Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

June 3rd, 1987

We wrap up with the Phillies on a get-away day. They are pitching Charles Hudson (5-3, 3.67).

The Giants are going with Doyle Alexander (7-1, 2.63).

I have gone 9 for 20 vs Hudson!

I made the first play of the day, catching a Tim Raines pop.

I led off our half by striking out.

We got not he board in the 2nd when Bobby Grich doubled home Scott Bradley.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off the 3rd by grounding out back to Hudson.

In the 4th I handled a Juan Samuel grounder for the 2nd out.

In the 5th I came up with two out and Doyle on 1st. I walked but we were both stranded.

Raines scored in the 6th, off a Dwight Evans sac fly.

Game tied 1-1

I ended the top of the 7th, taking a grounder by Hudson with two men on.

I came up with two out in the bottom frame and I launched one into deep centre and legged out a triple! Mike Aldrete singled and we had the lead back!

Giants lead 2-1

There was a bit of an incident in the 8th when Tim Raines crashed into me at 2nd base. I hurt my hand, but it wasn't too bad. I walked it off.

Denie Eckersley came in to close thing out in the 9th. He walked one, but that was all and we had the 2-1 win!

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

Tomorrow is a travel day and we are heading to Houston.

[rpriske]

June 5th, 1987

We are in the Astrodome and facing Manny Hernandez (2-5, 5.88).

The Giants are pitching Eric Show (3-6, 4.32).

I have never faced Hernandez.

I led off the game by striking out.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I flew out to Harold Baines in right.

I made my first defensive play in the 4th, grabbing a Brian Harper grounder for the 1st out.

I came up in the 5th with two out and Alan on 2nd and Eric on 1st. I flew out to Jeffrey Leonard in left.

We made a Grich - Priske - Aldrete double play in the 6th to get Craig Biggio and Harper out.

In the 7th the Astros opened the scoring when Karl Allaire crossed on a Leonard single. We need the threat by getting Leonard and KeithHernandez with a Show - Priske - Aldrete double play.

Astros lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 8th and grounded out to Hernandez at 1st.

Scott Garrelts took over after Eric left for a pinch hitter. He got his three outs but we were unable to score and lost 1-0.

I was no help, going 0 for 4. We only had three hits total.

[rpriske]

June 6th, 1987

Still in Houston, facing Mike Scott (8-2, 2.62) and the Astros.

The Giants are pitching Bruce Ruffin (7-3, 3.14).

(I have a sudden desire for pie...)

I have gone 6 for 26 vs Scott.

I opened up the game by striking out.

The Astros struck in the 1st when Craig Biggio scored on a Harold Baines single. We ended the threat with a Priske - Grich - Aldrete double play to get Baines and Brian Harper.

Astros lead 1-0

In the 3rd we got another Priske - Grich - Aldrete double play to get Bill Doran and Biggio. I think took a Glenn Davis grounder for the 3rd out as well.

I led off the 4th by getting our first hit of the game - a single up the middle. Stolen base #56 on a missed hit & run. I moved to 3rd on a Chili Davis fly ball and scored on a Steve Stanicek double.

Game tied 1-1

In the bottom half I handled a Jeffrey Leonard grounder for the 2nd out.

I led off the 6th by grounding out to Davis at 1st.
I was followed by a single, a walk, and a three-run homer by Steve.

Giants lead 4-1

I took a Baines grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half. I then did the same to Harper for the 2nd.

I came up with on out in the 7th and took a walk. Stolen base #57. I scored on a two out single by Chili.

Giants lead 5-1

I came up in the 8th with two out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. Anthony Kelley was pitching. I flew out to Leonard in left.

Dennis Eckersley took over for us in the 9th, though it wasn't a save situation. Three batters later, we had the win.

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

[rpriske]

June 7th, 1987

We are finishing up the series in the Astrodome today.

The Astros are pitching Derek Livernois (0-6, 7.71).

The Giants are going with Bryan Hickerson (4-2, 3.75).

I have very little experience with Livernois, going 0 for 1.

I opened the game by flying out to Jeffrey Leonard in left.
Two batters later, Chili Davis hit a solo shot to put us on the board.

Giants lead 1-0

The Astros got the run back in the bottom half when Bill Doran scored from 1st on a Keith Hernandez double. After that Hernandez scored on a Harold Baines grounder that I handled for the 2nd out.

Astros lead 2-1

I came up with one out in the 3rd and was walked on four straight. Stolen base #58. Stolen base #59. Mike Aldrete walked and then Chili homered again!

Giants lead 4-2

I got the last out of the inning off a Leonard grounder.

I came up in the 4th with two out and Bryan on 1st. I grounded out to Hernandez at 1st.

In the bottom half Hernandez scored on a Dave Gallagher double.

Giants lead 4-3

I got the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th off a Livernois grounder. I did the same to Bill Doran to end the frame.

Bobby Grich led off the 6th with a homer. I came up with one out and Jeff Heathcock pitching. I popped up to Karl Allaire at short.

Giants lead 5-3

In the bottom half I was involved in a bad collision at 2nd. Jeff Leonard came in pretty hard to break up a double play. That worked but I landed pretty hard on top of him and he had to leave the game.

Things turned sour in the 7th when Glenn Davis smashed a three-run blast with none out. Bryan gave up a triple to pinch hitter Louie Meadows and Nestor yanked him. Jeff Robinson came in. Meadows scored right away on a Doran single. Jeff got the next guy but then Keith Hernandez took him deep. I got a Brian Harper grounder to end the bleeding.

Astros lead 9-5

I led off the 8th against Mark Knudson. I grounded out to Tim Jones at 3rd.
That inning Chili scored on an error by Allaire.

Astros lead 9-6

We were unable to close the gap any further.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk, a run scored, and two stolen bases.

Chili was named the top performer of the day, despite the loss.


Reggie Jackson announced his retirement at the end of the year. End of an era.

Oh, the All-Star voting was updated. Dennis Eckersley and I are leading at our spots. It would be pretty nice to make the All-Star team...


We are heading to Cincinnati! We have a solid 3.5 game lead on them, but it would be nice to have a good series and widen that gap.

[rpriske]

June 8th, 1987

My game got corrupted but I was able (with some help) to repair it.

This game was lost and I hate replaying games. It is just a thing. So, I am simming it.

In the original game we lost and I went 3 for 4. This time we won and I still went 3 for 4.

The Giants beat the Reds 12-5.

I got three singles, one walk, one RBI, four runs scored, and two stolen bases.

[rpriske]

June 9th, 1987

It is the middle game agains Cincinnati and the Reds are pitching Freddie Toliver (0-1, 3.00).

The Giants are going with Dave Miller (0-0, 11.25).

None of us have face Toliver. Obviously we are hoping for a better game from Dave.

I led off the game by fouling out to Will Clark at 1st.

I got the first out in the bottom half, grabbing a Claudell Washington pop.

We opened the scoring in the 2nd when Rob Deer scored on a John Rabb single.

Giants lead 1-0

I led off the 3rd by striking out.

The Reds struck in the 3rd when Clark smashed a three-run homer.

Reds lead 3-1

I came up with one out in the 5th and flew out to Eric Davis in centre.
We got another run that frame with Mike Aldrete scored on a Chili Davis double.

Reds lead 3-2

John Rabb led off the 7th with a solo homer to tie the game! I came up with one out and hit one to deep short which I outran for an infield single. Mike then singled and I was thrown out trying to make it to 3rd.

Game tied 3-3

I came up in the 9th with none out, John on 2nd, and pinch hitter Alan Cockrell on 1st. John Franco was pitching. I hit an infield fly.
John and Alan tried for a double steam and Tim McIntosh threw it away, allowing John to score!

Giants lead 4-3

Dennie Eckersley came in to close things out. I got the 2nd out for him off an Al Newman grounder. Eck got one more and he got the save and we got the win.

I went 1 for 5 with a single.

[rpriske]

June 10th, 1987

Today the Reds are pitching Rick Mahler (5-6, 4.63).

The Giants are going with Eric Show (3-7, 4.06).

I haven't had any success against Mahler, going 0 for 8.

I opened the game by continuing that futility by striking out.

Kal Daniels led off their half by going deep.

Reds lead 1-0

I made a tough play in the 2nd for the 2nd out, getting an Al Newman grounder.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and cracked that egg with a single up the middle. Stolen base #62 and an extra bag as they threw it away. I scored on a Mike Aldrete sac fly. Chili Davis followed that with a home run.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up in the 4th with two out, Chris Brown on 3rd, and Bobby Grich on 1st. I walked to load the bases. Mike singled, scoring Chris and Bobby. Chili singled, reloading the bags. Steve Stanciek popped out and all three of us were left.

Giants lead 4-1

We got another run the 5th when Alan Conckrell scored on an Eric Show double!
I cam up with two on and two out and flew out to end it.

Giants lead 5-1

The Reds scored in the bottom half when Nick Capra tripled and then scored on a Rob Murphy ground out.

Giants lead 5-2

They scored again in the 6th when Claudell Washington crossed on an Ernie Whitt fielder's choice. I took a Doug DeCinces grounder to end the inning.

Giants lead 5-3

They scored AGAIN in the 7th when Newman scored on a Daniels single. Then Daniels scored on a Will Clark single, tying the game.
That was enough for Nestor who brought Jeff Robinson in to pitch.
He did no better as Eric Davis doubled, scoring Washington and Clark.

Reds lead 7-5

I came up with two out in the 8th, now facing Don Robinson. I struck out.

Scott Garrelts took over after Jeff left for a pinch hitter.

We were unable to score in the 9th and the collapse was official.

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

We still ended the series against the Reds up by 4.5 games.

Now we are headed back home to face the Padres.

[rpriske]

June 11th, 1987

We are home to face the Padres. They are pitching Ed Wojna (4-0, 2.19)

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (8-3, 2.97).

I am 3 for 8 vs Wojna.

The Padres struck early, with Tony Gwynn scoring on a Kevin McReynolds single in the 1st.

Padres lead 1-0

I led off our half by striking out.

We tied it up in the 3rd when Bruce Ruffin, of all people, went deep with a solo homer! That was his first ever and we gave him the silent treatment.
I came up with one out following that and I grounded out to Glenn Hubbard at 2nd.

Game tied 1-1

The Padres got the led back in the 6th when Wojna crossed on a John Kruk single. We stopped another run with a Priske - Grich - Aldrete double play to get Kruk and McReynolds.

Padres lead 2-1

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

We got another Priske - Grich - Aldrete double play in the 7th - this time we got Carmelo Martinez and Darrell Miller.

We never even got a 2nd hit until the 8th, but then we tied it up as Chris Brown scored on a Bobby Grich sac fly. I came up with two out and Alan Cockrell on 3rd. I flew out to McReynolds in left.

Game tied 2-2

Dennis Eckersley took over for us in the 9th. He got through that inning fine, but we went to extras and in the 10th Ozzie Guillen crossed on a single by pinch hitter Frank White. Then White sacred on a Mike Aldrete error!

Padres lead 4-2

Bottom of the 10th and we are in trouble. Lance McCullers is pitching for San Diego. Rob Deer struck out. Chris Borwn reaches on catcher's interference by Chris Bando, who just entered the game. Alan struck out. Down to our last out. Bobby Grich singles. Pinch hitter Scott Bradley singles. Bases loaded for me. I walk on four straight balls. Mike does the same. Chili Davis flies out.

This game is not over.

Game tied 4-4

Jeff Robinson takes over on the mound for us.

I came up in the 12th with one out and pinch hitter Tom O'Malley on 1st. Goose Gossage was pitching. I flew out to McReynolds again.

Mark Davis took over for us in the 13th.
He allowed a couple of base runners but a handled a Hubbard grounder to end the inning.

It finally ended with me standing on the on-deck circle. Pinch hitter John Rabb hit a walk-off sac fly to score Chris Brown and give us the 5-4 win.

I ended with an undeserved RBI, going 0 for 5 with a walk.

[rpriske]

June 12th, 1987

Today the Padres are sending up Mark Langston (5-5, 3.02).

The Giants are going with Bryan Hickerson (4-3, 4.47).

I have done well vs Langston, going 6 for 15.


I made the 3rd out in the top of the 1st, grabbing a grounder off the bat of Kevin McReynolds.

I then led off in the bottom half by striking out.

I got the 2nd out in the 2nd off an Ozzie Guillen grounder.

I stayed busy in the 3rd, grabbing a lead off grounder by Chris Bando and then we got Langston and Tony Gwynn in a Grich - Priske - Aldrete double play.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and flew out to McReynolds in left.

The Padres opened the scoring in the 5th when Carmelo Martinez and Bando scored on a Gwynn single.

Padres lead 2-0

In the 6th I took a Martinez grounder for the 2nd out but McReynolds score on the play.

Padres lead 3-0

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

I got the 1st out in the 7th off a Gwynn grounder. I caught a John Kruk pop for the 2nd and a McReynolds grounder for the 3rd.

I continued in the 8th, grabbing a Glenn Hubbard grounder for the 1st out.

Frank Williams took over for us after that.

I came up with two out in the 8th and flew out to Kruk in centre.

Mark Clear came in to pitch the 9th for us.

We ended up getting shut out.

Our pitchers only allowed five hits, but we walked TEN.

I didn't help, going 0 for 4, though I was very active on defense.

[rpriske]

June 13th, 1987

Today the Padres are pitching Blaise Isley (0-3, 7.15).

The Giants are going with Doyle Alexander (9-1, 2.82).

I have never faced the rookie, Isley.

Oh my. This could be bad.
After facing only two batters Doyle was lifted from the game with a pulled ab muscle.
Hopefully it is no worse than that.
Frank Williams took over with one out and one on.
He was unable to strand the inherited runner as Ozzie Guillen scored on a Kevin McReynolds sac fly.
I handled a Glenn Hubbard grounder for the final out.

Padres lead 1-0

I led off our half by striking out.
We managed to tie it up that inning when Mike Aldrete doubled and scored on a Steve Stanicek double.

Game tied 1-1

In the 2nd Torey Lovullo scoreed on a double play.

Padres lead 2-1

I came up with one out in the 3rd and put one through the middle for a single. Stolen base #63. I scored on a single by Mike.
Mike ended up scoring on a double by Steve again to give us the lead.

Giants lead 3-2

I came up with one out in the 5th and managed a base on balls. Stolen base #64. I scored on a Chili Davis double.

Giants lead 4-2

Mark Davis took over pitching in the 6th.

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

Dennis Eckersley took the ball in the 8th.
I got the first out off a grounder from pinch hitter Tony Gwynn. I then did the same to Guillen for the 2nd. He got the 3rd out and then struck out all three batters in the 9th to seal the deal.

The bullpen really came through!

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

[rpriske]

June 14th, 1987

Today the Padres are pitching out former teammate, Eric King (4-8, 4.00).

The Giants are going with Dave Miller (1-0. 6.00).

I have gone 2 for 8 vs Eric.

The Padres struck in the 1st as Randy Ready scored on a Carmelo Martinez single. It was almost two on the play but Steve Stanicek threw out John Kruk trying to score from 2nd.
I grabbed a Glenn Hubbard pop to end the inning.

Padres lead 1-0

I led off the bottom half by flying out to Scott Parsons in centre.
The rest of the inning went better as Chris Brown came up with the bases loaded and doubled, scoring all three! He ended up crossing on a wild pitch as well.

Giants lead 4-1

I got the 3rd out in the 2nd, catching a Parsons pop.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Brian Giles on 2nd. I grounded out to Martinez at 1st, advancing the runner. Unfortunately he was unable to score.

In the 3rd Tony Gwynn scored on a Ready sac fly.

Giants lead 4-2

I got the 1st out in the 5th, handling a Parsons grounder. Dave ended up walking Kruk with the bases loaded.

Giants lead 4-3

I came up with one out in the 5th and popped out to Ready at 3rd.

The Padres tied it up in the 6th when Darrell Miller took Dave deep. The took the lead when Ready doubled home both King and Gwynn.
That was it for Dave as Nestor went to the 'pen and brought in Mark Clear.

Padres lead 6-4

I got the 3rd out in the 7th, taking an Ozzie Guillen grounder.

I came up with two out in the 7th with Mark Williamson on the mound. I struck out.

Scott Garrelts took over for us in the 8th.
I got him the 1st out in the 9th, off a Ready grounder.
Gwynn scored on a Martinez single. Later Kruk scored on a Guillen triple.

Padres lead 9-4.

And that was it.

Lousy game for the team and me as I went 0 for 4.

Tomorrow is a travel day as we are heading to Atlanta.

All-Star Voting Update!

I am leading at SS! Eck is leading at RP! Chili Davis and Scott Garrelts are getting decent amounts of votes as well!


A lot happened on the off-day. Robby Thompson was activated from the 60-day DL and sent to Phoenix for a rehab assignment.
Dave Miller was also sent to Phoenix and Scott Service was called up.

I like Scott. He is a 20 year old from Cincinnati and this is his first shot in the bigs.
It is nice to have someone close to my age around.

[rpriske]

June 16th, 1987

We have a quick, two-day stop in Atlanta.

Today the Braves are pitching Johnny Cash (4-5, 4.61).

The Giants are using Bruce Ruffin (8-3, 2.91).

I have gone 1 for 3 vs the Man in Grey.

I led off the game by outrunning a ball to short for an infield single. I tried to steal 2nd but was gunned down by Nelson Santovenia. Huh. No pitch out or anything.

I got the 2nd out on the Braves, catching a Ken Griffey Jr. pop. I then caught an Andres Galarraga liner for the 3rd.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Bobby Grich on 2nd. I grounded out to Jeff Blauser at 2nd.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half off a Santovenia grounder.

In the 4th Rob Deer launched a two run homer to put us on the board.

Giants lead 2-0

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 5th, grabbing a Gary Sheffield grounder. I then did the same to Ron Cey for the 2nd out.

I led off the 6th by grounding out to Galarraga at 1st. We got a couple fo runs, though. First Mike Aldrete scored on a single by Rob and then Steve Stanicek scored on a single by Scott Bradley.

Giants lead 4-0

In the bottom of the 6th, Brad Komminsk singled, breaking Bruce's up-until-then perfect game.

I came up with two out in the 7th and Tony Leonardi on the mound. I grounded out to Sheffield at short.

Scott Bradley led off the 9th by taking Ken Dayley deep.
I came up with one out, Chris Brown on 3rd, and Bobby on 2nd. I grounded out to Galarraga but it did the job, advancing both runners and scoring a run.

Giants lead 6-0

I grabbed a Griffey grounder for the last out.

Bruce had a one-hit shutout!

I went 1 for 5 with an RBI.

[rpriske]

June 17th, 1987

We wrap up our short series in Atlanta. The Braves are pitching Norm Charlton (3-4, 5.50).

The Giants are going with Eric Show (3-8, 4.47).

I am 0 for 3 against Charlton.

I kicked off the game by cracking that egg, putting one down the 3rd base line for a single. Stolen base #65. But I got greedy and was thrown out trying to steal 3rd.

I got the 1st out in the 2nd, grabbing a Gary Sheffield grounder. Things went badly for Eric that inning. He gave up three singles before walking Nelson Santovenia for a run. Thankfully he was able to stop the bleeding there.

Braves lead 1-0

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

Ron Cey led off their half of the 4th by taking Eric deep.

Braves lead 2-0

In the 5th it was Ken Griffey Jr. who added a solo shot. I handled a Galarraga grounder to end it there.

Braves lead 3-0

I came up with one out in the 6th and grounded out to 1st again.

We finally got on the board in the 7th. Chili Davis scored on a Rob Deer single and Steve Stanicek scored on a Bobby Grich sac fly.

Braves lead 3-2

The Braves came right back with Santovenia crossing a Galarraga single.

Braves lead 4-2

I led off the 8th, now facing Steve Farr. I popped up to Jeff Blauser at 2nd.

I got him back in the bottom half, making a diving grab on Blauser's liner for the 2nd out.

We were unable to close the gap and dropped this one.

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

We are now heading to San Diego.

We got some bad news about Doyle Alexander. It seems that his ab muscle is not healing a fast as hoped. He is not going on the DL, but there is some concern as he tries to pitch through it.

Doyle has been an incredibly good pick up for the team.

[rpriske]

June 18th, 1987

We are in San Diego to face the Padres. They are pitching Ed Wojna (4-0, 2.18).

The Giants are going with Doyle Alexander (9-1, 2.91), nagging injury and all.

I have been ice cold lately. I have gone 3 for 12 against Wojna.

I kicked off the game by lining out to Ozzie Guillen at short.

I got the 2nd and 3rd outs in the bottom half, grabbing Randy Ready and John Kruk grounders.

I took a Guillen grounder for the last out in the 2nd.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and flew out to Kevin McReynolds in left.

Steve Stanicek led off the 4th with a home run.

Giants lead 1-0

The Padres did one better in the bottom half when McReynolds hit a two-run homer.

Padres lead 2-1

I came up in the 5th with one out and Doyle on 1st. I grounded to Guillen for a double play.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half off a Scott Parsons grounder. A couple of hits later I got a Ready grounder for the 3rd.

In the 6th we tied it up when Mike Aldrete scored on a single by Steve.

Game tied 2-2

I caught a McReynolds fly for the 1st out in their half.

In the 7th I came up with one out and Bobby Grich on 1st. I struck out.

In the 9th I came up with two out, Alan Cockrell at 3rd, and Lance McCullers on the mound. I grounded out to Kruk at 1st.

Dennis Eckersley took the mound for us in the 9th, in a tie game. I got the 1st out on a McReynolds fielder's choice, after a Kruk walk.

After he pitched two, Nestor went to Scott Garrelts in the 11th. I got the 3rd out behind him, off a Chris Bando grounder.

I led off the 12th against Alejandro Pena. I struck out again. 0 for 6.

Jeff Robinson took the ball after Scott walked the first man in the bottom of the 13th. Nestor pulled a double switch, brining John Rabb in at catcher. The Pads managed to load the bases but Jeff parched out of it.

I came up in the 4th with one out, Rabb on 2nd, and Goose Gossage pitching. While I was at the plate, John shocked everyone by stealing 3rd. With my chance to be a hero a grounded out weakly to Ready at 3rd. I couldn't score the run.

In the 15th, McReynolds reached on an error with one out and Nestor brought in Frank Williams to pitch and Brian Giles to play 3rd on a double switch.
John threw out McReynolds trying to steal.

I got yet another shot in the 16th. I came up with two out and Brian on 3rd. Mark Williamson was now the pitcher. I lined out to Guillen. 0 for 8.

Mark Davis took over for us in the 17th. He gave up a single to Tony Gwynn, who then stole 2nd. I handled a grounder from Ready for the 1st out, holding Gwynn. Strikeout. Intentional walk. Unintentional walk and the bases were loaded with two out. Ozzie Guillen flew out to Steve in centre and this game was still going.

I led off the 19th... yes, the NINETEENTH... facing Gregory Sillivent. He walked me. This was my first time on base in nine tries. With one out I went to 3rd on a successful hit & run by Chili Davis. Steve came up and got his SIXTH hit of the game - a single scoring me! We had the lead!

Giants lead 3-2!

Mark got the Padres to go 3 up, 3 down in the bottom of the 19th and this game was over!

Amazing game - but I was terrible. My batting average is down to .264

If this doesn't change, it is going to be a long four days in San Diego.

After the game we found out that Scott Service was sent back down. Sergio Valdez was called up in his stead. Scott never even got an appearance.

[rpriske]

June 19th, 1987

After that marathon game yesterday we are back at it at Jack Murphy Stadium.

The Padres are pitching ex-Giant Eric King (5-8, 4.19).

The Giants are going with Bryan Hickerson (4-4, 4.24).

I have gone 2 for 11 against Eric, but I have been ICE cold lately. I need to break out of this slump.

I opened the game by dropping one in front of the plate to get thrown out by catcher Darrell Miller.

In the home half I got the 1st out on a fielder's choice by Randy Ready.

I then got the 1st out in the bottom of the 2nd off an Ozzie Guillen pop. Followed by a Carmelo Martinez grounder for the 2nd.

I came up with two out in the 3rd and I did what I couldn't do all of yesterday - a singled through the left side. Stolen base #66. I was left there.

The Padres opened the scoring that inning when Tony Gwynn crossed on a Kevin McReynolds fielder's choice.

Padres lead 1-0

We got in back in the 4th when Rob Deer put one in the bleachers.

Game tied 1-1

I got the 1st out in the bottom half off a Guillen grounder.

I got the 2nd out in the 5th by handling a Ready grounder.

I led off the 6th by grounding out to Martinez at 1st.

The Pads got the lead back in the 6th when McReynolds scored on a Martinez single.

Padres lead 2-1

It was short lived as Chris Brown scored on a John Rabb double in the top of the 7th.

Game tied 2-2

I led off the 8th, now facing Mark Williamson. I grounded out to Glenn Hubbard at 2nd.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half, grabbing a McReynolds floater.

In the top of the 9th Rob scored on a Bobby Grich single. With two on and two out, I struck out.

Giants lead 3-2

Dennie Eckersley came in to close things out. Tom O'Malley and Brian Giles took over at the corners as well.
Walk. Bunt single. Strike out.
Eck was clearly struggling after yesterday's exertion. Nestor gave him the hook and went to Mark Clear, who didn't pitch yesterday.
Walk, to load the bases. 5-2-3 double play to end the game and give us the win.

Whoa. That was intense.

I went 1 for 5 with a stolen base. I need to do better.

We have the biggest division lead in baseball, leading the Reds by six games.

Sergio Valdez is making his big league debut tomorrow on short rest.

[rpriske]

June 20th, 1987

Still in San Diego and today the Padres are pitching Blaise Ilsley (0-4, 6.67).

The Giants have a debut - Sergio Valdez (debuting on 3 days rest).

I am 1 for 3 vs Ilsley.

I kicked off the game by lining out to Tony Gwynn in right.

Sergio did not start off great, giving up a lead off single to Gwynn followed by a home run to Randy Ready. He walked John Kruk before I caught a Kevin McReynolds pop for the 1st out. Another walk and then Ozzie Guillen hit an RBI double, scoring Kruk. I got a Scott Parsons grounder for the 2nd out but Glenn Hubbard scored on the play. Chris Bando doubled and Guillen scored. I handled and Ilsley grounder for the 3rd out.

Padres lead 5-0

Sergio may be in over his head.

Nestor was convinced in the 2nd. He gave up a single and a walk without getting an out and Nestor brought in Frank Williams to take over.
Frankie didn't do better. He walked Kruk and McReynolds, forcing in a run. Ready scored on a Hubbard sac fly. I took care of a Guillen grounder for the 2nd out but Kruk scored.

Padres lead 8-0

I came up in the 3rd with none out and Frankie on 1st. I struck out.

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Rabb - Aldrete double play to get Gwynn and Ready to end the inning.

In the 4th I came up with two out, Scott Bradley on 3rd, and John Rabb on 2nd. Ilsley uncorked a wild pitch, allowing Scott to score. Then he threw ANOTHER one, and John scored. I dropped one into short left for a single. (Those wild pitches took away my RBIs!)
Stolen base #67. I was left there.

Padres lead 8-2

In the bottom half we get a Rabb - Priske - Aldrete double play to get McReynolds and Hubbard to end the inning.

The Pads score again in the 5th when Guillen crosses on a Parsons double.
Nestor pulls an exhausted Frank for Mark Clear.

Padres lead 9-2

I came up in the 6th with two out and Mark on 1st. I flew out to McReynolds in left.

I caught a Ready blooper for the 1st out in the bottom half.

Dan Driessen pinch hit for Mike Aldrete and took over for him at 1B.

The Padres got a couple of guys on with one out int he 8th and Nestor switched out Mark for another Mark - Davis. I get the last out for him, grabbing a McReynolds grounder.

I came up in the 9th with none out and pinch hitter Steve Stanicek on 2nd. Tim Belcher is now pitching. I struck out again.

We weren't able to scratch across any more runs.

The Padres destroyed Sergio and we weren't able to recover.

Once again I went 1 for 5 with a stolen base. NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

[rpriske]

June 21st, 1987

We are wrapping up in San Diego and the Padres are pitching Bob Patterson (5-6, 4.26).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (9-3, 2.68).

I have gone 2 for 5 vs Patterson.

I need to break out of my slump.

I led off the game by striking out.

We opened the scoring in the 2nd when Rob Deer scored on a Scott Bradley double. Then Scott scored on a Bobby Grich single.

Giants lead 2-0

I led off the 3rd by singling through the right side. Stolen base #68. I scored on a Mike Aldrete double. Mike scored on a single by Scott. Rob and Scott both scored on a double by Chris Brown.

Giants lead 6-0

I led off the 4th, now facing Gregory Sillivent. I struck out.

In the 5th Chris scored on a Bryce Ruffin single. I came up with two out and Bobby on 2nd and Bruce on 1st. I walked. We were all left.

Giants lead 7-0

I caught a John Kruk pop up for the 2nd out in the 6th. Surprisingly, that was my first put-out of the game. I think took a Kevin McReynolds grounder for the 3rd out.

I led off the 8th against Goose Gossage. I grounded out to Torey Lovullo at short.

The Padres finally got on the board in the 8th when Randy Ready scored on a McReynolds sac fly.

Giants lead 7-1

Jeff Robinson took over in the 9th. We wrapped things up with a Priske - Grich - Aldrete double play, getting Ozzie Guillen and Tony Gwynn.

Solid win.

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

Now we have an off day to head home to face the Reds.

[rpriske]

June 23rd, 1987

Back home and the Reds are in town. They are pitching Tom Browning (8-4, 4.48).

The Giants are going with Doyle Alexander (9-1, 2.86).

Browning is a good pitcher but I have gone 8 for 19 against him.

I made the first play of the game, catching a Kal Daniels pop.

I led off the home half by grounding out to Doug DeCinces at 3rd.

In the 2nd Ernie Whitt hit a solo homer off Doyle.

Reds lead 1-0

In the 3rd Nick Capra scored when he tried to steal 3rd and Scott Bradley threw the ball away.

Reds lead 2-0

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Bobby Grich on 2nd. I grounded out to Al Newman at short.

In the 4th Eric Davis blasted a two run homer. I got the 3rd out that inning off a Capra grounder.

Reds lead 4-0

In the 5th Daniels scored on a Will Clark single.
That was enough for Nestor who took Doyle out for Mark Davis.

Reds lead 5-0

I led off the bottom of the 6th by lining out to Newman.

I got the 2nd out in the 7th, off a Claudell Washington fielder's choice, but Capra scored on a the play. Daniels stepped on Bobby's hand, but he was able to shake it off.

Reds lead 6-0

I came up in the 8th with two out and Bobby on 1st. I hit one off the wall in right centre for an RBI triple! I was left there.

Reds lead 6-1

Dennis Eckersley took over in the 9th.

We were unable to muster any more offence and lost it 6-1.

I was 1 for 4 with a triple and an RBI.

We found out after the game that Robby Thompson was being activated from his rehab assignment. Tom O'Malley was being sent to Phoenix.

It was great working with the vet, Bobby Grich, but Robby is who I expected my double play partner to be. Time to get some work in.

[rpriske]

June 24th, 1987

Today the Reds are pitching William Brennan (0-1, 9.00).

The Giants are going with Eric Show (3-9, 4.47).

I have gone 2 for 3 vs Brennan.

I led off the home half by flying out to Eric Davis in centre on the first pitch.
After that Mike Aldrete singled, stole 2d, and scored on a Chili Davis single.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up in the 2nd with two out, Robby Thompson on 3rd, and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I struck out.

I should have made the 3rd out in the 3rd off a Kal Daniels grounder, but I airmailed the throw over Mike's head for a two-base error.

Inthe bottom half Steve Stanicek connected with a two run homer.

Giants lead 3-0

In the 4th I actually DID get the 3rd out, off an Ernie Whitt grounder.

In the bottom half John Rabb smashed a two run home run as well!
I came up with one out, now facing Steve Trout. I struck out again.

Giants lead 5-0

I got the 1st out in the 5th off a Doug DeCinces grounder. I then caught an Al Newman pop for the 2nd.

The Reds got not he board in the 6th when Claudell Washington scored on a Whitt single. That was followed by a DeCinces three-run blast.

Giants lead 5-4

Robby, in his first game of the season, was already one for two, when he led off the bottom of the 6th with a home run!

Giants lead 6-4

I led off the bottom of the 7th, with Ron Robinson now pitching. I popped up to DeCinces at 3rd.

Dennis Eckersley came in to shut things down in the 9th. I got the first guy for him, handling a DeCinces grounder. He struck out the next two and we had the win, and he extended his league leading saves total.

It was another bad game at the dish for me, going 0 for 4.

[rpriske]

June 25th, 1987

Today we wrap up with the Reds. They are pitching Rick Mahler (7-6, 4.35).

The Giants are going with Bryan Hickerson (5-4, 4.02),

I have only gone 1 for 10 vs Mahler.

Woof. First pitch of the game resulted in a Kal Daniels home run. They scored again when Eric Davis scored on a two out single by Claudell Washington. Then Washington scored on an Ernie Whitt single.

Reds lead 3-0

I led off the home half by grounding out to Doug DeCinces at 3rd.

In the 3rd Will Clark scored on a DeCinces sac fly.

Reds lead 4-0

I came up in the 3rd with none out and Bryan on 2nd. I walked. Mike Aldrete signed to load them up. Chili Davis then launched a deep fly to move us all up... but Eric Davis threw out Bryan trying to score! Steve Stanicek launched a three run homer to get us right back in it!

Reds lead 4-3

In the 5th Al Newman scored on a Washington fielder's choice.
Frank Williams took over on the mound for us after that, on a double switch that also brought in Alan Cockrell behind the plate for John Rabb.
Clark scored on a DeCinces ground out.

Reds lead 6-3

In the bottom half I came up with one out and grounded out to Ken Dowell at short.

I got the 2nd out in the 7th from a Davis grounder.

In the bottom half Chris Brown scored on a wild pitch by Mahler.
I came up with two out and pinch hitter Jerry Mumphrey on 3rd. I popped out to DeCinces.

Reds lead 6-4

Scott Garrelts took over pitching duties for us to kick off the 8th.

Things took a turn for the better that inning. Mike and Chili both singled. Mike was lifted for a pinch runner, Brian Giles. Steve reached on an error to load the bases. Then Rob Deer ALSO reached on an error, and Brian scored. Chili scored on a Robby Thompson sac fly. Rob stole 2nd and they threw the ball away so Steve scored on an error as well!

Giants lead 7-6

Dennie Eckersley got up quickly as that was going on and came in to seal the deal.
Brian stayed in to play 3rd and Chris Brown came out for Bobby Grich, to play 1st.
Eck gave up a hit, but that was all and we had the win.

Nice comeback win.

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

My average is down to .255.

Most importantly, our division lead is up to six games, the most in the majors.

Tomorrow the Astros are coming to town.