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liberty-ca · 01-06-2026, 08:29 PM

BNN SERIES RECAP — JUNE 19–21, 1989
DESERT HEAT: PRAYERS TAKE TWO OF THREE IN VEGAS
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

LAS VEGAS, NV — The Sacramento Prayers (52-23) continue to be the gold standard of the American League. Despite a stumble in the series opener against a surging Las Vegas Blessed squad, the Prayers relied on their elite starting rotation and a spark from their top prospect to secure a series win at Blessed Field.

The Blessed took the opener behind a two‑homer ambush from Jonathan Torres, but Sacramento answered with back‑to‑back wins powered by Jordan Rubalcava, Robby Larson, and a lineup that continues to find just enough timely hits to support the league’s best pitching staff.

Sacramento now sits at 52–23, still firmly in command of the American League West.

★ ★ ★

MONDAY, JUNE 19 — BLESSED 6, PRAYERS 3
Torres Torches Sacramento; Vegas Takes Opener

This one belonged to Las Vegas veteran Jonathan Torres, who turned back the clock with a vintage power display. Torres homered in the 1st and 7th, finishing 3-for-4 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI. His first blast set the tone; his second put the game out of reach. By the fifth, the Blessed had strung together traffic, doubles, and disciplined at-bats to build a 5–0 lead, forcing Sacramento into chase mode.

Sacramento’s offense was limited to three solo shots — Edwin Musco, Sam Strauss, and Robby Aguirre — but the Prayers never mounted a sustained rally. Fernando Salazar (8-3) struggled with his command, lasting less than five innings. He was tagged for 5 runs, registering one of his roughest outings of the year.

To their credit, the Prayers chipped back. Solo homers by Edwin Musco, Steve Strauss, and Rafael Aguirre cut the deficit to 6–3, and Sacramento mounted a real threat in the eighth with runners on first and second. Unfortunately, with one out and the tying run in the on-deck circle, Hector Iniguez worked a full count — then popped out, ending the surge and the night’s last real chance. The Prayers just couldn't find the clutch hit with runners on base, leaving six stranded in the loss.

Key notes:
- Musco: HR #14
- Strauss: HR #6
- Aguirre: first HR of the season
- Salazar: 4.2 IP, 8 H, 5 ER
- Sacramento drops to 50–23

★ ★ ★

TUESDAY, JUNE 20 — PRAYERS 5, BLESSED 2
Rubalcava Steadies the Ship; Velasquez Goes Deep

After a tough opener, Sacramento turned to its most reliable arm — and Jordan Rubalcava delivered again.

Coming off a brilliant but unrewarded start in Fort Worth, Jordan Rubalcava (8-3) was determined to leave with a 'W' this time. Rubalcava wasn’t overpowering, but he was authoritative The right‑hander worked 7.2 innings, allowing just 2 runs while navigating several tight spots. His ERA dipped to a staggering 1.94. Prieto cleaned up the final outs for save #19.

Offensively, Sacramento spread the damage around:

- Alex Velasquez launched his 8th homer of the year.
- Luis Martinez doubled and scored.
- Alex Vieyra delivered a crucial two‑out RBI single.
- Musco added a sac fly for RBI #42.

It wasn’t flashy, but it was professional — the kind of win Sacramento has made routine. “Very pleased with the effort on our side,” Musco said.

Key notes:
- Rubalcava: 7.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER
- Velasquez: HR #8
- Vieyra: 3 hits, RBI
- Hicks: 2 SB (now 15)
- Sacramento improves to 51–23

★ ★ ★

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21 — PRAYERS 4, BLESSED 2
The Prospect and the Workhorse

The rubber game had tension — and Robby Larson never flinched.

Robby Larson continued his brilliant June following up his recent one-hitter with another gem and tossing 8 innings of 2‑run ball to earn his 6th win. His command was sharp, his fastball lively, and his poise unshakable. He kept the ball out of the air, trusted his defense, and forced Las Vegas into long, grinding at-bats that went nowhere. Larson has now allowed just 3 earned runs across his last 24 innings.

The decisive moment came in the sixth: with Sacramento clinging to a 1–1 edge, Gil Cruz — BNN’s No. 8 overall prospect — delivered a two-run single, turning the game on its axis. Another run followed, and suddenly Larson had breathing room. Vegas never recovered.

“I put my work in and trusted the process,” Larson said.

The final inning required some navigation — Luis Prieto loaded the bases — but Rafael Gaias entered cold and slammed the door, stranding all three runners.

Key notes:
- Larson: 8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 5 K
- Cruz: 2‑run single
- Musco: triple (#5)
- Velasquez: sac fly
- Sacramento moves to 52–23

★ ★ ★

STAT WATCH: THE ROTATION

ERA LEADERS:
1. Aaron Gilbert: 1.69
2. Jordan Rubalcava: 1.94
3. Russ Gray: 2.07
4. Robby Larson: 2.19
Note: Sacramento is the only team in the league with four starters sporting sub-2.20 ERAs.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: The Kids Are Alright

If you aren't excited about Gil Cruz, check your pulse. BNN has him ranked as the 8th best prospect in the land, and you saw why on Wednesday. In a tight game, the kid didn't blink — he just drove the ball and drove in the runs. Between Cruz and the way Jesus Rodriguez has been playing, this "aging" roster suddenly feels very young and very dangerous.

Also, let’s talk about Alex Vieyra. Two weeks ago, we were wondering if he could hit water if he fell out of a boat. Now? He’s hitting .201 and was arguably our best offensive player this week. That’s the "Sacramento Way" — someone always picks up the slack.

The Concern: Luis Prieto. He’s appeared in four of the last five games. He looked a little shaky in the 9th on Wednesday before Gaias came in to bail him out. Jimmy Aces needs to be careful not to burn out his closer before the All-Star break. Sacramento leaves the desert 52–23 to visit Tucson — still alone, still composed, and still very much the league’s measuring stick.

01-06-2026, 08:29 PM	#136
liberty-ca Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 274	BNN SERIES RECAP — JUNE 19–21, 1989 DESERT HEAT: PRAYERS TAKE TWO OF THREE IN VEGAS By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle LAS VEGAS, NV — The Sacramento Prayers (52-23) continue to be the gold standard of the American League. Despite a stumble in the series opener against a surging Las Vegas Blessed squad, the Prayers relied on their elite starting rotation and a spark from their top prospect to secure a series win at Blessed Field. The Blessed took the opener behind a two‑homer ambush from Jonathan Torres, but Sacramento answered with back‑to‑back wins powered by Jordan Rubalcava, Robby Larson, and a lineup that continues to find just enough timely hits to support the league’s best pitching staff. Sacramento now sits at 52–23, still firmly in command of the American League West. ★ ★ ★ MONDAY, JUNE 19 — BLESSED 6, PRAYERS 3 Torres Torches Sacramento; Vegas Takes Opener This one belonged to Las Vegas veteran Jonathan Torres, who turned back the clock with a vintage power display. Torres homered in the 1st and 7th, finishing 3-for-4 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI. His first blast set the tone; his second put the game out of reach. By the fifth, the Blessed had strung together traffic, doubles, and disciplined at-bats to build a 5–0 lead, forcing Sacramento into chase mode. Sacramento’s offense was limited to three solo shots — Edwin Musco, Sam Strauss, and Robby Aguirre — but the Prayers never mounted a sustained rally. Fernando Salazar (8-3) struggled with his command, lasting less than five innings. He was tagged for 5 runs, registering one of his roughest outings of the year. To their credit, the Prayers chipped back. Solo homers by Edwin Musco, Steve Strauss, and Rafael Aguirre cut the deficit to 6–3, and Sacramento mounted a real threat in the eighth with runners on first and second. Unfortunately, with one out and the tying run in the on-deck circle, Hector Iniguez worked a full count — then popped out, ending the surge and the night’s last real chance. The Prayers just couldn't find the clutch hit with runners on base, leaving six stranded in the loss. Key notes: - Musco: HR #14 - Strauss: HR #6 - Aguirre: first HR of the season - Salazar: 4.2 IP, 8 H, 5 ER - Sacramento drops to 50–23 ★ ★ ★ TUESDAY, JUNE 20 — PRAYERS 5, BLESSED 2 Rubalcava Steadies the Ship; Velasquez Goes Deep After a tough opener, Sacramento turned to its most reliable arm — and Jordan Rubalcava delivered again. Coming off a brilliant but unrewarded start in Fort Worth, Jordan Rubalcava (8-3) was determined to leave with a 'W' this time. Rubalcava wasn’t overpowering, but he was authoritative The right‑hander worked 7.2 innings, allowing just 2 runs while navigating several tight spots. His ERA dipped to a staggering 1.94. Prieto cleaned up the final outs for save #19. Offensively, Sacramento spread the damage around: - Alex Velasquez launched his 8th homer of the year. - Luis Martinez doubled and scored. - Alex Vieyra delivered a crucial two‑out RBI single. - Musco added a sac fly for RBI #42. It wasn’t flashy, but it was professional — the kind of win Sacramento has made routine. “Very pleased with the effort on our side,” Musco said. Key notes: - Rubalcava: 7.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER - Velasquez: HR #8 - Vieyra: 3 hits, RBI - Hicks: 2 SB (now 15) - Sacramento improves to 51–23 ★ ★ ★ WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21 — PRAYERS 4, BLESSED 2 The Prospect and the Workhorse The rubber game had tension — and Robby Larson never flinched. Robby Larson continued his brilliant June following up his recent one-hitter with another gem and tossing 8 innings of 2‑run ball to earn his 6th win. His command was sharp, his fastball lively, and his poise unshakable. He kept the ball out of the air, trusted his defense, and forced Las Vegas into long, grinding at-bats that went nowhere. Larson has now allowed just 3 earned runs across his last 24 innings. The decisive moment came in the sixth: with Sacramento clinging to a 1–1 edge, Gil Cruz — BNN’s No. 8 overall prospect — delivered a two-run single, turning the game on its axis. Another run followed, and suddenly Larson had breathing room. Vegas never recovered. “I put my work in and trusted the process,” Larson said. The final inning required some navigation — Luis Prieto loaded the bases — but Rafael Gaias entered cold and slammed the door, stranding all three runners. Key notes: - Larson: 8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 5 K - Cruz: 2‑run single - Musco: triple (#5) - Velasquez: sac fly - Sacramento moves to 52–23 ★ ★ ★ STAT WATCH: THE ROTATION ERA LEADERS: 1. Aaron Gilbert: 1.69 2. Jordan Rubalcava: 1.94 3. Russ Gray: 2.07 4. Robby Larson: 2.19 Note: Sacramento is the only team in the league with four starters sporting sub-2.20 ERAs. ★ ★ ★ Gemmy’s Take: The Kids Are Alright If you aren't excited about Gil Cruz, check your pulse. BNN has him ranked as the 8th best prospect in the land, and you saw why on Wednesday. In a tight game, the kid didn't blink — he just drove the ball and drove in the runs. Between Cruz and the way Jesus Rodriguez has been playing, this "aging" roster suddenly feels very young and very dangerous. Also, let’s talk about Alex Vieyra. Two weeks ago, we were wondering if he could hit water if he fell out of a boat. Now? He’s hitting .201 and was arguably our best offensive player this week. That’s the "Sacramento Way" — someone always picks up the slack. The Concern: Luis Prieto. He’s appeared in four of the last five games. He looked a little shaky in the 9th on Wednesday before Gaias came in to bail him out. Jimmy Aces needs to be careful not to burn out his closer before the All-Star break. Sacramento leaves the desert 52–23 to visit Tucson — still alone, still composed, and still very much the league’s measuring stick.