Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

June 26th, 1987

The Astros are in town and they are pitching Mike Scott (11-3, 2.43).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (10-3, 2.57).

Sounds like a solid pitching match-up.

I have gone 7 for 29 vs Scott.

I got the 1st out, nailing Bill Doran on a Jeffrey Leonard fielder's choice.

I led off our half by grounding out to Karl Allaire at short.

In the 2nd we got a nice Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Brian Harper and Dave Gallagher.

I got the 3rd out in the 3rd by taking a Doran grounder.

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

Glenn Davis hit a solo homer in the 4th. We followed with a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Harold Baines and Harper to end the inning.

Astros lead 1-0

In the bottom half we evened things back up when Mike Aldrete scored on a Steve Stanicek sac fly.

Game tied 1-1

I got the 2nd out in the 5th off a Tim Jones grounder.

I came up with one out in the 6th and struck out again.

I got the 2nd out in the 7th off a Gallagher grounder.

I came up with two out in the 8th and struck out for the 3rd straight time.

After Bruce gave up a single to pinch hitter Craig Biggio with two out in the 9th, Nestor went to Scott Garrelts. Scott got out of it.

In the 9th Mike Aldrete worked a lead-off walk. He advanced, twice, both on outs. Then Rob Deer managed a clutch single to give us the walk-off, 2-1 win.

Another dramatic win, but another terrible game for me. 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts.

[rpriske]

June 27th, 1987

Today the Astros are pitching Derek Livernois (0-8, 7.80).

The Giants are going with Sergio Valdez (0-1, 63.00).

This doesn't look like a Cy Young battle, but that was after one start by Sergio. I am sure he can turn it around.

I have gone 0 for 3 vs Livernois.

With one out in the 1st, I should have gotten the 2nd, but instead I made by 5th error of the season, allowing Brian Harper to reach safely.
I got him immediately on a Keith Hernandez fielder's choice.

I led off the home half by dropping one into shallow centre for a single. Stolen base #69, dude. I went to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete groundout. Chili Davis walked and then Steve Stanicek smacked a three run homer.

Giants lead 3-0

The Astros got on the board in the 2nd when Craig Biggio scored on a Karl Allaire single.

Giants lead 3-1

I came up with two out in the 2nd and took a walk. Stolen base #70. I ended up scoring on a single by Chili. Mike scored on a single by Steve.

Giants lead 5-1

I got the 3rd out in the 3rd off a Jeffrey Leonard grounder.

I came up in the bottom half with two out, Robby Thompson on 3rd, and Chris Brown on 1st. Scott McGregor was pitching. I hit one though the right side for an RBI single!

Giants lead 6-1

I got the 2nd out in the 4th off an Allaire grounder.

In the bottom half Steve launched his 2nd home run of the game - this time it was solo.

Giants lead 7-1

In the 5th Hernandez scored on a wild pitch.

Giants lead 7-2

I came up with one out in the bottom half and singled into left! Stolen base #71 AND #72! I scored on a sac fly by Mike.

Giants lead 8-2

I got the 1st out in the 6th by handling a Tim Jones grounder. Leonard scored on an Allaire sac fly. I caught a liner by pinch hitter Ken Griffey Jr. to end the inning.

Giants lead 8-3

In the 6th Robby hit a two run bomb!
I came up with Chris on 3rd and two out, facing Mike Shelton. I struck out.

Giants lead 10-3

In the 7th both Harper and Harold Baines scored on a Biggio double.
Nestor went to Frank Williams at that point.
I wrapped thing sup for him with a Leonard groundout.

Giants lead 10-5

In our half Mike scored on a bases loaded walk and then Chili scored on a fielder's choice by Robby.

Giants lead 12-5

In the 8th pinch hitter Lenny Harris scored on a double by pitcher Anthony Kelley. We wrapped up the inning with a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Bill Doran and Harper.

Giants lead 12-6

I came up in the 8th, with one out and facing Kelley. I popped out to Allaire at short.

That was the first time we didn't score in an inning.

Mark Davis took the mound in the 9th. Three batters later and it was all over.

I had a nice slump-buster of a day! 3 for 5 with 3 singles, a walk, an RBI, 3 runs scored, and 4 stolen bases!

[rpriske]

June 28th, 1987

We are wrapping up against the Astros and they are pitching Bryn Smith (8-4, 2.27).

The Giants have Doyle Alexander (9-2, 3.06).

I have gone 2 for 11 vs Smith.

I led off the bottom half by legging out an infield single that went deep at 2nd. Stolen base #73. I moved to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete ground out and scored on a Chili Davis sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the 2nd out in the 2nd by taking a Craig Biggio grounder.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Karl Allaire at short.

We got another run in the 5th when Robby Thompson scored from 2nd on an Alan Cockrell single. I came up with two out and Alan on 2nd. I dropped one into right field, allowing Alan to score! Stolen base #74 AND 75! I was left.

Giants lead 3-0

We got out of the 6th with a nice Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Keith Hernandez and Harold Baines.

In the bottom half Chili scored on a Rob Deer sac fly.

Giants lead 4-0

I got the 1st out in the 7th off another Biggio grounder.

I came up with two out in the 7th and lined out to Jeffrey Leonard in left.

In the 8th Glenn Davis hit a pinch hit, two run homer.
I got the 1st out after that, taking a Bill Doran grounder.

Giants lead 4-2

Dennis Eckersley came in to shut things down in the 9th. He allowed a two out single but that was all, and we had the game.

Another solid game for me, going 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, a run, an RBI, and three stolen bases.

That was our fifth win in a row!

The Weekly Power Rankings came out and we are #1!

The Braves are coming to town tomorrow and we are hot, hot, hot!

[rpriske]

June 29th, 1987

The Braves are in town and are pitching Tom Glavine (6-6, 4.04).

The Giants have Eric Show (4-9, 4.47).

I have gone 6 for 25, including a home run, against Glavine.

Show is not having the best season, but we are hot!

Atlanta got to Eric right away as Milt Thompson scored on an Andres Galarraga single, still with none out. Then Gerald Perry scored on a Gary Sheffield sac fly.

Braves lead 2-0

I led off the bottom half by putting one into the left field corner for a double. With one out, stolen base #76. With two out, Rob Deer smashed a big three-run homer.

Giants lead 3-2

In the 2nd I came up with one out and Chris Brown on 1st. I struck out.

I got the 2nd out in the 3rd off a fielder's choice ball by Jeff Blauser. I then handled a Ron Cey grounder to finish it off.

We had a big 3rd. First Chili Davis scored on a sac fly by Rob. Later Chris blasted a three-run home run.

Giants lead 7-2

I got the 2nd out in the 4th, catching a Gerald Perry pop.

I led off the bottom half by flying out to Ken Griffey Jr. in right.

In the 5th Griffey scored on a Key single, plus a throwing error by Chili.
Nelson Santovenia followed with a two-run homer.

Giants lead 7-5

I came up in the bottom of half, with the bases full and two out. I wasn't able to make it work, flying out.

Mark Clear relieved for us in the 6th. He pitched two and then Scott Garrelts took over in the 8th.

I led off the bottom of the 9th, now facing Steve Farr. I pushed one through the left side for a single. Stolen base #77. I moved to 3rd on a Mike Aldrete ground out. With two out I scored on a single by Rob. After that the Braves walked TWO with he bases loaded.

Giants lead 10-5

With the extra cushion Frank Williams came in to pitch the 9th. He walked the first two guys and Nestor switched to Mark Davis. He struck out one but then gave up another walk and then a single to Griffey, scoring Milt Thompson.
That made it time for Dennis Eckersley.
He got a strikeout but then Cey singled, scoring Perry.
Another strikeout and we had a 10-7 win.

That is six wins in a row!

I went 2 for 5 with a single, a double, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

After the game we found out that Sergio Valdez was sent to Phoenix and Dave Miller was called back up. Bill Laskey was placed on waivers.

This is a tough staff to break into.

[rpriske]

June 30th, 1987

Today the Braves are sending up Norm Charlton (4-5, 5.83).

The Giants have Bryan Hickerson (5-4, 4.38).

I have gone 1 for 6 against Charlton.

I led off the home half of the game by working a walk. I went to 3rd on a double by Mike Aldrete and scored on a Steve Stanicek sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the 3rd out in the 2nd off a Milt Thompson grounder.

I then got the 2nd out in the 3rd off a Jeff Blauser fielder's choice ball. Unfortunately, Andres Galarraga scored on the play.


Game tied 1-1

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Galrraga at 1st.

The Braves took the lead in the 4th off a two-run homer by Gerald Perry.

Braves lead 3-1

The lead was short lived as Rob Deer and Chris Brown both scored on a Scott Bradley single in the bottom half.

Game tied 3-3

I led off in the 5th and grounded out to Blauser at 2nd.
Before the inning was up, Mike Aldrete scored on a wild pitch to give us the lead.

Giants lead 4-3

Jeff Robinson took over mound duties for us in the 7th.

I led off the bottom half by hustling an infield hit to 3rd. I went to 2nd on a groundout by Mike. Steve followed by smashing a two run homer.
Once again, Rob and Robby Thompson scored on a single by Scott.

Giants lead 8-3

Mark Davis relieved to open he 8th.
He got his three and then I led off against Barry Jones. I lined out to Blauser.

I handled a Ron Cey grounder for the 2nd out in the 9th. He then gave up a walk but closed it out. We have won seven in a row!

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, and two runs scored.

[rpriske]

July 1st, 1987

Happy Canada Day to me... let's see if I can have a big game.

The Braves are wrapping up here in San Francisco, sending up Johnny Cash (4-7, 5.34).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (10-3, 2.47).

I have gone 2 for 6 vs Cash.

I led off the home half of the game by grounding out to Jeff Blauser at 2nd.

For the 3rd out in the 2nd, I returned the favour, handling a Blauser grounder.

I then caught a popup by Nelson Santovenia for the 2nd out in the 3rd.

In the bottom of the 3rd I came up with two out and Jerry Mumphrey on 2nd. I walked. Mike Aldrete loaded the base sup with Blauser muffed his grounder. We weren't able to take advantage.

I got the 1st out in the 4th on a Gerald Perry grounder.
The Braves opened the scoring that frame when Milt Thompson scored on a Gary Sheffield single.

Braves lead 1-0

We got it back in the bottom half when Steve Stanciek scored on a double by Jerry.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with one out in the 5th and pushed one through the right side for a single. Stolen base #78. I went to 3rd on a ground out by Mike.
I ended up scoring on a Robby Thompson single. Chili and Steve scored on a Chris Brown single and then Robby scored on a single by Jerry.

Giants lead 5-1

In the 6th Bruce Benedict scored on a groundout by Perry.

Giants lead 5-2

I came up in the 6th with Bruce on 1st and Barry Jones pitching. I hit one to Blauser for a fielder's choice. Stolen base #79. I scored from 2nd on a single by Chili.

Giants lead 6-2

I came up in the 8th with one out, Scott Bradley on 2nd, and Brian Fisher on the mound. I doubled to left-centre for an RBI!
With two out Chili drove one for a two-run dinger!

Giants lead 9-2

Frank Williams relieved for us in the 9th. Three outs later we had our 8th win in a row!

I went 2 for 4 with a single, a double, a walk, an RBI, three runs scored, and two stolen bases!

We now have a travel day as we head to Chicago.

[rpriske]

July 3rd, 1987

We are in Wrigley to face the Cubs and they are pitching Greg Maddux (4-10, 4.59).

The Giants are going with Doyle Alexander (10-2, 3.01).

I have gone 3 for 15 with a home run off Maddux.

I opened the game by grounding out to Gary Jones at 2nd.

We got not he board in the 2nd when Rob Deer scored on a Chris Brown single.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Jones again.

I made my first defensive play on the game - a gem, taking a Mike Brumley grounder for the first out in the bottom half.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Alan Cockrell on 3rd. I hit what I THOUGHT was going to be a sac fly, but Alan was thrown out at home!

I got the 2nd out in the 4th off a Dave Valle grounder.

I then got the last out in the 5th off a grounder by Jones.

Rob Deer led off the 7th with a home run.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off the 8th by dropping one into centre for a single. Stolen base #80. I went to 3rd on an infield hit by Mike Aldrete. I scored on a Chili Davis sac fly.

Giants lead 3-0

I caught a Tom Foley fly for the 1st out in the bottom half.
The Braves broke the goose egg when Brumley scored on a Jones groundout. Pinch hitter Bo Diaz scored on a passed ball.

Giants lead 3-2

We had some defensive changes as Brian Giles took over at 3rd and Bobby Grich took over at 1st.

Dennis Eckersley took over on the mound in the 9th. He wasn't able to extend his major league leading saves total as Paul O'Neill got a leadoff double and scored on a Mel Hall single to tie it up.
I got the 2nd out on a Tom Foley fielder's choice ball.
The Cubs loaded them up but Eck pitched out of it, sending us to extras.

Game toed 3-3

I led off the 10th, now facing Don August. I flew out to Marvell Wynne in right.

Scott Garrelts took over on the mound for us. Scott had yet to get a loss this season, but it was not to be. O'Neill got the RBI single for a walk-off win, ending our win streak.

I went 1 for 5 with a single, a run scored, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

July 4th, 1987

We are in Chicago for the holiday. The Cubs are pitching Mike Maddux (6-6, 4.97).

The Giants are going with Eric Show (5-9, 4.60).

I have gone 1 for 9 against Maddux.

I led off the game by grounding out right back to Maddux.
We got one on the board in the 1st when Mike Aldrete Scored on a Robby Thompson single. That was the good news. The bad news was that after the hit Robby had to leave the game. He has missed a lot of the season. Hopefully this isn't as serious.
Bobby Grich took over for him.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and John Rabb on 2nd. I hit one to the right field fence for an RBI triple! Mike followed with two run homer!

Giants lead 4-0

I got the last out in the bottom half off a Mike Brumley grounder.

In the 3rd John walloped a solo homer!

Giants lead 5-0

I got the last out in the bottom half again - this time it was a Gary Jones grounder.

I led off the 4th by hitting open up the middle for a single. Stolen base #81. I moved to 3rd on a one out single by Chili Davis. I scored on a Steve Stanicek sac fly.
Befroe the inning was up, both Rob Deer and Chris Brown hit two run homers!

Giants lead 10-0

I came up with one out in the 5th, with Jim Neidlinger pitching. I struck out.

In the 6th Steve scored on a double play.

Giants lead 11-0

In the bottom half we got a nice Grich - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Gary Jones and Marvell Wynne.

I came up with one out in the 7th and grounded out to Jones at 2nd.

The Cubs finally got on the board in the 7th when Billy Hatcher scored on a Dave Valle single.

Giants lead 11-1

In the 8th pinch hitter Bo Diaz scored on a single by Wynne.

Giants lead 11-2

In the top of the 9th Chris scored on a sac fly by pinch hitter Alan Cockrell.
I was then lifted for pinch hitter Brian Giles.

The score held and we won 12-2

I went 2 for 5 with a triple, a single, an RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base.

Bad news for Robby. After the game we found out he had a strained groin and was heading to the DL for 2-3 weeks.

Tom O'Malley was recalled from Phoenix.

[rpriske]

July 5th, 1987

In Chicago facing the Cubs and Richard Dotson (5-10, 5.52).

The Giants are pitching Bryan Hickerson (6-4, 4.39).

I am 1 for 7 vs Dotson.

I led off the game by never getting a pitch to swing at and taking a walk. I advanced to 2nd on a Mike Aldrete groundout. Stolen base #82. I ended up not scoring.

Rob Deer led off the 2nd with a home run.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the 1st out in the bottom half with a nice play on a Mel Hall grounder.
Unfortunately, Dotson, of all people, hit a two run homer.

Cubs lead 2-1

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Mike Brumley at short.

I came up next with one out in the 5th and fouled on to Juan Beniquez at 3rd.

In the 6th Brumley scored on a Gary Jones single.

Cubs lead 3-1

I came up in the 7th with two out and Bobby Grich on 1st. I grounded out to Beniquez.

Mark Davis took over pitching for us that inning. I got the 3rd out for him, nailing Hall again.

Scott Garrelts came in with two out in the 8th.

With the game on the line in the 9th, Alan Cockrell and Bobby Grich scored on a double by pinch hitter Scott Bradley. I flew out to end it, but we had tied it up!

Game tied 3-3

Jeff Robinson took over on the mound for us.
Our jubilation was short lived as Marvell Wynne led off the bottom of the 9th with a double and then Bill Hatcher drove him home with a walk off single.

We lost 4-3.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base.

The All-Star Voting updates always seem to come out when I have had a bad game.
I am still leading at short. Eck is still leading as well. Bruce Ruffin and Scott Garrelts are also getting decent votes.

Tomorrow we are in Pittsburgh.

[rpriske]

July 6th, 1987

We are in Pittsburgh to face Mike Bielecki (7-5, 3.83) and the Pirates.

The Giants are pitching Bruce Ruffin (11-3, 2.45).

I have gone a solid 4 for 10 against Bielecki.

I led off the game by flying out to Kirk Gibson in left.

The Pirates struck early as Sid Bream hit a two run home run in the 1st. I caught a Bon Baylor pop for the 3rd out.

Pirates lead 2-0

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Bruce on 1st. I flew out to Gibson again.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half by taking a Johnny Ray grounder.

I then got the 2nd out in the 4th off an Ozzie Virgil grounder.

I stayed active in the 5th, get the 1st out off a Bielecki grounder. I caught a Ray pop up for the 2nd out. Ozzie Smith scored on a Bream single. Baylor followed with a three run homer.
Nestor got the hook out and brought in Frank Williams after that.
I took a Virgil grounder to end the bleeding.

Pirates lead 6-0

I came up with one out in the 6th and struck out.
Mike Aldrete followed with a solo home run.

Pirates lead 6-1

In the bottom half Bip Roberts and Pete Rice scored on a single by Smith. With two out Smith scored on a Gibson single.

Pirates lead 9-1

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 7th off a Baylor grounder.

I came up with two out in the 8th and took a walk. I was left there.

In the bottom half Dan Driessen took over at 1st after pinch hitting for Mike Aldrete. Mark Clear took over on the mound.

I got the 1st out, nailing Fernando Gonzalez on a fielder's choice by Smith. A Grich - Priske - Driessen double play got Smith and Ray.

The 9th was big for us. Steve Stanicek doubled with one out. Rob Deer walked. Chris Brown singled, loading the bases. Bobby Grich reached on an error, allowing Steve to score. John Rabb cleared them all with a Grand Slam! Scott Bradley got a pinch hit double. Tim Stoddard struck me out. Driessen singled, scoring Scott.

But we couldn't get any more and lost 9-7.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk.

[rpriske]

July 7th, 1987

In Pittsburgh facing Neil Allen (0-6, 8.92) and the Pirates.

The Giants are going with Dave Miller (1-1, 7.13).

This could be a high scoring affair.

I have gone 0 for 3 vs Allen.

I led off the game by working an 8 pitch walk. Stolen base #83. I moved to 3rd on a Chili Davis groundout but got no further.

I caught a Johnny Ray pop up for the 1st out in the bottom half.

In the 2nd the Bucs scored when Don Baylor crossed on a Pete Rice double.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and I knocked one through the left side for a single. I advanced to 2nd on a flyable by Mike Aldrete. I was left again.

I got the last out in the 3rd off a Leon Durham grounder.

I did the same in the 4th off an Allen grounder.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Miller on 1st. I struck out.
Dave scored on a double by Mike to tie it up!

Game tied 1-1

The Pirates got the lead back in the 6th when Rice scored on a single by Ozzie Smith.

Pirates lead 2-1

We tied it right back up in the 7th when Alan Cockrell scored on a squeeze play by Dave!
I came up with one out and Dave on 1st. Cecilio Guante was brought in to face me and he induced a fly ball to Kirk Gibson in left.


Game tied 2-2

I returned the favour with a groundball by Gibson for the 1st out in the bottom half. Durham followed that with a solo homer. I handled a Rice grounder for the final out.

Pirates lead 3-2

I then got the 1st out in the bottom of the 8th off a grounder by pinch hitter Tony Armas.

With the gam eon the line I came up with two out in the 9th and pinch hitter Jerry Mumphrey on 1st. Pirates' closer Dale Mahorcic was on the mound.
I grounded out to Ray at 2nd and the game was over.

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

We have lost three in a row and the Reds have won three in a row so our lead is down to five games.

[rpriske]

July 7th, 1987

We are finishing up the server sin Pittsburgh and the Pirates are pitching Bob Walk (5-9, 5.35).

The Giants are going with Doyle Alexander (10-2, 2.96).

I have gone 3 for 7 against Walk, with a rare Rusty Home Run.

I led off the game by making that 4 for 8 as I singled through the right side.
I moved to 2nd on a Mike Aldrete groundout. I grabbed stolen base #84. I ended up scoring on a wild pitch while Rob Deer was up.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out and the bases loaded. I hit one into the left field corner for a double, scoring Bobby Grich and John Rabb! Then both Doyle and I scored on a single by Mike!

Giants lead 5-0!

The Pirates got on the board in the bottom half when Ozzie Virgil doubled home Don Baylor. I caught a Bip Roberts pop for the 2nd out.

Giants lead 5-1

In the 3rd Johnny Rabb clocked a two out solo homer.
I came up with two out and Doyle on 1st. Fernando Gonzalez was now pitching. I grounded out to Ozzie Smith at short.

Giants lead 6-1

In the bottom half we got a nice Grich - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Smith and Johnny Ray out. Bobby is fighting a cold but you couldn't tell it on the field.

In the 4th Chili Davis hit a two run homer to widen our lead.

Giants lead 8-1

In the bottom half Kirk Gibson scored on a Virgil sac fly.

Giants lead 8-2

I came up with two out in the 5th and grounded out to Ray at 2nd.

I took a Roberts grounder for the 1st out in the bottom frame.

In the 7th I got the 1st out off a Baylor fielder's choice.

I came up with one out in the 8th, now facing Cecilio Guante. I grounded out to Roberts at 3rd.

Doyle ended up getting the complete game win!

I went 2 for 5 with a single, a double, two RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base!

I even made the highlight reel that night!

After the game Dave Miller was sent back to Phoenix and Scott Service was called up.

We are heading to St.Louis.

[rpriske]

July 9th, 1987

We are in St.Louis too ace the Cardinals and Greg Mathews (6-5, 3.90).

The Giants are going with Eric Show (6-9, 4.44).

I have gone 1 for 4 vs Mathews.

I led off the game by striking out.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half, taking a Tom Herr grounder.

I led off the 3rd by returning the favour, grounding out to Herr at 2nd.
Mike Aldrete followed me with a solo homer.

Giants lead 1-0

The Cards tied it up with an RBI double by Herr, scoring Mathews.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with one out in the 5th and flew out to Oddibe McDowell in centre.

I handled a Jack Ayer grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half.

In the 6th Rob Deer scored on a Scott Bradley double.

Giants lead 2-1

Once again the lead was short lived as Mike Marshall scored on a single by Terry Pendleton and an error by Chili Davis.

Game tied 2-2

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

I made the last out of the inning by taking a Herr grounder again.

I caught a McDowell pop for the last out in the 8th.

Dennis Eckersley took the mound for us in the 9th, hoping to push the game to extras.
He only faced one batter as Pendleton put one over the right field wall to walk off.

We lost and I went 0 for 4.

We just heard that Goose Gossage has been traded from the Padres to the Braves. Even a vet isn't safe. I wonder if I will ever be traded.

[rpriske]

July 10th, 1987

Today the Cardinals are throwing Ted Power (8-8, 5.20) at us.

The Giants are answering with Bryan Hickerson (6-4, 4.40).

I have gone 2 for 10 vs Power.

I kicked off the game by outrunning a weak hit for an infield single. Stolen base #85 AND #86! I scored on a Chili Davis sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I caught an Andy Van Slyke liner for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

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

I returned the favour, handling a Herr grounder for the 1st out int he bottom frame.

We scored again when Rob Deer scored on a Bobby Grich single.

Giants lead 2-0

The Cards got on the board in the bottom half when Luis Iglesias scored on a Vince Coleman triple. Then Coleman scored on a ground out by Herr.

Game tied 2-2

I led off the 5th by grounding out to Iglesias at short.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half off a Mike Marshall grounder. I then get the 3rd out with a man on 3rd, grabbing an Iglesias grounder.

In the 6th Mike Aldrete launched a solo homer.

Giants lead 3-2

I came up with two out in the 7th and struck out.

The Cardinals even up the score in the 7th when Andy Van Slyke scored on a Terry Pendleton sac fly.

Game tied 3-3

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 9th off another grounder by Herr.

I came up in the top o the 10th with the potential winning run in the form of pinch hitter Jerry Mumphrey on 1st. There was none out and Tim Crews was brought in to face me. I do my part and drop one into left for a single, moving Jerry to 2nd.
Brian Giles took over for Jerry as pinch runner.
Chris Brown hit into what looked like a double play but I hit Herr hard enough to stop him from turning it. I hurt my shoulder on the play but it was worth it. I was fine.
Then Brian scored on a sac fly by Chili and of that wasn't enough, Steve Stanicek belted a two run home run!

Giants lead 6-3

Dennis Eckersley came in to shut it down in the 10th. I got the 2nd out for him off a Willie McGee grounder. Iglesias follows with a double, scoring Tom Pagnozzi. Then the Cards pulled within one when Iglesias scored on an Oddibe McDowell pinch hit double. Vince Coleman walked and Herr singled, scoring McDowell, and our lead was gone.

Game tied 6-6

We got the lead back in the 11th when Rob Deer scored on an Alan Cockrell single. I came up with Alan on 1st and two out. Dan Schatzeder was pitching. I flew out to Van Slyke in right.

Giants lead 7-6

Scott Garrelts took over on the mound. Scott struck out the side and we had the hard fought win!

I went 2 for 6 with a pair of singles, a run scored, and two stolen bases.

[rpriske]

July 11th, 1987

Today the Cardinals are pitching Bob Kipper (8-5, 3.38).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (11-4, 2.76).

I have the day off. That collision yesterday didn't hurt much, but I can use the rest.

I prefer to play.

I made a fruitless pinch hit appearance but the guys didn't need me, beating the Cardinals 9-4.


There was a bit o fa shock after the game when was saw that Stanicek had been traded. Turned out it was PETE Stanicek, Steve's brother. He went from the Orioles to the Mariners.

The Giants DID make a trade, but it was giving up some minor leaguers I don't know for Mike Griffin of the Rangers.


They have announced the All-Star teams.

Bruce Ruffin is going. So is Scott Garrelts and Dennis Eckersley.
Chili Davis is going.

Oh, and so am I.

I am an All-Star. Wow.

[rpriske]

July 12th, 1987

We still have a game to play.

The Cardinals are pitching Mike Schooler (3-2, 5.29).

The Giants are going with Scott Service making his big league debut.

I led off the game by grounding out to Bill Buckner at 1st.

My first defensive play was the last out in the 2nd - a grounder by Buckner.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and hit a trickle down to 3rd and outran it for a single. Stolen base #87. I moved to 3rd on a ground out by Chris Brown, but got no further.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half, handling a Jack Ayer grounder.

The Cardinals open the scoring when Vince Coleman crossed on a Tom Herr single.

Cardinals lead 1-0

We got it back in the 4th when Rob Deer led off with a homer. I singled with two out and two on but Alan Cockrell was thrown out trying to score.

Game tied 1-1

They get the lead back when Scott throws a wild pitch, allowing Terry Pendleton to score.

Cardinals lead 2-1

In the 5th Coleman scored on an Oddibe McDowell single.

Cardinals lead 3-1

I came up in the 7th with one out and Dan Schatzeder on the mound. I grounded out to Pendleton at 3rd.

I got the 1st out in the home half, off a Willie McGee grounder.
I then got Coleman for the 2nd out, but Mike Aldrete dropped my throw.
Coleman ended up scoring on another error - this time by Chris Brown. McDowell followed with a two run homer.
That's it for Scott. Nestor went to Frank Williams.

Cardinals lead 6-1

I came up in the 9th with two out and Bobby Grich on 1st. Bill Campbell was pitching. I struck out.

Not a great showing by us.

I went 2 for 5 with a couple of singles and a stolen base.

We are going into the All-Star Break with a six game lead on the Reds.

We just found out the details of the Griffin trade. We also got Ruben Sierra. Both guys seem like they are under-performing to me, but I know what that can be like.

Sergio Valdez and Dave Miller have been dropped from the 40-man,
Sierra is going to Phoenix. So is Frank Williams. Griffin is joining us.

There was also another big announcement. Bobby Grich is hanging them up after this season. We kind of knew, but now it is official.

It has been great learning from him. (Honestly, he is a bit of a prima donna, but that doesn't mean I can't learn from him.)

[rpriske]

July 14th, 1987

Wow. Fenway Park.

All-Star Game.

Wow.

I need to get my head straight if I don't want to look like a rube out there.

I am lead off the game, facing Zane Smith of the Mariners. I ground one to Tony Fernandez at 2nd but I think my adrenaline is making me even faster and I outran him for a single.
With one out, Will Clark of the Reds singled and I went to 2nd.
With two out Kirk Gibson walked to load the bags.
Juan Samuel of the Phillies grounded out, stranding all of us.

Three Reds on the field and I am the only Giant. Who is leading who?
Ron Darling of the Mets was starting for the NL.

The AL got on the board in the 1st when Wade Boggs scored on a Don Mattingly double.

AL leads 1-0

In the 2nd Lance Parrish of the Angels belted a three-run homer off Steve Trout of the Reds.

AL leads 4-0

I led off the 3rd, now facing Jose Rijo of the A's. I thought I got a single but Kirby Puckett caught it with a diving catch.

We finish off the 3rd with a Priske - Samuel - Clark double play getting Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken out.

In the 4th I caught a Tony Fernandez liner for the 1st out. (Blue Jays!)

We got on the board in the 5th when Dwight Evans of the Phillies doubled off Bob Forsch of the Angels, scoring Tim Wallach of the Dodgers!
I came up with none out and Evans on 3rd. I hit a dribbler to Forsch and was thrown out.
Evans ended up scoring on a Kal Daniels single. Daniels scored on a pinch hit double by Von Hayes.

AL leads 4-3

I came up in the 6th with two out and Evans on 1st. Mark Eichhorn of the Jays was pitching. I flew out to Jack Clark in right.

Scott Garrelts came in to pitch for the NL in the 7th. He walked Jack Clark, but that was it.

Chili Davis came in as pinch hitter against Tom Henke in the 8th, but struck out.

Dennis Eckersley came in to pitch the 8th. I caught a Dan Pasqua pop behind him for the 3rd out.

I was lifted for Rich Gedman of the Expos in the 9th. The NL was unable to score.

This experience was amazing.

Lance Parrish of the Angels was named MVP.

Bruce Ruffin never got in the game.

[rpriske]

Oh, we found out that Sergio Valdez was claimed off waivers by Atlanta.

[rpriske]

July 16th, 1987

I am on a post-All-star high! We are at home to face the Cubs and they are pitching Richard Dotson (5-10, 5.07).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (12-4, 2.88). He didn't get in the ASG after making the team, but that also means we get him to start today.

I have only gone 1 for 10 vs Dotson.

I got the 3rd out of the game, off a hard grounder by Paul O'Neill.

I led off our half by putting own through the right side for a single. Stolen base #88 AND #89 (on my 100th attempt of the season.) I scored on a Chris Brown single. Chris ended up scoring on a Rob Deer sac fly.

Giants lead 2-0

In the 2nd I came up with one out and Bruce on 1st. I singled again, this time up the middle. Bruce went to 2nd. Then Chris grounded it to short and I went in hard to 2nd, colliding with Gary Jones.
Too hard.
The trainer came in and I was shook up, heading back to the dugout.
After that, Bruce scored on a Chili Davis single.

Giants lead 3-0

But that was it for me. The trainer was concerned enough that I came out of the game for Brian Giles.

We ended up winning 6-2.

Jerry Mumphrey also had to come out of the game later.


After the game I got the word. It was a concussion. A bad one.

I was heading to the DL for the first time, and like for an extended stay. Five weeks, probably.

This is torture.

They brought up Craig Grebeck to replace me on the roster, but it is Brian Giles who will get the playing time. (It turns out that Jerry's injury wasn't serious.)

[rpriske]

While I sit at home, we got word that the Giants were now the #1 team in baseball according to the Weekly Power Rankings.

Good. Because I am going to me back and I still want to play in the World Series.