Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

May 11th, 1991

After yesterday's epic, 1-0 win, we are ready to face the Mets again!

Today New York is pitching Sid Fernandez (3-1, 1.85).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (2-3, 5.13).

I have gone only 9 for 57, or .158, against El Sid.

I am hitting sixth.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Ryan Klesko on 2nd. I flew out to Lenny Dykstra in centre.
Ryan then scored on a double by Bruce Bernadin.

Giants lead 1-0

The Mets got it back in the 3rd when Greg Olson scored on a Wally Joyner double.

Game tied 1-1

We immediately grabbed the lead back int he bottom of the 3rd. First Bruce R. and Robby Thompson scored on a double by Ryan. Then Ryan scored on a Mark Lewis single. I flew out to end the inning.

Giants lead 4-1

Kevin Mitchell led off the 4th with a home run.

Giants lead 4-2

The Mets tied it up in the 6th when Cal Ripken blasted a two run bomb.

I took care of a Mitchell grounder for the 1st out.
I then handled a Mike Gallego grounder for the 3rd.

Game tied 4-4

I came up in the bottom of the 6th with Mark standing on 1st. I took a walk.
We both moved up on a sac bunt by Bruce B.
They gave Timothy McKercher the intentional pass to load them up.
Mark and I both scored on a pinch hit single by Tim Naehring.

Giants lead 6-4

Scott Service took the mound for us in the 7th.

They got one back when Olson scored on a pinch hit single by Tito Navarro.

Giants lead 6-5

I led off the bottom of the 8th, now facing Curt Schilling. I flew out to Shawn Abner in right.

After walking the first guy in the 9th, Scott left for Joe Boever.
He isn't able to hold it and ends up walking Navarro with the bases loaded to tie the game.
Then Dykstra scored on an infield hit by Joyner.

Matt brought in Heathcliff Slocumb.
He fared no better as Olson scored on a Ripken single.
Navarro scored on a Mitchell sac fly.
Joyner scored on an Abner single.
I handled a grounder by pinch hitter (in his second plate appearance of the inning), Chet Lemon, to stop the bleeding.

Mets lead 10-6

In the bottom the 9th, Craig Greenback pinch hit and grounded out, scoring Luis Medina and we lost 10-7.

It was a good game until it wasn't.

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

Lots happened after the game. Mark Ross was Designated for Assignment and Phil Combs was sent to Phoenix.

Called up was Jeff Mutis and our big prospect, Al Leiter.

[rpriske]

May 12th, 1991

We split the first two games against the Mets. Taking the series would be pretty nice.

New York is pitching Dwight Gooden (3-2, 1.71).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (0-3, 5.40).

I have gone 15 for 54, or .278, against Doc.

I am hitting seventh.

I caught a Lenny Dykstra liner for the 2nd out in the 2nd.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the inning and walked.
Stolen base #14.
I was left on.

I then came up in the 4th with one out and Mark Lewis on 2nd. I grounded out to Wally Joyner at 1st, but at least I advanced the runner.
He didn't end up scoring.

I next came up in the 6th, with two out and Mark on 1st. I struck out.

With the bases loaded in the 7th, I got Dykstra at home on a Dave Magadan fielder's choice.
The Mets broke the deadlock after that, though, as Greg Olson and Tito Navarro scored on a single by Gooden.
Then, with two out, Magadan crossed on a Kevin Mitchell single.
Cal Ripken and Mitchell scored on a Joyner double.

Matt brought in Al Leiter.
Joyner scored on a Greg Vaughn double.
Vaughn scored on a Dykstra single

Mets lead 7-0

With one out and one on in the 9th, Matt brought in Jeff Mutis.

Vaughn hit me pretty hard on a take out play. I wasn't too happy about that - especially with the seven run lead. Still, I was okay.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 9th, now facing Chris Bosio.
I grounded out to Mitchell Hannahs at 2nd.

We were shut out.

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

Next the Phillies come to town.

[rpriske]

May 13th, 1991

Our next home series starts today.

The Phillies are pitching Erik Hanson (5-1, 1.95).

The Giants have John Burkett (2-3, 7.67).

I have gone 8 for 26, or .308, with a home run against Hanson.

I am hitting seventh.

We got not he board first when Robby Thompson scored in the bottom of the 1st on a Bryce Bernardin single.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Mark Lewis on 1st. I replaced him with a fielder's choice.
Stolen base #15, but I was left at 2nd.

I came up next with one out in the 5th. I grounded out to Jose Vizcaino at 3rd.

Ruben Sierra hit a solo homer in the 6th.

Giants lead 2-0

Heathcliff Slocumb took the ball for us in the 8th.
I started a Priske - Thompson - Klesko double play to get Ozzie Smith and Juan Gonzalez.

I led off the bottom of the 8th by hitting a blooper down the left field line for a single.
Stolen base #16.
I went to 3rd on a Timothy McKercher single and scored on a pinch hit sac fly by Craig Grebeck.

Giants lead 3-0

Joe Boever came in for the 9th.
Things did not go well. He loaded the bases with one out and then he walked Walt Weiss, scoring Darrin Fletcher.

I turned a Priske - McKercher - Klesko double play to end the game.

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

[rpriske]

May 14th, 1991

Today's game was rained out. Tomorrow is now a double header.

[rpriske]

May 15th, 1991

So it seems I am in a custody battle over my dog.

The less said about that, the better.

We have a double header today before my family comes to town.

In Game one the Phillies are pitching Orel Hershiser (3-3, 2.29).

The Giants have Frank Viola (3-3, 2.92).

I have gone only 13 for 63, or .206, against Hershiser.

I am hitting seventh.

With one out in the game, Juan Gonzalez hit a solo homer.
Then Randy Milligan scored on a Bernard Gilkey triple.
He scored on a Darrin Fletcher single.

Phillies lead 3-0

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 2nd and flew out to GIlkey in left.

We turned things around int he bottom of the 4th when Bryce Bernadin scored on a double by Mark Lewis and then Ryan Klesko hit a two run homer.
I followed with a single and stole 2nd but was left there.

Game tied 3-3

I came up next in the 6th with two out and Mark on 1st. I walked.
We were stranded.

We took the lead in the 8th when Alvin Davis scored on a sac fly by Ryan.
I came up with one out and Mark on 1st. They brought Hector Fajardo in to face me. I hit one into right for a single, moving Mark to 3rd.
Mark scored and I went to 3rd on a wild pitch.
Stolen base #18.
Timothy McKercher walked.
I scored on a sac fly by pinch hitter Craig Grebeck.

Giants lead 6-3

Joe Boever came in for the 9th.

He got his 3 an d we took game one of the double header.

I went 2 for 3 with a pair of single, a walk, a run scored, and two stolen bases.

[rpriske]

May 15th, 1991

The second game of the double header saw the Phillies pitching Mike Moore (0-1, 2.35).

The Giants had Tom Kramer (3-0, 2.74).

I haven't seen much of Moore, but I have gone 4 for 8.

Hitting seventh again.

Robby Thompson led off the home side with a home run.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with Ryan Klesko on 1st. I replaced him on a fielder's choice.
Stolen base #19.
I got no further.

In the 4th, Gilkey scored on a wild pitch by Tom, tying it up.

Game tied 1-1

I led off the bottom of the 5th by grounding out to Jose Vizcaino at 3rd.

The Phils took the lead in the 6th when Vizcaino scored on a Moore single.
Then John Flaherty crossed on a single by Ozzie Smith.

With the bases loaded and two out, Matt brought in Bret Lachemann.
He gave up an RBI single to Tino Martinez but Bryce Bernadin threw out Smith trying to score.

Phillies lead 4-1

I came up in the 7th with one out, Alvin Davis on 2nd, and Mark Lewis on 1st. I walked, loading them up.
Alvin scored on aMark went to 3rd on an Alan Cockrell sac fly.
That's all we could get.

Phillies lead 4-2

Heathcliff Slocumb came in for the 8th.

Thing turned around for us in the 8th when a Robby Thompson double, a walk by Bryce, and a single by Alvin set the stage for a Timothy McKercher pinch hit home grand slam.
I grounded out to end the inning but...

Giants lead 6-4

We swept the double header and the series.

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

Tomorrow the Expos come to town which means the annual trip down from Victoria for my family!

[rpriske]

May 16th, 1991

The Expos are in town and so are my family! It is always great to see them! Especially after that nonsense with my ex and my dog.

Today Montreal is pitching Chuck Finley (4-3, 2.74).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (2-3, 5.26).

I have gone 7 for 33, or .212 against Finley.

But I am hitting .300 this year. I am still hitting sixth. I am not going to lie - I am getting a little annoyed at being down in the lineup. It feels like disrespect.

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

I then came up in the 4th and grounded into a double play.

I complained about my role and then can't hit...

The Expos broke the stalemate in the 5th when James Aylward scored on a Billy Hatcher single.
I took care of a Milt Cuyler grounder for the 3rd out.

Expos lead 1-0

WIth a man on in the 7th, Matt brought in Scott Service.
But then Aylward scored on a Finley double.

Expos lead 2-0

I came up with one out in the 7th and grounded out back to Finley.
Finley ran into trouble after that, though, including walking Ruben Sierra with the bases loaded, scoring Bryce Bernadin, and throwing a wild pitch, scoring Timothy McKercher.

Game tied 2-2

Heathcliff Sloucmb took the ball for us in the 8th.
Then Joe Boever took the 9th.
Things didn't go quite so well for Joe as pinch hitter Michael Urzendowski scored on a single by Jose Offerman.
Then Offerman and Hatcher scored on a Cuyler double.

Expos lead 5-2

I led off the bottom of the 9th against Mike Henneman. I dumped one into right for a single.
With two out I went to 2nd on a single by pinch hitter Tim Naehring.
Ruben Sierra singled to load the bases.
Then I scored on an Alvin Davis single.
But Robby Thompson grounded out and we lost, 5-3.

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

[rpriske]

May 17th, 1991

Trying to bounce back after yesterday's loss. I want a good showing for the family.

Today the Expos are pitching Scott Erickson (1-1, 3.81).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (0-4, 4.93).

I have gone 2 for 8 against Erickson.

I am hitting seventh.

Robby Thompson led off the home side with a first pitch home run, Also in the 1st, Bruce Bernadin scored on a. double play.

Giants lead 2-0

I handled a James Aylward grounder for the 3rd out in the 2nd.

I then led off the bottom of the inning by taking a walk.
Stolen base #20.
I scored on a Timothy McKercher single.

Giants lead 3-0

In the 3rd Ruben Sierra scored on a Mark Lewis groundout.

Giants lead 4-0

I led off the bottom of the 4th by flying out to Milt Cuyler in centre.

The Expos got on the board int he 5th when Michael Urzendowski crossed on an Aylward triple.

Giants lead 4-1

I came up in the 6th with two out and Ryan Klesko on 1st.
WHile I was at the plate, Ryan was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

In the 7th with two out, Rick needed to leave the game with a blister on his finger. Sounds like he will be fine.
Matt brought in Scott Service.

After Ryan was thrown out in the 6th, I led off in the 7th. They brought in Tim Scott to face me. I grounded out to Alvaro Espinoza at short.

Jeff Mutis was next up, pitching the 8th.
I failed him. I made an error after a great catch, allowing Billy Hatch rot score on what would have been the third out.

Giants lead 4-2

Jeff ended up sticking around for the 9th, getting the save and giving Rick his first win.

I went 0 for 2 with a walk, a run scored, a stolen base, and an error.

Half way through the four game series and we are even.

[rpriske]

(I had my first crash with OOTP24. Hopefully this time it works.)


May 18th, 1991

Still with the Expos.

Montreal is pitching Steve Avery (4-2, 3.16).

The Giants have John Burkett (3-3, 6.19).

I have gone only 5 for 22, or .227, against Avery.

I am hitting sixth.

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

We were first on the board when Timothy McKercher scored on the 3rd on an Alvin Davis single.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 4th with one out and Mark Lewis on 3rd. I popped out to Chris Donnels at 3rd.

The Expos got the run back in the 5th when Sammy Sosa crossed on an Espinoza single.

Game tied 1-1

I came up next with one out in the 7th. I grounded out to Jose Oquendo at 2nd.
Things went well for us after that, though. Steve Stanicek got a pinch hit single. Timothy singled. Craig Grebeck got a pick hit double, scoring both guys. Craig scored on a double by Ruben Sierra who scored on a single by Alvin.

Giants lead 5-1

After that Luis Medina and Alan Cockrell took over in the OF and Heathcliff Slocumb took the mound.

The Expos weren't going down easy as Billy Hatcher hit a pinch hit three-run homer in the top of the 8th.

Matt gave the ball to Al Leiter after that.
I handled a Sosa grounder for the 3rd out.

Giants lead 5-4

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 8th, now facing Mike Henneman. I flew out to Shane Mack in left.

Joe Boever came in to close things out for us.
He gave up a one out double to Chris Sabo but Ruben threw him out trying to stretch it to a triple.
I took care of a Michael Urzendowski grounder to end the game.

Nice win but I went 0 for 4.

After the game we found out that the team signed vet Rance Mulliniks. We haven't heard if he will be joining us are going in the system.

[rpriske]

May 19th, 1991

We finish up against the Expos today. After that my family heads back to Victoria and the team has a travel day, heading to Ohio.

The Expos are pitching Mark Mimbs (0-0, 3.79).

The Giants have Frank Viola (4-3, 2.98).

This is the fourth appearance in the Bigs for Mimbs, so we have never seen him.

I am hitting sixth.

Frank is pitching on short rest.

Montreal struck in the 1st as Billy Hatcher scored on a James Aylward single.
Then I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Aylward and Alvaro Espinoza.

Expos lead 1-0

We got the run back in the bottom of the 1st when Robby Thompson hit one out.

Game tied 1-1

They got the lead right back in the 2nd when Sammy Sosa crossed on a Mike Maksudian double.
Then Hatcher doubled him home.
Hatcher scored on a Milt Cuyler single.
A Chris Sabo single scored another.

Expos lead 5-1

I think sending Frank out on short rest was a bad idea.

I came up in the 2nd with Mark Lewis on 1st. I walked.
I was erased on a Bryce Bernadin fielder's choice.
Mark then scored on a Timothy McKercher fielder's choice.

Expos lead 5-2

After Frank gave up a leadoff hit in the 3rd, Matt had seen enough and replaced him with Al Leiter.
He got out of it.

I led off in the 4th and struck out.

With one out and one on in the 6th, Matt went to Bret Lachemann.
He got the outs.

I came up in the 6th with one out and Mark on 1st. I was hit by a Mimbs fastball. Clearly no intent there.
With two out, Timothy singled, scoring Mark and sending me to 2nd.
Steve Stanicek then got a two run, pinch hit double to tie the game!

Game tied 5-5

Scott Service took the ball for us in the 7th.

Once again, the Expos got the lead right back as Jose Offerman scored on a Maksudian single.
Then Shane Mack belted a pinch hit home run.

Matt brought in Jeff Mutis, who got the 3rd out.

Expos lead 8-5

I handled a Cuyler grounder for the 1st out in the 8th.

I came up to face Tim Scott with one out in the bottom of the 8th. I grounded out to Offerman at short.

I took care of the 1st out in the 9th off an Espinoza grounder.

We did nothing in the 9th and lost the game.

I went 0 for 2 with a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and a run scored.

Not the way I wanted to say goodbye to my family as we head to face the Reds.

We found out before the plane left that Mark Lewis had been optioned to Phoenix. Rance Mulliniks was going the team.

[rpriske]

May 21st, 1991

I have Neil Young on the Discman as we roll into Ohio.

The Reds are pitching Frank Castillo (3-3, 2.57).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (2-3, 4.96).

I have one only 6 for 30 against Castillo, but one of those was a home run.

I am hitting fifth.

The Reds scored on the 1st when Carlos Baerga crossed on a Mark McGwire single.
I took care of a Matt Nokes grounder for the 3rd out.

Reds lead 1-0

I led off the 2nd by grounding out to Mike Mordecai at short.

Things went well for us in the 3rd.
With one out, Robby Thompson singled and was tripled home by Bryce Bernadin.
Bryce scored on a Ruben Sierra double.
I came up with two out and tripled home Bryce but was then left at 3rd.

Giants lead 3-1

In the bottom of the inning, Baerga scored on a wild pitch.

Giants lead 3-2

I led off the 6th by grounding gout to McGwire at 1st.

I handled a Castillo grounder for the final out in the inning.

Scott Service took over for us in the 7th.

I took care of a Baerga grounder for the 1st out behind him.

I came up in the 8th with one out, Ruben on 2nd, and Alvin Davis on 1st.
While I was at the plate, Ruben stole 3rd. Then he scored and Alvin went to 2nd on a wild pitch.
I singled into left, moving Alvin to 3rd.
Stolen base #21.
We both scored on a single by Ryan Klesko.

Giants lead 6-2

With one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 8th, Matt brought in Joe Boever.
He pitched out of it.

With one out in the 9th, McGwire belted a two run homer.

We still got the win, 6-4.

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

[rpriske]

May 22nd, 1991

We beat the Reds yesterday. Let's make it two!

They are pitching Mike Boddicker (5-2, 3.35).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (1-4, 4.40).

Boddicker came over from the Orioles this year so I have never faced him.

I am hitting fifth.

The Red struck first, with Eric Davis scoring on a Kal Daniels double in the 1st.

Reds lead 1-0

I led off the 2nd by hitting one up the middle for a single.
Stolen base #22.
I went to 3rd on a Ryan Klesko groundout.
I was stranded.

I made great play in the 3rd to start a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Daniels and Mark McGwire.

I came up with one out in the 4th and flew out to Davis in centre.
Ryan followed with a single and then Tim Naehring hit a two run homer.

Giants lead 2-1

McGwire matched that feat in the 5th with a two run dinger of his own.

Reds lead 3-2

I led off the 6th by grounding out to McGwire at 1st.
But, once again, Ryan followed with a single. THis time he scored on a double by Tim. Then Tim scored on a single by pinch hitter, Scott Bradley.

Giants lead 4-3

Bret Lachemann took over for us for the bottom of the 6th.

He lost the lead right away as Matt Nokes led off with a homer.
I took care of a Tom Brunansky grounder for the 1st out.
I then did the same to pinch hitter, Jose Uribe.
Two batters later, Carlos Baerga hit a two run blast.
A double followed before Matt pulled out the hook.
Heathcliff Slocumb took the ball.
He got the third out.

Reds lead 6-4

I came up in the 7th with one out, Ruben Sierra on 2nd, Alvin Davis on 1st, and Scott Terry pitching. I legged out an infield single to load the bases.
Ryan Klesko singled, scoring booth Ruben and Alvin, and sending me to 3rd!
I scored on a Rance Mulliniks sac fly.

Giants lead 7-6

Once again the lead was short lived as McGwire scored on a Nokes sac fly in the bottom of the 7th.
Then Dave Staton scored on a Brukansky double.
Brunansky scored on a Baerga single.
Jose Uribe and Baerga scored on a pinch hit double by Mariano Duncan.

Once again, Matt got the hook out and brought in Jeff Mutis.
He immediately gave up a two run homer to Daniels.

Reds lead 13-7

Luis Medina led off the 8th with a pinch hit homer.

Reds lead 13-8

Al Leiter took the mound for us in the bottom of the 8th.

Staton ended up scoring on a wild pitch.
Then Nokes scored on a Brunansky single.
I handled a fielder's choice ball by John Patterson for the 2nd out.

Reds lead 15-8

I came up with one out in the 9th, now facing Joe Turek.
I walked.
Then Ryan walked.
With two out, Timothy singled to load the bags.
We left them that way.

Ugh.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, a run scored, a walk, and a stolen base.

After the game, Al Leiter was sent back to Phoenix and Bryan Hickerson was called back up.

[rpriske]

May 23rd, 1991

It is the rubber match against the Reds to day.

They are pitching Jack Armstrong (2-0, 1.12).

The Giants have John Burkett (4-3, 5.40).

I have gone only 3 for 20 against Armstrong.

I am hitting fifth.

I came up with one out in the 2nd and flew out to Kal Daniels in left.

I handled a Tom Brunansky grounder for the last out in the inning.

I did the same to Armstrong for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 3rd.

I next came up in the 5th with Alvin Davis standing on 1st. I flew out to Daniels again.

I came up in the 7th, with one out, Bryce Bernadin on 3rd, and pinch runner Timothy McKercher on 1st. Still no score.
That is, until I dropped one into right for an RBI single!
Timothy and I were left on.

Giants lead 1-0

I took care of a Jose Uribe grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th.

That was followed by a game tying homer by Beau Allred.
Two batters later, Eric Davis hit another solo shot.

Reds lead 2-1

Bryan Hickerson took the ball for us in the bottom of the 8th.

I came up in the 9th, with two out, Luis Medina on 1st, and John Franco pitching.
Curve ball inside. 1-0
Fastball fouled down the 1B side. 1-1
Fastball smashed in the air to left, but caught on the warning track.

Game over.

I went 1 for 4 with a single and an RBI.

Now we head to Atlanta.

[rpriske]

May 24th, 1991

Playing in Atlanta and trying to turn things around against one of the best teams.

The Braves are pitching Oscar Munoz in his Major League debut.

The Giants have Frank Viola (4-3, 3.61).

I am hitting fifth.

The Braves loaded the bases in the bottom of the 1st but we turned a Davis - Priske - Viola double play to get Andre Dawson and Ron Gant to end the threat.

I led off the 2nd by grounding out to Jeff Blauser at 2nd.

I then came up in the 4th with one out and Ruben Sierra on 1st. I struck out.

In the bottom of the 4th, Jim Thome and Terry Kennedy scored on a Jeff Bagwell single.
Bagwell later scored on a wild pitch.

Braves lead 3-0

We got on the board in the 5th when Tim Naehring scored on a Robby Thompson double.

Braves lead 3-1

I came up with two out in the 6th and flew out to Gant in left.

I handled a Dawson grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.

I came up with two out in the 9th, facing Duane Ward.

Fastball inside. 1-0
Curveball low. 2-0
Fastball high. 3-0
Changeup outside. Walk.

But then Ryan Klesko grounded out.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk.

We are 19-22 and trailing the Dodgers by 9 games - ahead of only the Padres for the division basement.

[rpriske]

May 25th, 1991

Another game in Atlanta.

The Braves are pitching Tom Glavine (2-5, 3.96).

The Giants have Tom Kramer (3-0, 2,51).

I have done well against Glassine, going 18 for 58, or .310, including a home run.

I am hitting sixth.

The home teams trick first as Jerome Walton crossed in the 1st off a Gary Sheffield double.
Then Ken Griffey Jr. scored on a Spike Owen sac fly.

Braves lead 2-0

I led off the 2nd by flying out to Griffey in centre.

I then came up in the 4th with two out and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I grounded out to Sheffield at 3rd.

Things turned our way in the top of the 5th.

Bryce Bernadin scored on a single by Tom.
Then Scott Bradley and Tom scored on an Alvin Davis double.
Alvin scored on a Tim Naehring single.

Giants lead 4-2

I led off the 6th by flying out to Griffey again.

With two out and a man on in the bottom of the 6th, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson to pitch and Steve Stanicek to replace Bryce in left on a double switch.
He gave up a double but then got out of it.

I came up in the 8th with Ryan standing on 1st. I tried to lay down a sac bunt, but I didn't do a good enough job. I did reach on a fielder's choice, however.
To compound the issue, I was then thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

Heathcliff Slocumb took the ball for us in the bottom of the 8th.

We tacked some on in the 9th.
Ruben Sierra hit a two run homer.
I came up with two out, Alvin on 3rd, and Tim on 1st.
Tavo Alvarez was pitching nd during my plate appearance he threw a wild pitch, allowing Alvin to score and moving Tim to 2nd.
I singled and Tim went to 3rd, but we were stranded there.

Giants lead 7-2

Jeff Mutis took the mound for us in the 9th.
He gave up a leadoff single but that was all and we had the win.

I went 1 for 5 with a single and a caught stealing.

After the game, Bryan was sent back to Phoenix and Pat Combs was called up.

[rpriske]

May 26th, 1991

Rubber match in Atlanta.

The Braves are pitching John DeSilva (4-1, 5.06).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (3-3, 4.56).

I haven't seen much of DeSilva, but I have gone 2 for 4.

I am hitting fifth.

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

The Braves got some power from an unlikely source as DeSilva hit a two run homer in the 3rd.

Braves lead 2-0

Robby Thompson led off the 4th with a home run - our first hit of the game.

I came up with one out, Ruben Sierra on 2nd, and Alvin Davis on 1st. I hit it off the centre field wall for a two run double!
With two out, Tim Naehring walked. Then I scored on an Alan Cockrell single.

Giants lead 4-2

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to Jeff Blauser and Terry Kennedy to end the inning.

I led off the 6th by dumping one into right for a single.
I went to 2nd on a Ryan Klesko sac bunt.
With two out they gave Alan Cockrell the intentional pass. It worked and we were left on.

I took care of a Gary Sheffield grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 6th.

I came up in the 7th with two out, Robby on 2nd, and Bryce Bernadin on 1st. I flew out to Ron Gant in left.

I handled a Blauser grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 7th.

Ken Griffey Jr. led off the bottom of the 8th with a pinch hit home run.

With one out and one on, Matt brought in Joe Boever.
I took care of a ball from pinch hitter Spike Owen for a fielder's choice.

Joe got four more outs and we had the win.

My big double made the highlight reel!

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

We are heading back home now, to face the Reds.

[rpriske]

May 27th, 1991

Home to face the Reds.

Cincinnati is pitching Mike Boddicker (5-2, 3.67).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (1-4, 4.50).

I haven't face Boddicker much, going 1 for 3.

I am hitting 5th.

I came up in the 2nd with Alvin Davis on 1st. I hit it to Carlos Baerga at 2nd for a fielder's choice.
Stolen base #23.
I went to 3rd on a Ryan Klesko groundout and scored on a Tim Naehring single.

Giants lead 1-0

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

I came up in the 4th with Alvin again on 1st. He went to 3rd on my single.
Alvin scored and I moved to 2nd on a single by Ryan.
Tim walked, loading the bases.
I was thrown out at the plate on a fielder's choice by Alan Cockrell.
Rick doubled, scoring Ryan and Tim.
Robby Thompson singled, scoring Alan.

Giants lead 5-0

I next came up with one out in the 5th, facing Joe Turek, and flew out to Kal Daniels in left.

The Reds got on the board in the 6th when Mike Mordecai crossed on a Baerga groundout.

Giants lead 5-1

Scott Service took the hill for us in the 7th.

I came up in the 7th with the base loaded: Bryce Bernadin on 3rd, Ruben Sierra on 2nd, Alvin on 1st. Scott Terry was the pitcher.
I hit it to Baerga who got Bryce at the plate, for a fielder's choice.
Ryan singled, scoring Ruben and Alvin.

Ryan and I were left on.

Giants lead 7-1

I took care of a grounder by pinch hitter Mariano Duncan for the 2nd out in the 8th.

Bert Lachemann took the ball for us in the 9th.
Beau Allred singled home Daniels with one out, but that was all they got and we won, 7-2.

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

We got some bad news after the game.
Timothy McKercher has been benched for a couple of days. It turns out that he has a fractured rib and he is going to miss about six weeks.
The team called up Tim Criswell. Tim seems game. He is a 28 year old who has been a career minor leaguer up until now.

[rpriske]

May 28th, 1991

We are going for the sweep today.

The Reds are pitching jack Armstrong (2-0, 1.19)

The Giants have John Burkett (4-4, 5.01).

I have gone only 4 for 23, or .174, against Armstrong.

I am hitting fifth.

In the 1st I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Mark McGwire and Eric Davis for the first outs of the game.

I came up in the bottom of the 1st with two out, Bryce Bernadin on 2nd, and Ruben Sierra on 1st. I walked, loading the bases.
We were left that way.

In the 3rd I made an inexcusable error on a Mike Mordecai groundball.
I did better on a Carlos Baerga grounder for the 3rd out.

I did the same to Kal Daniels for the 1st out in the 4th.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 4th and outran and infield single.
Stolen base #24.
I was stranded at 2nd.

We finally cracked the egg in the 5th when Alan Cockrell scored on a single by Bryce.

Giants lead 1-0

The lead was short lived as Baerga hit a solo shot in the 6th to tie it up.

Game tied 1-1

I led off in the 6th and grounded out to Baerga at 2nd.

In the 7th McGwire smashed a three run shot.

Reds lead 4-1

Heathcliff Slocumb took the ball for us in the 8th.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 8th, now facing Larry Anderson. I grounded out to Jose Uribe at short.

We couldn't get those runs back and dropped this one.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a stolen base, and an error.

After the game we found out the Harold Baines had been activated from the DL.
Bad news for Luis Medina as he was Designated for Assignment.

Kind of surprising as Luis has outhit Harold.

Well, we are up 2-1 on the Reds in the series with one game to go.

[rpriske]

May 29th, 1991

We are 2-1 again the Reds on this homestand. Let's make it 3-1.

The Reds are pitching Mike Bielecki (4-1, 3.23).

The Giants have Frank Viola (4-4, 3.58).

I have gone 8 for 29, or .276, against Bielecki.

I am hitting 3rd!

The Reds struck early as Kal Daniels scored on a Tom Brunansky sac fly in the 1st.

Reds lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 1st and grounded one hard up the middle for a single.
Stolen base #25.
I scored on an Alvin Davis single.

Game tied 1-1

I next came up in the 3rd with one out, Ryan Klesko on 2nd, and Harold Baines on 1st. I walked, loading them up.

We left them that way.

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

I came up in the 5th with Ryan and Harold on the corners and none out. I walked to load the bases for the 2nd straight time.
But this time, Alvin walked, scoring Ryan.
Harold was thrown out at home on a Bryce Bernadin fielder's choice.
Then I was thrown out on a Tim Naehring fielder's choice.

Giants lead 2-1
So many missed opportunities.

In the 6th we turned a Naehring / Priske / Davis double play to get Mark McGwire and Eric Davis.

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

Matt brought in Pat Combs with two out and one on.

I caught a Carlos Baerga liner to end the frame.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 7th, now facing Julian Heredia.
I dropped one into right for a single.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

Joe Boever came it for the 9th, trying to nail down the game.
Three batters later, he had done just that.

I went 2 for 2 with a pair of single, a pair of walks, a run scored, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

Next, the Braves come to town.

[rpriske]

May 30th, 1991

We have been playing a lot better lately.

Let's continue that again the Braves.

Today Atlanta is pitching Tom Glassine (2-6, 4.27).

The Giants have Jeff Mutis (0-0, 1.04).

I have done well against Glavine, going 18 for 62, or .290, with a home run.

I am hitting sixth.

Jeff has done well for us in relief, but this is his first start. He is replacing Tom Kramer in the rotation.

We scored in the bottom of the 1st when Robby Thompson crossed on a Tim Naehring sac fly.

I came up with two out, Harold Baines on 2nd, and Ruben Sierra on 1st. I walked but then we were all left on.

Giants lead 1-0.

In the 2nd I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Jeff Blauser and Terry Kennedy.

We got another run in the 2nd when Tim Criswell scored on a single by Harold.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up with one out in the 3rd and walked again.
With two out I grabbed Stolen Base #26.
I was left at 2nd.

Our lead vanished in the 4th at the hands of an Andre Dawson, two run homer.

Game tied 2-2

We got it right back in the bottom of the inning when Robby hit a solo shot.

Giants lead 3-2

In the 5th they got it right back when Ron Gant scored on a Gary Sheffield single.

I turned another Priske - Thompson - Davis double play. This time we got Sheffield and Dawson to end the inning.

Game tied 3-3

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 5th and grounded out to Sheffield at 3rd.

I caught a Joey Cora pinch hit liner for the 1st out in the 7th.

The bottom the 7th went our way as Robby and Ruben scored on a double by Tim N.
I came up with Tim on 3rd and one out, but struck out.

Giants lead 5-3

I handled a Sheffield grounder for the 1st out in the 8th.

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

He gave up a couple of hits but no runs and we had the win.

I went 0 for 2 with a pair of walks and a stolen base.

Notable because it has never happened in my pro career - I trail Eric Young for the most Stolen bases this year. The Padre has 29 to my 26.

I am leading the NL in WAR, though. (What is WAR? Let's just say I made it up...)