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liberty-ca · 12-26-2025, 12:01 PM

SEASON IN REVIEW: THE KINGS OF CALIFORNIA
Special Championship Edition – October 23, 1988
By Gemmie Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

They said 115 wins in the regular season didn't mean a thing if you didn't have the rings to match. Well, Sacramento, check your fingers. The Sacramento Prayers have finished the most dominant season in professional baseball history, punctuating a 115-47 regular season with a grit-and-grind World Series victory.

Statistically, this team was a monster. We ranked 1st in the AL in almost every meaningful category: Runs (814), Home Runs (214), ERA (2.92), and Opponent Average (.225). But numbers don't hoist trophies — players do.

As the champagne dries, let’s look at the candidates for our "Prayers Postseason MVP."

★ ★ ★

The "Twin Engines" of the Offense

While the whole lineup contributed, two names rose above the rest during this October run.

1. Edwin Musco (2B)

Musco followed up a 30-home-run regular season with an October for the ages. He was the statistical heart of the postseason run.

* Postseason Stats: .365 AVG | 6 HR | 14 RBI | 1.182 OPS
* The Verdict: His 2.1 WAR in just 16 playoff games is staggering. When Musco was at the plate, the Diablos looked terrified. He is the definition of a "power-hitting second baseman."

2. Bret Perez (3B)

The "Catalyst." Perez was the spark plug that kept the engine turning, tying records and terrorizing catchers.

* Postseason Stats: .371 AVG | 4 HR | 16 Runs | 4 SB | 1.043 OPS
* The Verdict: Perez was the most consistent hitter in the lineup. His ability to get on base (.429 OBP) and then immediately threaten to steal second changed the way opposing managers had to pitch to our middle order.

★ ★ ★

The Masters of the Mound

You don't win a title without arms, and the Prayers had the deepest rotation in the league.

3. Fernando Salazar (SP)

If the regular season belonged to Jordan Rubalcava (22 wins), the postseason belonged to Salazar.

* Postseason Stats: 3-0 Record | 1.97 ERA | 32.0 IP | 16 K
* The Verdict: Salazar was the "Big Game Hunter." Every time he took the mound, the bench felt like the game was already over. His 1.00 WHIP kept traffic off the bases and the pressure off the bullpen.

4. Bernardo Andretti (SP)

Andretti provided the stability the team needed in the clincher and throughout the earlier rounds.

* Postseason Stats: 2-0 Record | 1.57 ERA | 23.0 IP | 0.83 WHIP
* The Verdict: While Salazar got the wins, Andretti was arguably more efficient. Allowing only 14 hits in 23 innings is pure dominance.

★ ★ ★

Final Postseason Stat Leaders

Player Category Stat

Edwin Musco Home Runs 6
Bret Perez Batting Avg .371
Edwin Musco RBI 14
Bret Perez Runs Scored 16
Logan Hicks Stolen Bases 5
Luis Prieto Saves 4

★ ★ ★

Gemmie’s Special Mention: The "Clutch" Award

Eli Murguia (LF): He might not have the 1.100+ OPS of Musco, but Murguia hit .333 and delivered the 414-foot home run that ultimately won the World Series. In the moments that mattered most, Murguia was a giant.

★ ★ ★

Final Thoughts

From a 22-3 start in April to a championship parade in October, this team never wavered. They played for each other, they played for the city, and now they belong to history.

What a ride, Sacramento!

12-26-2025, 12:01 PM	#109
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 336	SEASON IN REVIEW: THE KINGS OF CALIFORNIA Special Championship Edition – October 23, 1988 By Gemmie Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle They said 115 wins in the regular season didn't mean a thing if you didn't have the rings to match. Well, Sacramento, check your fingers. The Sacramento Prayers have finished the most dominant season in professional baseball history, punctuating a 115-47 regular season with a grit-and-grind World Series victory. Statistically, this team was a monster. We ranked 1st in the AL in almost every meaningful category: Runs (814), Home Runs (214), ERA (2.92), and Opponent Average (.225). But numbers don't hoist trophies — players do. As the champagne dries, let’s look at the candidates for our "Prayers Postseason MVP." ★ ★ ★ The "Twin Engines" of the Offense While the whole lineup contributed, two names rose above the rest during this October run. 1. Edwin Musco (2B) Musco followed up a 30-home-run regular season with an October for the ages. He was the statistical heart of the postseason run. * Postseason Stats: .365 AVG \| 6 HR \| 14 RBI \| 1.182 OPS * The Verdict: His 2.1 WAR in just 16 playoff games is staggering. When Musco was at the plate, the Diablos looked terrified. He is the definition of a "power-hitting second baseman." 2. Bret Perez (3B) The "Catalyst." Perez was the spark plug that kept the engine turning, tying records and terrorizing catchers. * Postseason Stats: .371 AVG \| 4 HR \| 16 Runs \| 4 SB \| 1.043 OPS * The Verdict: Perez was the most consistent hitter in the lineup. His ability to get on base (.429 OBP) and then immediately threaten to steal second changed the way opposing managers had to pitch to our middle order. ★ ★ ★ The Masters of the Mound You don't win a title without arms, and the Prayers had the deepest rotation in the league. 3. Fernando Salazar (SP) If the regular season belonged to Jordan Rubalcava (22 wins), the postseason belonged to Salazar. * Postseason Stats: 3-0 Record \| 1.97 ERA \| 32.0 IP \| 16 K * The Verdict: Salazar was the "Big Game Hunter." Every time he took the mound, the bench felt like the game was already over. His 1.00 WHIP kept traffic off the bases and the pressure off the bullpen. 4. Bernardo Andretti (SP) Andretti provided the stability the team needed in the clincher and throughout the earlier rounds. * Postseason Stats: 2-0 Record \| 1.57 ERA \| 23.0 IP \| 0.83 WHIP * The Verdict: While Salazar got the wins, Andretti was arguably more efficient. Allowing only 14 hits in 23 innings is pure dominance. ★ ★ ★ Final Postseason Stat Leaders Player Category Stat Edwin Musco Home Runs 6 Bret Perez Batting Avg .371 Edwin Musco RBI 14 Bret Perez Runs Scored 16 Logan Hicks Stolen Bases 5 Luis Prieto Saves 4 ★ ★ ★ Gemmie’s Special Mention: The "Clutch" Award Eli Murguia (LF): He might not have the 1.100+ OPS of Musco, but Murguia hit .333 and delivered the 414-foot home run that ultimately won the World Series. In the moments that mattered most, Murguia was a giant. ★ ★ ★ Final Thoughts From a 22-3 start in April to a championship parade in October, this team never wavered. They played for each other, they played for the city, and now they belong to history. What a ride, Sacramento! Last edited by liberty-ca; 12-26-2025 at 12:03 PM.