Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

July 13th, 1990

In St. Louis and the Cardinal are pitching Terry Clark (5-12, 4.51).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (5-6, 3.92).

I have gone 5 for 18, or .278, against Clark.

I opened the game by grounding out to Terry Pendleton at 3rd.

In the 2nd Robby Thompson hit a two run dinger.

Giants lead 2-0

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

I took care of an Andy Van Slake grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 4th.

I came up in the 5th with one out, Dale Murphy on 3rd, Tim Naehring on 2nd, and Manuel Molina pitching.
I hit one into right centre for an RBI single.
Stolen base #77.
Tim scored and I went to 3rd on an Alvin Davis groundout.
I scored as Harold Baines reached on a Jose Uribe error.
Harold later scored on a single by Robby.

Giants lead 6-0

I came up in the 7th with one out, Tim on 2nd, and Bruce on 1st. They brought Bob Kipper in to face me.
I lined out to Pendleton.

I handled a Lance Johnson grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 6th.

I came up in the 8th with one out and Tim on 2nd. They brought Mark Cahill in to deal with me. Instead, he walked me on four pitches.
He struck out the next two guys to strand us.

Bruce shut out the Cardinals on only two hits!

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

That is four in a row for us.

[rpriske]

July 14th, 1990

We are on a bit of a roll. Let's keep it going.

We are in St. Louis and the Cardinals are pitching Dave Fleming (5-9, 4.51).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (10-4, 4.19).

I haven't seen much if Fleming, but what I have has been good. I have gone 2 for 4.

I led off the game by flying out to Lance Johnson in centre.

The Cards struck early as their second batter of the game was Oddibe McDowell's double driving in Johnson.

Cardinals lead 1-0

We got it right back when Alan Cockrell led off the 2nd with a home run.

Game tied 1-1

I took care of a sac bunt by Fleming for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and worked a walk.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.
Consecutive hits by Ruben Sierra, Robby Thompson, and Alan led to two more runs.

Giants lead 3-1

They got those back in the bottom half as Jeff Branson single scored Andy Van Slyke and Terry Pendleton.

Game tied 3-3

I led off the 5th by grounding out to Branson at 2nd.

John Burkett took over for us in the 6th.
Joel Chimelis also replaced Tim Naehring in a double switch.

I handled a Johnson grounder for the last out in the 7th.

I then led off the 8th. They brought Greg Harris in to face me.
I grounded out to Mike Sarbaugh at 2nd.

Mark Williamson came in to pitch for us in the 9th. Greg Myers also replaced Alan behind the dish.

We went to extras and Bobby Thigpen took the ball in the 10th.

I led off the 11th, facing Mark Cahill. I walked.
Caught stealing again.
Robby hit a two out solo homer to give us the lead.

Giants lead 4-3

With two out and a man on in the bottom of the 11th, Matt went to Mark Davis. He got his guy and we had our 5th win in a row.

I went 0 for 3 with two walks and, somewhat embarrassingly, two caught stealings.

We finish in St. Louis tomorrow.

[rpriske]

July 15th, 1990

We finish up in St. Louis today, in the midst of a five game winning streak.

The Cardinals are pitching Terry Gilmore (5-6, 3.70).

The Giants are going with Roy Smith (3-1, 3.96).

I don't have much exposure to Gilmore, but I have gone 3 for 9.

I was first to the plate, as usual on the road, and I fouled out to Andy Van Slyke, wide of 1st.
The guys behind me did better as Harold Baines scored on a Ruben Sierra single and then Ruben scored on a Robby Thompson triple!

Giants lead 2-0

I caught a foul pop by Lance Johnson, the first batter in the bottom half.
I also took care of a Van Slyke grounder for the 3rd out.

I then came up with two out in the 2nd and took a walk.
Stolen base #78.
Then Alvin Davis smacked one over the right field fence!

Giants lead 4-0

In the bottom of the 2nd, Jose Uribe scored on a Jeff Branson double.

Giants lead 4-1

I came up in the 4th with one out, Tim Naehring on 2nd, and Alan Cockrell on 1st. I struck out.
Alvin then singled home Tim and Harold singled home Alan!

Giants lead 6-1

I came up in the 6th with one out, Roy on 1st, and Manuel Molina on the mound. I crushed a line drive to centre for a single.
We both moved up on a wild pitch.
Roy was thrown out at the plate on a fly ball by Alvin, leaving me at 2nd.

In the bottom of the 6th, Oddibe McDowell scored on a Bernie Williams double.
Williams ended up scoring on a Terry Pendleton double.
Van Slyke scored on an Uribe groundout.

Giants lead 6-4

With none out and two on in the 7th, Matt called on Gene Nelson.
He gave up a single and then walked McDowell, scoring Branson.
Pinch hitter Jeromy Burnitz scored on a Williams single, tying the game and leaving them loaded with none out.
Gene walked Van Slyke, plating another run.
Pendelton hit a three run double.

Matt finally acknowledged that Gene was through meatballs out there and brought in John Burkett.
I took a Burnitz grounder (his second at bat of the inning after coming in as a pinch hitter), I made it into a fielder's choice. They scored yet another run on the play.

Cardinals lead 11-6.

I came up in the 8th with one out, Alan on 1st, and Jeff Robinson pitching.
While I was at the plate, Alan went to 2nd on a passed ball.
He went to 3rd when I grounded out back to Robinson.

Rod Nichols took over for us in the bottom half.

We got a couple runs in the 9th but not enough and we lost, 11-8.

We had this game in hand before pissing it away.

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

We are now headed to Pittsburgh.

[rpriske]

July 16th, 1990

We are in Pittsburgh, trying to turn it around after that disappointing loss yesterday.

The Pirates are pitching rookie, Mel Rojas (4-4, 3.99).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (2-8, 5.54).

None of us have seen Rojas before.

I led things of by lining to to Willie McGee in centre.

Things turned around after that as Alvin Davis scored on a Ruben Sierra single. Harold Baines scored on a Ryan Klesko single. And Ruben scored on an Alan Cockrell single.

Giants lead 3-0

I came up with one out in the 2nd and grounded out to Charlie Montoyo at short.

In the bottom of the 2nd, the Pirates loaded the bases with two out and Rojas up. But Rick grazed him and that scored Brian Harper. I took care of a Kirk Gibson grounder to end that.

Giants lead 3-1

In the 3rd Ryan doubled home Ruben.

Giants lead 4-1

I next came up with one out in the 4th and managed to work a walk.
With two out I nabbed stolen base #79.
Harold followed with a home run.

Giants lead 6-1

I handled a groundball by relief pitched Rod James for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 4th.

I caught a foul pop by Dave Winfield for the 1st out in the bottom of the 5th.
Then Bip Roberts scored on a Harper single.

Giants lead 6-2

I came up with one out in the 6th, facing James for the first time. I grounded out to Montoyo again.

Gene Nelson took over for us in the 6th.
I handled a grounder by pinch hitter Mike Blowers for the 1st out.

In the 7th Robby Thompson scored on a single by Ryan.

Giants lead 7-2

Rod Nichols took the bump for us in the 7th.

I led off the 8th against Charles Hudson. I flew out to McGee again.

In the bottom half, Sid Bream hit a pinch hit, solo home run.

Giants lead 7-3

I came up in the 9th with two out, Joel Chimelis on 1st, and Fernando Gonzalez pitching. I walked again.
We were left on.

Mark Williamson took the mound in the 9th.
He allowed a couple of baserunners but no runs and we had the win.

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

[rpriske]

July 17th, 1990

We beat the Pirates yesterday, which is great, but I really need to get my bat going.

Today the Pirates are pitching Mark Gubicza (6-8, 3.18).

The Giants have Frank Viola (7-6, 3.77).

I have gone 3 for 9 against Gubicza.

I kicked things off by taking a walk. It may not be a hit, but it is the next best thing.
Stolen base #80.
With one out I also got stolen base #81.
I scored on a Harold Baines sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 2nd Ryan Klesko scored on a Greg Myers sac fly.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off the 3rd and grounded out back to Gubicza.

I missed getting so many double plays since I moved to 3rd, but I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis dp to get Dave Winfield and Scott Bryant in the 4th.

I came up with two out in the 5th and struck out.

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

In the 6th Alvin Davis scored on a Robby Thompson double and then Robby scored on a single by Ryan.

Giants lead 4-0

I came up in the 7th with one out, Greg on 2nd, and Fernando Gonzalez pitching. I walked on four pitches.
Greg went to 3rd on a fly ball by Alvin.
I stole 2nd and Adam Brown threw it away, sending me to 3rd and Greg across the plate!
I scored on a single by Harold.

Giants lead 6-0

I came up in the 9th with one out and Greg on 2nd. I took 2nd and Greg scored on a throwing error by Bip Roberts.
I was left there.

Giants lead 7-0

I caught a Roberts pop for the penultimate out of the game.

Frank couldn't quite get the complete game as Matt pulled him with two out and a man on. Rod Nichols came in and struck out the last guy to finish things off.

I was reminded why hits weren't everything as we got more runs than hits.

I went 0 for 3 with two walks, a reached-on-error, two runs scored, and three stolen bases.

There was a bit of a celebration during the game as Dave Winfield got his 2500th career hit. Good for him, but I am happy we got the W.

[rpriske]

July 18th, 1990

We are trying to finish the sweep in Pittsburgh.

Today the Pirates are pitching Rick Reed (11-5, 2.54).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (6-6, 3.650.

I haven't seen much of Reed, but I have gone 2 for 5.

I opened the game by lining one into left for a single.
Stolen base #83.
I was left at 2nd.

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

I then handled a Charlie Montoyo grounder for the last out in the 2nd.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and grounded out to Montoyo at short.

I caught a Bip Roberts pop and double Reed off 1st for the firs two outs in the bottom of the 3rd!

We opened the scoring in the 4th when Alvin Davis crossed on a Ruben Sierra double and then Ruben scored on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 2-0

I took care of a Brian Harper grounder for the final out in the 4th.

I came up with two out in the 5th and took a walk.
Stolen base #84.
I was left on again.

With two out and a man on in the 7th, Matt brought in Mark Davis.
He stranded the runner.

I came up in the 8th with pinch hitter Tim Naehring on 1st and Mike Stanton pitching. I lined out to Roberts at 2nd.

Mark Williamson took the mound for us in the 9th. Tim stayed in to play short and Joel Chimelis moved to 1st, replacing Alvin.

Back-to-back doubles by Sid Bream and Roberts to lead off cut our lead in half.
A couple of batters later, Roberts scored on a Dave Winfield sac fly.

Game tied 2-2

Bobby Thigpen took over for us in the 9th, with Dale Murphy also replacing Rob Deer in left and Tom O'Malley swapping in for Joel at 1st.

I handled a Scott Bryant grounder to end the 9th.

I came up in the 10th with Tim on 2nd and Roger McDowell pitching. They gave me the intentional walk.
Dale singled to load the bases.
Tim scored on a single by Harold Baines. I was thrown out at the plate.
Dale and Harold ended up scoring on a bad error by the Pirate defense. Then Robby scored on a Ryan Klesko single.

Giants lead 6-3

Bobby allowed one base runner in the bottom of the 10th but got the three outs to give us the sweep.

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

Now we have a travel day as we head to Chicago.

[rpriske]

July 20th, 1990

We are somewhat hot right now as we roll into Wrigley.

But what puts a damper on that?

A rain-out. Tomorrow is now a double header.

[rpriske]

July 21st, 1990

We have a double-header to day but first, there was a change.

Rod Nichols as been designated for assignment.

Pat Combs is called up from Phoenix.

He is one of the guy we got from Houston for Mike Aldrete.

The Cubs are pitching Bill Krueger (4-9, 5.34).

The Giants have Roy Smith (3-1, 4.47).

I have done very well against Krueger in limited exposure, going 5 for 8.

I started us off by working a walk.
With one out I grabbed stolen base #85.
Then I got #86.
I scored on an error by Bret Barberie at 2nd.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with two out, Tim Naehring on 3rd, and Ryan Klesko on 2nd. I struck out on a dubious checked swing call.

I took care of a Chris Hoiles grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 2nd.
I then caught a Jeff King pop for the 2nd out.

I came up next with one out in the 5th. I grounded out to Hoiles at 1st.

In the bottom of the 5th Steve Hosey tied the game with a solo homer.

Game tied 1-1

With one out in the bottom the 7th, Matt brought in Mark Davis.
He got his outs and then I led off the 8th. I struck out. Legit this time.

Bobby Thigpen took over on the mound and Greg Myers took over behind the plate in the 9th (double switch).

I came up in the 10th with one out, Ryan on 3rd, and Joe Boever pitching. I hit one up the middle for an RBI single!
I was throw out trying to steal 2nd.

Giants lead 2-1

Bobby allowed one hit in the bottom of the inning but that was all and we had our 4th straight!

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, a run scored, a game-winning RBI, and two stolen bases. (Oh, and a caught stealing).

[rpriske]

July 21st, 1990

It is the second game of the double header and the Cubs are pitching Tracy Toy (1-1, 2.67).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (10-4, 4.25).

I have very little exposure to Toy, going 0 for 2.

I led off the game by taking a four pitch walk.
With two out I grabbed stolen base #87 but stopped there.

The Cubs opened the scoring int he bottom of the 1st when Dave Martinez crossed on a Paul O'Neill double.

Cubs lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 3rd and struck out.

The Cubs scored again that inning when O'Neill crossed the plate on a Travis Fryman double.

Cubs lead 2-0

We got them both back in the 4th when Ryan Klesko popped a two run homer.

Game tied 2-2

I came up in the 5th with Scott on 2nd.
What are the three true outcomes? I had already walked and struck out so... home run! My third of the season and 16th of my career!

We kept going after that as Alvin Davis scored on a Ruben Sierra double and Harold Baines scored on a will dpitch.

Giants lead 6-2

I then came up with two out in the 6th, now facing Carl Willis. I drilled one into left for a single.
Stolen base #88.
I was left on.

I took care of a Steve Hosey grounder for the final out in the 6th.

We got another in the 7th when Tim Naehring walked with the bases loaded to score Harold.

Giants lead 7-2

With one out and a man on in the 7th, Pat Combs made his debut with the club.
He couldn't strand the runner as pinch hitter Otis Nixon scored on a Bret Barberie single.

Giants lead 7-3

I led off the 8th, now facing Chris Pollack. I walked for the second time.
Stolen base #89.
I went to 3rd on a groundout by Alvin.
Harold walked.
Ruben walked, loading the bases.
I scored on a single by Robby Thompson.
Harold scored on a fielder's choice by Ryan.

Giants lead 9-3

I came up next with two out in the 9th and grounded out to Fryman at short.

John Burkett took the mound for us in the 9th. He allowed two hits but no runs and we had the win.

I was the player of the game! It is great to get to do the postgame interview segment.

I went 2 for 4 with a home run, a single, two walks, two runs scored, two RBI, and three stolen bases.

We have now won 5 in a row.

We are still two games below .500 and 12 games out of first, but it is nice to be playing well.

[rpriske]

July 22nd, 1990

We are wrapping up at Wrigley today on a nice Sunday afternoon.

Well, nice for now. We hear there may be rain a little later.

The Cubs are pitching Randy Johnson (11-7, 2.37).

The Giants have Frank Viola (8-6, 3.55).

I have gone only 2 for 12 against Johnson but we are hot right now and I think we can get the sweep.

I led off the game by blooping one into left for a single.
I scored on a Dale Murphy double!
Dale scored on a Robby Thompson sac fly.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Ryan Klesko on 2nd. I walked. Then Dale walked.
Ryan and I both scored on a Ruben Sierra single.

Giants lead 4-0

I came up in the 3rd with two out and the bases juiced - Tim Naehring on 3rd, Alan Cockrell on 2nd, Frank on 1st. I hit an RBI single!

We were left loaded after that.

Giants lead 5-0

I caught a Todd Logan foul ball for the 1st out in the bottom of the 5th.
The Cubs got on the board that frame when Jeff King crossed on a Steve Hosey double.
I caught a Dave Martinez pop for the final out of the inning.

Giants lead 5-1

I led off the 6th by grounding out to Chris Hoiles at 1st.

Alvin Davis hit a solo shot in the 7th.

Giants lead 6-1

I took care of a fielder's choice ball by pinch hitter Otis Nixon for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 7th, but Hoiles scored on the play.

Giants lead 6-2

I came up with two out in the 8th and Shawn Hillegas on the mound. I reached on an infield single.
Stolen base #90.
Dale followed with a home run!

Giants lead 8-2

Pat Combs took the hill for us int eh bottom of the 8th.

In the bottom of the 8th King swatted a three-run homer.

Matt went to Mark Williamson after that.
He got the 3rd out.

Giants lead 8-5

And there it stayed as Mark ended up getting the final four outs.

That is six in a row for us and a sweep of the Cubs.

I was named Player of the Game again! Interviews are fun!

I went 3 for 4 with three singles, a walk, three runs scored, an RBI, and a stolen base!

We are one of the hottest teams in the league! The baseball mags are calling as the #2 team in the NL based on how we are playpen right now.

Unfortunately we are still far from contention.

We are headed back to the west coast to take on the Dodgers. Let's keep it going!

[rpriske]

July 23rd, 1990

We are in L.A. and looking to continue our hot streak.

The Dodgers are pitching Matt Young (6-4, 1.92).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (6-6, 3.47).

My next hit against Young will be my first. I have gone 0 for 9 against him.

I opened the game by grounding out to Tim Wallach at 3rd.

I came up next in the 2nd with two out, Tim Naehring on 3rd, and Rob Deer on 2nd. I reached on an error by Young. Tim scored on the play.
Rob and I were left.

Giants lead 1-0

The lead did not last long as Candy Maldonado led off the bottom of the 2nd with a home run.
Then Monty Fariss scored on a sac fly by Young.

Dodgers lead 2-1

In the top of the 3rd, Robby Thompson scored on an Alvin Davis sac fly.

Game tied 2-2

I came up in the 4th with two out and Bruce on 1st. I flew out to Phil Plantier in centre.

Alan Cockrell got the lead back for us in the 5th with a solo shot.

Giants lead 3-2

I came up with two out in the 6th and popped out to Bill Spiers at short.

I then led off the 8th, now facing Tom Henke. I did no better against him, striking out.
Ruben Sierra socked a solo blast that inning.

Giants lead 4-2

Three outs later and Bruce had the complete game victory. That is seven in a row for us and we have worked our way all the way back to .500!

I did not have a good game. I went 0 for 5 with a reached-on-error.

After the game Pat Combs was sent back to Phoenix and Mark Ross was called up.

[rpriske]

July 24th, 1990

We are in L.A. with a seven game winning streak.

The Dodgers are pitching Mike Witt (5-6, 3.55).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (4-8, 5.37).

I have done very well against Witt, going 14 for 35, or .400.

I opened things up by grounding out to John Wehner at 2nd.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and bounced one back to Witt for a groundout.

Still with no score, I led off the 6th. I grounded out to Kent Hrbek at 1st.
Two batters later, though, Harold Baines launched a solo shot.

Giants lead 1-0

In the bottom half, Chili Davis matched that, but he had a man on.

Dodgers lead 2-1

In the 7th we loaded them up for Rob Deer to get a pinch hit Grand Slam!
I followed and struck out for the 2nd out of the inning.

Giants lead 5-2

Gene Nelson took the mound for us in the bottom of the 7th.

He got his inning and then Mark Williamson took over in the 8th.
Gregg Pitching scored on a bases loaded single by Tim Wallach.
Then Hrbek scored on a pinch hit sac fly by Gene Larkin.

Giants lead 5-4

I came up in the 9th with two out, Tim Naehring on 3rd, Joel Chimelis on 2nd, and Bryan Harvey pitching. They gave me the intentional walk.
Then Alvin Davis got the unintentional walk, scoring Tim.
We left them juiced.

Giants lead 6-4

With one out in the 9th, Matt brought in Bobby Thigpen.
I gave ups a double but got the other two outs and we had our 8th straight win.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk.

[rpriske]

July 25th, 1990

There are rumours floating around. Is someone on their way out? Yes we have been playing better but if we are doing anything at the trade deadline, it is as sellers.

We have won eight in a row and are looking to sweep the Dodgers in L.A.

They are pitching Dennis Rasmussen (7-2, 2.00).

The Giants have Roy Smith (3-1, 4.18), on short rest.

I haven't seen much of Rasmussen, but I have gone 2 for 3 against him.

I kicked things off by grounding out to Bill Spiers at short.

In the 2nd the Dodgers opens the scoring when Benito Santiago crossed on a Monty Fariss double.
Then Candy Maldonado scored on a John Wehner single.
I took care of a Rasmussen grounder for the 3rd out.

Dodgers lead 2-0

I led off the 4th by flying out to Maldonado in right.
Later that frame, Dale Murphy scored on a Robby Thompson double.

Dodgers lead 2-1

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

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

Mark Davis took the mound for us in the 6th.

He pitched two scoreless and then John Burkett took the ball in the 8th.

I led off the 9th against Bryan Harvey. I walked.
Disastrously, I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

We lost and our winning streak ended at 8.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk and a caught stealing.

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

After the game we heard about a trade. It was great news mostly because I mean the front office still had faith in this team!

We traded two minor leaguers (Reed Peters and Kenneth Coleman - neither big prospects) to the Pirates for starting pitcher Bob Walk.

Walk is a free agent after this season so he is here to help us get tot eh postseason!

[rpriske]

July 26th, 1990

We are home to face the Reds. Our new teammate hasn't joined us yet.

The Reds a rep itching Frank Castillo (5-6, 4.41).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (11-4, 4.17).

I have gone 6 for 23, or .261, with a home run against Castillo.

I handled a Mike Greenwell grounder for the 1st out of the game.
They got to us early, though, as in the 1st John Patterson scored on a Carlos Baerga single.

Reds lead 1-0

I led off for the home side by lining out to Patterson at 2nd.

Then in the 2nd, Beau Allred scored on a Patterson triple.

Reds lead 2-0

I came up with two out in the 3rd and grounded out back to Castillo.

The Reds struck again in the 5th when Greenwell was chased in by a Kal Daniels sac fly.

Reds lead 3-0

We finally scored in the bottom of the 5th when Joel Chimelis hit a two run blast. (His first homer of the season.)

I came up with two out and nobody on and grounded out to Shawon Dunston at short.

Reds lead 3-2

With two men in scoring position and only one out, Matt brought in John Burkett.
He gave up a single to Patterson, which scored Allred, but Matt Nokes was thrown out at home.

Reds lead 4-2

Will Clark led off the 7th with a homer.

I took care of a Dunston fielder's choice for the 2nd out.

Reds lead 5-2

I came up in the 7th with two out and pinch hitter Rob Deer on 1st. They brought in Scott Terry to face me. I reached on an infield single, moving Rob up a bag.
Rob scored and I went to 2nd on an Alvin Davis is single.
I scored on a Harold Baines single.
A couple of batters later, Robby Thompson was hit by a pitch when the bags were juiced, to tie the game.

Game tied 5-5

Mark Davis took the bump for us in the 8th.
I took care of a Patterson grounder for the 3rd out.

Bobby Thigpen came in with the score still tied in the 9th.

I led off the bottom of the 9th, now facing John Franco.
I grounded out to Dunston at short.

We went to extras.

The Reds led off with a single in the 11th and Matt decided to go to Mark Williamson. He also brought in Butch Davis for Ryan Klesko in a double switch.
I caught a pop by Daniels for the 3rd out.

With me standing on deck, Butch his a single in the bottom of th e11th to scored Alan Cockrell and give us the 6-5, walk off win!

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

After the game Mark Ross was put on waivers. Bob Walk joined the team and the rotation, sending Rick Sutcliffe back to the bullpen again.

[rpriske]

July 27th, 1990

Trying to keep things going against the Reds.

Cincy is pitching John Farrell (3-8, 4.62).

The Giants have Frank Viola (9-6, 3.50).

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

I led off for the home side and grounded one back to Farrell for an out.

I caught a Matt Nokes pop for the 2nd out in the 2nd.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Shawon Dunston at short.

The Reds opened the scoring in the 4th when Will Clark crossed on a Dave Staton single. Then Eric Davis scored on a Mike Greenwell single.

Reds lead 2-0

I came up in the 5th with two out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I grounded out to Carlos Baerga at 2nd.

In the 6th Davis hit a solo bomb.

Reds lead 3-0

I came up with one out in the 8th and popped out to Staton at 3rd.

With a man on and one out in the 9th, Matt brought in Gene Nelson.
He got his outs and then in the bottom half we finally got on the board when Ruben Sierra crossed on a Ryan Klesko groundout, but we still lost, 3-1.

I went 0 for 4.

We are 50-50.

[rpriske]

July 28th, 1990

We need to bounce back from yesterday's loss if we want to stay above .500.

Today the Reds are pitching Jack Armstrong (6-5, 3.27).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (7-6, 3.38).

I have gone only 3 for 17, or .176, against Armstrong.

I led off the home side by grounding out to Dave Staton at 3rd.

I then led off in the 3rd and took a walk.
Stolen base #91.
With one out, stolen base #92.
I scored on a wild pitch.

Giants lead 1-0

I handled an Eric Davis grounder for the 2nd out in the 4th.

I led off for the 3rd time in the 5th. I walked again.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

We got another in the 6th when Ruben Sierra scored on a Greg Myers sac fly.

I took care of a groundball by pinch hitter Wally Backman for the 3rd out in the 7th.

I led off, yet again, in the 7th. Scott Terry was pitching. I grounded out to Staton again.

Bobby Thigpen took the mound for us in the 9th. We started with a walk and an error. I handled a Mike Greenwell grounder for a fielder's choice at 2nd for the 1st out.
Shawon Dunston singled, scoring Davis.
Bobby struck out the next two and we had the 2-1 win.

I went 0 for 2 with two walks, a run scored, two stolen bases, and a caught stealing.

The Reds pulled off huge trade today. They picked up Mike Scott from the Astros. Wow.

With all respect to Bob Walk, that was a bigger deal.

[rpriske]

July 29th, 1990

We finish up against the Reds today.

They are pitching Tom Browning (14-4, 2.78).

The Giants are debuting newest starter, Bob Walk (5-7, 4.40).

I have gone 15 for 53, or .302, against Browning.

They got to Walk early as back-to-back doubles by Eric Davis and John Patterson to lead off put them ahead.
Will Clark followed with a home run.
I took care of a Matt Nokes grounder for the 2nd out.

Reds lead 3-0

I led off for our side by putting one through the right side for a single.
Stolen base #93.
I took 3rd on a passed ball.
I scored on a Dale Murphy single.

Reds lead 3-1

In the 2nd, Wally Backman scored on a Davis groundout.

Reds lead 4-1

I came up with one out in the 3rd and worked a walk.
Stolen base #94 and an extra base on a Nokes throwing error.
I scored on a double by Dale.
Then Dale scored on a double by Robby Thompson.
Robby scored on a triple by Alvin Davis.
Alvins scored on a single by Tim Naehring.

Giants lead 5-4!

I came up with two out in the 4th, now facing Chuck Cary. I grounded out to Backman at 2nd.

Rick Sutcliffe took over for us in the 5th. Bob had a bit of a rough start.

I got the 1st out in the 7th, off a ground ball by Davis.

I came up in the bottom of the 7th with one out and pinch hitter Butch Davis on 1st. While I was at the plate, Butch stole 2nd. After that they gave me an intentional walk.
Butch scored and I went to 2nd on a single by Dale.
I scored on a double by Ruben Sierra.
An intentional walk to Robby and an unintentional walk to Joel Chimelis scored Dale. Then a walk to Tim scored Ruben. A single by Ryan Klesko scored Robby and Joel.

Giants lead 11-4

John Burkett took over on the mound for us in the 8th.
Kal Daniels scored on a Backman single.
Nick Capra and Daniels scored on an Eddie Williams double.

That was enough for Matt and he replaced John with Mark Williamson.
He got the 3rd out.

Giants lead 11-7

I led off the bottom of the 8th against Greg Cadaret.
I walked again.
I took 2nd on a wild pitch.
I was thrown out trying to take 3rd on a fly ball by Dale.

Mark allowed a couple of baserunner sin the 9th, but no runs, and we had the win.

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

Tomorrow the Astros are in town.

There are rumours our team is talking to Houston about a trade, which is interesting.

[rpriske]

July 30th, 1990

It is a day off for me. I get to cheer the boys on as they take on the Astros.

Things went kind of poorly right away as the Astros scored six in the top of the 1st.

I ended up with a pinch hit single in the 9th but we lost, 7-3.

After the game Matt came to me to let me know that he wants to try at the 3rd spot in the batting order.
Whatever helps the team, boss... though I prefer hitting leadoff.

[rpriske]

July 31st, 1990

Today is the trading deadline. Any last minute moves?

The Astros are pitching Chris Hammond (9-9, 3.14).

The Giants are going with Scott Garrelts (11-4, 4.28).

I have gone 7 for 21 against Hammond.

As promised, Matt is batting me 3rd.

I came up in bottom of the 1st with with both guys ahead of me on base! Robby Thompson was on 2nd and Dale Murphy on 1st.
I flew out to my namesake, Rusty Greer, in left.
We ended up not scoring.

We did better in the 2nd when Alan Cockrell and Ryan Klesko scored on a single by Robby.

Giants lead 2-0

I made a great grab on a Hammond liner for the 2nd out in the 3rd.

I led off the bottom the 3rd (feels like normal!). I flew out to Greer again.

The Astros grabbed the lead in the 4th when Craig Worthington his a three run homer.

Astros lead 3-2

In the 5th Green scored on a Felix Jose single.

Astros lead 4-2

I came up in the bottom of the 5th with Dale on 1st. They brought in Bob Knepper to face me. I hit one off the centrefold wall for an RBI double!
Harold Baines followed me with a home run!

Giants lead 5-4

Mark Davis took over for us in the 6th.

Side note, Mike Aldrete got in the game for the Astros that inning. Good to see him.

I came up in the 6th with Robby on 3rd and Dale on 2nd. I walked on four straight pitches.
Robby and Dale scored on a single by Harold.
Tim Naehring hit into a double play. I went to 3rd and was left there.

Giants lead 7-4

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

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with one out, Dale on 1st, and Mike Madden pitching. I flew out to Aldrete in right.

All right, when I said it was good to see him...

Bobby Thigpen took the ball in the 9th.
He got his three and we got the win.

My double was shown on the highlights. That's nice.

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

No last minute trades, but Harold Baines was named the NL Batter of the Month!

On our off day Butch Davis was sent down and Mark Lewis was called up.


Lewis is our top prospect. I guess it is time to see what he can do.

[rpriske]

August 2nd, 1990

The Dodgers are in town. They are pitching Matt Young (6-6, 2.17).

The Giants have Frank Viola (9-7, 3.49).

Today I am hitting 2nd. Okay.

But I have done very badly against Young. 0 for 13.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 1st. I walked.
I went to 2nd when Young threw the ball away trying to pick me off.
I went to 3rd on a two out passed ball.
I scored on an Alvin Davis single.
Alvin scored on a Tim Naehring double.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up with one out in the 3rd and struck out.

In the 4th Alan Cockrell hit a solo shot.

Giants lead 3-0

Phil Plantier matched that in the 5th.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up in the bottom of the 5th with one out and Robby Thompson on 1st. I hit into a double play.

In the 8th Paul Faries scored on a Kent Hrbek double.
Then Gene Larkin and Hrbek scored on a Chili Davis double.
With a man on and two out, Matt brought in Mark Williamson. He got the out.

Dodgers lead 4-3

I led off the bottom of the 8th. They brought in Tom Henke. I struck out.

Bobby Thigpen came in for the 9th.

He held them but we couldn't score in the 0th and lost.

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