Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

April 10th, 1993

One win is a start.

Today the Pirates are pitching Todd Stottlemyre.

The Giants have Bryan Hickerson.

I am hitting seventh.

The home team opened the scoring in the 1st as Dean Palmer crossed on a Jose Canseco fielder's choice.

Pirates lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Otis Nixon on 1st. I walked on four pitches.
We were stranded.

In the 3rd we got a pair of solo dingers by Ruben Sierra and Alvin Davis.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up in the 4th with one out and Otis on 1st. I lined one to left for a single. Otis went to 2nd.
We were stranded again.

Antonio Nellum tied it up with a leadoff homer in the bottom of the 4th.

Game tied 2-2

I came up next with one out in the 6th and dropped another ball into left for a single.
I stole 2nd and went to 3rd when Tony Pena threw the ball away trying to catch me.
Antonio Martinez walked.
I scored on a sac fly by pinch hitter, Eduardo Perez.

Giants lead 3-2

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

I took care of a Canseco fielder's choice ball for the 2nd out.

Bip Roberts scored on a balk by Joe.

Game tied 3-3

I came up in the 7th with two out, pinch runner Matt Mieske on 2nd, Otis on 1st, and Larry Andersen pitching. I flew out to Marcus Carter in centre.

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

We turned a Naehring - Priske - Davis double play to end the 9th.

I came up in the 10th with none out, Otis on 1st, and Mike Stanton pitching. I lined out to John Valentin at short.

Mike Perez took the ball for us in the bottom of the 10th, with Joe Hall also taking over at catcher in a double switch.

Speaking of Joe Hall, he led off the 11th with a home run!

Giants lead 4-3

I handled a Nellum grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the inning.
With one out and men on the corners, Matt brought in Kip Gross.
Canseco scored on a Carter sac fly to re-tie the game.
Dave Nilsson scored when pinch hitter Josh Boone out hustled an infield single.

Pirates win 5-4.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, a walk, a run scored, and a stolen base.

We are 1-4

[rpriske]

April 11th, 1993

As a team we are off to a terrible start. Personally, I am off to a great one.

I am batting .467 with an OPS of 1.112 and an OPS+ of 191.

0.4 WAR in only five games.

Today we are trying to take the series split against the Pirates, and go to 2-4.

They are pitching Mark Gubicza (1-0, 1.12).

The Giants have John Burkett (0-1, 21.60).

I am hitting seventh.

Dean Palmer homered to open the bottom of the 1st. Two pitches in and John is already behind.
A handful of batters later, Bip Roberts scored on a Jose Canseco sac fly.

Pirates lead 2-0

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to John Valentin at short.

In the 4th, Dave Nillson scored on a Marcus Carter triple.
Then Carter scored on a Gubicza sac fly.

Pirates lead 4-0

I came up with two out in the 5th and grounded one up the middle for a single.
Stolen base #4.
I was left there.

Bret Lachemann took over the for us on the mound in the 6th.
We turned a Priske - Grebeck - Davis double play behind him.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Ken Caminiti, Alvin Davis, and Craig Grebeck filling the bases. I popped out to Valentin at short.
Brutal. we scored nothing.

I got the final out of the 7th off a grounder by Steve Aastrom.

We finally got on the board in the 8th when Bryce Bernadin got a pinch hit triple and scored on an Otis Nixon sac fly.

Pirates lead 4-1

Joe Boever took the ball for us in the bottom of the inning.

I caught a Nilsson liner for the 2nd out.

I came up in the 9th with two out, Craig on 1st, and Mike Stanton on the mound. I grounded out to Valentin again.

We lost and are now 1-5.

I went 1 for 4 with a single and a stolen base.
But that pop out in the 7th haunts me.

Tomorrow we have got our home opener against one of the expansion teams, the Florida Marlins.

[rpriske]

April 12th, 1993

We are off to a wretched 1-5 record, but today is our home opener and we get to face one of the expansion teams!

The Marlins are pitching Scott Kamienicki (0-1, 9.45).

The Giants have Al Leiter (0-0, 12.27).

Two pitchers who are looking for a better day.

I am hitting 7th. (and .421)

The Fish scored first as Scott Brosius hit a two run homer in the 2nd.

Marlins lead 2-0

In the bottom half, Alvin Davis answered with a solo blast.
I came up with two out and the bases empty. I lined out to Gerald Young at short.

Marlins lead 2-1

In the 3rd, Dion James scored on a Chris James single.
I got the 1st out off a Joe Oliver grounder.

Marlins lead 3-1

I made the 3rd out in the 4th, handling a Mike Bordick grounder.

I led off the bottom of the 5th by flying out to Elvin Paulino in centre.
That inning Antonio Martinez scored on a pinch hit single by Eduardo Perez.

Marlins lead 3-2

Bret Lachemann took the ball for us in the 6th.

We tied things up in the 6th when Manny Ramirez scored on a pinch hit single by Bryce Bernadin.
I came up with one out, Alvin on 2nd, and Bryce on 1st. I dumped a pitch into left to load the bases.
We were left that way.

Game tied 3-3

Kip Gross took the ball for us in the 7th

I caught a Paulino pop for the 3rd out in the 8th.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 8th and Tom Browning on the mound. I reached 1st on an error by 2B Chris Donnels.
I went to 2nd on an Antonio single.
We were stranded.

Mike Perez took over for us in the 9th.

We went to extras and the first batter got on in the 10th, so Matt brought in Mark Ross.
Antonio threw out two attempted steals and we got out of the inning.

I led off the bottom of the 11th, now facing Darren Holmes. I hit one up the middle for a single.
Antonio walked.
We both moved up on a sac bunt by Mark.
But we still couldn't score.

With two out and two on in the top of the 12th, Matt brought in Russell Garside.
I handled a grounder by Chris James to end the frame.

The Marlins took the lead in the 13th when Brosius scored on a Paulino double.

Marlins lead 4-3

I came up in the bottom half with none out, Tim Naehring on 1st, and Bob Scanlan on the mound. I walked.
I was erased and Tim went to 3rd on a fielder's choice by Antonio.
Once again, we could not score and we had the loss.

1-6

I went 2 for 5 with a pair of singles and a walk.

Worse, Otis Nixon pulled his hammy in the game and is going in the DL.

Ryan Klesko is being called up.

[rpriske]

April 13th, 1993

Off to a horrendous 1-6 start, including losing to an expansion team.

Today the Marlins are pitching Dennis Cook (0-0,0.00).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (0-1, 9.00).

Cook is on short rest.

I am batting sixth.

I caught a Randy Milligan liner for the 2nd out of the game.

Dwight Smith led off the 2nd with a homer.
I took care of a Scott Brosius fielder's choice ball for the 1st out in the inning. Gerald Young ran into me on the play, but then he had to leave the game. I was fine.

Marlins lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 2nd and grounded a fastball up the middle for a single.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

In the bottom of the 4th, Ken Caminiti hit a solo bomb to tie the game.

Game tied 1-1

I handled a Tim Spehr grounder for the 1st out in the 5th.

I led off the bottom of the 5th by grounding out to Mike Bordick at 2nd.

With one out and one on in the 7th, Matt brought in Russell Garside.
With two out and two on he switched to Kip Gross.
Pinch hitter Chris Donnels scored on a Bordick single.

Marlins lead 2-1

I came up in the bottom of the 7th with one out, Manny Ramirez on 3rd, and Tom Browning on the mound. I popped out to Brosius at 3rd, missing a big opportunity.
Thankfully, Ryan Klesko came though with a double to tie things back up.

Game tied 2-2

They got the lead right back when Chris James scored on a Russ McGinnis sac fly in the 8th.

Marlins lead 3-2

Thing turned back out way in the bottom of the 8th. First pitch hitter Eduardo Perez scored on a single by Antonio Martinez.
I came up with two out and the bases loaded. Ken scored on a balk before I grounded out.

Giants lead 4-3

Mark Ross took the ball for us in the 9th.
Our closer couldn't get the job down as pinch hitter Dave Parker scored on a Donnels single.
Elvin Paulino scored on a sac fly by pinch hitter, Joe Oliver.

Joe Boever took he ball then.
A stolen base and two wild pitches brought in Donnels.

Marlins lead 6-4

And there it stayed. 1-7.

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

We are the worst team in the NL. (In the AL, the Red Sox are 0-7.)

[rpriske]

April 14th, 1993

Can we avoid being swept by an expansion team?

The Marlins are pitching Julio Valera (0-0, 0.00). He has only pitched one inning this year.

The Giants have James Terrill (1-0, 2.25). That was our one win.

I am hitting sixth.

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

In the 2nd we switched it up and turned a Priske - Grebeck - Klesko double play.

I came up in the bottom of the 2nd with one out and Bryce Bernadin on 2nd. I singled up the middle. Bryce went to 3rd.
I was erased but Bryce scored on a Matt Mieske fielder's choice.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 3rd, Ruben Sierra hit a two run homer.

Giants lead 3-0

I came up in the 4th with none out and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I flew out to Elvin Paulino in centre.

I returned the favour, catching his towering pop up for the 2nd out in the 5th.
But then Valera scored on a Randy Milligan single.
I caught a Dion James pop to end the frame.

Giants lead 3-1

Things went well for us in the bottom half.
Antonio Martinez singled.
James laid down what was supposed to be a sac bunt but he outran the play!
Ruben doubled, scoring Antonio.
Craig Grebeck popped out.
Ken Caminiti walked, loading the bases.
Bryce singled, scoring James.
Mike Magnante relieved.
Ryan grounded into a fielder's choice at the plate.
I singled, scoring Ken.
Matt lined out.

Giants lead 6-1

Chris James led off the 6th with a homer.
Scott Brosius made it back-to-back dingers.

Giants lead 6-3

Antonio led off the bottom of the inning with his own homer!

Giants lead 7-3

Von Hayes, Eduardo Perez, and Bret Lachemann took over for Ruben, Bryce, and James.

In the 7th, Russ McGInnis scored on a Dion James single.
Then Milligan scored on a Brosius single.

With two in, two out, two on, and a two run lead, Matt brought in Joe Boever.
He got out of it.

Giants lead 7-5

I came up in the bottom of the 7th, with one out, Ryan on 1st, and our former teammate, Heathcliff Slocumb on the mound. I lined into a double play.

Mike Perez took the ball for us in the 9th.
Mike Bordick scored on a sac fly by Chris James.
But that was it and we had the 7-6 win.

We are 2-7 and tied with the Dodgers.

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

After the game, as we await the Braves, Russell Garside was sent to Phoenix and Roger Mason was called up.

Roger is 35 and has played 8 games in the Majors.

[rpriske]

April 15th, 1993

Is this the turning point?

We can start by beating the Braves.

They are pitching Tom Glavine (0-1, 1.98).

The Giants have Bryan Hickerson (0-0, 3.60).

I am leading off.
While I like that, I am also kind of fatigued.
I am happy to play through it, though.

I handled a Jeff Blauser grounder for the first out of the game.

I led off the home half of the 1st by popping out to Andujar Cedeno at 2nd.

We turned a Priske - Grebeck - Klesko double play in the 3rd.

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by popping out again. This time it was to Jim Thome at 3rd.

We opened the scoring in the 4th, in a surprising way, as Bryan hit a two out triple to score Tim Naehring.

I came up next and grounded out to Jeff Bagwell at 1st.

Giants lead 1-0

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

In the bottom of the inning, Craig hit a two run homer.

Giants lead 3-0

I handled a Bagwell grounder to end the top of the 6th.

And then did the same to a Jack Daugherty grounder to end the top of the 7th.

I led off the bottom half by popping out for a third time - this one to Cedeno again.

I took care of another Blauser grounder, this time for the 2nd out in the 8th.

Mike Perez came in to shut things down in the 9th, and he did just that.

We had the shutout win!

3-7. 2.5 games behind the Braves in 1st, and tied with the Dodgers in last.

I went 0 for 4. I should listen to my body.

[rpriske]

April 16th, 1993

The 2nd game of 4 at home vs Atlanta.

The Braves are pitching Danny Jackson (2-0, 3.24).

The Giants have John Burkett (0-2, 10.80).

I am still tired. I am still playing. Batting fifth.

I went and talked to Matt. I now have the day off.

We lost, 5-2.

I played one inning on defense.

[rpriske]

April 17th, 1993

We split the first two of a four game set against Atlanta. We are now 3-8.

Today the Braves are pitching Ben McDonald (0-1, 2.84).

The Giants have Al Leiter (0-0, 8.31).

I am feeling refreshed and am batting 2nd.

I took care of a Mike Greenwell grounder for the 2nd out of the game.

I came up with none out and Ruben Sierra on 1st. I grounded into a double play.

I handled a Javy Lopez grouder to end the top of the 2nd.

In the bottom half, Manny Ramirez and Ryan Klesko scored on a Tim Naehring double.

Giants lead 2-0

In the 3rd, Jeff Bagwell hit a solo homerun.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 3rd and grounded out to Bagwell at short.

Jim Thome led off the 4th with a homer to tie the game.

Game tied 2-2

In the 5th we turned a Naehring - Priske - Klesko double play.

I came up in the bottom of the inning with one out and Al on 1st. During my plate appearance, Al went to 2nd on a wild pitch. Then I popped out to Andujar Cedeno at 2nd.

After the first man got on in the 7th, Matt went to Kip Gross.

He gave up a three-run homer to Ken Griffey Jr.
Thome made it back-to-back dingers.

Matt brought in Roger Mason after Kip only got one out while giving up four runs.

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

Braves lead 6-2

Joe Boever took the ball in the 8th.

I caught an Ed Sprague liner for the 1st out.

I led off the bottom of the 8th by lining out to Sprague at 1st.

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

We could not score and took the loss.

We are now 3-9 and a game behind the Dodgers in the cellar.

I went 0 for 4. I guess the rest doesn't cure everything.

[rpriske]

April 18th, 1993

It is our last game before an eastern road trip and we are trying to get the even split of four against Atlanta.

Today the Braves are pitching Zachary Wanzha (1-0, 3.38).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (0-1, 5.84).

I am batting sixth.

I made an error on my first plate of the game, pulling Ryan Klesko off the bag at 1st on what should have been a Ken Griffey Jr. groundout.

To be fair, it was a very tough, diving play to get the ball at all.

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

In the 4th, Craig Grebeck hit a two run homerun.

I came up next, with two out, and grounded out to Andujar Cedeno.

Giants lead 2-0

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

Jim Thome hit a solo homer in the 6th.
Then Mike Greenwell scored on a Cedeno double to tie it up.
I handled an Ed Sprague grounder for the 3rd out.

Game tied 2-2

We got the lead right back in the bottom half when Ken Caminiti crossed on a single by Ryan.

I came up with one out, Bryce Bernadin on 3rd, and Ryan on 2nd. I grounded out, failing to score anyone.

Giants lead 3-2

Withe two out and one on in the 7th, Matt brought in Kip Gross to pitch.

He gave up a double to Griffey, scoring gaping hitter, Ondra Ford.
Then Griffey and Thome scored on a Greenwell double.

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

Braves lead 5-3

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

I came up in the 8th with two out, Craig on 1st, and Bob Walk pitching. I singled to centre, moving Craig to 2nd.
We were left.

With one out and the bases loaded in the 9th, Matt brought in Bret Lachemann.
We turned a 4-2-3 double play to get out of it.

But we could not score in the bottom half and lost our third in a row.

We are now 3-10. 5.5 games behind the Braves and in dead last.

I went 1 for 4 with a single.


Travel day. We are heading to New York.

[rpriske]

April 20th, 1993

We are opening a series in New York, on a dismal 3-10 start.

Today the Mets are pitching Kevin Appier (1-1, 2.84).

The Giants have James Terrill (2-0, 3.21).

I am hitting sixth.

I handled an Armando Zambrano grounder for the final out in the 1st.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. At least, that is how it started. Craig was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.
Then I walked.
I was left at 1st.

In the bottom half, B.J. Surhoff scored on a Greg Olson single.
Then Wally Joyner hit a three-run double.
I took care of a Lenny Dykstra grounder to end it.

Mets lead 4-0

I came up in the 4th with two out, Ryan Klesko on 2nd, and Craig on 1st again. I struck out.

I caught a Mike Gallego pop for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 4th.

Joe Hall came in to pitch for us in the 5th.

With two out and two on in the 6th, Matt brought in Joe Boever. Tim Naehring also replaced Craig at 2nd in a double switch.
He gave up a hit but we got the guy at the plate.

I led off the 7th by grounding out to Felix Fermin at 3rd.

I handled another Dykstra grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.

I came up with two out in the 9th and walked again.

That was all we got and we had been shut out.

We are now 3-11. Only the Red Sox have a worse start in all of baseball.

I went 0 for 2 with two walks.

[rpriske]

April 21st, 1993

The second game in Shea, after being shut out yesterday.

The Mets are pitching Andy Benes (2-0, 3.46).

The Giants have John Burkett (0-3, 8.49).

I am hitting sixth.

Wally Joyner led off the bottom of the 1st with a home run.
Then Armando Zambrano scored on a Greg Vaughn single.

We turned a Klesko - Priske - Klesko double play.

Lenny Dykstra scored on a B.J. Surhoff triple.

Mets lead 3-0

I came up in the 2nd with Craig Grebeck on 3rd. I struck out.
We couldn't cash in Craig.

I ended the 2nd off a Zambrano grounder.

Dykstra led off the bottom of the 3rd with a homer.

Mets lead 4-0

I came up in the 4th with one out and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I hit into a fielder's choice, replacing him at 1st.
Stolen base #5.
I scored on a Matt Mieske single.

Mets lead 4-1

Mike Gallego led off the bottom of the 4th with a homer.

I handled a Dykstra grounder to end the inning.

Mets lead 5-1

Things went a little better int eh top of the 5th.

Eduardo Perez pinch hit for John and singled.
Ruben Sierra followed with a two run homer.
Ken Caminiti singled.
With one out, Ryan singled.
With two out, I singled, loading the bases.
Bryce Bernadin pinch hit for Matt and hit a Grand Slam.

Giants lead 7-5

Joe Hall came on in relief. Eduardo stayed in to play 1st. Ryan moved to CF. Joe slotted in for Bryce.

In the bottom of the 5th, Surhoff scored on a Gallego single.
I took care of a Greg Olson grounder to end the inning.

Giants lead 7-6

In the 6th, Manny Ramirez scored on a sac fly by Ryan.

Giants lead 8-6

After the first guy got on in the bottom of the 6th, Matt brought in Roger Mason.
Pinch hitter Felix Fermin scored on a Dykstra single.

Giants lead 8-7

I led off the 7th, facing Gil Heredia, just as it was starting to rain.
I singled through the right side.
Stolen base #6.
I was left at 2nd.

Kip Gross took the ball for us in the bottom of the inning.

During that frame we had a 36 minute rain delay.

With a man on and two out in the bottom of the 8th, Matt brought in Mark Ross.
I made the 3rd out of a Vaughn grounder.

I came up with one out in the 9th, now facing Charles Nagy. I grounded out to Gallego at 2nd.

Mike Perez came in to pitch the bottom of the 9th.

He got his three and we had the win.

We are now 4-11. 1.5 games behind the Rockies in 6th. 4.5 behind the Braves in 1st.

I went 2 for 5 with a pair of singles, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

[rpriske]

April 22nd, 1993

Every time we win a game there is this feeling like, could this be it? Could this be when we turn things around?

Today the Mets are pitching Curt Schilling (2-1, 3.92).

The Giants have Al Leiter (0-1, 6.75).

I am hitting sixth.

In the bottom of the 1st, Lenny Dykstra scored on a Mike Gallego single.
I took care of a BJ Surhoff grounder to end the inning.

Mets lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 2nd and pounded a fastball up the middle for a single.
Matt Mieske hit into a double play.

In the bottom half, Alan Trammell hit a bases clearing double with the sacks loaded.

Mets lead 4-0

I came up with two out in the 4th and singled up the middle again.
Stolen base #7.
I scored on a double by Matt.

Mets lead 4-1

I handled a Greg Olson grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the inning.
We turned a Klesko - Priske - Klesko double play to end it.

In the 5th, Greg Vaughn and Surhoff scored on a Dave Clark double.

Mets lead 6-1

I came up in the 6th with one out and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I hit into a double play.

Bret Lachemann took the ball for us in the bottom of the 6th.

I caught a Wally Joyner pop for the 1st out.
I then dealt with a Dykstra grounder for the 2nd out.

Joe Boever then took over for us in the 7th.

I took care of a Clark grounder for the 2nd out and an Olson grounder for the 3rd.

Bryce Bernadin hit a pinch hit homer in the 8th.

Mets lead 6-2

With one out and one on in the bottom of the 8th, Matt brought in Roger Mason.

I led off the 9th, now facing Rick Aguilera. I popped out to Gallego at 2nd.

We could not score and lost.

4-12. 1.5 games behind the expansion Rockies. 5.5 games behind the Braves for the division lead. Dead last in the NL. Only the Red Sox are worse in all of baseball.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, a run scored, and a stolen base.
I am hitting .327.

Time for a Canadian trip. We are heading to Montreal.

[rpriske]

April 23rd, 1993

Back in my home country, though not exactly shining as a team.

Today the Expos are pitching Steve Avery (0-1, 3.32).

The Giants are going with Charlie Vinson Jr. (0-1, 5.21).

I am hitting sixth.

I came up with one out in the 2nd and flew out to Reggie Sanders in right.

I took care of an Israel Seda grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 3rd.

I came up in the 4th with two out and Antonio Martinez on 2nd. I hit an RBI single to left.
I was left on.

Giants lead 1-0

They tied it up int he 5th when Jose Offerman scored on a Michael Urzendowski single.
We turned a Grebeck - Priske - Klesko double play to end the inning.

Game tied 1-1

We got the lead right back in the 6th when Ken Caminiti scored on a Craig Grebeck single.
I came up with two out and Craig on 2nd. I grounded out to Rey Sanchez at 2nd.

Giants lead 2-1

I handled an Urzendowski grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 7th.

The Expos tied it up in the 8th off a Candy Maldonado homer.
Then Sanders scored on a Shane Mack single.
With man on and two out, Matt brought in Mark Ross.
He got out of it.

Expos lead 3-2

I came up in the 9th with one out and Tim Scott on the mound. I walked.
Stolen base #8.
I went to 3rd on a Ryan Klesko groundout.
Alvin Davis pinch hit and lined out.

Another loss for us.

We are 4-13.

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

[rpriske]

April 24th, 1993

We are in Montreal, trying to show some signs of life.

The Expos are pitching Ron Darling (0-1, 7.71).

The Giants have Bryan Hickerson (1-0, 1.38).

I am hitting sixth.

I took care of a Sammy Sosa grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 1st.

Bryce Bernadin led off the 2nd with a home run.

I came up with one out and lined a pitch into centre for a single.
Stolen base #9.
I went to 3rd on a Matt Mieske groundout.
I was stranded.

Giants lead 1-0

I then came up with two out in the 4th and I grounded out ti Rey Sanchez at 2nd.

In the 6th we turned a Grebeck - Priske - Klesko double play.
After that, Sosa doubled - the first hit of the game for Montreal.

Sosa ended up scoring on a Reggie Sanders single.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with one out in the 7th, now facing Tommy Tillman. I fouled out to Michael Urzandowski, the catcher.

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the inning, off a Sanchez grounder.
Jose Offerman scored on an Urzendowski single.
With one out and the bases loaded, Matt brought in Kip Gross.
Urzendowski and Israel Seda scored on a Sosa single.
Pinch hitter Alvaro Espinoza scored on a Scott Cooper sac fly.
I handled a Sanders grounder to end the inning, but the damage had been done.

Expos lead 5-1

Bret Lachemann took the ball for us in the 8th.
I caught an Offerman liner for the 1st out.

I came up in the 9th with two out, Ryan Klesko on 1st, and Alejandro Pena on the mound. I singled to right, moving Ryan to 3rd.
Matt struck out and we had lost again.

4-14.

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

[rpriske]

April 25th, 1993

It is our last game in Montreal, trying to avoid a sweep.

The Expos are pitching Alex Fernandez (0-2, 2.60).

The Giants have James Terrill (2-1, 4.50).

I am hitting sixth again.

We turned a Grebeck - Priske - Klesko double play in the 1st.

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

I took care of a Reggie Sanders grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.
I then did the same to Offerman for the 2nd out.

In the 3rd I made a great play on a Sammy Sosa grounder for the 2nd out, but Pat Bailey scored on the play.
Then Jose Perez scored on a Scott Cooper single.
Cooper scored on a Sanders single.
Shane Mack and Sanders scored on an Offerman double.
Offerman scored on a Rey Sanchez single.

Expos lead 6-0

I came up in the 4th with two out, Manny Ramirez on 2nd, and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I grounded out to Cooper at 3rd.

I took care of a Fernandez grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 4th.

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

Expos lead 6-2

Bret Lachemann came on in relief for us in the 5th.

I came up in the 6th with one out and Ryan on 1st. I replaced him on a fielder's choice.
Stolen base #10.
I was stranded.

In the bottom of the inning, I made an error on what should have been a double play ball.
Then Sanchez scored on a Perez double.

With one out and two on, Matt brought in Roger Mason.
Bailey scored on a Sosa groundout.

Expos lead 8-2

Joe Boever took the ball in the 7th.

I came up in the 8th with two out, Ryan on 1st, and John Johnstone pitching. I grounded out to Perez at short.

I handled a Sanchez grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.
I did the same to Bailey for the 2nd out.

We couldn't make up the runs.

4-15.

I went 0 for 4 with a stolen base.

Now we head to Philadelphia.

[rpriske]

April 26th, 1993

We are in Philadelphia for a two game set. We are riding a four game losing streak and this season has been miserable thus far.

The Phillies are pitching David Rivera (0-3, 4.43).

The Giants have John Burkett (0-3, 9.19).

I am hitting sixth.

I led off the 2nd by grounding out to Tony Fernandez at short.

The Phillies opened the scoring in the 4th when Bo Jackson crossed on a Jeff Carter single.

Phillies lead 1-0

I led off the 5th by fouling out to Dave Hollins at 3rd.

In the 5th, Tony Fernandez scored on a Ryne Sandberg double.
Tino Martinez and Sanberg scored on a Darrin Fletcher double.

Phillies lead 4-0

I came up with two out in the 7th and I singled to left.
Stolen base #11.
I was left at 2nd.

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

Joe Boever got the nod in the 8th.

I made my first defensive play in the bottom of the 8th, dealing with a grounder by pinch hitter, Mike Aldrete, for the 1st out.

Fernandez scored on a sac fly by Martinez.

Phillies lead 5-0

We couldn't score in the 9th and were shut out.

4-16.

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

[rpriske]

April 27th, 1993

We have lost five in a row. We are last in the National League.

Wrapping up a two gamer in Philly.

The Phillies are pitching Erik Hanson (0-2, 7.36).

The Giants have Al Leiter (0-2, 7.78).

I am hitting sixth.

In the top of the 1st, Ken Caminiti scored on a Manny Ramirez single.

Giants lead -0

I led off the 2nd by flying out to Bo Jackson in right.


In the bottom of the inning, Dave Hollins scored on a Jackson groundout.
I handled a Juan Gonzalez grounder for the 3rd out.

Game tied 1-1

I came up in the 4th with one out, Manny on 2nd, and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I dropped a single into centre, scoring Manny and sending Ryan to 2nd.
Then Ryan scored and I went to 3rd on a single by Matt Mieske.
They intentionally walked Antonio Martinez.
The bases were left loaded.

Giants lead 3-1

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

Then we turned a Klesko - Priske - Klesko double play in the 5th.

I led off the 6th by taking a walk.
I went to 2nd on a single by Matt.
Antonio singled to load the bases.
Matt and I both scored on a doube by Al!
Antonio and Al scored on a double by Ken.
I flew out to left to end the inning.

Giants lead 7-1

We turned another Klesko - Priske - Klesko double play in the bottom of the 6th.

Gonzalez led off the bottom of the 7th with a home run.
Following an error by Ryan that allowed Hollins to reach, Jackson hit a two run homer.
Jose Vizcaino scored on a Darrin Fletcher groundout.

Giants lead 7-5

Mark Ross came in for us in the 8th.
I took care of a Gonzalez grounder, on a tough play, to get the 2nd out.

I came up with one out in the 9th, now facing Mark Winters. I grounded out to Mario Gonzalez at 2nd.

Mike Perez took the ball for us in the 9th.
Pinch runner Alex Cole and Mario Gonzalez scored on a double by pinch hitter, Ryne Sandberg, tying the game.

Game tied 7-7 and going to extra innings.

Top of the 10th
Bryce Bernadin pinch hit for Antonio wand walked.
Alvin Davis pinch hit for defensive replacement, Eduardo Perez, and grounded out, moving Bryce to 2nd.
Defensive replacement Von Hayes walked.
Craig walked.
Ken singled, scoring Bryce and Von.
Pinch hitter Tim Naehring struck out.
Ryan hit a three run homer.
I struck out.

Giants lead 12-7

Joe Hall pitching. Bryce catching?
That is the problem with a two way player like Joe. If he is in to pitch, we are short a catcher.

Hollins scored on a Vizcaino sac fly.
But that was it. We won, 12-8.

5-16. 1.5 games behind the Reds. 4.5 out of 1st (Atlanta and San Diego)

I went 1 for 5 with a single, a walk, an RBI, and a run scored.

Now we head to New York.

[rpriske]

April 28th, 1993

So, we won a game. Can we make it two in a row?

I said we were heading to New York. Really we came home to face the Mets in San Francisco.

Today the Mets are pitching Sid Fernandez (2-0, 1.07).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (0-2, 4.72).

I am hitting sixth.

In the top of the 1st, Wally Joyner scored on a Greg Vaughn single.
Kevin Mitchell scored on an Alan Trammell sac fly.

Mets lead 2-0

In the bottom of the 1st, Ken Caminiti homered.

Mets lead 2-1

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

I caught a Vaughn pop for the 2nd out in the 3rd.
I then handled a Trammell grounder for the 3rd out.

We turned Grebeck - Priske - Klesko double play in the 4th.
But then Mike Gallego scored on a Fernandez single.
I took care of a Lenny Dykstra grounder to end the inning.

Mets lead 3-1

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 4th and I singled up the middle.
Stolen base #12.
I was left at 2nd.

Bret Lachemann took over for us on the mound in the 6th.

In the bottom of the inning, Manny Ramirez scored on a Matt Mieske single.
I came up with two out and Matt on 3rd. I hit an RBI single through the right side to tie the game!
Ryan Klesko followed with a home run!

Giants lead 5-3

Kip Gross took the mound in the 7th, with Eduardo Perez and Von Hayes taking over for Manny and Ruben Sierra. Ryan shifted to LF.

Dykstra scored on a Mitchell double.

Giants lead 5-4

Mark Ross got the nod for the 8th.

I led off the bottom of the innings, now facing Charles Nagy. I made the single trifecta, dropping one into left.
Stolen base #13.
I was left at 2nd.

Mike Perez came in for the 9th, trying to nail down the save.
I got him the 1st out off a tough Dykstra grounder.
I then got a fielder's choice off Vaughn for the 2nd out.
One fly later and we had the win!

6-16. We are a half game behind the Reds in the basement, and 4.5 games behind the Padres, leading the division.

I was named the player of the game!

I went 3 for 4 with three singles, an RBI, a runs scored, and two stolen bases.

[rpriske]

April 29th, 1993

We are on a two game winning 'streak' and wrapping up a series against the Mets.

Today they are pitching Dwight Gooden (1-1, 3.38).

The Giants have Bryan Hickerson (1-1, 3.26).

I am hitting clean-up?!

The Mets opened the scoring in the top of the 1st when Kevin Mitchell crossed on an Alan Trammell triple.
I returned Armando Zambrano on a groundout to the end the frame.

Mets lead 1-0

In the 2nd, Mike Gallego and Howard Johnson scored on a Wally Joyner single.
I handled a Lenny Dykstra grounder to end it.

Mets lead 3-0

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

I caught a Mitchell liner to kick off the 3rd.

I then came up in the 4th with one out and Bryce Bernardin on 1st. While I was there, Bryce advanced on a wild pitch. Then I struck out.

In the 5th, Trammell hit a two run homer.
Bret Lachemann relieve dafter that.

Mets lead 5-0

In the 6th I came up with one out and Bryce on 1st. This time Craig Grebeck was on 2nd. I hit into a double play.
Craig ended up scoring on a wild pitch.

Mets lead 5-1

Joe Boever took the ball for us in the 7th.

Mitchell and Trammell scored on a BJ Surhoff single.

I threw out Gallego on a grounder for the 2nd out.
Zambrano and Surhoff scored on a Johnson single.

Mets lead 9-1

With one out and two on in the 8th, Matt brought in Roger Mason.
Dykstra scored on a Zambrano single.

Mets lead 10-1

Kip Gross took the bell in the 9th.

I came up in the bottom the 8th, with one out and Rick Aguilera pitching. I hit a mile-high pop-up caught by Bill Doran at 1st.

Yeah, we got decimated.

I went 0 for 4.

We are 6-17.

The Expos come to town tomorrow, which means my annual family visit.

I wish we could show them better baseball than what we are playing.

[rpriske]

April 30th, 1993

So, my family is here... and I am not playing.

I am just tired.

I came on as a pinch hitter in the 8th. We were trailing 6-1, but this inning went pretty well.

Ryan Klesko singled.
Bryce Brenadin doubled. Ryan scored.
I came in as a pinch hitter and singled. Bryce went to 3rd.
Alvin Davis singled. Bryce scored and I went to 2nd.
Craig Grebeck singled. I scored and Alvin went to 2nd.
Antonio Martinez hit a three-run homer.

Giants lead 7-6

I stayed in to play SS.

Mike Perez was now pitching for us.
I handled a Shane Mack grounder for the 1st out.
The Expos got a couple of base runners, but no runs, and we had the win.

7-17. We are out of the basement! 6th place, 4.5 games behind the Braves and Padres tied in 1st.

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