Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

June 21st, 1991

We have lost four in a row and we have yet to beat the Cubs this season. Time to change both.

Today the Cubs are pitching Randy Johnson (8-4, 3.58).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (3-5, 4.02).

I am back in the lineup and hitting seventh. I have gone 4 for 16 against Johnson.

On the downside, both Harold Baines and Robby Thomson are hurting. But they are in there. Let's go.

I caught a hot Bret Barberie liner for the 2nd out in the 2nd.
They got on the board that inning when Ivan Rodriguez scored on a Scott Fletcher single.

Cubs lead 1-0

I came up in the bottom of the inning with two out and Alvin Davis on 2nd. I flew out to Otis Nixon in centre.

They extended their lead in the 3rd when Paul O'Neill crossed on a Brady Anderson single.

Cubs lead 2-0

I led off in the 5th by popping out to Travis Fryman at 3rd.

Things got worse in the 6th when Anderson and Barberie scored on a Fletcher single.
Then Rodriguez scored on a Johnson single.

Still with none out and two men on, Matt brought in Scott Service.

With one out, Fletcher scored on a Fryman single.
We turned a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to end it, but...

Cubs lead 6-0

In the 7th we turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to get Barberie and Rodriguez.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Mark Lewis on 2nd. I grounded out to Fletcher at short.

WIth one out and a man on in the 8th, Matt turned to Mike Scott.

We turned another Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to get him out of the inning.

Pat Combs took the 9th.

I came up in the 9th with two out and Alvin on 1st. John Powell was pitching.
During my appearance, Alvin went to 2nd on a wild pitch.
I walked.
Then Steve Stanicek walked, to load the bases.
Then pinch hitter Rance Mulliniks walked, scoring Alvin.
Then I scored on the other runners moved up on a passed ball.
Harold singled, scoring Steve.
Robby walked, re-loading the bags.
Ruben walked, scoring Rance.
Bryce Bernadin (who started this inning off as a pinch hitter) singled, scoring Rance and Harold! Tie game!
Alvin struck out to end it, but...

Game tied 6-6!

With new life in the game, Bobby Thigpen took the ball for us in the 10th.
Tim Criswell took over behind the plate.

I came up in the bottom of the 10th with one out and Roger McDowell on the mound.
I walked again.
Stolen base #35.
Steve singled and I scored!

Walk-off win!

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

[rpriske]

June 22nd, 1992

Big walk-off, extra inning win yesterday.

Let's keep it going.

Today the Cubs have Dennis Rasmussen on the hill (4-9, 452).

The Giants are going with John Burkett (4-9, 5,67).

I have gone 3 for 9 against Rasmussen and am hitting seventh.

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

In the bottom half, Ruben Sierra hit a solo home run.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 2nd and grounded out to Jeff King at 1st.

In the top of the 3rd, Paul O'Neill hit a three-run bomb.

Cubs lead 3-1

In the bottom of the inning, Ryan Klesko crossed on a. Harold Baines sac fly and then Robby Thompson hit a home run to tie the game.

Game tied 3-3

But then in the top of the 4th, King his three-run dinger.

Matt brought in Rod Nichols to pitch.

Cubs lead 6-3

I came up in the bottom of the 4th with one out, Alan Cockrell on 2nd, and Alvin Davis on 1st. I drove one up the middle for an RBI single!

Alvin and I were left on.

Cubs lead 6-4

Chris Hoiles led off the 5th with a homer.
Then Brady Anderson scored on a Rasmussen single.

Cubs lead 8-4

WIth one out and two on in the 6th, Matt brought in Mike Scott.
Two batters later, Travis Fryman scored on a Bret Barberie single.

Cubs lead 9-4

I came up in the 6th with one out and Mark Lewis on 2nd. I grounded out to Tim Barker at short.

We closed the gap in the 7th when Harold crossed on a double by Robby and then Alan hit a two run homer.

Cubs lead 9-7

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

I caught a Berberie liner for the 3rd out in the 8th.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 8th, now facing Keith Brown.
I walked but was left on 1st.

Pat Combs took the 9th.

I handled a Barker grounder for the 2nd out behind him.

We could not score in the 9th and lost the game.

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

The team made a couple of changes after the game, sending Rod Nichols and Joe Boever down to Phoenix and calling up Mark Ross and Darryl Scott.

[rpriske]

June 23rd, 1991

It is the rubber match against the Cubs.

Chicago is pitching John Dopson (2-1, 3,22).

The Giants have Tom Kramer (5-1, 2.49).

I have gone 3 for 15 against Dopson and am hitting third.

I came up with two out in the 1st and reached on an error by Dopson.
I went to 2nd on a single by Bryce Bernadin.
Then Rance Mulliniks loaded the bases with an infield hit.
We left them juiced.

I next came up with one out in the 3rd and hit one to deep right for a triple!
I did not score.

I took care of a Jeff King grounder for the 2nd out in the 4th.
After that Bret Barberie crossed on a Brian Jordan single.

Cubs lead 1-0

We got it back in the bottom half when Tim Criswell scored on a sac fly by Tom.

Game tied 1-1

I handled a Tim Barker grounder for the 1st out in the 5th.
But a few batters later, Brady Anderson hit a two run bomb.
I took care of King again for the 3rd out.

Cubs lead 3-1

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 5th and flew out to Jordan in centre.

Jordan homered again in the 6th. Two runs again.

Cubs lead 5-1

Mark Ross took the ball for us in the 7th and then Darryl Scott did so in the 8th.

I handled a Jordan grounder for the 2nd out behind Scott.
I then got pinch hitter Scott Fletcher for the 3rd.

I led off the bottom of the 8th against Shawn Hillegas. I grounded out to Barberie at 2nd.

King made it all academic in the top of the 9th with a grand slam

Bobby Thigpen took over after that.

Leading by eight in the 9th inning, Otis Nixon stole 2nd.

That is some bull.

Cubs lead 9-1

We didn't score in the bottom of the 8th.

I went 1 for 4 with a triple and reached-on-error.

All-Star Voting update. I lead at SS. Ruben Sierra is in 3rd for RF.

Tomorrow is a travel day as we head to L.A.

[rpriske]

June 25th, 1991

We are in L.A. for a quick, two game set.

Today the Dodgers are pitching Jose Guzman (8-2, 243).

The Giants have Frank Viola (5-5, 3.58).

I have never faced Guzman and am hitting 7th.

We got on the board in the top of the 1st when Ruben Sierra scored on a Mark Lewis single.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off the 2nd by striking out.

In the 3rd Harold Baines hit a solo homer.

Giants lead 2-0

I caught a Guzman pop for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 3rd.

I came up next with two out in the 4th and grounded out to Bill Spiers at short.

We turned a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to end the 4th.

I caught a Monty Fariss liner to end the 5th.

I came up with two out in the 7th and struck out again.

Our lead vanished in the bottom of the 8th when Dave Hollins hit a two run homer.

Game tied 2-2

We got our lead right back in the 9th. First Alvin Davis scored on a Bryce Bernadin double and then Bryce scored on a Ryan Klesko single.

I struck out against Lee Smith to end the inning.

Giants lead 4-2

Bobby Thigpen came in for the 9th.

I caught a liner by pinch hitter Gene Larkin for the 1st out.

Two more outs and we had the win.

I went 0 for 4 with the hat trick.

[rpriske]

June 26th, 1991

We are trying to sweep the mini-series.

The Dodgers are pitching Mike Witt (9-5, 4.34).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (8-4, 3,50).

I have gone 17 for 48, or .354, against Witt. I am hitting 7th.

Kent Hrbek led off the bottom of the 1st with a homerun.

I handled a Phil Plantier grounder for the 1st out.

Dodgers lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 2nd and dumped one into right for a single.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

I took care of a Bill Spiers grounder for the final out in the 2nd.

In the top of the 3rd, Alan Cockrell scored on a Robby Thompson double.

Game tied 1-1

Alvin Davis led off the 4th with a homer.

I came up with one out and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I drove one up the middle for a single, pushing Ryan to 3rd.
Stolen base #36.
They gave Alan the intentional walk, loading the bags.
Ryan scored on a sac fly by Bruce. I went to 3rd.
Alan and I were left on.

Giants lead 3-1

I led off the 6th by flying out to Phil Plantier in centre.

With one out and a man on 2nd in the bottom of the 7th, Matt brought in Scott Service.

Pinch hitter Dave Hollins ended up scoring on a single by Plantier, with a little help from an error by Ruben Sierra in right.

Giants lead 3-2

I came up in the 8th with Ryan on 1st and Bryan Harvey on the mound. I flew out to Brian McRae in left.

Ryan ended ups coring on a Robby Thompson double.

Giants lead 4-2

Darryl Scott took the ball for us in the bottom of the 8th.

I took care of a fielder's choice ball by pinch hitter Gene Larkin for the 1st out.
Larkin scored on a McRae single.

Giants lead 4-3

Bobby Thigpen took the hill for us in the 9th.
He gave up one hit but got the save.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of single, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

We are back to .500, 36-36.

Travel day as we head to San Diego.

[rpriske]

June 28th, 1991

A three game set after the two gamer went so well.

The Padres are pitching Sterling Hitchcock (6-4, 3,25).

The Giants have John Burkett (4-10, 6.01).

I haven't faced Hitchcock much, going 1 for 2. I am hitting 7th.

Ozzie Guillen scored on a George Bret fielder's choice in the bottom of the 1st.

Padres lead 1-0

I led off the 3rd by flying out to Dion James in left.

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

I caught a Hitchcock pop for the last out in the 4th.

We grabbed the lead in the 5th when Alvin Davis socked a two run homer.

I came up with Mark Lewis on 1st and sent a fielder's choice ball to Randy Ready at 3rd.
I was caught trying to steal 2nd.

Giants lead 2-1

I took care of a Hitchcock grounder for the last out in the 6th.

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

I took care of a Tony Gwynn grounder for the 2nd out for him.

I led off in the 8th. I grounded out to Eric Young at 2nd.

Darryl Scott was there to take the 8th.

I got the 3rd out off a Charlie Hayes grounder.

We got an insurance run in the top of the 9th when Ruben Sierra scored on an Alvin Davis single.

Giants lead 3-1

Bobby Thigpen trying for another save.
3 up, 3 down. Another win.

I went 0 for 3 with a caught stealing.

[rpriske]

June 29th, 1991

We have won our last three in a row. Let's go for another sweep.

Today the Padres are pitching Tim Belcher (5-3, 4.79).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (3-5, 4,41).

I have gone 8 for 33, or .242, against Belcher. I am hitting seventh.

They got the early lead when Ozzie Guillen scored on a George Brett single in the bottom of the 1st.
Then Brett and Eric Young scored on a Dion James single.

Padres lead 3-0

Mark Lewis and Ryan Klesko led off the 2nd with back-to-back doubles, scoring a run.
Then I came up and I flew ou to Darrell Sherman in right, advancing Ryan to 3rd.
We are unable to score him.

Padres lead 3-1

I caught a Guillen pop for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 2nd.

I led off the 4th by grounding out to Young at 2nd.

In the bottom of the inning, Randy Ready scored on a Guillen sac fly.

Padres lead 4-1

In the 5th we turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to get Young and James, but Sherman followed with a home run.

Matt brought in Mike Scott after that.
Mike loaded the bases before getting out of the inning.

Padres lead 5-1

I came up with one out in the 6th. I walked on four pitches.
I went to 2nd on an Alan Cockrell groundout, but was left there.

Mark Ross took the ball in the bottom of the 6th.

I made a nice play on a Sherman ground ball for the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th.

I came up in the 8th with one out and Mark Lewis on 1st. Mike Gardiner was pitching. I struck out.

Pat Combs took the mound for us in the bottom half.

They got one off him when pinch hitter Orlando Merced scored on a Ramon Carballo sac fly.
I caught a Young pop to end the inning.

Padres lead 6-1

It never got better.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk.

[rpriske]

June 30th, 1991

Trying to bounce back from a bad one and end June with a win.

The Padres are pitching Eric King (1-2, 5,27).

The Giants have Frank Viola (6-5, 3,48).

I have gone 5 for 19, or .263, against King. I am hitting seventh.

I came up with two out in the 2nd and outran and dribbler for an infield single.
Stolen base #37.
Alan Cockrell followed with home run.

Giants lead 2-0

I took care of a Harold Reynolds grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the inning.

I led off the 4th by dropping one into centre for a single.
I went to 3rd on a single by Alan.
Frank bunted Alan over to 2nd.
With two out, Harold Baines hit a single, scoring us both.

Giants lead 4-0

I came up in the 5th with two out and Mark Lewis on 1st. Another single to centre, moving Mark to 3rd.
Mark scored and I went to 3rd on a single by Alan.
Then I scored on a single by Frank.
Bad news came after that. Alan was thrown out at the plate and had to leave the game after the collision. I don't know how bad it is.

Giants lead 6-0

I led off the 7th, now facing Ted Power. Another single, this time to right.
Stolen base #38.
With one out I moved to 3rd on a groundout by Frank.
I scored on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 7-0

I handled another Reynolds grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th.

I caught a Randy Ready pop for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 8th.
I then took care of a Butch Henry grounder for the 3rd.

I came up in the 9th with Henry pitching and Ryan Klesko standing on 2nd. I singled into right for my FIFTH hit of the game! That tied the NL regular season record!
Ryan went to 3rd.
Stolen base #39.
Ryan scored and I went to 3rd on a single by Tim Criswell, who had replaced Alan.
Tim went to 2nd on a bunt by Frank.
I scored and Tim went to 3rd on a single by Robby.
Tim scored on an error.

Giants lead 10-0

Frank couldn't quite get the complete game. He left with a man on and two out for Mike Scott, who wrapped things up.

I was the Player of the Game (despite Frank pretty much getting a shut out).

5 for 5, all singles. Five runs and a pair of stolen bases to boot.

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

During our off-day we found out that Alan has a strained hamstring and will likely miss a month.

Greg Myers was called up.

We are home to face the Astros next.

[rpriske]

July 2nd, 1991

We are home to face the Astros.

Houston is pitching Chris Hammond (6-7, 3.26).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (9-4, 3.46).

I have gone 9 for 30, or .300, against Hammond.

I am hitting sixth.

Ruben Sierra gave us the lead in the bottom of the 1st with a solo homer.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with Mark Lewis on 1st. I flew out to Felix Jose in right.

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

Unfortunately that inning Jose was knocked in on a Craig Biggio single.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with one out in the 4th and grounded out to Clay Bellinger at short.

I returned the favour, catching a Bellinger pop for the 1st out in the 5th.
I then handled another Hammond grounder for the 2nd.

We got the lead back in the bottom of the 5th when Bruce scored on a Robby Thompson double.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up with two out in the 6th and took a walk.
I was left there.

The Astros loaded the bags with none out in the 7th and Matt brought in Mark Ross.
Pinch hitter Jerry Browne responded with an RBI single.

I caught a pop by pinch hitter Rico Brogna for the 2nd out.

Game tied 2-2

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

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 8th and struck out.

Bobby Thigpen and Tim Naehring both entered in the 9th, in a double switch, with me leaving the game.

Disappointing.

Tim Criswell homered in the 9th and we won, 4-2.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk.

[rpriske]

July 3rd, 1991

We beat Houston yesterday. No wee need to keep it going.

Today the Astros are pitching Pete Schourek (4-0, 2.61).

The Giants have John Burkett (5-10, 5.71).

Schourek is good, but I have gone 3 for 6 against him, including a home run.

I am hitting sixth.

The Astros opened the scoring in the 2nd when Terry Taylor crossed on a Schourek single.

Astros lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 2nd and reached on an error by John Olerud.
I took 2nd on a passed ball.
I got no further.

I handled a Craig Biggio grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.

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

Mark Lewis singled with two out in the 7th, breaking up the no hitter.
I came up next and Mark stole 2nd while I was at the plate.
I walked.
Craig Grebeck came in as a pinch hitter for Ryan Klesko and also walked, loading the bases.
Tim Criswell grounded out, ending our first real threat.

Steve Stanicek took over in CF.

In the top of the 8th, Rusty Greer hit a two out Grand Slam. Big day for the wrong Rusty.

Pat Combs took the ball after that.

Astros lead 5-0

Then it was Scott Service in the 9th.
I took care of a Felix Jose grounder for the 3rd out behind him.

I came up in the 9th with one out, Mark on 1st, and Albert Bustillos pitching. I flew out to Greer in centre.

We lost, managing only three hits.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk and a reached-on-error.

[rpriske]

July 4th, 1991

It is the Fourth of July game and we are coming off a weak game.

Today the Astros are pitching Randy Tomlin (6-7, 3.95).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (3-6, 4.68).

I have gone 7 for 27, or .259, against Tomlin.
I am hitting sixth.

Houston opened the scoring in the 2nd when Daniel Williams scored on a Terry Taylor single.

Astros lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 2nd and grounded out to Clay Bellinger at short.

I took care of a Craig Biggio grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.

I then did the same to Jerry Browne for the 3rd out in the 4th.

I led off the home half of the 5th by doubling to left centre.
I went to 3rd on bunt single by Ryan Klesko.
Ryan went to 2nd on a sac bunt by Rick.
We both scored on a single by Harold Baines!

Giants lead 2-1

I came up next in the 6th with one out and Mark Lewis on 2nd. I reached on an infield single with Mark going to 3rd.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.
Mark scored on a single by Ryan.

Giants lead 3-1

In the 7th Robby Thompson socked a solo homer.

Giants lead 4-1

With one out and a man on 1st in the 8th, Matt brought in Bobby Thigpen.
The Astros immediately made him pay as Brian Downing hit a two-run homer.

I handled a grounder by pinch hitter Rico Brogna to end the frame.

Giants lead 4-3

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with one out and Mark on 1st. I struck out.

I made a great play on a Browne grounder for the 1st out in the 9th.

I took care of a Jose Lind grounder for the 2nd out but pinch hitter Tony Pena scored on the play, and Bobby had blown the save.

Game tied 4-4

It went to extras and Darryl Scott came in to pitch for us.

They got the lead in the 10th when pinch runner Tony Barron scored on a Brogna sac fly.

Astros lead 5-4

The bottom half was ugly.

Ruben Sierra single but then was picked off by catcher, Biggio.
Alvin Davis singled but was thrown out trying to stretch it to 2nd.

We lost a very winnable game.

I went 2 for 4 with a single, a double, a run scored, and a caught stealing.

Back to .500. 39-39

The Padres come to town before the All-Star break.

[rpriske]

July 5th, 1991

Last series before the break and we have the Padres at home.San Diego is pitching Sterling Hitchcock (6-5, 3.17).

The Giants have Frank Viola (7-5, 3.24).

I don't have a lot of exposure t Hitchcock, going 1 for 5.

I am hitting 6th.

The Padres struck first when Junior Felix tripled and scored on an Eric Young single in the 2nd.

And yes, Young is still ahead of me in steals.

Padres lead 1-0

I came up with on out in the bottom of the inning and singled to right.
Stolen base #39.

We are now tied.

I took 3rd when Tim Criswell reached on an error. We were left on.

I might a great play on a Tony Gwynn grounder for the 2nd out in the 3rd.
But then Hitchcock scored on a George Brett single.
Brett scored on a Darren Daulton double.
Charlie Hayes and Daulton scored on a Junior Felix double.

That was enough for Matt as he pulled Frank for Mike Scott.

Padres lead 5-0

We got one back in the bottom of the 3rd when Harold Baines scored on a Ruben Sierra double play.

Padres lead 5-1

In the 4th Darrell Sherman scored on an Ozzie Guillen single.
Guillen scored on a Robby Thompson error.
Gwynn scored on a Daulton single.
Brett scored on a Felix single.

Padres lead 9-1

Yeah.

I led off the bottom of the 4th by taking a walk.
Then Ryan Klesko walked.
I was thrown out on a double steal attempt.

I am baffled why that was called. We are down by 8. What was Matt thinking?

Scott Service took the ball for us in the 5th.

That inning Sherman scored on a Gwynn single.
After he stole 2nd.

As baffling a decision it was to attempt to steal when down by 8, attempting in when up by 8 is ridiculous. Someone should be wearing a heater.

Padres lead 10-1

I came up with two out in the 6th and walked again.
Stolen base #40.

I didn't call that. Matt must want me to pass Young.

I was left on base.

Pat Combs took the mound for us in the 7th.

We don't give up. Here is our 7th inning.

Tim Criswell - single.
pinch hitter Steve Stanicek - walk.
Harold Baines - walk.
pinch hitter Rance M ulliniks - rbi walk.
Ruben Sierra - sac fly.
Alvin Davis - 3 run homer

I ended up reaching on a fielder's choice before the inning ended.

Padres lead 10-6

Mark Ross relieved in the 8th. Steve stayed in to play centre.

I took care of a Gwynn grounder for the 3rd out in the 9th.

In the bottom of the 9th pinch hitter Craig Grebeck scored on a sac fly by Alvin.

I came up with two out and Ruben on 2nd. Bob Patterson was pitching.
I singled up the middle, moving Ruben to 3rd.
That brought the tying run to the plate.
Bryce Bernadin NEARLY got a pinch hit but Ramon Carabello made a diving stab to take it from him.

We lost.

I went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles, a pair of walks, two stolen bases, and a caught stealing.

I also made an error. I glossed over that part. My 3rd.

[rpriske]

July 6th, 1991

We are back below .500 and trying to stop that before it gets worse.

The Padres are pitching Eric King (1-3, 6.19).

The Giants have Tom Kramer (5-2, 2.70).

I have done well against King, going 8 for 22, or .364.

I am hitting seventh.

We opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st when Robby Thompson crossed on an Alvin Davis double.

Giants lead 1-0

They got it right back in the 2nd when Eric Young Scored on a Darrell Sherman double.
Then Sherman scored on a King single.

Padres lead 2-1

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

They widened their lead in the 3rd when Tony Gwynn scored on a George Brett single.

Padres lead 3-1

I took care of an Ozzie Guillen grounder for the 1st out in the 5th.

I then led off the bottom of the 5th by flying out to Junior Felix in centre.

Mike Scott took the ball for us in the 6th.

Guillen scored on a Brett groundout in the 7th.
Then Gwynn scored on a Charlie Hayes double.

With one out and the bases loaded, Matt brought in Pat Combs.
He got a K and then I handled a roundball by Armando Verdugo to get out of it.

Padres lead 5-1

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 7th and reached on an infield single.
Greg Myers walked.
We were left there.

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

After Scott gave up a 9th inning leadoff hit to Brett, Matt brought in Darryl Scott.
He finished the inning, stranding the runner.

I was standing on deck when the game ended.

I went 1 for 3 with a single.

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

The All-Star Game vote totals were announced. I was voted to start at SS.

It is my fifth straight All-Star selection.

Unfortunately, I am going by myself. No other Giants were picked for the roster.

[rpriske]

July 7th, 1991

It is the last game before the All-Star Break.

Today the Padres are pitching Bryn Smith (5-10, 4.47).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (9-4, 3.43).

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

I am hitting seventh.

I got the first batter out - Ozzie Guillen grounder.

The Padres were the first on the board when Junior Felix scored on a Guillen single in the 2nd.

Padres lead 1-0

We got it right back in the bottom half when Alvin Davis scored on a Ryan Klesko sac fly.

I came up with one out and Mark Lewis on 1st. I drove one up the middle for a single, advancing Mark to 3rd.
Stolen base #41.
Tim Criswell singled, scoring both base runners.

Giants lead 3-1

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

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 4th and dropped one into right for a single.
Stolen base #42.
I went to 3rd on a groundout by Tim.
I was left on.

The Padres tied it up in the 5th when Darren Daulton hit a two run homer.

I took care of an Eric Young grounder for the 3rd out.

Game tied 3-3

Harold Baines grabbed the lead right back with a solo shot in the bottom half.

Giants lead 4-3

I came up in the 6th with Ryan on 1st and Ted Power pitching. I moved Ryan up with a sac bunt.

Mark Ross took over for us in the 7th.

I came up with one out in the 8th, now facing Butch Henry. I grounded out to George Brett at 1st.

Bobby Thigpen came in for the 9th.
I took care of a Guillen grounder for the 2nd out and a Gwynn grounder for the 3rd.
We had the win.

I went 2 for 3 with two singles, a run scored, a sac bunt, and two stolen bases.

We are going into the break at 40-41. 5th in the NL east, trailing the Reds by 11 games.

I lead the league in WAR and stolen bases, but I am the only Giant showing up on the lists.

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

Phil Plantier of the Dodgers won the Home Run Derby.

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

The team called up Bryan Hickerson and sent Pat Combs down.

[rpriske]

July 9th, 1991

All-Star Game in Anaheim.

I am leading off for the NL against Roger Clemens of the Red Sox.

He walked me.
With one out, I stole 2nd.
I was left there.

Jose Guzman of the Dodgers started for our side.

In the 2nd Kevin Appier of the Mets gave up a two run homer to Lou Whitaker of the Tigers.

I started a Priske - Young - McGwire double play to end the inning.

AL leads 2-0

I came up in the 3rd with Chili Davis of the Dodgers on 1st and Ken Hill of the A's pitching. I doubled into left, moving Chili to 3rd.
WIth two out, Phil Plantier of the Dodgers doubled us both home.

Game tied 2-2

Another Priske - Young - McGwire double play ended the 3rd.

I came up in the 4th with two out and Clint Jenkins of the Royals on the mound. I grounded out to Barry Larkin of the Rangers at short.

Frank Thomas of the Rangers homered of John Franco of the Reds to lead off the bottom of the 4th.
I took care of a grounder by Barry Bonds of the Brewers for the 1st out.

A few batter Slater, Matt Williams of the A's doubled home Jose Canseco - also of the A's - and Whitaker.
Williams ended up scoring on a wild pitch by Franco.

AL leads 6-2

In the top of the 5th, Chris Hoiles of the Cubs hit a two run homer off Tim Burke of the Angels.

AL leads 6-4

In the bottom of the 5th Delino DeShields of the Twins scored on a sac fly by Thomas off of Andy Benes of the Mets.
A couple of batters later, Whitaker hit a three-run homer.

AL leads 10-4

In the top of the 6th, Tony Gwynn of the Padres scored on a double by Chili off Jeff Montgomery of Cleveland.
I came up with one out and Chili on 2nd. I grounded out to Whitaker at 2nd, though Chili advanced.
Chili scored on a single by Ron Gant of the Braves.

AL leads 10-6

I got the final out of the 7th, off a grounder by Larry Walker of the Tigers.

John Olerud of the Astros led off the 8th with a home run off Dennis Eckersley of the Red Sox.
I then came up and singled up the middle off my old teammate.
Mark Letter of the Rangers relieved but then walked Ron Gant.
Junior Felix of the Padres hit a three-run homer to tie the game.

Game tied 10-10

I came up in the 9th, still facing Leiter, with Gwynn on 2nd and Olerud on 1st. They called for a sac bunt but I popped it up and Leiter caught it.

In the bottom of the 10th, Matt Williams hit a Grand Slam to give the AL a walk-off, 14-10 win.

I went 2 for 5 with a single, a double, two runs scored, and a stolen base.

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

The Giants start our post-break schedule in Philadelphia.

[rpriske]

July 11th, 1991

We need one heck of a second half to be in this thing.

We start in Philadelphia.

The Phillies are pitching Orel Hershiser (6-10, 3.67).

The Giants have Frank Viola (7-6, 3.53).

I have gone 14 for 65, or .215, against Hershiser.

I am hitting seventh.

Bo Jackson was the second batter in the hot half of the 1st. His home run gave the Phils a two run lead.

I took care of a Juan Gonzalez grounder for the 1st out.

Phillies lead 2-0

I came up with two out in the 2nd and popped out to their catcher, Darrin Fletcher.

I next came up with two out in the 5th and flew out two Gonzalez in centre.

I led off the 8th by fouling out to Fletcher again.

In the end, that Bo Knows Homer in the 1st were the only two runs of the game.

I went 0 for 3.

After the game, Greg Myers was sent back down to make room for the returning Timothy McKercher.

[rpriske]

July 12th, 1991

Today the Phillies are pitching Erik Hanson (8-7, 3.04).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (10-4, 3,49).

I have done well against Hanson, going 9 for 29, or .310, including a home run.

I am hitting seventh.

We struck right away as Robby Thompson scored on a passed ball in the top of the 1st.

Giants lead 1-0

The lead was very short lived as Randy Milligan led off the bottom of the 1st with a home run.

Game tied 1-1

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Mark Lewis on 1st. I hit into a fielder's choice.
Stolen base #43.
Timothy McKercher was walked, but we were both left on.

I came up in the 4th in the exact situation as the 2nd - one out and Mark on 1st. This time I struck out.

In the bottom of the 4th Darrin Fletcher gave them the lead with a solo homer.

Phillies lead 2-1

I came up with two out in the 6th and grounded out to Craig Paquette at short.

Mark Ross took the mound for us in the 7th.

I handled a Tommy Herr pinch hit grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the inning.

I led off the 9th against their closer, Michael Jackson. I flew out to Scott Pose in centre.

We were unable to score and took the one run loss.

I went 0 for 4 with a stolen base.

[rpriske]

July 13th, 1991

Still looking for our first win after the All-Star Break.

Today the Phillies are pitching Juan Guzman (5-9, 3.96).

The Giants have John Burkett (5-11, 5,72).

I am a measly 0 for 1 against Guzman.

I am hitting seventh, as usual these days.

I led off the 3rd by flying out to Luis Salazar in left.

I then came up in the 5th with Ryan Klesko on 1st. I hit into a double play.

I made my first defensive play in the bottom of the 5th, taking care of a Jose Vizcaino grounder for the 1st out.

I caught a Randy Milligan pop for the final out in the 6th.

I came up in the 8th with Ryan on 2nd. There was still no score.
I was intentionally walked.
Timothy McKercher laid down a sac bunt to put us both into scoring position.
John singled, scoring Ryan and moving me to 3rd!
I scored on a Robby Thompson double.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up with two out in the 9th, now facing Hector Fajardo. I grounded out to Tina Martinez at 1st.

With two out and a man on 1st in the 9th, Matt brought in Bobby Thigpen. I was removed in a double switch.
Bobby gave up an RBI triple to Vizcaino.
But then he got the 3rd out to give us the 2-1 win.


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

[rpriske]

July 14th, 1991

We finish up in Philadelphia today.

The Phillies are pitching Dave Stewart (6-6, 3.05).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (3-6, 4.52).

I have a goose egg for 5 appearances against Stewart.

I am hitting seventh.

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

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Alvin Davis on 1st. I dropped a fastball into right for a single. Alvin went to 2nd.
We were left on.

In the bottom half, Darrin Fletcher his a solo bomb.

Phillies lead 1-0

I caught a Jose Vizcaino liner for the last out in the 4th.

I then led off the 5th by flying out to Jackson in right.

I took care of a Craig Paquette grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 5th.
Then John Finn scored on a Stewart single.

Phillies lead 2-0

We got one back in the 6th when Ruben Sierra scored on a single by Alvin.

Phillies lead 2-1

I came up in the 7th with Ryan Klesko on 1st. I grounded out to Vizcaino at 3rd, but advanced the runner.
Ryan ended up scoring on a pinch hit single by Bryce Bernadin. Then Tim Criswell scored on a single by Ruben, giving us the lead.

Giants lead 3-2

Mark Ross took the ball for us in the 7th.

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

I came up in the 8th with one out and Mark Lewis on 1st. Hector Fajardo was pitching. I struck out.

With men on the corners and two out in the bottom of the 8th, Matt brought in Bobby Thigpen and Timothy McKercher in a double switch.
He got out of it.

Then, with men on the corners and two out in the 9th, Matt brought in Darryl Scott. One fly ball later, Darryl had his first save and we had the win.

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

Now we head to New York.

[rpriske]

July 15th, 1991

It is game 2 of a 4 game set in Shea and we won the first one.

Today the Mets are pitching Andy Benes (9-6, 2.63).

The Giants have Tom Kramer (5-3, 2.92).

I have gone only 3 for 13 against Benes. Of course I am hitting seventh.

I came up with one out in the 2nd and snuck a slider through the right side for a single.
Stolen base #44.
I was left on 2nd.

We turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to get Cal Ripken Jr. and Wally Joyner to end the 3rd.

I came up with two out in the 4th and grounded out to Ripken at 2nd.

The Mets opened the scoring in the 5th when Chet Lemon scored on a Greg Vaughn sac fly.

Mets lead 1-0

I led off the 7th by grounding out to Ripken again.

I took care of a Lemon grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 7th.

Darryl Scott took the ball for us with one out in the 8th.

I came up with two out in the 9th and Kevin Brown on the mound.

Curveball high. 1-0
Fastball outside. Checked swing. 2-0
Fastball. Strike looking. 2-1
Sinker low. 3-1
Fastball fouled off to the right. 3-2
Fastball fouled back. 3-2
Fastball down and away for the walk.

Then I was thrown out stealing to end the game. Ugh.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, a stolen base, and a bad caught stealing.