Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

May 23rd, 1993

We have taken two of three in a four game set. Let's win the series.

Today the Reds are pitching Steve Trachsel (2-2, 4.78).

The Giants are going with Al Leiter (0-4, 5.55).

I am hitting seventh..

I made a bad throw fielding an Eric Davis grounder and picked up an error.
They didn't end up scoring.

I came up in the bottom of the 2nd with two out and Otis Nixon on 1st. I grounded out to Carlos Baerga at 2nd.

This slump has dropped my batting average below .260.

I caught a Davis pop for the 3rd out in the 4th.

Bryce Bernadin scored on the bottom half off an error by Baerga.
I came up with one out, Tim Naehring on 2nd, and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I flew out to Davis in right.

Giants lead 1-0

I next came up in the 6th with two out, Tim on 2nd, and Todd Worrell pitching. I popped out to Paul Molitor at 1st.

In the 7th we hit THREE HOME RUNS! Antonio Martinez and Bryce both hit solo dingers and Ruben Sierra hit a two run shot.

Giants lead 5-0

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

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with none out, Otis on 1st, and Jesse Orosco pitching. I singled up the middle, moving Otis to 2nd.

We went no further.

Mike Christopher came in for the 9th. He struggled in his first two appearances with us - and that is an understatement. Still, it is a five run lead.

He gave up a two out single, but that was in.

17-28, and out of the basement!

I went 1 for 4 with a single. At least it was something.

Tomorrow is a travel day as we head to Chicago.

All Star Voting has started.

I don't think even I would vote for me.

[rpriske]

May 25th, 1993

We are at Wrigley and ready to go.

Today the Cubs are pitching Greg Maddux (7-2, 1.88).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (2-3, 3.41).

I am hitting seventh.

Facing Maddux is a tough way to break out of my hitting doldrums.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Craig Grebeck on 2nd. I grounded out to Travis Fryman at 3rd.

In the bottom half, Randy Velarde scored on a Nelson Peralta double.
Then Peralta scored on a Paul O'Neill double.

Cubs lead 2-0

We got on the board in the 3rd when Antonio Martinez crossed on a Ruben Sierra single.

Cubs lead 2-1

I handled a Mark Grace grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 3rd.

I led off the 5th by dropping a slider into left centre for a single.
With one out, I went to 2nd on a sac bunt by Charlie.
I was left there.

I led off the 7th just as rain was starting to fall. I drove a Maddux cutter through the right side for another single.

I am starting to feel more normal.

With one out I nabbed Stolen base #20.
I scored on a Ruben Sierra single, tying the game!

Game tied 2-2

Roger Mason took the mound for us in the bottom of the inning.
O'Neill scored on a Grace double.
We turned a Priske - Grebeck - Caminiti double play to end the inning.

Cubs lead 3-2

I caught a Velarde liner for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 8th.

I led off the 9th, now facing Lee Smith. He struck me out.

We couldn't score and took the loss.

17-29

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles and a run scored.

[rpriske]

May 26th, 1993

The game was rained out.

Tomorrow is now a Double Header.

[rpriske]

May 27th, 1993

Today we have a double header and need to take both games to win the series.

In the first game the Cubs have Randy Johnson (2-3, 2.79).

The Giants are going with John Burkett (3-5, 4.80).

I am hitting seventh.

The Cubs opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st when Mark Grace crossed on a Chris Hoiles single.
I took care of a Willie Murray grounder for the 3rd out.

Cubs lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 2nd. I lined a slider into left for a single.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

I then came up with two out in the 4th. I struck out on a failed check swing.

We tied it up in the 6th when Antonio Martinez scored on a Craig Grebeck double.
I came up next with one out, Craig on 2nd, and Tim Naehring on 3rd. I grounded out to Travis Freeman at 3rd.

Game tied 1-1

We took the lead in the 7th when Antonio scored on a Ken Caminiti double.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up in the 8th with none out, Craig on 1st, and Jose Jaramillo on the mound. I flew out to Murray in centre.

Mike Perez came in to nail things down for us in the 9th. He is 3rd in MLB in saves, but didn't get one this time, as he gave up a solo homer to Randy Velarde.

Game tied 2-2, going to extras.

I came up in the 10th with two out, Craig on 1st, and Lee Smith pitching. I flew out to Nelson Peralta in left.

Mike Christopher took the ball for us in the bottom of the inning.
Freeman scored on a Hoiles single and the Cubs walked us off, 3-2.

17-30

I went 1 for 5 with a single and a caught stealing.

Now we need to take the second game of the double header, just to avoid being swept.

[rpriske]

May 27th, 1993

It is the second game of the double header, trying to avoid the sweep of not only the day, but the series.

The Cubs are pitching David Palmer (3-1, 2.62).

The Giants are going with Mark Gardner (0-1, 2.21).

I am hitting seventh.

We struck early as Ruben Sierra scored off a Ken Caminiti double in the top of the 1st.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off the 2nd by flying out to Willie Murray in centre.

I handled a Nelson Peralta grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the inning.

I then came up with two out in the 4th and took a walk.
I scored on a Joe Hall triple.

Giants lead 2-0

I came up in the 6th with one out, Craig Grebeck on 3rd, and Otis Nixon on 1st. I reached on a fielder's choice when Craig was thrown out at the plate.
Otis and I were left on base.

In the 7th, Ruben scored on a Bryce Bernadin sac fly.

Giants lead 3-0

I came up in the 8th with one out, Craig on 2nd, and Clint Jenkins pitching. I flew out to Paul O'Neill in right.

With two out and a man on in the bottom of the 8th, Matt brought in Mike Christopher.
He got the 3rd out.

Mike Perez came in to shut things down in the 9th.
Peralta scored on an Ivan Rodriguez sac fly.
But that was it and we won, 3-1.

18-30

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

My batting average has dipped below .260.

Now we head to Atlanta, one of the worst parks to play in.

[rpriske]

May 28th, 1993

We are in Atlanta - my least favourite place to play.

The Braves are pitching Danny Jackson (4-4, 3.47).

The Giants are going with Al Leiter (1-4, 4.85).

I am batting seventh.

I used to be unhappy about hitting this far down in the order. Now I am unhappy that I am not giving them any reason to regret it.

In the bottom of the 1st we turned a Priske - Grebeck - Caminiti double play.

I came up with Craig Grebeck on 1st and one out in the 2nd. I grounded out but advanced Craig.

In the 3rd, Chris Jones scored on a two out throwing error by Tim Naehring.
Then Ken Griffey Jr. walked with the bases loaded, scoring Jeff Blauser.
Andujar Cedeno hit a grand slam.

That was a huge error.

Braves lead 6-0. All run were unearned.

Joe Hall relieved for us in the 4th.
We turned another Priske - Grebeck - Caminiti double play behind him.

I came up with one down in the 5th and flew out to Griffey in centre.

I handled a Mike Greenwell grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the inning.

After a leadoff double in the bottom of the 6th, Matt brought in Kip Gross.
Two batters later, Cedeno scored on a Jones groundout.
Jim Thome scored on a balk by Kip.
Heriberto Pagan scored on a single by Blauser.
Blauser scored on a Greenwell single.
Greenwell scored on a Jeff Bagwell double.

That was all Matt could stomach and he brought it Joe Boever.
He couldn't stop it. Bagwell scored on a Griffey single.
He finally got the 3rd out.

Braves lead 12-0

I came up in the 7th with one out and Craig on 1st. I grounded out to Thome at 3rd, advancing Craig again.

Jose Bautista came in to pitch for us in the 8th.
Greenwell scored on a Griffey single.

Braves lead 13-0

I came up in the 9th with two out and Tim on 1st. Jerry Gleaton was pitching. I grounded out to Bagwell at 1st.

Brutal, humiliating loss.

18-31. We still lead the Reds by one game, eight back of the lead.

I went 0 for 4.

[rpriske]

May 29th, 1993

In Atlanta, trying to sway the series back in our direction.

Today the Braves are pitching Oil Can Boyd (2-3, 5.62).

The Giants have Craig Lefferts (2-5, 7.14).

I am hitting seventh.

In the top of the 1st, Ken Caminiti hit a solo bomb.

Giants lead 1-0

The lead was short lived as int eh bottom of the inning, Jeff Blauser scored on a Ken Griffey Jr. sac fly.
Then Jim Thome hit a three run homer.

Braves lead 4-1

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Otis Nixon on 1st. I hit an infield single, moving Otis up 90 feet.
We were stranded.

I took care of a Jeff Bagwell grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 3rd.
Griffey, Andujar Cedeno, and Thome all scored on a one out, Chris Jones triple.

Matt had seen enough and brought in Mark Ross.
Jones scored on a Javy Lopez sac fly.

I handled a Blauser grounder for the 3rd out.

Braves lead 8-1

I came up in the 4th with two out and Otis on 1st again. I singled to left, advancing Otis to 3rd.
Antonio Martinez singled, scoring Otis and sending me to 3rd.
We were left on.

Braves lead 8-2

Mike Greenwell led off the bottom of the inning with a home run.

Braves lead 9-2

I came up in the 6th with one out and Otis on 1st for the third straight time. Like the first time, I reached on an infield single, sending Otis to 2nd.
I was erased when Antonio hit into a double play.

I caught a Thome pop up to end the 6th.

Joe Boever took over for us in the 7th.

I led off the 9th, now facing Jerry Gleaton. I dunked one into centre for a single.
With one out, pinch hitter, Manny Ramirez, hit into a double play.

Ugh.

18-32

I went 4 for 4, all singles. But I didn't score even once.

[rpriske]

May 30th, 1993

We are trying to avoid the sweep in Atlanta.

Today the Braves are pitching Ben McDonald (3-2, 3.15).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (2-3, 3.38).

I am hitting seventh.

We got off to a good start as in the 1st inning Ruben Sierra scored on a Bryce Bernadin single.
Then Ken Caminiti and Bryce scored on a Craig Grebeck double.
I grounded out to end the inning.

Giants lead 3-0

I took care of a Jeff Blauser grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the inning.

In the bottom of the 2nd, Ken Griffey Jr. scored on an Andujar Cedeno double.
Cedeno scored on a Chris Jones double.

Giants lead 3-2

I handled a Blauser grounder again for the 1st out if the bottom of the 3rd.

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

In the bottom half I made an error on a Jones grounder.
Then Cedeno scored on an error by Tim Naehring to tie the game. That is on Tim and me.

Game tied 3-3

I came up in the 6th with two out, Tim on 2nd, and Bobby Ayala on the mound. I dropped on RBI single into centre. I went to 2nd on the throw home.
I was left there.

Giants lead 4-3

In the 7th with one out and two on, Matt brought in Roger Mason.
He got out of it.

In the bottom of the 8th, the Braves tied it up with a solo homer by Mike Greenwell.

Game tied 4-4

I led off the 9th, now facing John DeSilva. I singled up the middle again.
Antonio Martinez tried to bunt me over but popped out.
Pinch hitter Manny Ramirez walked.
With two out we both moved up on a wild pitch.
Ken hit a three run homer!

Giants lead 7-4

Mike Perez came in to pitch the 9th for us.
Blauser scored on a single by Griffey.
Jeff Bagwell scored on a wild pitch.
Jim Thome and Griffey scored on a Jones single and we watched a three run lead turn into an 8-7 walk off for Atlanta.

18-33

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

Now we head to Florida.

[rpriske]

May 31st, 1993

We are in Miami for three days.

New team, new park, new everything.

The Marlins are pitching Pat Hentgen (4-6, 4.57).

The Giants have John Burkett (3-5, 4.33). John is pitching on three days rest.

I am hitting seventh.

We got on the board right away when Ruben Sierra scored on a Bryce Bernadin sac fly in the top of the 1st.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 2nd and grounded out to Scott Brosius at 3rd.

In the 2nd, Tom Brunansky scored on a Hentgen sac fly.

Game tied 1-1

I caught a Dwight Smith pop to end the 3rd.

In the 4th we turned a Priske - Grebeck - Caminiti double play.

I led off the 5th by flicking a curve ball down the right field line for a single.
I then went to 3rd on an Antonio Martinez double.
With one out, I was thrown out trying to score on a fielder's choice by Ruben.

I caught a Hentgen pop for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.
I then took care of a Randy Milligan grounder for the 3rd out.

With one out in the 6th, Matt brought in Kip Gross.

I led off the 7th by popping out to Brosius.

Antonio followed me with a home run.

Giants lead 2-1

Jose Bautista took over for us in the bottom of the 7th, along with a bunch of defensive dominos falling.

I caught a Dion James liner for the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th.

With two on and two out, Matt brought in Mike Christopher.
He got out of it.

I led off the 9th, now facing Danilo Rodriguez. I walked.
I went to 2nd on a sac bunt by Antonio.
I went to 3rd on stolen base #21.
I scored on a Ryan Klesko single.

Giants lead 3-1

Mike Perez took the ball in the bottom of the 9th.
He gave up a single, but that was all and we had the win.

19-33

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

We are two games ahead of the Reds, who are on a five game losing streak.

[rpriske]

June 1st, 1993

We are heading into June out of the cellar and on a winning streak.

All right, it is a one game winning streak.

Today the Marlins are pitching Luis Aquino (3-4, 4.71).

The Giants have Mark Gardner (1-1, 1.61).

I am hitting seventh.

We opened the scoring in the Top of the 1st when Ruben Sierra crossed on a Craig Grebeck single.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off the 2nd by working a walk.
I was replaced on a Joe Hall fielder's choice.

I next came up in the 4th with one out and Otis Nixon on 2nd. I flew out to Dion James in left.

I came up next in the 6th with one out, Otis on 1st, and Steve Reed pitching. I reached on an infield single, moving Otis to 2nd.
We were stranded.

In the bottom of the inning, Tom Brunansky hit a three-run homer.

Marlins lead 3-1

With one on and one out in the 7th, Matt brought in Mark Ross.

I came up in the 8th with none out, Otis on 1st, and Danilo Rodriguez on the mound. I walked again.
We both moved up on a Joe Hall sac bunt.
Otis scored on a pinch hit sac fly by Anonio Martinez
I scored on a double by Ruben, tying the game.

Game tied 3-3

Mike Christopher took the ball for us in the bottom of the inning.

I caught a Gerald Young pop for the and out in the bottom of the 8th.
Then I handled a Tom Lampkin grounder for the 3rd out.

We turned a Priske - Grebeck - Caminiti double play to send the game to extras.

I came up with one out in the 10th, now facing former teammate, Rod Nichols. He was taken from us in the Expansion Draft. I grounded out to Young at short.

I caught a Joe Oliver liner for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 10th.
I then took care of a Brunansky grounder for the 3rd out.

Kip Gross took the ball for us in the 11th.

I came up in the 12th with on out and Craig on 2nd. I was given an intentional walk.
Craig and I both scored on a double by Joe.

Giants lead 5-3

Joe Boever took over for us in the bottom of the 12th.
I caught a Mike Bordick pop up for the 2nd out.
Joe walked one but that was it and we had the win.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, three walks (one of them intentional), and two runs scored.

[rpriske]

June 2nd, 1993

Going for the sweep in Florida.

Today the Marlins are pitching Scott Kamieniecki (4-2, 5.28).

The Giants have Al Leiter (1-5, 4.60).

I am hitting sixth today.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I walked.
With two out, Antonio Martinez walked, loading the bases.
Al flew out, leaving us all there.

I caught a Chris James liner for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 2nd.

I came up in the 4th with none out and Craig on 2nd. I walked again.
Then Ryan Klesko reached and we loaded the bases on a Randy Milligan error.
We all moved up one base, scoring Craig, on a single by Antonio.
I was thrown out at home on a fielder's choice by Al.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 5th with one out, Craig on 1st, and Tim Naehring on 3rd. I popped out to Mike Bordick at 2nd.
Tim scored on a double by Ryan.

Giants lead 2-0

I handled a Dwight Smith grounder for the last out in the 5th,

I led off the 7th, now facing Julio Valera. I grounded out to Scott Brosius at 3rd.

Kip Gross took the ball for us in the 8th.
We turned a Grebeck - Priske line out double play.

I came up in the 9th with one out, Von Hayes on 2nd, and Darren Holmes pitching. I flew out to Smith in centre.

Mike Perez came it to nab the save.
I got the 2nd out, handling a Tom Lampkin grounder.
Mike threw a perfect inning and we had the shutout win.

We are up to 21-33, after three wins in a row.

I went 0 for 3 with a pair of walks.

We are heading home to take on the Pirates.

[rpriske]

June 3rd, 1993

It is good to be home. It is even better to be at home on a three game winning streak.

Today we face the Pirates, who are pitching Willie Banks (4-2, 4.08).

The Giants are going with Craig Lefferts (2-6, 8.17).

I am hitting third. Huh.

The Bucs struck first as before we even got an at bat, John Valentine scored on an Antonio Nellum single.
Then Bip Roberts scored on a Dave Nilsson single.
Nellum scored on a Brian Downing double.

Pirates lead 3-0

With all respect to Craig, he is a mess.

I came up in the bottom of the 1st, with two out, and I flew out to Jose Canseco in right.

Things evened up for us in the bottom of the 2nd.
Tim Naehring scored on a Ryan Klesko single.
Otis Nixon scored on a Joe Hall single.
Ryan scored on an Antonio Martinez sac fly.

Game tied 3-3

I took care of a Nellum grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 3rd and struck out.

In the 4th, Josh Boone hit a two run homer.

Matt pulled Craig after that and brought in Joe Boever.

Then came the bottom of the 4th.
Otis singled and stole 2nd.
Ryan singled and get an extra base on an error. Otis scored.
Joe Hall hit a two run homer.
Antonio singled.
Joe Boever tried a sac bunt, but it turned into a fielder's choice.
Ruben Sierra tripled, scoring Joe.
Ken Caminiti grounded out, but Ruben scored.
I walked.
Tim walked.
Otis struck out.

Giants lead 8-5

I came up in the 6th with none out, Joe B. on 3rd, Ruben on 2nd, and Ken on 1st. Pedro Martinez was pitching. (No, not THAT one.)
I reached on an infield hit, scoring Joe!
Tim hit into a fielder's choice as they got Ruben at the plate.
Otis walked, scoring Ken.
Then there was delay as the Pirates changed pitchers.
Tim and I both scored on a single by Ryan. Otis was thrown out trying to go to 3rd.

Giants lead 12-5

I came up in the 7th with two out, pinch hitter Bryce Bernadin on 3rd, Ruben on 2nd, and Jeff Parrett pitching. I singled to right, scoring Bryce, but Ruben was thrown out trying to score as well.

Giants lead 13-5

Roger Mason took the ball for us in the 8th.

I took care of a Downing grounder for the 2nd out behind him.
The Pirates got a couple of baserunners in the 8th and a couple more in the 9th but no scoring and we had the win!

A strong showing and our fourth straight victory!

22-33. We passed the Rockies and are now in 5th, 5.5 games behind the Astros for the division lead.

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

[rpriske]

June 4th, 1993

I was given an off day.

I came in as a pinch runner for Bryce Bernadin in the 6th in a 0-0 tie.
I was caught stealing.

I stayed in to play SS.

Mark Ross was pitching.
Brown Downing scored on a Luis Obregon single.

Pirates lead 1-0

Mike Christopher took the ball for us with one out in the 8th.
He gave up a home run to Dean Palmer.
I caught a towering pop up by Bip Roberts for the 2nd out then I took care of a Downing grounder for the 3rd out.

Pirates lead 2-0

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with on out, Tim Naehring on 1st, and Mauro Gozzo pitching. I hit one to the right field corner for an RBI triple!
I scored on a sac fly by Ryan Klesko.

Game tied 2-2

Mike Perez took the mound for us in the 9th.

I handled a Jamal Starks grounder for the 2nd out and an Obregon grounder for the 3rd out.

Ruben Sierra led off the bottom of the 9th with a home run, giving us a walk-off, 3-2 win!

23-33

Five in a row!

I went 1 for 1 with a triple, and RBI, a run scored, and a caught stealing.

My running game has been off this year. I don't care for that.

[rpriske]

June 5th, 1993

After playing more than planned on my 'off day', Matt is giving me another one today.

I did have a fruitless pinch hitting appearance and we ended up losing, 9-7, in 13 innings.

23-34. No more winning streak.

[rpriske]

June 6th, 1993

It is the final game in a four game set against the Pirates. We have taken 2 of 3.

Pittsburgh is pitching Mark Gubicza (2-0, 2.20).

The Giants have Mark Gardner (1-1, 2.10).

I am hitting clean-up. Huh.

I took care of a John Valentin grounder for the 2nd out of the game.

In the bottom half, Ruben Sierra scored on a Bryce Bernadin single.
I came up with none out, Bryce on 1st, and Ken Caminiti on 3rd. I reached on an infield hit, scoring Ken.
Craig Grebeck singled to load the bases.
Bryce scored and I went to 3rd on an Otis Nixon sac fly.
I scored on a Ryan Klesko sac fly.

Giants lead 4-0

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Ken on 2nd. While I was at the plate, Ken went to 3rd on a wild pitch. Then I walked.
Ken scored and I went to 2nd on an infield hit by Craig.
We both advanced on a balk.
We were left in scoring position.

Giants lead 5-0

In the 4th the Pirates got on the board when Bip Roberts crossed on a Brian Downing single.
Later, Downing scored on an error by... me.
Then Jose Canseco scored on an error by Ken.
I caught a Valentin liner to end the frame.

Giants lead 5-3

I came up in the bottom of the 4th with two out. I walked, but got no further.

I caught a Downing liner for the 1st out in the 5th.
Dave Nillson hit a three run homer, giving Pittsburgh the lead.

Roger Mason relieved for us.

Pirates lead 6-5

Kip Gross took the ball for us in the 7th.

I caught a Canseco pop for the 1st out.
Downing scored on a Luis Obregon single.

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

Pirates lead 7-5

I led off the bottom of the 7th, now facing Doug Jones. I drove a ball to left for a single.
With two out I went to 3rd on a single by Ryan.
We were stranded.

Jose Bautista relieved for us in the 9th.
We turned a Grebeck - Priske - Klesko double play.

I came up in the 9th with one out and Mike Stanton pitching. I grounded out to Josh Boone at 3rd.

We managed to blow a five run lead.

23-35

I went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles, two walks, an RBI, and a run scored.

Tomorrow is an off day, but first we got an Update on the All Star voting.
I am trailing Travis Fryman of the Cubs.

The Cardinals are coming to town for two games.

[rpriske]

June 8th, 1993

The Cardinals are in town for two games.

Today they are pitching Pedro Martinez (7-2, 2.41).

The Giants have Al Leiter (2-5, 4.11).

I am back to hitting seventh.

In the bottom of the 1st, Bryce Bernadin hit a solo homer.

Giants lead 1-0

I caught a Rafael Palmeiro pop for the 1st out in the 2nd.

I came up in the bottom half, with one out and Craig Grebeck on 2nd. I struck out.

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

Al didn't give up a hit until the 6th and we immediately followed it with a Grebeck - Priske - Caminiti double play.

The Cards tied it up in the 7th when Palmeiro scored on a Greg Colbrunn single.
With two out and the bases loaded, Matt brought in Kip Gross.
He got the strikeout.

Game tied 1-1

I came up in the bottom of the 7th with none out, Craig on 3rd, and Otis Nixon on 1st. I reached on a fielder's choice as Craig was thrown out trying to score.
Antonio Martinez hit into a double play.

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

Mike Perez took the ball for us in the 9th.

With a man on and two out in the 10th, Matt brought in Mike Christopher.
He walked guy and then gave up an RBI single to Palmeiro, scoring Wade Boggs.

Cardinals lead 2-1

I led off the bottom of the 10th, facing Derek Lilliquist. I flew out to Andy Van Slyke in right.

We couldn't get that run back and lost it in ten.

23-36

I went 0 for 4.

[rpriske]

June 9th, 1993

We lost yesterday in extras. Hopefully we can get it back today.

The Cardinals are pitching Doug Drabek (5-5, 3.29).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (2-3, 3.11).

I am hitting seventh.

In the top of the 2nd, Greg Colbrunn scored on an Antonio Meza single.

Cardinals lead 1-0

I came up in the bottom half, with one out, Craig Grebeck on 2nd, and Otis Nixon on 1st. I hit one up the middle for an RBI single! Otis and I took an extra base when they tried to catch Craig at home.
Antonio Martinez walked, loading the bases.
Otis was cut down as Charlie hit into a fielders' choice.
We left it that way.

Game tied 1-1

We took the lead in the 3rd when Ken Caminiti scored on a double by Craig.

Giants lead 2-1

The lead was gone quickly as Jeromy Burnitz hit a two run homer in the 4th.
I caught a John Valentin pop for the 1st out.

Cardinals lead 3-2

I led off the bottom of the 4th by doubling to the right field corner.
I went to 3rd when Antonio was safe on a dropped fly ball by Andy Van Slyke in right.
Antonio went to 2nd on a sac bunt by Charlie.
I scored on a Ruben Sierra groundout.
Antonio scored on a single by Ken.

Giants lead 4-3

I handled a Wade Boggs grounder for the 2nd out in the 5th.

I led off in the 6th by striking out.

Once again the Cards grabbed the lead back when Bernie Williams hit a two run shot in the 7th.
Matt went to Kip Gross after that.

Cardinals lead 5-4

With two out and one on in the 8th, Matt brought in Mike Christoper.
He gave up an RBI single to Valentin, scoring Rafael Palmeiro.
I took care of a Maza grounder to end the frame.

Cardinals lead 6-4

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with one out, Craig on 2nd, and Jason Bere pitching. I popped out to Boggs at 3rd.

Joe Boever came in to pitch the 9th for us.

Another loss.

23-37

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

We have an off day before the Cubs come to town.

[rpriske]

June 11th, 1993

It is game one of three against the Cubs.

Today Chicago is pitching Randy Johnson (2-4, 2.99).

The Giants have John Burkett (3-5, 4.46).

I am hitting seventh.

The Cubs struck early as Travis Fryman scored on a Chris Hoiles sac fly in the top of the 1st.

Cubs lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. RBI single up the middle!
Stolen base #22.
I went to 3rd on a Ryan Klesko groundout, but was left there.

Game tied 1-1

In the 3rd we turned a Grebeck - Priske - Caminiti double play, but Fryman scored on the play.
I handled a Willie Murray grounder for the 3rd out.

Cubs lead 2-1

Ivan Rodriguez led off the 4th with a homer.

Cubs lead 3-1

I came up in the bottom of the 4th with two out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I flew out to Paul O'Neill in right.

In the 5th, Randy Velarde scored on a Murray sac fly.
Then O'Neill scored on a Bret Barberie single.

With two on and two out, Matt brought in Joe Hall.
He got the 3rd out.

Cubs lead 5-1

I took care of an O'Neill grounder for the 1st out in the 7th.

I then led off the bottom of the inning by taking a walk.
Then Ryan walked.
Stolen base #23.
I scored on a single by Joe.

Cubs lead 5-2

In the bottom of the 8th, Tim hit a solo home run.
I came up with two out, now facing Jose Jaramillo. I walked again.
I was left at 1st.

Cubs lead 5-3

Mike Christopher took the ball for us in the 9th.
I handled a Fryman grounder for the 1st out.

Bottom of the 9th.
Bryce Bernadin reached on a pinch hit single.
Lee Smith relieved for Chicago.
Otis Nixon flied out.
Ruben Sierra singled.
Alvin Davis got a pinch-hit, three run homer to give us w all-off, 6-5 win!

Hero!

24-37

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

[rpriske]

June 12th, 1993

After a dramatic win yesterday, we are trying to keep the momentum going.

Today the Cubs are pitching David Palmer (4-2, 2.65).

The Giants have Mark Gardner (1-2, 2.79).

I am hitting seventh.

I handled an Ivan Rodriguez grounder to end the top of the 2nd.

I then led off in the 3rd by taking a walk.
I went to 2nd on an Antonio Martinez single.
We both moved up in a sac bunt by Mark.
I scored on a Ruben Sierra single.. Antonio was thrown out trying to score as well.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 5th with on out and Otis Nixon on 2nd. I grounded out, advancing Otis to 3rd.
He then scored on a sac fly by Antonio.

Giants lead 2-0

Mark was perfect until giving up a lead off walk to Bret Barberie in the 6th.
He still had a no hitter until Travis Fryman hit a two out, two run, homer.

Game tied 2-2

We got the lead right back in the bottom half when Ken Caminiti scored on a Craig Grebeck single.

Giants lead 3-2

I took care of a Paul O'Neill grounder for the 1st out in the 7th.

I led off the bottom half by popping out to Chris Hoiles at 1st.

With a man on and two out in the 8th, Matt brought in Mike Christopher. Mark still only allowed one hit.
Mike immediately gave up a game tying double to Fryman.

Game tied 3-3

Again we took the lead right back in the bottom half. Ruben Sierra scored on a Ryan Klesko single.
Then Alvin Davis scored when Otis walked with the bases loaded.
I came up and hit into a fielder's choice, as Ryan was cut down at home.

Giants lead 5-3

Mike Perez took the ball for us in the 9th.
He gave up a leadoff homer to O'Neill.
I handled a Willie Murray grounder for the 2nd out.
Mike closed it out and we had the 5-4 win.

Two wins in a row against a 1st place team.

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

[rpriske]

June 13th, 1993

Can we sweep the 1st place Cubs?

They are pitching Luis Galvan (2-3, 6.93).

The Giants have Al Leiter (2-5, 3.86).

I am hitting seventh.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Tim Naehring on 2nd. They got behind in the count then walked me intentionally.
We were left on.

In the 4th, Bryce Bernadin scored on a Craig Grebeck sac fly.

I came up with two out and Tim on 1st. I grounded out to Bret Barnerie at 2nd.

Giants lead 1-0

Ivan Rodriguez scored on the top of the 5th after I mucked up a throw to the plate.

Game tied 1-1

Roger Mason took over for us with two out in the 6th and a man on 1st - whom he promptly picked off.

In the bottom of the inning, Ken Caminiti scored on a single by Tim.
Tim scored on a single by Craig.
I then walked by Craig and I were left on.

Giants lead 3-1

I handled a roundball by pinch hitter (and all-around scumbag), Mel Hall, for the 3rd out in the 7th.

Kip Gross took over for us in the 8th. Von Hayes, Alvin Davis, and Ryan Klesko all came in on defense.

Travis Fryman scored on a fielder's choice by Paul O'Neill, where we didn't even get the out.
Then Randy Velarde scored on a Chris Hoiles sac fly, tying the game.
O'Neill scored on a single by Rodriguez.
Willie Murray and Rodriguez scored on a pinch hit single by Darius Smith.

Through all that, Kip only got two out.
Mark Ross came in with men on the corners and got the 3rd out.

Cubs lead 6-3

I took care of a Hoiles grounder for the 3rd out in the 9th.

I then led off the bottom of the 9th, now facing Lee Smith. I lined out to Nelson Peralta in left.

We couldn't score and lost, 6-3.

25-38

I went 0 for 2 with a pair of walks and an error.

We have a travel day as we head to Cincinnati.