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amead17 · 12-31-2025, 01:32 AM

May 26th, 2023

Raiders Find Their Feet Again as May Winds Down

The San Jose Raiders have steadied themselves over the past stretch, posting a 6–5 record across their last 11 games and climbing back above .500. While inconsistency still lingers, there’s a growing sense that this club is beginning to find its identity as the calendar pushes toward summer.

Key Moments from the Past Two Weeks

The stretch began with a statement sweep of the Charlotte Hornets, setting a confident tone before the schedule stiffened. The Raiders then dropped a 1–3 series against the division-leading Portland Bruins, a reminder of the gap that still exists between San Jose and the top of the Pacific Division. That was followed by a hard-fought 2–2 split with the Denver Grizzlies, keeping the Raiders competitive within the division race.

Over those 11 games, the Raiders went 6–5, enough to push their record to 25–24 and move them into second place in the Pacific Division, though they remain eight games behind the Bruins. If the season were to end today, San Jose would sneak into the postseason as a wild card team — a notable achievement for a club still finding its footing.

Individual Performances and Turning Points

Dave Jones delivered one of the standout performances of the season on May 16th, going an incredible 5-for-6, reminding everyone just how dangerous he can be when locked in at the plate.

The bullpen also received a timely boost on May 21st, as Bobby Ragland returned from injury, immediately strengthening a relief corps that has seen its share of ups and downs.

Unfortunately, the good news was tempered on May 25th, when the Raiders lost one of their most consistent performers. Second baseman Steve Kibler, the team’s leading hitter, was diagnosed with a sprained elbow and will miss approximately six weeks. His absence leaves a significant hole in both the lineup and the infield.
In response, Nick Wilkerson has been promoted back to the major league roster, getting another opportunity to establish himself.

Looking Ahead

The Raiders now turn their attention to a three-game homestand against the Atlanta Colonels (16–32) of the Gulf Coast Division — a series that presents an opportunity to build momentum. That will be followed by a three-game road trip to face the Kansas City Wheat Kings (21–26) of the Mid West Division.

With a record of 25–24, the Raiders remain very much in the playoff conversation. The challenge now is consistency — turning solid stretches into sustained success. If they can weather injuries and continue to find timely contributions up and down the roster, this season still holds plenty of promise.

For now, San Jose remains very much in the fight.

12-31-2025, 01:32 AM	#16
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,094	May 26th, 2023 Raiders Find Their Feet Again as May Winds Down The San Jose Raiders have steadied themselves over the past stretch, posting a 6–5 record across their last 11 games and climbing back above .500. While inconsistency still lingers, there’s a growing sense that this club is beginning to find its identity as the calendar pushes toward summer. Key Moments from the Past Two Weeks The stretch began with a statement sweep of the Charlotte Hornets, setting a confident tone before the schedule stiffened. The Raiders then dropped a 1–3 series against the division-leading Portland Bruins, a reminder of the gap that still exists between San Jose and the top of the Pacific Division. That was followed by a hard-fought 2–2 split with the Denver Grizzlies, keeping the Raiders competitive within the division race. Over those 11 games, the Raiders went 6–5, enough to push their record to 25–24 and move them into second place in the Pacific Division, though they remain eight games behind the Bruins. If the season were to end today, San Jose would sneak into the postseason as a wild card team — a notable achievement for a club still finding its footing. Individual Performances and Turning Points Dave Jones delivered one of the standout performances of the season on May 16th, going an incredible 5-for-6, reminding everyone just how dangerous he can be when locked in at the plate. The bullpen also received a timely boost on May 21st, as Bobby Ragland returned from injury, immediately strengthening a relief corps that has seen its share of ups and downs. Unfortunately, the good news was tempered on May 25th, when the Raiders lost one of their most consistent performers. Second baseman Steve Kibler, the team’s leading hitter, was diagnosed with a sprained elbow and will miss approximately six weeks. His absence leaves a significant hole in both the lineup and the infield. In response, Nick Wilkerson has been promoted back to the major league roster, getting another opportunity to establish himself. Looking Ahead The Raiders now turn their attention to a three-game homestand against the Atlanta Colonels (16–32) of the Gulf Coast Division — a series that presents an opportunity to build momentum. That will be followed by a three-game road trip to face the Kansas City Wheat Kings (21–26) of the Mid West Division. With a record of 25–24, the Raiders remain very much in the playoff conversation. The challenge now is consistency — turning solid stretches into sustained success. If they can weather injuries and continue to find timely contributions up and down the roster, this season still holds plenty of promise. For now, San Jose remains very much in the fight.