1990

We finish up in Houston today.

The Astros are pitching Mike Scott (5-5, 2.46).

The Giants have Roy Smith (2-0, 2.95).

I have not done great against Scott, going 10 for 50, though I do have a home run.

I opened things up by striking out.

The Astros scored in the 1st when Felix Jose crossed on a Craig Biggio single.
Then Rusty Greer scored on a Jim Edmonds double.

Astros lead 2-0

We got one back in the 2nd when Robby Thompson scored on a Tim Naehring double.

Astros lead 2-1

I led off the 3rd by lining out to Greer in left.

Then Green and Glenn Davis scored on an Edmonds triple in the bottom of the 3rd.
He then scored on a wild pitch by Roy.

Astros lead 5-1

Rod Nichols took over for us in the 4th.
I made a great play on a Craig Worthington grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up with two out in the 5th. I hit one into centre for a single.
Stolen base #62.
I was left at 2nd.

I came up next in the 7th with one out and pinch hitter Harold Baines on 1st.
I hit one to short for a fielder's choice.
Stolen base #63.
Ryan Klesko walked.
We were both left.

Mark Davis took the mound for us in the bottom of the 7th.
I handled a Jose grounder for the 1st out.

Tim led off the 9th with a home run.
I came up with one out. Mark Knudson was pitching. I flew out to Jose in right.

We lost, 5-2.

I went 1 for 5 with a single and two stolen bases.

Now we head to Cincinnati.

[rpriske]

June 25th, 1990

We are in Cincinnati, trying to pick up some wins against a tough team.

The Reds are pitching Tom Browning (10-3, 2.55).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (4-5, 3.75).

I have done okay against Browning, going 14 for 49, or .286.

I led off the game by flying out to Kal Daniels in left.

I came up next with to out in the 3rd and hit a little clunker into right for a single.
I ran into a pitchout and was caught trying to steal 2nd.

Eric Davis hit a solo shot in the 4th to open the scoring.

Reds lead 1-0

Then, in the 4th, Browning scored on a Felix Fermin sac fly.

Reds lead 2-0

I led off the 6th by driving one into left for a single.
No pitch out this time, but I was caught trying to steal anyway.

In the bottom of the 6th, Shawon Dunston scored on a Mike Greenwell double.

Reds lead 3-0

Then in the 7th, Mike Mordecai scored on an Alvin Davis error.

Gene Nelson came in after that.
Daniels welcomed him with a two run homer.

Reds lead 6-0

I came up in the 8th with two out and Alan Cockrell on 1st. I grounded out to Fermin at 2nd.

Rod Nichols took over for us in the bottom of the 8th.

It never got any better and we were shut out.

I went 2 for 4 with two singles, but two caught stealing.

[rpriske]

June 26th, 1990

Robby Thompson has been having more troubles with his knee. He is still playing, though. Is I worth making it worse? I don't know.


The Reds are pitching Frank Castillo (3-5, 4.20).

The Giants have John Burkett (1-6, 4.86).

I have gone 4 for 19, or .211, against Castillo.

I was first up, as usual, and I sent a 1-2 curveball over the left field fence.
Really, Me.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up next with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to John Patterson at 2nd.

The Reds got on the board in the 3rd when Mike Mordecai scored on a Carlos Baerga single.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with two out in the 5th and hit one through the right side for a single.
Stolen base #64.
I was left at 2nd.

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

I caught a foul ball by Kal Daniels for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 6th.

My next time up was with one out in the 8th. I grounded out to Patterson again.

Eric Davis homered in the bottom of the 8th, giving the Reds the lead.

With two out and one on, Jim went to Mark Williamson.
He got the 3rd out.

Reds lead 2-1

We couldn't score in the 9th and lost again.

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

[rpriske]

June 27th, 1990

We were supposed to finish in Cincinnati today but the game was rained out.

It has been rescheduled for August.

We have a travel day tomorrow so it is a good re-set for us.

We are heading to Pittsburgh.

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

On the trip, Jim Lowe came to the team and told us he has decided to retire.

He has been our manager for the last three years as we went from first to last.

Jim as a decent egg, but out philosophies haven't always matched.

I do wonder if the retirement was completely voluntary or if the front office gave him a little push.

Chris Breshears will be filling in for him for the moment. Chris is a pitching-first guy but also likes defense and speed. This could work for me.

[rpriske]

June 29th, 1990

Now we are home to face Pittsburgh, with us under a temporary Manager.

The Pirates are pitching Mark Gubicza (6-5, 2.72).

The Giants have Frank Viola (6-6, 3.77).

I haven't face Gubicza much, going 2 for 7.

I got in the action right away, taking care of a Willie McGee grounder for the 1st out of the game.

I led off for our side and took a walk.
Stolen base #65.
I went to 3rd on a single by Ryan Klesko.
I scored on a Ruben Sierra single.
Ryan scored on an Alvin Davis double play.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I grounded out to Charlie Montoyo at short.

I got the 1st out in the 4th off a Dave Winfield grounder.
Things started getting away from Frank that inning and Brian Harper and Scott Bryant scored on a Montoyo double.

Game tied 2-2

I came up in the 5th with Alan on 2nd and Frank on 1st. I hit one to left for an RBI double!
Frank and I scored on a single by Ryan!

Giants lead 5-2

I came up next in the 7th with one out and Bill Gullickson pitching. I drove one through the left side for a single.
With two out I grabbed stolen base #66.
I got no further.

Bobby Thigpen came in for the 9th, trying to shut the door.
Three batters later, he had done just that.

I guess Chris has a perfect record as a Manger. (He HAS managed before, but it was in AA Oklahoma City.)

I went 2 for 3 with a double, a single, a walk, two runs scored, and RBI, and two stolen bases.

The team announced a trade over night. It was all minor leaguers but included a name we are all familiar with.

Mike Aldrete and Terry Taylor went to the Astros for Rusty Crockett and Pat Combs.

I guess they think grabbing young shortstops named Rusty is the way to go.

[rpriske]

June 30th, 1990

We've got the Pirates again and we are trying to continue our new Manager's undefeated streak.

The Pirates are pitching Mike Bielecki (8-7, 4.20).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (4-6, 3.85).

I have gone 7 for 26, or .269, against Bielecki.

Pittsburgh struck early as Bip Roberts scored on a Lee Stevens single in the 1st.
Then Stevens scored on a Kirk Gibson single.

Pirates lead 2-0

I led off for our side by grounding out right back to Bielecki.

I took care of a Willie McGee grounder of the 3rd out in the 2nd.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Bruce on 1st. The first pitch was wild, moving Bruce up a bag.
I grounded out to Charlie Montoyo at short.

We never got any kind of hit until he 4th, but things went better then. Ruben Sierra scored on an Alvin Davis groundout and Robby Thompson hit a two run homer.

Giants lead 3-2

In the 5th McGee scored on a Stevens sac fly.
I took care of a Dave Winfield grounder of the 3rd out.

Game tied 3-3

I came up in the 5th with Bruce on 1st. He went to 3rd as I singled through the right side.
Stolen base #67.
Bruce scored on a I went to 3rd on a sac fly by Ryan Klesko.
I scored as Ruben reached on an error by Montoyo.

Giants lead 5-3

In the 7th Roberts hit a two run homer to tie it back up.
Chris went to Mark Davis with one out.
I took care of a Brian Harper grounder for the final out of the inning.

Game tied 5-5

They brought Mike Stanton in to face me as a led off in the 7th.
I lined one into centre for a single.
Stolen base #68.
I went to 3rd on a single by Ryan.
I scored on a single by Ruben.
Ryan ended up scoring on a fielder's choice by Alvin.

Giants lead 7-5

With two on and two out in the 8th, Chris brought in Bobby Thigpen. Joel Chimelis also replaced Tim Naehring on a double switch.
He struck out his guy.

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with one out, Joel on 2nd, and Mark Eichhorn pitching. They gave me an intentional walk.
Ryan singled, loading the bases.
Ruben hit one to the outfield but Joel turned it into a double play, being thrown out at the plate.

The Pirates loaded them up in the 9th but Bobby stopped them from scoring and we kept Chris' record perfect!

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, two runs scored, a walk, and two stolen bases.

After the game we found out that Butch Davis was called up from Phoenix.

[rpriske]

As of the end of June, the Giants are 33-44, in last place in the NL West, 14.5 games behind the leaders - the Padres.

My June continued my slow batting average slide this season. I hit .256, though I got my OBP back up to .409.

Oddly, I homered twice this month.

[rpriske]

July 1st, 1990

We finish up with the Pirates today. They are pitching Bob Walk (3-5, 4.04).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (9-4, 4.10).

I have gone 7 for 23, or .304, with a home run against Walk.

The Pirates struck in the 1st when Bip Roberts scored on a Lee Stevens fielder's choice.

Pirates lead 1-0

I led off the home side by hitting one off the right field wall for a triple!
I scored on a Ryan Klesko double.
Ryan ended up scoring on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 2-1

In the 2nd, Brian Harper scored on a wild pitch by Scott.

Game tied 2-2

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd.
While I was up, Walk was called for a balk.
I singled Alan home!
Stolen base #69.
I was left there.

Giants lead 3-2

I came up next in the 4th, with two out and Tim Naehring on 2nd.
I flew out to Dave Winfield in right.

Next I came up in the 6th, also with two out, Alan on 2nd, Scott on 1st, and Fernando Gonzalez on the mound.
I grounded out to Roberts at 2nd.

We got some insurance in the 7th when Ryan scored on a Harold Baines sac fly and Robby followed with a two run homer!

Giants lead 6-2

With two out and a man on in the 8th, Chris went to Mark Williamson.
He got the 3rd out.

I came up in the 8th with one out and pinch hitter Rob Deer on 1st. Bill Gullickson was now pitching.
I hit into a double play.

Gene Nelson took the mound for us in the 9th.
I got the 1st out for him off a Willie McGee grounder.
He allowed a couple of base runners but no runs, and we had the win.

I went 2 for 5 with a triple, a single, a run scored, an RBI, and a stolen base.

After the game they announced our new Manager - Matt Carroll.

He is brand new. We didn't hit it off really well. We'll see.

[rpriske]

The mood on the team is a mess. There are just too many slackers on this team.

In know losing is tough, but we aren't going to turn it around this way.

[rpriske]

July 2nd, 1990

The Cardinals are in town and we are starting a new series with our new Manager.

Let's see how different things are under Matt.

The Cards are pitching Scott Lawrence (6-6, 3.47)

The Giants have Roy Smith (2-1, 3.80).

Lawrence is pretty new and other than Alan Cockrell, none of us have faced him before.

Roy pitched a clean 1st inning and then I led off for our side. I lined out to Jeff Branson at 2nd.

Ryan Klesko followed me with a home run.

Giants lead 1-0

I handled a Mike Brown grounder for the 3rd out in the 2nd.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and reached 2nd on an error by Jose Uribe.
Stolen base #70.
I scored on a single by Ryan.
Ryan ended up scoring on a Harold Baines single.

Giants lead 3-0

The Cardinals struck in the 4th after a couple of errors. Oddibe McDowell and Bernie Williams scored on a Terry Pendleton double.
Andy Van Slyke scored on another error - this one by Alvin Davis.
Pendelton scored on a Branson sac fly.
I took care of a Lawrence grounder for the 3rd out.

They scored four times and only one of them was earned.

Cardinals lead 4-3

In the bottom half, we tied it up when Alvin scored on a groundout by pinch hitter, Rob Deer.
I came up with two out and Alan on 2nd. I grounded out to Branson

Game tied 4-4

Rod Nichols took over for us in the 5th.
He pitched two perfect frames before Rick Sutcliffe took over in the 7th.

I led off the bottom of the 7th by reaching on an infield hit down the 3B line.
Stolen base #71.
I went to 3rd on a Ruben Sierra groundout and scored on a single by Harold.

Giants lead 5-4

Rick walked the first batter in the 8th and Matt went to Mark Williamson.
Things didn't go better for Mark and Lance Johnson and McDowell scored on a Pendleton single.

Cardinals lead 6-5

I came up in the 8th with two out, pinch hitter Dale Murphy on 1st, and Greg Harris pitching. I flew out to McDowell in left.

Bobby Thigpen took the mound for us in the 9th.

We weren't able to get the run back and Matt's first game as skipper was a loss.

I went 1 for 5 with a single, a reached-on-error, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

[rpriske]

July 3rd, 1991

Today the Cardinals are pitching a young guy people are talking about. An 18-year old Pedro Martinez (2-4, 3.07).

The Giants have John Burkett (1-7, 4.62).

Needless to say, we have not faced Martinez.

John set them down in order. Then I led off for the home side. The rookie got me to line out to Bernie Williams in right.
Ryan Klesko walked behind me and ended up scoring on an Alvin Davis single. Then Harold Baines scored on an Alan Cockrell fielder's choice.

Giants lead 2-0

Andy Van Slyke led off the 2nd with a homer.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up with two out in the 2nd and flew out to Lance Johnson in centre.

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

Alvin homered in the bottom half.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up in the 4th with two out, Rob Deer on 3rd, and John on 1st. I walked, filling the bases.
We were left that way.

We did manage to get a couple in the 5th. First Alvin scored when Tim Naehring walked with the bases full. Then Robby Thompson scored on a single by Rob.

Giants lead 5-1

The Cards scored in the 6th when Johnson crossed on a Ruben Amaro double.
Amaro scored on a Van Slyke double.
then HE scored on an Oddibe McDowell double.

Giants lead 5-4

I led off the 6th and they brought in our old teammate Jeff Robinson to face me.
I hit one up the middle for a single.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

In the 7th, Alan hit a home run!

Giants lead 6-4

Gene Nelson took the mound for us in the 8th.

I led off the bottom of the 8th by reaching on an error by Terry Shumpert at 2nd.
With one out, stolen base #72.
I took 3rd on a groundout by Dale Murphy.
Joel Chimelis walked.
I scored on a single by Robby.

Giants lead 7-4

With one out and two on in the 9th, Matt brought in Bobby Thigpen.
Terry Pendleton ended up scoring on a wild pitch.

We still won, 7-5.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a reached-on-error, a walk, a run scored, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

[rpriske]

July 4th, 1990

Big Fourth of July shenanigans today. I just want to take the series from St. Louis.

The Cardinals are pitching Terry Clark (5-12, 4.53).

The Giants have Frank Viola (7-6, 3.60).

I have decent results against Clark, going 5 for 15.

I got the 3rd out in the 1st, taking care of a Terry Pendleton grounder with a nice play, saving a run.

I led off for our side, drawing a walk.
Stolen base #73.
I went to 3rd on a Harold Baines groundout and scored on a passed ball by Ruben Amaro.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off again in the 3rd. I hit a little squibber that Amaro took care of for the out.

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

I then caught an Andy Van Slyke pop for the 3rd out in the 5th.

I led off yet again in the 5th. I grounded out to Jose Uribe at short.
A couple of batters later, Harold hit a two-run homer.

Giants lead 3-0

I came up in the 7th with Frank on 1st. I flew out to Lance Johnson in centre.

With one out and two men in scoring position, Matt brought in Gene Nelson.
Pendelton scored on a Jeff Branson single.
Then Gene walked the next guy and Matt brought out the hook again. This time he went with Mark Davis.
Mark walked Terry Shumpert, scoring Keith Hernandez.
Branson scored on an Amaro single, tying the game.
McDowell scored on a Bernie Williams sac fly.

Cardinals lead 4-3

And there it stayed.

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

Tomorrow is an off-day and then the Cubs come to town.

[rpriske]

July 6th, 1990

The Cubs are here and we are trying to get Matt his first win.

Chicago is pitching Bill Krueger (4-8, 5.47).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (4-6, 4.02).

I have done very well against Krueger, going 4 for 5.

I got in on the action right away, handling a grounder by leadoff hitter Dave Martinez for the 1st out.

I led off for our side by grounding out to Jeff King at 3rd.

The Cubs were first on the board in the 3rd when Krueger scored on a Travis Freeman single.

Cubs lead 1-0

I came up in the 3rd with Bruce on 1st. I hit one into the left field corner for a double. Bruce held up at 3rd.
Robby Thompson walked, loading the bases with none out.
Bruce scored on a Ruben Sierra sac fly.
That's all we could get.

Game tied 1-1

I led off in the 5th, grounding out to Freeman at short.
A few batters later, Dale Murphy launched a three-run blast.

Giants lead 4-1

Rick Sutcliffe took over for us with one out in the 6th.
Ryan Klesko also took over for Alvin Davis in a double switch.

I led off in the 7th, with them brining in Chris Pollack to face me.
I grounded out to Bret Barberie at 2nd.

Bobby Thigpen came in for the 9th, trying to close things down.
He walked a man with two out, but that was all and we had the win!

A gatorade bath for Matt.

I went 1 for 4 with a double.

[rpriske]

July 7th, 1990

We won yesterday. How about we keep that going?

Today the Cubs are pitching Randy Johnson (10-6, 1.92).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (10-4, 3.97).

I have only gone 2 for 10 against Johnson.

The Cubs struck right away as Bret Barberie crossed on a 1st inning double by Travis Fryman.
Then Fryman scored on a Chris Hoiles single.

Cubs lead 2-0

I led off for the good guys. I grounded out to Jeff King at 3rd.

I took care of a Dave Martinez grounder for the 3rd out in the 2nd.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Tim Naehring on 1st. I flew out to Paul O'Neill in left.

The Cubs struck again in the 5th when Steve Hosey scored on a Barberie single.

Cubs lead 3-0

I came up in the 5th with two out and Scott on 1st. I worked a walk.
Then Robby walked, loading the bases,
What did Ruben Sierra do?
GRAND SLAM!

Giants lead 4-3

In the 6th Hoiles homered to even it back up.
With one out and a man on 2nd, Matt brought in Mark Davis.
After an out and an intentional walk, Johnson hit a two run double.

Cubs lead 6-4

We didn't lay down!
In the bottom of the 6th Alvin Davis scored on a Rob Deer pinch hit sac fly.
Then I got an RBI double, scoring Dale Murphy!

Game tied 6-6

Rick Sutcliffe took over for us in the 7th.
Hoiles homered again.

Cubs lead 7-6

In the 8th, Hosey scored on a Martinez double.

Cubs lead 8-6

With one out and one on in the 9th, Matt brought in Mark Williamson.
He got out of the inning.

I came up in the bottom of the 9th with one out and Joe Boever pitching.
I drove one into centre for a single.
I never moved up and we lost.

I went 2 for 4 with a single, a double, a walk, a run scored, and an RBI.

Tomorrow is a double header.

[rpriske]

July 8th, 1990

First game of a double header against the Cubs.

The Cubbies are pitching Greg Maddux (4-8, 4.27).

The Giants have Roy Smith (2-1, 3.66).

I have gone 11 for 38, or .289, with one home run against Maddux.

I took care of a Paul O'Neill grounder for a fielder's choice, 2nd out in the 1st.
I then handled a Travis freeman grounder for the 3rd out.

I led off for our side by reaching on an error by Jeff King at 3rd.
Stolen base #74.
I advanced to 3rd as Ryan Klesko also reached on error.
Ruben Sierra doubled and we both scored.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Joel Chimelis on 2nd. I walked.
Then Ryan walked.
Ruben Sierra was plunked by a fastball, forcing a run in.
Ryan and I scored on a Harold Baines double.

Giants lead 5-0

I fielded a sac bunt by new pitcher John Powell for the 1st out.
Steve Hosey scored on a Bret Barberie single.

Giants lead 5-1

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. Now it was my turn to wear a fastball. That is the third time this game one of us has been hit.
We both moved up on a wild pitch.
I don't think they are head hunting. I think they just suck.
We both scored on a single by Ryan.

Giants lead 7-1

I took care of a Chris Hoiles grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.

Hosey homered to lead off the 5th.
Powell scored on a Paul O'Neill double play.
Then Dave Martinez scored on a Fryman single.

Giants lead 7-4

I led off the bottom of the 5th, facing Powell. I grounded out to Barberie at 2nd.
That inning Ryan scored on a double by Ruben.

Giants lead 8-4

With a man on and two out in the 6th, Matt brought in Gene Nelson.
Rob Deer also replaced Harold in right on a double switch.

In the bottom of the 6th, Alan Cockrell and Tim scored on a double by Rob.
I came up with none out, Rob on 2nd, and Joel Chimelis on 3rd. They brought Chris Pollack in to face me.
I walked.
Joel ended up scoring a groundout by Ruben.

Giants lead 11-4

Matt went to Rod Nichols for the 7th.
Pinch hitter Mark McLemore ended up scoring on a Fryman groundout.

Giants lead 11-5

I caught a Todd Logan pop for the 1st out in the 8th.
I then took care of a Hosey grounder for the 2nd out.

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with one out and Joel on 1st. Shawn Hillegas was the pitcher. I knocked in Joel with a double but was thrown out trying to stretch in to a triple.

Giants lead 12-5

O'Neill homered in the 9th.

We won 12-6.

I went 1 for 3 with a double, two walks, three runs scored, one RBI, and one stolen base.

But we have another game to go!

[rpriske]

July 8th, 1990

Let's play two!

For the second game, the Cubs are pitching Tracy Toy (1-1, 3.27).

The Giants are going with John Burkett (2-7, 4.66).

Toy is a rookie and I haven't faced him before.

Bret Barberie hit a solo homer in the top of the 1st.

Cubs lead 1-0

I led off for the home side by grounding out back to Toy.

We tied it up in the 2nd when Harold Baines scored on a Joel Chimelis double.

Game tied 1-1

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

I next came up with two out in the 5th and flew out to Dave Martinez in centre.

The Cubs retook the lead in the 7th when Chris Hoiles and Jeff King scored on a Dave Valle single.
I took care of a grounder by pinch hitter Brady Anderson to end the threat.

Cubs lead 3-1

We got one back in the bottom half when Joel scored on a Greg Myers single.

Cubs lead 3-2

Mark Williamson took the mound for us in the 8th.
He got his three and then I led off the bottom half against Joe Boever.
I reached 2nd on a throwing error by Barberie.
I grabbed stolen base #75 with one out.
I scored to tie the game on a Ruben Sierra single.
Ruben ended up scoring on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 4-3

Bobby Thigpen took over for us in the 9th. Rob Deer also took over for Harold on a double switch.
Three outs later we head the double header sweep.

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

With two wins today we have passed the Astros and are no longer in last place!

``````````````
Also, the All-Star teams were announced. I was voted in as starting 3B.

I am the only Giant picked for the team.

[rpriske]

Jesse Barfield of the Blue Jays won the Home Run Derby.

````````

Not what I wanted to do in the All-Star Game.

We were playing in Shea this year and in the 1st I made a throwing error on what should have been a groundout by Jose Canseco.
It didn't cost us but we were trailing 1-0 when I led off for the NL.

David Cone of Oakland was starting for the AL.
He walked me on four pitches.
Stolen base.
I took 3rd on a groundout by Kent Hrbek.
I scored on a Jim Thome single.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and the bases loaded (Kevin Mitchell, Will Clark, Eric Davis). Ken Hill (also of Oakland) was pitching.
I struck out.

I was replaced in the 4th, as expected.

The AL won, 7-2.

Ellis Burks of the Twins was named MVP.

When we come back from the break we will be playing in St. Louis.

[rpriske]

July 12th, 1990

We are back from the break and in St. Louis, ready to go.

The Cardinals are pitching Scott Lawrence (6-7, 3.82).

The Giants have Frank Viola (7-6, 3.54).

I haven't faced Lawrence much, going 1 for 4.

I kicked things off by grounding out to Terry Pendleton at 3rd.

Alan Cockrell led off the 3rd with a home run.
I came up with one out and walked on four pitches.
Stolen base #76.
I went to 3rd on an Alvin Davis single and scored on a Harold Baines single.
They both scored on a Robby Thompson double.

Giants lead 4-0

In the bottom half, Lance Johnson scored on a throwing error by Alan.
Then Ruben Amaro scored on an Andy Van Slyke triple.
Pendleton then singled him home.
He scored on a Jose Uribe single, tying the game.

Game tied 4-4

They took the lead in the 4th when Pendleton singled home Johnson.

With two out and two on, Matt brought in Rod Nichols.
He got the out.

Cardinals lead 5-4

I led off the 5th by striking out.

We got the run back in the 6th when Ruben crossed on a single by Tim Naehring.

Game tied 5-5

I came up in the 7th with pinch hitter Rob Deer on 1st and Jeff Robinson on the mound. I took a walk from my old teammate.
Joel Chimelis replaced Rob asa pinch runner.
Alvin walked, loading the bases.

I want to win but I also kind of feel bad for Jeff. He walked us all.

It got worse for him. Wild pitch. Joel scored and Alvin and I moved up.
Harold hit a fly ball and I was thrown out trying to score.
Alvin scored on a single by Ruben.

Giants lead 7-5

Mark Davis took over for us in the bottom of the 7th.
Joel stayed in to play 1st.

In the 8th Ryan Klesko scored on a groundout by Alan.

I came up with two out and Joel on 1st. Greg Harris was the pitcher. I grounded out to Pendleton.

Giants lead 8-5

In the bottom half, Van Slyke scored on a Pendleton double.

Giants lead 8-6

Bobby Thigpen came in to shut in down in the 9th.

Three batters later, we had the victory.

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

That is three in a row. Eight more and we are at .500

Yeah. At least we aren't last anymore.