Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

July 21st, 1992

After losing a couple of very close games, we are looking to bounce back.

Today the Expos are pitching Alex Fernandez (11-6, 3.62).

The Giants have John Burkett (6-12, 3.62).

I am hitting seventh again.

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

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I hit one sharply up the middle for a single. Craig went to 2nd.
We were stranded.

In the bottom of the 3rd, Wayne Johnson scored on a wild pitch.
Then Pat Bailey scored on a Reggie Sanders sac fly.
I handled a Shane Mack grounder to end the inning.

Expos lead 2-0

I came up with two out in the 4th and took a walk.
I got no further.

In the bottom of the 4th, Jose Offerman scored on a Thomas Howard double.
I took care of a Johnson grounder for the 2nd out, but Howard scored on the play.
I caught a Bailey pop to end the inning.

Expos lead 4-0

In the 5th, Ruben Sierra hit a two run homer.

Expos lead 4-2

In the bottom half, Sanders scored on a Mack fielder's choice.

Expos lead 5-2

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

Mike Perez took the mound for us in the 7th.
Pinch hitter Bill Moore scored on a Scott Cooper single.

Expos lead 6-2

I came up in the 8th with two out, Craig on 2nd, and Mark Tindall pitching. I singled to centre, with Craig going to 3rd.
We were left on.

With one out and a man on in the bottom of the 8th, Matt went to Scott Service.
I handled a Bailey grounder for the 2nd out, but Rey Sanchez scored on the play.

Expos lead 7-2

Well, it finally wasn't a one run loss. Sigh.

I went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles and a walk.

[rpriske]

July 22nd, 1992

We have lost four in a row and we are trying to avoid the sweep in Montreal.

Today the Expos are pitching Eddie Portillo (8-6, 2.96).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (7-8, 2.90).

I am hitting seventh.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Ryan Klesko on 3rd. I grounded out to Scott Cooper at 3rd.

In the bottom of the inning, Rey Sanchez scored on a Michael Urzendowski single.
Then Wayne Johnson scored on a. single by Portillo.
Urzendowski was awarded home on a balk by Charlie.

Expos lead 3-0

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

I then came up in the 5th with Craig Grebeck on 1st. I walked.
Timothy McKercher hit into a double play.

I got another Offerman grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.

In the top of the 6th, Ruben Sierra scored on a Bryce Bernadin double.

Expos lead 3-1

In the bottom of the inning, I bobbled what could have been a double play.
I am making too many errors lately.

Thankfully, it didn't cost us.

I came up with one out in the 7th and grounded out to Johnson at 2nd.

Bryan Hickerson took the mound for us in the bottom of the inning.

Cooper and Offerman scored on a Thomas Howard double.
I caught a Sanchez pop for the 2nd out.

Expos lead 5-1

I came up in the 8th with two out, Jerry Browne on 2nd, and Craig on 1st. They brought Jeff Reardon in to face me. He struck me out.

With two out and a man on in the bottom half, Matt brought in Scott Service. He got the out.

We have now lost five in a row.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk and an error.

We have a travel day to go to Philadelphia. An extra hotel day.

[rpriske]

July 24th, 1992

We had an off-day to sit and stew about our five game losing streak.

Two years ago we won the World Series.

Now we are the worst team in the National League.

We are in Philadelphia and the Phillies are pitching Bruce Lizarraga (8-8, 2.00)

The Giants have Pat Combs (5-2, 3.17).

I am hitting seventh.

In the bottom of the 1st, Bo Jackson hit a two run homer.

Phillies lead 2-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out, Jerry Browne on 2nd, and Craig Grebeck on 1st. Jerry went to 3rd and I replaced Craig on 1st with a fielder's choice.
We were left like that.

In the 3rd, Jeff Carter hit a two run homer, doubling the Phillie lead.
Then Jackson scored on a Mike Greenwell single.
I dealt with a Darrin Fletcher grounder for the 2nd out.

Phillies lead 5-0

With none out and a man on in the 4th, Matt went to Scott Service.
With two out, Lizarraga scored on a Jeff Carter double.

Phillies lead 6-0

I led off the 5th by fouling out to Randy Milligan at 1st.

We finally got on the board in the 6th when Ruben Sierra scored on a wild pitch.

Phillies lead 6-1

With one out and one on in the bottom of the 6th, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson.

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

Greenwell hit a solo shot in the bottom half.

Phillies lead 7-1

In the 8th, Robby Thompson scored on a Bryce Bernadin triple.

Phillies lead 7-2

Mike Perez took the ball for us in the bottom of the 8th.

I came up in the 9th with one out, Craig on 1st, and Alejandro Pena on the mound.I singled to shallow left, moving Craig to 2nd.
Timothy McKercher singled to load the bases.
Mark Lewis got a pinch hit single, scoring Craig.
Then Robby hit into a double play.

Phillies won, 7-3

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

We didn't know it at the time, but that was the last appearance for us of Robby Thompson.

He was traded across the Bay to Oakland for a couple of minor leaguers, Matt Mieske and Thomas Kinney.

Brutal.

Robby wasn't having a great season, but losing my double play partner is rough.

Matt is joining the team.

Tim Naehring is the new starting 2Bman.

And I am being dropped in the batting order to 8th.

What the absolute hell. I am hitting .287. I have an OPS+ of 109.

This is ridiculous.

[rpriske]

July 25th, 1992

It is the second game in Philadelphia after yesterday's stunning news.

We have lost six in a row.

Today the Phillies are pitching Juan Guzman (8-4, 3.47).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (3-9, 4.08).

I am hitting eighth. Ridiculous.

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Randy Milligan at 1st.

I returned the favour on a Milligan grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the inning.

I next came up with one out in the 5th and I flew out to Mike Greenwell in left.

I then came up in the 7th, with none out, Craig Grebeck on 3rd, and Timothy McKercher on 2nd. I scored Craig with a sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

Thanks went our way in the 8th.

Ruben Sierra flew out.
Bryce Bernadin singled.
Ryan Klesko singled.
Tim Naehring walked, loading the bases.
David Rivera relieved.
Craig walked, scoring Bryce.
Timothy reached on error. Ryan scored.
I popped out.
Rick singled. Tim scored and then Craig scored on a throwing error.
Jerry Browne grounded out.

Giants lead 5-0

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

Then Jeff Russell came on for the 9th.
I caught a Jeff Carter liner for the 1st out.
Two batters later, Joe Girardi hit a two run homer.

We won, 5-2.

I went 0 for 3 with a sac fly, RBI.

[rpriske]

July 26th, 1992

We broke the losing streak yesterday, but I am still in a pretty bad mood. I try not to show it to the other guys.
As far as I am concerned, I am the most valuable player on the team.
I am hitting eighth. On the worst team in the league.

Ridiculous.

We finish in Philadelphia today after splitting the first two games.

The Phillies are pitching Erik Hanson (7-9, 3.68).

The Giants are going with John Burkett (6-13, 3.78).

You know where I am batting.

I came up with one out in the 3rd. Neither team has had a baserunner yet. I changed that with a single to right.
I went to 2nd on a sac bunt by John.
I was left there.

I led off the 6th. Each team had one hit so far. This time I flew out to Jeff Carter in centre.

I took care of a Bo Jackson grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the inning.
But then Carter and Dave Hollins scored on a Mike Greenwell single.
Greenwell scored on a Darrin Fletcher single.

Phillies lead 3-0

Ryan Klesko got us one back in the 7th with a home run.

Phillies lead 3-1

I came up in the 8th with none out, Craig Grebeck on 2nd, and Timothy McKercher on 1st. I hit into a double play.
Craig ended up scoring on a single by pinch hitter, Shawon Dunston.

Phillies lead 3-2

Mark Ross took the ball for us after that.

We could not score in the 9th and that was that.

I went 1 for 3 with a single.

We head home now to face the Dodgers.

[rpriske]

July 27th, 1992

We are home to face the Dodgers.

L.A. is pitching Brian Bohanon (2-0, 4.76).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (7-9, 2.97).

I am actually hitting seventh today.

I got into it right away, taking care of a Pat Listach grounder for the 1st out.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I flew out to Howard Johnson in centre.

In the 4th, Phil Plantier scored on a Chill Davis fielder's choice.
Then Gary Sheffield scored on a wild pitch.
I handled a Johnson grounder for the 3rd out.

Dodgers lead 2-0

I then dealt with a Bohanan grounder for the 3rd out in the 5th.

I led off the bottom half by hitting one up the middle for a single.
With one out, I was replaced with a fielder's choice.

In the 6th, Plantier scored on a Paul Sorrento single.
Then Sheffield scored on a single by Chili.
We turned a Naehring - Priske - Lewis double play to end it.

Dodgers lead 4-0

I came up in the 7th with Craig on 1st. They brought Lee Smith in to face me. I hit one crisply to right for a single. Craig went to 2nd.
With one out, pinch hitter Shawon Dunston walked, loading the bases.
Nothing. We left them that way.
Terrible.

Aaron Morris took over at 1st and Bryan Hickerson took the mound for us in the 8th.

Sheffield scored on a sac fly by Chili.

Dodgers lead 5-0

Scott Service took over for us in the 9th.

Bill Spiers and pinch hitter Brian Hunter scored on aPlantier double.
Then Listach and Plantier scored on a double by pinch hitter, Mal Mosby.

Matt brought in Mike Perez after that. He got the 3rd out.

Dodgers lead 9-0

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 9th, now facing Darren Holmes. I grounded out to Listach at short.

We were shut out.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles.

[rpriske]

July 28th, 1992

We got drubbed yesterday. I am very unhappy, both with our results and my role on the team.
I have never meshed well with Matt Carroll, our Manager.

I am keeping this to myself. I don't want to be THAT guy in the clubhouse.

Today the Dodgers are pitching Shane Reynolds (2-6, 10.47).

We have Ed Whitson (1-1, 3.24).

We need to take advantage of this.

I am hitting seventh.

I handled a Pat Listach grounder for the 1st out of the game.

I took care of a Brian Hunter fielder's choice ball for the 1st out in the 2nd.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 2nd and popped out to Shawn Manuel at 2nd.

I should have made the 1st out in the 4th, but I threw it wide, allowing Howard Johnson to reach. Error for me. (This is the kind of error I mind a lot less. It happened because I got to a ball I normally shouldn't have been anywhere near.)

Unfortunately, Johnson ended up scoring on an Usama Jamal al Din triple.

Dodgers lead 1-0

I came up in the 5th with none out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I struck out.

In the 6th, Ruben Sierra hit a solo homer to tie things up.

Game tied 1-1

In the 7th, Jamal al Din scored when he stole 3rd and Greg Myers threw the ball away trying to catch him.
With two out and the bases empty, Matt brought in Scott Service. He got the 3rd out.

Dodgers lead 2-1

I led off the bottom of the 7th by flying out to Phil Plantier in right.

Mark Ross took the ball for us in the 8th.
He gave up a solo shot to Paul Sorrento.

Dodgers lead 3-1

Jeff Russell got the nod for the 9th. It is hard to save your closer for save situations if you are never winning.

I came up in the bottom of the 9th, representing the tying run. None out. Craig on 1st. Dennis Eckersley pitching. I singled up the middle, moving Craig to 2nd. Clutch!
Greg then struck out.
Aaron Morris, who came in as a double switch when Jeff came in, hit into a double play.
Game over.

We faced a pitcher with an ERA over 10, and scored one run.

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

[rpriske]

July 29th, 1992

We are trying to avoid a sweep, as usual.

Today the Dodgers are pitching Chris Haney (8-10, 4.72).

The Giants have Pat Combs (5-3, 3.73).

I am hitting seventh.

I took care of a Shawn Manuel grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by flying out to Howard Johnson in centre.

I handled a Chili Davis grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.

We turned a Priske - Naehring - Klesko double play to get the other two outs.

I came up in the 5th with two out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I flew out to Johnson again.

In the 6th, Gary Sheffield scored on a wild pitch.

Dodgers lead 1-0

In the 7th, Ron Karkovice scored when I made a great play that turned into a throwing error - my 13th error of the season.

Dodgers lead 2-0

We got on the board int he bottom of the 7th when Tim Naehring scored on a triple by Craig.
I then came up, with two out and Craig on 3rd. I grounded out to Sheffield at 3rd.

Dodgers lead 2-1

Mark Ross came in to pitch the 9th for us.
I took care of another Manuel grounder for the 2nd out.
I did the same to Pat Listach for the 3rd.

We couldn't get that last run and we were swept by the Dodgers.

I went 0 for 3 with an error.

Now the Braves come to town.

Two more days until the Trading Deadline.

[rpriske]

July 30th, 1992

The Braves are in town. We have lost four in a row. Atlanta has lost six in a row.

The visitors are pitching Ben McDonald (8-12, 4.56).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (4-9, 3.75).

I am hitting... third? Okay. I will take it.

I took care of a Ken Griffey Jr. grounder for the 3rd out of the game.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 1st and I snuck one through the right side for a single.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

I got the 1st out in the 3rd off a Chris Gwynn grounder.

I then did the same to Ron Gant for the 1st out in the 4th.

I led off the bottom of the 4th by lining it into centre for a single.
Stolen base #50.
With one out, Tim Naehring was hit by a pitch.
Craig Grebeck hit into a double play.

I should have made the 1st out for the 4rd straight inning, but instead, error.
Jeff Bagwell - on from my error - scored on a Joey Cora single.
I caught a Gwynn pop for the 2nd out.

Braves lead 1-0, and it is on me.

I got a Gant grounder for the 1st out in the 6th.

I then came up with one out in the bottom of the 6th. I flew out to Gant in left.

I caught a McDonald pop for the 2nd out in the 7th.
Gant then crushed a three-run homer.

Braves lead 4-0

In the 8th, Bagwell scored on a Mike Scioscia single.
Scott Service relieved for us after that.

Braves lead 5-0

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with two out, pinch hitter Shawon Dunston on 2nd, and Bryce Bernadin on 1st. I grounded out to Jeff Blauser at short.

Mike Perez took the ball for us in the 9th.
We turned a Naehring - Priske - Klesko double play behind him.

We ended up shut out.

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

[rpriske]

July 32st, 1992

Deadline day. We have lost five in a row and have the worst record in the NL.

Today the Braves are pitching Tom Glavine (12-6, 3.75).

The Giants have John Burkett (6-14, 3.78).

I am hitting seventh.

I caught a Ken Griffey Jr. pop for the 2nd out of the game.

I came up with two out in the 2nd, with Jerry Browne on 2nd. I flew out to Gene Larkin in right.

I caught a Glavine liner for the 1st out in the 3rd.
But then Jeff Blauser scored on a Griffey single.
Griffey scored on a Jeff Bagwell triple.
Bagwell scored on a Mike Scioscia double.

Braves lead 3-0

In the bottom of the 3rd, John scored on a single by Ryan Klesko.

Braves lead 3-1

I caught a Bagwell fly for the 3rd out in the 5th.

I then led off the bottom half by driving a ball into centre for a single.
Stolen base #51.
I went to 3rd on a Timothy McKercher groundout.
Stolen base #52... with a steal of home!

Braves lead 3-2

In the 6th, Larkin scored on a Jim Thome double.

Braves lead 4-2

In the bottom half, Tim Naehring scored on a sac fly by Jerry.

Braves lead 4-3

I led off in the 7th by grounding out to Jay Cora at 2nd.

Mark Ross took the ball for us in the 8th.
I handled a Thome grounder for the 3rd out.

Jeff Russell came in to pitch and Matt Mieske came in to play right in a double switch in the 9th.

I took care of a grounder by pinch hitter Randy Ready for the 2nd out.

I came up in the 9th with one out and Duane Ward on the mound. I flew out to Ron Gant in left.

Six losses in a row.

```````````````````````
That evening we got word that Ed Whitson - who had already announced his retirement - was traded to the Reds for a couple of minor leaguers named Luis Munoz and Miguel Cintron.

That was our only deal.

Do I regret not asking for a trade? I never wanted to be that guy.

Oh, Al Leiter has been called up.

[rpriske]

August 1st, 1992

We have come out of the trading deadline on a six game losing streak and in dead last.

Today the Braves are pitching Jimmy Key (9-9, 3.82).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (7-10, 3.08).

I am hitting seventh.

We got off to a good start in the bottom of the 1st.

With one out, Ryan Klesko doubled.
With two out, Tim Naehring walked.
Jerry Browne singled, scoring Ryan.
Craig Grebeck singled, scoring Tim.
I walked.
Timothy McKercher singled, scoring Jerry.

Giants lead 3-0

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

In the 3rd, Ron Gant scored on a single by Ken Griffey Jr.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up in the bottom of the 3rd with two out and Jerry on 2nd. I grounded out to Randy Ready at 2nd.

In the 4th, Timothy scored on a single by Mark Lewis.

Giants lead 4-1

I led off in the 6th by striking out.

With one out and a man on in the 7th, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson.
Two batters later, I made my 15th error of the year to load the bases.
Bryan pitched out of it.

In the bottom of the inning, Tim scored on an error.
I came up with Jerry on 2nd, and Craig on 1st. I singled, scoring Jerry.

Giants lead 6-1

Scott Service took the ball for us in the 9th.
Three batters later we had broken our losing streak.

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

[rpriske]

August 2nd, 1992

We broke out losing streak and if we win today, we can evenly split the four game series.

Today the Braves are pitching Oil Can Boyd (5-9, 4.69).

The Giants have Al Leiter making his season debut and first Big League start.

I am leading off!

I got the first out for Al, off a Joey Cora groundout.

I led off the home half by outrunning an infield single on the 8th pitch of the at bat.
Stolen base #53.
Stolen base #54.
I was left at 3rd.

I got the 3rd out in the 2nd off a Boyd grounder with the bases juiced.

I came up in the bottom of the 3rd with one out and Timothy McKercher on 2nd. I got another infield hit, moving Timothy to 3rd.
Timothy scored on a Ruben Sierra sac fly.
Stolen base #55.
I was stranded at 2nd.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 4th, Gene Larkin scored on a Jim Thome single.
Then Randy Ready scored on a Cora single and a throwing error by Ruben.
Thome scored on a wild pitch.

Braves lead 3-1

In the bottom half, Ryan Klesko scored when Aaron Morris hit into a double play.

Braves lead 3-2

I came up in the 5th with two out and took a walk.
I got no further.

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

In the bottom half, Aaron hit a two run homer, his first big league knock!

Giants lead 4-3

Aaron, along with Bryce Bernadin and Shawon Dunston left the game after that for Alan Cockrell, Jerry Browne, and Mark Lewis.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Timothy on 2nd. They brought in Jeremy Hernandez to face me. I grounded out to Jeff Blauser at short, though I at least advanced the runner.
He did not end up scoring.

Mark Ross took over for us in the 8th.
Jesse Barfield also replaced Ruben in a double switch.

In the bottom of the 8th, Tim Naehring scored on a single by Mark.

Giants lead 5-3

Jeff Russell took over in the 9th.
Greg Myers replaced Alan in another double switch.

Jeff wrapped three Ks around a single to get the save.

Two wins in a row!

I went 2 for 3 with a pair if singles, a walk, and three stolen bases.

I miss leading off.

Now we head down the coast to San Diego.

[rpriske]

August 3rd, 1992

Matt is giving me an off-day today.

The boys did good! We won, 14-2!

[rpriske]

August 4th, 1992

We are on a three game winning streak!

Today we are facing the Padres and Butch Henry (10-2, 2.90).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (4-10, 3.84).

I am hitting second! I have batted in every spot in the order this season, but other than pinch hitting in the 9th spot, #2 is where I have played the least.

I came up in the 1st with Mark Lewis on 1st. I singled through the right side, moving Mark to 2nd.
Ruben Sierra singled, scoring Mark and sending me to 3rd.
I scored on a Tim Naehring groundout.
Ruben scored on a Craig Grebeck single.

Giants lead 3-0

In the bottom of the 1st we turned a Naehring - Priske - Lewis double play.
I then handled a Tony Gwynn grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up with two out in the 2nd and took a walk.
Stolen base #56.
I scored on a single by Ruben.
Ruben scored on a Jerry Browne single.

Giants lead 5-0

In the bottom half we turned a Priske - Naehring - Lewis double play.

I next came up with one out in the 4th. I walked again.
Stolen base #57.
With two out, Tim walked.
We were stranded.

I caught a Charlie Hayes pop up for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.

In the 5th, Jesse Barfield hit a two run homer.
I flew out to end the inning.

Giants lead 7-0

I caught a towering pop by Orlando Merced for the 1st out in the bottom of the inning.
I then dealt with a Kirt Manwaring grounder for the 2nd out and a Dickie Thon grounder for the 3rd.

In the 6th, Ruben scored on a single by Tim.

Giants lead 8-0

In the 7th, Timothy McKercher scored on a groundout by Mark.
I came up with one out and Rick on 2nd. David Nied was pitching. I struck out.

Giants lead 9-0

The Padres finally got on the board in the 7th when pinch hitter, Alexis Morse scored on a double by Thon.
Thon scored on a Nied single.

Giants lead 9-2

With none out and a man on in the 8th, Matt brought in Scott Service.

I came up in the 9th with two out, Mark on 1st, and Jorge Martinez pitching. I struck out again.

Scott allowed a single in the 9th, but that was it.

We have now won FOUR in a row!

I went 1 for 4 with a single, two walks, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

[rpriske]

August 5th, 1992

It feels good to actually be notching some wins. We are on a four game roll.

We are going for the sweep in San Diego today.

The Padres are pitching Tim Belcher (14-5, 2.83).

The Giants have John Burkett (6-15, 3.84).

I am hitting fifth.

I led off the 2nd by working a walk.
I went to 2nd on a Craig Grebeck sac bunt.
That was as far as I got.

I dealt with an Eric Young grounder for the last out in the inning.

I came up in the 3rd with two out, Mark Lewis on 3rd, Ruben Sierra on 2nd, and Bryce Bernadin on 1st. I grounded out.

I then came up in the 5th with two out, Bryce on 2nd, and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I flew out to Chad Curtis in left.

Next I led off the 8th by being clipped by a Belcher slider.
Stolen base #58.
With one out, Tim Naehring walked.
Double steal!
We both scored on a Timothy McKercher single (with a little help from a Junior Felix error).
Timothy scored on a single by John!

Giants lead 3-0

I came up in the 9th with Ryan on 1st and Stuart Rogers pitching.
I reached on an infield single moving Ryan to 2nd.
Craig walked to load the bases.
Ryan scored on a sac fly by Tim. I went to 3rd.
I scored on a single by Timothy.
Craig and Timothy scored on a single by Jesse Barfield, who had replaced Mark in the 8th on some defensive moves.

Giants lead 7-0

Three batters later, John had a complete game shut out and we had won our fifth in a row!

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, a hit-by-pitch, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

We have travel day now as we head to Cincinnati.

[rpriske]

August 7th, 1992

Even after winning five in a row, we are still the lowest team in the entire NL.

Let's see if we can make some moves in Cincinnati.

Today the Reds are pitching Cal Eldred (9-12, 4.60).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (8-10, 3.01).

I am back to hitting seventh.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I grounded out to Carlos Baerga at 2nd.

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

In the 4th, Paul Molitor scored on a. Rafael Serra triple.

Reds lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 5th and ripped a single to right. That was our first hit of the game.
I got stolen base #60 as Timothy McKercher struck out.
I was left there.

I handled an Eldred grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.
I then took care of a Baerga grounder to end the inning.

In the 6th, Charlie walked Eric Davis with the bases loaded, forcing in a run.

Reds lead 2-0

I came up in the 7th with one out and Jerry Browne on 2nd. I flew out to Dave Staton in centre.

I caught another Baerga pop for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

With two out and a man on, Matt brought in Mike Perez.
He gave up a two run homer to Molitor.

Reds lead 4-0

Bryan Hickerson came in for the 8th.

I came up in the 9th with two out, Scott Terry pitching, Ryan Klesko on 2nd, and Jerry on 1st.

Fastball at the knees. 0-1
Slider high. 1-1
I fouled off a fastball. 1-2
I fouled off a changeup. 1-2
Slider high. 2-2
Changeup, low and in. Full count.
Slider hit crisply through the left side. Single. Ryan scored. Jerry to 3rd.

Timothy reached on a throwing error by Molitor. Jerry scored. I went to 2nd.
Jesse Barfield got a pinch hit single, loading the bases.
Mark Lewis grounded out.

We made a game of it but lost, 4-2.

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

[rpriske]

August 8th, 1992

Our winning streak ended yesterday. Time to start a new one.

Today the Reds are pitching Mike Bielecki (10-4, 4.33).

The Giants have Pat Combs (6-4, 3.36).

I am hitting seventh.

We got out to a rough start as Carlos Baerga led off the bottom of the 1st with home run.
I then took care of a Brian Harper grounder for the 1st out.
Paul Molitor scored on a Kirk Gibson triple.

Reds lead 2-0

I caught a Bielecki pop for the final out in the 2nd.

I then led off the 3rd by flying out to Dave Staton in centre.

In the bottom of the inning, Molitor hit a two run homer.
Then Gibson hit a solo shot.

Reds lead 5-0

We got on the board in the 4th when Jerry Browne hit a two run dinger.

I came up with one out and struck out.

Reds lead 5-2

I caught a Rafael Serra looper for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.

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

Molitor and Mark McGwire scored on an Eric Davis double.

Reds lead 7-2

After Scott walked the first batter in the 6th, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson.
I handled a Harper grounder for the 1st out.

I came to the plate with one out in the 7th. I doubled to the alley in left centre.
I scored on a Timothy McKercher double.

Reds lead 7-3

Mike Perez took the mound for us in the bottom of the 7th.

I caught a Staton pop for the 1st out for him.
I then started a Priske - Grebeck - Lewis double play to end the inning.

I led off the 9th against Scott Terry. I grounded out to Serra at short.

We did not score.

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

[rpriske]

August 9th, 1992

We are in Cincinnati, trying to avoid the sweep.

Today the Reds are pitching Frank Castillo (9-8, 3.64).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (5-10, 3.76).

I am hitting seventh.

We got on the board first as Mark Lewis scored on an error in the top of the 1st.

Giants lead 1-0

I handled a Lloyd Moseby grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

I led off the 2nd by grounding one up the middle for a single.
I went to 2nd on a Timothy McKercher single.
We both moved up on a sac bunt by Rick.
I scored on a groundout by Mark.

Giants lead 2-0

In the 3rd, Craig Grebeck hit a three-run tater!
I followed him, coming up with one out, and grounded out to Rafael Serra at short.

Giants lead 5-0

I caught a towering Moseby pop for the final out in the 3rd.

I then caught a Paul Molitor liner for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.

I came up in the 5th with Jerry Browne on 3rd and Craig on 1st. I walked to load the bases.
Timothy hit into a double play, getting Jerry at the plate and him at 1st.
Rick then struck out, leaving Craig and me on base.

I took care of a Mitchell Hannahs grounder for the last out in the 5th.

In the 6th, Ruben Sierra scored on a Bryce Bernadin double, and then Bryce scored on a double by Jerry.

Giants lead 7-0

I handled a grounder by reliever Stan Clarke for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th.
Krik Gibson then homered for the first run for the Reds.
I got another Moseby grounder for the 2nd out.
Then Molitor scored on a Serra single.

Giants lead 7-2

I led off the 7th, now facing Clarke, by hitting a foul pop caught by Molitor.

In the bottom of the 7th, Gibson hit another solo homer.

Giants lead 7-3

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

Jeff Russell came in to pitch the 9th. The Reds loaded the bases against him, but could not score.

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

Now we head home to face the Astros.

[rpriske]

August 10th, 1992

We are home and ready to take on the Astros.

Houston is pitching Arthur Rhodes (8-13, 4.03).

The Giants are going with John Burkett (7-15, 3.64).

I am hitting seventh.

Craig Grebeck led off the bottom of the 2nd with a triple.
I came up next and took a walk.
Craig scored on a sac fly by Timothy McKercher.
Stolen base #61.
I was left at 2nd.

Giants lead 1-0

Craig led off the bottom of the 4th with a double.
Then I came up and flew out to Tony Phillips in centre.

Jay Bell led off the 5th and tied the game with a home run.
I took care of a Roberto Alomar grounder for the 3rd out in the frame.

Game tied 1-1

I next came up with two out in the bottom of the 6th. I doubled into the left field corner.
I went to 3rd on a single by Timothy.
We were stranded.

I grabbed a liner by pinch hitter Felix Jose for the 1st out in the 8th.

I came up with one out in the bottom the 8th and Manny Hernandez on the mound.
I grounded out to Bell at short.

Jeff Russell came in to pitch the 9th for us.
He gave up a two run homer to John Olerud.
Jeff retired only one of the five batters that he faced, and Matt brought in Mark Ross, who got out of the jam.

Astros lead 3-1

But we couldn't get those runs back and lost the game.

I went 1 for 3 with a double, a walk, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

August 11th, 1992

At home against the Astros, trying to even up the series.

Today Houston is pitching Chris Hammond (7-8, 4.04).

The Giants have Al Leiter (0-0, 3.60), in his second start.

I am still hitting seventh.

The Astros got first blood as Tony Phillips scored on an Andre Dawson single in the top of the 1st.

Astros lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 2nd and singled through the right side. I now have an 11 game hitting streak.
Stolen base #62.
I was left at 2nd.

In the top of the 3rd, Roberto Alomar scored on a Harold Baines sac fly.

Astros lead 2-0

In the 5th, Alomar scored on a John Olerud single.
I caught a Baines pop for the 2nd out.
Olerud then scored on a Dawson triple.

Astros lead 4-0

I led off the bottom of the 5th by lining out to Phillips in centre.

With a man on in the 7th, Matt brought in Scott Service.
Phillips scored on a Craig Biggio single.

Astros lead 5-0

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 7th and I took a walk.
I was left on 1st.

Bryan Hickerson took the ball for us in the 9th.
Olerud led off with a home run.

Astros lead 6-0

We ended up with five hits and were shut out.

I went 1 for 2 with a single, a walk, and a stolen base.