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liberty-ca · 01-10-2026, 03:05 PM

BNN SERIES RECAP — JULY 7–9, 1989
HIGH HIGHS AND HOLLOW LOWS: PRAYERS TAKE SERIES, LOSE SHORTSTOPS
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Prayers continued their march atop the American League West, taking two of three from the visiting Fort Worth Spirits in a series that showcased Sacramento’s pitching depth, middle‑order thunder, and the club’s ability to win in multiple styles. The Sacramento Prayers (63-27) maintained their historical pace this weekend, and Fort Worth left town with proof it can punch above its place in the standings when opportunities surface. While the Friday night 11-0 blowout reminded the league of Sacramento’s dominance, the clubhouse mood remained somber as the team's "Shortstop Curse" continued to claim victims.

The Prayers moved to 63–27, maintaining a commanding division lead, while Fort Worth slipped to 41–50.

FRIDAY: Sacramento 11, Fort Worth 0 — Larson Dominates, Bats Detonate

The opener was never in doubt.
Robby Larson delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression, suffocating Fort Worth for 8⅔ scoreless innings, allowing just three hits, striking out five, and rarely letting an at-bat breathe. The Spirits never advanced a runner past second base.

Sacramento’s offense erupted behind him.
Hector Iniguez launched two home runs off Wade Moran, accounting for three runs by the fourth inning. Francisco Hernandez added a two-run blast in the fifth, and Logan Hicks punctuated the middle innings with a three-run homer that broke the game fully open. The Prayers scored in six different innings and finished with 14 hits, turning the game into a rout by the middle innings.

Manager Jimmy Aces called it “a complete performance,” and it was exactly that. By the eighth inning, the stadium had shifted from tension to celebration.

Larson exited to a standing ovation, Ricky Gaias cleaned up the final out, and Sacramento posted its most lopsided shutout of the season. “This is what it looks like when everything syncs,” Jimmy Aces said afterward. “Pitching, defense, pressure — it was all there.”

SATURDAY: Sacramento 5, Fort Worth 4 — Late Rally Steals the Series

Game 2 was a far different script — tight, tense, and decided late.

Bernardo Andretti navigated six uneven innings, undone partially by defensive miscues and partially by Fort Worth’s patience. The Spirits erased an early Sacramento lead and briefly seized momentum grabbing a 4–1 lead in the seventh on a two‑run pinch‑hit homer by Chris Caballaro, but Sacramento answered immediately. Edwin Musco, who was brilliant all night with three hits and two doubles, tied the game with a two‑run shot into the gap.

Two batters later, Hector Iniguez delivered the decisive blow: a two‑out RBI single that put Sacramento ahead 5–4.

Matt Wright earned the win in relief despite surrendering the homer, and Luis Prieto slammed the door in the ninth for his 24th save, though not without tension.

The victory came at a cost — shortstop Luis Martinez exited with a dead arm, and later in the game, Andres Valadez suffered an injury on a basepath collision. Sacramento’s infield depth will be tested in the coming week. The victory pushed Sacramento to 63–26, but it came with warning signs: 11 runners left on base, two defensive errors, and mounting injury concerns. “Wins like this matter,” Aces said. “They test your nerve.”

SUNDAY: Fort Worth 5, Sacramento 2 — Spirits Salvage Finale

The finale was a grind — and Fort Worth played it better.

Fernando Salazar struggled early, allowing five runs over 4⅔ innings, as Fort Worth pieced together long at-bats and capitalized on Sacramento’s mistakes. A run-scoring groundout by Bernardo Pianta in the fifth proved decisive, pushing the Spirits ahead for good.

Sacramento never fully recovered.

Despite seven walks and multiple chances with runners aboard, the Prayers managed just two runs, repeatedly stalling in key moments. Bruce Cruz worked effectively through traffic, and Matt Majewski closed the door for his 20th save.

Compounding the loss, Andres Valadez was injured in a base collision, adding to an already growing infield injury list.

“We didn’t cash in,” Aces said bluntly. “That’s the game.”

Despite the loss, Aaron Gilbert and Jose Vizcarra combined for 4.1 innings of scoreless relief, continuing the bullpen’s strong July.

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

- Pitching remains elite. Larson’s gem and the bullpen’s continued stinginess kept Sacramento in control of the series.
- Middle‑order production is surging. Iniguez (3 HR, 5 RBI in the series) and Musco (5 hits, 3 RBI) powered the offense.
- Injuries loom. With Martinez and Valadez both sidelined, Sacramento may need to lean more heavily on Jesus Rodriguez and Gil Cruz in the infield.
- The division lead is safe. At 63–27, Sacramento remains the AL West’s gold standard, 17.5 games clear of Seattle.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: The Shortstop Graveyard

Look, 63 wins is incredible. A .700 winning percentage is the stuff of legends. But can we talk about the elephant in the dugout? Or rather, the empty chairs in the training room?

We are officially living through the "Shortstop Curse."

1. Bret Perez (our 3B/SS spark plug) is out for a month with a triceps strain.
2. Luis Martinez goes down Saturday with a dead arm.
3. Andres Valadez gets knocked out on Sunday in a collision.

That leaves Edwin Musco sliding over to short and Gil Cruz — who is hitting .169 — manning the middle of the diamond. Our Magic Number is 55, which sounds great until you realize we might have to call up the local high school shortstop just to field a team by August!

The silver lining? Robby Larson is pitching like a man possessed, and Hector Iniguez has rediscovered his power stroke. If the rotation stays this healthy, we can survive a few bruised infielders. But Jimmy Aces better start wrapped these guys in bubble wrap before they take the field against Seattle.

★ ★ ★

SACRAMENTO M.A.S.H. UNIT

* SS Andres Valadez: Diagnosis pending (Collision).
* SS Luis Martinez: Dead arm (Out ~4 days).
* 3B Bret Perez: Strained triceps (Out 4–5 weeks).
* LF Eli Murguia: PCL Tear (60-Day IL, eligible to return but still 4 months from playing).

★ ★ ★

UP NEXT: THE BATTLE FOR THE WEST

The Seattle Lucifers (46-45) come to town on Thursday for a massive four-game set. They are the only team within shouting distance (17.5 games) and they’d love nothing more than to kick us while we’re limping.

With Martinez and Valadez both sidelined, Edwin Musco is the only reliable infielder left who can play short.

01-10-2026, 03:05 PM	#141
liberty-ca All Star Reserve Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 596	BNN SERIES RECAP — JULY 7–9, 1989 HIGH HIGHS AND HOLLOW LOWS: PRAYERS TAKE SERIES, LOSE SHORTSTOPS By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Prayers continued their march atop the American League West, taking two of three from the visiting Fort Worth Spirits in a series that showcased Sacramento’s pitching depth, middle‑order thunder, and the club’s ability to win in multiple styles. The Sacramento Prayers (63-27) maintained their historical pace this weekend, and Fort Worth left town with proof it can punch above its place in the standings when opportunities surface. While the Friday night 11-0 blowout reminded the league of Sacramento’s dominance, the clubhouse mood remained somber as the team's "Shortstop Curse" continued to claim victims. The Prayers moved to 63–27, maintaining a commanding division lead, while Fort Worth slipped to 41–50. FRIDAY: Sacramento 11, Fort Worth 0 — Larson Dominates, Bats Detonate The opener was never in doubt. Robby Larson delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression, suffocating Fort Worth for 8⅔ scoreless innings, allowing just three hits, striking out five, and rarely letting an at-bat breathe. The Spirits never advanced a runner past second base. Sacramento’s offense erupted behind him. Hector Iniguez launched two home runs off Wade Moran, accounting for three runs by the fourth inning. Francisco Hernandez added a two-run blast in the fifth, and Logan Hicks punctuated the middle innings with a three-run homer that broke the game fully open. The Prayers scored in six different innings and finished with 14 hits, turning the game into a rout by the middle innings. Manager Jimmy Aces called it “a complete performance,” and it was exactly that. By the eighth inning, the stadium had shifted from tension to celebration. Larson exited to a standing ovation, Ricky Gaias cleaned up the final out, and Sacramento posted its most lopsided shutout of the season. “This is what it looks like when everything syncs,” Jimmy Aces said afterward. “Pitching, defense, pressure — it was all there.” SATURDAY: Sacramento 5, Fort Worth 4 — Late Rally Steals the Series Game 2 was a far different script — tight, tense, and decided late. Bernardo Andretti navigated six uneven innings, undone partially by defensive miscues and partially by Fort Worth’s patience. The Spirits erased an early Sacramento lead and briefly seized momentum grabbing a 4–1 lead in the seventh on a two‑run pinch‑hit homer by Chris Caballaro, but Sacramento answered immediately. Edwin Musco, who was brilliant all night with three hits and two doubles, tied the game with a two‑run shot into the gap. Two batters later, Hector Iniguez delivered the decisive blow: a two‑out RBI single that put Sacramento ahead 5–4. Matt Wright earned the win in relief despite surrendering the homer, and Luis Prieto slammed the door in the ninth for his 24th save, though not without tension. The victory came at a cost — shortstop Luis Martinez exited with a dead arm, and later in the game, Andres Valadez suffered an injury on a basepath collision. Sacramento’s infield depth will be tested in the coming week. The victory pushed Sacramento to 63–26, but it came with warning signs: 11 runners left on base, two defensive errors, and mounting injury concerns. “Wins like this matter,” Aces said. “They test your nerve.” SUNDAY: Fort Worth 5, Sacramento 2 — Spirits Salvage Finale The finale was a grind — and Fort Worth played it better. Fernando Salazar struggled early, allowing five runs over 4⅔ innings, as Fort Worth pieced together long at-bats and capitalized on Sacramento’s mistakes. A run-scoring groundout by Bernardo Pianta in the fifth proved decisive, pushing the Spirits ahead for good. Sacramento never fully recovered. Despite seven walks and multiple chances with runners aboard, the Prayers managed just two runs, repeatedly stalling in key moments. Bruce Cruz worked effectively through traffic, and Matt Majewski closed the door for his 20th save. Compounding the loss, Andres Valadez was injured in a base collision, adding to an already growing infield injury list. “We didn’t cash in,” Aces said bluntly. “That’s the game.” Despite the loss, Aaron Gilbert and Jose Vizcarra combined for 4.1 innings of scoreless relief, continuing the bullpen’s strong July. SERIES TAKEAWAYS - Pitching remains elite. Larson’s gem and the bullpen’s continued stinginess kept Sacramento in control of the series. - Middle‑order production is surging. Iniguez (3 HR, 5 RBI in the series) and Musco (5 hits, 3 RBI) powered the offense. - Injuries loom. With Martinez and Valadez both sidelined, Sacramento may need to lean more heavily on Jesus Rodriguez and Gil Cruz in the infield. - The division lead is safe. At 63–27, Sacramento remains the AL West’s gold standard, 17.5 games clear of Seattle. ★ ★ ★ Gemmy’s Take: The Shortstop Graveyard Look, 63 wins is incredible. A .700 winning percentage is the stuff of legends. But can we talk about the elephant in the dugout? Or rather, the empty chairs in the training room? We are officially living through the "Shortstop Curse." 1. Bret Perez (our 3B/SS spark plug) is out for a month with a triceps strain. 2. Luis Martinez goes down Saturday with a dead arm. 3. Andres Valadez gets knocked out on Sunday in a collision. That leaves Edwin Musco sliding over to short and Gil Cruz — who is hitting .169 — manning the middle of the diamond. Our Magic Number is 55, which sounds great until you realize we might have to call up the local high school shortstop just to field a team by August! The silver lining? Robby Larson is pitching like a man possessed, and Hector Iniguez has rediscovered his power stroke. If the rotation stays this healthy, we can survive a few bruised infielders. But Jimmy Aces better start wrapped these guys in bubble wrap before they take the field against Seattle. ★ ★ ★ SACRAMENTO M.A.S.H. UNIT * SS Andres Valadez: Diagnosis pending (Collision). * SS Luis Martinez: Dead arm (Out ~4 days). * 3B Bret Perez: Strained triceps (Out 4–5 weeks). * LF Eli Murguia: PCL Tear (60-Day IL, eligible to return but still 4 months from playing). ★ ★ ★ UP NEXT: THE BATTLE FOR THE WEST The Seattle Lucifers (46-45) come to town on Thursday for a massive four-game set. They are the only team within shouting distance (17.5 games) and they’d love nothing more than to kick us while we’re limping. With Martinez and Valadez both sidelined, Edwin Musco is the only reliable infielder left who can play short.