Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

September 16th, 1991

Still at home, we have a quick two-gamer against the Braves.

They are pitching Ben McDonald (13-8, 3.63).

The Giants have Frank Viola (12-9, 3.95).

I am hitting clean-up.

We got behind early as Jeff Bagwell scored on a Ken Griffey Jr. sac fly in the top of the 1st.

Braves lead 1-0

I came up in the bottom half with one out, Harold Baines on 2nd, and Ruben Sierra on 1st.
I hit one through the right side for an RBI single, tying the game!

Ruben and I were left on.

Game tied 1-1

We took the lead in the 2nd when Frank scored on a double by Robby Thompson.

Giants lead 2-1

I took care of a Ron Gant grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.

I then led off the bottom of the 3rd by blooping another single to right.

With one I grabbed stolen base #80.

It was moot as Rob Deer followed with a two-run homer.

Giants lead 4-1

I next came up in the 4th, in the exact same situation at in the 1st - one out, Harold on 2nd, and Ruben on 1st.
This time Dale Murphy made a diving catch in right to rob me of a hit.

I returned the favour in the 6th, getting a Murphy grounder for the 2nd out.
I then did the same to Jeff Blauser for out #3.

I came up in the bottom of the 6th with two out, Ruben on 1st, and Scott Lewis pitching. Another tough catch by Murphy in right.

WIth two out and a man on in the 9th, Matt brought in Bobby Thigpen for the easiest save of his career. A little ground ball it was over.

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

---------------
Out of character note: Jim Fregosi just announced his retirement at the age of 27. He never got above AA ball. Huh.
`````````````````

[rpriske]

September 17th, 1991

Trying to get a sweep in a little two game outing.

Today the Braves are pitching Oil Can Boyd (18-8, 2.92).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (13-10, 3.73).

I am hitting sixth today.

The Brave scored before making an out as Ron Gant crossed on a Jeff Bagwell single.
We then turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to get Bagwell and Gary Sheffield.

Braves lead 1-0

In the 2nd we changed things up by getting a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Dale Murphy and Carlton Fisk.

I came up in the bottom of the 2nd with Alvin Davis on 3rd and Tim Naehring on 1st. I hit into a fielder's choice, replacing Tim at 1st.
Stolen base #81.
Ryan Klesko then doubled, scoring both Alvin and me.
A little later that inning, Harold Baines doubled, scoring Ryan, Alan Cockrell, and Bruce!

Giants lead 5-1

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

We were at it again in the 4th. First Alan hit a two run homer.
Then Robby Thompson scored on a Ruben Sierra single.
Harold scored on a single by Tim.
I came out then, with two out and Narciso Elvira pitching, and walked.
Robby and I were left on.

Giants lead 9-1

We got one more int he 5th when Alan scored on a sac fly by Robby.

Giants lead 10-1

I came up in the 6th with two out and Ruben on 1st. I grounded out to Jim Thome at short.

The Braves were rolling over as in the 7th, Thome hit a three run homer.

Giants lead 10-4

In the bottom of the 7th, Ryan scored on a throwing error by Derrick May in left.

Giants lead 11-4

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

I came up in the 8th with one out and pinch hitter Steve Stanicek on 2nd. Kevin Blankenship was pitching. I struck out.

We wrapped things up for a decisive win.

Everyone in the starting lineup got a hit... except me.

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

We have won 4 in a row - but that still only gets us to 70-75.

Another two game set is coming up - with the Reds!

[rpriske]

September 18th, 1991

The Reds are in town for two games.

Today they are pitching Jim Abbott (1-2, 2.37).

The Giants have Don Robinson (6-7, 3.86).

I am hitting sixth.

We opened the scoring int he bottom of the 1st when Robby Thompson crossed on a Ruben Sierra sac fly.

I grounded out to end the inning.

Giants lead 1-0

The Reds tied it up in the 3rd off a solo homer by Mark McGwire.

Game tied 1-1

I handled a Mark Mordecai grounder for the 3rd out in the 4th.

I then came up with one out in the bottom of the inning and struck out.

In the 6th, Victor Perez hit a moonshot of a two run homer.

Reds lead 3-1

With one out in the 7th, Matt brought in Rod Nichols.

In the bottom of the 7th, I came up with Alvin Davis on 1st and Scott Kamieniecki on the mound. I singled to right, moving Alvin to 2nd.

Rance Mulliniks got a pinch hit single to load the bases.

Rick Cerone hit into a fielder's choice, where they got Alvin at the plate.

We left them loaded.

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

I came up with two out in the 8th. Rob Deer was on 2nd and Alvin was on 1st. John Franco was pitching.
I singled to right, scoring Rob!

Craig Grebeck followed with pinch hit single but Alvin was thrown out at the plate.

Reds lead 3-2

Bobby Thigpen took the 9th for us.

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

We couldn't score in the 9th and lost the game.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles and an RBI.

[rpriske]

September 19th, 1991

We are trying to avoid the two game sweep today.

The Reds are pitching Frank Castillo (21-6, 2.39).

The Giants have John Burkett (12-12, 3.95).

I am hitting third.

I came up in the bottom of the 1st with Robby Thompson on 2nd and Harold Baines on 1st.
While I was at the plate, both guys moved up on a wild pitch.
But then I grounded out to Carlos Baerga at 2nd.
Robby then scored on an Alvin Davis sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I next came up with one out in the 3rd and I reached on an error by Dave Staton at 3rd.
Stolen base #82.
Then Stolen base #83.
With two out I scored on a Tim Naehring single.

Giants lead 2-0

In the 4th Ryan Klesko scored on a single by Robby.

I popped out to end the inning.

Giants lead 3-0

The Reds got on the board in the 5th when Mark McGwire crossed on a Brian Harper single.
Then Tom Brunansky scored on a Beau Allred sac fly.

Giants lead 3-2

I took care of a Baerga grounder for the 1st out in the 6th.
I then did the same to Eric Davis for out #2.
But then Staton tied the game with a home run.

Game tied 3-3

I handled a Harper grounder for the 2nd out in the 7th.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 7th and grounded out to Eddie Zosky at short.

Heathcliff Slocumb took the ball for us in the 8th with two out and a man on.
I took care of a Davis grounder for him to end the frame.

Bobby Thigpen then took the ball for us in the 9th.

I came up with one out int he bottom of the 10th, now facing Roberto Hernandez. I flew out to Brunansky in right.

Mark Ross to the mound for us in the 11th.
I got the 1t out for him off a Mariano Duncan grounder.
With a couple of guys on, I did the same to McGwire for the 3rd out.

In the bottom of the 11th, though, Robby singled home Ryan Klesko with two out to give us the 4-3, walk-off win!

I went 0 for 5 with a run scored and two stolen bases.

Now we head down the coast to San Diego.

[rpriske]

September 20th, 1991

We are in San Diego for three games.

Today the Padres are pitching Bryn Smith (5-17, 4.86).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (8-11, 4.49).

I am leading off.

I kicked off the game by flying out to Darrell Sherman in left.

The Pad opened the scoring int he bottom of the 1st when both Harold Reynolds and Tony Gwynn crossed on a Rob Lukachyk single.

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

Padres lead 2-0

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

We turned another Grebeck - Priske - Davis double play to end the 3rd.

We got on the board in the 5th when Alan Cockrell scored on a Craig Grebeck double.

Padres lead 2-1

I led off the 6th by working a walk.
I was erased on a Ruben Sierra fielder's choice.

We changed things up in the 7th.
First Ryan Klesko scored on a rouble by Alan.
I came up with two out and the bases loaded and singled home Alan.
Then Ruben singled home Rance Mulliniks.

Giants lead 4-2

Bret Lachemann took the ball for us in the bottom of the 7th, along with a few defensive swaps. (Not me, of course.)

I made a great diving snag on a Tony Gwynn liner for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.

But then Harold Reynolds scored on a Sherman single.
Then Young tripled, tying the game.

Game tied 4-4

Joe Boever took the ball for us in the 9th.
Mark Chasey got a pinch hit, RBI single in the bottom of the 9th to give San Diego the walk-off, 5-4 win.

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

[rpriske]

September 21st, 1991

We hope to bounce back from a tight loss yesterday.

Today the Padres are pitching Sterling Hitchcock 99-8, 3.31).

The Giants have Frank Viola (13-9, 3.83).

I have the day off.

The guys won, 2-0, behind a Frank shut out.

But, guess what? We were eliminated today anyway.

5 games below .500 (72-77) and 15 games behind the division leading Reds.

Last year we went 87-75 and were disappointed with it.

Changes for next year? I hope so.

[rpriske]

September 22nd, 1991

It is the rubber game in the series against the Padres.

Today San Diego is pitching Kevin Gross (8-17, 3.83).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (14-10, 3.78).

I am hitting clean-up.

I came up in the 1st with one out, Robby Thompson on 2nd, and Harold Baines on 1st.
I hit into a double play.

I led off the 4th by reaching on an infield single.
With one out, stolen base #84 AND #85.
I was left on.

I came up in the 6th with Ruben Sierra on 2nd. I walked.
I was erased on a Tim Naehring double play.

We FINALLY opened the scoring in the 7th when Ryan Klesko crossed on a Bryce Bernadin pinch hit double. Then Bryce scored on a single by Harold.

Giants lead 2-0

With two out and a man on in the bottom of the 7th, Matt brought in Tom Kramer.
He gave up a walk but then got out of it.

I led off the 8th by blooping a single into right.
I was erased on a double play by Tim again.

Bobby Thigpen came in for the 9th. He gave up a walk, but that was all.

Bruce, Tom, and Bobby combined to shut out the Padres on only two hits.

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

Now we head to Houston.

[rpriske]

September 23rd, 1991

With a dozen games left, we are in Houston, under the Dome.

Today the Astros are pitching Randy Tomlin (15-8, 3.62).

The Giants are going with Don Robinson (6-8, 3.87).

I am hitting sixth.

We opened the scoring in the 2nd when Alvin Davis hit a one out, solo homer.
I came up next and flew out to Brian Downing in left.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up next in the 4th with one out and Rob Deer on 1st. I grounded out to Ryne Sandberg at 2nd, but advanced the runner.

The Astros tied it up in the 4th when Jim Edmond stripped then scored on a Daniel Williams sac fly.

Game tied 1-1

That was short lived as Robby Thompson scored in the top of the 5th on a Harold Baines single.

Giants lead 2-1

But into the bottom of the 5th, Edmond tripled again, scoring John Olerud and Sandberg.
I ended the inning off a Williams grounder.

Astros lead 3-2

I came up with two out in the 6th and outran an infield single.
Stolen base #86.
I was left on.

But then, in the 7th, pinch runner Deron McCue scored on a Luis Medina single. Then Robby scored on a sac fly by Rob!

Giants lead 4-3

Joe Boever took over on the mound and Fran Mullins took over at 3rd in a double switch.

But, of course, no lead was safe as in the bottom of the 7th, Edmonds doubled home pinch runner Tony Barron and Sandberg.

Astros lead 5-4

I led off the 8th by beating out another infield single.
This time, however, I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

But we didn't let up! In the top of the 9th, Luis Medina scored on an error by their defensive specialist, Clay Bellinger!

I came up up with none out and the bases juiced - Ruben Sierra on 3rd, Rob on 2nd, pinch hitter Bryce Bernadin on 1st. Greg McMichael was pitching.
I flew out to Felix Jose in right, scoring Ruben on the sac fly, to give us the lead yet again!
Matt hen replaced Rob with pinch runner Timothy McKercher and he scored on a Ryan Klesko single!

Giants lead 7-5

Bobby Thigpen came in to get the save.
Foulout. Strikeout. Strikeout.

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

[rpriske]

September 24th, 1991

Another game under the Dome.

Today the Astros are pitching Rheal Cormier (14-11, 3.57). (Go Canada!)

The Giants have John Burkett (12-12, 3.94).

I am hitting sixth.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Rob Deer on 3rd. RBI single to right.
Caught stealing.

Giants lead 1-0

In the bottom half, Jim Edmonds scored on a Daniel Williams single to tie the game.

Game tied 1-1

In the 3rd, John Olerud and Ryne Sandberg scored on a double by Edmonds.

Then Edmonds scored on a Craig Biggio double.

Biggio scored on a Williams single.

Astros lead 5-1

Jeff Mutis took over for us in the 4th.

We turned a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play behind him.

I led off the 5th by lining out to Felix Jose in right.

In the bottom of the 5th, Clay Bellinger scored on a Jose single.

Astros lead 6-1

In the 6th Edmonds and Biggio scored on a Bellinger single.

Astros lead 8-1

Mike Scott took the ball for us with one out and a man on in the 7th.

Brian Downing scored on a Sandberg single.

Then Rod Brewer came in as a pinch hitter and hit his first career home run. A three run shot.

I started a Priske - Thompson - Reid double play to end the inning.

Astros lead 12-1

I led off the 8th by reaching on an error by Bellinger at short.
I went to 3rd on a double by Tim Naehring.
I scored on a Rick Cerone sac fly.

Astros lead 12-2

Rod Nichols took over for us in the 8th.

Rico Brogna swatted a pinch hit, two run homer.

Astros lead 14-2

It never got any better.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, an RBI, a run scored, and a caught stealing.

[rpriske]

September 25th, 1991

You finish in Houston today, though not with the Astros. Our final series is a home stand against the same team.

Today they are pitching Bob Walk (11-6, 3.52).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (8-11, 4.44).

I am hitting cleanup.

I came up in the 1st with two out and Harold Baines on 2nd. I took Bob at his word and walked.

We were left on.

Ryne Sandberg opened the scoring by leading off the bottom of the 2nd with a home run.

Astros lead 1-0

We took the lead in the 3rd when Ruben Sierra tripled, scoring Robby Thompson and Harold.
I came up next, still with none out, and grounded out right in front of the plate, forcing Ruben to hold.
He DID score on a Tim Naehring sac fly.

Giants lead 3-1

I handed a Sandberg grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.

I then came up in the 5th with two out and Ruben on 2nd. Daniel William caught my foul pop to end it.

In the bottom half, Rusty Greer scored on a single by Williams.
We then turned a Thompson - Priske - Deer double play, but Williams scored, tying the game.

Game tied 3-3

We got in back in the top of the 6th. Robby and Harold took back-to-back walks when the bases were already loaded.

Giants lead 5-3

I led off the 7th, facing Albert Bustillos. I dumped a changeup into right for a single.
Stolen base #87.
I scored on a one out single by Rob Deer.

Giants lead 6-3

We turned a Thompson - Priske - Barbara double play to end the 7th. (Don Barbara had come in as a defensive replacement for Ruben that inning, with Rob going to the outfield)

Bobby Thigpen took over for us int he 8th with one out and two on.
After an error by Tim, Felix Jose scored on a Jim Edmonds single.
I caught a Craig Biggio floater for the 2nd out.
John Olerud scored on a wild pitch.
Sandberg and Edmonds scored on a Greer single.

Astros lead 7-6

I led off the 9th against Mike Jeffcoat.
I grounded out to Clay Bellinger at short.

We were unable to score. That was Bobby's 4th blown save of the season.

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

Now we get a travel day and head to L.A.

9 games left.

[rpriske]

September 27th, 1991

In L.A. for our last road series.

Six of our last nine games are against the Dodgers.

Rivalries aren't quite the same when both teams have been eliminated.

Today the Dodgers are pitching Jose Guzman (13-13, 3.31).

The Giants have Frank Viola (14-9, 3.68).

I am hitting second.

I came up in the 1st with Robby Thompson on 1st. I popped out to Monty Fariss at 2nd.

The Dodgers opened the scoring in the bottom of the inning when Kent Hrbek crossed on a Chili Davis single.

Dodgers lead 1-0

We tied it up in the 2nd when Alvin Davis scored on a Ryan Klesko double,

Game tied 1-1

I then came up with one out in the 3rd and snuck one through the right side for a single.
Stolen base #88.
I went to 3rd on a Ruben Sierra groundout, but got no further.

I caught a towering Hrbek pop for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 3rd.
But then Fariss scored on a Benito Santiago single.

Dodgers lead 2-1

I led off the 6th by taking a four pitch walk.
Stolen base #89 AND #90!
I scored on a single by Ruben.

Game tied 2-2

Chili Davis led off the bottom of the 6th with a home run.

Dodgers lead 3-2

I took care of a Chili grounder for the final out in the 7th.

I came up in the 8th with pinch hitter Harold Baines on 1st and Jeff Jarrett on the mound.
I hit into a fielder's choice, replacing Harold on 1st.

I went to 2nd on an infield hit by Ruben.
I went to 3rd on a fly ball by Alvin.
Ruben and I were left on.

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

We couldn't make up that last run and lost.

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

[rpriske]

September 28th, 1991

Eight games left.

Today we are still in L.A. and the Dodgers are pitching Gregg Langbehn (2-4, 4.89).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (15-10, 3.65).

I am hitting sixth.

I came up with two down in the 2nd and took a walk.
I went to 2nd on a Tim Naehring single.
We were left.

I handled a Bill Spiers grounder for the last out in the 2nd.

In the bottom of the 3rd, Many Fariss scored on a Benito Santiago single - after an error by Tim failed to end the inning.
I made a very good play on a Chili Davis grounder to end the frame.

Dodgers lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 4th and fouled out to Fariss.

I came up in the 6th with two out and the bases juiced and drew an RBI walk! Tim grounded out after that, but we tied it up.

Game tied 1-1

In the bottom of the inning we turned a Ruffin - Priske - Davis double play.

Tim Wallach led off the bottom of the 7th with a home run.

I took care of a fielder's choice ball by Gene Larkin for the 2nd out in the bottom of the inning.

With two out and two on, Heathcliff Slocumb relieved for us.

Dodgers lead 2-1

In the 8th, Chili scored on a Wallach single.
Then Phil Plantier scored on a wild pitch.
With two out and two on, Matt brought in Tom Kramer.
He got the 3rd out.

Dodgers lead 4-1

I came up with one out in the 9th, now facing Ken Howell. I grounded out to John Wehner at 3rd.

We were unable to score.

I went 0 for 2 with two walks and an RBI.

[rpriske]

September 29th, 1991

It is our final road game of the season.

The Dodgers are pitching Dave Bird (18-10, 3.10).

The Giants are going with John Burkett (12-13, 4.10).

I am hitting sixth.

We got not he board int he top of the 1st when Harold Baines hit a solo homer.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with Alvin Davis on 1st. I hit into a double play.

I caught a towering pop by Bill Spiers for the final out in the inning.

I then came up with two out in the 4th and grounded out back to Bird.

We turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play in the 5th.

I came up with two out in the 7th and worked a walk.
Stolen base #91.
I was left at 2nd.

With a man on and none out int he bottom of the 8th, Matt brought in Mark Ross.
Two batters later we had lost the lead as Paul Sorrento and Kent Hrbek scored on a pinch hit single by Jim Vatcher.
Then Vatcher scored on a Benito Santiago single.
Then HE scored on a Monty Fariss single.
I took care of a grounder by pinch hitter Bernard Gilkey to end the inning.

Dodgers lead 4-1

I came up in the 9th with two out and Ryan Klesko on 3rd. Lee Smith was pitching.
I was hit by a pitch and took 1st.
We were left on.

I went 0 for 2 with a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

September 30th, 1991

Out final six games are at home, starting with a series against the Astros.

Today they are pitching Pete Schourek (10-5, 2.99).

The Giants have Don Robinson (6-8, 3.90).

I am hitting sixth.

I took care of a Ryne Sandberg grounder for the 3rd out int he 1st.

I snagged a Jim Edmonds liner for the 1st out in the 2nd.
They opened the scoring that inning when Daniel Williams crossed on a Rusty Greer single.
Greer scored on a Schourek sac fly.

Astros lead 2-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Rob Deer on 1st. I struck out.

We got on the board in the 3rd when Craig Grebeck scored on a Harold Baines single.

Astros lead 2-1

I came up next with one out in the 4th and drove a changeup into left-centre for a double.
I scored on an Alan Cockrell triple.
Then Alan scored on a single by Don.

Giants lead 3-2

In the 5th, Ruben Sierra hit a solo blast.

I came up with one out, Rob Deer on 2nd, and Alvin Davis on 1st. I hit one through the left side to load the bases.
Alan hit into a double play to end things.

Giants lead 4-2

In the 6th, Edmonds scored on a sac fly by Greer.

Giants lead 4-3

Joe Boever came in for us in the 7th, along with some defensive shuffling in the OF as Luis Medina and Ryan Klesko replaced Ruben and Harold, in a triple switch.

I took care of a Felix Jose grounder for the 1st out behind Joe.

I came up in the bottom of the 7th with one out and Alvin on 2nd. I flew out to Greer in centre.

I took care of a Sandberg grounder for the 1st out in the 8th.

Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch the 9th.
He blew the save when Clay Bellinger scored on a Tony Barron single.
Then Barron ended up scoring on a throwing error by Craig.
John Olerud scored on a Jacob Brumfield single.

Astros lead 6-4

We couldn't get them back. We have lost six in a row.

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

[rpriske]

October 1st, 1991

Riding a six game losing streak.

Today the Astros are pitching Bob Walk (11-6, 3.56).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (8-11, 4.46).

I am hitting clean-up.

I handled a Craig Biggio grounder for the 2nd out of the game.

In the bottom of the 1st, Ruben Sierra hit a two out, solo homer.
I came up next and struck out.

Giants lead 1-0

They tied it right back up int he 2nd when Jim Edmonds crossed on a Rusty Greer single.
We turned a Priske - Thompson - Deer double play to end the inning.

Game tied 1-1

I took care of a Felix Jose grounder for the 2nd out in the 3rd.
I did the same to Ryne Sandberg for out #3.

I came up in the 3rd with two out, Robby Thompson on 2nd, and Harold Baines on 1st. I grounded out to Clay Bellinger at short.

I returned the favour, getting Bellinger for the 3rd out in the 4th.

In the 6th I dropped a playable ball - making my 6th error of the season.
I tended up costing us, too, as Greer followed with a two run double.

I dealt with a Walk grounder to end the frame, but the damage was done.

Astros lead 3-1

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 6th and grounded out to Bellinger again.

Things got worse as Daniel Williams tripled with the bases loaded and two out in the 7th.
Matt brought in Jeff Mutis after that.
He gave up an RBI single to Greer.

Astros lead 7-1

Mike Scott took the ball for us in the 9th.

I led off the bottom of the 9th by driving one through the right side for a single.
I went to 2nd on a Tim Naehring single.
Rob Deer then walked, loading the bases with none out.
I scored on a Ryan Klesko sac fly.

That is all we could get and lost, 7-2.

Seven losses in a row.

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

[rpriske]

October 2nd, 1991

We wrap up our penultimate series today.

The Astros are pitching Chris Hammond (15-12, 3.41)

The Giants have Frank Viola (14-10, 3.69).

I am hitting sixth.

I took care of a John Olerud grounder for the 3rd out in the 1st.

The Astros opened the scoring in the 2nd when Ryne Sandberg crossed on a Jim Edmonds double.
Edmonds ended up scoring on a sac fly by Hammond.

Astros lead 2-0

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

I handled another Olerud grounder for the 2nd out in the 3rd.
Two batters later, Sandberg scored on an Edmonds double. Again.
Then a Craig Biggio double cashed in Edmonds.

Astros lead 4-0

I got the 3rd out in the 4th off a Brian Downing grounder.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Rob Deer on 1st. I walked.
I was replaced on a Tim Naehring fielder's choice.

I took care of a Hammond grounder for the 1st out in the 7th.
Then I did the same to Felix Jose for the 2nd.

I came up in the bottom of the 7th with two out and Alvin Davis on 1st. I flew out to Edmonds in centre.

In the 8th Olerud and Sandberg scored on Edmonds' third double.

Matt brought in Rod Nichols after that.
Edmonds scored on a Biggio sac fly.

Astros lead 7-0

We finally got something in the 8th. Up until hen we had only recorded one hit but Steve Stanicek got a pinch hit, two run homer.

Astros lead 7-2

I came up in the 9th with two out and Ruben Sierra on 2nd. John Thoden was pitching. I lined out to Olerud at 1st.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk.

Now we have a day off before our final series of the season

[rpriske]

October 4th, 1991

We start out last series of the year, facing the Dodgers.

They are pitching Dave Bird (18-10, 3.03).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (15-11, 3.58).

I am hitting sixth.

In the 1st we turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play.

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

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 2nd and grounded out to Monty Fariss at 2nd.

The Dodgers opened the scoring int he 3rd when Benito Santiago crossed on a Tim Wallach single.

Dodgers lead 1-0

I came up in the 4th with one out and Alvin Davis on 1st. I hit into a double play.

In the 5th, Chili Davis scored on a wild pitch.
Then Tim Wallach scored on a Bill Spiers sac fly.
In addition, Harold Baines had to leave the game after that play with pain in his shoulder.

Dodgers lead 3-0

IN the 6th, after walking the leadoff man - the pitcher, no less - Bruce was pulled for Tom Kramer.

Bird and Santiago ended up scoring on a Phil Plantier single.

Dodgers lead 5-0

With men on the corners and one out in the 7th, Matt brought in Pat Combs.
We turned a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get out of it.

I came up in the bottom of the 7th with Alvin on 1st and Bryan Harvey on the mound.
I doubled down the right field line, sending Alvin to 3rd.
Alvin scored on a pinch hit sac fly by Don Barbara.
Rick Cerone walked.
Stolen base #92.
I scored on an error by Wallach.

Dodgers lead 5-2

Heathcliff Slocumb came it to pitch for us in the 8th.
Then Bobby Thigpen took the 9th.

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with Alvin on 1st and Lee Smith pitching.
I replaced him with a fielder's choice.
Rance Mulliniks hit into a double play and we lost our ninth straight game.

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

[rpriske]

October 5th, 1991

The penultimate game of the year for us.

The Dodgers are pitching Mike Witt (13-14, 4.02).

The Giants have John Burkett (12-13, 4.01).

I am hitting second.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 1st and snuck one through the right side for a single.
I went to 2nd on an infield hit by Ruben Sierra.
I scored on a two out single by Tim Naehring.
Then Ruben scored on a single by Rob Deer.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Robby Thompson on 1st. I got to 2nd and Robby went to 3rd on an error by Bernard GIlkey in left.
We both scored on a single by Ruben.

Giants lead 4-0

In the 3rd, Ryan Klesko hit a two run home run.

Giants lead 6-0

I led off the bottom of the 4th, now facing Mickey Weston. I flew out to Gilkey in left.

Alvin Davis ended up scoring on another L.A. error.

Giants lead 7-0

Ryan led off the bottom of the 5th with his second homer of the night.

Giants lead 8-0

I led off the bottom of the 6th by lining out to Monty Farriss at 2nd.

The Dodgers got on the board in the 7th with a pair of pinch hitters as Ever Magellan's led off with a pinch hit triple and then Paul Faries drove him in with a pinch hit single.
Then Faries scored on a Gilkey triple.
I took care of a Kent Hrbek fielder's choice ball for the 1st out, but GIlkey scored on the play.
Hrbek scored on a Benito Santiago single.

Giants lead 8-4

In the bottom of the 7th, Ryan hit his THIRD home run of the day. Another two-run blast.

Giants lead 10-4

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

I led off the bottom of the 8th against Alejandro Pena.
I popped out to the catcher, Santiago.

We broke our losing streak with a 10-4 win.

I went 1 for 5 with a single and two runs scored.

[rpriske]

October 6th, 1991

It is the final game of a long, painful, season.

The Dodgers are pitching Gregg Longbehn (3-4, 4.50).

The Giants have Don Robinson (6-8, 3.92).

I am hitting sixth.

Kent Hrbek homered on the first pitch of the game.

Dodgers lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with Rob Deer on 3rd, and Alvin Davis on 1st. I hit a sac fly to score Rob.

Game tied 1-1

I made a great diving catch on a Bill Spiers liner for the 3rd out in the 4th.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 4th and popped out to Hrbek at 1st.

The Dodgers got the lead back in the 5th when Candy Maldonado scored on a Hrbek double.
Then Chili Davis hit a two run homer.

Dodgers lead 4-1

Bret Lachemann took the ball for us in the 6th.
Phil Plantier scored on a Maldonado double.
Tim Wallach and Maldonado scored on a Hrbek single.

Dodgers lead 7-1

In the bottom of the 6th, Harold Baines scored on a fielder's choice by Rob.

I came up with one out, Rob on 3rd, and Alvin on 2nd. I walked, loading the bases.
Rob scored on a single by Tim Naehring.
Alvin and I scored on a single by Alan Cockrell.

Dodgers lead 7-5

Joe Boever took the ball for us in the 7th.
I caught a Santiago liner for the 1st out behind him.
I caught a Spiers pop for the 3rd.

We turned a Thompson - Priske - Davis double play to end the top of the 8th.

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with one out and Jeff Parrett pitching.
I grounded out to John Wehner at 3rd.

Mark Ross took the mound for us in the 9th.
With two out and two on, he gave way to Bobby Thigpen.

We couldn't get those last two runs back and finished out season with a loss.

Our final record was 75-87

I went 0 for 2 with a walk, an RBI, and a Run Scored.

I ended the season hitting .283 with an OPS+ of 105 and 7.1 WAR, leading the NL.
I also led both leagues with 92 stolen bases.

[rpriske]

Before we check what happens in the playoffs, I want to check in with the changes set for the Giants.

Free Agents

Bruce Ruffin
Don Robinson
Rick Cerone
Rance Mulliniks

I become our highest paid player next year, passing Frank Viola.