Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

May 31st, 1991

We are hoping to finish up May with another win.

The Braves are pitching John DeSilva (4-2, 4.95).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (4-3, 4.45).

Matt is giving me the day off.

I came in as a pinch hitter in the 6th, stole 2nd and then was thrown ou trying to steal 3rd.

I stayed in to play SS. We were leading 4-3.

Pat Combs came in to pitch.

I took care of a Gary Sheffield fielder's choice ball for the 1st out in the top of the 7th.

Tom Kramer came in to get the save in the 9th.
He gave up a two-out single, but that was all and we had the game.

I did not get a plate appearance but I id get a stolen base and a caught stealing.

As of the end of May we are 25-23 and 6 games behind the Dodgers. 4th place in the division.

[rpriske]

June 1st, 1991

I ended up playing more yesterday than we planned, so now I have today off again.

I came in defensively in the 8th. we were losing 4-0.

Scott Service was pitching.

Bret Lachemann took over with on one and one out in the inning.

Heathcliff Slocumb took over in the 9th.

I caught a Gary Sheffield looper for the 2nd out.

Jeff Bagwell and Spike Owen scored on a Terry Kennedy single.

Braves lead 6-0

I came up with two out in the 9th. Harold Baines and Ryan Klesko were in scoring position. Tavo Alvarez was pitching.

Swinging strike on a fastball. 0-1
Fastball. Strike looking. 0-2
Slider. I grounded it to Gary Sheffield at 3rd and was thrown out.

I went 0 for 1 in the loss.

[rpriske]

June 2nd, 1991

That was enough of a rest. I am back starting today.

The Braves are pitching Ben McDonald (5-2, 4.96).

The Giants have John Burkett (4-5, 5.02).

I have gone only 4 for 21, or .190, against McDonald.

I am hitting fifth.

In the 2nd Andre Dawson and Spike Owen scored on a Chuck Lynn single.

Braves lead 2-0

I came up in the bottom of the 2nd with Alvin Davis on 1st. I reached on an infield single, moving Alvin to 2nd.

I was erased on a fielder's choice by Ryan Klesko.

We are unable to score.

In the 4th Joey Cora scored on a Jim Thome single.

Braves lead 3-0

I led off in the 5th and grounded out to Jeff Blauser at 3rd.

Heathcliff Slocumb took the ball for us in the 6th.

I came up in the 6th with two out, Ruben Sierra on 2nd, and Alvin on 1st. I flew out to Ken Griffey Jr. in centre.

I took care of a Ron Gant grounder for the 1st out in the 7th.

In the bottom of the 7th, Ryan Klesko scored on an Atlanta error.

Braves lead 3-1

Tom Kramer came in for us in the 8th.

I came up in the 8th with none out and Harold Baines and Alvin on the corners. I hit one to Jeff Bagwell at 1st and he threw out Harold trying to score.
Tim Criswell took over for Alvin on 2nd and then he moved to 3rd on a fly by Ryan.
Stolen base #28.
We were left on.

Joe Boever took the 9th for us.
He did his job but we couldn't get those runs back and lost this one.

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

We are back to .500

Tomorrow is a travel day as we head to Pittsburgh.

[rpriske]

June 4th, 1991

We are sitting at .500 and really need to make a move.

We are in Pittsburgh and ready to go.

The Pirates are pitching Mark Gubicza (2-7, 7.06).

The Giants have Frank Viola (5-4, 3.39).

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

I am hitting fifth.

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

I caught a Charlie Montoyo pop for the 1st out in the bottom of the 3rd.

I came up in the 4th with one out and Harold Baines and Alvin Davis on the corners. I hit a sac fly to right, scoring Harold.

Giants lead 1-0

They got the run back in the bottom half when Candy Maldonado hit a solo home run.
We ended the inning with a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Dean Palmer and Dave Nillson.

Game tied 1-1

We took the lead back in the top of the 5th when Alan Cockrell scored on an error.

Giants lead 2-1

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

Our lead was erased in the 7th when Valentin scored on a sac fly by Bip Roberts.

Game tied 2-2

Tom Kramer came in to pitch the 8th.

Ruben Sierra led off the 9th with a home run.

I came up with Alvin on 1st, facing Doug Jones. I reached on an infield single, moving Alvin to 2nd.
Ryan Klesko tried a sac bunt but they got Alvin at 3rd.
Ryan and I were left on.

Giants lead 3-2

Joe Boever came it to shut it down.
He allowed two baserunners but no runs and we had the nod.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a sac fly, and an RBI.

[rpriske]

June 5th, 1991

Trying to keep that momentum going...

Today the Pirates are pitching Rick Reed (9-2, 3.17).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (5-3, 4.45).

I have done well against Reed in limited exposure, going 3 for 7.

I am hitting fifth.

I led off the 2nd by flying out to Bip Roberts in left.

I took care of a Dean Palmer grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of that inning.

We got on the board in the 3rd when Bruce scored on a Ruben Sierra single.

Giants lead 1-0

I handled a Roberts grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 3rd.
Then I did the same to Brian Harper to end the inning, stranding two men in scoring position.

I led off the 4th by dumping one into shallow centre for a single.

I advanced to 2nd on a sac bunt by Ryan Klesko and then to 3rd on a wild pitch by Reed.

With two out they intentionally walked Tim Naehring.

That worked as they got Bruce to pop out.

I came up in the 5th with one out and the bases loaded - Robby Thompson on 3rd, Harold Baines on 2nd, and Ruben on 1st.
I grounded one to Harper at 1st and he got Robby at the plate.

Then Ryan flew out.

Wasted opportunity and I was part of that.

We did get a run in the 6th when Tim crossed on a sac fly by Robby.

Giants lead 2-0

The Prates got on the board in the bottom of the 6th when pinch runner Paul Zuvella crossed on an error by Ruben.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up with one out in the 7th, now facing Steve Foster. I walked.
Stolen base #29.
They intentionally walked Ryan.
A double play left me on.

I handled a Charlie Montoyo grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.
I then took care of a grounder by pinch hitter Sid Bream for out #2.

With two out and a man on, Matt brought in Pat Combs.
He got the 3rd out.

In the 8th, Alan Cockrell scored on a double by Harold.

Giants lead 3-1

Tom Kramer took the ball for us in the 8th.

I came up with one out in the 9th, facing Chris Hook. I struck out.

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

The Bucs loaded them up but I took care of a grounder by pinch hitter Bob Zambrano to end the game.

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

[rpriske]

June 6th, 1991

We are going for the sweep today!

The Pirates are pitching Bill Krueger (0-2, 11.15).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (2-5, 4.28).

I have done very well against Krueger, going 5 for 11.

I am hitting sixth.

We struck early as the 1st inning saw Harold Baines scoring on a Ruben Sierra double and then Ruben doing the same on an Alvin Davis double.
I flew out to end the inning.

Giants lead 2-0

We turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to end the 1st.

In the 2nd Tim Criswell hit a two run homer!

Giants lead 4-0

The Pirates got on the board in the 3rd when Dean Palmer crossed on a Dave Nilsson single.

Giants lead 4-1

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 3rd and dumped the ball into left for a single.
I was left there.

Tim scored in the 4th off a single by Harold.

Giants lead 4-1

I came up in the 5th with Tim Naehring on 2nd and Alvin on 1st. Lee Tunnell was pitching. I struck out.

In the 6th Palmer hit a solo shot.

Giants lead 5-2

I came up in the 7th with two out and Tim N. on 1st. I flew out to Willie McGee in centre.

With two on and two out in the bottom of the 7th, Matt brought in Pat Combs.
He got the 3rd out.

Scott Service took the ball for the 8th.

I came up in the 9th. There was two out, Harold was on 2nd and Ruben was on 1st. Rob Lopez was pitching.
RBI single!

Ruben and I were stranded.

Giants lead 6-2

Scott stayed in for the 9th and got the save.

We had the sweep!

I went 2 for 5 with a pair of singles and an RBI.

Now we head to St. Louis with some momentum on our side!

[rpriske]

June 7th, 1991

A glitch made me lose the start of this write up.

It is Pedro Martinez of the Cardinals and John Burkett for the Giants.

The Cards scored in the 1st and I struck out in the 2nd but led off with a triple in the 4th.

(back to 'live')

I scored on a wild pitch by Martinez.

Game tied 1-1

In the 5th Jose Valentin scored on a Luis Gonzalez single.

Cardinals lead 2-1

I led off the 6th by one-upping my triple and depositing a ball into the left field seats for a home run - my second of the year.

We kept going after that and Ryan Klesko scored on a Tim Naehring double and then Tim and Robby Thompson scored on a Harold Baines double.

Giants lead 5-2

Terry Pendleton led off the bottom of the 6th with his own homer.
A pinch hit double by Vince Coleman scored Ruben Amaro, Bernie Williams, and Valentin, giving St. Louis back the lead.

After walking the next batter, Burkett was pulled for Healthcliff Slocumb.
Coleman scored on a sac fly by Gonzalez.

Cardinals lead 7-5

I came up with one out in the 7th, now facing Keith Morrison. I hit one into left for a single. (A double shy of the cycle!)
Stolen base #30.
I was stranded.

Tom Kramer came in to pitch for us in the 8th.

I came up with two out in the 9th, now facing Mike Williams.
Will I get my double?

Change-up low. 1-0
Fastball low. 2-0
Fastball in the low part of the zone. 2-1
Fastball, lined into centre... for a single.

No cycle, but that IS four hits.

I got no further and we lost.

Despite the loss I was named Player of the game. 4 for 5 with a home run, a triple, two singles, two runs scored, and RBI, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

June 8th, 1991

I had a big day yesterday but we still lost to the Cardinals.

Today the Cards are pitching Hipolito Pichardo (2-2, 4.10).

The Giants have Jeff Mutis (1-0, 1.78).

In this rookie battle, neither pitcher has ever faced the other team.

I am hitting fifth.

I led off the 2nd by doubling off the centre field wall!
WIth one out I scored on a Tim Naehring single.
Alan Cockrell followed with a home run.

Giants lead 3-0

I took care of a Bernie Williams grounder to end the 2nd.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Alvin Davis on 1st. I walked.
Then Ryan Klesko walked.
Tim singled and both Alvin and I scored.
Then Alan homered again.

Giants lead 8-0

I came up in the 4th with one out and Alvin on 1st again. Now it was John Cummings pitching. I flew out to Luis Gonzalez on left.

I threw out Lance Johnson on a grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.
I then caught a Tom Pagnozzi pop to end the inning.

The Cards got on the board in the 5th when Dickie Thon crossed on a Cummings single.

Giants lead 8-1

In the 6th Terry Pendleton hit a two run homer.
Then Williams did the same.

That was enough for Matt who brought in Bret Lachemann.

Giants lead 8-5

I led off the 7th, now facing John Denny. I flew out to Williams in centre.

In the 8th pinch hitter Steve Stanicek scored on a Harold Baines sac fly.

Giants lead 9-5

Pat Combs came in to pitch the bottom of the 8th.

I came up in the 9th with Alvin on 1st and Mike Myers on the mound. I doubled to left-centre, moving Alvin to 3rd.
We both scored on a one out single by Tim.

Giants lead 11-5

Scott Service took the mound for the 9th.

I handled a Lance Johnson grounder for the 2nd out int he bottom of the 9th.
One more out and we had the big win.

I went 2 for 4 with two doubles, a walk, and three runs scored.

[rpriske]

June 9th, 1991

Third of a four game series in St, Louis. We split the first two.

Today the Cardinals have Tim Worrell (2-5, 5.93).

The Giants have Frank Viola (5-4, 3.32).

Worrell is a rookie and this is the first time we have faced him.

I am hitting fifth.

I came up with one out in the 2nd and grounded out to Terry Pendelton at 3rd.

Pendelton then led off the bottom half of the inning with a home run.

Cardinals lead 1-0

The first hit of the game was a home run and so was the 2nd. Ruben Sierra hit a solo blast in the top of the 4th to tie it up.

I came up the tinning with two out and Alving Davis on 1st. I was thrown out on a dribbler fielded by catcher Tom Pagnozzi.

Game tied 1-1

In the bottom half, Luis Gonzalez scored on a Pagnozzi double.

Cardinals lead 2-1

In the 6th Harold Baines scored on a triple by Ruben, who then scored on a single by Alvin.
I grounded out to end the inning.

Giants lead 3-2

The Cards tied it up in the 7th when Dave Anderson scored on a Lance Johnson double.

Game tied 3-3

I took care of a Bernie Williams grounder for the final out in the 8th.

I led off the 9th, now facing Mike Williams.
He walked me on four straight pitches.
Stolen base #31.
With one out, Tim Naehring walked.
I went to 3rd on a fly out by pinch hitter, Rance Mulliniks.
I did not score.

After a couple of pinch hitting appearances, we had a few changes for the bottom of the 9th. Tim Hulett took over at 3rd, moving Tim to 2nd, replacing Robby Thompson. Scott Bradley went in behind the play, in place of Alan Cockrell. Joe Boever was the new pitcher.

Things tipped out way in the 10th when Alvin belted a two run homer.
I came up with two out and struck out.

Giants lead 5-3

Than joy was short lived as in the bottom of the inning, Andy Van Slake hit a THREE run homer to walk us off, 6-5.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base.

There was an update on the All-Star Voting. I lead at SS and both Tim Naehring and Ruben Sierra are in 3rd in their polls.

Lots of changes after the game.

Scott Bradley and Bret Lachemann were sent to Phoenix.
Tim Hulett and Greg Litton were both placed on waivers.

Called up: Mike Scott, Mark Lewis, and Craig Grebeck.

[rpriske]

June 10th, 1991

We have dropped two of three in St.Louis. Today we try to even it up.

The Cardinals are pitching Greg Harris (4-5, 2.37).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (6-3, 4.04).

I have gone only 1 for 12 against Harris, but I am back in my natural order spot - first.

I led off the game by grounding out to Andy Van Slyke at 1st.

I took care of a Terry Pendelton grounder to end the inning.

I led off the 4th by grounding out to Jose Valentin at short.

With two out in the bottom of the 4th, Ruben Amaro blasted a solo shot.
I took care of a Valentin grounder to end the inning.

Cardinals lead 1-0

I came up in the 5th with two out and the bases loaded - Ryan Klesko on 3rd, Tim Criswell on 2nd, and Tim Naehring on 1st.
I singled, scoring Ryan and Tim C.
Harold Baines then came up and Tim N. and I moved up on a wild pitch and then scored on a single.

Giants lead 4-1

We got another run in the 6th when Mark Lewis scored on a single by Tim N.

Giants lead 5-1

I led off the 7th, now facing Mike Myers. I grounded out to Van Slyke again.

I caught a Pendelton pop for the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th.

Pat Combs took over for us on the mound with one out in the 8th.
I took care of a Terry Shumpert grounder to eliminate the first batter he faced.

I led off the 9th, now facing Keith Morrison. I flew out to Luis Gonzalez in left.

We held on for the win, splitting the series 2-2.

I went 1 for 5 with a single, 2 RBI, and a run scored.

Now we head to Chicago.

[rpriske]

June 11th, 1991

We are in Chicago for a three game set.

The Cubs are pitching Randy Johnson (7-4, 3.83).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (3-5, 4.12).

I have gone 4 for 15 against Johnson.

I am hitting 3rd.

I came up with two out in the 1st and took a walk.
I was awarded 2nd on a balk by Johnson.
I was stranded.

In the 2nd Tim Barker hit a two run homer.

Cubs lead 2-0

I led off the 4th by striking out.

We evened things back up in the 5th when Harold Baines hit a two run blast.

Game tied 2-2

I led off the 6th by walking on four pitches.
I was throw out trying to steal 2nd.

I handled a Brady Anderson grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 6th.

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

I came up in the 8th with one out and Robby Thompson on 1st.
Robby stole 2nd on the first pitch.
I walked for the 3rd time.

We were left on.

In the bottom of the 8th Chris Hole scored on a Bret Barber single.
Matt brought in Pat Combs.

Things didn't get better as Barber and Barker scored on a pinch hit double by Ivan Rodriguez.

Cubs lead 5-2

We could not get any of those runs back in the 9th and lost.

I went 0 for 1 with three walks and a caught stealing.

[rpriske]

June 12th, 1991

We lost the first game at Wrigley and are looking to bounce back.

The Cubs are pitching Dennis Rasmussen (3-8, 4.44).

The Giants have John Burkett (4-7, 5.59).

I have gone 2 for 6 against Rusmussen and am hitting lead off, just as I like it.

I opened up the game by taking a walk.
I went to 2nd on a sac bunt by Robby Thompson and scored on a single by Ruben Sierra.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 2nd Bryce Bernadin scored on a Ryan Klesko single.

I came up with one out and Ryan on 2nd. I struck out.

Ryan scored on a single by Ruben.

Giants lead 3-0

In the 3rd, Travis Freeman turned things around with a 3-run homer.

Game tied 3-3

I led off the 4th by hitting one to the left-centre wall for a double.
I went to 3rd on a wild pitch and scored on a sac fly by Robby.

Giants lead 4-3

In the 5th Freeman tied it up again. This time it was an RBI single scoring Brian Jordan.
Then Bret Barber scored on a Chris Hoiles single.

Matt brought in Mike Scott then and he got the 3rd out. Steve Stanicek also replaced Ryan on a double switch.

Cubs lead 5-4

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

In the 6th Tim Barker doubled, scoring Jordan and pinch hitter Otis Nixon.
He scored on a Barber triple.

Not an auspicious showing for Mike.

Matt brought in Heathcliff Slocumb, who got the 3rd out.

Cubs lead 8-4

I came up in the 8th with two out and Bryce on 3rd. They brought in Roger McDowell to face me. I hit it into the left field corner for an RBI double.
Robby walked but we were both left.

Cubs lead 8-5

Jeff Mutis took the ball for us in the 8th.

We weren't able to catch up and lost again.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of doubles, a walk, two runs scored, and an RBI.

After the game both Jeff and Heathcliff were sent to Phoenix and Bobby Thigpen and Mark Ross were called up.

Rob Deer was DFAd as well.

[rpriske]

June 13th, 1991

Trying to avoid a sweep in Chicago.

The Cubs are pitchman Dan Freed (0-2, 4.41).

The Giants are going with Tom Kramer (5-0, 2.29).

I have the day off.

I came in to pinch hit in the 8th, with us trailing 4-3. I walked but was stranded.

I stayed to play SS.

We got swept.

Home to face Pittsburgh.

[rpriske]

June 14th, 1991

Back in San Francisco after a rough series in Chicago.

Today the Pirates are pitching Mark Gubicza (2-7, 5.86).

The Giants have Frank Viola (5-4, 3.33).

I have gone 3 for 13, or .231, against Gubicza.

I am batting clean-up.

I made the first play of the game, dealing with a Paul Zuvella grounder.

I led off the bottom of the 2nd by grounding out to Brian Harper at 1st.

In the 3rd Charlie Montoyo and Lee Stevens scored on a single by Harper.

Pirates lead 2-0

I came up in the 4th with one out and Ruben Sierra on 1st. I hit into a fielder's choice.
Stolen base #32.
I was stranded.

I got the 2nd out in the 5th off a Stevens grounder.
I did the same to Gubicza for the 3rd.

We cut the lead in half in the bottom of the 5th when Rance Mulliniks scored on a single by Frank.

Pirates lead 2-1

I handled a Harper grounder for the 2nd out in the 6th.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 6th and struck out.

I then came up in the 8th with one out, pinch runner Alan Cockrell on 2nd, and Ruben on 1st. I singled to left, scoring Alan to tie the game.

I was thrown out on a Mark Lewis fielder's choice.

Game tied 2-2

Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch the 9th for us.

I snagged a Willie McGee liner for the 1st out.

I came up with two out in the 10th, now facing Doug Jones. I flew out to Scott Meadows in right.

WIth two out in the top of the 11th, Matt brought in Joe Boever.

Then Pat Combs took the ball in the 12th.

In the bottom half, Alan singled home Craig Grebeck to give us the walk-off, 3-2 win!

I went 1 for 5 with a single, an RBI, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

June 15th, 1991

Yesterday was a long one.

Today the Pirates are pitching Rick Reed (9-4, 3.32).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (7-3, 3.78).

I have done well against Reed, going 4 for 10.

I am hitting clean-up again.

I handled a Candy Maldonado grounder for the 1st out in the 2nd.

I led off the bottom of the inning by grounding out to Charlie Montoyo at 3rd.

Marl Lewis followed me with a home run.

Giants lead 1-0

I took care of a Brian Harper grounder for the 3rd out in the 3rd.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 4th and drove a single to right field.
I ran into a pitch out and was thrown out.

With one out and a man on in the 6th, Matt brought in Mark Ross. (With Alan Cockrell replacing Tim Criswell on a double switch.)
He struck out the next two.

I came up in the 6th with two out, Alan on 3rd, and Ruben Sierra on 1st.
They walked Ruben intentionally to get to me. I take that personally/
I made them pay with an infield single, scoring Alan.
Ruben and I were left on.

Giants lead 2-0

Pat Combs took over in the 8th.

In the bottom of the 8th they intentionally walked Ruben to face me again, but this time it was less personal. One out, bases now loaded.
I singled to right, scoring Robby Thompson.
Harold Baines then scored on a sac fly by Mark.
Ruben and I were left on again.

Giants lead 4-0

Mike Scott came in for the 9th. His first outing left him with a 20.25 ERA.

I handled a Paul Zuvella fielder's choice for the 2nd out.

We had the win.

I went 3 for 4 with a trio of singles, two RBI, and a caught stealing.

After the game Mark Ross was sent to Phoenix and Rod Nichols was called up.

[rpriske]

June 16th, 1991

We are going for the sweep today!

The Pirates are pitching Bill Krueger (1-3, 10.30).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (3-5, 4.03).

I have done very well against Kruger, going 6 for 13.

I am batting 2nd.

The Bucs struck first when Bip Roberts scored on a Dean Palmer single in the first half-inning.

Pirates lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the bottom half and dumped one into centre for a single.
Stolen base #33.
I scored on a Ruben Sierra double.
Then Ruben scored on an Alvin Davis single.

Giants lead 2-1

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

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Ryan Klesko on 2nd. I walked.
Ryan scored and I went to 2nd on a single by Ruben.
We were left.

Giants lead 3-1

In the 4th we turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to get Palmer and Candy Maldonado.
After that, though, John Valentin hit a two run homer.

I took care of a Charlie Montoyo grounder to end the half inning.

Game tied 3-3

I came up in the bottom of the 4th with two out and Harold Baines on 2nd. I flew out to Willie McGee in centre.

I then came up with two out in the 7th, now facing Steve Foster. I struck out.

Joe Boever took the ball for us in the 8th.

The Pirates grabbed the lead back that inning when Roberts scored on a Palmer single.
It got worse when Dave Nilsson and Palmer scored on a Maldonado double.

We turned a Davis - Priske - Davis double play to get us out of it, but...

Pirates lead 6-3

What do you do when you are down by 3?
WIth two out, Robby Thompson singled, Tim Criswell doubled, pinch hitter Rance Mulliniks walked.

And Ryan Klesko hit a Grand Slam.

Giants lead 7-6

Bobby Thigpen came in for the 9th.
They got a couple of two out singles, but no runs, and we had the sweep.

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

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

All-Star Voting update came in.

I am leading at SS. Ruben is 3rd on RF.

Oh, and my stolen base today caught me up with Eric Young for the lead league.

I am not ready to give up that crown.

Now we wait for the Cardinals to roll in.

[rpriske]

June 17th, 1991

We swept the Pirates and now we turn our attention to the Cardinals.

St. Louis is pitching Pedro Martinez (3-6, 5.36).

The Giants have John Burkett (4-8, 5.85).

I have gone 2 for 5 against Martinez, with on elf my rare home runs.

I am leading off.

They got to us in the top of the 1st when Lance Johnson crossed on an Andy Van Slyke double.

I took care of a Ruben Amaro grounder for the 2nd out.
Then Van Slyke scored on a passed ball.

Cardinals lead 2-0

I led off by flying out to Vince Coleman in left.
A few batters later, Bryce Bernadin belted a three-run blast.

Giants lead 3-2

The lead swung right back in the 2nd when Bernie Williams and Terry Shumpert scored on a Johnson single.

Cardinals lead 4-3

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 2nd and took a walk.
Stolen base #34, but I was stranded.

I came up in the 4th with two out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. I grounded out to Shumpert at 2nd.

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

I came up in the 7th with one out and pinch hitter Ruben Sierra on 1st. I hit into a double play.

Pat Combs took the ball for us in the 8th.

I came up in the 9th. Two out. Pinch hitter Robby Thompson on 3rd. Tim Worrell on the mound.

Fastball strike, looking. 0-1
Fastball away. 1-1
Splitter away. 2-1
Fastball low. 3-1
Fastball strike, looking. Full count.
Fastball driven foul to the right.
Fastball outside. My second walk of the night.

Harold Baines flew out and we lost.

I went 0 for 3 with a pair of walks and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

June 18th, 1991

Tom Kramer vs Terry Gilmore.

I have been give an off-day.

It was short lived.

Robby Thompson led off the bottom of the 1st with a triple but hurt his leg.
I entered the game defensively in the bottom of the 2nd, despite being tired.

You've got to do what you've got to do.

We were leading, 1-0.

They got it back in the 2nd when Coleman scored when Ruben Amaro took me out to break up the double play.

Game tied 1-1

I came up in the bottom of the 2nd with one out, Tim Naehring on 2nd, and Tom on 1st. I hit into a double play.

I then came up in the 5th with one out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I grounded out back to Gilmore. I couldn't even advance the runner.

I took care of an Andy Van Slyke grounder for the 1st out in the 6th.

With one out and a man on in the 7th, Matt brought in Rod Nichols.
He immediately gave up an RBI single to pinch hitter Dickie Thon.

Cardinals lead 2-1

After already losing Robby this game, Harold Baines left after a pinch hit double.

I came up in the bottom of the 7th with two out, Alan on 3rd, and Steve Stanicek pinch running on 2nd. They brought in John Cummings to face me.
I walked, loading the bases.
Ruben Sierra struck out.

Joe Boever took the ball for us in the 8th.

Then Bobby Thigpen took the 9th, still down by a run.

We turned a Thigpen - Priske - Davis double play to get out of that inning.

I was standing on deck when we recorded the last out.

I went 0 for 2 with a walk. More importantly, we had two important players leave the game.

Both guys say they will be all right, in time, but we are the walking wounded.

[rpriske]

June 19th, 1991

WIth me not getting my day off yesterday, we are going to try again today.

Frank Viola vs Hipolito Pichardo.

I pinch hit in the 5th with Harold Baines on 2nd and two out. I flew out.

Cardinals lead 2-1

Terry Pendelton led off the 6th with a home run.
Then Tom Pagnozzi scored on a Bernie Williams double.
Williams scored on a Pichardo single.

That was enough for Matt and he brought in Rod Nichols.

It went no better as Pichardo score don a Lance Johnson single.

Cardinals lead 6-1

Mike Scott took over for us in the 8th.

We turned a Scott - Priske - Davis double play to get John Valentin and Williams.
I took care of a Dickie Thon grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 8th, facing Mike Williams. I grounded out to Thon at 2nd.

Then in the 9th, Johnson scored on a Pendelton double.

Cardinals lead 7-1

Blow out.

I went 0 for 2.

We swept and then we got swept.

Next come the Cubs.

And I am really exhausted.

[rpriske]

June 20th 1991

Day off take three.

Cubs vs Giants

Greg Maddux vs Bruce Ruffin

I came in as a defensive replacement in the 8th.

Cubs leading 5-0

Scott Service was pitching.

Then Rod Nichols took the ball in the 9th.

We were shut out for our 4th straight loss.

We have dropped below the Astros and are in 5th place in the NL West.

But I got enough rest.

Enough is enough.