Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

May 1st, 1993

Has there been a day more appropriate for us than Mayday?

Today the Expos are pitching Eddie Portillo (2-3, 3.74).

The Giants have John Burkett (0-4, 8.31).

I am hitting second.

I came up in the bottom of the 1st with Ruben Sierra standing on 1st. I snuck a cutter through the right side for a single. Ruben went to 3rd.
Ruben then scored on a Ken Caminiti sac fly.
Stolen base #14.
I was left there.

Giants lead 1-0

I caught a Shane Mack liner for the 3rd out in the 3rd.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 3rd and flew out to Mack in centre.

I handled a Turner Ward grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.
I then did the same to Jose Offerman for the 2nd out.

I was still active in the 5th, taking care of a Michael Urzendowski grounder for the 2nd out.

Tim Naehring led off the bottom half with a dinger!

Giants lead 2-0

I took care of Offerman again for the 3rd out in the 6th.

I then led off the bottom of the 6th by blooping a cutter into right for a single.
Two batters later, Manny Ramirez hit a two run blast!

Giants lead 4-0

I handled a Rey Sanchez grounder for the 1st out in the 7th.

In the bottom half, Antonio Martinez scored on a single by Ruben.
I came up next, with one out, John on 3rd, and Ruben on 1st. They brought Cris Carpenter in to face me. I hit into a fielder's choice, erasing Ruben, but driving in John!
Stolen base #15.
I scored on a double by Ken.

Giants lead 7-0

With one out and two on in the 8th, Matt brought in Joe Hall.
He gave up a single and then Offerman hit a three run triple.
Then Offerman scored on a Sanchez sac fly.

Giants lead 7-4

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

Giants lead 8-4

With two out and one on in the 9th, Matt brought in Mark Ross.
He got the out and we had the win.

8-17. We are now tied with the Dodgers for 5th in the division.

Big day for John Burkett, who has struggled so far this season.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, two runs scored, an RBI, and two stolen bases.

[rpriske]

May 2nd, 1993

We are on a two game winning streak and wrapping up our series with the Expos.

Today the visitors are pitching Roger Pavlik (2-0, 3.46).

The Giants have Al Leiter (0-2, 6.75).

I am hitting sixth.

I handled a Shane Mack grounder for the 3rd out of the game.

I took care of a Rey Sanchez grounder for the 3rd out in the 2nd as well.

I then led off the bottom of the 2nd by grounding out to Scott Cooper at 3rd.

For the 3rd straight inning, I handled a grounder for the 3rd out. This time it was Pavlik's.

In the 4th, Ken Caminiti scored on a Ryan Klesko fielder's choice.
I came up next, with one out and Ryan on 1st. I grounded out to Sanchez at 2nd, advancing Ryan.
He didn't score.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 5th, Antonio Martinez scored on a Craig Grebeck sac fly.

Giants lead 2-0

After skipping a couple of innings, I get the 3rd out in the 6th off a Sammy Sosa grounder.

I came up in the bottom of the inning, with two our and Cris Carpenter pitching. I lined a slider into left for a single.
Stolen base #16.
I scored on a Matt Mieske single.
Matt scored on a double by Antonio.

Giants lead 4-0

In the 7th, Cooper scored on a Mack single.
Then Mack scored on a Michael Urzendowski single.
Reggie Sanders and Jose Offerman scored on an Israel Seda single, tying the game.

Game tied 4-4

I caught a sky-high pop up by Cooper for the 1st out in the 8th.

With one out and one on, Matt brought in Mark Ross.

I led off the bottom of the 8th, now facing Alejandro Pena. Mack made an incredible catch, hitting the wall in centre and robbing me of a double at least.

Mike Perez took the ball for us in the 9th.
I caught a liner by pinch hitter, Pat Bailey, for the 2nd out.

With two out and two on, Matt went to Kip Gross.
Pinch hitter Turner Ward scored on a Cooper single.

Expos lead 5-4

We lost.

8-18. We are tied in last with the Dodgers.

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

We now get a day off before the Phillies come to town. I get to spend it with my family and try to get my mind off our dreadful season.

[rpriske]

May 4th, 1993

I am feeling refreshed after an off-day and ready to get things going!

The Phillies are in town and they are pitching Meld Perez (1-0, 1.64).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (0-2, 4.83).

I am hitting sixth.

In the 1st inning, I made my third error of the year and what should have been a double play ball.
It didn't end up costing us any runs.

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

I came up in the bottom of the inning, with one out and Bryce Bernardin on 2nd. I grounded out to Ryne Sandberg at 2nd, advancing Bryce.
He didn't score.

I handled a Perez grounder for the 3rd out in the 5th.

I then led off the bottom of the inning by grounding out to Sandberg again.

Charlie didn't allow a hit until the 6th, but then Tiny Martinez scored on a fielder's choice by Juan Gonzalez.
I couple of batters later, Jeff Carter hit a three-run homer.

Phillies lead 4-0

Bret Lachemann took the ball for us in the 7th.

I came up in the bottom half, with none out and Ryan Klesko on 2nd. I walked.
We both moved up on a sac fly by Matt Mieske.
We both scored on a single by Antonio Martinez.

Phillies lead 4-2

Kip Gross took over on the mound for us in the 8th.
I handled a Gonzalez grounder for the 2nd out behind him.

In the 9th, Gonzalez scored on a single by Tony Fernandez.
Then Kip walked in a run.

Matt went to Joe Boever then, with one out and the bases loaded.
He got out of it, but...

Phillies lead 6-2

I led off the bottom of the 9th, now facing Mark Winters. I grounded out to Martinez at 1st.
We did not score and lost.

8-19. We are in sole possession of last in the NL. Only Cleveland is worst in the AL.

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

[rpriske]

May 15th, 1993

We are trying to salvage a split in a short, two-game series.

Today the Phillies are pitching Juan Guzman (2-1, 3.77).

The Giants are going with James Terrill (2-2, 5.67).

I am hitting sixth.

In the 1st we turned a Grebeck - Priske - Klesko double play.

In the bottom o half we took eh lead when Ruben Sierra scored on a Ken Caminiti groundout.

Giants lead 1-0

They got it back in the 2nd when Jose Vizcaino scored on a Darrin Fletcher single.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 2nd and hit a solid liner to left for a single.
Stolen base #17.
I went to 3rd on a Matt Mieske fly ball.
I was left there.

I got the 3rd out in the 3rd off a Ryne Sandberg grounder.

Then I got the 3rd out in the 4th off a Juan Gonzalez grounder.

I came up in the 4th with one out, Manny Ramirez on 2nd, and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I hit into a double play, ending the inning.

I continued the trend by getting the 3rd out int he 5th, taking care of a Tony Fernandez grounder.

Yet again, I got the 3rd out in the 6th. It was another Gonzalez grounder.

In the bottom of the 6th Ruben scored on a sac fly by Ken. Then Manny scored on a single by Ryan.
Then I came up and after Ryan stole 2nd, I was intentionally walked.
We were left on.

Giants lead 3-1

I shook things up by getting the 2nd out in the 7th, off a Fletcher pop.

In the bottom half, Ruben his a solo shot.

Giants lead 4-1

After a one inning shift, I got the 3rd out in the 8th. It was a Sandberg grounder.

I came up with two outs in the bottom of the 8th, now facing Jeremy Hernandez. I grounded out to Sandberg at 2nd.

Mike Perez took the mound for us in the 9th. I left the game in a double switch.

And, as if on queue, Craig Grebeck made an error at short in the first play.

Dave Hollins followed with a two run homer.
A few batters later, Alex Cole hit an RBI triple to tie the game.
Two walks, one intentional, one not, and Matt brought in Mark Ross to take over.
He gave up a Grand Slam to Sandberg.

Phillies lead 8-4

And that is how it ended.

We watched a winnable game vanish in the smoke.

If I had been in and didn't make that error, they would have scored once.

8-20

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

Now we have a day off as we wait for the Dodgers to arrive.

[rpriske]

May 7th, 1993

The Dodgers are in town and they are having as disappointing a season as we are. Well, almost.

They are pitching Shane Reynolds (2-3, 6.49).

The Giants have John Burkett (1-4, 6.52).

I am hitting sixth.

We took the lead in the bottom of the 1st when Craig Grebeck scored on a Ken Caminiti double.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 2nd I started a Priske - Grebeck - Klesko double play.

Then Danny Miranda scored on a single by Usama Jamal al Din.

Game tied 1-1

I led off the bottom of the 2nd by grounding out to Miranda at short.

I then led off the bottom of the 4th by grounding out to Andres Galarraga at 1st.

In the 5th, Bernard Gilkey scored on a Phil Plantier double.
Then Plantier scored on a Galarraga single.
Gary Sheffield and Galarraga scored on a Miranda double.

Matt brought in Joe Hall to pitch. He got out of the inning.

Dodgers lead 5-1

In the bottom half Joe led off with a single and then Ruben Sierra hit a two run homer.

Dodgers lead 5-3

I led off the bottom of the 6th by grounding out to Sheffield at 3rd.

With two out and a man on in the 7th, Matt brought in Mark Ross.
Galarraga and Miranda scored on a Robin Yount double.
Shawn Manuel hit a two run homer.

Matt then went to Roger Mason.
He got the 3rd out.

Dodgers lead 9-3

Bret Lachemann took the ball for us in the 8th.
I caught a Sheffield liner for the 2nd out.
I handled a Miranda grounder for the 3rd out, leaving the bases loaded.

In the bottom of the 8th, Ryan Klesko hit a one out, two run homer.
I came up next and they brought Mike Witt in to face me. He hit a number that Jamal al Din took care of for the ground out.

Dodgers lead 9-5

But that was all we could get and took another loss.

8-21

I went 0 for 4.

[rpriske]

May 8th, 1993

We have lost four in a row. What else is new?

The Dodgers are pitching Andy Ashby (0-2, 4.68).

The Giants have Al Leiter (0-2, 6.35).

I am hitting sixth.

I got in on the action right away, dealing with a Bernard Gilkey grounder on the first lay of the game.

I caught a Robin Yount liner for the 2nd out in the 2nd.

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

I caught a Gilkey pop for the 2nd out in the 3rd.
I then handled a Danny Miranda grounder for the 3rd out.

In the 4th I started a Priske - Grebeck - Klesko double play.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the inning and took a walk.
Stolen base #18.
I was stranded at 2nd.

I got the 3rd out in the 5th off another Miranda grounder.

We were the first to score when an error by Andres Galarraga in the 6th allowed Craig Grebeck to cross.
I came up with one out, Manny Rmirez on 2nd, and Ryan Klesko on 1st. While I was at the plate, both runners advanced on an Ashby wild pitch. After that they gave me the intentional walk.
We left the bases loaded.

Giants lead 1-0

The Dodgers tied it up in the 7th when Yount scored on a Gilkey single.
Then pinch hitter Aaron Cotton scored on an error by Craig.
Gilkey scored on a sac fly by Gary Sheffield.

Matt brought in Roger Mason with two out and two on. He walked one but then got out of it.

Dodgers lead 3-1

Kip Gross took the ball for us in the 8th.

Bryce Bernadin pinch hit to lead off the bottom of the 8th and smacked a homer.
I came up with none out and Ryan on 1st. Eric Show was the pitcher. I doubled to the left field corner. Ryan went to 3rd.
With one out, Antonio Martinez walked to load the bases.
Joe Hall pinch hit into a double play.

Dodgers lead 3-2

Mark Ross took over for us in the 9th.

We couldn't get that last run and have lost five in a row.

8-22

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

[rpriske]

May 9th, 1993

Our train wreck of a season continues. We have lost five in a row.

Today the Dodgers are pitching Bob Tewksbury (0-2, 5.21).

The Giants are answering with Charlie Vinson Jr. (0-3, 5.02).

I am hitting sixth.

I got the 1st out in the 2nd off a Gary Sheffield grounder.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the inning and looped a curve into left for a single.
But then I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

I got the 2nd out in the 3rd off an Usama Jamal al Din grounder.

In the 4th I turned a Priske - Klesko double play.

I took care of a Robin Yount grounder for the 2nd out in the 5th.

I came up with one out in the 5th and hit a towering foul pop up caught by Andres Galarraga at 1st.

We opened the scoring in the 6th when Ruben Sierra crossed on a Bryce Bernadin single.
Then Craig Grebeck scored on a Ryan Klesko sac fly.
I flew out with Ken Caminiti on 3rd to end the inning.

Giants lead 2-0

The Dodgers got on the board in the 8th when Yount scored on a double by pinch hitter, Reggie Jefferson.
I handled a Bernard Gilkey grounder for the 3rd out.

Giants lead 2-1

In the bottom half, Ken scored on an Eduardo Perez triple.
Then Eduardo scored on a single by Ryan.
I grounded out to end the inning.

Giants lead 4-1

I was removed from the game in a double switch.

The Dodgers scored in the 9th but we got the 4-2 win.

9-22

I went 1 for 4 with a single and a caught stealing.

We are 1.5 games behind the Reds for last in the division and the NL.

Now we are heading to Colorado.

[rpriske]

May 10th, 1993

We are in the Rockies, but not the right ones.

The expansion team is pitching Chris Bosio (3-2, 1.94).

The Giants have James Terrill (2-2, 4.63).

I am hitting sixth.

The park lived up to its rep early as Mike Devereaux led off the bottom of the 1st with a homer.

Rockies lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 2nd and lined Bosio's fastball into right for a single.
Stolen base #19.
I advance to 3rd on a Matt Mieske groundout.
I was left there.

I took care of a Devereaux grounder for the final out in the inning.

I then did the same to Glenallen Hill for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 3rd.

I led off the 5th by reaching 2nd on an error by Luis Rivera at 2nd.
I went to 2nd on a sac bunt by Matt.
I got no further.

We ended the 6th with a Grebeck - Priske - Klesko double play.

I came up with two out in the 7th and I grounded out to Dave Magadan at 3rd.

With one out and one on in the bottom of the 7th, Matt brought in Kip Gross to pitch.
I got the 2nd out off a grounder by Orestes Destrade.
But then Benito Santiago hit a Grand Slam.

Matt went to Joe Boever after that.

Rockies lead 5-0

For the 8th it was Joe Hall.

In the high offence environment of Mile High Stadium, we managed zero run off three hits and lost, 5-0, to an expansion team.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, reached-on-error, and a stolen base.

We are 9-23. The worst team in the National League.

A bunch of changes happened after that.

Designated for Assignment and placed on Waivers: Mark Ross, Kip Gross, Matt Mieske
Sent to AAA Phoenix: Joe Hall, Ryan Klesko, Ruben Sierra

Called up from Phoenix: Tom Kramer, Russell Garside, Timothy McKercher, Tor O'Leary, Aaron Morris
Called up from AA Shreveport: Jeff Mutis

[rpriske]

May 11th, 1993

Another day on the mountains, trying to stop the bleeding.

Today the Rockies are pitching Anthony Young (1-3, 5.80).

The Giants are answering with Bryan Hickerson (1-2, 4.56).

I am hitting sixth.

I came up with two out in the 2nd and flew out to Mike Devereaux in centre.

I handled a Dave Magadan grounder for the 1st out in the home half of the inning.

In the 3rd, Devereaux scored on a double play.
Then Dickie Thon crossed on a Scott Livingstone single.

Rockies lead 2-0

I came up next with one out in the 5th. I flew out to Devereaux again.

Joe Boever took the ball for us in the 6th.

We got on the board in the 7th when Tim Naehring hit a solo homer.
I came up that inning with two out and I grounded out to Orestes Destrade at 1st.

Rockies lead 2-1

I took care of a Magadan grounder to end the 7th.

Bret Lachemann took over on the mound for us in the 8th.
I got the 1st out for him off a Benito Santiago grounder.

We couldn't score in the 9th and picked up another loss.

9-24. 8 games out. Dead last.

I went 0 for 3.

More changes after that.

Sent to AAA Phoenix: Russell Garside and Antonio Martinez (our starting catcher!)
Sent to A Clinton: Troy O'Leary and Eduardo Perez

Activated from the IL: Otis Nixon
Recalled from Phoenix: Mark Lewis
Recalled from AA Shreveport: Greg Myers and Bobby Thigpen

Former Rule 5 pick returned from the Red Sox: Craig Lefferts

Matt has told me that I will usually be batting 7th now.

You have got to be #%$@^ing me!

[rpriske]

May 12th, 1993

We have played two games ib the home of the expansion Rockies. We have lost them both.

Two more to go.

Today the are pitching Jose Mesa (1-2, 4.53).

The Giants have John Burkett (1-5, 6.95).

Matt was as good as his word. I am batting seventh now.

I am literally the best hitter on the team. The only one that comes close is Bryce Bernadin, and he doesn't even play every day.

We scored in the top of the 1st when Otis Nixon crossed on a Tim Naehring single.

Giants lead 1-0

I handles an Orestes Destrade grounder for the final out in the inning.

I led off the 2nd by striking out.

I next came up in the 4th with two out and Tim on 1st. I grounded out to Jeff King at 3rd.

In the bottom of the 5th, with two out and the bases loaded, Matt brought in Jeff Metis. He got the out.

In the 6th, Ken Caminiti scored on a sac fly by Tim.

Giants lead 2-0

I got the 1st out in the bottom half, dealing with a Benito Santiago grounder.

During that inning, it started to pour pretty heavily.

Eventually the game was called due to the bad weather.

The game had gone deep enough that we got the win.

10-24

I went 0 for 2.

I am afraid I am taking my bad mood onto the field.

Craig Lefferts, who was taken from us by the Red Sox in the Rule 5 Draft, has been returned.

[rpriske]

May 13th, 1993

We are in Colorado, trying to salvage a split against an expansion team.

They are pitching Marcos Lopez (4-1 1.64).

The Giants are going with Al Leiter (0-3, 5.53).

I am hitting seventh. And yes, I annoyed.

In the bottom of the 1st, Orestes Destrade hit a solo homer.

Al then walked the next four batters in a row before getting the 3rd out.

Rockies lead 2-0

In the 2nd, Lopez scored on a Billy Ashley double.

Rockies lead 3-0

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

I caught a Mike Devereaux pop for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.

We then turned a Caminiti - Priske - Leiter double play.

I came up in the 5th with none out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I hit into a double play.

Tom Kramer took over for us on the mound in the 5th. (Al walked six in four innings.)

Ashley scored on a Scott Livingstone double.

Rockies lead 4-0

We got on the board in the 6th when Ken Caminiti scored on a Tim Naehring sac fly.

Rockies lead 4-1

I handled a Manny Lee grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th.
But then Devereaux hit a solo homer.

Rockies lead 5-1

In the 7th I came up, once again with none out and Craig on 1st. I doubled down the left field line, sending Craig to 3rd.
Craig scored on a Von Hayes sac fly.
Manny Ramirez pinch hit for Tom, and drew a walk.
Otis Nixon grounded out but both Manny and I advanced.
Then we both scored on a double by Ken.

Rockies lead 5-4

Roger Mason took the ball for us in the bottom of the 7th.

Ashley and Livingstone scored on a Dave Magadan single.

Rockies lead 7-4

I came up in the 8th with two out and Greg Myers on 1st. Scott Lawrence was pitching. I singled up the middle and Greg went to 3rd.
We were left on base.

With two out and a man on in the bottom of the 8th, Matt brought in Bobby Thigpen.
He got the out.

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

10-25

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

Now we head to San Diego.

[rpriske]

May 14th, 1993

Something is different today.

We are in San Diego.

The Padres are pitching Jake Carter (2-2, 1.86).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (1-3, 4.34).

And I am hitting fifth.

I came up with one out in the 2nd and worked a walk.
I went to 2nd as Craig Grebeck reached on an error by Sid Bream at 1st.
We were left on.

I led off the 4th by flying out to Junior Felix in centre.

I came up in the 6th with none out, Tim Naehring on 1st, and Ben Rivera pitching. I lined out to Scott Buchanan at 3rd.

Charlie didn't allow a hit until the 7th. He was immediately pulled for Joe Boever. (Charlie was exhausted.)

I came up with one out in the 8th, now facing David Nied. I grounded out to Buchanan.

In the bottom of the inning I started a Priske - Grebeck - Morris double play.

In the top of the 9th Von Hayes scored on a sac fly by Otis Nixon.

Giants lead 1-0

Mike Perez came in to close it out.
He allowed a single, but that was all, and we had the 1-0 win.

11-25

I went 0 for 3 with a walk.

The team made a couple of changes after the game.

Timothy McKercher and Mark Lewis were sent to Phoenix.
Antonio Martinez and Scott Powers were called up.

[rpriske]

May 15th, 1993

Still in San Diego.

The Padres are pitching Butch Henry (0-2, 4.56).

The Giants have James Terrill (2-3, 4.35).

I am back to hitting 6th.

I took care of the first batter in the home half of the 1st - a Chad Curtis grounder.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Craig Grebeck on 2nd. RBI single to left centre!
I was left at 1st.

Giants lead 1-0

I made the 1st out in the bottom of the 3rd off a Juan Indriago grounder.
I then took care of a Curtis grounder again for the 3rd out.

I came up in the 4th with none out, Bryce Bernadin on 2nd, and Craig on 1st. I hit a towering pop, caught by Indriago at short.

Von Hayes followed with a two run double.

Giants lead 3-0

In the bottom half, Sid Bream scored on an Orlando Merced double, putting the Padres on the board.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up in the 6th with none out and Craig on 1st. I was hit by a pitch (the 2nd straight hit batsman by Henry).
With one out, Von singled, loading the bases.
Craig tried to score on a fly ball by James, but was cut down, ending the inning.

In the 7th, Tim Naehring and Bryce scored on a double by Craig.
I came up with two out and Craig on 2nd. They brought in Stuart Rogers to face me and induced a groundout to end the inning.

Giants lead 5-1

With two out and man on 2nd in the 7th, Matt brought in Roger Mason. He gave up an RBI single to Curtis, scoring Indriago.

Giants lead 5-2

Then Jeff Mutis took the ball in the 8th.
He faced only one batter and Matt brought in Bret Lachemann.

I caught an Orlando Merced pop for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 8th.

Then Mike Perez took the 9th.
3 batters later, we had the win.

12-25

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a hit-by-pitch, and an RBI.

Another day, another list of roster moves.

Bryan Hickerson was DFAd and placed on waivers.
Tom Kramer, Bret Lachemann, and Greg Myers were sent to Phoenix.
Joe Hall, Ruben Sierra, and Ryan Klesko were called up.

[rpriske]

May 16th, 1993

We are wrapping up in San Diego today.

The Padres are pitching Jorge Martinez (1-3, 4.91).

The Giants have Craig Lefferts (1-4, 8.08).

Craig is making his debut with us after being returned to us from the Red Sox, as a Rule 5.

I am hitting third today!

I came up in the top of the 1st with one out and Ruben Sierra on 1st. I walked.
We loaded them up with a Tim Naehring single.
Otis Nixon walked, forcing in a run.
I scored on a Ryan Klesko sac fly.

Giants lead 2-0

I got right in the action in the bottom half, handling a Chad Curtis grounder for the 1st out.

I came up in the 3rd with none out and Ken Caminiti on 2nd. I flew out to Luis Polonia in left.
Later that inning, Ken scored on a single by Otis and then Tim scored on a single by Ryan.

Giants lead 4-0

I handled a Bill Pecota fielder's choice ball for the 1st out in the bottom of the 3rd.
I then took care of a Curtis grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up in the 4th with one out, Craig on 2nd, and Ken on 1st. I lined out to Sid Bream at 1st, who tagged Ken for a double play. Bad luck.

I handled a Tim Macintosh grounder for the final out in the 4th.

In the 5th, Joe Hall hit a two run dinger.

Giants lead 6-0

I took care of Polonia grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.

Dashawn Woodall scored on a Pecota double.

Giants lead 6-1

I came up in the 6th with one out, Ruben on 2nd, and Ken on 1st. Jake Sumlin was pitching. I walked for the second time today.
Tim hit into a 6-2-3 double play.

In the bottom half, Bream hit a solo homer.

Giants lead 6-2

With one out in the bottom of the 8th, Matt brought in Kip Gross.

I led off the 9th, facing Johnny Taylor. I popped out to the catcher, Macintosh.

With two on and two out in the bottom of the 9th, Matt brought in Mark Ross.
Tony Gwynn scored on a wild pitch.
Then pinch hitter Eddie Johnson scored on a single by Polonia.
Pecota flew out and it was over.

Giants won, 6-4

13-25

I went 0 for 3 with a pair of walks and a run scored.

Now we head home to meet the Astros.

[rpriske]

May 17th, 1993

The Astros are in town and we are hoping to build on yesterday's win.

I mean, we can always hope, right?

Houston is pitching Rheal Cormier (2-2, 4.85).

The Giants have John Burkett (1-5, 6.10).

But I have the day off.

And the boys were up to the task! We beat the Astros, 3-0!

Way to go John!

14-25.

After they are there was more activity. We made a couple of waiver claims, nabbing Jose Bautista from the White Sox and Mike Christopher from the Marlins.

Bobby Thigpen and John Tuozzo were Designated to make room.

[rpriske]

May 18th, 1993

We have won FOUR in a row!

Let's go!

Today the Astros are pitching Arthur Rhodes (1-2, 7.07).

The Giants have going with Al Leiter (0-4, 5.64).

I am hitting clean-up!

The Astros struck early after Al had some control issues. Roberto Alomar scored on a double play after Al walked two.

Astros lead 1-0

I came up in the home half of the 1st with two out and Antonio Martinez on 2nd. I grounded out back to the pitcher.

I got the 1st out in the 2nd off a Felix Jose grounder.

I then got the 3rd out in the 4th off a Rhodes grounder.

I led off the bottom half by grounding out to Tony Phillips at 3rd.

But then both Tom Naehring and Craig Grebeck scored on a Ryan Klesko double to give us the lead.

Giants lead 2-1

After a lead off single in the 5th by Alomar, Matt brought in Joe Hall. The score doesn't show it, but Al was really struggling today. He walked six.

The Astros tied it back up when Alomar scored on a Harold Baines sac fly.
Then they regained the lead when John Olerud scored on a Craig Biggio double.
Elijah Foster scored on an error by Craig.

Astros lead 4-2

I caught a Phillips liner for the final out int he top of the 6th.

I then led off the bottom half by hit a towering fly ball caught by Jay Bell at short.
We loaded things up that inning and Craig scored when Joe walked with the bases juiced and then Alvin Davis scored on a wild pitch!

Game tied 4-4

Olerud led off with a single in the 7th and Matt brought in Joe Boever.

I came up int he bottom half with one out, Ruben Sierra on 1st, and Mike Timlin pitching. I popped out.

New guy, Mike Christopher, came in to pitch in the 9th.
He gave up a leadoff homer to Alomar.
With one out he gave up a three run homer to Baines.

Matt went to the other new guy, Jose Bautista.
He gave up a couple of hits, but no runs.

Astros lead 8-4

We got no baserunners in the bottom half and lost.

14-26

I guess we shouldn't be surprised that pitchers that other teams gave away weren't all-stars.

Not that I did any better. 0 for 4.

[rpriske]

May 19th, 1993

Our winning streak ended yesterday but we can still win the series.

Today the Astros are pitching Pete Schourek (1-0, 3.44)

The Giants have Mark Gardner (0-0, 0.66), in his Giants debut, off a fresh waiver claim from the Royals!

The flip side was returning our Rule 5 pick, James Terrill, to the Expos.

I am leading off!

I got the 2nd out of the game off a John Olerud grounder.

I led off the home half by flying out to Elijah Foster in centre.

I came up in the 3rd with none out and Mark on 1st. I hit into a fielder's choice, replacing him at 1st.
I got no further.

The Astros opened the scoring in the 6th when Harold Baines crossed on a Schourek sac fly.
Roberto Alomar followed with a three-run homer.

Astros lead 4-0

I led off the bottom of the 6th by flying out to Felix Jose in right.

With two out in the 7th, Matt brought in Roger Mason.
I handled a Jay Bell grounder for the 3rd out.

Ken Caminiti led off the bottom of the 7th with a home run. It was our first hit of the game.

Astros lead 4-1

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 8th. I grounded out back to the pitcher.

Kip Gross took the mound for us in the 9th.

We couldn't tack any more runs on and took the loss.

14-27

I went 0 for 4. My batting average is down to .272.

Next, the Reds come to town. They lead us in the standings by one game.

[rpriske]

May 20th, 1993

The Reds are in town and we are trying to get out of the cellar. They are on a four game losing streak.

The visitors are pitching Cal Eldred (0-0, 1.35).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr (1-3, 3.78).

I am back to hitting seventh.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Craig Grebeck on 2nd. I lined out to Rafael Serra at short.

I got the 3rd out in the 4th off an Eric Davis grounder.

Bryce Bernadin led off the bottom half by sending a curveball over the right field fence.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off the bottom of the 5th, now facing Todd Worrell. I popped out to the catcher, Matt Nokes.

With two out and the bases loaded in the 6th, Matt brought in Joe Boever. I handled a grounder by pinch hitter, Paul Molitor, for the 3rd out.

I then did the same to Mauricio Zazueta for the 1st out in the 7th.
I caught a Carlos Baerga liner for the 3rd out.

In the bottom of the 7th, Craig scored on an Otis Nixon single.
I came up with one out and Otis on 1st. Buddy Black was pitching. I flew out to Willie McGee in right.

Giants lead 2-0

Mike Perez came it to close things out in the 9th. He gave up a one out walk, but nothing else, and we had the win.

15-27. The Giants and Reds are now tied.

I went 0 for 3.

[rpriske]

May 21st, 1993

We beat the Reds yesterday. Let's do it again.

Today the Reds are pitching Jimmy Key (2-1, 4.27).

The Giants have Craig Lefferts (2-4, 7.19).

That sounds bad but he was really good in his first start with San Francisco.

I am hitting fifth.

Dave Staton led off the 2nd with a home run.

Reds lead 1-0

I came up with one out int he bottom of the 2nd. I have been cold as ice lately and need to shake it off.
I flew out to Eric Davis in right.

In the top of the 3rd, Paul Molitor scored on a Carlos Baerga single.

Reds lead 2-0

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

In the 5th, Molitor scored on a Baerga single again.
Then Rafael Serra scored on a Staton sac fly.

Reds lead 4-0

I led off the bottom of the inning by flying out to Staton in centre.

With one out int he 6th, Matt brought in Kip Gross.
I made an error with two out that allowed Key to reach 1st.
Thankfully it didn't cost us.

Jose Bautista took the ball for us in the 7th.

I came up in the bottom of the 7th with one out and Antonio Martinez on 1st.
I hit it to short and replaced Antonio on a fielder's choice.
I was left there.

With a man on in the 8th, Matt turned to Roger Mason.
He got through the inning and then it was Joe Boever in the 9th.

I came up with two out int he bottom of the 9th, now facing Roberto Hernandez. I flew out to Staton again and we lost.

15-28. Back into sole possession of last place.

I went 0 for 4 with an error.

[rpriske]

May 22nd, 1993

It is the third of a four game set agains the Reds at home. We split the first two.

Today the visitors are pitching Jim Abbott (0-5, 4.07).

The Giants have John Burkett (2-5, 5.05).

I am batting eighth.

Normally I would complain about that, but my bat has been in the deep freeze.

I took care of a Paul Molitor grounder for the 3rd out of the game.

We got on the board early as Otis Nixon crossed on an Antonio Martinez groundout and Ruben Sierra scored on a Ken Caminiti single.

Giants lead 2-0

I got the 1st out in the 2nd, handling a Mark McGwire grounder.
I caught a Juan Ramos pop for the 2nd out.

I led off the bottom of the inning by working a walk. Hey, I will take it.
I went to 2nd on a sac bunt by John.
Then I was thrown out trying to steal 3rd.

That is how it has been lately.

In the 3rd, Tim Naehring scored on a Craig Grebeck double. Then Craig scored on a Ryan Klesko single.
Then I came up and grounded out, ending the inning.

Giants lead 4-0

In the 4th, McGwire hit a solo homer.

Giants lead 4-1

In the bottom of the 5th, Ken scored on a sac fly by Ryan.
I came up with one out, Tim on 2nd, Craig on 1st, and Jack Armstrong pitching. SINGLE! Loading the bases.
Tim scored on a two out single by Otis Nixon.
We were left loaded.

Giants lead 6-1

I handled a McGwire grounder for the 3rd out in the 6th.

I then dealt with a Dave Staton grounder for the 3rd out in the 7th.

I came up in the bottom of the 7th with one out, Ryan on 1st, and Mark Guthrie on the mound. I flew out to Staton in centre.

In the top of the 8th, pinch runner Doug Jennings, scored on a groundout by Eric Davis.
Then Rafael Serra tripled and scored on a passed ball.
I took care of another McGwire grounder for the 3rd out.

Giants lead 6-3

Mike Perez came in to close etchings out in the 9th.
Ramos hit a solo homer off him with one out.
Mike got the last two and we had the 6-4 win.

16-28. Tied with he Reds again.

I went 1 for 3 with a single. It will take more than that for me to say I am out of my funk.