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liberty-ca · 01-02-2026, 08:05 PM

BNN SERIES RECAP — MAY 22–24, 1989
HEAVENLY STREAK: PRAYERS SWEEP PROPHETS, REACH 11 STRAIGHT WINS
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN)
with Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO, CA — The Sacramento Prayers are no longer “hot.” They are no longer “rolling.” They are no longer “finding ways to win.”

They are steamrolling the American League.

With a three‑game sweep of the Salt Lake City Prophets, club desperate for traction, Sacramento extended its winning streak to 12 games, improved to 35–15, and pushed its AL West lead to 8½ games. While the offense has been timely, the story remains a historic run by the starting rotation, which allowed only six runs across the entire three-game set. The rotation continues to pitch like a staff possessed, the bullpen is locking down every late inning, and the offense — while still inconsistent — is producing just enough timely hits to keep the streak alive.

This sweep was not glamorous. It was not loud. It was not easy. But it was the kind of baseball that wins divisions.

★ ★ ★

MONDAY, MAY 22 — PRAYERS 4, PROPHETS 3
The "Mongoose" Bites: Cruz Delivers Walk-Off Magic

Robby Larson didn’t have his sharpest command, but he battled through 8 innings, allowing 3 runs and keeping Sacramento in the game long enough for the late‑inning magic to return. Sacramento spent most of the night edging forward, only to see Salt Lake City pull them back into reach.

The Prayers led 3–1 early, then watched Salt Lake City chip away with runs in the 6th, 7th, and 8th. But in the ninth, after Lorenzo Martinez led off with a triple, with the game tied 3–3, manager Jimmy Aces called upon Gil "Mongoose" Cruz to pinch-hit. Still recovering from a recent oblique strain, Cruz looked 100% healthy as he lined a single to center, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and securing Sacramento’s 9th consecutive victory.

It wasn’t dramatic in the highlight-reel sense. It was perfectly Sacramento. “Everyone was in sync,” Cruz said. “You could feel it.”

Luis Prieto cleaned up the ninth for the win, and the Prayers walked off knowing the streak was alive — but fragile. Cruz’s hit was a reminder: even banged up, he’s one of the most dangerous situational hitters on the roster.

Key notes:
- Larson: 8 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 5 K
- Cruz: pinch‑hit walk‑off single
- Martinez tripled; Hernandez drove in a run
- Sacramento wins ninth straight

★ ★ ★

TUESDAY, MAY 23 — PRAYERS 6, PROPHETS 3
Valadez Slay the Giant; Gray Stays Golden

Tuesday featured a heavyweight matchup: Sacramento’s rising star Russ Gray against 1983 Cy Young winner Forrest Marrs. The youngster won this round handily. This was also the night Andres Valadez reminded everyone why the Prayers have been so patient with him.

After Salt Lake City hung around early, the decisive blow came in the fourth inning, with two men on and two outs, Valadez unloaded on a Forrest Marrs fastball, sending a towering three‑run homer over the wall into the left‑field seats that put Sacramento up 5-0. It was the biggest swing of the series and the kind of moment Sacramento has been waiting for from the young infielder.

Russ Gray handled the rest with calm efficiency and continued his quiet march toward an All‑Star berth:

- 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
- ERA now 1.67

Ricky Gaias earned a two-inning save, effectively neutralizing any hope of a Prophets comeback.

Jimmy Aces was blunt afterward. “That’s how you respond,” he said. “You take the opening and you don’t give it back.”

The streak reached 10, and the standings gap grew wider.

Key notes:
- Valadez: 3‑run HR, his 3rd of the year
- Hernandez: 2 hits, RBI
- Musco doubled again
- Sacramento wins 10th straight

★ ★ ★

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 — PRAYERS 1, PROPHETS 0
Salazar Dominates; Hernandez Provides the Only Run

If you like "old school" baseball, Wednesday was a dream. In a tense, 1-0 pitcher's duel, Fernando Salazar was untouchable. This was vintage Fernando Salazar — the version Sacramento dreamed of when they acquired him. He was ruthless, efficient, and unbothered by Salt Lake City’s attempts to disrupt his rhythm. He struck out eight over 6.2 innings of scoreless work, surrendering only three hits.

6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 8 K, 2 BB
ERA now 2.55

The only run of the game came in the third inning, when Francisco Hernandez lifted a sacrifice fly to score Bret Perez. That was enough. “Our pitching was the difference tonight,” Hernandez said — a statement that could apply to the entire series.

The bullpen — Wright and Prieto — slammed the door without a hint of drama.

Key notes:
- Hernandez: sac fly for the game’s only RBI
- Perez doubled again
- Prieto earns save #13
- Sacramento wins 12th straight, improves to 35–15

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The Rotation Is Now Terrifying
Across the three games:

- Larson: 8 IP, 3 ER
- Gray: 7 IP, 3 ER
- Salazar: 6.2 IP, 0 ER

Combined: 21.2 IP, 6 ER (2.49 ERA)

And that’s without Rubalcava or Andretti even pitching in the series.

This is the best rotation in baseball.

2. The Offense Is Still Uneven — But Timely
The Prayers scored:

- 4 runs
- 6 runs
- 1 run

They are not overpowering teams. They are out‑executing them.

Valadez’s homer was huge. Cruz’s walk‑off was huge. Hernandez’s sac fly was huge. But the lineup still feels like it’s missing a middle‑order anchor.

3. Bret Perez Is the Engine
Since returning from the IL:

- Hitting over .300
- Extra‑base hits in bunches
- 11 stolen bases
- Steady defense
- Emotional spark plug

He’s becoming the heartbeat of the team.

4. Prieto Is Back in Form
Three appearances in the series:
- 3 IP, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
- Saves #12 and #13
- Win #3

After a shaky April, he looks like the closer Sacramento expected.

5. The Prayers Are Pulling Away
AL West after May 24:

1. Sacramento — 35–15
2. Tucson — 26–23 (8.5 GB)
3. Fort Worth — 25–26
4. Seattle — 25–26
5. San Jose — 24–26
6. El Paso — 20–29

This is no longer a tight race. Sacramento is building a cushion.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: 11 Straight and No Sign of Slowing

I’ve covered a lot of Sacramento baseball, but I’ve never seen a rotation this locked in. When you can win a game 1-0 on a sacrifice fly, you know your pitchers are doing something special. Fernando Salazar (5-1, 2.55 ERA) is no longer just a "solid" starter; he’s looking like an All-Star.

And how about Gil Cruz? Coming off the bench to hit a walk-off single while nursing an injury is exactly the kind of "team first" mentality Jimmy Aces has instilled in this clubhouse. The Prayers are now heading into a tough road trip to Fort Worth and Seattle. If they can keep this momentum through the end of the month, we might be looking at a wire-to-wire divisional race.

01-02-2026, 08:05 PM	#128
liberty-ca Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 291	BNN SERIES RECAP — MAY 22–24, 1989 HEAVENLY STREAK: PRAYERS SWEEP PROPHETS, REACH 11 STRAIGHT WINS By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) with Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle SACRAMENTO, CA — The Sacramento Prayers are no longer “hot.” They are no longer “rolling.” They are no longer “finding ways to win.” They are steamrolling the American League. With a three‑game sweep of the Salt Lake City Prophets, club desperate for traction, Sacramento extended its winning streak to 12 games, improved to 35–15, and pushed its AL West lead to 8½ games. While the offense has been timely, the story remains a historic run by the starting rotation, which allowed only six runs across the entire three-game set. The rotation continues to pitch like a staff possessed, the bullpen is locking down every late inning, and the offense — while still inconsistent — is producing just enough timely hits to keep the streak alive. This sweep was not glamorous. It was not loud. It was not easy. But it was the kind of baseball that wins divisions. ★ ★ ★ MONDAY, MAY 22 — PRAYERS 4, PROPHETS 3 The "Mongoose" Bites: Cruz Delivers Walk-Off Magic Robby Larson didn’t have his sharpest command, but he battled through 8 innings, allowing 3 runs and keeping Sacramento in the game long enough for the late‑inning magic to return. Sacramento spent most of the night edging forward, only to see Salt Lake City pull them back into reach. The Prayers led 3–1 early, then watched Salt Lake City chip away with runs in the 6th, 7th, and 8th. But in the ninth, after Lorenzo Martinez led off with a triple, with the game tied 3–3, manager Jimmy Aces called upon Gil "Mongoose" Cruz to pinch-hit. Still recovering from a recent oblique strain, Cruz looked 100% healthy as he lined a single to center, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and securing Sacramento’s 9th consecutive victory. It wasn’t dramatic in the highlight-reel sense. It was perfectly Sacramento. “Everyone was in sync,” Cruz said. “You could feel it.” Luis Prieto cleaned up the ninth for the win, and the Prayers walked off knowing the streak was alive — but fragile. Cruz’s hit was a reminder: even banged up, he’s one of the most dangerous situational hitters on the roster. Key notes: - Larson: 8 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 5 K - Cruz: pinch‑hit walk‑off single - Martinez tripled; Hernandez drove in a run - Sacramento wins ninth straight ★ ★ ★ TUESDAY, MAY 23 — PRAYERS 6, PROPHETS 3 Valadez Slay the Giant; Gray Stays Golden Tuesday featured a heavyweight matchup: Sacramento’s rising star Russ Gray against 1983 Cy Young winner Forrest Marrs. The youngster won this round handily. This was also the night Andres Valadez reminded everyone why the Prayers have been so patient with him. After Salt Lake City hung around early, the decisive blow came in the fourth inning, with two men on and two outs, Valadez unloaded on a Forrest Marrs fastball, sending a towering three‑run homer over the wall into the left‑field seats that put Sacramento up 5-0. It was the biggest swing of the series and the kind of moment Sacramento has been waiting for from the young infielder. Russ Gray handled the rest with calm efficiency and continued his quiet march toward an All‑Star berth: - 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K - ERA now 1.67 Ricky Gaias earned a two-inning save, effectively neutralizing any hope of a Prophets comeback. Jimmy Aces was blunt afterward. “That’s how you respond,” he said. “You take the opening and you don’t give it back.” The streak reached 10, and the standings gap grew wider. Key notes: - Valadez: 3‑run HR, his 3rd of the year - Hernandez: 2 hits, RBI - Musco doubled again - Sacramento wins 10th straight ★ ★ ★ WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 — PRAYERS 1, PROPHETS 0 Salazar Dominates; Hernandez Provides the Only Run If you like "old school" baseball, Wednesday was a dream. In a tense, 1-0 pitcher's duel, Fernando Salazar was untouchable. This was vintage Fernando Salazar — the version Sacramento dreamed of when they acquired him. He was ruthless, efficient, and unbothered by Salt Lake City’s attempts to disrupt his rhythm. He struck out eight over 6.2 innings of scoreless work, surrendering only three hits. 6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 8 K, 2 BB ERA now 2.55 The only run of the game came in the third inning, when Francisco Hernandez lifted a sacrifice fly to score Bret Perez. That was enough. “Our pitching was the difference tonight,” Hernandez said — a statement that could apply to the entire series. The bullpen — Wright and Prieto — slammed the door without a hint of drama. Key notes: - Hernandez: sac fly for the game’s only RBI - Perez doubled again - Prieto earns save #13 - Sacramento wins 12th straight, improves to 35–15 ★ ★ ★ SERIES TAKEAWAYS 1. The Rotation Is Now Terrifying Across the three games: - Larson: 8 IP, 3 ER - Gray: 7 IP, 3 ER - Salazar: 6.2 IP, 0 ER Combined: 21.2 IP, 6 ER (2.49 ERA) And that’s without Rubalcava or Andretti even pitching in the series. This is the best rotation in baseball. 2. The Offense Is Still Uneven — But Timely The Prayers scored: - 4 runs - 6 runs - 1 run They are not overpowering teams. They are out‑executing them. Valadez’s homer was huge. Cruz’s walk‑off was huge. Hernandez’s sac fly was huge. But the lineup still feels like it’s missing a middle‑order anchor. 3. Bret Perez Is the Engine Since returning from the IL: - Hitting over .300 - Extra‑base hits in bunches - 11 stolen bases - Steady defense - Emotional spark plug He’s becoming the heartbeat of the team. 4. Prieto Is Back in Form Three appearances in the series: - 3 IP, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K - Saves #12 and #13 - Win #3 After a shaky April, he looks like the closer Sacramento expected. 5. The Prayers Are Pulling Away AL West after May 24: 1. Sacramento — 35–15 2. Tucson — 26–23 (8.5 GB) 3. Fort Worth — 25–26 4. Seattle — 25–26 5. San Jose — 24–26 6. El Paso — 20–29 This is no longer a tight race. Sacramento is building a cushion. ★ ★ ★ Gemmy’s Take: 11 Straight and No Sign of Slowing I’ve covered a lot of Sacramento baseball, but I’ve never seen a rotation this locked in. When you can win a game 1-0 on a sacrifice fly, you know your pitchers are doing something special. Fernando Salazar (5-1, 2.55 ERA) is no longer just a "solid" starter; he’s looking like an All-Star. And how about Gil Cruz? Coming off the bench to hit a walk-off single while nursing an injury is exactly the kind of "team first" mentality Jimmy Aces has instilled in this clubhouse. The Prayers are now heading into a tough road trip to Fort Worth and Seattle. If they can keep this momentum through the end of the month, we might be looking at a wire-to-wire divisional race.