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liberty-ca · 02-05-2026, 12:23 AM

PRAYERS WEEKLY: SEPTEMBER 2 – SEPTEMBER 8, 1990
A First-Place Club Hits Its First Real Skid
Gemmy Nay (Sacramento Sports Chronicle) in collaboration with Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot (BNN)

The Sacramento Prayers entered September with the league’s best record, a 90–46 powerhouse cruising toward another West Division crown. By week’s end, they were still firmly in command — but for the first time all season, the machine sputtered. A 2–5 week, capped by a six‑game losing streak, exposed cracks in the armor and reminded everyone that even elite clubs can wobble. Still, the week began with brilliance.

★ ★ ★

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 — vs WASHINGTON

PRAYERS 3, DEVILS 0
Rubalcava’s Masterclass

Jordan Rubalcava was in full command at Sacramento Stadium, carrying a no-hitter into the eighth inning as the Prayers shut out Washington. Rubalcava allowed just three hits over eight innings, striking out seven to earn his 16th win.

Sacramento broke through in the fifth inning, scoring all three runs without the benefit of an extra-base hit. Andy Hamilton drove in two, while Hector Iniguez and Larry Mansfield scored the runs.

Steve Dodge worked a quiet ninth to close it out.

“Nice to tuck this win away,” Rubalcava said. Sacramento hit 90 wins and looked unstoppable. Record: 90–46

★ ★ ★

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 — @ PHILADELPHIA

PADRES 5, PRAYERS 4 (11 INN.)
A Walk-Off in Philadelphia

Sacramento let a late opportunity slip away at PETCO Park, falling on Thomas Wynn’s walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th. The Prayers scored four runs in the first four innings but were unable to add on against Philadelphia’s bullpen.

Edwin Musco supplied the big swing with a two-run homer in the first. Francisco Hernandez doubled twice and scored twice, but Sacramento stranded nine runners.

Luis Prieto took the loss in relief after working into extra innings. “Exciting game to play in,” Wynn said.

The Prayers outhit Philly 12–11, but left nine men on base and never scored after the fourth. Record: 90–47

★ ★ ★

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 — @ PHILADELPHIA

PADRES 5, PRAYERS 4
Reavis Delivers the Gut Punch

History repeated itself the following night. Sacramento dropped its second straight one-run game as Philadelphia rallied in the eighth inning. Mike Reavis delivered a two-run single to put the Padres ahead after Bernardo Andretti had held a 4–3 lead through seven.

Alex Torres went 3 for 4 and scored twice, while Hector Iniguez drove in two. Andretti fell to 18–4, allowing five runs over seven innings. “It feels good to get this one,” Reavis said. Record: 90–48

★ ★ ★

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 — @ PHILADELPHIA

PADRES 3, PRAYERS 2
Harris Outduels Larson

Marc Harris outdueled Robby Larson as Sacramento was edged again in Philadelphia. Robby Larson pitched well enough to win — but didn’t. The Prayers scored on solo home runs by Hector Iniguez and Bill Marcos but managed just five hits.

Mike Reavis struck for the decisive blow in the fifth, a two-run double that gave the Padres the lead for good. “This level of focus will win us a lot of ballgames,” Harris said.

The "win streak" mentioned by Harris felt like a taunt to a Sacramento squad that was suddenly reeling. Philadelphia completed the sweep, and suddenly the Prayers had dropped three straight for the first time since April. Record: 90–49

★ ★ ★

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 — @ FORT WORTH

SPIRITS 6, PRAYERS 5
The Spirit of Gomez

Moving on to Fort Worth provided no relief. Fort Worth struck early and held off a late Sacramento push at Spirits Grounds. John Gomez turned Spirits Grounds into a personal home run derby, tagging Aaron Gilbert for two homers and 4 RBIs, including a three-run shot in the first inning that set the tone.

“Winning never gets old,” Gomez said.

The Prayers clawed back with runs in the fourth, seventh, and ninth, highlighted by a pinch-hit homer from Jose Rubbi, but the early 5-run deficit was a mountain too high to climb and Sacramento came up one run short. Four losses in a row. Record: 90–50

★ ★ ★

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 — @ FORT WORTH

SPIRITS 2, PRAYERS 1
A Pitcher’s Duel Lost

In a game that felt like a throwback to the season opener, Jordan Rubalcava returned to the mound and pitched his heart out. He went 7.2 innings, allowing only two runs, but the Sacramento offense went into a deep freeze against Manuel Vargas. The Prayers managed only six hits and a single run, extending the skid to five.

“Both teams played hard,” said Spirits manager Chris Tanner. Record: 90–51

★ ★ ★

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 — @ FORT WORTH

SPIRITS 3, PRAYERS 0
The Shutout Stinger

The week ended in total silence as the skid hit six. Jared Bouchard dominated Sacramento, allowing just two hits over 7⅔ innings as Fort Worth completed the series win. Fernando Salazar pitched well enough to win most nights (7.2 IP, 1 ER), but he received zero support from a lineup that looked exhausted. The Prayers managed only three hits and committed a costly defensive error. Salvador Schultz homered in the seventh to give Fort Worth breathing room, and Matt Canada closed it out.

“Felt great, felt really good!” Bouchard said.

Sacramento was shut out for the second time in eight days and for the first time all season, the Prayers have lost six consecutive games. Record: 90–52

★ ★ ★

WEEK IN REVIEW

The Story of the Week
A dominant Sunday win followed by a sudden collapse. The Prayers’ offense vanished:
- 17 total runs in 7 games
- Shut out twice
- Four one‑run losses
- Six straight defeats to close the week

The rotation was strong — Rubalcava, Salazar, Larson, and Gilbert all pitched well enough to win — but the bats went cold and the bullpen faltered in key moments.

Player of the Week — Sacramento
Hector Iniguez
- HR in three straight series
- 7 RBI
- Continues to be the lineup’s most reliable September bat

Player of the Week — Opponent
Mike Reavis (PHI)
- 5 RBI in the series
- Two game‑changing hits
- Almost single‑handedly flipped the momentum of the week

★ ★ ★

LEAGUE-WIDE REPORT: THE FALLEN AND THE FORGOTTEN

While the Prayers have spent the season looking toward the heavens, two franchises have officially descended into the basement. In the AL West, the El Paso Abbots have finally had their meager playoff hopes extinguished. For a franchise that hasn't seen October since 1986, this marks their fourth consecutive year in the wilderness. Across the aisle in the National League, the Albuquerque Damned (53-86) have also been mathematically eliminated.

Despite the grim reality, Albuquerque manager Mario Rodriguez isn't interested in a eulogy. "We are going to win every game we possibly can. That's a promise," Rodriguez told the press. It’s a noble sentiment, though one wonders if "pride" is enough to fix a season that went south back in July.

★ ★ ★

FRONT OFFICE & CONTRACT WATCH

The front office has been notably quiet this week regarding contract extensions or free-agent maneuvers. With the roster frozen for the stretch run and the injury list remaining stagnant (Murguia, Perez, and Velasquez are still long-term absentees), the focus remains entirely on internal chemistry. Expect the checkbooks to stay closed until the division is officially clinched.

★ ★ ★

FAN MAIL: QUESTIONS FROM THE FRONT PEW

"Dear Gemmy, I’ve been wearing the same lucky socks since April, but this 6-game losing streak is making them — and the team — stink. Do I wash them, or is the season over?" — Smelly in South Sac

Gemmy: Put the socks in the wash, Smelly. While a 6-game skid is enough to make any fan sweat, look at the standings! We are still 13 games up on the San Jose Demons. The Prayers have earned the right to a bad week. If they’re still playing like this when the Seattle Lucifers come to town on Tuesday, then we can start worrying about the laundry.

★ ★ ★

GEMMY'S TAKE

This was the kind of week that humbles even the best teams — close games, small mistakes, and a reminder that September doesn’t care about what you did in June. Sacramento didn’t get blown out much. But they got nicked — over and over again.

Philadelphia exposed the margins. A missed pitch here, a stranded runner there, and suddenly you’re flying to Fort Worth carrying a little extra weight. Then the Spirits jumped early, pitched well, and turned it into a lesson. Not a crisis — a lesson.

The encouraging part is the pitching didn’t collapse. Rubalcava was excellent twice. Salazar deserved better in the finale. Even during the skid, the Prayers weren’t getting embarrassed. They were getting tested.

And that matters, because September baseball isn’t about cruising. It’s about sharpening. The lead is still huge. The rotation is still elite. But now there’s a reminder taped to the clubhouse wall: this thing isn’t finished yet.

★ ★ ★

THE ROAD AHEAD: EXPECTED STARTERS

* Sun 9/9 @ Fort Worth Spirits: Jordan Rubalcava (16-10, 2.08) vs. W. Alzate (11-5, 3.22)
* Tue 9/11 vs. Seattle Lucifers: TBD vs. J. Schilder (7-12, 5.11)
* Wed 9/12 vs. Seattle Lucifers: TBD vs. N. Rossman (4-9, 5.35)
* Thu 9/13 vs. Seattle Lucifers: TBD vs. E. Gaytan (11-11, 3.63)
* Fri 9/14 vs. Milwaukee Bishops: TBD vs. F. Sanchez (4-5, 4.29)

02-05-2026, 12:23 AM	#202
liberty-ca All Star Reserve Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 502	PRAYERS WEEKLY: SEPTEMBER 2 – SEPTEMBER 8, 1990 A First-Place Club Hits Its First Real Skid Gemmy Nay (Sacramento Sports Chronicle) in collaboration with Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot (BNN) The Sacramento Prayers entered September with the league’s best record, a 90–46 powerhouse cruising toward another West Division crown. By week’s end, they were still firmly in command — but for the first time all season, the machine sputtered. A 2–5 week, capped by a six‑game losing streak, exposed cracks in the armor and reminded everyone that even elite clubs can wobble. Still, the week began with brilliance. ★ ★ ★ SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 — vs WASHINGTON PRAYERS 3, DEVILS 0 Rubalcava’s Masterclass Jordan Rubalcava was in full command at Sacramento Stadium, carrying a no-hitter into the eighth inning as the Prayers shut out Washington. Rubalcava allowed just three hits over eight innings, striking out seven to earn his 16th win. Sacramento broke through in the fifth inning, scoring all three runs without the benefit of an extra-base hit. Andy Hamilton drove in two, while Hector Iniguez and Larry Mansfield scored the runs. Steve Dodge worked a quiet ninth to close it out. “Nice to tuck this win away,” Rubalcava said. Sacramento hit 90 wins and looked unstoppable. Record: 90–46 ★ ★ ★ MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 — @ PHILADELPHIA PADRES 5, PRAYERS 4 (11 INN.) A Walk-Off in Philadelphia Sacramento let a late opportunity slip away at PETCO Park, falling on Thomas Wynn’s walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th. The Prayers scored four runs in the first four innings but were unable to add on against Philadelphia’s bullpen. Edwin Musco supplied the big swing with a two-run homer in the first. Francisco Hernandez doubled twice and scored twice, but Sacramento stranded nine runners. Luis Prieto took the loss in relief after working into extra innings. “Exciting game to play in,” Wynn said. The Prayers outhit Philly 12–11, but left nine men on base and never scored after the fourth. Record: 90–47 ★ ★ ★ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 — @ PHILADELPHIA PADRES 5, PRAYERS 4 Reavis Delivers the Gut Punch History repeated itself the following night. Sacramento dropped its second straight one-run game as Philadelphia rallied in the eighth inning. Mike Reavis delivered a two-run single to put the Padres ahead after Bernardo Andretti had held a 4–3 lead through seven. Alex Torres went 3 for 4 and scored twice, while Hector Iniguez drove in two. Andretti fell to 18–4, allowing five runs over seven innings. “It feels good to get this one,” Reavis said. Record: 90–48 ★ ★ ★ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 — @ PHILADELPHIA PADRES 3, PRAYERS 2 Harris Outduels Larson Marc Harris outdueled Robby Larson as Sacramento was edged again in Philadelphia. Robby Larson pitched well enough to win — but didn’t. The Prayers scored on solo home runs by Hector Iniguez and Bill Marcos but managed just five hits. Mike Reavis struck for the decisive blow in the fifth, a two-run double that gave the Padres the lead for good. “This level of focus will win us a lot of ballgames,” Harris said. The "win streak" mentioned by Harris felt like a taunt to a Sacramento squad that was suddenly reeling. Philadelphia completed the sweep, and suddenly the Prayers had dropped three straight for the first time since April. Record: 90–49 ★ ★ ★ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 — @ FORT WORTH SPIRITS 6, PRAYERS 5 The Spirit of Gomez Moving on to Fort Worth provided no relief. Fort Worth struck early and held off a late Sacramento push at Spirits Grounds. John Gomez turned Spirits Grounds into a personal home run derby, tagging Aaron Gilbert for two homers and 4 RBIs, including a three-run shot in the first inning that set the tone. “Winning never gets old,” Gomez said. The Prayers clawed back with runs in the fourth, seventh, and ninth, highlighted by a pinch-hit homer from Jose Rubbi, but the early 5-run deficit was a mountain too high to climb and Sacramento came up one run short. Four losses in a row. Record: 90–50 ★ ★ ★ FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 — @ FORT WORTH SPIRITS 2, PRAYERS 1 A Pitcher’s Duel Lost In a game that felt like a throwback to the season opener, Jordan Rubalcava returned to the mound and pitched his heart out. He went 7.2 innings, allowing only two runs, but the Sacramento offense went into a deep freeze against Manuel Vargas. The Prayers managed only six hits and a single run, extending the skid to five. “Both teams played hard,” said Spirits manager Chris Tanner. Record: 90–51 ★ ★ ★ SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 — @ FORT WORTH SPIRITS 3, PRAYERS 0 The Shutout Stinger The week ended in total silence as the skid hit six. Jared Bouchard dominated Sacramento, allowing just two hits over 7⅔ innings as Fort Worth completed the series win. Fernando Salazar pitched well enough to win most nights (7.2 IP, 1 ER), but he received zero support from a lineup that looked exhausted. The Prayers managed only three hits and committed a costly defensive error. Salvador Schultz homered in the seventh to give Fort Worth breathing room, and Matt Canada closed it out. “Felt great, felt really good!” Bouchard said. Sacramento was shut out for the second time in eight days and for the first time all season, the Prayers have lost six consecutive games. Record: 90–52 ★ ★ ★ WEEK IN REVIEW The Story of the Week A dominant Sunday win followed by a sudden collapse. The Prayers’ offense vanished: - 17 total runs in 7 games - Shut out twice - Four one‑run losses - Six straight defeats to close the week The rotation was strong — Rubalcava, Salazar, Larson, and Gilbert all pitched well enough to win — but the bats went cold and the bullpen faltered in key moments. Player of the Week — Sacramento Hector Iniguez - HR in three straight series - 7 RBI - Continues to be the lineup’s most reliable September bat Player of the Week — Opponent Mike Reavis (PHI) - 5 RBI in the series - Two game‑changing hits - Almost single‑handedly flipped the momentum of the week ★ ★ ★ LEAGUE-WIDE REPORT: THE FALLEN AND THE FORGOTTEN While the Prayers have spent the season looking toward the heavens, two franchises have officially descended into the basement. In the AL West, the El Paso Abbots have finally had their meager playoff hopes extinguished. For a franchise that hasn't seen October since 1986, this marks their fourth consecutive year in the wilderness. Across the aisle in the National League, the Albuquerque Damned (53-86) have also been mathematically eliminated. Despite the grim reality, Albuquerque manager Mario Rodriguez isn't interested in a eulogy. "We are going to win every game we possibly can. That's a promise," Rodriguez told the press. It’s a noble sentiment, though one wonders if "pride" is enough to fix a season that went south back in July. ★ ★ ★ FRONT OFFICE & CONTRACT WATCH The front office has been notably quiet this week regarding contract extensions or free-agent maneuvers. With the roster frozen for the stretch run and the injury list remaining stagnant (Murguia, Perez, and Velasquez are still long-term absentees), the focus remains entirely on internal chemistry. Expect the checkbooks to stay closed until the division is officially clinched. ★ ★ ★ FAN MAIL: QUESTIONS FROM THE FRONT PEW "Dear Gemmy, I’ve been wearing the same lucky socks since April, but this 6-game losing streak is making them — and the team — stink. Do I wash them, or is the season over?" — Smelly in South Sac Gemmy: Put the socks in the wash, Smelly. While a 6-game skid is enough to make any fan sweat, look at the standings! We are still 13 games up on the San Jose Demons. The Prayers have earned the right to a bad week. If they’re still playing like this when the Seattle Lucifers come to town on Tuesday, then we can start worrying about the laundry. ★ ★ ★ GEMMY'S TAKE This was the kind of week that humbles even the best teams — close games, small mistakes, and a reminder that September doesn’t care about what you did in June. Sacramento didn’t get blown out much. But they got nicked — over and over again. Philadelphia exposed the margins. A missed pitch here, a stranded runner there, and suddenly you’re flying to Fort Worth carrying a little extra weight. Then the Spirits jumped early, pitched well, and turned it into a lesson. Not a crisis — a lesson. The encouraging part is the pitching didn’t collapse. Rubalcava was excellent twice. Salazar deserved better in the finale. Even during the skid, the Prayers weren’t getting embarrassed. They were getting tested. And that matters, because September baseball isn’t about cruising. It’s about sharpening. The lead is still huge. The rotation is still elite. But now there’s a reminder taped to the clubhouse wall: this thing isn’t finished yet. ★ ★ ★ THE ROAD AHEAD: EXPECTED STARTERS * Sun 9/9 @ Fort Worth Spirits: Jordan Rubalcava (16-10, 2.08) vs. W. Alzate (11-5, 3.22) * Tue 9/11 vs. Seattle Lucifers: TBD vs. J. Schilder (7-12, 5.11) * Wed 9/12 vs. Seattle Lucifers: TBD vs. N. Rossman (4-9, 5.35) * Thu 9/13 vs. Seattle Lucifers: TBD vs. E. Gaytan (11-11, 3.63) * Fri 9/14 vs. Milwaukee Bishops: TBD vs. F. Sanchez (4-5, 4.29)