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liberty-ca · 01-03-2026, 01:09 AM

BNN SERIES RECAP — MAY 26–28, 1989
NO MERCY IN TEXAS: PRAYERS SWEEP SPIRITS, STREAK HITS 14
By Chad G. Petey and C.O.Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

FORT WORTH, TX — Everything is bigger in Texas, including the Sacramento Prayers’ winning streak. The Sacramento Prayers are no longer flirting with greatness. They are marching toward it with the calm inevitability of a team that knows exactly who it is. In a series that featured a blowout, a 14-inning marathon, and a 9th-inning miracle, Sacramento (38-15) swept the Fort Worth Spirits to extend their victory parade to 14 consecutive games.

With a three‑game sweep of the Fort Worth Spirits — including a 14‑inning marathon, a 10‑run outburst, and another surgical masterpiece from Bernardo Andretti — The Prayers now sit 9.5 games ahead of the Tucson Cherubs, comfortably holding the best record in professional baseball as they head to Seattle. This wasn’t a sweep built on luck. It was built on depth, resilience, and a rotation that refuses to blink.

★ ★ ★

FRIDAY, MAY 26 — PRAYERS 10, SPIRITS 2
Strauss Sets the Tone as Sacramento Rolls

If there was any doubt that Sacramento’s momentum might stall on the road, it vanished quickly Friday night.

Sam Strauss turned the opener into his personal showcase, reaching base four times, scoring four runs, and punctuating the night with a late home run that served as a final exclamation point. He wasn’t flashy. He was relentless — exactly the tone the Prayers wanted to set.

After questions about his stamina following a brief injury scare, Jordan Rubalcava silenced the doubters and continued his quiet march toward the Cy Young conversation:

- 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 9 K
- ERA down to 1.91

Edwin Musco added his 9th home run of the year, Alex Vieyra chipped in with a clutch 2-run single, Hector Iniguez doubled twice, and Lorenzo Martinez stayed scorching with a three‑hit night.

Sacramento scored in six different innings, and Fort Worth never threatened. “We’re playing like a well-oiled machine right now,” manager Jimmy Aces said — and for once, it didn’t sound like hyperbole.

★ ★ ★

SATURDAY, MAY 27 — PRAYERS 5, SPIRITS 3 (14 INNINGS)
Endurance Test Passed: The Hicks Marathon

If Friday was dominance, Saturday was survival.

This was a test of will. In a game that lasted 4 hours and 39 minutes, Sacramento’s depth was pushed to the brink. Starting pitcher Robby Larson provided 7.0 solid innings, but the game remained deadlocked deep into the night.Fort Worth starter Luca Pedrotti was magnificent, matching Sacramento pitch for pitch deep into the game. Sacramento and Fort Worth traded zeros for seven straight innings before the Prayers finally broke through in the 14th.

The hero?
Logan Hicks, the rookie center fielder who has spent most of the season fighting for relevance.

With two aboard and two outs, Logan Hicks ripped a triple into the gap, clearing the bases and finally breaking the stalemate. It was a swing born not of power, but of persistence — Hicks’ fourth hit of the night in a seven-at-bat grind.

“It’s not about individual awards,” Hicks said afterward. “It’s about winning championships.” That quote could have been stamped on the entire game. Hicks finished the night 4-for-7, easily the best game of his young career.

The bullpen — Prieto, Wright, Gaias, and Caliari — combined for 7 innings, allowing just 1 run despite Fort Worth putting 17 runners on base. This was the kind of game that breaks lesser teams. Sacramento simply refused to lose.

Key notes:
- Hicks: 4 hits, game‑winning triple
- Musco: 2 hits, triple
- Bullpen: 7 IP, 1 ER
- Win streak hits 13

★ ★ ★

SUNDAY, MAY 28 — PRAYERS 2, SPIRITS 1
Andretti Dominates Again; Rubbi Delivers the Knockout Blow

After the chaos of Saturday, Sunday felt almost serene.

Bernardo Andretti, despite entering the game visibly taxed, summoned one of his sharpest outings of the season. On Sunday, he delivered his third straight gem, carving through Fort Worth with ruthless efficiency:

- 8 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 K
- ERA now 2.39

Fort Worth actually led briefly, scratching across a run in the sixth. But Sacramento stayed calm — as they always do. For eight innings, it looked like the streak would finally end. Spirits pitcher B. Cruz was untouchable, carrying a shutout into the 9th.

Down to their final out in the 9th, manager Jimmy Aces went to the bench for Jose Rubbi and Rubbi — who has quietly become one of the most dangerous hitters on the roster — launched a two‑run homer off reliever Mike Kaplan. It was a no‑doubt shot, the kind that leaves a ballpark silent except for the visiting dugout.

Ricky Gaias closed the ninth for his third save, and Sacramento completed the sweep.

Key notes:
- Andretti: 8 IP, 1 ER
- Rubbi: game‑winning HR
- Hicks: another hit, another stolen base
- Win streak hits 14

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The Rotation Is Now a Statistical Anomaly
Across the series:

- Rubalcava: 7 IP, 1 ER
- Larson (Saturday): 7 IP, 2 ER
- Andretti: 8 IP, 1 ER

Combined: 22 IP, 4 ER (1.64 ERA)

This is no longer a hot streak. This is a historic run.

2. Logan Hicks Just Saved His Season
The rookie entered the series hitting .161.
He leaves it hitting .208, with:

- 5 hits in two days
- A game‑winning triple
- 2 stolen bases
- Zero fear

He may have just earned himself a permanent role.

3. Rubbi Is Becoming a Late‑Inning Monster
In the last week:

- 2 HR
- 6 RBI
- Multiple clutch moments
- Catching defense improving

He’s forcing his way into the lineup.

4. The Prayers Are Winning Every Type of Game
In the last 15 wins:

- Blowouts
- Walk‑offs
- Extra‑inning marathons
- 1‑0 duels
- Comebacks
- Road wins
- Rain delays
- Bullpen battles

This is the profile of a championship team.

5. The AL West Race Is Over (Unless Something Wild Happens)
After May 28:

1. Sacramento — 38–15
2. Tucson — 28–24 (9.5 GB)
3. Seattle — 26–28
4. San Jose — 25–29
5. Fort Worth — 25–29
6. El Paso — 23–30

The Prayers have built a double‑digit cushion in everything but name.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: "Bench Mafia" is real. The Best Team in Baseball, Period

I’ve been covering this club for years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. The Prayers aren’t just winning — they’re dictating games. They’re controlling tempo, forcing opponents into mistakes, and getting contributions from every corner of the roster.

Bernardo Andretti is pitching like a man possessed.
Jordan Rubalcava is pitching like a Cy Young favorite.
Russ Gray is pitching like a future ace.
Fernando Salazar is pitching like a veteran anchor.

Fifteen straight wins is the kind of stuff you tell your grandkids about. But what impresses me most isn't the stars — it's the "Bench Mafia."

Jose Rubbi is hitting .297 and has two of the biggest home runs of the season as a backup catcher. Logan Hicks was hitting .161 going into Saturday and comes out with a 4-hit game and a game-winning triple. When your role players are performing like All-Stars, you don’t just win games; you demoralize the opposition.

The Prayers head to Seattle for a three-game set starting Tuesday. And as May turns to June, one question is growing louder across the American League: How long can this possibly last — and who, if anyone, is capable of stopping it?

01-03-2026, 01:09 AM	#129
liberty-ca Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 280	BNN SERIES RECAP — MAY 26–28, 1989 NO MERCY IN TEXAS: PRAYERS SWEEP SPIRITS, STREAK HITS 14 By Chad G. Petey and C.O.Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle FORT WORTH, TX — Everything is bigger in Texas, including the Sacramento Prayers’ winning streak. The Sacramento Prayers are no longer flirting with greatness. They are marching toward it with the calm inevitability of a team that knows exactly who it is. In a series that featured a blowout, a 14-inning marathon, and a 9th-inning miracle, Sacramento (38-15) swept the Fort Worth Spirits to extend their victory parade to 14 consecutive games. With a three‑game sweep of the Fort Worth Spirits — including a 14‑inning marathon, a 10‑run outburst, and another surgical masterpiece from Bernardo Andretti — The Prayers now sit 9.5 games ahead of the Tucson Cherubs, comfortably holding the best record in professional baseball as they head to Seattle. This wasn’t a sweep built on luck. It was built on depth, resilience, and a rotation that refuses to blink. ★ ★ ★ FRIDAY, MAY 26 — PRAYERS 10, SPIRITS 2 Strauss Sets the Tone as Sacramento Rolls If there was any doubt that Sacramento’s momentum might stall on the road, it vanished quickly Friday night. Sam Strauss turned the opener into his personal showcase, reaching base four times, scoring four runs, and punctuating the night with a late home run that served as a final exclamation point. He wasn’t flashy. He was relentless — exactly the tone the Prayers wanted to set. After questions about his stamina following a brief injury scare, Jordan Rubalcava silenced the doubters and continued his quiet march toward the Cy Young conversation: - 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 9 K - ERA down to 1.91 Edwin Musco added his 9th home run of the year, Alex Vieyra chipped in with a clutch 2-run single, Hector Iniguez doubled twice, and Lorenzo Martinez stayed scorching with a three‑hit night. Sacramento scored in six different innings, and Fort Worth never threatened. “We’re playing like a well-oiled machine right now,” manager Jimmy Aces said — and for once, it didn’t sound like hyperbole. ★ ★ ★ SATURDAY, MAY 27 — PRAYERS 5, SPIRITS 3 (14 INNINGS) Endurance Test Passed: The Hicks Marathon If Friday was dominance, Saturday was survival. This was a test of will. In a game that lasted 4 hours and 39 minutes, Sacramento’s depth was pushed to the brink. Starting pitcher Robby Larson provided 7.0 solid innings, but the game remained deadlocked deep into the night.Fort Worth starter Luca Pedrotti was magnificent, matching Sacramento pitch for pitch deep into the game. Sacramento and Fort Worth traded zeros for seven straight innings before the Prayers finally broke through in the 14th. The hero? Logan Hicks, the rookie center fielder who has spent most of the season fighting for relevance. With two aboard and two outs, Logan Hicks ripped a triple into the gap, clearing the bases and finally breaking the stalemate. It was a swing born not of power, but of persistence — Hicks’ fourth hit of the night in a seven-at-bat grind. “It’s not about individual awards,” Hicks said afterward. “It’s about winning championships.” That quote could have been stamped on the entire game. Hicks finished the night 4-for-7, easily the best game of his young career. The bullpen — Prieto, Wright, Gaias, and Caliari — combined for 7 innings, allowing just 1 run despite Fort Worth putting 17 runners on base. This was the kind of game that breaks lesser teams. Sacramento simply refused to lose. Key notes: - Hicks: 4 hits, game‑winning triple - Musco: 2 hits, triple - Bullpen: 7 IP, 1 ER - Win streak hits 13 ★ ★ ★ SUNDAY, MAY 28 — PRAYERS 2, SPIRITS 1 Andretti Dominates Again; Rubbi Delivers the Knockout Blow After the chaos of Saturday, Sunday felt almost serene. Bernardo Andretti, despite entering the game visibly taxed, summoned one of his sharpest outings of the season. On Sunday, he delivered his third straight gem, carving through Fort Worth with ruthless efficiency: - 8 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 K - ERA now 2.39 Fort Worth actually led briefly, scratching across a run in the sixth. But Sacramento stayed calm — as they always do. For eight innings, it looked like the streak would finally end. Spirits pitcher B. Cruz was untouchable, carrying a shutout into the 9th. Down to their final out in the 9th, manager Jimmy Aces went to the bench for Jose Rubbi and Rubbi — who has quietly become one of the most dangerous hitters on the roster — launched a two‑run homer off reliever Mike Kaplan. It was a no‑doubt shot, the kind that leaves a ballpark silent except for the visiting dugout. Ricky Gaias closed the ninth for his third save, and Sacramento completed the sweep. Key notes: - Andretti: 8 IP, 1 ER - Rubbi: game‑winning HR - Hicks: another hit, another stolen base - Win streak hits 14 ★ ★ ★ SERIES TAKEAWAYS 1. The Rotation Is Now a Statistical Anomaly Across the series: - Rubalcava: 7 IP, 1 ER - Larson (Saturday): 7 IP, 2 ER - Andretti: 8 IP, 1 ER Combined: 22 IP, 4 ER (1.64 ERA) This is no longer a hot streak. This is a historic run. 2. Logan Hicks Just Saved His Season The rookie entered the series hitting .161. He leaves it hitting .208, with: - 5 hits in two days - A game‑winning triple - 2 stolen bases - Zero fear He may have just earned himself a permanent role. 3. Rubbi Is Becoming a Late‑Inning Monster In the last week: - 2 HR - 6 RBI - Multiple clutch moments - Catching defense improving He’s forcing his way into the lineup. 4. The Prayers Are Winning Every Type of Game In the last 15 wins: - Blowouts - Walk‑offs - Extra‑inning marathons - 1‑0 duels - Comebacks - Road wins - Rain delays - Bullpen battles This is the profile of a championship team. 5. The AL West Race Is Over (Unless Something Wild Happens) After May 28: 1. Sacramento — 38–15 2. Tucson — 28–24 (9.5 GB) 3. Seattle — 26–28 4. San Jose — 25–29 5. Fort Worth — 25–29 6. El Paso — 23–30 The Prayers have built a double‑digit cushion in everything but name. ★ ★ ★ Gemmy’s Take: "Bench Mafia" is real. The Best Team in Baseball, Period I’ve been covering this club for years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. The Prayers aren’t just winning — they’re dictating games. They’re controlling tempo, forcing opponents into mistakes, and getting contributions from every corner of the roster. Bernardo Andretti is pitching like a man possessed. Jordan Rubalcava is pitching like a Cy Young favorite. Russ Gray is pitching like a future ace. Fernando Salazar is pitching like a veteran anchor. Fifteen straight wins is the kind of stuff you tell your grandkids about. But what impresses me most isn't the stars — it's the "Bench Mafia." Jose Rubbi is hitting .297 and has two of the biggest home runs of the season as a backup catcher. Logan Hicks was hitting .161 going into Saturday and comes out with a 4-hit game and a game-winning triple. When your role players are performing like All-Stars, you don’t just win games; you demoralize the opposition. The Prayers head to Seattle for a three-game set starting Tuesday. And as May turns to June, one question is growing louder across the American League: How long can this possibly last — and who, if anyone, is capable of stopping it? Last edited by liberty-ca; 01-03-2026 at 08:35 PM.