Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

April 30th, 1992

We lost the first game against the Cardinals and it is only a two game series. Looking for the split.

St. Louis is pitching Sergio Iglesias (3-0, 2.22).

The Giants have Pat Combs in his season debut, and only his second ML start.

I am hitting clean-up.

I took care of a Rafael Palmeiro grounder for the 3rd out of the game.

I led off the bottom of the 2nd by flying out to Bernie Williams in centre.

I handled a Ray Martinez grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.
I then caught an Iglesias pop for the 2nd out.
After a single, I took care of a Williams grounder for the clean sweep.

With two out in the bottom of the 3rd, Ruben Sierra hit a solo bomb.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off the bottom of the 4th by lining out to Luis Gonzalez in left.

The Cards evened it up with an Ed Taubensee homer in the 5th.

Game tied 1-1

But in the bottom half, Alvin Davis scored on a single by Ruben.

Giants lead 2-1

I took care of a Palmeiro grounder for the 3rd out in the 6th.

I then led off the bottom half by singling to right.
Stolen base #15.
With one out, Bryce Bernadin homered.

Giants lead 4-1

I took care of a Martinez grounder for the 2nd out in the 8th.

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with Robby Thompson on 1st and George Beaver on the mound.
I walked.
Tim Naehring hit into a double play and I was erased.

With two out and a man on in the 9th, Matt brought in Jeff Russell.
He got the final out.

Great outing for Pat!

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

We are back to .500

Next the Phillies came to town.

[rpriske]

May 1st, 1992

The Phillies are in town and I have the day off!

Philly is pitching David Rivera (1-1, 3.10).

The Giants have John Burkett (1-4, 3.34).

We lost, 4-2.

I got a pinch hitting chance but went 0 for 1.

[rpriske]

May 2nd, 1992

Today the Phillies are pitching Erik Hanson (2-3, 3.76).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (2-1, 1.85).

I am leading off!

The Phils got on the board in the top of the 1st when Ryne Sandberg scored on a Juan Gonzalez single.
But then I caught a Mike Greenwell liner and doubled off Gonzalez to end the frame.

Phillies lead 1-0

I led off the bottom of the 1st by flying out to Gonzalez in right.

In the top of the 2nd, Randy Milligan scored on a double play.

Phillies lead 2-0

Then, in the 3rd, Dave Hollins scored on a Sandberg double.
They just keep chipping away at Charlie.
I handled a Gonzalez grounder for the 2nd out.
Then Greenwell tripled home Sandberg.

Phillies lead 4-0

I led off the bottom of the 4th. We were 9 up, 9 down so far.
I changed that... by taking a walk.
Stolen base #16.
With one out, stolen base #17.
I did not score.

I took care of a Hanson grounder for the 1st out in the 5th.
But then Hollins scored on a Gonzalez single.

Phillies lead 5-0

Bryan Hickerson took the ball for us in the 6th.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 6th. I grounded out to John Finn at short.

Gonzalez led off the 8th with a home run.

With a man on in the inning, Matt brought in Heathcliff Slocumb.
He got the double play but then Darrin Fletcher homered.

Phillies lead 7-0

I handled a Hollins grounder for the 3rd out in the 9th.

I then led off the bottom half by grounding out to Jose Vizcaino at short.

We managed only two hits and were beaten soundly.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk and two stolen bases.

Tomorrow we play to avoid the sweep.

[rpriske]

May 3rd, 1992

We are trying to avoid being swept at home.

The Phillies are pitching Juan Guzman (2-0, 1.50).

The Giants have Scott Service (0-0, 4.34). Four starts, four no decisions.

I am hitting seventh.

The Phils got things going right away when Jeff Carter scored on the top of the 1st on a Randy Milligan single.

Phillies lead 1-0

Then Bo Jackson led off the 2nd with a home run.

Phillies lead 2-0

I came up int he bottom of the 2nd with two out and Jerry Browne on 1st. I flew out to Carter in centre.

I returned the favour by handling a Carter grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.

But then Juan Gonzalez homered.

I took care of a Milligan grounder for out #2.

Phillies lead 3-0

We got not he board int he 4th when Bryce Bernadin scored on a single by Jerry.
Then I came up with two out and Jerry on 1st. I grounded one up the middle for a single and went to 2nd when they tried, unsuccessfully, to stop Jerry from going to 3rd.
They intentionally walked Alan Cockrell.
Scott struck out, leaving the bases loaded.

Phillies lead 3-1

Ted Power took the ball for us in the 6th.

Milligan led off with a homer.

Phillies lead 4-1

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

In the bottom of the 7th pinch hitter Shawon Dunston scored on a Ruben Sierra single and then Robby Thompson and Ruben scored on a Craig Grebeck double!

Game tied 4-4

Mark Ross got the nod for us in the 8th.

They got the lead right back in the top of the 8th when Darrin Fletcher hit a two run homer.
I took care of a Jose Vizcaino grounder for the 3rd out.

Phillies lead 6-4

I led off the bottom of the 8th, now against Todd Teno. I fouled out to 1Bman, Tino Martinez.

Jeff Russell took the 9th for us.
He got his outs but we did not score in the bottom half and the Phils finished the sweep.

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

We are now 11-14 and 4 games behind the Braves.

We get a day off as we head to St.Louis. The Cardinals lead the NL East.

````````````````````````
On our off day we were hit with brutal news. Alan Davis tore his meniscus while tying his shoes.

Yeah. He is lost for the season. Woof.

Mark Lewis was called up from Phoenix.

[rpriske]

May 5th, 1992

We are in St Louis, trying to bounce back from losing both some games and Alan Davis.

Today the Cardinals are pitching Greg Harris (3-1, 2.34).

The Giants have Rod Nichols (0-3, 5.60).

Speaking of bounce backs, Rod's first three starts weren't good. Let's go.

I am hitting clean-up.

I came up in the top of the 1st with to out and Bruce Bernadin on 1st. I snuck one through the right side for a single. Bryce went to 3rd and I advanced to 2nd when they tried to catch him.
We both scored on a Craig Grebeck single.

Giants lead 2-0

In the top of the 3rd I came up pin the exact same situation - two out and Bryce on 1st. This time I grounded out to Terry Pendleton at 3rd.

The Cards got on the board in the 4th when Wade Boggs scored on a Ruben Amaro single.

Giants lead 2-1

They tied it up in the 5th when Ray Martinez scored on a Luis Gonzalez double.
Then Joe Orsulak doubled Gonzalez home.
Pendleton followed with an RBI single.

Cardinals lead 4-2

I led off the 6th by grounding out to Amaro at 2nd.

With one out and a man on in the bottom of the 6th, Matt brought in Heathcliff Slocumb.

He got that out and then Bryan Hickerson took the ball in the 7th.

We turned a Priske - Thompson - Lewis double pay behind him.
But then pinch hitter David Rivera scored on a Pendleton double.
Pendelton and Bernie Williams crossed on an Amaro single.

Pat Combs received after that. He got the 3rd out.

Cardinals lead 7-2

I came up with one out in the 8th, now facing Bobby Smith. I pooped out to catcher Ed Taubensee right at home plate.

I caught an Orsulak pop for the final out in the 8th.

Another loss for us. Four in a row.

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

We found out after the game that we lost Andy McGaffigan because he wasn't called up before today.

[rpriske]

May 6th, 1992

We are looking for a bounce back win against a hot pitcher.

Today the Cardinals are pitching Scott Lawrence (3-0, 0.65).

The Giants have John Burkett (1-5, 3.64).

I am hitting seventh.

I took care of a Joe Orsulak grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 1st.
I then caught a Terry Pendleton pop for the 3rd out.

Craig Grebeck led off the 2nd with a double, but he strained a rib cage muscle and had to be taken out of the game. Mark Lewis ran for him.
Jerry Browne tried to bunt him too 3rd but botched it, and Mark was thrown out.
I came up with one out and Jerry on 1st. I singled to left, moving Jerry to 2nd.
We were left on.

I led off the 4th by popping out to Rafael Palmeiro at 1st.

In the bottom of the 5th, Bernie Williams hit a solo home run.

Cardinals lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 6th and grounded out to Ray Martinez at short.

In the 6th, Martinez scored on an Orsulak sac fly.

Cardinals lead 2-0

In the 7th John scored on a single by Bryce Bernadin and Ryan Klesko followed with a two run homer!

Giants lead 3-2

I came up with one out in the 8th and lined out to Pendleton at 3rd.

In the 9th Greg Myers pinch hit for John with a single. He ended up scoring on a passed ball.

Giants lead 4-2

Jeff Russell came in for the save and while the Cards loading the bases, they did not score.

Win for us!

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

After the game we got word that the organization had signed a veteran relief arm with some big league experience named Craig Lefferts. He is going to AAA, but I expect we will be seeing him.

[rpriske]

May 7th, 1992

We are in St. Louis for the rubber match.

The Cardinals are pitching Dave Fleming (1-4, 5.23).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (2-2, 2.66).

I am hitting seventh.

Both Robby Thompson and Craig Grebeck are hurting but they are gutting it out to help us get that win.

I came up with two out in the 2nd and I grounded out right back to Fleming.

The Cards opened the scoring in the 4th when Luis Gonzalez crossed on a Terry Pendleton sac fly.
Then Bernie Williams hit a two run home run.
I handled a Wade Boggs grounder for the 2nd out.

Cardinals lead 3-0

I came up with two out in the 5th and grounded out to Ray Martinez at short.

In the bottom of the inning, Gonzalez scored on a Martinez triple.
Then Joe Orsulak singled him home.
I caught a towering Pendleton pop to end the inning.

Cardinals lead 5-0

I took care of another Boggs grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 6th.

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

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

I came up with one out in the 8th and grounded out to Martinez again.

I caught a Williams pop for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 8th.

We ended up getting shut out on only three hits.

None of them were mine. I went 0 for 3.

Now we head to Montreal.

[rpriske]

May 8th, 1992

Back in my home country to face the Expos.

Today Montreal is putting up Steve Avery (3-1, 1.88).

The Giants have Scott Service (0-0, 4.56).

I am hitting seventh.
We are a tired and battered team right now, facing a very good pitcher. We need to step it up.

The Expos opened the scoring early as a 1st inning double by Jose Offerman scored Shane Mack.

Expos lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Jerry Browne on 1st. I hit into a double play.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom of the 3rd off a Reggie Sanders grounder.

I came up with one out in the 5th and worked a walk.
Stolen base #18.
I was left at 2nd.

I then came up with two out in the 7th and grounded out back to Avery.

Heathcliff Slocumb took the ball for us in the 7th.
He got his 3 and then Mark Ross took the mound for the 8th.

Scott made his best start of the season but we couldn't score for him and lost, 1-0.

I went 0 for 2 with a walk and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

May 9th, 1992

We are 5 games below .500. Them to turn things around.

We are in Montreal and the Expos are pitching Alex Ferdandez (4-2, 3.47).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (1-3, 7.00).

Obviously we need Rick to turn things around too.

I am hitting seventh.

I caught a Shane Mack liner for the final out of the 1st.

I then came up with two out in the 2nd and was thrown out on a bleeder handled by catcher, Mike Urzendowski.

I returned the favour, handling an Urzendowski grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 3rd.

Ryan Klesko hit a solo homer in the 4th to open the scoring.

Giants lead 1-0

They got it back, and more, when Chris Donnels doubled home Thomas Howard and Rey Sanchez in the bottom of the 4th.

Expos lead 2-1

I came up with one out in the 5th and grounded out to Donnels at 3rd.

I took care of a Jose Offerman grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th.

In the 7th we got the lead back when Jerry Browne hit a two out, two-run homer!

I came up right after that and flew out to Howard in left.

Giants lead 3-2

In the 8th, Mark Ross took the ball for us.

He couldn't hold the lead as Scott Cooper scored on a Sanchez single.
The Offerman and Sanchez scored on a single by pinch hitter Bill Moore.

Expos lead 5-3

I came up in the 9th wth two out and Jerry on 1st. Jeff Reardon was pitching.

What did I do?

How about a game-tying, two run homer!

My first homer of the season and it was a biggie!

Game tied 5-5

Jeff Russell took the ball of run, trying to force extra innings.

And he did!

Bryan Hickerson came in for us in the 10th.

I took care of a Russ McGinnis grounder for the 3rd out,

I led off the 12th, facing Eric Plunk. I grounded out to Sanchez at 2nd.

Ted Power took the mound for us in the bottom half.

Mike Maksudian singled home Howard for the walk off for Montreal.

My 'hero' moment went for nothing.

I went only one for 5, but that one was a two run homer.

We are now tied in last place for the full National League.

[rpriske]

May 10th, 1992

In Montreal, trying to avoid being swept.

The Expos are pitching Eddie Portillo (1-2, 1.69).

The Giants have Rod Nichols (0-4, 5.87).

I am hitting seventh.

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

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Craig Grebeck on 2nd. I flew out to Thomas Howard in left.

The Expos opened the scoring in the bottom half when Jose Offerman crossed on a Chris Donnels single.

Expos lead 1-0

In the 3rd we turned a Nichols - Priske - Klesko double play.

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

I then led off the 5th by reaching on an infield single.
I was replaced on a Greg Myers fielder's choice.

In the bottom of the 5th, Michael Urzendowski scored on a Scott Cooper sac fly.
I took care of a Shane Mack grounder for the 3rd out.

Expos lead 2-0

I then handled an Offerman grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th.
After hey they loaded the bases and Matt brought in Heathcliff Slocumb.
He walked Urzendowski, scoring Howard.
He struck the next two out.

Expos lead 3-0

Craig led off the 7th with a double but int he process he strained his ribcage and had to be replaced by Tim Naehring. Craig was already playing with a sore knee.
I came up with one out and Tim on 2nd. I walked.
Greg followed with a two run homer, tying the game!

Game tied 3-3

Bryan Hickerson took the ball for the bottom of the 7th.

The tie was short lived as Cooper scored on a Howard sac fly.
Then Mack scored on a wild pitch.
Offerman scored on an Urzendowski single.
Bryan walked pinch hitter Reggie Sanders, scoring Sanchez.

Matt had seen enough and Ted Power replaced Bryan.
He immediately gave up a Grand Slam to Sammy Sosa.

It didn't stop there. Mach scored on an Offerman triple.
Offerman scored on a Howard single.
When we finally got out of the inning, they had scored ten times.

Expos lead 13-3

I took care of an Urzendowski grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.
On the 2nd out, Ted had to leave the game. He looked like he was in a lot of pain.
Pat Combs replaced him.
Pat hit the next batter then walked two before I took care of an Offerman grounder to end it.

I came up with two out in the 9th, facing Mark Tindall. I hit a harmless little grounder to end the suffering.

This was a demoralizing game.

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

We are heading to Philadelphia. Limping...

[rpriske]

May 11th, 1992

We are in Philadelphia, trying to turn our fortunes around.

The Phillies are pitching David Rivera (3-1, 2.23).

The Giants have John Burkett (2-5, 3.24).

I am hitting fifth.

We struck quickly, with Ruben Sierra crossing on a Ryan Klesko groundout in the top of the 1st.
I came up with two out and Bryce Bernadin on 2nd. I flew out to Jeff Carter in centre.

Giants lead 1-0

The got the run right back when Carter scored on a Juan Gonzalez single in the bottom of the inning.
But then Gonzalez ended up scoring on a Mike Greenwell single.
Randy Milligan scored on a Darrin Fletcher single.

Phillies lead 3-1

I handled a Greenwell grounder for the final out in the 3rd.

I came up with one out in the 4th and grounded out to Dave Hollins at 3rd.

In the bottom of the 4th, John Finn scored on a single by Rivera.

Phillies lead 4-1

We ended the 5th with a Thompson - Priske - Klesko double play.

Bryce led off the 6th with a home run.
I came up with one out and lined a forkball to right for a single.
With two out I went to 3rd on a Tim Naehring double.
They intentionally walked Alan Cockrell to load the bases.
John struck out.

Phillies lead 4-2

In the bottom of the 6th, Finn scored on a Hollins single.

Matt brought in Heathcliff Slocumb after that, with two out and two on.
He got the 3rd out.

Phillies lead 5-2

I came up in the 8th with Ryan on 1st and Todd Teno on the mound.
While pitching to me, Teno balked.
Then I popped out to Finn at short.

Ryan ended up scoring on a single by Tim.

Phillies lead 5-3

Pat Combs took the ball for us in the bottom of the 8th.
I took care of a Gonzalez grounder for the 3rd out.

We could not score in the 9th and dropped our fifth straight. We are a miserable 12-20.

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

Ted Power has a dead arm. He isn't going to be available for the better part of a week.

[rpriske]

May 12th, 1992

Still In Philly, trying to break our five game losing streak.

Today the Phillies are pitching Melido Perez (1-2, 6.04).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (2-3, 3.26).

I am hitting fifth again.

We got the first two outs in the bottom of the 1st off a Thomson - Priske - Klesko double play.
But then Dave Hollins scored on a Juan Gonzalez double.

Phillies lead 1-0

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

I handled a Joe Girardi grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 2nd.

I caught a Ryne Sandberg pop for the 1st out in the bottom of the 3rd.
I then took care of a fielder's choice ball by Jeff Carter for the 2nd out.

I next came up with to out in the 4th and I flew out to Carter in centre.

We turned a Thompson - Priske - Klesko double play to end the 5th.

I came up with one out in the 7th and flew out to Carter again.

With two out and a man on in the bottom of the 7th, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson. He gave up a two run homer to Sandberg.

Phillies lead 3-0

Pat Combs took the ball in the 8th.
Gonzalez scored on a two out triple by Girardi.

Phillies lead 4-0

Things swung pretty fast when the 3rd batter for us in the top of the 9th - Bryce Bernadin - hit a three run homer!
I came up with one out and Alejandro Pena on the mound. I flew out to Carter AGAIN.

We got it close, but lost, 4-3. Six losses in a row.

I went 0 for 4.

[rpriske]

May 13th, 1992

We are wrapping up in Philadelphia, trying to avoid our second straight sweep and seventh straight loss.

The Phillies are pitching Juan Guzman (3-1, 3.21).

The Giants have Scott Service (0-1, 3.94).

I am hitting fifth again.

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

I caught a Mike Greenwell liner for the 1st out in the bottom of the 2nd.

I came up in the 4th with two out and Bryce Bernadin on 2nd. During my plate appearance, Bryce moved to 3rd on a wild pitch. But then I was thrown out by the catcher, Darrin Fletcher, on a number in front of the plate.

Tino Martinez led off the bottom of the 5th with a homer.
I took care of a Dave Hollins grounder for the 3rd out.

Phillies lead 1-0

I came up in the 6th with two out and Bryce on 2nd again. I grounded out to Ryne Sandberg at 2nd.

I returned the favour by handling a Sandberg grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th.

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

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

With one out and one on in the 8th, Matt brought in Mark Ross.
A Klesko - Priske - Klesko double play took care of that for him.

I led off the 9th against Alejandro Pena. I struck out.

We ended up shut out, 1-0.

Brutal.

I went 0 for 4. Again.

Travel day tomorrow as we head for Chicago.

[rpriske]

May 15th, 1992

We have lost seven in a row. Hopefully the off day gave us a much needed recharge.

We are home to face Chicago. The Cubs are 20-14. The Giants are 12-22.

The Cubbies are pitching Chris Bosio (1-1, 2.57).

The Giants have Rod Nichols (0-4, 5.72).

I am hitting seventh.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Craig Grebeck on 2nd. I grounded out to Mark Grace at 1st, but I advanced the runner.
Unfortunately, he was unable to score.

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

The Cubs opened the scoring in the 4th when Paul O'Neill and Willie Murray crossed on a Travis Fryman single.

Cubs lead 2-0

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

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 5th and knocked one through the right side for a single.
I went to 3rd on an Alan Cockrell double.
We both scored on a pinch hit double by Mark Lewis, tying the game.

Game tied 2-2

Heathcliff Slocumb took the ball for us in the 6th.
I handled a Tim Barker grounder for the 2nd out behind him.

I next came up with one out in the bottom the 7th and flew out to O'Neill in left.

Mark Ross took over for us in the 8th.

Jeff Russell then took the 9th.

I got the 1st out off a Fryman grounder

I came up in the bottom of the 9th. One out. Craig Greenback on 2nd, Jerry Browne on 1st. Mitch Williams pitching.
Slider, low. 1-0
I took a fastball. 1-1
Fastball, driven up the middle for a single! It was too hard hit, though, for Craig to score on the play.

Bases loaded.

But that only took one more pitch. Wild Thing Williams uncorked a wild pitch on the first offering to Alan and Craig scored!

We got the 3-2 walk off, ending our losing streak!

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles and a run scored.

[rpriske]

May 16th, 1992

With the losing streak behind us, we now need to build to a winning streak!

Today the visiting Cubs are pitching David Palmer (3-3, 3.49).

The Giants have John Burkett (2-6, 3.72).

I am batting seventh.

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

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by grounding out to Bret Barberie at 2nd.

I next came up with one out in the 5th and I lined one through the middle for a single.
Stolen base #19.
I was left at 2nd.

I then came up with two out in the 7th and grounded out to Barberie again.

Mark Ross took the ball for us in the 8th. We didn't score for him, but I want to note that John struck out ten in seven shutout innings. Great going, John!

The first batter in the 8th - pinch hitter Nelson Peralta - grounded one to me... and I fumbled it! My first error of the season.
Thankfully he didn't end up scoring.

Jeff Russell took he 9th for us.

Neither team scored that inning so Jeff came back out for the 10th.

With a man on and two out in the inning, Matt switched to Bryan Hickerson.
He got the 3rd out.

I came up in the bottom of the 10th with two out and Mitch Williams on the bump. I walked.
Stolen base #20.
I was left at 2nd again.

I caught a Mark Grace liner for the 2nd out in the 11th.

Heathcliff Slocumb took the ball for us in the 12th.
He struck out the side.

I came up in the bottom of the 12th with one out and Jerry Browne on 1st. John Powell was the pitcher. I reached on an infield single hit back to Powell. Jerry went to 2nd.
Mark Lewis pinch hit for Alan Cockrell but grounded out.

Greg Myers took over behind the plate.

I handled a fielder's choice ball by pinch hitter Randy Velarde for the 1st out in the 13th.

With one out and two on, Matt brought in Pat Combs.

Velarde scored on a Barberie single. The 1st run of the game.
Then Travis Fryman scored on a wild pitch.

Cubs lead 2-0

With our backs against in, here goes the bottom of the 13th.

Shawon Dunston pinch hit for Pat and singled.
Ruben Sierra doubled, sending Shawon to 3rd.
Bryce Bernadin grounded into a fielder's choice attempt at home where Shawon scored! (Down by two, that was a BAD decision on both sides.)
Ryan Klesko walked, loading the bags.
Craig Greenback singled, scoring Ruben to tie the game!
Jerry Browne hit a sac fly, scoring Bryce and giving us the win!

We are rolling!

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, a walk, and two stolen bases.

We are no longer in the basement, but we are still 8 games below .500.

[rpriske]

May 17th, 1992

We have won two games in a row against the Cubs and today we are going for the sweep.

The Cubbies are pitching Greg Maddux (6-2, 3.73).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (2-4, 3.20).

I am hitting seventh.

I turned a Priske - Klesko double play to end the top of the 1st.

I then had a Maddox grounder that I... fumbled! My second error of the season allowed Willie Murray to score on what would have been the 3rd out!

I caught a Brian Jordan pop to end it, but...

Cubs lead 1-0

I handled a Randy Velarde grounder to end the top of the 3rd.

I then led off the bottom half by grounding out to Mark Grace at 1st.

I took care of an Ivan Rodriguez grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.

Jerry Browne took a walk in the 5th. I then came up with two out and also walked.
We were left there.

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

I came up in the 7th with two out and Jerry on 1st. I grounded out back to Maddux.

With a man on in the 8th, Matt brought in Ted Power.

He finished that inning and then Bryan Hickerson came in for the 9th.

Maddux scored on a wild pitch by Bryan.
Jordan scored on a Bret Barberie sac fly.

Cubs lead 3-0

Maddux ended up shutting us out on three hits.

I went 0 for 2 with a walk and an error.

Back in last.

We have an off-day before the Pirates come to town.

[rpriske]

May 19th, 1992

We lost our last game but we are ready to take on the Pirates!

The Bugs are pitching Mark Gubicza (1-5, 4.76).

The Giants have Scott Service (0-2, 3.53).

I am hitting seventh.

I got in the action right away, taking care of a Bip Roberts grounder for the 1st out of the game.

That was a good start but before the top of the 1st was over, Sid Bream scored on a John Valentin single.

Pirates lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 2nd and lined out to Lee Stevens in right.

I dealt with Roberts again for the 1st out in the top of the 3rd.

I led off the top of the 5th by taking a walk.
Stolen base #21.
Then Alan Cockrell walked.
Scott laid down a good sac bunt, moving Alan and me up a bag.
I scored on a Robby Thompson sac fly, tying the game.

Game tied 1-1

With two out and bases joined in the 6th, Matt brought in Ted Power.
He got the strike out.

In the bottom of the 6th, Jerry Browne scored on a two out single by Craig Grebeck.
I came up next and grounded out to Steve Aastrom at 2nd.

Giants lead 2-1

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

He gave up a solo homer to Bream.

Game tied 2-2

Jeff Russell took the ball in the 9th. (Jesse Barfield took over in RF on a double switch.)

The Pirates grabbed the lead when Josh Boone scored on a Dean Palmer double.
Palmer scored on a wild pitch.

Pirates lead 4-2

I led off the bottom of the 9th, facing Doug Jones. I grounded out to Valentin at short.

We couldn't get those runs back and it was a loss.

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

[rpriske]

May 20th, 1992

We lost the opener but we are trying to bounce back.

Today the Pirates are pitching Bill Krueger (2-2, 3.99).

The Giants have Rod Nichols (0-4, 5.40).

I am hitting seventh.

We got out to a lead int he bottom of the 1st when Mark Lewis scored on a Robby Thompson single and then Robby scored on a Craig Grebeck single.

I flew out.

Giants lead 2-0

The Pirates got on the board in the 3rd when Bip Roberts crossed on a Sid Bream single.
Then Dean Palmer scored on a Lee Stevens single.
Stevens scored on a Steve Aastrom double.
I caught a John Valentin pop to end it.

Pirates lead 4-2

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 4th and I dumped a fastball into right for a single.
Stolen base #22.
Alan Cockrell then walked.
We were left.

Palmer led off the 5th with a home run.

Matt brought in Pat Combs to pitch after that.

Aastrom scored on a Valentin double.

Pirates lead 6-2

In the 6th, Pat walked Stevens with the bases loaded.

With none out and the bases loaded, Matt brought in Heathcliff Solcumb.
He immediately walked Aastrom.
Then he walked Kevin Bass.

He got out of it after that, but the damage was well and truly done.

Pirates lead 9-2

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 6th. I grounded out to Bream at 1st.

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

Ted Power took the ball for us in the 8th.

We turned a Power - Priske - Lewis double play to end the frame.

In the 9th Dave Nilsson scored on a Palmer single.

Pirates lead 10-2

I came up in the bottom of the 9th with Jerry Browne on 1st and Mike Stanton pitching.
During my at bate, Jerry went to 2nd on a wild pitch.
I popped out to Valentin at short.

We didn't score.

Another loss.

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

[rpriske]

May 21st, 1992

Trying to avoid a sweep.

Today the Pirates are pitching Willie Banks (2-0, 2.10).

The Giants have John Burkett (2-6, 3.30).

I am hitting seventh.

The Pirates opened the scoring in the 2nd when John Valentin scored on a Banks single.

Pirates lead 1-0

I came up in the bottom of the inning with Craig Grebeck on 1st. I drove a slider up the middle for a single, sending Craig to 3rd.
Stolen base #23.
With two out we both scored on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 2-1

I handled a Steve Aastrom grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.

I made a great play on a Dave Nilsson grounder for the 3rd out.

I then led off the bottom half by grounding out to Sid Bream at 1st.

I next came up with two out in the 6th and flew out to Lee Stevens in right.

We turned a Priske - Thompson - Klesko double play to end the top of the 7th.

WIth two out and one on in the 8th, Matt brought in Jeff Russell.

I got the 1st out in the 9th for him, off an Aastrom grounder.

Jeff got the four out save and we had the win.

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

[rpriske]

May 22nd 1992

After salvaging a game out of the Pirates, we now have the Mets coming to town.

Today the Mets are pitching Sid Fernandez (3-4, 3.97).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (2-5, 2.84).

I am hitting seventh.

We turned a Thompson - Priske - Lewis double play to end the top of the 2nd.

I came up in the bottom of the 2nd with Craig Grebeck on 2nd and Jerry Browne on 1st. I flew out to Lenny Dykstra in centre.

Craig ended up scoring on an Alan Cockrell single.

Giants lead 1-0

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

With two out, Kevin Maas singled and tried to stretch it to a double. Ruben Sierra gunned him down. Where this is notable is that Maas crashed into me, hard. I held onto the ball but I got up shaky.
I didn't need to leave the game, but I am now pissed.

I came up in he 4th with Jerry on 1st. I drove one through the right for a single. Jerry went to 2nd.
With one out, Charlie singled, loading the bases.
Jerry scored on a sac fly by Mark Lewis.
Ruben grounded out to Mike Gallego at 2nd... but wait! Gallego threw it away! I scored!

Giants lead 3-0

The Mets got on the board in the 5th when Ozzie Guillen scored on a Wally Joyner single.

Giants lead 3-1

I led off the bottom of the 6th by taking a walk.
With on out I grabbed stolen base #24.
I went to 3rd on a sac bunt by Charlie.
I scored on a single by Mark.

Giants lead 4-1

In the 7th Mike Pagliarulo scored on a pinch hit single by Chris Sabo.

Giants lead 4-2

With none out an a man on in the 8th, Matt brought in Mark Ross to pitch.
A strikeout followed by a Thompson - Priske - Lewis double play ended the frame.

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with one out and Greg Harris pitching. I struck out.

Jeff Russell took the ball for us in the 9th.
I handled a Maas grounder for the 1st out behind him.
He gave up a to out single, but that was it.

Two wins in a row.

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

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