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liberty-ca · 12-29-2025, 07:01 PM

BNN SERIES RECAP — APRIL 11–13, 1989
PHOENIX AT SACRAMENTO — “A SWEEP TO OPEN THE GATES”
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Prayers returned to the capital city this week and reminded the league why Sacramento Stadium is considered a fortress. In a dominant three-game sweep of the Phoenix Crucifixes, the Prayers showcased a terrifying combination of elite starting pitching and a sudden explosion of power hitting.

Across three crisp April nights, the Sacramento Prayers shut down, battered, and ultimately swept aside the Phoenix Crucifixes, outscoring them 21–4 and extending their early-season surge. The sweep marked a flawless opening homestand series — built on pitching dominance, timely power, and an offense that found another gear as the week unfolded. Sacramento now sits at an impressive 10-3, maintaining their position as the team to beat in the American League.

Game 1 — Larson’s Masterclass Sets the Tone (April 11)

The home opener arrived quietly — and stayed that way for Phoenix. It was a classic pitcher's duel that turned on one swing of the bat.

Robby Larson authored eight innings of near-flawless control, scattering just two hits and striking out nine as Sacramento edged the Crucifixes 2–0. Phoenix never advanced a runner past second base, and the crowd of 22,472 settled into the familiar comfort of watching a Sacramento starter dictate tempo.

The lone damage came in the sixth, when Eddie Musco, following a hit-by-pitch to Bret Perez, unloaded a two-run blast off Phoenix’s *Engeitado, the only swing Sacramento would need.

“Robby is good at sticking to his strengths,” skipper Aces said afterward — understatement masking another reminder that this rotation remains unforgiving. That was all Larson needed, and Luis Prieto entered in the 9th to secure his 5th save of the season.

Game 2 — The Rubbi Show and a 12-Run Rout (April 12)

If Tuesday was surgical, Wednesday was thunder, if Tuesday was a subtle defensive battle, Wednesday was a loud, offensive statement. The Prayers demolished Phoenix 12-2, powered by a career night from catcher Jose Rubbi.

Rubbi was unstoppable, going 2-for-4 with two home runs and a staggering 6 RBIs. The decisive blow came early — a two-run shot in the third to erase an early deficit — but the knockout arrived in the fifth, when Rubbi crushed a grand slam that blew the game wide open and effectively ended the contest. The Prayers hit four home runs in total, with Edwin Musco and Alex Velasquez also joining the hit parade.

Lost in the offensive fireworks was another stellar start from Fernando Salazar, who went eight innings and allowed just two runs to earn his first victory of the year.

“Things went our way,” Rubbi said, smiling — though Phoenix pitchers may have felt otherwise.

Game 3 — Depth Finishes the Job (April 13)

Sacramento completed the sweep on Thursday with a 7-2 victory that highlighted the team’s depth. While the superstars usually grab the headlines, this game belonged to designated hitter Hector Iniguez, who went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. Sacramento again broke the game open in the middle innings — Alex Vieyra crushed his first home run of the year, a solo shot in the 5th, and Francisco Hernandez continued his strong return from injury with a solo home run of his own.

Bernardo Andretti earned his first win with a gritty 6.1-inning performance, navigating traffic without collapse and overcoming four walks to keep the Phoenix bats at bay. Afterwards, The Prayers' bullpen, led by J. Vizcarra, provided 2.2 innings of scoreless relief to slam the door on the Crucifixes' hopes of a comeback — a fitting punctuation for a series that never truly felt in doubt.

“We really put our best foot forward tonight,” Iniguez said. “That’s what home should feel like, right?”

Series Verdict

Three games. Three wins. Four total Phoenix runs.

The Prayers opened their home schedule the way champions are expected to: quietly confident, increasingly explosive, and firmly in control. The pitching staff allowed just 12 hits across the series. The offense evolved from patience to punishment. And Sacramento Stadium, once again, looked like a place visiting clubs won’t enjoy seeing on the calendar.

The Prayers outscored Phoenix 21-4 over the three-game set. The rotation continues to be the foundation of this team's success, but the emergence of power from the middle and bottom of the order — specifically Rubbi and Vieyra — suggests that this lineup is becoming much more dangerous than it was a week ago. The season is young, but the message is already clear: Prayers look like “A Complete Team”.

12-29-2025, 07:01 PM	#115
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 321	BNN SERIES RECAP — APRIL 11–13, 1989 PHOENIX AT SACRAMENTO — “A SWEEP TO OPEN THE GATES” By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Prayers returned to the capital city this week and reminded the league why Sacramento Stadium is considered a fortress. In a dominant three-game sweep of the Phoenix Crucifixes, the Prayers showcased a terrifying combination of elite starting pitching and a sudden explosion of power hitting. Across three crisp April nights, the Sacramento Prayers shut down, battered, and ultimately swept aside the Phoenix Crucifixes, outscoring them 21–4 and extending their early-season surge. The sweep marked a flawless opening homestand series — built on pitching dominance, timely power, and an offense that found another gear as the week unfolded. Sacramento now sits at an impressive 10-3, maintaining their position as the team to beat in the American League. Game 1 — Larson’s Masterclass Sets the Tone (April 11) The home opener arrived quietly — and stayed that way for Phoenix. It was a classic pitcher's duel that turned on one swing of the bat. Robby Larson authored eight innings of near-flawless control, scattering just two hits and striking out nine as Sacramento edged the Crucifixes 2–0. Phoenix never advanced a runner past second base, and the crowd of 22,472 settled into the familiar comfort of watching a Sacramento starter dictate tempo. The lone damage came in the sixth, when Eddie Musco, following a hit-by-pitch to Bret Perez, unloaded a two-run blast off Phoenix’s Engeitado, the only swing Sacramento would need. “Robby is good at sticking to his strengths,”* skipper Aces said afterward — understatement masking another reminder that this rotation remains unforgiving. That was all Larson needed, and Luis Prieto entered in the 9th to secure his 5th save of the season. Game 2 — The Rubbi Show and a 12-Run Rout (April 12) If Tuesday was surgical, Wednesday was thunder, if Tuesday was a subtle defensive battle, Wednesday was a loud, offensive statement. The Prayers demolished Phoenix 12-2, powered by a career night from catcher Jose Rubbi. Rubbi was unstoppable, going 2-for-4 with two home runs and a staggering 6 RBIs. The decisive blow came early — a two-run shot in the third to erase an early deficit — but the knockout arrived in the fifth, when Rubbi crushed a grand slam that blew the game wide open and effectively ended the contest. The Prayers hit four home runs in total, with Edwin Musco and Alex Velasquez also joining the hit parade. Lost in the offensive fireworks was another stellar start from Fernando Salazar, who went eight innings and allowed just two runs to earn his first victory of the year. “Things went our way,” Rubbi said, smiling — though Phoenix pitchers may have felt otherwise. Game 3 — Depth Finishes the Job (April 13) Sacramento completed the sweep on Thursday with a 7-2 victory that highlighted the team’s depth. While the superstars usually grab the headlines, this game belonged to designated hitter Hector Iniguez, who went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. Sacramento again broke the game open in the middle innings — Alex Vieyra crushed his first home run of the year, a solo shot in the 5th, and Francisco Hernandez continued his strong return from injury with a solo home run of his own. Bernardo Andretti earned his first win with a gritty 6.1-inning performance, navigating traffic without collapse and overcoming four walks to keep the Phoenix bats at bay. Afterwards, The Prayers' bullpen, led by J. Vizcarra, provided 2.2 innings of scoreless relief to slam the door on the Crucifixes' hopes of a comeback — a fitting punctuation for a series that never truly felt in doubt. “We really put our best foot forward tonight,” Iniguez said. “That’s what home should feel like, right?” Series Verdict Three games. Three wins. Four total Phoenix runs. The Prayers opened their home schedule the way champions are expected to: quietly confident, increasingly explosive, and firmly in control. The pitching staff allowed just 12 hits across the series. The offense evolved from patience to punishment. And Sacramento Stadium, once again, looked like a place visiting clubs won’t enjoy seeing on the calendar. The Prayers outscored Phoenix 21-4 over the three-game set. The rotation continues to be the foundation of this team's success, but the emergence of power from the middle and bottom of the order — specifically Rubbi and Vieyra — suggests that this lineup is becoming much more dangerous than it was a week ago. The season is young, but the message is already clear: Prayers look like “A Complete Team”.