King of the World: Barry Bonds Chases Sadaharu Oh

Garrett Garlits · Mar 10, 2024

It's Wednesday, April 21, 1999. and the Giants are hosting the Marlins in the third and final game of a three-game series at 3Com Park. Dennis Springer will start for the Marlins, while Mark Gardner goes to the mound for the Giants. Bonds is in left field and will bat sixth, as his replacement Stan Javier did in real life. The Giants won the actual game, 4-0,

Let's examine Bonds' at-bats first:

In the second, he lined a single to right with one out. Third baseman Ramon Martinez's fly to right was caught in front of the wall by the Marlins' Mark Kotsay for out number two, and catcher Scott Servais' fly to shallow left center ended the inning.

In the fourth, Bonds flew to right.

In the fifth with the Marlins leading 6-0, Martinez led off by lining a double to right center. Servais walked to put two men on. After reliever Joe Nathan flew to left center for the first out, center fielder Marvin Benard walked to load the bases. Shortstop Rich Aurilia stroked a base hit to right that scored Martinez and put the Giants on the board. Right fielder Armando Rios followed with a single to center that scored Servais and Benard to make it 6-3, and second baseman Jeff Kent lined a double off the wall in center to bring Aurilia and Rios home and cut the Florida lead to 6-5,

Braden Looper came out of the Florida pen to face J.T. Snow, whose hot liner was speared by second baseman Craig Counsell for a much-needed second out. Back-to-back walks to Bonds and Martinez loaded the bases again, but Servais's bouncer to Marlins third baseman Dave Berg ended the inning,

In the seventh, Kent led off with a double to left. Snow walked to put two men on, but Bonds flew to shallow center for the first out. Charlie Hayes batted for Martinez and walked to load the bases, but Servais grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

In the ninth with the Marlins leading 9-5, Rios led off with a grounder to short that was muffed by the Marlins' Alex Gonzalez, allowing Armando to reach. Kent was next, and he whacked a 1-2 curveball from Marlins reliever Brian Edmondson over the wall in left for a two-run homer to bring the Giants within two runs at 9-7. It was Kent's twenty-first home run of the year.

Marlins manager John Boles excused Edmondson and brought closer Antonio Alfonseca in to preserve what was left of the Florida lead, and he retired the next three batters in order: Snow grounded to short, Bonds flew to Todd Dunwoody in deep left center, and Hayes' line drive was gloved by Berg to end the game. Our final: Marlins 9, Giants 7.

Here's how the Fish scored their runs:

In the top of the first with one out, Gonzalez stroked a single to left center. Kotsay followed with another single to left center that moved Gonzalez to third, and first baseman Derrek Lee was hit on the side of the knee with a pitch to load the bases. Dunwoody forced Lee, which allowed Gonzalez to score and gave the Marlins a 1-0 lead.

In the third, second baseman Luis Castillo drew a leadoff walk, then stole second. He held there on Gonzalez's bouncer to third, and walks to Kotsay and Lee loaded the bases. Dunwoody hit a bouncer to third, and Martinez threw to the plate to erase the incoming Castillo. Left fielder Preston Wilson was next, and he smacked Gardner's 2-0 fastball over the left field wall for a grand slam to extend the Marlins' lead to 5-0. It was Wilson's twenty-seventh homer of the year.

In the fifth, Kotsay drew a leadoff walk, then stole second. Lee was next, and his double into the left center power alley scored Kotsay to make it 6-0 Fish,

After the Giants came back with a five-run fifth, the Marlins answered with three in the eighth. Wilson drew a leadoff walk, then stole second. He held there while Berg grounded to short for out number one and scored on catcher Mike Redmond's single to right to make it 7-5 Florida.

That was all for Nathan; John Johnstone came out of the Giants' pen to face his mound opponent Looper, who bunted Redmond over to second. Castillo walked to put two men on, and Gonzalez lined a single to left center that scored Redmond to give the Marlins an 8-5 lead. Castillo moved to third on the hit and scored on Kotsay's lined single to right to make it 9-5.

Final totals: Marlins 9-9-1. Giants 7-11-0.

W- Looper (4-3)
S- Alfonseca (22)
L- Gardner (5-12)

HR- FLA: Wilson (27)
SF: Kent (21)

DW-Nathan (6-3)
DL- Springer (6-15)

LHR- SF: Rios (7)

Here are the updated standings in the National League West:

Diamondbacks: 99-63
Giants: 88-74- 11 GB
Dodgers: 77-85- 22 GB
Padres: 73-89- 26 GB
Rockies: 72-90- 27 GB

In the East:

Braves: 104-58
Mets: 96-66- 8 GB
Phillies: 77-85- 27 GB
Expos: 67-95- 37 GB
Marlins: 65-97- 39 GB

Bonds was one for four plus a walk. He's currently batting .271 (134-495) with forty-eight home runs and 127 runs batted in. He's drawn 101 walks.

Next: The Giants host the Rockies on Saturday, April 24. Pedro Astacio will start for the Rockies, while Shawn Estes gets the ball for the Giants.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 11, 2024

It's Saturday, April 24, 1999, and the Giants are hosting the Rockies in the third game of a four-game series at 3Com Park. Pedro Astacio will pitch for the Rockies, while Shawn Estes goes to the hill for the Giants. Bonds in in left field and will bat sixth, as his replacement Stan Javier did in real life. The Giants won the actual game, 8-4.

Let's examine Bonds' at-bats first:

In the second. he grounded to short. Rich Aurilia kept the inning alive with a double off the wall in center. Catcher Brent Mayne walked to put two men on, and Estes helped his own cause with a base hit to left center that scored Aurilia and gave the Giants a 1-0 lead. Mayne moved to third on the hit and scored on center fielder Marvin Benard's single to center that gave the Boys from the Bay a 2-0 lead after two.

In the fourth, he led off by lining Astacio's 1-0 fastball over the right center field wall for his forty-ninth home run of the year and career homer Number 861. He's now seven home runs behind all-time leader Sadaharu Oh. The Giants led 3-0 after four.

In the fifth, Jeff Kent lined a leadoff single to center, then stole second. J.T. Snow walked to put two men on, but Astacio got the next three hitters out in order: Charlie Hayes struck out swinging, Bonds flew to center, and Aurilia struck out swinging.

In the sixth with the Rockies leading 5-3, Mayne led off with a single to right center. Ellis Burks batted for reliever Joe Nathan and struck out swinging fir out number one, and Benard's fly to right forced the Rox' Kurt Abbott back to the wall before he made a leaping catch for the second out. Right fielder F.P, Santangelo kept the inning alive by beating out a bouncer to third for an infield single to put two men on, and Kent's single to center brought Mayne home to cut the Rockies' lead to 5-4 while Santangelo moved to third.

Rockies manager Jim Leyland replaced Astacio with reliever Curt Leskanic, whose first assignment was Snow. J.T. hit Leskanic's first pitch back up the middle and into center field for a single, which scored Santangelo to tie the game at five and moved Kent to third. A walk to Hayes loaded the bases, but Bonds grounded the first pitch he saw to Neifi Perez at short, which ended the inning with the bases still loaded.

In the eighth, Bonds struck out swinging.

Now let's check out the rest of the game action:

In the top of the fifth with the Giants leading 3-0, catcher (and former Giant) Kirt Manwaring lined a base hit to left. Astacio lined a single to right to put two on, and center fielder Chris Sexton's base hit to center loaded the bases. Perez was next, and his scorching line drive into the left center power alley cleared the bases to tie the game at three; he pulled up at second with a double.

Nathan relieved Estes and got the first two outs of the inning, as second baseman Mike Lansing flew to Bonds in shallow left and left fielder Dante Bichette popped to Hayes at third. Third baseman Vinny Castilla walked to put two men on, and first baseman Angel Echevarria's double down the left field line scored Perez and Castilla to give the Rockies a 5-3 lead. Abbott's grounder to Aurilia at short ended the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh with the score tied at five, Aurilia led off with a single to left. Mayne's single to left center put two men on, and Armando Rios batted for reliever John Johnstone and beat out a bouncer to short for an infield single to load the bases. Benard struck out swinging for out number one, but Santangelo walked on a 3-2 pitch to force in Aurilia and put the Giants in front 6-5.

In the top of the ninth, Todd Helton batted for Sexton and lined a leadoff single up the middle. Perez's bloop single to right center put runners at the corners, and Lansing forced Perez, which allowed Helton to score and tied the game at six. Jerry Spradlin came out of the Frisco pen to face Bichette, whose bouncer to third moved Lansing to second with two out. Castilla was next, and he smacked a base hit to left center. Benard charged the ball and got off a perfect throw to the plate, but Lansing slid just to the right of Mayne's tag to score the go-ahead run.

In the bottom of the ninth, Mayne drew a leadoff walk against Rockies reliever Dave Veres. Bill Mueller batted for Spradlin and lined a base hit to center that put two men on. Mueller had a pulled thigh muscle, so Mark Gardner ran for him. Benard's single to left loaded the bases, and Santangelo scalded a line drive into the right center power alley that rolled all the way to the wall. Mayne and Gardner scored, and the Giants had won an 8-7 thriller.

Final totals: Giants 8-18-1, Rockies 7-11-0.

W- Spradlin (5-2)
L- Veres (4-9)

HR- SF: Bonds (49)

DW- Estes (13-12)
DL- Astacio (17-10)

LHR- SF: R. Martinez (4)

Bonds was one for five with a home run. He's currently batting .270 (135-500) with forty-nine home runs and 128 runs batted in.

Next: The Giants travel north of the border to face the Expos on Tuesday, April 27. Kirk Rueter will start for the Giants, while Jeremy Powell gets the ball for the Expos.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 12, 2024

It's Tuesday, April 27, 1999, and the Giants are taking on the Expos in the first game of a three-game series at Olympic Stadium. Kirk Rueter will pitch for the Giants, while Jeremy Powell heads to the mound for the Expos. Bonds is in left field and will bat second, as his replacement Stan Javier did in real life, The Giants won the actual game, 3-2 in ten innings.

Let's begin by examining Bonds' at-bats:

In the first with two out, he walked. Jeff Kent's fly to left ended the inning.

In the third, Ramon Martinez led off with a bloop single to right center. He was forced by Rueter, who was in turn forced by Marvin Benard . Bonds' fly to right center ended the inning.

In the sixth, Bonds flew to right,

In the eighth with one out, Benard lined a double off the wall in right center. Bonds took a called third strike for the second out, and Burks' grounder to short ended the inning,

Now let's look at the rest of the game action:

In the bottom of the first, shortstop Orlando Cabrera drew a leadoff walk but was forced by second baseman Wilton Guerrero. That brought up left fielder Rondell White, who hit Rueter's 1-1 fastball over the left center field wall for a two-run homer, his twenty-second of the year. The Expos led 2-0 after one.

In the bottom of the second, third baseman Michael Barrett hit Rueter's first-pitch curveball down the left field line and over the wall for a leadoff home run to extend the Spos' lead to 3-0. It was Barrett's tenth homer of the year.

In the bottom of the fourth, Barrett lined a leadoff double to right. First baseman Brad Fullmer followed with another double to right that scored Barrett and gave the home squad a 4-0 lead. That brought up center fielder Manny Martinez, who golfed a 1-1 hanging curve from Rueter over the right field wall for his third home run of the year and the Expos' third home run of the game. After four, it was Expos 6, Giants 0.

In the bottom of the fifth, right fielder Vladimir Guerrero led off by hitting a 2-1 curveball from Giants reliever Joe Nathan over the right field wall for his fortyL--fourth home run of the year. The Expos had hit four home runs in the first five innings, and they led 7-0 after five.

In the bottom of the sixth, Vazquez banged a triple into the left field corner. Cabrera struck out swinging for out number one, but Wilton lined a double off the wall in left to score Vazquez with the eighth Montreal run. He moved to third on White's fly to Bonds in left for the second out and scored on his brother Vlad's lined single to left to make it 9-0 Montreal. Catcher Chris Widger singled past the mound and up the middle to put runners at the corners, and Barrett's bloop landed on the left field line and rolled into the corner for a double. Vlad and Widger scored to give les Expos an 11-0 lead.

The Giants scored their only run in the top of the seventh. Jeff Kent drew a leadoff walk. J.T. Snow struck out swinging for out number one, but Kent moved to second on Charlie Hayes' grounder to third. Catcher Brent Mayne was next, and he singled to left to bring Kent home. Mayne took second on the throw to the plate, but he was stranded when shortstop Ramon Martinez struck out swinging to end the inning. Final score: Expos 11, Giants 1.

Final totals: Expos 11-16-0, Giants 1-4-0.

W- Vazquez (10-7)
L- Rueter (12-14)

HR- MTL: V. Guerrero (44), White (22), Barrett (10), M. Martinez (3)

Note White also hit a home run in the actual game.

DW- Johnstone (3-5)
DS- Nen (33)
DL- Kline (7-3)

Bonds was hitless in three at-bats plus a walk. He's currently batting .268 (135-503) with forty-nine home runs and 128 runs batted in. He's drawn 102 walks.

Here are the updated standings in the National League East:

Braves: 104-58
Mets: 96-66- 8 GB
Phillies: 77-85- 27 GB
Expos: 68-94- 36 GB
Marlins: 65-97- 39 GB

In the West:

Diamondbacks: 99-63
Giants: 87-75- 12 GB
Dodgers: 77-85- 22 GB
Padres: 73-89- 26 GB
Rockies: 72-90- 27 GB

Next: Game 2 between the Giants and the Expos on Wednesday, April 28, Chris Brock will start for the Giants, while Dustin Hermanson goes to the mound for the Expos.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 13, 2024

It's Wednesday, April 28, 1999, and the Giants are facing the Expos in the second game of a three-game series at Olympic Stadium. Chris Brock will pitch for the Giants, while Dustin Hermanson gets the ball for the Expos. Bonds is in left field and will bat seventh, as his replacement Stan Javier did in real life. The Giants won the actual game, 4-3.

Let's examine Bonds' at-bats first:

In the second, he struck out swinging.

In the third with one out, Marvin Benard doubled to left. He moved to third on shortstop Ramon Martinez's fly to left center. and Ellis Burks walked to put two men on. Jeff Kent was next, and he lined a double off the wall in left center. Benard and Burks scored, and the Giants led 2-0. J.T. Snow walked to put two men on, and Charlie Hayes followed with a lined single to left center that cashed in Kent and gave the Giants a 3-0 lead. Snow went to third on the hit, but Bonds' popup to Brad Fullmer at first ended the inning.

In the fifth with one out, Bonds walked and stole second. Catcher Scott Servais grounded to short. and Estes' popup to first ended the inning.

In the seventh, Kent led off with a base hit to left center but was forced by Snow. Hayes flew to Rondell White in shallow left for out number two, but Bonds was hit in the thigh with a pitch to keep the inning alive. Servais's line drive was gloved by Orlando Cabrera at short to end the inning.

In the ninth, Snow led off with a triple into the right field corner. Hayes bounced to Cabrera at short for out number two, but Bonds walked on five pitches to keep the inning alive, but Servais struck out swinging to end the inning with runners still at first and third,

Now let's look at the rest of the game action:

In the top of the fourth, Servais led off with a base hit to left center. Estes bunted him over to second, and Benard whacked a double over White's head in left to score Servais and make it 4-0 Giants. Martinez struck out swinging for out number two, but Burks ended Hermanson's evening by hitting his 1-1 slider over the wall in left center for a two-run homer, his thirty-second of the year. The Boys from the Bay enjoyed a 6-0 lead after three and a half.

The Expos hit the board for the first time in the bottom of the fourth. Second baseman Jose Vidro drew a leadoff walk, and White followed by swatting Estes' 2-0 fastball over the left center field wall for a two-run homer, his twenty-third of the year. After four, it was San Francisco 6, Montreal 2.

The home squad scored three more times in the bottom of the fifth. With one out, Cabrera slapped a single to left. Vidro followed with a bloop single to right, and Cabrera slid in safely at third just ahead of Burks' throw. White's base hit to left center scored Cabrera to make it a 6-3 game, with Vidro going to third. A walk to right fielder Vladimir Guerrero loaded the bases, and first baseman Brad Fullmer walked of five pitches to force in Vidro and make it 6-4. Catcher Michael Barrett was next, and his base hit to left scored White to cut the Giants' lead to 6-5 after five.

The Expos won the game with two runs in the bottom of the ninth against Giants closer Robbie Nen. Vidro led off with a single up the middle. White flew to Benard in shallow center for the first out, but Guerrero's single to center moved Vidro to third. Fullmer was next, and his grounder avoided a diving Nen and skittered into center. Vidro scored easily, and we were tied at six. Barrett ended the evening with the Expos' fourth hit of the inning, a single to left center that scored Guerrero to finish their 7-6 comeback win.

I accidentally lost the sim before I could record the final totals on the winning pitcher for the Expos.

L- Nen (1-10)

HR- SF: Burks (32)
MTL: White (23)

DW- Nathan (5-3)
DS- Nen (32)
DL- Hermanson (9-15)

Bonds was hitless in two official at-bats plus two walks and a hit-by-pitch. He's currently batting .267 (135-505) with forty-nine home runs and 128 runs batted in. He's walked 104 times.

Here are the updated standings in the National League East:

Braves: 104-58
Mets: 96-66- 8 GB
Phillies: 77-85- 27 GB
Expos: 69-93- 35 GB
Marlins: 65-97- 39 GB

In the West:

Diamondbacks: 99-63
Giants: 86-76- 13 GB
Dodgers: 77-85- 22 GB
Padres: 73-89- 26 GB
Rockies: 72-90- 27 GB

Next: The Giants begin a three-game series against the Mets at Shea Stadium on Friday, April 30. Shawn Estes will once again start for the Giants, while Rick Reed pitches for the Mets.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 14, 2024

It's Friday, April 30, 1999, and the Giants are taking on the Mets in the first game of a three-game series at Shea Stadium. Shawn Estes will pitch for the Giants, while Rick Reed gets the ball for the Mets. Bonds is in left field and will lead off, as his replacement Stan Javier did in real life. The Mets won the actual game, 7-2.

Let's begin by examining Bonds' at-bats:

In the first, he led off by hitting Reed's first-pitch fastball down the right field line and over the wall for his fiftieth home run of the year and career homer Number 862. He's now six home runs behind all-time leader Sadaharu Oh. The Giants led 1-0 after half an inning.

In the third, he popped to Rey Ordonez at short.

In the fifth, J.T. Snow drew a leadoff walk, Shortstop Ramon Martinez was called out on strikes for out number one, but Estes lined a double into the right center power alley to put runners at second and third. They were stranded, as Bonds took a called third strike and center fielder F.P. Santangelo grounded to John Olerud at first to end the inning.'

In the sixth with one out and the Mets leading 2-1, Kent lined a leadoff single to right. Third basemen Charlie Hayes singled to left center to put two men on, and catcher Scott Servais's bloop fell on the left field line for a double that scored both runners and gave the Giants a 3-2 lead.

Reed exited at that point, and reliever Turk Wendell was called on to face Snow, whose fly to right center was caught at the wall by Santangelo for the second out while Servais moved to third. Walks to Martinez and pinch hitter Armando Rios (batting for Estes) loaded the bases, but Bonds' fly to center was caught by the Mets' Brian McRae to end the inning,

In the ninth with one out and the Mets leading 7-3, Bonds hit a bloop to right center that fell in for a double. Santangelo walked to put two men on, and Burks' fly to McRae in left center moved Bonds to third with two out. A walk to Kent loaded the bases, but Hayes' fly to right was caught by the Mets' Roger Cedeno to end the game. Final score: Mets 7, Giants 3.

Now let's see how the Mets scored their runs:

In the bottom of the first with one out and the Giants leading 1-0. second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo lined a single to right. First baseman John Olerud walked to put two men on, and catcher Mike Piazza stroked a base hit to right center that scored Alfonzo to tie the game at one. Third baseman Robin Ventura forced Piazza, which allowed Olerud to score and give the Mets a 2-1 lead after one.

In the bottom of the eighth with the Giants leading 3-2, Ventura drew a leadoff walk. against Giants reliever Jerry Spradlin. Cedeno singled to right center to put two men on, and McRae's single to right loaded the bases. Shortstop Rey Ordonez was next, and his single to left center scored Ventura and Cedeno to put the Mets in front 4-3.

Julian Tavarez replaced Spradlin, and Jermaine Allensworth came up to bat for reliever John Franco. After a ten-pitch at-bat, Allensworth lined a single to right that scored McRae to make it 5-3 New York. Left fielder Rickey Henderson followed with a single up the middle that scored Ordonez to make it 6-3 and moved Allensworth to third, and Alfonzo topped off the inning by forcing Henderson, which allowed Allensworth to score the seventh New York run,

Final totals: Mets 7-10-1, Giants 3-8-1.

W- Franco (1-2)
S- Benitez (23)
L- Spradlin (5-3)

HR- SF: Bonds (50)

DW- Watson (1-2)
DS- Wendell (2)
DL- Estes (13-11)

LHR-SF: Servais (4)
NYM: Ventura (31)

Bonds was two for five with a home run. He's currently batting .269 (137-510) with fifty home runs and 129 runs batted in.

Next: Game 3 between the Giants and the Mets on Sunday, May 2. Kirk Rueter will pitch for the Giants, while Masato Yoshii heads to the mound for the Mets.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 15, 2024

It's Sunday, May 2, 1999, and the Giants are battling the Mets in the third and final game of a three-game series at Shea Stadium, Kirk Rueter will start for the Giants, while Masato Yoshii gets the ball for the Mets. Bonds is in left field and will bat second, as his replacement Stan Javier did in real life. The Mets won the actual game, 2-0.

Let's begin by examining Bonds' at-bats:

In the first, he struck out swinging.

In the third, his fly to deep right center was caught at the wall by the Mets' Jermaine Allensworth.

In the fifth, Rich Aurilia was hit in the hip by a pitch. Rueter bunted him over to second. Marvin Benard's liner was gloved by Mets third baseman Robin Ventura for the second out, Bonds walked to keep the inning alive, but Jeff Kent flew to Allensworth in shallow right center to end the inning.

In the eighth with one out and the Giants leading 3-2, Bonds lined a single to left. Kent beat out a grounder to third for an infield single, and J.T Snow walked to load the bases. Ellis Burks walked on a 3-2 pitch to force Bonds home, and the Giants led 4-2. Mets reliever Turk Wendell left the field to a chorus of boos, which turned to cheers as hometown favorite John Franco made his way in from the bullpen.

Franco began by retiring Charlie Hayes on a popup to Ventura at third, but catcher Brent Mayne ripped the game wide open with a bases-clearing double off the wall in right. The Giants now led 7-2, and they scored their fifth run of the inning and eighth of the game when Aurilia's base hit to center cashed in Mayne. As we headed to the bottom of the eighth, the Giants led 8-2.

In the ninth, Bonds flew to right,

Now let's check out the rest of the game action:

In the bottom of the third with one out and the Giants leading 3-0, second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo's bloop fell in left center field for a double. Alfonzo moved to third when first baseman John Olerud grounded to his counterpart Snow and scored on catcher Mike Piazza's bloop single to center. The Mets trailed 3-1 after three.

The Mets crept closer with a run in the bottom of the seventh. Left fielder Rickey Henderson drew a leadoff walk, moved to third when Alfonzo lined a base hit to left, and scored on Olerud's sacrifice fly to center, which was caught at the wall by Benard.

The Mets made one last charge in the bottom of the ninth. With two out and the Giants leading 8-2, Olerud walked. Piazza lined a single to left that put two men on, and Ventura's base hit to right loaded the bases. Right fielder Roger Cedeno followed with another single to right that scored Olerud with the Mets' third run.

Allensworth was next, but when Giants manager Dusty Baker called on closer Robbie Nen, Allensworth was called back in favor of Bonds' former Pittsburgh teammate Bobby Bonilla. Bobby Bo lined Nen's first pitch off the wall in left for a bases-clearing double that cut the Frisco lead to 8-6. Shortstop Rey Ordonez walked to put the tying run on base, but Nen retired pinch hitter Benny Agbayani (batting for reliever Jason Isringhausen) on a grounder to Hayes at third to end the game. Our final: Giants 8, Mets 6.

Final totals: Giants 8-6-0, Mets 6-12-0.

W- Rueter (13-14)
S- Nen (33)
L- Yoshii (12-9)

DW- Cook (5-3)
DS- J. Franco (18)
DL- Johnstone (3-4)

Here are the updated standings in the National League West:

Diamondbacks: 99-63
Giants: 87-75- 12 GB
Dodgers: 77-85- 22 GB
Padres: 73-89- 26 GB
Rockies: 72-90-27 GB

In the East:

Braves: 104-58
Mets: 95-67- 9 GB
Phillies: 77-85- 27 GB
Expos: 69-93- 35 GB
Marlins: 65-97- 39 GB

As a result of this loss, the Mets have fallen out of their wild card tie with the Reds. If these standings hold up, the Reds will win the wild card and face the top-seeded Braves in one NLDS. The Astros would take on the Diamondbacks in the other NLDS.

Bonds was one for four plus a walk with a run scored. He's currently batting .268 (138-514) with fifty home runs and 129 runs batted in. He's walked 105 times.

Next: The Giants head to Pittsburgh to open a three-game series against the Pirates on Monday, May 3. Mark Gardner will start for the Giants, while Kris Benson pitches for the Pirates.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 16, 2024

It's Monday, May 3, 1999, and the Giants are opening a three-game series against the Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium. Mark Gardner will pitch for the Giants, while Kris Benson gets the ball for the Pirates. Bonds is in left field and will lead off, as his replacement Stan Javier did in real life. The Pirates won the actual game, 9-8,

Let's begin by examining Bonds' at-bats:

In the first, he led off with a single up the middle. He held at first when second baseman Ramon Martinez's flyball was caught in deep right center by Pirates center fielder Brant Brown. Bonds stole second, and Ellis Burks walked to put two men on. First baseman Jeff Kent struck out swinging for out number two, but Charlie Hayes lined a single to right that scored Bonds and gave the Giants a 1-0 lead.

In the third with the Pirates leading 2-1, Bonds singled to left center. Martinez followed with a single to right center that put runners at the corners. Burks struck out swinging for the first out, but Kent's bloop found friendly turf in the left center power alley. Bonds and Martinez scored, and the Giants had a 3-2 lead.

In the fourth, center fielder F.P. Santangelo drew a leadoff walk, but catcher Scott Servais bounced into a 4-6-3 double play.

In the sixth, Bonds drew a two-out walk, Martinez's grounder to short ended the inning. Gardner kept the inning alive with a base hit to left center.

Bonds was next, and he hit Benson's 1-2 curveball over the wall in left center for a two-run homer, his fifty-first of the year and career homer Number 863. He's now five homers behind all-time leader Sadaharu Oh.

In the ninth with the Pirates leading 8-6, J,T, Snow, who had replaced Kent at first. led off with a double to left, Bonds was next, and he drilled a 1-0 fastball from Pirates closer Mike Williams into the seats in right center for a two-run homer that tied the game at eight. It was Bonds' second homer of the game, his fifty-second of the year, and career homer Number 864. He's now just four home runs behind Oh.

Jeff Wallace replaced Williams and faced Javier, who was batting for reliever Rich Rodrguez. Stan bounced one down to third that was muffed by third baseman Ed Sprague, allowing Javier to reach. Burks walked to put two men on, and Kent, who had moved to second by this point, stroked a base hit to left. Pirates left fielder Al Martin threw to the plate in an effort to get Snow, but J.T. eluded the tag and scored to give the Giants a 9-8 lead.

Hayes' line drive was caught by Pirates second baseman Warren Morris for out number one, and shortstop Rich Aurilia forced Kent, which allowed Burks to score and make it 10-8. Aurilia was thrown out trying to steal second to end the inning.

Now let's look at the rest of the game action:

In the bottom of the second, first baseman Kevin Young smacked Gardner's first-pitch fastball over the right field wall for his twenty-sixth home run of the year to tie the game at one. Catcher Jason Kendall followed with a double off the wall in left. Center fielder Brant Brown struck out swinging for out number one, but Sprague doubled over Santangelo's head in center to score Kendall and give the Buccos a 2-1 lead.

In the bottom of the fourth with the Giants leading 5-2, Sprague led off with a base hit to left center. Morris took a called third strike for out number one, and Benson bunted Sprague over to second. Martin walked to keep the inning alive, and shortstop Mike Benjamin lined a single to center that loaded the bases. That brought up right fielder Brian Giles, who hit Gardner's 1-1 curveball into the third row of seats in left field for a grand slam that put the Pirates in front 6-5. It was Giles' fortieth home run of the year, and it traveled 364 feet. (Left field is 335 feet from home plate at Three Rivers Stadium.)

In the top of the fifth with two out, Hayes hit Benson's 1-1 slider over the wall in center for a home run to tie the game at six. It was his eighth home run of the year.

In the bottom of the fifth with one out, Sprague hit a 1-1 curveball from Giants reliever Joe Nathan down the left field line and over the wall for a home run that gave the Pirates a 7-6 lead. It was his twenty-second home run of the year.

In the bottom of the seventh, Brown smashed a 1-1 slider from Giants reliever John Johnstone over the wall in right center for a home run that extended the Pittsburgh lead to 8-6. It was Brown's seventeenth home run of the year.

In the bottom of the ninth with the Giants leading 10-8, catcher Jason Kendall led off with a single to center. Brown struck out swinging for the first out, but Giants closer Robbie Nen threw a wild pitch that moved Kendall down to second. Sprague was hit in the back by a pitch to put two men on, and a walk to Morris loaded the bases. Pat Meares batted for Wallace and stroked a single to right that scored Kendall to cut the Frisco lead to 10-9.

Martin was next, and his base hit to right brought Sprague home to tie the game at ten. Burks' throw to the plate appeared to have Morris dead to rights at home, but Morris slid headfirst and knocked the ball out of Servais's hand, then touched the plate before Servais could retrieve it. The Giants' dugout went crazy. but home plate umpire Jeff Nelson's call stood. Final score: Pirates 11, Giants 10.

Final totals: Pirates 11-14-1, Giants 10-11-1.

W- Wallace (2-0)
L- Nen (1-11)

HR- SF: Bonds 2 (52), Hayes (8)
PIT: Giles (40), Young (26), Sprague (22), Brown (17)

Note: Young also hit a home run in the original game.

DW- Loiselle (1-2)

LHR- SF: Kent (20). Aurilia (20)
PIT: Giles 2 (38). . Martin (21), Morris (14)

Note: Giles also hit a home run in the original game.

Bonds was four for four plus a walk with four runs scored and four RBIs. He's currently batting .274 (142-518) with fifty-two home runs and 133 runs batted in. He's walked 106 times.

Next: Game 2 between the Pirates and the Giants on Tuesday, May 4. Russ Ortiz will pitch for the Giants, while Francisco Cordova gets the ball for the Pirates,

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 17, 2024

It's Tuesday, May 4, 1999, and the Giants are taking on the Pirates in the second game of a three-game series at Three Rivers Stadium. Russ Ortiz will start for the Giants, while Francisco Cordova goes to the mound for the Pirates. Bonds is in left field and will bat second, as his replacement Stan Javier did in real life. The Giants won the actual game, 7-4.

Let's begin by examining Bonds' at-bats:

In the first with one out, he singled to right. He was forced by Ellis Burks for the second out. Burks scored when Jeff Kent lined a double down the right field line. The Giants led 1-0 after a half.

In the second with the Pirates leading 5-1, catcher Brent Mayne led off with a single to center. Rich Aurilia's single to left center put runners at the corners, and Ortiz helped his own cause with a base hit to right center that scored Mayne and cut the Pirates' lead to 5-2. Marvin Benard's single to right loaded the bases, and Bonds bounced into a force play, which eliminated Benard but allowed Aurilia to score and make it 5-3. Ortiz moved to third on the out, but the runners had to hold when Burks flew to Brant Brown in shallow left center for out number two.

Kent was next, and his single to center cashed in Ortiz to make it 5-4 Pittsburgh while Bonds moved to third, Snow's base hit to right center made it five hits in the inning for the visitors, and Bonds came home to tie the game at five. Kent moved to third on the hit, but Hayes bounced into a force play to end the inning.

In the fourth, Bonds popped to short,

In the seventh, Benard led off with a single to left. Cordova got the next three outs in order: Bonds' liner was caught by Pirates first baseman Kevin Young, Burks struck out swinging, and Kent flew to right.

In the ninth with the Pirates leading 6-5, Armando Rios (batting for reliever John Johnstone) drew a leadoff walk. He was forced by Benard,

Bonds was next, and he hit a 1-1 slider from Pirates closer Mike Williams into the third row in right center field for a two-run homer, his fifty-third of the year. It's also career homer Number 865. He's now just three homers behind all-time leader Sadaharu Oh. The ball traveled an estimated 407 feet; right center field is 375 feet from home plate at Three Rivers Stadium.

The Giants now led 7-6, and there was no further scoring.

Now let's see how the Pirates scored their runs:

The Bucs' bats erupted for five runs in the bottom of the first. Left fielder Al Martin led off with a single to right. Shortstop Pat Meares followed with a single to left that put runners at the corners. Right fielder Brian Giles walked to load the bases. First baseman Kevin Young hit a ground ball to first; Snow made the stop and threw to Mayne at the plate to get the incoming Martin. The bases were still loaded for catcher Jason Kendall. who lined the first pitch he saw from Ortiz off the top of the right field wall, just under the home run line. The bases cleared to put the Bucs in front 3-1, and Kendall chugged into third with a triple.

Giants pitching coach Ron Perranoski came out to have a word with Ortiz, who responded by retiring center fielder Brant Brown on a bouncer to short while Kendall held at third. Ortiz's respite was short-lived, as third baseman Ed Sprague hit a two-run homer into the upper deck in left center field for a two-run homer that extended the Pirates' lead to 5-1. The ball traveled an estimated 418 feet; left center field is 375 feet from home plate at Three Rivers Stadium. It was Sprague's twenty-third homer of the year.

The Bucs scored their other run in the bottom of the eighth. With the score tied at five, Brown led off by lining Ortiz's 1-2 fastball over the wall in straightaway center for his eighteenth home run of the year to give the home squad a 6-5 lead.

Final totals: Giants 7-12-0, Pirates 6-9-1.

W- Johnstone (4-4)
S- Nen I34)
L- M. Williams (3-5)

HR- SF: Bonds (53)
PIT: Sprague (23), Brown (18)

DW- Ortiz (19-8)
DL- Silva (2-7)

LHR- SF: Snow (23)
PIT: Young (25)

Bonds was named Player of the Game. He was two for five with a home run and three RBIs. He's currently batting .275 (144-523) with fifty-three home runs and 136 runs batted in.

Next: The Giants return home to face the Brewers on Friday, May 7. Scott Karl will start for the Brewers, while Chris Brock gets the ball for the Giants.

Because Bonds is within three home runs of Oh's record, all games from this point until he breaks the record will be nationally televised. ESPN has received permission from Fox to simulcast any games it broadcasts on ABC, beginning with Friday night's contest. First pitch has been moved up to 8PM Eastern (5PM Pacific) with Jon Miller and Joe Morgan calling the action. Chris Berman will host the evening's festivities, and Harold Reynolds will serve as dugout reporter,

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 18, 2024

It's Friday, May 7, 1999, and the Giants are hosting the Brewers in the first game of a three-game series at 3Com Park. Scott Karl will start for the Brewers, while Chris Brock heads to the mound for the Giants. Bonds is in left field and will bat second, as his replacement F.P. Santangelo did in real life. The Giants won the actual game, 4-3.

Let's examine Bonds' at-bats first:

In the first with one out, he walked on five pitches. Ellis Burks grounded into a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play.

In the third with the Brewers leading 1-0, Marvin Benard beat out a bouncer to short for a leadoff infield single, then stole second. Bonds followed with a base hit to right that scored Benard to tie the game at one. Burks' fly ball to deep left center was run down in the power alley by Brewers center fielder Marquis Grissom for the first out; soon thereafter, Bonds stole second. He was stranded there, as second baseman Jeff Kent grounded to short and third baseman Charlie Hayes bounced to his counterpart Jeff Cirillo at third to end the inning.

In the top of the fifth with the Brewers leading 5-1, Bonds led off by lining a 1-1 slider from Karl over the wall in right center for his fifty-fourth home run of the year and career homer Number 866. Bonds is now just two home runs behind all-time leader Sadaharu Oh. The Brewers' lead was now 5-2.

Here's the call from ESPN's Jon Miller:

"Karl gets the sign from Nilsson, and here's the one-one to Bonds......slider LINED DEEP TO LEFT! JENKINS GOING BACK, TO THE WALL, BUT THIS BALL IS GONE! NUMBER 866 FOR BONDS! HE'S JUST TWO HOME RUNS AWAY FROM IMMORTALITY!"

Burks continued the inning by drawing a walk. A wild pitch moved him to second, and Kent rapped a double off the wall in center thar scored Burks and cut the Milwaukee lead to 5-3.

In the bottom of the seventh, Bonds led off by hitting Karl's first-pitch fastball over the right field wall for his fifty-fifth home run of the year and career homer Number 867. His next home run will tie Sadaharu Oh's world record of 868, The Milwaukee lead was now 5-4.

Here's Jon's call:

"Karl now ready, as we begin the bottom of the seventh, which figures to be his last inning. First pitch to Bonds......high fly ball going deep to right! Back goes Burnitz, he's at the wall.......IT'S GONE! Barry Bonds with Number 867, and history's just one swing away! Listen to this sellout crowd go wild!"

That was all for Karl; reliever Mike Myers struck Burks out swinging, but Kent lined his 1-2 hanging curveball over the left field wall for a home run that tied the game at five. It was Jeff's twentieth home run of the year.

In the eighth, Snow led off with a single to right. Catcher Scott Servais walked to put two men on. Armando Rios batted for reliever John Johnstone and beat out a bouncer to short for an infield single to load the bases. Benard forced Rios, which allowed Snow to score and give the Giants a 6-5 lead.

Reliever Eric Plunk came in to face Bonds, who walked on a 3-2 pitch to load the bases. Burks' fly ball to center chased Grissom back to the wall before he made the catch, and his throw went up the first base line, which allowed Servais to score and make it 7-5. Kent was intentionally walked to reload the bases, but Plunk struck Hayes out swinging to end the inning.

In the tenth with the Brewers leading 11-7, Bonds' line drive was gloved by reliever Rafael Roque, who started this game in real life. Burks' fly to deep left was caught by the Brewers' Geoff Jenkins for the second out, but Kent kept the game alive by lining a single to right. Hayes was next, and he smacked Roque's 2-1 changeup over the left center field wall for a two-run homer, his ninth of the year, to cut the Brewers' lead to 11-9.

Brewers manager Phil Garner called on closer Bob Wickman to face Giants shortstop Rich Aurilia, and Wickman needed only one pitch to slam the door, as Aurilia tapped to first baseman Sean Berry to end the game. Final score in ten: Brewers 11, Giants 9.

Now let's see how the Brewers scored their runs:

In the top of the first with one out, Jenkins blooped a single to left. Third baseman Jeff Cirillo followed with another bloop single, this one to left center. With runners at the corners, right fielder Jeromy Burnitz stroked a base hit to right. Jenkins scored to give the Brewers a 1-0 lead, but Burks' throw to third nailed an incoming Cirillo for out number two. Berry forced Burnitz to end the inning.

In the top of the fourth with the score tied at one, Burnitz drew a leadoff walk, Berry lined a double into the left center power alley that scored Burnitz to give the Brewers a 2-1 lead. Catcher Dave Nilsson was next, and he hit Brock's 1-1 fastball down the left field line and over the wall for a two-run homer, his twenty-second of the year. The Brewers led 4-1 after three and a half.

In the top of the fifth, Jenkins' bloop fell in the left center power alley for a leadoff double. Geoff moved to third on Cirillo's bouncer to second, but had to hold when Burnitz tapped to J,T. Snow at first for out number two, Berry was next, and he beat out a bouncer to short for an infield single. Jenkins scored, and the Brew Crew led 5-1.

In the top of the ninth with one out and the Giants leading 7-5, Nilson grounded a base hit past the mound and into center field. Grissom's single to left put two men on, shortstop Mark Loretta beat out a bouncer to short for an infield single to load the bases. Ronnie Belliard came off the bench to bat for Plunk and was retired on a fly to right for out number two, Second baseman Fernando Vina was next, and he lined a base hit to center that scored Nilsson and Grissom to tie the game at seven.

In the top of the tenth, Cirillo led off with a comebacker that was dropped by Giants reliever Jerry Spradlin, allowing Cirillo to reach. Burnitz singled to right to put runners at the corners, and Berry's grounder to second moved Burnitz to second. Nilsson's popup was caught by Kent behind second base for out number two while the runners held. Grisson was next, and he hit a bouncer to third that took a bad hop and hit off the tip of Hayes' glove. Charlie was charged with a error, and Cirillo scored to give the Brewers an 8-7 lead while Burnitz moved to third.

That was all for Spradlin; Julian Tavarez came out of the Frisco pen to face Loretta, who dumped a base hit into center field to score Burnitz and extend the Milwaukee lead to 9-7. Grissom moved to third on the hit. Roque convinced Garner to let him bat for himself, and he came through with a double over Benard's head in center. Grissom and Loretta scored, and the Brewers led 11-7.

Final totals: Brewers 11-22-0. Giants 9-14-2.

W- Roque (2-5)
S- Wickman (39)
L- Spradlin (5-4)

Loretta was named Player of the Game after going five for six with a run scored and an RBI.

HR- MIL: Nilsson (22)
SF: Bonds 2 (55), Kent (20), Hayes (9)

Note: Kent also hit a home run in the actual game.

DW- Brock (5-7)
DS- Nen (33)

Here are the updated standings in the National League West:

Diamondbacks: 99-63
Giants: 86-76- 13 GB
Dodgers: 77-85- 22 GB
Padres: 73-89- 26 GB
Rockies: 72-90- 27 GB

In the Central:

Astros: 97-65
Reds: 96-66- 1 GB
(tie) Pirates: 77-84- 19.5 GB
(tie) Cardinals: 77-84- 19.5 GB
Brewers: 75-86- 21.5 GB
Cubs: 67-95- 30 GB

Bonds was three for four plus two walks with two home runs and three RBIs. He's currently batting .279 (147-527) with fifty-five home runs and 139 runs batted in. He's walked 108 times.

Next: Game 3 between the Brewers and the Giants on Sunday, May 9, Hideo Nomo starts for the Brewers, while Mark Gardner gets the ball for the Giants,

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 19, 2024

It's Sunday, May 9, and the Giants are hosting the Brewers in the third and final game of a three-game series at 3Com Park, Hideo Nomo will start for the Brewers, while Mark Gardner heads to the mound for the Giants. Bonds is in left field and will bat sixth, as his replacement Stan Javier did in real life. The Brewers won the actual game, 3-2.

Let's begin by examining Bonds' at-bats:

In the first, center fielder Armando Rios led off by hitting Nomo's 1-1 screwball over the wall in right center field for a home run, his eighth of the year, to give the Giants a 1-0 lead. Rich Aurilia struck out swinging for out number one, but Ellis Burks singled to left center. Jeff Kent struck out swinging for out number two, but J,T, Snow hit Nomo's 2-0 fastball into the third row in right field for a two-run homer that extended the Giants' lead to 3-0. It was Snow's twenty-fourth home run of the year, and it traveled an estimated distance of 361 feet. (Right field is 335 feet away from home plate at 3Com Park.)

Bonds walked to keep the inning alive, but Charlie Hayes' line drive was caught by Brewers first baseman Sean Berry to end the inning.

In the fourth, Bonds drew a leadoff walk. Hayes smacked another blistering line drive, but this one was caught by Brewers shortstop Mark Loretta for out number two, Catcher Scott Servais lined a single to right that put runners at the corners, but Gardner went down swinging for the second out. That brought up Rios, who drilled a double off the wall in center. Bonds and Serxais scored, and the Boys by the Bay led 5-0.

In the fifth, Burks led off by hitting Nomo's first-pitch fastball over the wall in right center for a home run, his thirty-third of the year and the Giants' third of the game, to increase the Frisco lead to 6-0.

Kyle Peterson, who was making his major-league debut, relieved and saw his first pitch smacked into center for a base hit by Kent, who then stole second and went to third when Brewers catcher Dave Nilsson's attempted pickoff throw went into center field. Snow's fly to left center was caught by Jenkins, but Geoff's throw home wasn't in time, and Kent scored the Giants' seventh run. Bonds flew to Grissom in shallow left center for the second out, and Grissom also caught Hayes' fly to the warning track in center to end the inning.

The Brew Crew scored its first run in the top of the fourth when Jenkins led off by hitting Gardner's first-pitch fastball over the wall in right center for a home run, his twenty-second of the year. The Giants led 3-1 after three and a half.

The visitors scored their only other run in the top of the eighth. Second baseman Fernando Vina and Jenkins drew back-to-back walks to start, and third baseman Jeff Cirillo lined a base hit to right that cashed in Vina and established our final score: Giants 7, Brewers 2.

Final totals: Giants 7-9-1, Brewers 2-8-1.

W- Gardner (6-11)
L- Nomo (10-10)

HR- MIL: Jenkins (22)
SF: Burks (33), Snow (24). Rios (8)

DS- Wickman (38)

LHR- MIL: Berry (1)

Here are the updated standings in the National League West:

Diamondbacks: 99-63
Giants: 87-75- 12 GB
Dodgers: 77-85- 22 GB
Padres: 73-89- 26 GB
Rockies: 72-90- 27 GB

In the Central:

Astros: 97-65
Reds: 96-66- 1 GB
(tie) Pirates: 77-84- 19.5 GB
(tie) Cardinals: 77-84- 19.5 GB
Brewers: 74-87- 22.5 GB
Cubs: 67-95- 30 GB

Bonds was hitless in two official at-bats with two walks. He's currently batting .278 (147-529) with fifty-five home runs and 139 runs batted in. He's walked 110 times.

Next: To be determined.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 20, 2024

There's one more way to get Bonds a few extra at-bats: finishing rain-shortened games.

There were five rain-shortened games in Bonds' Pirates career: one in 1986, three in 1990, and one in 1992. I'll do the Giants games if and when I need to; there are none in 1999, the year I'm currently working on.

Without any further ado, let's go back to 1990. It's Friday, April 20, and the Pirates are taking on the Cubs at Wrigley Field. We resume play with two out in the top of the seventh and the Pirates leading 9-4.

Right fielder R.J. Reynolds was the first batter after the delay, and he singled to right center, then stole second. Catcher Don Slaught walked to put two men on. Cubs catcher Rick Wrona was charged with back-to-back passed balls that moved the runners up one base each; on the second one, Reynolds scored to give the Bucs a 10-4 lead. First baseman Sid Bream followed with a base hit to right center that scored Slaught to make it 11-4. Shortstop Rafael Belliard's bunt in front of the plate was gloved by Wrona, whose throw to first almost pulled first baseman Mark Grace off the bag; he managed to tag Belliard while doing the splits for out number two while Bream moved to second.

Next to the plate was reliever Scott Ruskin, who was batting for the first time in the majors. He smacked the second pitch he ever saw into left field for a base hit, which brought Bream home to make it 12-4. Bonds' fly to deep center was caught at the wall by the Cubs' Jerome Walton, with Ruskin moving to second. Second baseman Jose Lind walked to put two men on, and center fielder Andy Van Slyke's single to right center brought Ruskin home with the thirteenth Pittsburgh run. Third baseman Bobby Bonilla topped off the inning by lining a double off the wall in left. Lind and Van Slyke scored, and the Pirates led 15-4.

In the eighth, Bonds struck out swinging.

Final totals: Pirates 15-15-1, Cubs 4-13-2.

Pitchers' records remain the same.

Bonds was hitless in two additional at-bats. He's currently batting .310 (176-567) with forty-one home runs and 133 runs batted in. He's tied with the Cubs' Andre Dawson for fifth in the National League batting race.

His on-base percentage is .413. He's currently third in the National League, three points behind the Dodgers 'Eddie Murray for second.

His slugging percentage remains at .601, He has a nine-point lead over Cecil Fielder of the Tigers.

His OPS sits at 1.014. He's second in the majors, two points behind the Athletics' Rickey Henderson.

Bonilla drove in two more runs with his seventh-inning double. He now has 128 RBIs. five behind Bonds for the major league lead.

Next: The Pirates finish their game with the Cubs from June 6, 1990.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 20, 2024

It's June 6, 1990, and the Pirates are hosting the Cubs at Three Rivers Stadium. As we resume play in the bottom of the seventh, the Pirates are leading 6-1.

In the bottom of the seventh with one out, Bonds walked. Sid Bream's bloop single to center put runners at the corners, and Jose Lind stroked a single to left that brought Bonds home with the seventh Pittsburgh run.

In the top of the eighth with one out, catcher Hector Villanueva hit Pirates starter Doug Drabek's 1-1 slider over the wall in left center for his eighth home run of the year to cut the Pirates' lead to 7-2.

In the top of the ninth with one out, right fielder Andre Dawson hit Drabek's first-pitch fastball over the wall in left center for his second home run of the game and thirty-eighth of the year. Final score: Pirates 7, Cubs 3.

Final totals: Pirates 7-12-1, Cubs 3-8-2.

Pitchers' records remain the same.

HR- CHC: Dawson (38), Villanueva (8)

Bonds walked and scored in his only plate appearance. He has now walked one hundred times this season, and he has taken sole possession of the major league lead in runs scored with 121.

His on-base percentage has risen to .414. He's still third in the National League, two points behind the Dodgers' Eddie Murray,

His on-base percentage is .601. He leads the majors by nine points over the Tigers' Cecil Fielder.

His OPS is 1.015. He's second in the majors, one point behind the Athletics' Rickey Henderson.

Next: Our third and final unfinished game of 1990, as the Pirates face the Braves on August 29 in Atlanta.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 21, 2024

Now for our third and final unfinished game of 1990, as the Pirates face the Braves at Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta on August 29, As we resume play in the top of the seventh, the Pirates lead 10-0 with two out, four runs in, and Jeff King at second.

Catcher Don Slaught flew to shallow left to end the top of the seventh.

The Braves got on the board in the bottom of the seventh. Center fielder Ron Gant led off with a double to left, held at second while David Justice flew to his counterpart Bobby Bonilla in right, and scored on first baseman Tommy Gregg's base hit to left center. After seven, it was Pittsburgh 10, Atlanta 1.

Bonds' only plate appearance came in the top of the ninth, when he grounded to Jim Presley at third. There was no further scoring. Our final: Pirates 10, Braves 1.

Final totals: Pirates 10-13-1, Braves 1-5-1.

Pitchers' records remain the same.

Bonds' final 1990 batting average is .310 (176-568) with forty-one home runs and 133 runs batted in. He finished (unofficially) tied for fifth in the National League batting race with the Cubs' Andre Dawson.

His final on-base percentage is .413. He finished third in the National League, three points behind the Dodgers' Eddie Murray.

His final slugging percentage is .600. He led the major leagues by eight points over the Tigers' Cecil Fielder.

His final OPS is 1.013. He finished second in the majors, three points behind the Athletics' Rickey Henderson.

Next: We go back to 1986, as the Pirates face the Phillies on August 17 at Veterans Stadium.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 21, 2024

It's Sunday, August 17, 1986, and the Pirates are taking on the Phillies at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, As we resume play in the top of the sixth, the Phillies are leading 5-1.

Let's examine Bonds' at-bats first:

In the sixth, he took a called third strike.

In the eighth, his fly to right was caught at the wall by the Phillies' Glenn Wilson.

Now let's look at the rest of the game action:

In the top of the seventh with one out, catcher Tony Pena's bloop fell in left center field for a double. Right fielder R.J. Reynolds followed with a double off the wall in center that scored Pena and cut the Philly lead to 5-2. Second baseman Rafael Belliard was next, and his single to center cashed in Reynolds to make it 5-3.

In the top of the ninth, first baseman Mike Diaz led off against Phillies closer Steve Bedrosian with a triple into the right field corner. Third baseman Jim Morrison walked on five pitches, but Pena struck out swinging for out number one. Reynolds forced Morrison for the second out, which allowed Diaz to score and cut the Bucs' deficit to 5-4. Belliard's base hit to left moved Reynolds to third, and Raffy stole second to put two runners in scoring position. But pinch hitter Johnny Ray (batting for reliever Barry Jones) flew to Thompson in left center to end the game. Final score: Phillies 5, Pirates 4.

Pitchers' records remain the same.

S- Bedrosian (29)

Bonds' final batting average for 1986 is .230 (142-618) with twenty-six home runs and eighty-seven runs batted in. He finished with 158 strikeouts, which tied him for fifth in the majors with the Mariners' Danny Tartabull.

Next: It's on to 1992, as the Pirates host the Phillies on Friday, September 18.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 22, 2024

There were some difficulties with my first version of this post, so I'm doing it over.

It's Friday, September 18, 1992, and the Pirates are hosting the Phillies at Three Rivers Stadium. As we resume play in the bottom of the sixth, the Pirates are leading 5-2.

The Pirates scored twice in the bottom of the sixth. Right fielder Lloyd McClendon led off with a base hit to center. Catcher Don Slaught flew to Mariano Duncan ln left for the first out, but second baseman Jose Lind's single to right put runners at the corners. After starting pitcher Tim Wakefield struck out swinging for out number two, first baseman Gary Redus slapped the first pitch he saw past reliever Mike Hartley and into center field for another hit. Slaught scored, and the Bucs led 6-2. Lind went to third on the hit and scored on shortstop Jay Bell's single to left to make it 7-2 Pittsburgh after six.

The Phils got a run back in the top of the seventh. First baseman John Kruk drew a leadoff walk, and catcher Darren Daulton lined a single to right to put two men on, but was forced by third baseman Dave Hollins. Kruk moved to third on the out and scored on Duncan's single to left. As we stretched at Three Rivers, the Pirates led 7-3.

Bonds led off the bottom of the seventh by popping up to Juan Bell at short.

The Phils scored twice with two out in the top of the eighth. Shortstop Mickey Morandini led off with a base hit to left center. Kruk walked to put two men on, and Daulton brought them both home with a double off the wall in right to cut the Pittsburgh lead to 7-5.

The Phils tied the game in the top of the ninth. Center fielder Stan Javier's bloop fell in left center for a double. Juan Bell's line drive was caught by Lind for out number one, but right fielder Ruben Amaro doubled over Bonds' head in left to score Javier and make it 7-6, and Morandini's base hit to right scored Amaro to tie the game at seven.

Bonds led off the bottom of the ninth against future Pirate closer Mike Williams. Here's the call from Lanny Frattare:

"And so it comes down to this, Barry Bonds in what very well could be his last at-bat as a Pirate, facing one of the Pirates' best closers ever before a sellout crowd of 60, 207. They opened up the top decks in anticipation of a huge walkup crowd and got one despite the rain. Bonds two for four with a homer in the fifth, and he's just one round tripper away from Sadaharu Oh. He's in there now, ready to face Mike Willams, who saved 140 games for the Pirates from 1998-2003. Everyone's ready, and the first pitch.........FLY BALL, RIGHT CENTER FIELD, BACK IS JAVIER, GO BALL, GET OUTTA HERE!, AND,,,,,,,HE DID IT!"

(After almost a minute of silence, we rejoin Lanny.)

"We got it all: a Pirate victory, a walk-off home run, and history, all in one swing. It's 11:21 PM on Friday, September 18, 1992, and Barry Bonds has equaled the great Sadaharu Oh with 868 home runs. It's just a shame that it couldn't have been the record-breaker, but it's still pandemonium here at Three Rivers. Jim Leyland met Bonds coming around third, and Barry picked him up and carried him across the plate, stopping to step on it for the official winning run, That picture will live on in Pittsburgh sports for decades to come.

We'll take our last break, then go down to the field and join Jim Rooker and Steve Blass for interviews. We'll be heading down for the postgame ceremonies, so Kent Derdivanis will be back with the postgame wrapup. There was nooooooo doubt about this one thanks to Barry Bonds, who wins it with home run Number 868. Final score: our Pirates 8, the Philadelphia Phillies 7."

Final totals: Pirates 8-15-0, Phillies 7-13-0.

W- Belinda (7-5)
L- Mike Williams (1-2)

HR- PIT: Bonds (45)

Bonds finished 1992 with a batting average of .314 (173-551), forty-five home runs, and 125 runs batted in. He led the major leagues in home runs and RBIs.

He finished seventh in the National League batting race, three points behind the Padres' Tony Gwynn for sixth.

He scored 132 runs, which led the majors by seventeen over the Tigers' Tony Phillips.

His final on-base percentage remained at .460. He led the majors by twenty-one points over the White Sox' Frank Thomas.

His final slugging percentage was .652. He led the majors by sixty-nine points over the Athletics' Mark McGwire.

His final OPS was 1.112. He led the majors by 137 points over Thomas.

Next: To be determined.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 23, 2024

It's Thursday, May 25, 1995, and the Giants are taking on the Phillies at Veterans Stadium. As we resume play, there are two out in the bottom of the sixth, and the Giants are leading 3-1.

There was no scoring in the final three innings.

In the top of the eighth with one out, center fielder Darren Lewis doubled to right. Second baseman Robby Thompson's line drive was caught by Phillies third baseman Charli Hayes for the second out. Bonds walked to keep the inning alive, but third baseman Matt Williams' grounder to Kevin Stocker at short ended the inning.

Final totals: Giants 3-5-0, Phillies 1-5-0.

Pitchers' records remain the same.

Next: We complete our final rain-shortened game, as the Giants face the Mets on July 2, 1993.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 23, 2024

It's Friday, July 2, 1993, and the Giants are facing the Mets at Shea Stadium. As we resume play in the top of the sixth, the Giants are leading the Mets 3-1.

In the top of the seventh, Bonds was retired on a comebacker to the mound.

In the top of the ninth, shortstop Mike Benjamin led off with a double to left center. Todd Benzinger batted for reliever Dave Righetti and singled to left to put runners at the corners. The runners held while center fielder Darren Lewis flew to the Mets' Bobby Bonilla in right for out number one, but second baseman Robby Thompson lined a double into the left center power alley that scored Benjamin to give the Giants a 4-1 lead.

First baseman Will Clark was retired on a fly to shallow right center for out number two, but Bonds and center fielder Willie McGee walked to load the bases. (Bonds was walked intentionally, McGee unintentionally). Shortstop Royce Claytin forced McGee to end the inning.

Final totals: Giants 4-9-0, Mets 1-7-2.

S- Beck (49)

Bonds was hitless in his only at-bat, and he was also walked intentionally. He's currently batting .335 (181-540) with forty-six home runs and 123 runs batted in.

He's still fourth in the National League batting race, seven points behind the Cardinals' Gregg Jefferies for third.

He's walked 127 times, which is good for second in the National League, two behind the Phillies' Lenny Dykstra.

His on-base percentage has risen to .459. He leads the National League, and he trails the Blue Jays' John Olerud by fourteen points for the major league lead.

His slugging percentage has dipped to .676. He leads the majors by forty-four points over the Rangers' Juan Gonzalez.

His OPS is 1.135. He leads the majors by thirty-three points over Olerud.

Next: Back to 1999, as the Giants host the Diamondbacks at 3Com Park on Monday, May 17. Randy Johnson will start for the D-Backs, while Shawn Estes heads to the mound for the Giants. This game will be televised by NBC, with first pitch slated for a little after 8PM Eastern, Bob Costas and Joe Morgan will call the action, with Jim Gray and Hannah Storn serving as dugout reporters.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 23, 2024

It's Monday, May 17, 1999, and the Giants are hosting the Diamondbacks in the first game of a three-game series at 3Com Park. Randy Johnson will pitch for the Diamondbacks, while Shawn Estes gets the ball for the Giants. Bonds is in left field and will bat sixth, as his replacement Stan Javier did in real life. The Diamondbacks won the actual game, 12-1.

In the top of the first, the D-Backs scored twice against Estes. Center fielder Tony Womack drew a leadoff walk, stole second, and scored on second baseman Jay Bell's base hit to left center. Left fielder Luis Gonzalez's foul pop was caught by Giants first baseman J.T. Snow for out number one, but third baseman Matt Williams singled to left to put runners at the corners. Right fielder Bernard Gilkey was next, and he lined another single to left that scored Bell to make it 2-0 Arizona after one,

The Snakes added another run in the top of the second. Shortstop Tony Batista led off and lined a 1-1 curveball from Estes over the wall in right center field for his sixth home run of the year. The visitors led 3-0 after an inning and a half.

The D-Backs scored their final run in the top of the seventh. With two out, Womack lined a single to center. Bell followed with a double off the wall in left that cashed him in and extended the Snakes' lead to 4-0 after six and a half.

Through all of this, Johnson was no-hitting the Giants, All four Frisco baserunners came on walks. In the second with two out, Ellis Burks got a free pass, but Jeff Kent's grounder to second ended the inning. In the third with two out, center fielder Marvin Benard walked, then stole second. Shortstop Rich Aurilia walked to put two men on, but Burks grounded to short to end the inning. In the fifth, third baseman Charlie Hayes drew a leadoff walk. Catcher Scott Servais struck out swinging for the first out, and Estes forced Hayes for out number two, Benard's line drive was caught by Williams to end the inning.

As for our hero, Bonds had only batted twice:

In the second, he grounded to first.

In the fourth, he grounded to second to end the inning.

In the bottom f the seventh with one out, Bonds stepped in to face The Big Unit for the third time. Here's the call from NBC's Bob Costas, with the count one ball and two strikes:

"It's come down to this: If Johnson gets Bonds here, he may not have to deal with him again, which removes the biggest obstacle from his no-hit bid, Only one Giant has reached scoring position, that being Benard in the third. The crowd's standing in anticipation, as they have been for all of Bonds' at-bats tonight. The sign from Miller, Johnson nods, kicks and throws........HIGH FLY BALL TO RIGHT CENTER FIELD! BACK GOES WOMACK, TO THE WALL, IT'S GONE!"

(Silence from the booth as Bonds rounds the bases, but pandemonium everywhere else. Bonds has tears in his eyes as he rounds the bases; he's greeted by a mob scene of teammates, officials and family members. A huge "869!" in multiple colors flashes on the video board, and underneath are the words "ADIOS REGISTRO! (Goodbye Record)". a takeoff on Giants play-by-play man Jon Miller's home run call "ADIOS PELOTA" (Goodbye Baseball).

Johnson, ever the competitor, applauds but doesn't smile or otherwise show emotion; he'll shake Bonds' hand and congratulate him after the game, but for now, there's still business to take care of. Most of the other D-Backs offer handshakes; Bell, a former teammate of Bonds in Pittsburgh, gets a brief hug. Bonds eventually goes into the dugout; his evening is over, at least on the field. Costas comes back on the air after almost three and a half minutes:

"What a way to break up a no-hitter!"

Here's how Jon called it for Giants' radio:

"The Giants are still looking for their first hit against Johnson, who's gotten better as the game has gone on. He was a bit wild in the early innings, but the Giants couldn't do anything with him, He's ahead of Bonds one ball and two strikes, with Hayes on deck. He's ready now, the windup, and the one-two pitch...... HIT HIGH AND DEEP TO RIGHT CENTER, WOMACK GOING BACK, THIS MIGHT BE IT! IT IS! 869!"

The Diamondbacks allowed Joe Garagiola to call all of Bonds' at bats on this night, Here's how he described the big one for Diamondacks radio:

"If Johnson gets by Bonds......I won't say that the rest of the lineup's a cinch, but it'll be a good thing to not have to worry about him again. Hayes is on deck, Diamondbacks leading 4-0, we're in the bottom of the seventh. Johnson nods to Miller, winds up, now the pitch.......HIGH FLY BALL DEEP TO RIGHT CENTER, WOMACK GOING BACK, HE'S AT THE WALL, BUT THAT BALL IS HISTORY! IT'S 869 FOR BONDS!"

One last call, from Chris Berman on ESPN Radio:

"We're possibly looking at history of two different sorts: Number 869 for Bonds or a no-hitter for Johnson. But we can't have both; having neither is a possibility, but having both isn't. That's the cruelty of baseball. Right now the advantage is with Johnson one ball and two strikes. Nobody on, one out, bottom of the seventh. Johnson pitching from the windup, here's the one-two.......THAT ONE'S HIT DEEP TO RIGHT CENTER! BACK IS WOMACK, BACK, BACK, BACK, BACK, BACK, GONE! BARRY BONDS HAS BROKEN OH'S RECORD WITH NUMBER 869!")

The game was delayed about twelve minutes, but that didn't affect The Big Unit, who retired the last eight Giants hitters in a row to complete his 4-1 victory. He finished with four walks and seven strikeouts, and he threw 112 pitches.

Final totals: Diamondbacks 4-8-0, Giants 1-1-0,

W- Johnson (18-9)

HR- ARZ: Batista (5)
SF: Bonds (56)

Note: Batista also hit a home run in the actual game

DW- Frascatore (7-5)

LHR- ARZ: Williams (34)

Bonds was one for three with a home run, He's currently batting .278 (148-532) with fifty-six home runs and 140 runs batted in.

That's all for Part 1 of this thread. In Part 2, we'll take away the home runs hit in games that never happened and see how long it takes Barry to break the record again. He'll lose fourteen home runs from the simulated finish of 1994, three from the simulated finish of 1995, three from games that were never made up in real life, and one from a 1992 rainout that was never finished. The total is twenty-one, which means he'll begin Part 2 with 848 home runs.

Next: We begin Part 2 on Thursday, May 27, as the Giants finish a series against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mark Gardner will start for the Giants, while Darren Oliver gets the ball for the Cardinals.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 24, 2024

It's Thursday, May 27, 1999, and the Giants are finishing a three-game series against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mark Gardner will start for the Giants, while Garrett Stephenson goes to the hill for the Cardinals. Bonds is in left field and will bat sixth, as his replacement Stan Javier did in real life. The Cardinals won the actual game 3-2 in twelve innings.

Let's begin by examining Bonds' at-bats:

In the second, he grounded to Joe McEwing at second.

In the fourth, third baseman Bill Mueller drew a leadoff walk. He moved to second on J.T. Snow's grounder to first. and held while Jeff Kent grounded to short. Ellis Burks walked to put two men on, but Bonds flew to Thomas Howard in shallow right to end the inning.

In the sixth with the Cardinals leading 11-0, Mueller drew another leadoff walk, Stephenson hit Snow in the back with a fastball to put two men on, and Jeff Kent belted a triple into the left field corner to bring both runners home and put the Giants on the board. Stephenson recovered to retire the next three hitters in order: Burks flew to shallow left, Bonds flew to shallow left center, and Rich Aurilia's line drive was gloved by his shortstop counterpart Placido Polanco to end the inning. After six, it was St. Louis 11, San Francisco 2.

In the eighth, Bonds struck out swinging.

Now let's see how the Cardinals scored their runs:

The Cards put the game away right off the bat with a seven-run first inning. Center fielder Darren Bragg lined a leadoff single to right. Second baseman Joe McEwing ripped a double into the left center power alley to score Bragg and give the Cards a 1-0 lead. McGwire was hit in the back of the leg by a Gardner fastball to put two men on, and Lankford lined Mark's 2-0 hanging curve over the left center field wall for a three-run homer to extend the St. Louis lead to 4-0. It was Lankford's sixteenth home run of the year.

Giants pitching coach Ron Perranoski made a visit to the mound to calm Gardner down and Mark finally got an out when third baseman Fernando Tatis grounded to Mueller at third, but Howard spanked a ball down the right field line for a double. Catcher Eli Marrero lined a base hit to left center that brought Howard home to make it 5-0, and this time it was manager Dusty Baker coming to the mound with the hook for Gardner.

Felix Rodriguez was the new Giants pitcher, and he faced shortstop Placido Polanco. While Polanco was at the plate, Marrero stole second and third. A rattled Rodriguez walked Polanco on four pitches, and Stephenson made him pay by lining a base hit to right center. Marrero scored, and the Cardinals led 6-0, Polamco went to third on the hit. Next up was Bragg, who had begun the inning with a base hit to right against Gardner. He served another single into right against Rodriguez, which scored Polanco to make it 7-0.

McEwing struck out swinging for out number two, but McGwire lined a single to left that loaded the bases. Lankford, whose three-run homer was the key blow of the inning so far, was next, and Rodriguez struck him out swinging on a 3-2 pitch to retire the side with the bases still loaded.

In the bottom of the third, the Cards extended their lead into double digits against Giants reliever Joe Nathan. Polanco led off with a triple off the top of the left field wall. Stephenson took a called third strike for out number one, but Bragg walked to put two men on. McEwing stroked a single to left that scored Polanco to make it 8-0. Bragg moved to third on the hit and scored run number nine when McGwire bounced into a force play.

Lankford lined a single up the middle to put two men on again, and Tatis lined a ball off the wall in center field that took a bad hop away from Benard when he tried to play it. McGwire and Lankford scored to extend the Redbirds' lead to 11-0, while Tatis checked in at third with the home squad's second triple of the inning.

In the bottom of the eighth with one out and the Cards leading 11-2, Tatis walked. Howard followed with a double into the left center power alley to score Tatis and establish our final: Cardinals 12, Giants 2.

Final totals: Cardinals 12-15-0, Giants 2-5-0,

W- Stephenson (7-3)
S- Ankiel (2)
L- Gardner (6-12)

HR- STL: Lankford (16)

DW- Slocumb (2-2)
DL- Spradlin (5-3)

LHR- STL: McGwire (64)

Bonds was hitless in four at-bats. He's currently batting .276 (148-536) with fifty-six home runs and 140 runs batted in.

Next: The Giants finish a three-game series with the Expos on Sunday, May 30 at Olympic Stadium. Chris Brock will start for the Giants, while Jeremy Powell goes to the mound for the Expos.

Before I say so long for today, I've decided to reset Bonds' numbers a bit further back. Since he didn't hit the twenty extra home runs I credited him with in 2005, either actually or virtually, I've decided to wipe them off the books, He now has credit for 828 home runs, which means he's forty homers behind Sadaharu Oh one game into Part 2.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Mar 25, 2024

It's Sunday, May 30, 1999, and the Giants are taking on the Expos in the third and final game of a three-game series at Olympic Stadium. Chris Brock is starting for the Giants, while Carl Pavano pitches for the Expos. Bonds is in left field and will bat sixth, as his replacement Stan Javier did in real life. The Expos won the actual game, 6-4.

Let's begin by examining Bonds' at-bats:

In the first. Marvin Benard led off by banging a triple off the wall in center. Third baseman Bill Mueller took a called third strike for out number one, and J.T. Snow struck our swinging for the second out. Jeff Kent and Ellis Burks drew back-to-back walks to load the bases, and Bonds hit a fly ball to deep right. Expos right fielder Vladimir Guerrero made the catch at the wall to end the inning.

In the third with one out, Snow stroked a single to right center. Kent lined a double off the wall in right center to score Snow and give the Giants a 1-0 lead. Burks struck out swinging for out number two, but the visitors caught a break when Expos catcher Michael Barrett tried to pick Kent off, only for his throw to go into center field. Kent moved to third on the error and scored on Bonds' double into the right center power alley. Catcher Brent Mayne walked to keep the inning going, but shortstop Wilson Delgado popped to his counterpart Orlando Cabrera to end the inning. The Giants led 2-0 after two and a half.

In the fourth with one out and the score tied at two, Benard singled to left center. Mueller lined a double off the wall in left that scored Benard and gave the Giants a 3-2 lead. Snow walked to put two men on, and Kent ended Pavano's day by hitting his 2-1 hanging curveball over the left center field wall for a three-run homer to extend the Frisco lead to 6-2. It was his twenty-first home run of the year.

Miguel Batista, who started this game for the Expos in real life, relieved and retired Burks on a grounder to third for out number two, but Bonds walked to keep the inning alive. Mayne's single to left center put runners at the corners, and Delgado's single to right center cashed in Bonds to make it 7-2. Brock, who was batting for the second time in the inning, forced Delgado to retire the side,

In the sixth with one out and the Giants leading 7-5, Bonds lined Batista's first-pitch fastball down the right field line and over the wall for his fifty-sixth home run of the year and undisputed homer Number 829. He's now thirty-nine homers behind all-time leader Sadaharu Oh. The Giants led 8-5 after five and a half.

(Note: In Part 2, I'll call home runs "undisputed" to differentiate them from the homers hit earlier in the thread.)

In the eighth with the Giants leading 8-6, Snow led off with a single to right. Kent's bloop fell on the left field line and rolled toward the corner, which allowed Snow to score the ninth Frisco run. Burks followed by blasting Expos reliever Bobby Ayala's 2-1 changeup into the third row of seats in left center for his thirty-fourth home run of the year to put the Giants in front 11-6. The ball traveled an estimated 407 feet. (Right center field is 375 feet from home plate at Olympic Stadium.)

J,D. Smart was the next man out of the Montreal pen, and he struck Bonds out swinging for out number two. Mayne hit what appeared to be an inning-ending fly to right, but the ball hit the pocket of Guerrero's glove and bounced out. Mayne ended up at second on the play. Rich Aurilia batted for Delgado and lined a base hit to right that put runners at the corners, and Giants manager Dusty Baker decided to let reliever John Johnstone bat for himself. Johnstone's fly down the right field line was caught by Guerrero for the second out, but his throw to the plate went up the first base line, and Mayne scored to make it 12-6 Giants while Aurilia went to second. Benard struck out swinging to end the inning.

In the ninth, Mueller led off with a single up the middle. Snow flew to Guerrero in shallow right for out number one, but Kent's fly ball to left center dropped on the warning track and hopped over the wall for a book-rule double, which moved Mueller to third. Burks popped to short for the second out, and Bonds' fly to the warning track in right was caught by Guerrero to end the inning.

Now let's see how the Expos scored their runs:

In the bottom of the third with the Giants leading 2-0, Cabrera led off with a single to left, Pavano struck out swinging for out number one, but third baseman Mike Mordecai walked to put two men on. Left fielder Orlando Merced lined a single to right that loaded the bases, and Cabrera scored when center fielder Rondell White forced Merced. Mordecal moved to third on the out and scored on Guerrero's base hit up the middle to tie the game at two. White moved to third on the hit, but second baseman Jose Vidro's fly to deep right center was caught by Benard on the warning track to retire the side.

In the bottom of the fourth with one out and the Giants leading 7-2, first baseman Ryan McGuire singled to right center. Cabrera popped to Delgado at short for the first out, but Batista singled to left to put two men on. Mordecal followed with a base hit to left; Bonds' throw to the plate was in time, but McGuire's slide beat Mayne's tag, and the Spos had their third run. Batista went to third on the hit, and Mordecal took second on the throw, but Vidro's grounder to second ended the inning.

In the bottom of the fifth with one out, Guerrero singled to left. Vidro's single to right center moved Guerrero to third, A wild pitch from Brock allowed Guerrero to score to cut the Giants' lead to 7-4. Vidro moved to second on the wild pitch and scored when Barrett lined a double off the wall in left center to score Vidro and make it 7-5 after five.

In the bottom of the seventh with one out and the Giants leading 8-5, Vidro lined a double off the wall in right center. Barrett struck out swinging for the second out, but McGuire lined a double over Benard's head in center to score Vidro and cut the Expos' deficit to 8-6.

In the bottom of the ninth with two out and the Giants leading 12-6, Barrett stroked a single to left against Giants reliever Felix Rodriguez. McGuire walked to put two men on, and Cabera singled to left center to score Barrett and make it 12-7 while McGuire moved to third. Brad Fullmer came off the bench to bat for Smart, and his roller to Snow at first ended the game.

Final totals: Giants 12-18-0, Expos 7-15-2.

W- Nathan (7-3)
L- Pavano (6-9)

HR- SF: Bonds (57), Burks (34), Kent (21)

Kent was named Player of the Game. He was four for five plus a walk with a home run, three runs scored, and five RBIs.

DW- Batista (7-7)
DS-Urbina (38)
DL- Brock (5-6)

LHR- MTL: V. Guerrero (43), Mordecai (3)

Here are the updated standings in the National League West:

Diamondbacks: 99-63
Giants: 88-74- 11 GB
Dodgers: 77-85- 22 GB
Padres: 73-89- 26 GB
Roxkies: 72-90- 27 GB

In the East:

Braves: 104-58
Mets: 95-67- 9 GB
Phillies: 77-85- 27 GB
Expos: 68-94- 36 GB
Marlins: 65-97- 39 GB

Bonds was two for five plus a walk with a home run, two runs scored, and two RBIs. He's currently batting .277 (150-541) with fifty-seven home runs and 142 runs batted in. He's walked 111 times.

Next: The Giants head to Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia to begin a four-game series with the Phillies on Monday, May 31. Kirk Rueter will start for the Giants, while Randy Wolf goes to the hill for the Phillies.

Thoughts?

King of the World: Barry Bonds Chases Sadaharu Oh

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