Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

April 17th, 1991

We are finishing our series against the Dodgers today.

L.A. is pitching rookie Dave Bird (0-0, 5.06).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (0-1, 7.94).

We haven't seen Bird before.

I am hitting 2nd.

I came up in the 1st with Ruben Sierra standing on 2nd. I struck out.

The Dodgers were first not he board in the 3rd when Bill Spiers scored on a passed ball.

Dodgers lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 3rd. I grounded out to Monty Fariss at 2nd.

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

I caught a Brian McRae ball for the 1st out in the 6th.
We then turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to get Chili Davis and Kent Hrbek.

I came up with two out in the 6th and sent a line drive to later, where it was caught by McRae.

Things got worse in the 7th when Brian Deak doubled with the bases loaded to score Phil Plantier and Dave Hollins.

With the bases reloaded and one out, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson.
Craig Grebeck muffed a possible double play ball to allow Fariss to score.
Deak scored on a wild pitch.

Dodgers lead 5-0

We finally got on the scoreboard in the 8th when Rob Deer scored on a single by Ruben.
I came up with Ruben on 1st, pinch hitter Harold Baines on 2nd, and Kent Mercker pitching. There was one out. I hit into a fielder's choice, sending Harold to 3rd and replacing Ruben at 1st.
We were left on.

Dodgers lead 5-1

Jeff Mutis took the mound for us in the 9th.

We managed another run in the bottom of the 9th but still lost, 5-2.

I went 0 for 4.

We get a day off now before the Astros come to town.

[rpriske]

April 19th, 1991

The Astros are in town and we hope to use them to turn our early season around.

Houston is pitching Randy Tomlin (1-1, 5.79).

The Giants have Frank Viola (1-1, 5.54).

I have gone 6 for 23, or .261, against Tomlin.

I am hitting 6th.

I came up with two out in the 2nd and struck out.

Alan Cockrell opened the scoring int he 3rd with a solo home run shot.

Giants lead 1-0

We gave it back in the 5th when Frank walked John Olerud with the bases loaded.
He then walked Brian Downing.
Brad Komminsk scored on a Craig Biggio single.
Olerud and Downing scored on a Jose Lind double.

With one out and the bases loaded, Matt brought in Scott Service to stop the bleeding.
Biggio scored on a Terry Taylor single.
We turned a Davis - Priske - Service double play to get Taylor and Tomlin to end the inning.

Astros lead 6-1

I led off the bottom of the 5th by flying out to Komminsk in centre.

I caught a Clay Bellinger looper or the final out in the top of the 7th.

I came up in the 7th with Alvin Davis on 1st. I advanced him and reached on an infield single.
Alvin tried to score on a two out single by pinch hitter Luis Medina but was thrown out at the plate.

Luis stayed in tot play centre for Ryan Klesko and Jeff Mutis came into pitch on a double switch.

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

I turned a Priske - Davis double play to get Komminsk and Downing to end the top of the 9th.

I came up with one out in the 9th and grounded out to Bellinger at short.

We lost. We are 2-8. We have gotten off to the worst start in either league.

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

[rpriske]

April 20th, 1991

Another game against the Astros, and we are still looking to revrse this horrible start.

Meanwhile I am off to my best start ever, despite only stealing one bag.

Houston is pitching Rheal Cormier (0-1, 4.76).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (0-1, 5.25).

I have gone 3 for 14 with a home run against Cormier.

I am hitting cleanup.

Things were bad right from the jump. The Astros loaded the bases before recording an out.
Felix Jose scored on a Brian Downing sac fly.
We got off easy.

Astros lead 1-0

I came up in the bottom of the 1st with two out and Robby Thompson on 1st. I scooted one through the right side. a throwing error by the 'Stros led to Robby scoring and me going to 2nd.
I was left there.

Game tied 1-1

I made a good play on a Terry Taylor grounder for the 1st out in the 2nd.

The bottom of the 2nd went our ay as Ryan Klesko and Bruce scored on a Ruben Sierra double.

Giants lead 3-1

I took care of a John Olerud grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.
Then I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Downing and Craig Biggio.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 3rd and grounded one up the middle for a single.
Alvin Davis hit into a double play.

I next came up in the 5th with two out and Robby on 2nd. I walked.
Robby scored and I went to 2nd on a single by Alvin.
Alvin and I were left.

Giants lead 4-1

We got another run in the 6th when Alan Cockrell crossed on a Harold Baines single.

Giants lead 5-1

With one out and a man on in the 7th, Matt brought in Darryl Scott.

I led off the bottom of the 7th, facing Albert Bustillos. I hit one up the middle for my third single.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.
Luis Medina ended up scoring on a Tim Naehring double.

Giants lead 6-1

With two on and two out in the 8th, Matt went to Scott Service.
He stranded the runners.

He then brought in Joe Boever for the 9th. He gave ups walk but that was it and we had the win.

I went 3 for 3 with three singles, a walk, and a caught stealing.

My batting average is up to .400 but I also have more caught stealings than stolen bases.

[rpriske]

April 21st, 1991

We finish against the Astros today. Maybe we can take the series.

Houston is pitching Chris Hammond (1-1, 2.40).

The Giants are going with John Burkett (1-0, 4.63).

I have gone 8 for 26, or .308, against Hammond.
I am hitting clean up.

The Astros scored first when Hammond singled in Casey Candaele and Clay Bellinger in the 2nd.
Then Terry Taylor scored on a Jacob Brumfield single.
Both Hammond and Brumfield scored on a Felix Jose double.
Then John Olerud hit a two run homer.

That was it for John. Matt brought in Scott Service.

It didn't get better. Brian Downing made it back-to-back homers with a solo shot.
I handled a Candaele grounder to end the ordeal.

Astros lead 8-0

I led off the bottom of the 2nd by lining out to Bellinger at short.

In the 3rd Bellinger scored on a Jose groundout.

Astros lead 9-0

I came up next with one out in the 4th. I flied out to Jose in right.

Matt brought in Jeff Mutis in the 5th.
I got the 1st out for him off a Bellinger grounder.

We turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to get Brumfield and Jose in the 6th.

With two on and none out in the 7th, Matt brought in Mark Ross.
We turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to get Candaele and pinch-hitter Craig Worthington.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 7th and grounded out to Worthington at 3rd.

I handled a Brumfield grounder for the 1st out in the 8th.
But then Hammond scored on an Olerud single.
Downing doubled Olerud home.

Astros lead 11-0

Bryan Hickerson came in to pitch the 9th.

I took care of a Worthington grounder for the 2nd out.

I came up in the 9th with two out and Robby Thompson on 1st. I singled and Robby went to 3rd.
Alvin Davis followed with a three-run homer.

Getting some pride back, I guess.

We lost, 11-3.

I went 1 for 4 with a single and a run scored.

Now we wait for the Padres to come to town.

[rpriske]

April 22nd, 1991

The Padres are here and our terrible season needs something to spark us.

San Diego is pitching Storm Davis (0-0, 1.86).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (0-2, 5.25).

I have gone 10 for 27, or .370, against Davis.

I am hitting fifth.

Robby Thompson led off the bottom of the 1st with a home run.

Is that the spark?

I came up with one out, Ruben Sierra on 3rd, and Alvin Davis on 1st. I struck out.

Giants lead 1-0

I handled a Darrell Sherman grounder for the 3rd out in the 2nd.

I then caught Ozzie Guillen pop and a George Brett pop for the 2nd and 3rd outs in the 3rd.

We lost our lead in the 4th when Darren Daulton hit a two run homer.
Then Eric Young scored on a Sherman single.

Padres lead 3-1

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 4th and popped out to Guillen at short.

Ryan Klesko followed me with a home run.

Padres lead 3-2

I came up in the 6th with one out and Harold Baines on 1st. Eric King was now pitching. I cracked a base hit to left, moving Harold to 2nd.
Ryan hit into a double play.

I might a really nice play on a Guillen liner for the 1st out in the 7th.

Matt brought Bryan Hickerson in with one out and man on.
Kevin Castleberry scored on a Junior Felix sac fly.
I took care of a Darren Daulton grounder for the 3rd out.

Padres lead 4-2

Darryl Scott took the mound for us in the 8th.

In the bottom of the 8th, Robby scored on a Davis sac fly.

I came up with one out, Ruben on 2nd, Harold on 1st, and Mike Gardiner pitching.
I struck out.

Padres lead 4-3

Joe Boever took the mound for us in the 9th.

In the bottom of the 9th Tim Naehring doubled and scored on a Luis Medina single! Extra innings!

Game tied 4-4

Mark Ross came on to pitch the 10th for us.

I came up in the bottom of the 10th with two out and Butch Henry pitching. I lined one into centre for a single.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd. Again.

What has happened? Am I slower? Are my instincts off?

Butch Davis pinch hit for Joe Boever to lead off the bottom of the 11th and he ended the game the way we started it - with a solo home run.

We won, 5-4.

I went 2 for 5 with a pair os singles and a caught stealing. My third. To go with one stolen base.

What is going on? Has my hyper-extended knee caused some lasting damage? It FEELS fine.

[rpriske]

April 23rd, 1991

We beat the Padres yesterday and hope to continue that today.

I am still worried about my running, though.

San Diego is pitching Bryn Smith (0-2, 6.38).

The Giants are going with Tom Kramer (0-0, 4.76).

I have gone only 9 for 53, or .170, against Smith.

I am hitting 5th.

I grabbed an Ozzie Guillen liner to kick off the game. My defence is still top-notch.

We did pretty well in our half of the 1st.

Robby Thompson flew out.
Ruben Sierra reached on an error.
Ruben scored on a Harold Baines single.
Alvin Davis hit a two run homer.
I grounded out.
Luis Medina tripled.
Luis scored on a Tim Naehring single.

Giants lead 4-0

I pulled down a Darren Daulton liner for the 1st out in the 2nd.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and grounded out to Ramon Carabello at 2nd.

I took care of a Guillen grounder for the 1st out in the 6th.
George Brett followed with a home run.

Giants lead 4-1

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 6th. They brought in Dan Quisenberry to face me. I lined one to right for a single.

With two out I tried to steal... and was thrown out. Again.

I caught a Caraballo pop for the 3rd out in the 7th.

With one out and a man on in the 8th, Matt brought in Jeff Mutis.
He got out of it.

He also got all three men in the 9th for the save.

We are out of the basement, a half game ahead of the Padres.

I went 1 for 3 with a single and yet another caught stealing.

I don't know what is wrong.

[rpriske]

April 24th, 1991

Today the Padres are pitching David Nied (1-1, 3.60).

The Giants have Frank Viola (1-2, 6.75).

I have only faced Nied once, going 0 for 1.

I am hitting 5th.

Ryan Klesko led off the bottom of the 1st with a home run.

I came up with two out and Ruben Sierra on 3rd, but I lines out to 3rd.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 2nd both Tim Hulett and Frank scored on a double by Ryan.

Giants lead 3-0

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Alvin Davis on 1st. While I was up, Alvin was thrown out trying to steal. What was he doing trying that?
I struck out.

I took care of an Orlando Merced grounder for the 2nd out in the 4th.

In the 5th Ryan scored on a double by Ruben.

Giants lead 4-0

I led off the bottom of the 6th by lining out to Merced in right.

In the 7th Ruben hit a solo shot.

Giants lead 5-0

I led off the bottom of the 8th, now facing Butch Henry. I reached on an infield single.
Stolen base #2. It's a start.
I scored on a Tim Naehring single.

Giants lead 6-0

Frank ended up with a two-hit shutout!

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

We are heading to L.A.

[rpriske]

April 25th, 1991

We are in L.A.

The Dodgers are pitching Mike Witt (1-1, 4.96).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (1-1, 3.93).

I have gone 16 for 46, or .348, against Witt.

I am hitting 2nd.

I came up with one out in the 1st and took a walk.
I need up at 3rd when Harold Baines reached on a two base error.
Alvin Davis followed with a HUGE three run blast!

Giants lead 3-0

In the bottom of the 1st, Monty Fariss scored on a Kent Hrbek sac fly.

Giants lead 3-1

I handled a Fariss grounder for the final out in the 2nd.

I then led off the 3rd by flying out to Phil Plantier in centre.

In the bottom half, Hrbek tied the game with a home run.
I took care of a Tim Wallach grounder for the 1st out.

Game tied 3-3

In the 4th, Witt scored on a Hrbek single.
Bruce walked Wallach with the bases loaded to score Fariss.

Matt brought in Scott Service.
He walked Brian Deak to score Plantier.
Then he walked Jim Vatcher to score Hrbek.
Wallach scored on a throwing error by Alvin Davis.
We got a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to get Ever Magallanes and Witt to stop the bleeding.

Dodgers lead 8-3

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

I led off the 6th by outrunning an infield single.
Stolen base #3.
I went to 3rd on a single by Harold.
I scored on a Fariss error.
Harold ended up scoring when Rob Deer walked with the bases loaded.

Dodgers lead 8-5

Matt brought in Darryl Scott in the 6th.

I came up in the 7th with one out and now facing Mark Eichhorn. I flew out to Vatcher in left.

Bill Spiers hit a pinch hit home run in the 7th.

Dodgers lead 9-5

I handled a Wallach grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 8th.

In the 9th Rob scored on a Robby Thompson sac fly.
I came up with one out, Timothy McKercher on 2nd, and pinch hitter Ruben Sierra on 1st. Kent Mercker was pitching.
I struck out.

We lost, 9-6.

I went 2 for 4 with a single, a walk, two runs scored, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

April 26th, 1991

Today the Dodgers are pitching Ken Howell (1-2, 8.76).

The Giants have John Burkett (1-1, 8.78).

I got a rest day.

I got a pinch hit single in the 8th but we lost, 7-1.

[rpriske]

April 27th, 1991

We lost the first two games of a four game series in L.A. and are trying to salvage something.

The Dodgers are pitching Dave Bird (2-0, 2.33).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (0-2, 5.40).

I have little exposure to Bird and have gone 0 for 3.

I am hitting 2nd.

I came up in the 1st with Ruben Sierra on 1st. I grounded out to Kent Hrbek at 1st, but at least I advanced the runner.

In the bottom of the 1st I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Chili Davis and Krbek, but Bill Spiers scored on the play.
I then fielded a Monty Fariss grounder to end the inning.

Dodgers lead 1-0

Alvin Davis led off the 2nd with a home run.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with two out in the 3rd and grounded out to Fariss at 2nd.

I handled a Jody Hurst grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 5th.
A few batters later, though, Chili hit a three-run homer.

Dodgers lead 4-1

I led off the 6th by working a walk.
I went to 2nd on a fly out by Robby Thompson.
Tim Naehring then walked.
I went to 3rd on an Alvin Davis fly.
We were stranded.

In the bottom half, Fariss scored on a Keith Lockhart double.
With one out and Lockhart on 2nd, Matt brought in Darryl Scott. (And Tim McKercher for Alan Cockrell in a double switch.)
He got out of it.

Dodgers lead 5-1

In the 7th Ruben hit a two run homer.
I came up with two out, now facing Alejandro Pena. I walked again.
Stolen base #4.
Robby walked.
Then Harold Baines walked.
Then I scored when Alvin walked.
Then Robby scored when Craig Grebeck walked.

They got out of it after that but the damage was done.

Game tied 5-5

Bryan Hickerson took the mound for us in the 7th.

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with two out and Ruben on 1st. Darren Holmes was pitching.
I grounded out to Spiers at short.

Mark Ross took the ball for us in the 8th.

He unloaded a wild pitch allowing Lockhart to score.

Dodgers lead 6-5

Alvin bailed him out - and then some - with a three run homer in the 9th.

Giants lead 8-6

Joe Boever took the ball for us to close it out.

Spiers scored on a Plantier sac fly.
I caught a Hrbek pop for the 2nd out.

We took the 8-7 win.

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

[rpriske]

April 28th, 1991

If we can beat the Dodgers today, we split the 4 game series.

By our current standards, that would be pretty good.

L.A. is pitching Jeff Musselman (1-1, 1.80).

The Giants have Tom Kramer (1-0, 2.77).

I have faced Musselman only once, going 0 for 1.

I am hitting 6th.

Robby Thompson hit at wo run homer in the 1st.
I came up with two out and Alvin Davis on 1st but I flew out to centre.

Giants lead 2-0

I took care of a grounder by Bill Spiers for the 1st out in the bottom the 1st.

Things kept rolling for us int he 2nd. First Ryan Klesko scored on a Ruben Sierra sac fly and then Harold Baines hit a two run dinger.

Giants lead 5-0

I got the last out int he 2nd off a Musselman grounder.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and managed a walk.
Stolen base #5.
I went to 3rd on an infield hit by Ryan and scored on a sac fly by Alan Cockrell.

Giants lead 6-0

I took care of a Tim Wallach grounder to end the 3rd.

In the 4th Harold scored on a Tim Naehring double.
Robby scored on a sac fly by Alvin.
I came up with one out and Tim on 2nd. Darren Holmes was pitching. I walked again.
We were left on.

Giants lead 8-0

I took care of a Keith Lockhart grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 4th.

The Dodgers got not he board in the 5th when Chili Davis crossed on a Monty Fariss single.

Giants lead 8-1

I came up in the 6th with two out and Tim on 1st. Mark Eichhorn was on the mound. I grounded out to Spiers at short.

Scott Service took over for us in the bottom of the 6th.
I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Lockhart and Jody Hurst.

We got another run in the 7th when Ryan scored on a Ruben single.

Giants lead 9-1

Jeff Mutis took the ball for us in the bottom half.

Spiers scored on a Fariss fielder's choice for the 1st out.
We turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to get Fariss and Tim Wallach to end the inning.

Giants lead 9-2

I came up in the 8th with one out, Alvin on 1st, and Kent Mercker pitching. I walked on four straight pitches.
We were stranded.

In the bottom half, Brian Deak scored on a sac fly by pinch hitter, Kent Hrbek.
With two out and two on, Matt brought in Mark Ross.
I caught a pop by Chili to end the frame.

Giants lead 9-3

Darryl Scott came in for the 9th.

He got his three and we had the win.

I went 0 for 2 with three walks, a run scored, and a stolen base.

`````````````````````````````
We found out on our travel day that Ruben Sierra was named NL player of the Week. Good job Ruben!

We also had changes: Mark Lewis was called up from Phoenix and Butch Davis was sent down.

Now we are rolling into Philly.

[rpriske]

April 30th, 1991

We are in Philadelphia. We have been playing better lately. We need to keep that going.

The Phillies are pitching Juan Guzman (0-2, 3.67).

The Giants have Frank Viola (2-2, 4.44).

I have never faced the rookie, Guzman. I am hitting 7th.

I led off the 3rd by flying out to Juan Gonzalez in centre.

We opened the scoring when Alan Cockrell crossed on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off again in the 5th. This time I took a walk.
Stolen base #6.
I went to 3rd on a groundout by Alan.
Then the squeeze play was on but Frank missed! But I was safe! I stole home!

Giants lead 2-0

We got another in the 6th when Ruben Sierra scored on an Alvin Davis sac fly.

Giants lead 3-0

I made my first defensive play in the 6th, taking care of an Ozzie Smith grounder for the 2nd out.
I then made a good play on a Gonzalez grounder for the 3rd out,

I came up with one out in the 7th, now facing Mike Moore. I hit one through the right side for a single.
Alan hit into a fielder's choice and I broke up the possible double play but it cost my a banged up knee. Not as bad as before. I walked it off.

We notched another run in the 8th when Harold Baines scored on a Luis Medina double.

Giants lead 4-0

The Phillies finally got on the board in the bottom of the 8th with a solo homer by Steven Finken.
I followed it with a nice play on a Steve Bieser grounder for the 2nd out.

Giants lead 4-1

I came up with one out in the 9th, now facing Xavier Hernandez. I flew out to Gonzalez again.

Joe Boever took over for us in the 9th.
With one out, Bo Jackson walloped a home run.
We turned a Boever - Priske - Klesko double play to end the game with a win.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, a run scored, and two stolen bases (including home!).

After the game, Jeff Mutis was sent to Phoenix and Bret Lachemann was called up.

[rpriske]

Ruben Sierra was named NL Batter of the Month!

May 1st, 1991

Today the Phillies are pitching Dave Stewart (1-2, 5.19).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (1-2, 6.33).

I have gone 0 for 3 against Stewart.
I am hitting 6th.

The Phillies struck in the bottom of the 1st when John Finn scored on a Bo Jackson double.

Phillies lead 1-0

I led off the 2nd by working a walk.
Stolen base #8.
With one out, stolen base #9.
I scored on a groundout by Timothy McKercher.

Game tied 1-1

I handled a Steven Finken grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 2nd.
I then took care of a fielder's choice by Jackson for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 3rd.
I also got Jose Vizcaino for the 3rd out.

I came up with one out in the 4th and lined out to Juan Gonzalez in centre.

We took the lead in the 5th when Robby Thompson scored on an Alvin Davis single.

Giants lead 2-1

I led off the 6th by flying out to Jackson in right.

I took care of a Vizcaino fielder's choice for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 6th.
I then handled a Finken grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th.

I came up with one out in the 8th, now facing Hector Fajardo. I walked.
Stolen base #10.
The gave Luis Medina the intentional walk.

We were stranded.

Mark Ross relieved for us in the 8th.

We got some insurance in the 9th when Rob Deer hit a two run homer.

Giants lead 4-1

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

I went 0 for 2 with a pair of walks, a run scored, and three stolen bases.

We are now ahead of the Astros and tied with the Braves for 3rd in the NL West at 10-11.

We are now heading to New York.

[rpriske]

May 3rd, 1991

We are in New York to face the top team in the NL East.

The Mets are pitching Andy Benes (1-2, 4.33).

The Giants have John Burkett (1-2, 7.91).

I have gone 3 for 11, or .273, against Benes.

I am hitting 7th.

We got off to a good start as Ruben Sierra hit a two run homer in the 1st.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off the 2nd by lining out to Lenny Dykstra in centre.

We got another run in the 3rd when Harold Baines scored on a Mark Lewis single.
I came up with two on and two out and grounded out to 3rd.

Giants lead 3-0

Greg Vaughn tied it up in the bottom of the 3rd with a three-run homer.
I took care of a Cal Ripken grounder for the 2nd out.

Game tied 3-3

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

I came up with one out in the 6th and took a walk.
Stolen base #11.
I scored on an Alan Cockrell double.

Giants lead 4-3

The 7th went well for us.
Ruben led off with a single.
Harold Baines reached on an error.
Alvin Davis walked, loading the bases.
Mark Lewis walked, scoring Ruben.
I came up with one out and hit a two run single.

Giants lead 7-3

Bryan Hickerson relieved for us in the 7th.

In the 8th Jerry Willard scored on a pinch hit sac fly by Mitchell Hannahs.
More concerning is what ever damage Harold did to his elbow on the throw. He had to leave the game, clutching his wounded wing.
Tim Naehring took over in left (and looking a little lost out there, I must say).

Giants lead 7-4

I came up in the 9th with one out, Mark on 1st, and Chris Bosio pitching. I walked again.
Alan hit into a double play.

Joe Boever came in for the 9th.
Joe gave up a single but got the other three and we had the win, putting us to .500!

I went 1 for 3 with a single, two walks, a run scored, two RBI, and a stolen base.

We got the bad news about Harold after the game. Looks like he is going to miss about a month with elbow inflammation.

They called up Bryce Bernardin from AA Shreveport. He is a 21-year 0ld and considered a strong prospect.

They also sent Bret Lachemann back down and recalled Jeff Mutis.

[rpriske]

May 4th, 1991

It is Star Wars Day and we are rolling in New York! We have won five in a row, taking us back to .500.

Today the Mets are pitching Sid Fernandez (2-1, 1.74).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (0-2, 6.08).

I have gone only 9 for 55, or .164, against El Sid.

I am hitting sixth.

We got behind early as Wally Joyner hit a two run homer int he bottom of the 1st.
I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Greg Vaughn and Cal Ripken Jr. to end the inning.

Mets lead 2-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Mark Lewis on 1st. I walked on four straight.
With two out, Alan Cockrell got clipped, loading the bases.
We were left that way.

I handled a Mike Gallego grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.
I then did the same to Greg Olson for out #2.

I took care of a Vaughn grounder for the final out in the 3rd.

I came up with one out in the 4th and struck out.

In the bottom of the 4th, Ripken scored on an Olson double.

Mets lead 3-0

We got on the board in the 6th when Ruben Sierra hit a two run jack.
I came up with two out and struck out again.

Mets lead 3-2

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

I handled an Olson grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th.

I continued that trend, getting Lenny Dykstra for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.
I got vet Chet Lemon the same way for the 3rd out that inning.

I came up with one out in the 9th. Rick Aguilera was pitching. I grounded out to Frank Bolick at 3rd.

Our winning streak came to an end, depositing us right back below .500.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk.

After the game, Jeff Mutis was sent back down and Bret Lachemann was recalled.

[rpriske]

May 5th, 1991

We finish up in Shea today.

The Mets are pitching Kevin Appier (4-1, 1.09).

The Giants have Frank Viola (3-2, 3.67).

I don't have much exposure to Appier, and less success, going 0 for 4.

I am hitting seventh.

I caught a Wally Joyner pop for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 1st.

I came up with one out in the 2nd and grounded out to Joyner at 1st.

We opened the scoring in the 3rd when Frank crossed on a sac fly by Ruben Sierra.

Giants lead 1-0

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

I came up with two out in the 4th and cracked that egg, reaching on a single up the middle.
Stolen base and 3rd on a throwing error by Greg Olson.
They intentionally walked Alan Cockrell to face Frank, who grounded out.

I took care of another Dykstra grounder to end the inning.

I came up in the 6th with two out and Mark Lewis on 1st. I flew out to Greg Vaughn on left.

Cal Ripken led off the bottom of the 6th with a home run to tie the game.
We turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to get Kevin Mitchell and Mike Gallego to end the inning.

Game tied 1-1

Olson led off the bottom of the 7th with a homer to give the Mets the lead.

Mets lead 2-1

In the bottom of the 8th Vaughn scored on what should have been a double play ball by Olson, but I was taken out by Mitchell.

Mets lead 3-1

I led off the 9th, still annoyed by that play by Mitchell. Rick Aguilera was pitching. I scooted one through the right side for a single.
Alan hit into what would have been a double play but I returned the favour, breaking it up.

Unfortunately we couldn't score.

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

We learned after the game that the team had signed vet Andy McGaffigan. He is going to the minors but has a major league option.

They also swapped Mutis and Lachemann again.

We are heading to Montreal.

[rpriske]

May 6th, 1991

We are in Canada, which is always nice for me.

Today the Expos are pitching Chuck Finley (2-3, 3.55).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (2-2, 5.08).

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

I am hitting sixth.

The Expos struck int he bottom of the 1st, when Milt Cutler crosses a Chris Sabo sac fly.

Expos lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 2nd and struck out on a bad pitch.

I caught pop by Mike Maksudian for the 1st out in the bottom half.
Cuyler hit a three-run homer.

Expos lead 4-0

I came up in the 4th with two out and Mark Lewis on 1st. I grounded out to Jose Oquendo at 2nd.

Rob Deer homered in the 6th to finally pout us on the board.

Expos lead 4-1

Darryl Scott took the mound for us in the bottom half, with Craig Grebeck replacing Mark on a double switch.

I led off the 7th and scooted one through the right side for a single.
Stolen base #13.
I scored on a two out single by Craig.

Expos lead 4-2

With two out and two on in the bottom of the 7th, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson. He finished that inning and then Mark Ross came on for the 8th.

Maksudian scored on a pinch hit double by Pedro Guerrero.
I handled a Cuyler grounder for the 2nd out.

Expos lead 5-2

I led off the 9th, facing Wally Whitehurst. I walked on four straight.
With Ryan Klesko at the plate I was granted 2nd as Whitehurst was called for a balk.
I went to 3rd on a fly out by pinch hitter Bryce Bernardin... but that was the 2nd out.
Craig flew out and the game was over.

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

After the game, Darryl Scott was designated for assignment. Heathcliff Slocumb was called up.

[rpriske]

May 7th, 1991

We want to bounce back from the loss yesterday and it is a battle of rookies.

The Expos are pitching fellow Canadian Mike Lumley in his Major League debut.

The Giants have Tom Kramer (2-0, 2.50), a relative veteran in his 4th appearance.

I am hitting seventh.

We scored in the top of the 1st when Ruben Sierra crossed on an Alvin Davis double.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Ryan Klesko on 2nd. I hit one to the left field fence for an RBI double!
I advanced to 3rd on a Timothy McKercher groundout but was stranded there.

Giants lead 2-0

With the bases loaded we turned a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Jose Offerrman and Chris Donells to end the inning.

The Expos tied it up in the 3rd with a home run from rookie, Sammy Sosa.

Game tied 2-2

I came up in the 4th with one out and Ryan on 1st. I drove one up the middle for a single, moving Ryan to 2nd.
We were left there.

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

In the 5th Ruben hit a two run homer to give us the lead back.

Giants lead 4-2

I led off the 6th, now facing Tim Scott. I grounded out to Donnels at 3rd.

Heathcliff Slocumb took over for us in the 6th, another player making his big league debut.

I got him his 5th out, the 2nd in the bottom of the 7th, off a Pedro Guerrero pinch hit grounder.

I came up in the 8th with one out and Tom Henke pitching. I grounded out to Donnels again.

After Heathcliff pitched two perfect innings in a nice debut, Matt brought in Mark Ross for the 8th.
I got the 3rd out for him, dealing with a grounder by Russ McGinnis.

Rob Deer hit a two run homer in the top of the 9th.

Giants lead 6-2

Joe Boever took the mound for us in the 9th.

He allowed a couple of baserunners but no runs and we had the win.

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

[rpriske]

May 8th, 1991

We finish up in Montreal today.

The Expos are pitching Steve Avery (3-1, 2.84).

The Giants are going with John Burkett (2-2, 7.11).

I have gone 5 for 19, or .262, against Avery.

I am hitting sixth.

John is really looking to turn his season around, but he got in big trouble very early. With two out in the bottom of the 1st, he gave up a hit to Shane Mack and then walked Chris Sabo and Reggie Sanders. Jose Oquendo followed with a bases clearing triple.

Expos lead 3-0

I came up in the 2nd with Mark Lewis on 1st. I hit a grounder to Sano at 1st but outran the double play.
I went to 2nd on a wild pitch.
I scored on a two out double by Alan Cockrell.

Expos lead 3-1

In the bottom half, Avery and Milt Cuyler scored on a single by Sabo.

Expos lead 5-1.

John is having a disastrous year. I don't know who we can keep riding him.

I came up with two out in the 4th and struck out.

Scott Service took over for us in the 5th.

I came up with on out in the 7th. I grounded out to Sanders at short.

With two out and two on in the bottom of the 7th, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson. He got his out.

Then he went to Bret Lachemann for the 8th.

Chris Donnels ended up scoring on a single by pinch hitter Pedro Guerrero.
Then Guerrero scored on a Sammy Sosa single.
Cuyler scored on a Mack single.
Mack and Sano both score on an Oquendo single.

Matt brought in Mark Ross.
James Aylward, who had pinch hit earlier, scored on a Donnels single.

Expos lead 11-1

And that is how it ended.

Embarrassing.

I went 0 for 3 with a run scored.

A lot happened on out travel day as we were heading home.

We found out that the team signed vet Mike Scott to a minor league deal. He is 36 but does he have something left? He was great.

Darryl Scott was sent down and Bryan Hickerson was placed on waivers to make room for Pat Combs, just called up.

[rpriske]

May 10th, 1991

Back in San Fran to face the Mets.

New York is pitching Kevin Appier (5-1, 1.09).

The Giants have Frank Viola (3-3, 3.61).

I have gone only 1 for 7 against Appier.

I am hitting seventh.

I got in on the action right away as I took care of a Lenny Dykstra grounder for the 1st out.
I then did the same to Wally Joyner for out #3.

I kept at it in the 2nd inning, handling a Greg Vaughn grounder for the 1st out.

I came up in the bottom of the 2nd with two out and Mark Lewis on 2nd. I walked, but we were both left on.

I got Greg Olson for the 1st out and Tito Navarro for the 2nd out in the 3rd.

I grabbed a Joyner pop for the 1st out in the 4th, continuing the steak.
I then started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Cal Ripken and Vaughn.

I came up in the 4th with two out, Mark on 2nd, and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I grounded out to Navarro at short.

I led off the bottom of the 7th by flying out to Vaughn in left.

I took care of an Appier grounder for the 1st out in the 9th.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 9th. I flew out to Kevin Mitchell in right, sending us to extras, still deadlocked at zero - zero.

10 innings was all that Frank could do (piker!), so Matt brought in Joe Boever for the 11th.

I came up with one out int he bottom of the 12th. Steve Crawford was pitching. I grounded out to Navarro.

Mark Ross took over in the 13th, with Timothy McKercher taking over behind the plate in a double switch. (Rob Deer had also replaced Luis Medina in left earlier in the game).
I caught a pop by pinch hitter Shawn Abner for the 1st out behind Mark.

It finally came to an end in the 13th when Timothy walked and the moved to 2nd on a sac bunt by Robby Thompson. Rob then singled, scoring Tim.

Giants win 1-0.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk.