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liberty-ca · 12-11-2025, 12:58 PM

By Gemmie Nye,Sacramento Sports Chronicle

The Sacramento Prayers (24-6) finally steadied the ship this week, snapping a season-long three-game losing streak by taking two of three games against the Brooklyn Priests at home. After a concerning start to May, the team's two pitching aces delivered back-to-back dominant outings to restore order and remind the league why the Prayers hold the best record in baseball.

Closer Crisis Hits Hard

The three-game slide began with consecutive extra-inning walk-off losses in Tucson and culminated in a shocking defeat at home on May 3rd. The Prayers held a 5-2 lead over Brooklyn before the bullpen completely imploded, allowing the Priests to score seven runs in the top of the ninth inning in a demoralizing 9-5 loss.

The biggest story remains the struggles of closer Luis Prieto (L, 1-3), who suffered his second straight loss and second straight blown save. This stretch has highlighted the team's most immediate and critical weakness as they head back out on the road.

Musco’s Huge Day Wasted

The May 3rd loss overshadowed a phenomenal performance by second baseman Edwin Musco, who was named Player of the Game after going 4-for-5 with a Home Run (4) and two RBIs. Musco's hot hitting continued throughout the series.

Aces Step Up to Save the Series

When the team needed it most, the two April Player of the Month contenders, Russ Gray and Jordan Rubalcava, delivered legendary performances to halt the slide.

Gray Goes 6-0

On May 4th, Russ Gray (W, 6-0) proved he is the definition of an ace. He put the Brooklyn offense in a "vice grip," going 8.0 dominant innings and allowing just one run on three hits while striking out seven. His performance anchored a crucial 6-1 victory, improving his league-leading win total to 6-0 and snapping the team’s losing streak.

Rubalcava Hurls a Complete Game

Putting any lingering injury concerns to rest, Jordan Rubalcava (W, 5-1) was lights-out on May 5th. He tossed a masterful complete game, scattering five hits and leading the Prayers to a 7-2 win to clinch the series. Rubalcava's effort was vital, saving a beleaguered bullpen after its recent struggles.

Velasquez and Musco Torching the Ball

While the pitching aces grabbed the headlines, the offense was powered by two stars who exploded over the two wins:

Alex Velasquez was a one-man wrecking crew, hitting a home run in both the May 4th and May 5th victories, driving in a combined 8 RBIs to jump to 22 RBIs on the year.
Edwin Musco was equally hot, following up his 4-hit game with a Home Run (5) and three RBIs in the May 5th series finale.

The Prayers now stand at a magnificent 24-6 and head to San Jose to begin a tough road trip, hoping that the momentum from Gray and Rubalcava's victories carries them through while the bullpen issues get resolved.

12-11-2025, 12:58 PM	#23
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 454	Prayers Stop the Bleeding: Gray and Rubalcava Anchor Comeback to Salvage Home Series By Gemmie Nye,Sacramento Sports Chronicle The Sacramento Prayers (24-6) finally steadied the ship this week, snapping a season-long three-game losing streak by taking two of three games against the Brooklyn Priests at home. After a concerning start to May, the team's two pitching aces delivered back-to-back dominant outings to restore order and remind the league why the Prayers hold the best record in baseball. Closer Crisis Hits Hard The three-game slide began with consecutive extra-inning walk-off losses in Tucson and culminated in a shocking defeat at home on May 3rd. The Prayers held a 5-2 lead over Brooklyn before the bullpen completely imploded, allowing the Priests to score seven runs in the top of the ninth inning in a demoralizing 9-5 loss. The biggest story remains the struggles of closer Luis Prieto (L, 1-3), who suffered his second straight loss and second straight blown save. This stretch has highlighted the team's most immediate and critical weakness as they head back out on the road. Musco’s Huge Day Wasted The May 3rd loss overshadowed a phenomenal performance by second baseman Edwin Musco, who was named Player of the Game after going 4-for-5 with a Home Run (4) and two RBIs. Musco's hot hitting continued throughout the series. Aces Step Up to Save the Series When the team needed it most, the two April Player of the Month contenders, Russ Gray and Jordan Rubalcava, delivered legendary performances to halt the slide. Gray Goes 6-0 On May 4th, Russ Gray (W, 6-0) proved he is the definition of an ace. He put the Brooklyn offense in a "vice grip," going 8.0 dominant innings and allowing just one run on three hits while striking out seven. His performance anchored a crucial 6-1 victory, improving his league-leading win total to 6-0 and snapping the team’s losing streak. Rubalcava Hurls a Complete Game Putting any lingering injury concerns to rest, Jordan Rubalcava (W, 5-1) was lights-out on May 5th. He tossed a masterful complete game, scattering five hits and leading the Prayers to a 7-2 win to clinch the series. Rubalcava's effort was vital, saving a beleaguered bullpen after its recent struggles. Velasquez and Musco Torching the Ball While the pitching aces grabbed the headlines, the offense was powered by two stars who exploded over the two wins: Alex Velasquez was a one-man wrecking crew, hitting a home run in both the May 4th and May 5th victories, driving in a combined 8 RBIs to jump to 22 RBIs on the year. Edwin Musco was equally hot, following up his 4-hit game with a Home Run (5) and three RBIs in the May 5th series finale. The Prayers now stand at a magnificent 24-6 and head to San Jose to begin a tough road trip, hoping that the momentum from Gray and Rubalcava's victories carries them through while the bullpen issues get resolved.