Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

August 23rd, 1990

The Phillies are in town now and they are pitching Kevin Gross (5-8, 5.17).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (8-7, 3.32).

I have not done well against Gross, going 11 for 58, or .190.

I am hitting sixth.

I came up with one out in the 2nd and managed a walk.
Stolen base #111.
With two out I was given 3rd when Gross was called for a balk.
I scored on a Joel Chimelis double.

Giants lead 1-0

The Phillies got it back in the 4th when Juan Gonzalez scored on a Randy Milligan single.

Game tied 1-1

I came up in the bottom of the 4th with one out and Ruben Sierra on 2nd.
I moved him to 3rd on a single to shallow centre.
Alan Cockrell then walked, loading the bases.
I was thrown out trying to get an extra run out of Joel's RBI single that scored Ruben.
Alan and Joel scored on a double by Bruce!

Giants lead 4-1

I came up next with one out in the 6th and worked another walk.
With two out I got stolen base #112.
I was stranded.

Mark Williamson took the hill for us in the 8th. Matt continue his current trend of shuffling the lineup whenever he changes the pitcher as Rob Deer took over in right and Mark Lewis to over at short. Tom O'Malley took 1st.

Xavier Hernandez took the mound for the Phils in the 8th and we got to him right away. Tom singled and then Ruben and Ryan Klesko walked.
I came up with the bases loaded and none out. I grounded one to Milligan at 1st. He got Tom at the plate but at least we kept them loaded.
Alan was hit by a pitch, scoring Ruben.
Joel singled, scoring Ryan.
I was thrown out at the plate when Rob grounded into a fielder's choice.
Alan and Joel scored on a Tim Naehring double
Tim scored on a double by Mark.

Giants lead 10-1

Rick Sutcliffe took the ball in the 9th.
Three up, three down and we had the win.

I went 1 for 2 with a single, two walks, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

[rpriske]

August 24th, 1990

We got big win against the Phillies yesterday and are hoping to keep the momentum going.

They are pitching Mike Moore (8-13, 3.97).

The Giants have Roy Smith (5-5, 4.40).

I have limited exposure to Moore, going 1 for 4.

However, I am back where I prefer - leadoff.

Von Hayes tripled with one out in the top of the 1st and then scored on a Bo Jackson sac fly.

Phillies lead 1-0

I led off the home side by driving one into left for a single.
Stolen base #113.
However, I was thrown out trying to steal 3rd.

I handled a Jose Vizcaino grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 3rd and legged out an infield single.
I was thrown out for the second time, trying to steal 2nd.

I took care of a Scott Pose grounder for the 3rd out in the 4th.

I then handled a Moore bunt for the 2nd out in the 5th.

I stayed active in the 6th, taking care of a Hayes grounder for the 1st out.

I led off the bottom of the 6th by striking out.

I handled a Steven Finken grounder for the 2nd out in the 7th.

In the bottom half booth Tim Naehring and pinch hitter Ryan Klesko scored on a single by pinch hitter Tom O'Malley.

I came up with one out, Ruben Sierra on 3rd, Tom on 2nd, and Juan Guzman pitching. I walked to load the bases.

We left them juiced.

Giants lead 2-1

Mark Williamson took the ball for us in the 8th, as Robby Thompson replaced Joel Chimelis (via Tom), and Ryan stayed in for Dale Murphy.

He did his inning and then, in the 9th, Bobby Thigpen replaced him and Mark Lewis replaced Tim in a double switch.

Bobby got three straight and we had the tight win.

I went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles, a walk, a stolen base... and two caught stealing.

We are at 66-61, which for this season, is pretty good.
We are still in 5th, 8.5 games behind the Padres.

It is notable that the Mets lead the NL West... with that exact same, 66-61 record.

[rpriske]

August 25th, 1990

We are trying to keep the momentum going again the Phillies today.

Philadelphia is pitching Erik Hanson (9-12, 2.54).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (13-6, 4.20).

I have gone 8 for 25, or .320, with a home run off Hanson.

I am hitting 6th.

The Phils struck first as Jose Vizcaino scored on a Juan Gonzalez sac fly in the 1st.
I took care of a Bo Jackson grounder for the 2nd out.

Phillies lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 2nd and grounded out to Vizcaino at 2nd.

They struck again in the 4th when Tom Herr crossed on a Craig Paquette triple.
Then Paquette scored on a Steven Finken sac fly.

Phillies lead 3-0

I came up in the 4th with one out and Ryan Klesko on 1st. While I was at the plate, Ryan stole 2nd.
I walked.
We both moved up on a wild pitch.
Tim Naehring walked to load the bases.
We all moved up one, including Ryan scoring, on an Alan Cockrell single.
We were left like that.

Phillies lead 3-1

I came up in the 5th with two out, Harold Baines on 2nd, and Ruben Sierra on 1st. I walked, loading them up.
Harold and Ruben scored and I went to 3rd on a single by Tim.
I scored on a single by Alan.
Tim scored on a double by Scott!

Giants lead 5-3

With one out and a man on in the 6th, Matt brought in Mark Davis.

I came up in the bottom of the 6th with two out, Ruben on 1st, and Clint Jenkins pitching. I lined out to Jackson in left.

I got the 1st out in the 7th off a grounder by pinch hitter, Ricky Jordan.

John Burkett took the ball for us in the 8th.
We also had some defensive moves with Rob Deer, Joel Chimelis, and Tom O'Malley replacing Robby Thompson, Alvin Davis, and Harold.

Things did not go well as Jerry Willard hit a pinch hit, three-run home run.

Gene Nelson took over after that.

Phillies lead 6-5

Rick Sutcliffe relieved in the 9th.

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with now out and Ryan on 1st. Michael Jackson was pitching.
I walked, yet again.
With two out, Alan singled but Ryan was thrown out at the plate, cementing the loss.

I went 0 for 2 with three walks and a run scored.

[rpriske]

August 26th, 1990

Yesterday was close. Let's get it back today.

The Phillies are pitching Orel Hershiser (6-15, 3.90).

The Giants are going with Bob Walk (7-9, 4.30).

I have only gone 13 for 60, or .217, against Hershiser.

I am hitting 6th.

The Phils struck right away as Scott Pose crossed in the top of the 1st on a Juan Gonzalez groundout.
I took care of a Jerry Willard grounder for the 3rd out.

Phillies lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 2nd and I popped out to Steven Finken at 3rd.

In the 3rd I bungled an easy play, allowing Pose to take 1st.

Then, in the 5th, I made a throwing error to allow Hershiser to reach.

WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME?!

I came up with one out in the 5th and grounded out to Randy Milligan at 1st.

With one out in the 6th, Matt brought in John Burkett.

Ryan Klesko turned things around in the 6th by launching a three-run homer.
Then I came up and reached on error. I then stole 2nd before being left there.

Giants lead 3-1

Mark Williamson took the mound for us in the 8th, with Joel Chimelis replacing Alvin Davis on a double switch.

I came up with two out in the 8th and took a walk.
Stolen base #115.
I scored on a Craig Paquette throwing error that allowed Tim Naehring to take 2nd.

Giants lead 4-1

I made a good play on a Finken grounder for the final out of the game.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk, a reached-on-error, a run scored, two stolen bases, and TWO ERRORS.

Now we have a travel day as we are heading to Montreal.

[rpriske]

August 28th, 1990

We are in Montreal! It is always nice to be back in my home country!

The Expos are pitching Mark Tindall.

The Giants have Frank Viola (12-8, 3.29).


I am hitting 6th again.

Ruben Sierra got us off on the right track, hitting a two run home run in the 1st.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off in the 2nd by fouling out to Chris Donnels at 3rd.

I snagged a Donnels liner for the last out in the 2nd.

I caught a foul pop by Mike Urzendowski for the 1st out int he bottom of the 3rd.

I came up with two out in the 4th and struck out.

In the 6th Alvin Davis scored on a double by Tim Naehring.
I then came up with two out and Tim on 2nd.
While I was up, Tim took 3rd on a wild pitch.
I couldn't get him in - grounding out to Chris Sabo at 1st.

Giants lead 3-0

I came up with two out in the 9th, now facing Eric Plunk. I struck out again.

With one out and one on in the bottom of the 9th, Matt brought in Bobby Thigpen, along with Mark Lewis replacing... me.

The Expos ended up scoring but we won, 3-1.

I went 0 for 4.

[rpriske]

August 29th, 1990

We finish our mini, two-game set in Montreal today.

The Expos are pitching Wally Whitehurst (7-10, 3.48), rescheduled from yesterday.

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (9-7, 3.24).

I have gone 8 for 26, or .308, against Whitehurst.

I am still hitting 6th.

I led off in the 2nd and hit one down the left field line for a double.
I went to 3rd on a wild pitch,
I scored on a one out single by Deron McCue.

Giants lead 1-0

I took care of a Mike Urzendowski grounder for the 2nd out in the 2nd.
Then Chris Donnels scored on a Whitehurst single

Game tied 1-1

In the 3rd Ryan Klesko scored on a Harold Baines single.
I came up next with two out and Harold on 1st. I grounded out to Donnels at 3rd.

Giants lead 2-1

In the 4th Alvaro Espinoza scored on a Donnels double, tying it up.
I took care of an Urzendowski grounder for the 1st out.
With two out, Donnels scored on a Jose Offerman single.
Then Offerman scored on a Steve Carter double

Expos lead 4-2

In the 5th Billy Hatcher scored on another Donnels double.

With two out and the bases loaded, Matt brought in Scott Garrelts. He got out of it.

Expos lead 5-2

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

Mark Davis took over in the 7th.

I came up in the 9th with one out, Harold on 1st, and Mike Henneman pitching. I grounded out to Offerman at short, but I moved Harold up.

We were unable to score.

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

Now we head to New York for a double header with the Mets.

[rpriske]

August 30th, 1990

We are at Shea Stadium, trying to pick up one wins.

We have two chances today.

In the first game, the Mets are pitching Sid Fernandez (16-8, 2.78).

The Giants are going with Roy Smith (6-5, 4.19).

I have gone only 8 for 52 against El Sid.

I am hitting 6th.

We jumped out to an early lead as Robby Thompson crossed on a Ruben Sierra single in the 1st.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off the 2nd by flying out to Tom Brunansky in right.

I next came up in the 4th, with two out. I dropped one into centre for a single.
However, I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

In the bottom half, Brunansky scored on a passed ball, tying the game.

Game tied 1-1

The Mets grabbed the lead in the 6th when Wally Joyner scored on a Greg Vaughn double.
I took care of a Brunansky grounder for the 3rd out.

Mets lead 2-1

I led off the 7th by being robbed of a hit by a diving Vaughn in left.

With two out, Alan Cockrell homered to ti it back up. A few batters later, Roy and Robby scored on a single by Ruben.

Giants lead 4-2

In the bottom half, Kevin Mitchell also hit a solo dinger.

Giants lead 4-3

I came up in the 8th with Tim Naehring on 1st and Randy Myers on the mound. I hit it to Mitchell at 3rd for a fielder's choice.
I took 2nd on a wild pitch and 3rd on a groundout by Ryan Klesko.
I was left there.

Matt made a bunch go changes, with Mark Williamson taking the ball, Joel Chimelis taking 2nd, Rob Deer, LF, and Tom O'Malley, 1B.

We also had a rain delay of about a quarter hour.

We got to the 9th when Bobby Thigpen took over. He gave up a single, but that was all and we had the win.

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

On to game two...

[rpriske]

August 30th, 1990

Game two of the double header in New York.

The Mets are pitching Chris Bosio (8-14, 5.06).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (7-8, 4.68).

I have very little experience with Bosio, going 1 for 3.

I am hitting sixth.

I took care of a Mike Gallego grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 1st.

I came up with one out in the 2nd and worked a walk.
Stolen base #116.
With two out, Deron McCue walked. We were left.

We opened the scoring in the 3rd when Ryan Klesko scored on a Ruben Sierra single.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off the 4th by grounding one up the middle for a single.
Stolen base #117.
I was thrown out trying to score on a Joel Chimelis single.

Harold Baines had a benches clearing double in the 5th, scoring Robby Thompson, Ryan, and Ruben.

I came up with one out and Harold on 2nd. I grounded out, moving him up.

Giants lead 4-0

Deron led off the 6th with a home run.

Giants lead 5-0

I came up in the 7th with two out, Ryan on 1st, and Andy Ashby pitching. I flew out to Tom Brunansky in right.

With the bases loaded and none out in the bottom of the 7th, Matt brought in Scott Garrelts.
Dave Magadan scored on a sac fly by pinch hitter (and perpetual scumbag), Mel Hall.
A couple of batters later, Wally Joyner walked with the baes full, scoring another run.
William Max and Felix Fermin scored on a Greg Vaughn single.
I handled a Lenny Dykstra grounder for the final out of the inning, but...

Giants lead 5-4

John Burkett took the mound for us in the 8th, with Rob Deer replacing Harold in the OF.

I got the 1st out for him off a Magadan grounder.
With two out they tied it up with a Scott Fletcher single, scoring Mike Fitzgerald.

Game tied 5-5

Mark Davis took the ball in the 9th.
He got his outs to force extras.

I led off the 10th against Scott Scudder. I flew out to Vaughn in left.

With one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th, Matt brought in Gene Nelson.
He pitched out of it.

We jumped back to a big lead in the 11th when Ryan clocked a three-run homer.
I came up with two out and Ruben on 1st, facing Jim Clancy. I was hit by a pitch.
Joel singled, scoring Ruben and moving me to 3rd, where I was left.

Giants lead 9-5

Bobby Thigpen came in for the bottom of the 11th.
I took care of a Dykstra grounder for the 2nd out.

It was a long day, but we won both halves of the double header.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and two stolen bases.

After the game, Deron McCue was sent back to Phoenix and Greg Myers was called back up.

[rpriske]

August 31st, 1990

We took the first two of a four game set in New York.

Today the Mets are pitching Kevin Appier (13-6, 2.51).

The Giants have Bob Walk (7-9, 4.21).

I have only gone 0 for 2 against Appier.

I am hitting sixth.

I took care of a Felix Fermin grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 1st.
Wally Joyner scored on a Greg Vaughn single.

Mets lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I walked.
We were stranded.

I took care of Appier's sac bunt in the bottom half.
I then handled a Mike Gallego grounder for the 3rd out.

I then came up with two out in the 4th and grounded out right back to Appier.

I next came up in the 7th with Harold Baines standing on 2nd. I struck out.

The rest of the frame went better as Harold scored on a Tim Naehring double. Tim, already suffering from a strained hamstring, strained his oblique on the play.
Dale Murphy pinch ran for Tim and scored on a single by Bob.

Giants lead 2-1

Joel Chimelis took over at 2nd.

I took care of a Lenny Dykstra ground ball for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 7th.

In the 8th Ruben Sierra scored on a wild pitch by Kevin Brown.
Ryan scored on a single by Harold.
I came up and walked.
With two out, Harold and I moved up on a wild pitch.
We both scored on a single by Alan Cockrell.

Giants lead 6-1

Scott Garrelts took over in the bottom half.

In the 9th Tom Brunansky hit a two run homer.
With one out and Dykstra on 3rd, Matt brought in Bobby Thigpen.
Dykstra scored on a Kevin Mitchell sac fly.

That was it and we won, 6-4.

I went 0 for 2 with a pair of walks and a run scored.

After the game we got the word on the September call ups, and there were a bunch of them.

Deron McCue, Rod Nichols, Pat Combs, Willie Fraser, Butch Davis, Steve Stanicek, Scott Bradley, Greg Litton, Fran Mullins, Phil Ouellete, Jessie Reid, Luis Medina, Max Venable, Alonzo Powell, and Chris Brown.

The clubhouse is crowded!

[rpriske]

September 1st, 1990

Game four of a five game set in New York. So far we are 3-0.

The Mets are pitching Andy Benes (12-8, 3.04).

The Giants have Fran Viola (13-8, 3.16). Frank is going on short rest.

I have one 3 for 8 against Benes, and I am back where I belong... hitting leadoff!

I led off the game by grounding out to Kevin Mitchell at 3rd.

We did score that frame as Ryan Klesko crossed on a Harold Baines double.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off again in the 3rd. I grounded out again, this time to Scott Fletcher at 2nd.

In the 5th, Kevin Mitchell knotted it back up with a lead off home run.

Game tied 1-1

I led of yet again in the 6th. I flew out to Lenny Dykstra in centre.

You know, I want to lead off, but if I don't do anything with it...

John Burkett took over for us in the 6th.

I took care of a fielder's choice ball by Dykstra to get the 2nd out.
I then took care of a Greg Vaughn grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up with two out in the 8th, now facing Scott Scudder. I grounded out to Mitchell again.

Mark Williamson got the nod for us in the bottom of the 8th.

I took care of a grounder by pinch hitter Joe Redfield for the 2nd out.
The Mets took the lead when a Vaughn single scored Tom Brunansky.

Mets lead 2-1

We couldn't score in the 9th and took the loss.

[rpriske]

September 2nd, 1990

It is the final game of five at Shea. We took he first three.

Today the Mets are pitching Andy Ashby (0-0, 1.10).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (9-8, 3.41).I have only face Ashby once, and gone 0 for 1.

I have hitting sixth.

I caught a Felix Fermin pop for the 1st out in the bottom of the 1st.
Things went poorly after that as Bruce walked Kevin Mitchell with the base loaded to score Mike Gallego.
Then Lenny Dykstra and Greg Vaughn crossed on a Tom Brunansky single.
I made a nice play on a Wally Joyner liner for the 2nd out.
I then handled a Junior Ortiz grounder to account for all three outs in the inning.

Mets lead 3-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Harold Baines on 1st. I hit a squibber to replace Harold on a fielder's choice.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

In the 3rd, Mitchell scored on a Brunansky double.

Mets lead 4-0

We got on the board in the 4th when Robby Thompson scored on a Ryan Klesko sac fly.

Mets lead 4-1

Rod Nichols relieved for us in the bottom of the 4th.
I took care of an Ashby sac bunt for the 1st out behind him.

I came up in the 5th with Harold on 1st again. I bunted, trying to reach, but only got the sac.

In the 6th I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Joyner and Ortiz.
After that, though, Brunansky scored on an Ashby double.

Mets lead 5-1

I came up in the 7th with one out and, yet again, Harold on 1st. I walked.
We were left on.

In the bottom half, Mitchell socked a solo homer.

With two out and a man on, Matt brought in John Burkett.
He stranded the runner.

Mets lead 6-1

We finally got something going in the 8th. First pinch hitter Dale Murphy scored on an Alvin Davis groundout and then Ruben Sierra hit a two run homer.

Mets lead 6-4

Dale stayed in to play CF and Gene Nelson came in to pitch.

I led off the 9th, facing Rick Aguilera. I flew out to Brunansky in right.

We were unable to score.

We took he first three in the series, but then loss the next two.

I went 0 for 2 with a walk and a caught stealing.

Now we are heading cross country, to San Diego.

[rpriske]

September 3rd, 1990

We are in San Diego but I have been given the day off.

I got a pinch hit appearance for Alvin Davis in the 8th and walked.

We lost 8-6 as the Padres walked us off.

[rpriske]

September 4th, 1990

We lost yesterday but we are ready to beat the Padres today!

San Diego is pitching Ed Won (6-5, 4.33).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (7-8, 4.67).

I have gone 8 for 24 against Wojna. I am hitting sixth.

In the bottom of the 1st I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Ozzie Guillen and Junior Felix.

I led off the 2nd by fouling out to Randy Ready at 1st.

We opened the scoring in the 3rd when Rick scored on a Ryan Klesko single.

Giants lead 1-0

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

I then led off the 4th by striking out.

I got the last out again, this time off a Ready grounder.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th, handling an Armando Verdugo groundball.

With one out in the 6th, Harold Baines smacked a solo shot.
I came up right after that and the Pads brought in Carlos Diaz to face me. I lined out to John Kruk in left.

Giants lead 2-0

San Diego got not he board in the 7th when pinch runner Christopher Burton scored on a Torey Lovullo single.
Then pinch runner Greg Bailey scored on a Verdugo sac fly to tie the game.
I took care of a grounder by inch hitter Harold Reynolds to end the threat.

Game tied 2-2

I am came up with two out in the 8th, now facing Stuart Rogers. I reached on an infield single.
I was left there.

With a man on in the 8th, Matt brought in Mark Williamson.
Pinch runner Eric Young scored on a Felix sac fly, to take the lead for the Padres.

Padres lead 3-2

We couldn't get it back in the 9th and lost a winnable game.

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

We are now heading home to face the Reds.

[rpriske]

September 5th, 1990

We are back in SanFrancisco to face the Reds. We ended the road trip with a four game losing streak.

They are pitching Frank Castillo (7-8, 4.24).

The Giants have Bob Walk (8-9, 4.08).

I have gone 6 for 28 with a home run against Castillo.

I am batting 3rd.

With men on the corners, I ended the top of the 1st with a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Kal Daniels and Beau Allred.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 1st and took a four pitch walk.
Stolen base #118.
Ruben Sierra then walked, but we were both left on.

I next came up with two out in the 3rd and struck out.

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

The Reds opened the scoring in the 6th when Matt Nokes crossed on an Allred sac fly.
Two batters later, Shawon Dunston cracked a three-run homer.

Reds lead 4-0

I came up in the bottom of the 6th with Alvin Davis standing on 1st.
I hit into a double play.
We turned it around after that as Ruben and Harold Baines got back-to-back walks. They both scored on an Alan Cockrell double. Then Dale Murphy doubled Alan home.

Reds lead 4-3

Rob Deer took over in left after pinch hitting. Gene Nelson tooth mound.

I handled a Nokes grounder for the 2nd out in the 7th.

I came up in the bottom of the 7th with one out, Robby Thompson on 1st, and Scott Terry pitching.
While I was at the plate, Robby stole 2nd. Then he took 3rd on a wild pitch.
I walked.
Stolen base #119.
We both scored on a single by Harold.

Giants lead 5-4

Luis Medina took over in centre, replacing Harold on a defensive with that saw all of our OF shifting around.
Mark Lewis took over at SS and Joel Chimelis replaced Alvin at 1st.

Bobby Thigpen took the mound in the 9th, trying to nail it down.
Ryan Klesko took 1st for us, with Joel moving over to 2nd to replace Robby.
This is, by far, our best defensive alignment in the IF.
(I hate to say that since I am not playing SS, but I am just a good at 3rd.)

Bobby allowed a couple of runners but no runs and we had the win.

I went 0 for 2 with a pair of walks, a run scored, and two stolen bases.

[rpriske]

September 6th, 1990

It is the last day for the Reds in town.

They are pitching John Farrell (6-9, 4.23).

The Giants have Frank Viola (13-8, 3.12).

I have only gone 2 for 11 against Farrell.

I am hitting 6th.

The Reds struck early as John Patterson tripled and scored on a Will Clark groundout in the 1st.

Reds lead 1-0

We did a little better in the bottom half as Harold Baines blasted a three-run homer.
I came up after him and flew out to end the inning.

Giants lead 3-1

I took care of a Beau Allred bunt for the 1st out in the 2nd.

In the 3rd Shawon Dunston scored on a Patterson sac fly (following two errors that got him to 3rd).

Giants lead 3-2

In the bottom of the 3rd, Ruben Sierra belted a solo shot!

I came up with two out and popped out to Dunston at short.

Giants lead 4-2

Two more errors int he 4th, which nearly gave the Reds another run, but Harold gunned down Mike Greenwell at the plate.

In the 5th, Alvin Davis homered!

Giants lead 5-2

I caught an Eric Davis pop for the 1st out in the 6th.
I then dealt with a Carlos Baerga grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up in the bottom of the 6th with one out and Scott Kemieniecki pitching. I walked.
Stolen base #120.
With two out, Greg Myers was walked.
We were both left on.

In the 7th, Robby Thompson scored on a Rob Deer sac fly. (Rob came in as a defensive sub for Harold.)
I grounded out with two men in scoring position to end the inning.

Giants lead 6-2

Joel Chimelis subbed in for Alvin.

Mark Williamson came in to pitch the 9th.
Greg Litton took over at 1st after hitting for Frank.
Joel shifted to 2nd for Robby.

Frank should be kind of pissed. He led us to a good win, but he had to overcome our FIVE errors.

None by me but I went 0 for 3 with a walk and a stolen base.

Next the Astros are coming to town.

[rpriske]

September 7th, 1990

We won yesterday, despite some really sloppy play.

Today the last-place Astros are in town and pitching Randy Tomlin (6-14, 4.01).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (9-9, 3.54).

I have gone 4 for 16 against Tomlin and today I am hitting clean-up!

Last place or not, the can still have pop as Glenn Davis hit a two run homer in the 1st.

Astros lead 2-0

I led off in the 2nd and flew out to Jim Edmonds in centre.

They scored again in the 3rd when Craig Worthington crossed on a Davis fielder's choice.
I made a great play on a Terry Taylor grounder for the 3rd out.

Astros lead 3-0

I came up with two out in the 4th and lined out to Felix Jose in right.

I made another good play on a Rod Brewer grounder for a fielder's choice for the 2nd out in the 6th.

We finally got a run in the 6th, but it was only due to a Houston error that allowed Ryan Klesko to cross.
I couldn't make more of it as I came up with two out and two out but grounded out.

Astros lead 3-1

John Burkett took the mound for us in the 7th.

Things turned around for us in the 8t when Dale Murphy launch ed a three run homer.
I reached on an error but was then thrown out trying to steal.

Giants lead 4-3

Bobby Thigpen came it to nail thing down in the 9th, and he did.

We stole that one.

I went 0 for 4 with a caught stealing. Ugh.

And with that, the Astros are officially eliminated from the playoff picture.

We are in 2nd to last but are still 15 games ahead of them.

[rpriske]

September 8th, 1990

After winning one late yesterday, we take not he Astros again.

They are pitching Rheal Cormier (11-7, 3.01).

The Giants have Roy Smith (7-5, 3.98).

I have gone 3 for 12 with a home run against Cormier.

I am hitting third.

In the 1st I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Terry Taylor and Glenn Davis.

I came up in the bottom of the 1st with one out and Dale Murphy on 1st.
I flew out to Jim Edmonds in centre.

Dale ended up scoring on a Tim Naehring single.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 3rd, with Dale on 1st again, and lined out to Rusty Greer in left.

The Astros tied it up in the 5th when Edmonds scored on a Greer single.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with two out in the 5th and managed a walk.
Stolen base #121. I was left on.

We got the lead back in the 6th when first Tim scored on a Rob Deer sac fly and then Alan Cockrell scored on a pinch hit single by Harold Baines.

Giants lead 3-1

Mark Davis took the hill and Joel Chimelis replaced Robby Thompson at 2nd in a double switch.

I led off the bottom of the 7th, now facing Bob Knepper. I walked again.
With one out I tried to steal 2nd but was thrown out.

Glenn Davis led off the 8th with a home run.

Giants lead 3-2

In the bottom of the 8th both Rib Deer and Ruben Sierra hit two run homers!
I flew out.

Giants lead 7-2

Rod Nichols took the mound for us in the 9th.
I handled a grounder by pinch hitter John Olerud for the 2nd out.
We kept them from scoring and had the win.

I went 0 for 3 with two walks, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

I need to get hitting.

But we have won four in a row. That's nice.

[rpriske]

September 9th, 1990

We are finishing the Astro series and Matt is giving me the day off to recharge. I am a little tired. It could help.

I pinch hit for Tim Naehring in the 5th with us down 4-2 and two guys on. It worked... to a point. I singled but Alvin Davis was thrown out trying to score.

I stayed in to play 3rd. Sure I was a little tired, but we also didn't want to blow our winning streak. Rick Sutcliffe was pitching okay. We just needed to score a bit more.

I got the 3rd out in the 6th off a Felix Jose grounder.

Matt brought in Willie Fraser for the 7th.

I got the 1st out for him off a Clay Bellinger grounder.
I then dealt with one by pitcher Manny Hernandez for the 2nd out.

I came up in the 8th with one out and Lee Guetterman now pitching, I lined out to Bellinger at short.

We couldn't make up those two runs and lost the game.

I went 1 for 2 with a single.

Tomorrow we get the Braves in town.

[rpriske]

September 10th, 1990

After I ended up playing more yesterday than planned, I am now getting the first game against Atlanta off. I came in as a pinch hitter for Harold Baines in the 8th, with us trailing 5-3. I was leading off against Norm Charlton.
I grounded out to Jim Thome at short.

We ended up losing, 6-3.

[rpriske]

September 11th, 1990

I am feeling refreshed and ready to take on the Braves!

Atlanta is pitching John DeSilva (1-0, 0.77).

The Giants have Frank Viola (14-8, 3.05).

None of us have seen DeSilva before.

I am hitting third.

I came up with two out in the 1st and drove one into left for a single.
I was left on.

I came up next with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Jeff Blauser at 2nd.

I led off in the 6th. I grounded out to Blauser again.

I then came up with two out in the 8th and lined one into centre for my second single of the game.
I was left there.

After all that Jerome Walton led off the 9th with a home run.

I handled an Andres Galarraga grounder for the 2nd out.

In the bottom of the 9th Alan Cockrell doubled home Harold Baines and we were going to extras.

Frank went all nine, but Bobby Thigpen came in for the 10th.
Tom O'Malley replaced Joel Chimelis and played 3rd while I shifted over to short.

I came up in the bottom of the 10th with one out, Alvin Davis on 1st, and Duane Ward pitching. I lined one into centre for my third single of the game. Alvin went to 2nd.
With two out, Harold Baines singled and Alvin scored, giving us the walk-off, 2-1 win!

I went 3 for 5, all singles.