[rpriske]

September 22nd, 1988

We end the road trip today and the Reds are throwing a rookie named Curt Hasler at us (0-0, 0.79).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (17-10, 2.54).

This is Hasler's first start in the Majors, after pitching 11.1 innings in relief.

We have won six in a row.

I kicked things off by flying out to Kal Daniels in left.
Two batters later, Chili Davis smacked a home run.

Giants lead 2-0

I took care of a Will Clark grounder for the final out of the inning.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Robby Thompson on 2nd and Rick on 1st. I reached with an infield single to load the bases.
Unfortunately, we were all left on.

In the bottom half, Daniels scored on a Kurt Stillwell double. Rick then walked the next two guys, pushing Ernie Whitt across! He struck ou the next two guys but then Stillwell and Beau Allard scored on a single by Fred Manrique. Then Clark doubles, scoring Ken Dowell.

That was enough for Jim as he went to Butch Henry.

It didn't get any better as Butch was called for a balk, scoring Manrique.

Reds lead 6-2

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

I came up in the 5th with Butch on 1st. I flew out to Allard in centre.

In the bottom half, Clark scored on a Whitt single. Then Daniels scored on a Stillwell single. Whitt scored on an Allred single.

Reds lead 9-2

In the 7th Jessie Reid pinch hit and got his first Major League home run!
I came up next and Hasler hit me with a pitch! And then he mouthed off!
I am not going to lie, this game, in the midst of our last ditch attempt to get to the playoffs, had stressed me out and I was on edge.
I snapped and charged Hasler.
The benches cleared. Punches were thrown. We were both ejected.

We ended up losing 10-5.

I went 1 for 3 with a single before getting tossed.

I got word after that I would be suspended for four games.

This is my first ever suspension.

We are four games out, tied with the Dodgers. The Padres have a Magic Number of six, and I have to sit.

This was stupid.