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liberty-ca · 02-04-2026, 04:22 PM

PRAYERS WEEKLY: AUGUST 26 – SEPTEMBER 1, 1990
THE MAGIC ELEVEN: PRAYERS ON THE PRECIPICE OF ETERNITY
Gemmy Nay (Sacramento Sports Chronicle) in collaboration with Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot (BNN)

The Sacramento Prayers (89-46) are no longer just playing baseball; they are conducting a countdown. After a 5-1 week that saw them survive a heartbreaker in Seattle, sweep the basement-dwelling Abbots, and start strong against the Devils, the Prayers find themselves with a "Magic Number" of 11.

However, the jubilation in the stands is tempered by a somber reality in the clubhouse. The road to 90 wins has claimed a heavy toll, as the team lost one of its most consistent offensive threats to a season-ending—and career-threatening injury.

★ ★ ★

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 — @ Seattle

Lucifers 7, Prayers 6
The Seattle Heartbreak

The week began with a rare collapse from the bullpen. Robby Larson pitched well enough to win (7.1 IP, 3 ER), departing with a 6-3 lead. Alex Velasquez homered and doubled, Hector Iniguez tripled home two, and Alex Torres stayed scorching with a pair of extra‑base hits. But the ninth inning turned into a nightmare for closer Luis Prieto. Seattle’s Alex Valadez and Teodoro Melendrez launched back-to-back home runs to tie the game before Paul Landes delivered a walk-off single.

"I just didn't have the location," a dejected Prieto said after the blown save. "In this park, you miss over the plate, and you pay the tax. I paid it in full today."

“Those games hurt, but you don’t let them linger,” manager Jimmy Aces said.

★ ★ ★

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28 — @ El Paso

Prayers 4, Abbots 1
A Pyrrhic Victory

Jordan Rubalcava controlled the tempo all night at Abbots Park, working eight innings of two-hit ball as Sacramento opened its El Paso series with a crisp win. Rubalcava struck out six and walked two, improving to 15–9.

“Jordan was able to locate to both sides, up and down,” Aces said.

Sacramento scored three times in the second inning and added insurance in the eighth. Gil Cruz homered and Rafael Alonzo drove in two with a single. The club played crisp defense and stranded El Paso’s few threats. Prieto closed for save No. 34.

But the real story happened on the basepaths. Star left fielder Alex Velasquez, while rounding second, collapsed in visible agony. The diagnosis was the worst-case scenario: a torn PCL.

"I heard a pop and then just nothing," Velasquez whispered in the locker room, his knee heavily iced. "I wanted to be there for the finish line. Now I’m just a spectator. Very, very disappointed to say the least. And it really hurts like hell..."

★ ★ ★

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29 — @ El Paso

Prayers 9, Abbots 4
The Iniguez Show

The Prayers responded to the Velasquez news with a display of raw power. Hector Iniguez, Francisco Hernandez, and George Cruz all went deep, and Alex Lopez continued his strong August with a three‑hit night. Hector Iniguez authored one of his best games of the year: 2-for-5, a towering two‑run homer, and four RBI.

“I’m trying to see the ball big and stay on it,” Iniguez said.

Fernando Salazar wasn’t sharp but was tough — 8 innings, 8 hits, 4 runs — and the lineup gave him all the cushion he needed. Sacramento secured the series win and stretched its division lead to 15½ games.

★ ★ ★

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30 — @ El Paso

Prayers 8, Abbots 0
The Ace’s Shine and Polish

Bernardo Andretti (18-3) continued his march toward another Cy Young, though he was lifted early to preserve his arm. Bernardo anchored a shutout effort as Sacramento completed the road sweep and went 5⅔ scoreless innings before turning the game over to the bullpen, improving to 18–3. The bullpen — Wright and Espenoza — was perfect in relief. Francisco Hernandez provided the exclamation point with a massive 3-run blast in the 8th, while Andy Torres collected three hits and George MacDonald doubled twice.

“You start putting runs on the board and winning, everyone feeds off it,” Hernandez said.

★ ★ ★

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 — vs Washington

Prayers 6, Devils 2
Devilish Efficiency

Returning home, the Prayers welcomed the Washington Devils with a methodical thrashing. Robby Larson rebounded from his Seattle no-decision with 7.2 innings of steady, composed pitching, striking out seven and allowing just two runs on four hits. The offense broke it open in the eighth when Hector Iniguez crushed his 10th home run of the year — his 10th of the year and second of the week — to put the game out of reach and send the Sacramento faithful into a frenzy.

Rafael Alonzo added two hits, and George MacDonald scored twice as Sacramento pushed its win streak to four.

“We liked our approach tonight,” Aces said. “It was businesslike.”

★ ★ ★

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 — vs Washington

Prayers 5, Devils 2
The Gilbert Mystery

Aaron Gilbert remains the league's most improbable success story. Gilbert continued his unbeaten run, turning in a pure gem: 7 shutout innings, 2 hits, 8 strikeouts, no walks. The right‑hander improved to 6–0 and continues to be one of the club’s most valuable mid‑season revelations.

The Prayers scored four times in the seventh to break a scoreless tie, with Andy Lopez driving in two. Alex Torres and George MacDonald each logged multi‑hit games, while Francisco Hernandez drove in a run and reached twice. Luis Prieto, looking to redeem his Seattle collapse, locked down his 36th save after Washington scored twice in the ninth.

“We’re stringing together some nice wins,” Aces said.

★ ★ ★

INJURIES AND ROSTER NOTES

* LF Alex Velasquez (Injured): The star outfielder has been placed on the 60-day IL with a torn PCL. Doctors expect a 9-month recovery period, meaning he will miss the entire postseason and likely the start of the 1991 campaign.
* CF/LF Alberto Lopez (Roster Update): With Velasquez out, Lopez has been elevated to the starting lineup. He responded well this week, including a 3-hit performance in El Paso.
* IL Updates: LF Eli Murguia (fractured ankle) and 3B Bret Perez (broken kneecap) remain on the 60-day IL, with neither expected back before the end of the regular season..

Pitching Staff: Elite Form

- Andretti, Rubalcava, Larson, Salazar, Gilbert combined for a 2.50 ERA this week.
- Prieto had one blowup but rebounded with two clean saves.

Offensive Standouts

- Iniguez: 3 HR, 8 RBI this week
- Torres: Continues to be one of the hottest hitters in baseball
- Musco: Quiet week by his standards, but still producing key swings
- Hernandez: 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 SB

★ ★ ★

STATE OF THE LEAGUE: PENNANT FEVER

American League Overview

In the East, the Boston Messiahs (79-56) are clinging to a one-game lead over the Columbus Heaven. It is a two-horse race that will likely go down to the final weekend. The Brooklyn Priests are technically alive but would need a miracle, sitting 8.5 games back. In our own West, the Prayers have turned the division into a graveyard. The San Jose Demons are 16.5 games back, and the Fort Worth Spirits are 18.0 out. The celebration is a matter of "when," not "if."

National League Overview

The NL East is the definition of chaos. Detroit and Nashville are dead-locked at 77-58, with the Charlotte Monks just 1.5 games behind. Meanwhile, in the West, the Long Beach Diablos hold a 3.0 game lead over a surging Los Angeles Saints squad.

Contract News

League sources indicate that Seattle is looking to move several veteran arms in the off-season. In Sacramento, the silence regarding Bernardo Andretti’s future is deafening. With 18 wins and a sub-2.20 ERA, his market value is skyrocketing daily, yet the front office remains tight-lipped.

★ ★ ★

THE ROAD AHEAD: EXPECTED STARTERS

* Sept 2 vs. WAS: RHP G. Avalos (3-2, 2.97) vs. Sacramento (Starter TBD).
* Sept 3 @ PHI: Sacramento (R. Larson) vs. RHP M. Harms (9-12, 3.34).
* Sept 4 @ PHI: Sacramento (J. Rubalcava) vs. RHP R. Mayorga (5-3, 4.33).
* Sept 5 @ PHI: Sacramento (F. Salazar) vs. RHP M. Harris (6-13, 4.28).

★ ★ ★

FAN MAIL: QUESTIONS FROM THE FRONT PEW

Q: With Velasquez out, do we have any chance in the playoffs against a powerhouse like Boston?
— Gloomy in Granite Bay
A: It’s a blow, no doubt. But remember, championships are won on the mound. As long as we have the "Big Three" (Andretti, Rubalcava, Salazar), we can beat anyone in a short series. We just need the offense to be "good enough" rather than "great."

Q: Aaron Gilbert is 6-0. Is he the secret weapon for the postseason?
— Artie in Arden
A: Gilbert has been the luckiest man in California. His 4.23 ERA suggests he’s getting a lot of run support and some favorable bounces. He’s a great regular-season filler, but I’d be terrified to see him start a Game 3 in the playoffs. Let’s stick to the veterans when the lights get bright.

Q: What is the exact formula for the Magic Number? I want to track it daily.
— Math-Man Mike
A: It's a simple bit of baseball alchemy: (Games Remaining) + 1 - (Losses by 2nd place - Losses by 1st place). For us: every time we win, or San Jose loses, that number drops by one. We’re almost there, Mike!

★ ★ ★

GEMMY’S TAKE

My heart breaks for Alex Velasquez. To play 130 games of elite baseball, to be the spark plug of this offense, and then to have your knee explode 11 wins away from a clinch? It’s a cruel joke from the baseball gods.

The Velasquez injury is the quiet jolt here. That’s not a replace-you-tomorrow absence. That’s a real hole, especially for a club that values defense and lengthening innings. You could already see Aces adjusting on the fly — more Torres, more Lopez, more lineup flexibility than the box score tells you.

But here is the cold, hard truth: the loss of Velasquez leaves a massive hole in the #6 spot of the lineup. Alberto Lopez is a fine fielder, but he doesn't have the "fear factor" that Velasquez brought to the plate. If Jimmy Aces thinks he can just "glue and tape" this roster together for the ALDS, he’s dreaming.

We need another bat. Whether it’s a late-season call-up or a lineup shuffle that puts more pressure on Musco and MacDonald, something has to change. And for the love of all that is holy, REST THE PITCHERS. We just saw what happens when a body reaches its breaking point. If Rubalcava or Andretti goes down next, we aren't just losing a player — we're losing the trophy.

02-04-2026, 04:22 PM	#201
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 443	PRAYERS WEEKLY: AUGUST 26 – SEPTEMBER 1, 1990 THE MAGIC ELEVEN: PRAYERS ON THE PRECIPICE OF ETERNITY Gemmy Nay (Sacramento Sports Chronicle) in collaboration with Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot (BNN) The Sacramento Prayers (89-46) are no longer just playing baseball; they are conducting a countdown. After a 5-1 week that saw them survive a heartbreaker in Seattle, sweep the basement-dwelling Abbots, and start strong against the Devils, the Prayers find themselves with a "Magic Number" of 11. However, the jubilation in the stands is tempered by a somber reality in the clubhouse. The road to 90 wins has claimed a heavy toll, as the team lost one of its most consistent offensive threats to a season-ending—and career-threatening injury. ★ ★ ★ SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 — @ Seattle Lucifers 7, Prayers 6 The Seattle Heartbreak The week began with a rare collapse from the bullpen. Robby Larson pitched well enough to win (7.1 IP, 3 ER), departing with a 6-3 lead. Alex Velasquez homered and doubled, Hector Iniguez tripled home two, and Alex Torres stayed scorching with a pair of extra‑base hits. But the ninth inning turned into a nightmare for closer Luis Prieto. Seattle’s Alex Valadez and Teodoro Melendrez launched back-to-back home runs to tie the game before Paul Landes delivered a walk-off single. "I just didn't have the location," a dejected Prieto said after the blown save. "In this park, you miss over the plate, and you pay the tax. I paid it in full today." “Those games hurt, but you don’t let them linger,” manager Jimmy Aces said. ★ ★ ★ TUESDAY, AUGUST 28 — @ El Paso Prayers 4, Abbots 1 A Pyrrhic Victory Jordan Rubalcava controlled the tempo all night at Abbots Park, working eight innings of two-hit ball as Sacramento opened its El Paso series with a crisp win. Rubalcava struck out six and walked two, improving to 15–9. “Jordan was able to locate to both sides, up and down,” Aces said. Sacramento scored three times in the second inning and added insurance in the eighth. Gil Cruz homered and Rafael Alonzo drove in two with a single. The club played crisp defense and stranded El Paso’s few threats. Prieto closed for save No. 34. But the real story happened on the basepaths. Star left fielder Alex Velasquez, while rounding second, collapsed in visible agony. The diagnosis was the worst-case scenario: a torn PCL. "I heard a pop and then just nothing," Velasquez whispered in the locker room, his knee heavily iced. "I wanted to be there for the finish line. Now I’m just a spectator. Very, very disappointed to say the least. And it really hurts like hell..." ★ ★ ★ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29 — @ El Paso Prayers 9, Abbots 4 The Iniguez Show The Prayers responded to the Velasquez news with a display of raw power. Hector Iniguez, Francisco Hernandez, and George Cruz all went deep, and Alex Lopez continued his strong August with a three‑hit night. Hector Iniguez authored one of his best games of the year: 2-for-5, a towering two‑run homer, and four RBI. “I’m trying to see the ball big and stay on it,” Iniguez said. Fernando Salazar wasn’t sharp but was tough — 8 innings, 8 hits, 4 runs — and the lineup gave him all the cushion he needed. Sacramento secured the series win and stretched its division lead to 15½ games. ★ ★ ★ THURSDAY, AUGUST 30 — @ El Paso Prayers 8, Abbots 0 The Ace’s Shine and Polish Bernardo Andretti (18-3) continued his march toward another Cy Young, though he was lifted early to preserve his arm. Bernardo anchored a shutout effort as Sacramento completed the road sweep and went 5⅔ scoreless innings before turning the game over to the bullpen, improving to 18–3. The bullpen — Wright and Espenoza — was perfect in relief. Francisco Hernandez provided the exclamation point with a massive 3-run blast in the 8th, while Andy Torres collected three hits and George MacDonald doubled twice. “You start putting runs on the board and winning, everyone feeds off it,” Hernandez said. ★ ★ ★ FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 — vs Washington Prayers 6, Devils 2 Devilish Efficiency Returning home, the Prayers welcomed the Washington Devils with a methodical thrashing. Robby Larson rebounded from his Seattle no-decision with 7.2 innings of steady, composed pitching, striking out seven and allowing just two runs on four hits. The offense broke it open in the eighth when Hector Iniguez crushed his 10th home run of the year — his 10th of the year and second of the week — to put the game out of reach and send the Sacramento faithful into a frenzy. Rafael Alonzo added two hits, and George MacDonald scored twice as Sacramento pushed its win streak to four. “We liked our approach tonight,” Aces said. “It was businesslike.” ★ ★ ★ SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 — vs Washington Prayers 5, Devils 2 The Gilbert Mystery Aaron Gilbert remains the league's most improbable success story. Gilbert continued his unbeaten run, turning in a pure gem: 7 shutout innings, 2 hits, 8 strikeouts, no walks. The right‑hander improved to 6–0 and continues to be one of the club’s most valuable mid‑season revelations. The Prayers scored four times in the seventh to break a scoreless tie, with Andy Lopez driving in two. Alex Torres and George MacDonald each logged multi‑hit games, while Francisco Hernandez drove in a run and reached twice. Luis Prieto, looking to redeem his Seattle collapse, locked down his 36th save after Washington scored twice in the ninth. “We’re stringing together some nice wins,” Aces said. ★ ★ ★ INJURIES AND ROSTER NOTES * LF Alex Velasquez (Injured): The star outfielder has been placed on the 60-day IL with a torn PCL. Doctors expect a 9-month recovery period, meaning he will miss the entire postseason and likely the start of the 1991 campaign. * CF/LF Alberto Lopez (Roster Update): With Velasquez out, Lopez has been elevated to the starting lineup. He responded well this week, including a 3-hit performance in El Paso. * IL Updates: LF Eli Murguia (fractured ankle) and 3B Bret Perez (broken kneecap) remain on the 60-day IL, with neither expected back before the end of the regular season.. Pitching Staff: Elite Form - Andretti, Rubalcava, Larson, Salazar, Gilbert combined for a 2.50 ERA this week. - Prieto had one blowup but rebounded with two clean saves. Offensive Standouts - Iniguez: 3 HR, 8 RBI this week - Torres: Continues to be one of the hottest hitters in baseball - Musco: Quiet week by his standards, but still producing key swings - Hernandez: 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 SB ★ ★ ★ STATE OF THE LEAGUE: PENNANT FEVER American League Overview In the East, the Boston Messiahs (79-56) are clinging to a one-game lead over the Columbus Heaven. It is a two-horse race that will likely go down to the final weekend. The Brooklyn Priests are technically alive but would need a miracle, sitting 8.5 games back. In our own West, the Prayers have turned the division into a graveyard. The San Jose Demons are 16.5 games back, and the Fort Worth Spirits are 18.0 out. The celebration is a matter of "when," not "if." National League Overview The NL East is the definition of chaos. Detroit and Nashville are dead-locked at 77-58, with the Charlotte Monks just 1.5 games behind. Meanwhile, in the West, the Long Beach Diablos hold a 3.0 game lead over a surging Los Angeles Saints squad. Contract News League sources indicate that Seattle is looking to move several veteran arms in the off-season. In Sacramento, the silence regarding Bernardo Andretti’s future is deafening. With 18 wins and a sub-2.20 ERA, his market value is skyrocketing daily, yet the front office remains tight-lipped. ★ ★ ★ THE ROAD AHEAD: EXPECTED STARTERS * Sept 2 vs. WAS: RHP G. Avalos (3-2, 2.97) vs. Sacramento (Starter TBD). * Sept 3 @ PHI: Sacramento (R. Larson) vs. RHP M. Harms (9-12, 3.34). * Sept 4 @ PHI: Sacramento (J. Rubalcava) vs. RHP R. Mayorga (5-3, 4.33). * Sept 5 @ PHI: Sacramento (F. Salazar) vs. RHP M. Harris (6-13, 4.28). ★ ★ ★ FAN MAIL: QUESTIONS FROM THE FRONT PEW Q: With Velasquez out, do we have any chance in the playoffs against a powerhouse like Boston? — Gloomy in Granite Bay A: It’s a blow, no doubt. But remember, championships are won on the mound. As long as we have the "Big Three" (Andretti, Rubalcava, Salazar), we can beat anyone in a short series. We just need the offense to be "good enough" rather than "great." Q: Aaron Gilbert is 6-0. Is he the secret weapon for the postseason? — Artie in Arden A: Gilbert has been the luckiest man in California. His 4.23 ERA suggests he’s getting a lot of run support and some favorable bounces. He’s a great regular-season filler, but I’d be terrified to see him start a Game 3 in the playoffs. Let’s stick to the veterans when the lights get bright. Q: What is the exact formula for the Magic Number? I want to track it daily. — Math-Man Mike A: It's a simple bit of baseball alchemy: (Games Remaining) + 1 - (Losses by 2nd place - Losses by 1st place). For us: every time we win, or San Jose loses, that number drops by one. We’re almost there, Mike! ★ ★ ★ GEMMY’S TAKE My heart breaks for Alex Velasquez. To play 130 games of elite baseball, to be the spark plug of this offense, and then to have your knee explode 11 wins away from a clinch? It’s a cruel joke from the baseball gods. The Velasquez injury is the quiet jolt here. That’s not a replace-you-tomorrow absence. That’s a real hole, especially for a club that values defense and lengthening innings. You could already see Aces adjusting on the fly — more Torres, more Lopez, more lineup flexibility than the box score tells you. But here is the cold, hard truth: the loss of Velasquez leaves a massive hole in the #6 spot of the lineup. Alberto Lopez is a fine fielder, but he doesn't have the "fear factor" that Velasquez brought to the plate. If Jimmy Aces thinks he can just "glue and tape" this roster together for the ALDS, he’s dreaming. We need another bat. Whether it’s a late-season call-up or a lineup shuffle that puts more pressure on Musco and MacDonald, something has to change. And for the love of all that is holy, REST THE PITCHERS. We just saw what happens when a body reaches its breaking point. If Rubalcava or Andretti goes down next, we aren't just losing a player — we're losing the trophy.