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liberty-ca · 12-24-2025, 11:19 PM

Capital Fever: The Prayers vs. The Devils in an All-California Classic
By Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO, CA — If you’ve walked down K Street or grabbed a coffee in Old Sacramento this morning, you’ve felt it. The air is different. From Midtown bars to Arden Fair food courts, from radio call-in shows crackling past midnight to handwritten signs taped inside bakery windows, the city’s voice has settled into a familiar October hum — part confidence, part nerves, part memory.

With the Long Beach Diablos clinching the NLCS, the stage is set for a 1988 World Series. The Sacramento Prayers vs. The Long Beach Diablos — it's the North against the South, the Capital against the Coast.

I spent the morning talking to fans across the city to gauge the mood. Sacramento is not new to this stage. Eight championships hang in memory. Countless Octobers live in lore. Yet fans across the city keep returning to the same phrase: this team.

At O’Malley’s Pub near J Street, a bartender said the question hasn’t been if Sacramento can win — it’s how cleanly.
“They don’t panic,” said Tom Reilly, who claims he hasn’t missed a postseason home game since ’79. “Brooklyn tried to speed them up. It didn’t work. Long Beach plays faster. Fine. Sacramento doesn’t play faster than it wants to.”

That sentiment echoed across sports radio Thursday morning, where callers praised the Prayers’ ability to answer runs immediately — something that defined both the ALCS and the regular season.

“They don’t bleed,” one caller said bluntly. “They just stop it.” The verdict? Sacramento is ready to explode.

"I’ve been a season ticket holder since the move, and I’ve never seen anything like this. I saw a guy at the hardware store yesterday painting his entire mailbox gold green and white. We aren't just watching a game; we're witnessing a miracle."
— Artie M., Land Park

"The Diablos? Are you kidding me? You couldn't pick a better opponent. We’re going to send those 'Devils' back down the I-5 with their tails between their legs. Eli Murguia is playing like he's possessed—ironic, isn't it?"
— Sarah T., Midtown

At a Midtown record store, a handwritten sign taped to the register read:
“WALK MURGUIA AT YOUR OWN RISK.”

Fans aren’t talking about his batting average anymore. They’re talking about gravity.

“He changes innings without swinging,” said Kevin Huang, a graduate student who follows pitch charts religiously. “That intentional walk in Game 6? That was Brooklyn admitting they were scared of the next five hitters too.” Across the city, Murguia’s presence is being framed less as star power and more as inevitability. “He’s not loud,” said a caller to KXPR. “He’s just… there. And then suddenly you’re losing.”

There is no dismissal of Long Beach. Sacramento fans know what the Diablos represent: speed, power, and postseason sharpness.
At Capitol Park, a group of state workers playing catch during lunch debated matchups rather than outcomes.

“They’re dangerous,” said Frank Olvera, tossing a scuffed ball into a glove. “But Sacramento doesn’t beat itself. Long Beach needs help. Errors. Walks. Free outs. Sacramento doesn’t give those.”

Others pointed to pitching depth as the quiet separator. “Salazar didn’t even have his best night and they still closed,” said Dana Mitchell, a youth coach from East Sac. “Who else can say that?”
The consensus: respect, yes. Anxiety, no.
★ ★ ★

World Series Next Three Games Schedule: Prayers vs. Diablos

Game 1 | Sat, Oct 15 | Sacramento | Jordan Rubalcava vs. TBD
Game 2 | Sun, Oct 16 | Sacramento | Fernando Salazar vs. TBD
Game 3 | Tue, Oct 18 | Long Beach | Bernardo Andretti vs. TBD

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Final Word

The Diablos are a dangerous team — they didn't win the NL by accident. They bring a high-octane offense and a rowdy Southern California attitude. But Sacramento has something they don't: a team that feels like destiny.

After the way we handled Brooklyn in Game 6, there isn't a fan in this city who believes we can lose. Saturday night can't come soon enough. Wear your gold, green and white, bring your rally towels, and let's show the world that the Capital City is the true home of baseball.

12-24-2025, 11:19 PM	#102
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 466	Capital Fever: The Prayers vs. The Devils in an All-California Classic By Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle SACRAMENTO, CA — If you’ve walked down K Street or grabbed a coffee in Old Sacramento this morning, you’ve felt it. The air is different. From Midtown bars to Arden Fair food courts, from radio call-in shows crackling past midnight to handwritten signs taped inside bakery windows, the city’s voice has settled into a familiar October hum — part confidence, part nerves, part memory. With the Long Beach Diablos clinching the NLCS, the stage is set for a 1988 World Series. The Sacramento Prayers vs. The Long Beach Diablos — it's the North against the South, the Capital against the Coast. I spent the morning talking to fans across the city to gauge the mood. Sacramento is not new to this stage. Eight championships hang in memory. Countless Octobers live in lore. Yet fans across the city keep returning to the same phrase: this team. At O’Malley’s Pub near J Street, a bartender said the question hasn’t been if Sacramento can win — it’s how cleanly. “They don’t panic,” said Tom Reilly, who claims he hasn’t missed a postseason home game since ’79. “Brooklyn tried to speed them up. It didn’t work. Long Beach plays faster. Fine. Sacramento doesn’t play faster than it wants to.” That sentiment echoed across sports radio Thursday morning, where callers praised the Prayers’ ability to answer runs immediately — something that defined both the ALCS and the regular season. “They don’t bleed,” one caller said bluntly. “They just stop it.” The verdict? Sacramento is ready to explode. "I’ve been a season ticket holder since the move, and I’ve never seen anything like this. I saw a guy at the hardware store yesterday painting his entire mailbox gold green and white. We aren't just watching a game; we're witnessing a miracle." — Artie M., Land Park "The Diablos? Are you kidding me? You couldn't pick a better opponent. We’re going to send those 'Devils' back down the I-5 with their tails between their legs. Eli Murguia is playing like he's possessed—ironic, isn't it?" — Sarah T., Midtown At a Midtown record store, a handwritten sign taped to the register read: “WALK MURGUIA AT YOUR OWN RISK.” Fans aren’t talking about his batting average anymore. They’re talking about gravity. “He changes innings without swinging,” said Kevin Huang, a graduate student who follows pitch charts religiously. “That intentional walk in Game 6? That was Brooklyn admitting they were scared of the next five hitters too.” Across the city, Murguia’s presence is being framed less as star power and more as inevitability. “He’s not loud,” said a caller to KXPR. “He’s just… there. And then suddenly you’re losing.” There is no dismissal of Long Beach. Sacramento fans know what the Diablos represent: speed, power, and postseason sharpness. At Capitol Park, a group of state workers playing catch during lunch debated matchups rather than outcomes. “They’re dangerous,” said Frank Olvera, tossing a scuffed ball into a glove. “But Sacramento doesn’t beat itself. Long Beach needs help. Errors. Walks. Free outs. Sacramento doesn’t give those.” Others pointed to pitching depth as the quiet separator. “Salazar didn’t even have his best night and they still closed,” said Dana Mitchell, a youth coach from East Sac. “Who else can say that?” The consensus: respect, yes. Anxiety, no. ★ ★ ★ World Series Next Three Games Schedule: Prayers vs. Diablos Game 1 \| Sat, Oct 15 \| Sacramento \| Jordan Rubalcava vs. TBD Game 2 \| Sun, Oct 16 \| Sacramento \| Fernando Salazar vs. TBD Game 3 \| Tue, Oct 18 \| Long Beach \| Bernardo Andretti vs. TBD ★ ★ ★ Gemmy’s Final Word The Diablos are a dangerous team — they didn't win the NL by accident. They bring a high-octane offense and a rowdy Southern California attitude. But Sacramento has something they don't: a team that feels like destiny. After the way we handled Brooklyn in Game 6, there isn't a fan in this city who believes we can lose. Saturday night can't come soon enough. Wear your gold, green and white, bring your rally towels, and let's show the world that the Capital City is the true home of baseball. Attached Images Last edited by liberty-ca; 12-24-2025 at 11:22 PM.