Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

August 12th, 1992

We are ending our home stand today, trying to avoid a sweep.

Today the Astros are pitching Kevin Brown (2-0, 0.96).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (8-11, 3.05).

I have been moved up to the 5 spot.

We turned a Grebeck - Priske - Lewis double play for the first two outs of the game.

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

I then led off the bottom of the inning by flying out to Andre Dawson in right.

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

I got a Dawson grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.

I came up in the bottom of the 4th with one out, Ruben Sierra on 2nd, and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I was robbed of a hit by a diving Tony Phillips in centre.

The egg was broken in the 5th when Derek Bell scored on an Alomar double.
Alomar scored on a Harold Baines single.

Astros lead 2-0

The bottom of the 5th went a little better.

Tim Nearing and Greg Myers scored on a Mark Lewis single, to tie the game.
Mark scored on a double by Ruben.
Ruben scored on a single by Ryan.
I flew out, leaving Ryan at 2nd.

Giants lead 4-2

I caught an Alomar pop for the 1st out in the 7th.
I then took care of a Craig Biggio grounder for the 3rd out.

Mark Ross took over for us on the mound in the 8th.
I took care of a grounder by pinch-hitter, John Olerud to lead off the 8th.

But then pinch hitter Victor Sanchez scored on a single by pinch hitter Felix Jose, and then Mitchell scored on an error by Ryan on the same play. The game was tied back up.

Game tied 4-4

I led off the bottom of the 8th against Manny Hernandez. I flew out to Phillips again.

Jeff Russell took the ball for us in the 9th.
I caught a Baines pop for the 2nd out.

With one out in the bottom of the 9th, Jesse Barfield - who had entered the game on a double switch, hot a home run to give us the walk-off, 5-4 win!

Way to go Jesse!

I went 0 for 4.

We have a travel day, but we are only heading down the coast to L.A., so it is a fairly relaxed trip.

[rpriske]

August 14th, 1992

We are coming off a win and are playing the Dodgers. Remember when we were rivals near the top of the standings? Now we are rivals near the bottom.

L.A. is pitching Mark Langston (10-10, 2.48).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (6-10, 3.73).

I am hitting seventh.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom of the 1st off a Phil Plantier grounder.
Then I did the same to Gary Sheffield for the 3rd.

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Danny Miranda at short.

I snagged a liner by Usama Jamal al Din for the first out in the bottom half.

In the 4th I came up with the bases loaded and hit a two run single, scoring Tim Naehring and Ruben Sierra!

Giants lead 2-0

I next came up with two out in the 6th and flew out to Brian Hunter in left.

Plantier led off the bottom of the inning with a home run.
I got the 1st out off a Sheffield grounder.
I made a great stop on a Miranda grounder that turned into a throwing error.
Thankfully it didn't cost us.

I handled a Langston grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th.
I caught a towering Plantier pop for the 2nd out.

Ruben led off the 8th with a monster homer!
WIth one out, Jerry Browne did the same!
I came up with two out and Darren Holmes on the mound. I popped out to Miranda.

Giants lead 4-1

Jeff Russell took the ball for us in the 9th.
Three batters later he had the save and we had the win!

I went 1 for 4 with a single and two RBI.

[rpriske]

August 15th, 1992

It is a four game series against the Dodgers and we won the first game.

L.A. is pitching Luis Vasquez (7-11, 3.58).

The Giants have John Burkett (7-15), 3.53).

I am leading off!

I kicked off the game by hitting a double off the left field wall!
I went to 3rd on a Ruben Sierra groundout.
Vasquez struck out the next two guys and I was stranded.

The bottom of the 1st was nearly identical for the Dodgers. A leadoff double followed by a productive out and then two unproductive ones.

I came up next with two out in the 3rd and I took a walk.
Stolen base #63.
I was left at 2nd.

We opened the scoring in the 4th when Bryce Bernadin scored on a single by Jerry Browne. THen Ryan Klesko scored on a single by Aaron Morris.

Giants lead 2-0

In the bottom of the 4th, Bernard Gilkey scored on a single by Brian Hunter.

Giants lead 2-1

I then came up with one out in the 5th and I flew out to Hunter in centre.

I took care for Gary Sheffield grounder for the final out in the 5th.

In the 6th, the Dodgers tied it up when Kent Hrbek scored on a Hunter double.

Game tied 2-2

I came up in the 7th with John on 1st. I flew out to Gilkey in Left.

In the bottom half, Phil Plantier scored on a Gilkey sac fly.

Dodgers lead 3-2

I caught a pop by pinch hitter Chili Davis for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 8th.
With two out and a man on, Matt brought in Mark Ross.
I got the 3rd out for him, taking care of a Plantier grounder.

Our old teammate, Dennis Eckersley, got the first two outs, and then I came up.
Slider inside. 1-0
Curveball on the outside corner. Called strike. 1-1.
Fastball, fouled off. 1-2
Slider outside. 2-2
Curveball looped to right field, where it was caught, to end the game.

We lost.

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

[rpriske]

August 16th, 1992

We are in L.A. and have split the first two games of a four game series.

Today the Dodgers are pitching Shane Reynolds (3-7, 8.01).

The Giants have Al Leiter (0-1, 4.91).

We NEED to take advantage of Reynolds.

I am leading off.

I kicked off the game by flying out to Howard Johnson in centre.

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

We opened the scoring in the 2nd when Jerry Browne crossed on a Timothy McKercher fielder's choice.

Giants lead 1-0

The Dodgers got it right back int he bottom half when Paul Sorrento scored on a Ron Karkovice single.
Then Karkovice scored on a Bill Spiers double.
Then HE scored on a double by Reynolds.
All with two outs.

Dodgers lead 3-1

I led off the 3rd by flying out to Johnson again.

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th off a Spiers fielder's choice.
We turned a Grebeck - Priske - Dunston double play to save a run from scoring.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Al on 1st. I walked.
With two out we both scored on a Bryce Bernadin double, to tie the game!
Then Bryce scored on a Ryan Klesko single.
Ryan ended up scoring on a Craig Grebeck single.
Jerry scored on a Shawon Dunston single.

Giants lead 6-3

In the bottom of the inning we turned another Grebeck - Priske - Dunston double play.

I came up in the 6th with one out and Timothy on 2nd. They brought Lee Smith in to face me. I struck out.
Timothy ended up scoring an a single by Bryce, but then he went straight to the trainer's room and was replaced by Alan Cockrell. I don't know what is wrong.

Giants lead 7-3

With one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 6th, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson.
Johnson and Spiers scored on a Pat Listach single.

Giants lead 7-5

I took care of a Shawn Manuel grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th.

I came up with two out in the 8th, now facing Kent Mercker. I flew out to Phil Plantier in left.

Mark Ross took the ball for us in the bottom of the inning.

Jeff Russell then came in for the save in the 9th.
I caught a tough Listach liner for the 1st out.
A grounder and a strikeout later, we had the win.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.

[rpriske]

August 17th, 1992

We are finishing up again the Dodgers today, after splitting the first two games.

Today L.A. is pitching Chris Haney (9-10, 4.19).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr (8-11, 3.03).

I am hitting seventh.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I grounded out to Pat Listach at short.

I caught a Chili Davis pop for the 1st out in the bottom of the 2nd.
Howard Johnson followed with a solo homer.

Dodgers lead 1-0

We got it back in the top of the 3rd when Greg Myers scored on a Ryan Klesko single.

Game tied 1-1

I came up in the 4th with one out and Craig on 1st again. I flew out to Davis in left.

In the 5th Mark Lewis scored on a Tim Naehring single.
Ryan scored on a Jerry Browne sac fly.
I came up with Ruben Sierra on 2nd and Tim on 1st and I was hit by a pitch.
We left them loaded.

Giants lead 3-1

They tied it right back up in the bottom half when Gary Sheffield hit a two run homer.

Game tied 3-3

I took care of a Shawn Manuel grounder for the final out in the 6th.

In the 7th, after Tim was removed for a pinch hitter, Shawon Dunston took over at 1st and Mark Lewis moved to 3rd.

I caught a pop by Usama Jamal al Din for the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th.

I came up with one out in the 8th now facing Darren Holmes. I ripped one into right for a single.
I went to 2nd on a groundout by Greg.
I scored on a single by Charlie.

Giants lead 4-3

They got it right back off a Kent Hrbek solo shot.
I took care of a grounder by pinch hitter Phil Plantier.

After that, Matt brought in Mark Ross to get the 3rd out.

Game tied 4-4

I made a great play in the bottom of the 9th to get Manuel at the plate on a Listach grounder for the 2nd out, avoiding the walk off.

With two out and two on, Matt brought in Mike Perez, who walked the next two batters to cost us the game.

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

Next, we head home to face the Cubs.

[rpriske]

August 18th, 1992

After losing yesterday to the Dodgers, we are home to face the Cubs.

Chicago is pitching Greg Maddux (14-7, 3.57).

The Giants are going wth Pat Combs (6-5, 3.69).

I am hitting seventh.

I dealt with a Jeff King grounder for the 1st out in the 2nd.
Chris Hoiles scored on a Tim Barker double.

Cubs lead 1-0

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

I took care of a Hoiles grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.
Then I did the same to King for the 2nd out.

I handled a Travis Fryman fielder's choice ball for the 2nd out in the 5th.

I then led off the bottom of the 5th by hitting one down the right field line for a double.
Stolen base #64.
I was left at 3rd.

Willie Murray led off the 6th with a home run.

Cubs lead 2-0

I caught a Maddux pop for the 1st out in the 7th.

I came up in the bottom of the frame with one out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I flew out to Murray in centre.

In the 8th I caught a King liner and doubled Murray off 2nd.

In the bottom of the 8th, Bryce Bernadin hit a two run homer to tie the game!

Game tied 2-2

Jeff Russell took the mound for us in the 9th.

I came up in the bottom of the 9th with one out and Mitch Williams on the bump. Wild Thing walked me.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

Mike Perez took the ball for us in the 11th.
Murray and Mark Grace scored on a double by Brian Jordan.
I took care of a grounder by pinch hitter Ivan Rodriguez to end the inning.

Cubs lead 4-2

I came up in the bottom of the 11th with one out, Craig on 1st, and Ed Wojna pitching. I flew out to Murray in centre.

We couldn't get the runs back and lost.

I went 1 for 4 with a double, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

[rpriske]

August 19th, 1992

We are trying to bounce back from the extra inning loss yesterday.

Today the Cubs are pitching Randy Johnson (8-12, 3.65).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (7-10, 3.57).

I am hitting seventh.

Before we even recorded an out, Travis Fryman scored on a Willie Murray double.
Paul O'Neill scored on a Mark Grace sac fly.

Cubs lead 2-0

In the 2nd, Brian Jordan scored on a Fryman single.

Cubs lead 3-0

I came up with one out in the bottom of the inning. I grounded out to Fryman at short.

I took care of a Chris Hoiles grounder for the 3rd out in the 3rd.

I came up in the bottom of the 4th with Craig Grebeck on 1st. I walked.
Then Timothy McKercher also walked, loading the bases.
With one out, both Craig and I scored on a Mark Lewis double.

Cubs lead 3-2

We turned a Grebeck - Priske - Lewis double play to end the top of the 5th.

We tied it up in the bottom of the 5th when Tim Naehring scored on a single by Craig.
Then I came up and flew out to O'Neill in right.

Game tied 3-3

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

I led off the bottom of the 8th, now facing Ed Wojna. I flew out to Jordan in deep left.

Jeff Russell got the ball in the 9th.
Travis Fryman hit a two run homer.

Cubs lead 5-3

And that is how it ended.

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

[rpriske]

August 20th, 1992

We are trying to void a sweep by the Cubs today.

They are pitching David Palmer (13-7, 3.41)

The Giants have John Burkett (7-16, 3.53).

I am hitting seventh.

In the 2nd, Ivan Rodriguez scored on a Palmer single.

Cubs lead 1-0

I came up in the bottom half with two out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I grounded out to Travis Fryman at short.

I then led off the bottom of the 5th by grounding out to Bret Barberie at 2nd.
That inning Timothy McKercher scored on a Mark Lewis single to tie the game!

Game tied 1-1

I caught a Rodriguez pop for the 1st out in the 6th.

I then caught a Tim Barker pop for the 1st out in the 7th.

I came up in the bottom of the 7th with Craig on 1st again. I flew out to Willie Murray in centre.
The rest of the inning went better. Craig ended up scoring on a throwing error and pinch hitter Aaron Morris hit a two run homer!

Giants lead 4-1

Mark Ross came in to close it out for us in the 9th. He gave up a pair of single but I took care of a Murray grounder for the 3rd out and we had the win!

Not a great game for me, though. I went 0 for 3.

Tomorrow the Pirates come to town.

[rpriske]

August 21st, 1992

The Pirates are in town for three games.

Today they are pitching Jose Iniguez (5-6, 3.22).

The Giants have Al Leiter (1-1, 6.06).

I am hitting third! Interesting...

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 1st and I hit one into the right field corner for a triple!
I was stranded.

The Pirates struck first, as in the top of the 2nd, Dave Nilsson scored on a Dave Silvestri groundout.
Then Kevin Bass scored on a Dick Schofield single.

Pirates lead 2-0

I took care of a John Valentin grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.
But then Marcus Carter scored on a Sid Bream double.

Pirates lead 3-0

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

The Bucs kept at it in the 5th when Bream and Nilsson scored on a Bass double.

Matt made a change after that, brining in Scott Service.
He immediately gave up a two run homer to Dwight Evans.

Pirates lead 7-0

I came up in the 6th with two out, Timothy McKercher on 3rd, and Bryce Bernadin on 1st.
I grounded out, but Timothy scored.. not so fast! Error! I was safe!
Bryce advanced to 2nd.
We were left on.

Pirates lead 7-1

In the 7th I took care of an Evans grounder for the 2nd out. Nice play.

Bryan Hickerson took the ball for us in the 8th.
I handled a grounder by pinch hitter Lee Stevens for the 1st out.

I then came up with two out in the bottom of the 8th. Bill Gullickson was pitching. I flew out to Bass in left.

We never came back.

I went 1 for 4 with a triple. (I should have gotten an RBI but the scorer robbed me).

[rpriske]

August 22nd, 1992

Yesterday was not pretty.

Today the Pirates are pitching Willie Banks (8-5, 3.37).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (8-11, 3.11).

I am back to hitting seventh.

In the 2nd, Lee Stevens and Kevin Bass scored on a Dave Nilsson triple.
Then Nilsson scored on a John Valentin groundout.

Pirates lead 3-0

I came up in the bottom half, with Craig Grebeck on 1st. I struck out.

In the 3rd, Bip Roberts scored on a Stevens fielder's choice.
Then Dean Palmer scored on a Bass single.

Pirates lead 5-0

In the bottom of the 3rd, Ruben Sierra hit a solo homer.
I came up with the bases loaded and two out. I popped out.

Pirates lead 5-1

We turned a Grebeck - Priske - Lewis double play in the 5th.

In the bottom half I once again came up with two out and the bases loaded.
Again, I failed. This time I grounded out to the pitcher.

I took care of a Valentin grounder followed by a Banks grounder for the 2nd and 3rd outs in the 6th.

In the bottom half, Timothy McKercher scored on a sac fly by Ruben.

Pirates lead 5-2

Mike Perez took the ball for us in the 7th.

I handled a Dick Schofield grounder for the 2nd out in the 8th.

I then led off the bottom of the inning, now facing Mel Rojas. I grounded out to Schofield at 2nd.

Jeff Russell came in to pitch the 9th.

Ruben hit another homer in the 9th, but we still lost, 5-3.

This game is on me. Two chances with the bases loaded and two outs and I do nothing.

0 for 4 all told.

[rpriske]

August 23rd, 1992

We are trying to avoid the sweep from the Pirates, but I have been given the day off. Matt is saying I looked tired yesterday.

I probably looked defeated.

So, what did the boys do?

They thumped the Pirates, 7-1.

Pat Combs pitched great. Jesse Barfield homered.

Next, the Mets come to town.

[rpriske]

August 24th, 1992

As we approach the September call-ups, we have a three game set at home against the Mets.

The visitors are pitching Kevin Appier (13-11, 3.38).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (7-10, 3.54).

I am hitting sixth.

I got the 3rd out of the game off a Benito Santiago grounder.

In the bottom of the 1st, Mark Lewis and Ruben Sierra scored on a Jerry Browne single.
I fouled out to the catcher.

Giants lead 2-0

They got them back in the Top of the 2nd when Kevin Mitchell doubled home Mike Gallego and Appier.

Game tied 2-2

I handled a Chris Sabo grounder for the 3rd out in the 3rd.

Alan Trammell led off the 4th with a homer.
Then Gallego scored on a Mitchell sac fly.
I took care of a Lenny Dykstra grounder for the 3rd out.

Mets lead 4-2

I came up with one out in the bottom of the inning and took a walk.
I went to 2nd on a Tim Naehring single and 3rd on a Timothy McKercher fielder's choice.
We were left at the corners.

Greg Vaughn led off the 6th with a homer.

Matt went to Bryan Hickerson after that.

Wally Joyner scored on a Santiago single.

Mets lead 6-2

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 6th. I walked again.
Stolen base #65.
Tim then walked.
We were stranded.

In the 7th we turned a Priske - Naehring - Lewis double play.

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

I came up again with two out in the bottom of the 8th. I hit one off the fence in right centre for a triple.
I was left on. Again.

Scott Service took the mound for us in the 9th.

Chris Sabo led off with a home run.

Mets lead 7-2

And that is how it ended.

I went 1 for 2 with a triple, two walks, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

August 25th, 1992

Today the Mets are pitching Andy Benes (10-7, 3.68).

The Giants have John Burkett (8-16, 3.43).

I am hitting seventh.

John had a real issue with control in the 1st. The first two batters - Greg Vaughn and Kevin Mitchell - both walked and then scored on a Benito Santiago double.
Santiago, Chris Sabo, and Alan Trammell scored on a Mike Gallego triple.

I dealt with a Benes grounder for the 3rd out. John walked four in the 1st.

Mets lead 5-0

I caught a Wally Joyner liner for the 3rd out in the 2nd.

In the bottom of the 2nd, Jerry Browne scored on a Craig Grebeck double with none out.
I came up next and grounded out to Gallego, advancing the runner.
But he was unable to score.

Mets lead 5-1

In the 4th, Gallego scored on a wild pitch.
Then Vaughn scored on a Joyner single.

Mets lead 7-1

I came up in the 4th with one out and Craig on 2nd again. Once again I grounded out to the right side, moving Craig to 3rd.
Also once again, he did not end up scoring.

I led off the bottom of the 7th by hitting one into shallow centre for a single.
Stolen base #66
I went to 3rd on a Timothy McKercher groundout.
I scored on a Gallego error.
Pinch hitter Shawon Dunston ended up scoring on a Bryce Bernadin single.

Mets lead 7-3

Bryan Hickerson took the ball for us in the 8th.

I came up with two out int he bottom of the inning, now facing Randy Myers. I reached on an error by Joyner.
I was left at 1st.

Jeff Russell relieved for us in the 9th.

He handled his inning but we were unable to close the gap and lost.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a reached-on-error, a run scored, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

August 26th, 1993

We are trying to avoid a home sweep against the Mets.

They are pitching Mike Gooden (2-4, 3.50).

The Giants have Al Leiter (1-2, 6.97).

I am hitting seventh.

I handled a Chris Sabo grounder for the 1st out in the 2nd.

I came up in the bottom of the inning with one out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I singled to right and Craig went to 3rd. When they tried to get him, I bolted for 2nd but the throw was cut off and I was tagged out. The tag was pretty hard and it hurt my shoulder a bit, but not enough to knock me out of the game.

In the 3rd, Greg Vaughn scored on a wild pitch.
Then Wally Joyner scored on a Joe Oliver double.

Mets lead 2-0

In the bottom of the 4th, Bryce Bernadin hit a solo homer.

Mets lead 2-1

In the 5th, Oliver scored on a Sabo double.
Then Sabo scored on a Bill Doran single.

Mets lead 4-1

I led off the bottom of the 5th by flying out to Vaughn in left.

With one on and one out in the 6th, Matt brought in Mike Perez.

In the bottom of the inning, Jerry Browne scored on a double by Craig with two out.
I came up next and flew out to Vaughn again.

Mets lead 4-2

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

Mark Ross took over for us in the 8th.

We turned things around in the 8th.

Ruben Sierra doubled.
With one out, Ryan Klesko was hit by a pitch.
Jerry singled, scoring Ruben.
I singled, scoring both Ryan and Jerry.
Timothy McKercher singled, scoring me.

Giants lead 6-2

Jeff Russell came in to close things out.
Three batters later, we had the win.

I wet 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, two RBI, and a Run Scored.

Now we head on the road. First up, Chicago.

[rpriske]

August 28th, 1992

We are in Wrigley to kick off a road trip.

The Cubs are pitching Greg Maddux (15-7, 3.38).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (8-12, 3.25).

Tough challenge.
I am hitting seventh.

I caught a Mark Grace pop for the 1st out in the bottom of the 2nd.

I then led off the 3rd by striking out.

I handled a grounder by Willie Murray for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.
The Cubs opened the scoring that inning when Chris Hoiles crossed on a Bret Barberie single.

Cubs lead 1-0

I took care of a Maddux grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.

I led off the 6th by dropping one into short centre for a single (only our second hit of the day).
With one out, Charlie bunted me over to 2nd.
I scored on a Mark Lewis single.

Game tied 1-1

In the bottom half they got it right back when, again, Hoiles scored on a Barberie single.

Cubs lead 2-1

In the 7th, Charlie walked in a run.
Matt brought in Scott Service then, facing loaded bases and only one out.
He immediately walked in another run.

Cubs lead 4-1

I came up with two out in the 8th. I singled to centre again.
I was left at 1st.

We lost.

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

[rpriske]

August 29th, 1992

Trying to bounce back. Story of this season.

Today the Cubs are pitching Randy Johnson (9-12, 3.57). (Back to back future Hall of Famers).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (7-11, 3.68).

I am hitting seventh.

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

I then handled a Brian Jordan grounder for the final out in the 2nd.

I led off the 3rd by taking a walk.
Stolen base #67.
I took 3rd on a Timothy McKercher groundout.
I was thrown out trying to score on a fly ball by Rick.

I took care of a Johnson grounder to end the 4th.

I came up in the 5th with one out, Jerry Browne on 2nd, and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I flew out to Paul O'Neill in right. Jerry went to 3rd.

Sigh. Two days in a row.
The Cubs got on the board in the 6th when Rick walked in a run.

Cubs lead 1-0

I came up in the 7th with two out and Jerry on 2nd. I grounded out to Grace at 1st.

I returned the favour, catching a Grace liner for the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th.

With one out and one on, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson.

He got his outs and then Mark Ross was brought in for the 8th.

I came up in the top of the 9th with two out, Ryan Klesko on 2nd, and Craig on 1st. Mitch Williams was pitching.

Slider outside. 1-0
Slider hit down the right field line, but it went foul. 1-1
Another slider outside. 2-1
Strike catches the corner. 2-2
I single up the middle, scoring Ryan and tying the game!
After the throw, Craig and I ended up both in scoring position, but we were left there.

Game tied 1-1

Jeff Russell took the ball for us in the bottom of the 9th.
Alan Cockrell took over behind the plate on a double switch.

An error. A walk. A sac bunt. An intentional walk. A wild pitch.

We lost, 2-1.

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

After the game we found out that Timothy McKercher had been optioned to Phoenix. Jason McFarlin was called up.

McFarlin is a 22 your old who has never been in the Bigs before. Someone to carry my bags.

[rpriske]

August 30th, 1992

We are trying to avoid a sweep in Chicago after a heartbreaker yesterday.

Today the Cubs are pitching David Palmer (13-8, 3.34).

The Giants have John Burkett (8-17, 3.40).

I am hitting seventh.

I took care of a WIllie Murray grounder for the final out of the 1st.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I grounded out back to Palmer.

I once again took care of a Murray grounder for the last out, this time in the 3rd.

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

I handled a Travis Fryman grounder for the last out in the 5th.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I popped out to Bret Barberie at 2nd.

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

I made a nice play on pinch hitter Chris Hoiles' groundout for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.

I led off the 10th, in a still scoreless game, now facing Ed Wojna. I grounded out to Barberie.

Jeff Russell took the ball for us in the bottom of the 10th.

In the 11th we turned a Priske - Lewis - Klesko double play.

I came up in the 12th with one out, Ryan on 1st, and Juan Berenguer on the mound. While I was at the plate, Ivan Rodriguez through out Ryan trying to steal 2nd. Then I popped out to Barker.

Mike Perez got the nod for us in the bottom of the 12th.
I was removed in a double switch.

We lost, 1-0, in 13 innings.

I went 0 for 5.

Next we have a travel day and we are heading for Pittsburgh.

````````````````````
On our travel day we got word of the players who would be joining us in Pittsburgh due to September call-ups.

And there are a lot of them.

Joe Boever
Heathcliff Slocumb
Bobby Thigpen
Charles Hudson
Tom Kramer
Jeff Mutis
Steve Stanicek
Max Venable
Antonio Martinez
Fran Mullins
Timothy McKercher
Jessie Reid
Troy O'Leary
Don Barbara

Nearly the entire 40 man will be up. This is Spring Training, but in September.

[rpriske]

September 1st, 1992

We are in Pittsburgh and the visitor's clubhouse is PACKED.

Today the Pirates are pitching Jose Iniguez (6-6, 3.26).

The Giants have Pat Combs (7-5, 3.43).

I am hitting sixth.

I came up with one out in the 2nd and flew out to Bip Roberts in centre.

In the bottom of the 2nd I dropped a Kevin Bass pop up for my 18th error of the year.
Not okay.

I then came up in the 4th with two out and Ryan Klesko on 2nd. I struck out.

I caught a Dave Nilsson grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th.
I then dealt with a Bass grounder for the 3rd out.

I led off the 7th by grounding out to Dean Palmer at 3rd.

The Pirates broke the deadlock in the bottom of the inning when Deck Schofield tripled and scored on a Scott Bryant single.
Bryant ended up scoring on a Roberts single.

Matt brought in Joe Boever after that.
He walked a guy but then got the 3rd out.

Pirates lead 2-0

In the 8th, Lee Stevens scored on a Schofield sac fly.

Pirates lead 3-0

I came up with one out in the top of the 9th. Doug Jones was pitching. I grounded out to Chris Butterfield at short.

We were shut out.

I went 0 for 4 with an error.

We are not only in last, but we are 5.5 games behind the next team. That is for the entire NL.

[rpriske]

September 2nd, 1992

We were shut out yesterday. Even in this write-off season, that hurts a little more.

Today the Pirates are pitching Willie Banks (9-5, 3.18).

The Giants have Carlie Vinson Jr. (8-13, 3.34).

I am hitting sixth again.

I came up with one out in the 2nd and flew out to Bip Roberts in left.

In the bottom of the inning, Marcus Carter scored on a Dick Schofield single.
I handled a Roberts grounder for the 3rd out, leaving the baes loaded.

Pirates lead 1-0

In the 3rd, Dave Nilsson scored on a Carter groundout.

Pirates lead 2-0

Ruben Sierra led off the 4th with a home run.
I came up with two out and Bryce Bernadin on 2nd. I hit one up the middle for an RBI single. I hustled to 2nd when they tried to catch Bryce at the plate.
I was left on.

Game tied 2-2

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

I also took care of a Scott Bryant grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th.
I did the same to Schofield for the 2nd out.

I came up in the 7th with Craig Grebeck on 1st. I grounded own to Achofield at short, and they got Craig but could not get the double play.
With two out, I got stolen base #68.
I got no further.

Jeff Russell took the mound for us in the 9th, with Aaron Morris replacing Ryan Klesko at 1st on a double switch.

I caught a Roberts pop for the 1st out.
But then pinch hitter Steve Aaastrom scored on a Nilsson sac fly to give them the 3-2, walk-off.

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

[rpriske]

September 3rd, 1992

We are trying to avoid the sweep in Pittsburgh.

The Pirates are pitching Rick Reed (9-8, 4.32).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (7-11, 3.57).

I am hitting sixth.

I took care of a John Valentin grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 1st.
I did the same to Scott Bryant for the 3rd out.

Ryan Klesko led off the 2nd with a homer, for our first lead of the series.

I came up with one out and flew out to Bip Roberts in left.

Giants lead 1-0

Marcus Carter grounded out to me for the 1st out in the bottom half.

They got the run back in the 3rd when Roberts scored on a Dave Nilsson groundout.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with one out in the 5th. I lined a pitch to left for a single.
I was replaced by a Jason McFarlin fielder's choice.

With two on and two out int he bottom of the 7th, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson.
He got out of the jam.

I led off the 8th by popping out to Valentin at short.

I handled a grounder by pinch hitter Steve Aastrom to get the 1st out on a fielder's choice.

In the top of the 9th, Jerry Browne scored on a Ryan Klesko single.

Giants lead 2-1

Jeff Russell took the ball for us in the 9th, with Tim Naehring taking aver for Craig Grebeck at 3rd in a double switch.
He retired all three that he faced and we had the win.

I went 1 for 3 with a single.

Now we head to St. Louis.