Sacramento Prayers - 1988 FLB Season

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BNN SEASON PREVIEW 1988

SACRAMENTO PRAYERS: The Standard, the Storm, and the Start of Another Chase
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network


THE KINGS OF APRIL… AND MAYBE MORE

In most cities, a new season begins with uncertainty. In Sacramento, it begins with expectation.

The Prayers enter 1988 not simply as defending powers, not merely as the West’s perennial overlords, but as the league’s measuring stick. Every team that takes the field this season already knows the question they’ll have to answer:

Can you beat Sacramento?

Most cannot.
Some might think they can.
But no team in baseball can pretend the path to the pennant doesn’t run directly through the club in gold, white and green.

A franchise with eight championships, a legacy built on dominance, and a roster that looks more dangerous each year — the Prayers open 1988 with a mission as clear as it is familiar: win it all again.

THE ROSTER: DEEP, DANGEROUS, AND SCARILY BALANCED

If you track the arc of Sacramento’s success, you know this season’s version follows the same terrifying template:
elite rotation + opportunistic power hitting + airtight defense + cultural stability.

THE ROTATION: A FIVE-HEADED PROBLEM

If pitching wins championships, Sacramento begins the year halfway to October.

• Jordan Rubalcava — The ascendant ace, fresh off a spring that saw him carve through lineups with absurd efficiency. League-best ERA. League-best poise.
• Russ Gray — The fireballing enforcer whose 1987 run still haunts hitters in the AL West.
• Fernando Salazar — The legend. The anchor. The franchise’s north star.
• Bernardo Andretti — Quiet, efficient, increasingly lethal.
• Aaron Gilbert — The “weak link” only because the other four are monsters.

This rotation doesn’t give innings. It takes souls.

THE LINEUP: STARS UP TOP, DANGER EVERYWHERE

Sacramento scored early and often in 1987. Expect more of the same.

• Eli Murguia, the OBP machine and table-setter extraordinaire.
• Edwin Musco, the league’s premier big-moment bat.
• Bret Perez, the sparkplug whose baserunning alone wins games.
• Hector Iniguez, the quietly devastating RBI metronome.
• Sam Strauss, born to hit line drives forever.
• Francisco Hernández, already a centerpiece before his rib injury.

And this year, the bench may be the best in the AL. Depth wins seasons — Sacramento has plenty.

THE CULTURE: EXCELLENCE AS MUSCLE MEMORY

The Prayers do not rebuild.
They do not reset.
They reload.

From the minor-league pipeline (again ranked near the top of the league) to the veteran core whose leadership has become mythic, Sacramento enters every season with a clarity other franchises envy:

They know who they are.
They know how to win.
And they expect to do so.

The fan base feels it.
The clubhouse lives it.
And opponents… fear it.

THE KEY QUESTION: CAN ANYONE IN THE WEST CATCH THEM?

Short answer: unlikely.
Long answer: only if Sacramento lets them.

Seattle boasts talent but not the depth.
El Paso has firepower but lacks Sacramento’s bullpen fortitude.
San Jose always punches above its weight but rarely against Sacramento head-to-head.
Fort Worth is good enough to be interesting, not terrifying.

Sacramento is the only team in the division with no glaring flaw.
That’s the difference between a playoff team and a dynasty.

PLAYER TO WATCH: EDWIN MUSCO

There are star seasons.
There are MVP seasons.
And then there are those special, borderline mythic seasons that become part of franchise folklore.

Musco is positioned to deliver one of those years.

His trajectory is unmistakably upward: more power, more discipline, more damage in high-leverage moments. Scouts whisper he could lead the league in home runs. Teammates say he’s never looked sharper. BNN models project elite numbers across the board.

If Sacramento finishes atop the West — again — Musco might be the reason they stay there.

BIGGEST STRENGTH: THE ROTATION

There’s no need to overthink it.

Sacramento’s starters are the most complete pitching group in the American League.

They throw strikes.
They miss bats.
They prevent runs.
They eat innings.
They make games feel short.

When your opponent needs six runs to beat you and you usually allow one or two, the math becomes simple.

BIGGEST WEAKNESS: HEALTH AND FATIGUE MANAGEMENT

Success brings heavy usage.
Heavy usage brings risk.

Gray and Gilbert are coming off high workloads.
Salazar is entering the back half of his career.
Hernández’s early-season injury is a reminder that even great teams are mortal.

Sacramento’s biggest threat isn’t El Paso’s offense or Seattle’s rotation.
It’s time.

THE BNN PREDICTION: 96–66, FIRST PLACE, AL PENNANT FAVORITES

They have the talent.
They have the depth.
They have the history.
They have the continuity.

But most importantly — they have the hunger.

Sacramento looks every bit like a team capable of marching through the season, into October, and toward a ninth championship. Their mix of veterans and ascending stars gives them the stability of an institution with the fire of a rising contender.

Most teams enter a season dreaming of what might be possible.

Sacramento enters expecting what is probable.

Another title run begins now.

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PRAYERS OPEN SEASON WITH STATEMENT SWEEP IN BALTIMORE
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network

The Sacramento Prayers arrived in Baltimore with championship expectations and opened the 1988 campaign by playing like a team fully prepared to chase another title. Behind dominant pitching, timely power, and a relentless lineup, Sacramento swept the Baltimore Satans at Sinners Grounds, outscoring them 22–10 across three games.
Each win told a different story — an ace’s masterpiece, a slugfest fueled by a breakout star, and a grand-slam knockout delivered by a veteran outfielder. But together, they painted a clear picture: Sacramento looks dangerous.

APRIL 4, 1988
Prayers 6, Satans 1

Rubalcava silences Baltimore with overpowering Opening Day gem

Opening Day featured a marquee pitching matchup between Sacramento’s Jordan Rubalcava and Baltimore’s Forrest Marrs, but it quickly became a one-man show. Rubalcava was electric, firing eight innings of three-hit, one-run baseball, striking out eight on 117 pitches while walking just one.

Baltimore managed only a solo homer from David Sedillo in the fourth — their lone offensive highlight.

“Jordan can overpower you,” Sacramento manager Jimmy Aces said afterward, and Rubalcava proved it, generating 11 groundouts and owning the strike zone all afternoon.

Sacramento backed their ace with 12 hits, including home runs from Ben Pérez (a two-out blast in the third) and Andy Valadez (leading off the seventh). Pérez was everywhere, going 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, a homer, and an RBI. Second baseman Hector Iniguez added a pair of hits and two RBI, while catcher Julio Rubbi chipped in a clutch two-out single.

Baltimore’s defense did Marrs no favors, committing two errors behind him.

Sacramento controlled the game from the seventh inning on, scoring five runs to pull away.

APRIL 5, 1988
Prayers 7, Satans 5

Slicker Hernandez erupts for two homers, four RBI in high-energy win

Sacramento’s offense erupted early and often, but it was Francisco “Slicker” Hernandez who stole the spotlight with a two-homer, four-RBI performance that propelled the Prayers to a 7–5 victory.
Hernandez crushed a two-run homer in the fourth, then added a towering solo shot in the eighth. His sacrifice fly in the sixth broke a 4–4 tie and ultimately stood as the game-winning RBI.

“You work hard, day in and day out, hoping to give the fans something to cheer about. Today was a good day,” Hernandez told the Sacramento Chronicle.

Designated hitter Ben Pérez added his second homer in as many games, a two-run shot in the third. Catcher Julio Rubbi doubled in a two-out RBI in the eighth, padding the lead.

On the mound, starter Fernando Salazar wasn’t sharp (5 ER in 6.2 IP) but benefited from double-play support and Sacramento’s opportunistic bats. Gino Caliari and Luis Prieto combined for 2.1 innings of scoreless relief, with Prieto earning his first save.

Baltimore’s Félix Guzman went 4-for-4 in the loss, and the Satans briefly surged ahead with a four-run fourth before Sacramento’s firepower took over.

APRIL 6, 1988
Prayers 9, Satans 4

Velasquez’s grand slam and another Pérez bomb complete the sweep

The series finale brought the loudest swing of the week: a third-inning grand slam from right fielder Alex Velasquez that stunned the Baltimore crowd and put Sacramento ahead 4–0.

It was Velasquez’s only hit of the game — but it was game-defining.

Sacramento piled on from there. Pérez launched his third home run in three games in the seventh, continuing a monstrous opening series. Shortstop Luis Martinez added the dagger in the eighth with a three-run homer, pushing the lead to 8–2.

Center fielder Hernandez, still riding his Game 2 momentum, doubled and scored, while first baseman Sam Strauss added a pair of hits.

On the mound, Bernardo Andretti delivered seven innings of composed work, allowing two runs on six hits. His mix of groundballs and soft contact (11 groundouts) kept the Satans from mounting any sustained threat. Eddie Kukuk finished the game, allowing a late homer to J.T. Hultgren, but the outcome was never in doubt.
Baltimore fell to 0–3, swept at home.

SERIES HEROES

Ben Pérez — DH

• 5-for-12 (.417), 3 HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB

A dominant series from start to finish. Every swing felt dangerous.

Francisco “Slicker” Hernandez — CF

• 4 HR, 9 RBI in Games 2 & 3 combined

Set the tone for Sacramento’s explosive early-season identity.

Jordan Rubalcava — RHP

• 8 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 8 K (Game Score 79)

One of the best Opening Day starts in franchise history.

WHAT THE SWEEP MEANS

For a Sacramento club seeking its eighth World Title and hungry to defend last year’s crown, the message is clear: the engine is already humming.

Rubalcava looks like an ace.
Pérez looks unstoppable.
Hernandez looks like a superstar ascending.
And the lineup, top to bottom, looks capable of burying teams early.

Baltimore, meanwhile, faces questions — both on the mound and in the field — after a rough homestand marked by errors, crooked innings, and missed opportunities.

Sacramento leaves town 3–0.
They also leave a warning:
Title defenses don’t always start hot — but this one absolutely did.

[liberty-ca]

By Gemmie Nye,Sacramento Sports Chronicle

Baltimore, MD — The Sacramento Prayers left no doubt about their intentions for the new Fictional Baseball League (FBL) season, securing a clean three-game sweep against the Baltimore Satans at Sinners Grounds. The Prayers now stand at a perfect 3-0, while the home team Satans are still searching for their first win of the season, falling to 0-3.

The series began on Monday, April 4th, with Sacramento claiming a decisive 6-1 victory. The Prayers' right-hander, Jordan Rubalcava, stole the show on the Baltimore home opener, delivering a dominant performance by allowing just 1 run on 3 hits over 8 innings while racking up 8 strikeouts. "Jordan can overpower you," Sacramento manager Jimmy Aces said after the game.

The Prayers' offense came alive in the second game on Tuesday, April 5th, overcoming a competitive Baltimore side for a 7-5 win. Center fielder Francisco Hernandez was the star of the night, slugging 2 home runs, adding 4 RBI, and scoring twice. Hernandez broke a 4-4 deadlock in the top of the sixth inning with a sacrifice fly to put Sacramento ahead for good. Sacramento pitcher Fernando Salazar earned the win, hiking his record to 1-0, and Luis Prieto collected his first save. "You work hard, day in and day out, hoping to give the fans something to cheer about. Today was a good day," Hernandez told the Sacramento Chronicle.

Sacramento finished the sweep on Wednesday, April 6th, defeating Baltimore 9-4. Right fielder Alex Velasquez provided the offensive spark, hammering a grand slam home run in the top of the third inning to give the Prayers a 4-0 lead. Starter Bernardo Andretti secured the victory, now 1-0, after giving up only 2 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings. Velasquez, whose grand slam was his only hit in five at-bats, remained focused on the team's potential: "I still think this team can play even better," he told the Sacramento Sports Chronicle.

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PRAYERS MARCH TO 6–0 START WITH CONTROL, CONTACT, AND CLUTCH PITCHING IN EL PASO
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network

Fresh off a three-game sweep in Baltimore, the Sacramento Prayers rolled into El Paso and refused to slow down. Behind airtight defense, unwavering starting pitching, and a lineup that never stops applying pressure, Sacramento swept the Abbots to improve to 6–0, their best start since 1982.
They didn’t just win — they suffocated El Paso.

Across the three games, Sacramento allowed just four total runs, rode two excellent starts from Jordan Rubalcava and Russ Gray, and watched their offense produce just enough power and precision to stay firmly in control.

El Paso fought — especially with traffic on the bases and long at-bats — but Sacramento simply played at a different gear.
Below is the full breakdown of a road sweep that signaled the defending champions are not easing into 1988. They are dictating it.

APRIL 7, 1988
Prayers 5, Abbots 2

Russ Gray grinds through 6.2 steady innings; Martinez jump-starts the offense

This was the type of game Sacramento wins almost by muscle memory: clean defense, deep pitching, and one big swing.

Russ Gray made his 1988 debut and delivered exactly what the Prayers needed — 6.2 innings, 8 hits, 2 runs, no walks, and strong tempo. Even when the Abbots threatened, Gray avoided the meltdown inning.

“Russ — his tempo and rhythm were good. He was the key to us winning,” said manager Jimmy Aces.

The game’s spark came from shortstop Luis Martinez, who launched his second homer of the season in the third — a solo shot that put Sacramento on the board for good. Martinez reached twice and scored twice.

Other contributors:

• Sam Strauss doubled and drove in a run.
  
  
• Alex Velasquez added a sac fly.
  
  
• Esteban Murguia stole a base and scored.

On the back end, Joel Vizcarra and Luis Prieto slammed the door, combining for 2.1 innings of one-run ball, with Prieto securing save No. 2.

APRIL 8, 1988
Prayers 6, Abbots 1

Gilbert sharp; Pérez delivers go-ahead hit; Murguia goes deep

A day game at Abbots Park turned into another textbook Sacramento win — steady pitching, opportunistic hitting, and late separation.

Aaron Gilbert, making his season debut, served up a strong line: 5.2 innings, 4 hits, one run, and seven strikeouts. His only trouble came in the fourth, when El Paso briefly tied the game, but Gilbert reset and dominated the fifth.

“Nice to keep stacking the wins,” said Bret Pérez, whose softly lined RBI single in the fifth put Sacramento back in front, 2–1.

From there, Sacramento widened the lead:

• Esteban Murguia blasted a two-run homer in the eighth — his second in as many days.
  
  
• Ariel Mendoza doubled and added a two-out RBI.
  
  
• Strauss, Iniguez, and Perez all turned in multi-hit games.

Gilbert handed the ball to Gino Caliari (2.2 scoreless innings), who was excellent again, and Garza finished off a quiet ninth.
Sacramento improved to 5–0, looking completely synchronized.

APRIL 9, 1988
Prayers 3, Abbots 1

Rubalcava dominates again; Murguia homers; Hernandez legs out a clutch triple

If Opening Day was dominant, this was controlled brilliance.

Jordan Rubalcava, already operating like the league’s best pitcher, spun another masterpiece:
8 innings, 6 hits, 1 run, 7 strikeouts, and complete command of both edges of the plate.

He needed just 99 pitches — and he didn’t allow an extra-base hit until the final frame.

“Jordan gave us everything he had,” Aces said. “That’s a staff leader.”

Sacramento’s offense provided just enough:

• In the fourth, Esteban Murguia homered for the second time in as many games, a laser to right.
  
  
• In the fifth, Francisco Hernandez tripled into the gap to score a run with two outs.
  
  
• The pitching staff and defense took over from there, turning two double plays and putting the game to bed cleanly.

Prieto worked a fast ninth for his third save in six days.
Sacramento finished the road trip at 6–0, sweeping both Baltimore and El Paso.

SERIES STARS (APRIL 7–9)

Jordan Rubalcava — RHP

• 2–0, 1 ER in 16 IP, 15 K, 1.12 ERA
  The early Cy Young favorite. No one has looked better.
  
  
  Esteban Murguia — LF
  
  
• 2 HR in 2 games, multi-hit days, power returning early
  His swing is loud, dangerous, and heats up quickly.
  
  
  Luis Martinez — SS
  
  
• HR in series opener, elite defense, multiple double plays
  Quietly central to Sacramento’s success.
  
  
  Bret Pérez — DH
  
• Clutch RBI in Game 5, on-base machine, game-changing baserunning
  Still the heartbeat of the lineup.

WHAT 6–0 MEANS

This is not just a hot start — it’s a mission statement.
After winning their eighth championship last fall, Sacramento could have coasted.

Instead?
They look sharper, deeper, and more polished than any other team in the Fictional Baseball League right now.

• The rotation is already in midseason form.
  
• The bullpen hasn’t blown a lead yet.
  
• The defense is erasing mistakes before they happen.
  
• The lineup can win big or grind out tight ones.

[liberty-ca]

By Gemmie Nye,Sacramento Sports Chronicle

Baltimore, MD — The Sacramento Prayers left no doubt about their intentions for the new Fictional Baseball League (FBL) season, securing a clean three-game sweep against the Baltimore Satans at Sinners Grounds. The Prayers now stand at a perfect 3-0, while the home team Satans are still searching for their first win of the season, falling to 0-3.

The series began on Monday, April 4th, with Sacramento claiming a decisive 6-1 victory. The Prayers' right-hander, Jordan Rubalcava, stole the show on the Baltimore home opener, delivering a dominant performance by allowing just 1 run on 3 hits over 8 innings while racking up 8 strikeouts. "Jordan can overpower you," Sacramento manager Jimmy Aces said after the game.

The Prayers' offense came alive in the second game on Tuesday, April 5th, overcoming a competitive Baltimore side for a 7-5 win. Center fielder Francisco Hernandez was the star of the night, slugging 2 home runs, adding 4 RBI, and scoring twice. Hernandez broke a 4-4 deadlock in the top of the sixth inning with a sacrifice fly to put Sacramento ahead for good. Sacramento pitcher Fernando Salazar earned the win, hiking his record to 1-0, and Luis Prieto collected his first save. "You work hard, day in and day out, hoping to give the fans something to cheer about. Today was a good day," Hernandez told the Sacramento Sports Chronicle.

Sacramento finished the sweep on Wednesday, April 6th, defeating Baltimore 9-4. Right fielder Alex Velasquez provided the offensive spark, hammering a grand slam home run in the top of the third inning to give the Prayers a 4-0 lead. Starter Bernardo Andretti secured the victory, now 1-0, after giving up only 2 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings. Velasquez, whose grand slam was his only hit in five at-bats, remained focused on the team's potential: "I still think this team can play even better," he told the Sacramento Sports Chronicle.

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SACRAMENTO AT BOSTON — “A MACHINE ROLLING”
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN)

The Sacramento Prayers arrived in Boston riding the best start in franchise history. They left with something even louder: an 11–1 record, a three-game sweep, and the unmistakable look of a team operating at full throttle.

Against the retooling Boston Messiahs, Sacramento’s formula never wavered — star pitching, punishing mid-inning rallies, and the steady hum of a lineup that punishes mistakes.

This wasn’t just a good road trip.
This was the statement of a team already playing like it expects to still be swinging in October.

APRIL 13, 1988
Prayers 6, Messiahs 3

Murguia and Iniguez Power a Sixth-Inning Avalanche

Even on a cold, rainy night at Messiahs Stadium, Sacramento’s bats ran hot. Trailing 2–1 in the sixth, the Prayers detonated Boston starter Kyle Baily with a three-run thunderclap from Eli Murguia, his fourth of the season.

Moments later, Hector Iniguez added a blast of his own — his first of 1988 — stretching the lead to 6–2.

That was more than enough for Aaron Gilbert, who delivered 7.2 innings of hardened, efficient work (2 ER, 5 K) to move to 2–0. His 66 Game Score reflected a night of quiet command, scattering Boston’s early traffic before settling into cruise control.

Jimmy Aces praised the club afterward:

"These guys find a way. Every night, someone else steps up.”

APRIL 14, 1988
Prayers 5, Messiahs 2

Rubalcava Rolls, Prieto Slams the Door Again

Jordan Rubalcava continues to look like one of the league’s early-season revelations. The right-hander carved Boston for 7.2 innings (2 ER, 6 K), showing his now-signature mix of ride, run, and late-inning toughness—even working around a balk in the fourth.

In the first inning, Sacramento struck immediately. With two outs, Iniguez produced a sharp two-run single, his 10th hit of the year, and the Prayers never trailed again.

Braulio Perez launched his fifth home run an inning later, a towering liner to left, and the Prayers spent the rest of the night controlling pace and pressure.

Luis Prieto, already in early form, recorded his 6th save, retiring four of the five batters he faced.

Rubalcava spoke with understated confidence:

“We’re playing connected baseball. When we score early, it feels like everything opens up.”

APRIL 15, 1988
Prayers 3, Messiahs 2

Salazar Dominates, Martinez Provides the Spark

Fernando Salazar — ace, legend, and walking Sacramento myth — delivered another masterclass.

Seven scoreless innings.
No runs until the eighth.
A 68 Game Score.
And complete ownership of every big moment.

Luis Martinez handed him a lead with his fourth home run of the season, a solo shot to left in the fifth. Sacramento would add two more late, including a clutch eighth-inning RBI from S. Strauss.

Prieto’s ninth inning wasn’t smooth — M. Reavis crushed a two-run homer to make it 3–2 — but once again the veteran closer steadied himself, locking down his 7th save in as many tries.
Boston manager Antonio Fernandez summarized the series plainly:

“We had chances. But good teams take those away. Sacramento’s better than good — right now they’re elite.”

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

Sacramento Looks Like the League’s First Juggernaut

1. Pitching Defines the Identity
Gilbert, Rubalcava, and Salazar combined for:

• 22.2 IP
  
  
• 6 total runs allowed
  
  
• 20 strikeouts
  
  
• 3 wins

2 Player of the Game awards


When your rotation is this good, every game feels winnable.

2. The Lineup Scores in Clusters

Across the series:

• 6-run bursts
  
  
• 2-run first innings
  
  
• Late-inning pressure
  Sacramento is rarely quiet for long.

3. Luis Prieto Is Automatic

Seven tries.
Seven saves.
His cool under pressure is borderline unfair to opponents.

4. Eli Murguia Is Heating Up

A monstrous three-run HR in Game 1.
A multi-hit effort in Game 2.
A loud outfield presence every night.

5. This Is What an 8-time Champion Looks Like

The Prayers carry themselves like a franchise with decades of winning DNA—because they are.
Their 11–1 start is not luck.
It’s infrastructure, culture, and relentless talent.

UP NEXT
Sacramento heads home for a marquee showdown with a surging Minnesota club — another early test for a team already playing with October-level sharpness.

[liberty-ca]

By Gemmie Nye,Sacramento Sports Chronicle

Boston, MA.— The Sacramento Prayers' remarkable run took into Boston, where they secured their third consecutive series sweep — a clean three-game victory over the Boston Messiahs (5-7) at Messiahs Stadium. The string of wins propelled the Prayers' record to a stunning 11-1, establishing them as the early dominant force in the Fictional Baseball League.

Power Surge Overcomes Rain in Series Opener (April 13th)

In a rainy, 46-degree affair, the Prayers defeated the Messiahs 6-3. Sacramento's offense, which had been silent early, erupted in the sixth inning to turn a 2-1 deficit into a comfortable lead. Left Fielder Elric Murguia played the hero, launching his fourth home run of the season, a massive three-run shot that gave the Prayers a 4-2 lead.
Second baseman Hector Iniguez then followed Murguia's lead, smashing his first home run of the year in the same inning. Starter Aaron Gilbert (W, 2-0) held Boston in check, leading manager Jimmy Aces to commend his team for "doing what it takes to win."

Venezuelan Ace and Veteran Power Continue Dominance (April 14th)

The Prayers notched their tenth win of the season, taking the second game 5-2, powered by stellar pitching and early offense. Cabimas, Venezuela, native Jordan Rubalcava delivered another masterful outing, improving his record to a perfect 3-0. The offense wasted no time, with Hector Iniguez — who commented, "Nice to see our side come away with the win" — driving in two runs in the first inning with a clutch single. In the second, veteran Bret Perez continued his outstanding season, clubbing his fifth home run. Closer Luis Prieto locked down his sixth save of the year.

Martinez Sends Sac to 11-1 (April 15th)

Sacramento completed the sweep with a tight 3-2 victory in the series finale. Pitcher Fernando Salazar (W, 3-0) pitched a shutout into the eighth inning before turning the ball over to Luis Prieto (SV, 7th). The game was decided by a familiar source of power: Luis Martinez crushed a solo home run — his fourth of the season — in the fifth inning to give Sacramento the initial 1-0 lead. The Messiahs made it interesting in the bottom of the ninth when M. Reavis hit a two-run shot off Prieto, but the closer held on. Boston manager Antonio Fernandez lamented the result, noting, "We missed opportunities once again," a sentiment the 11-1 Prayers have been happy to exploit on their historic road trip.

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MILWAUKEE AT SACRAMENTO — “A MACHINE AT FULL POWER”
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN)

Back home in front of roaring crowds at Sacramento Stadium, the reigning champions showed once again why they own eight banners and sit atop the all-time FBL standings. The Sacramento Prayers swept the visiting Milwaukee Bishops in three very different games — one tight, one tactical, one explosive — pushing their league-best record to 14–1.

The Bishops fought. They hit. They ran. They forced Sacramento to sweat.
But this version of the Prayers? They simply find ways — every way — to win.

APRIL 17, 1988
Prayers 5, Bishops 3

Valadez Breaks the Deadlock, Sacramento Pulls Ahead Late

The opener belonged to Milwaukee’s J.J. Kuhn — at least statistically. The right fielder went 3-for-4, homered, stole a base, and put the Bishops in position to steal a road victory.

Sacramento, as usual, denied the storyline.

After trailing early, the Prayers erupted in the seventh inning, turning a 2–1 deficit into a 5–2 lead. Sam Strauss doubled home a run. Then Andrés Valadez — hitting just .079 coming into the day — blistered a run-scoring double down the left-field line, his first extra-base hit of the season, putting Sacramento ahead for good.

Milwaukee never recovered.

“Right now, I’m just happy we got the win,” Valadez said afterward.
“You can’t get too high, can’t get too low.”

Billy Andretti battled through 5.1 innings before handing the ball to Josué Vizcarra, who earned the win, and Luis Prieto collected save No. 8 with his trademark calm.

The only damper: shortstop Luis Martinez left the game with an injury suffered while running the bases.

APRIL 18, 1988
Prayers 2, Bishops 1

Gray Puts on a Clinic, Velasquez Provides the Difference

Monday night was a pitchers’ duel — clean, crisp, and tense from first pitch to last.
Russ Gray authored a masterclass, working 7 innings of four-hit, one-run baseball, lowering his ERA to 1.35. Milwaukee’s Ozzie Aguilar nearly matched him, but the game turned on execution, not velocity.

Locked at 1–1 in the sixth, Alex Velasquez shot a sharp RBI single into right field, scoring Alex Mendoza and giving Sacramento a lead it never relinquished.

The defensive backbone — Strauss, Iniguez, Martinez before his exit—turned a crucial double play. Mike Wright recorded his first hold. And Prieto, once again, shut the lights off for save No. 9.

Afterward, Gray spoke with the easy confidence of a pitcher in complete command:

“I like the roll we’re on right now.”

At 13–1, the Prayers weren’t rolling — they were steamrolling.

APRIL 19, 1988
Prayers 11, Bishops 1

The Fifth Inning That Shook the Stadium

For four innings: silence.
For the next twenty minutes: absolute carnage.

Milwaukee’s Bob Alana kept the Prayers quiet early — until Sacramento detonated for seven runs in the fifth, the loudest inning of their season.

Luis Martinez started the ambush with a two-run home run.
Then Andrés Valadez followed with a two-run blast of his own, his second home run in as many days.

And then — swing of the series — Hector Iniguez, the 1980 MVP, launched a grand slam deep into the left-field bullpen. A 2–1 splitter stayed up; Iniguez crushed it out. Sacramento Stadium became a wall of noise.

By the time Milwaukee exhaled, the score was 7–0, and the game was over.

But Sacramento wasn’t done.

Bret Perez delivered a vintage MVP-style performance: 3-for-4, two doubles, two RBI, and two stolen bases. Alex Velasquez added three hits. Eleven different runs crossed the plate.

Aaron Gilbert improved to 3–0 with 5.2 sharp innings, and rookie Dario Garza closed the final 3.1 frames for his first save.

Skipper Jimmy Aces put it best:

“We looked for pitches we wanted to hit — and when we found them, we didn’t miss.”

SERIES SUMMARY — WHY SACRAMENTO SWEPT

1. They Respond to Pressure Instantly

Down 2–1? They score four.
Tied 1–1? They immediately manufacture the go-ahead run.
Locked in a scoreless duel? They erupt for seven.
It’s the mark of a champion — and this franchise knows titles better than anyone.

2. The Rotation Is Borderline Unfair

Andretti battled.
Gray dominated.
Gilbert excelled.

Milwaukee never saw a weak link.

3. The Lineup Is Waking Up as a Unit

Valadez heating up.
Martinez showing pop.
Perez, Strauss, Velasquez, Iniguez — everybody contributing.

This depth is how Sacramento has remained elite for two decades.

4. Prieto Is Automatic

Nine saves. No drama.
Another Mariano Rivera Award campaign is underway.

5. Sacramento Is Playing Like a Team With Dynasty Aspirations

Eight championships.
Nineteen playoff appearances.
A .632 all-time winning percentage.

This club isn’t chasing a hot start — they’re chasing immortality.

UP NEXT

The 14–1 Prayers welcome their next challenger to Sacramento Stadium, aiming to extend one of the most dominant Aprils in franchise history.

[liberty-ca]

By Gemmie Nye,Sacramento Sports Chronicle

The Sacramento Prayers (14-1) completed another perfect three-game series sweep, this time against the Milwaukee Bishops (7-8) at The Chapel (Sacramento Stadium). The series was marked by clutch hitting, another injury scare, dominant pitching, and an offensive explosion that solidified the Prayers' status as the Fictional Baseball League's early powerhouse.

Clutch Hits and a Scare in the Series Opener (April 17th)

Sacramento defeated Milwaukee 5-3, but the game was tense until the late innings. Trailing 3-2, the Prayers rallied in the seventh. Third baseman Andres Valadez broke the tie with his first double of the season, which left Milwaukee's pitcher "visibly frustrated." Valadez, embracing the moment, told the Sacramento Sports Chronicle, "You can't get too high when things go well, or too low when things go bad. Right now, I'm just happy we got the win." Earlier in the game, Bret Perez launched his sixth home run of the year. The win was costly, however, as regular shortstop Luis Martinez was injured while running the bases. Reliever Jesus Vizcarra (W, 1-0) got the win, and Luis Prieto secured his eighth save.

Gray Leads Pitching Duel to Maintain Winning Ways (April 18th)

In a tight 2-1 contest, the Prayers extended their winning streak. Starting pitcher Russ Gray (W, 3-0) earned Player of the Game, improving his record to an unblemished 3-0 by allowing just one run over 7.0 innings. "I like the roll we're on right now," Gray said after the game. The offense manufactured a single run in the sixth inning when Right Fielder Alex Velasquez hit a clutch run-scoring single to give Sacramento the decisive 2-1 lead. Luis Prieto pitched the ninth inning for his league-leading ninth save of the season.

Iniguez and Valadez Power Prayers to Decisive Victory (April 19th)

The Prayers concluded the sweep with an emphatic 11-1 rout of the Bishops, highlighted by a massive seven-run fifth inning. The game was scoreless until the bottom of the fifth when the Sacramento power bats woke up. Third baseman Andres Valadez — stepping into a more significant role following Martinez's injury — hit his second home run of the season, a two-run shot. Immediately following him, Hector Iniguez, the 1980 League MVP, blasted a grand slam home run to break the game wide open. MVP candidate Bret Perez also had a spectacular day, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI. Manager Jimmy Aces praised the team's hitting approach: "I think we did a good job of looking for pitches we wanted to hit and put good swings on them." Starter Aaron Gilbert (W, 3-0) got the win, and Dave Garza (SV, 1st) recorded his first save of the season.

The Sacramento Prayers now move to 14-1 on the 1988 FBL season, finishing a perfect 6-0 on their homestand at The Chapel.

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“Rain, Extra Innings, and a Record-Setting Walk-Off”
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN)

The Sacramento Prayers’ blistering start to 1988 encountered three very different tests from the Seattle Lucifers: a rain-soaked duel, a late-night heartbreaker, and a dramatic walk-off capped by a historic performance from one of the franchise’s iconic stars. Sacramento took two of three, improving to 16–2 and continuing to show the depth, resilience, and star power that have defined their early-season dominance.

APRIL 20, 1988
Prayers 3, Lucifers 0

Rubalcava Weathers the Storm, Delivers Shutout

On a wet, windy Sacramento night, Jordan Rubalcava delivered one of the most poised performances of the young season — rain slicking his cap, mud splattering his landing spot, Seattle hitters offering little in the way of resistance.

Rubalcava fired a 5-inning complete-game shutout (weather-shortened), allowing only 4 hits, striking out 5, and walking just one. He improved to 4–0 with a 1.26 ERA, firmly establishing himself as one of the early-season revelations in the rotation.

“It just felt right today,” Rubalcava said afterward. “Even with the rain, it didn’t throw me off my rhythm.”

Sacramento supported him with just enough offense:

• Bret Perez lifted a sac fly in the 1st.
• Eli Murguia added an RBI single.
• Andres Valadez continued his timely hitting with an RBI.

Seattle managed only a trio of doubles but stranded five runners.

The game was called after five innings due to worsening conditions, but the message was loud and clear: Sacramento can win even when the weather tries to slow them down.

Record after Game 16: Sacramento 15–1

APRIL 21, 1988
Lucifers 7, Prayers 5 (11 innings)

Seattle Snaps Sacramento’s Streak in a Marathon

A night after being shut out, Seattle turned the tables in a grinding, exhausting 11-inning fight in front of a restless crowd at Sacramento Stadium.

Right-hander Nelson Huichapa matched Sacramento pitch-for-pitch early, scattering six hits in six innings and limiting the Prayers to two runs. The Lucifers struck late — first with Lázaro Guerrero’s 2-run homer in the 7th, then again with two runs in the 8th to take a 4–3 lead.

But Sacramento refused to fold.

• Alex Velasquez lashed a two-out RBI double.
• Hector Iniguez ripped a game-tying double in the 8th.
• Spencer Strauss hammered another clutch extra-base hit — his 7th double of April — to tie the game again in the 8th.

Still, Sacramento couldn’t push across the winning run despite 14 hits, and Seattle made them pay.

In the top of the 11th, with two on, Miguel Flores drove a dagger of a double into the right-field alley, scoring both runners for a 7–5 lead the Prayers never overcame.

“Always feels extra good winning this kind of game,” Flores said afterward.

The loss dropped Sacramento to 15–2, ending a six-game winning streak.

Notable Sacramento performances:

• Murguia — 3 hits, continued his hot stretch
• Strauss — 4-for-5, doubles machine
• Iniguez — RBI double
• Martinez — 2 hits and a sac fly

APRIL 22, 1988
Prayers 8, Lucifers 7

MURGUIA’S FIVE-HIT WALK-OFF — A GAME FOR THE AGES

If the second game of the series stung, game number 3 delivered pure euphoria—an instant classic that will sit comfortably in Sacramento highlight reels for years.

Eli Murguia went 5-for-5, tying the AL regular-season record for hits in a game, and drove in 4 runs, including the walk-off, bases-clearing double with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

Trailing 7–5 entering their final at-bat, Sacramento put two aboard and worked the count full with the game — and series — on the line. When Seattle reliever Manny Morales hung a curveball, Murguia uncorked a scorched liner into right-center that split the gap and sent Sacramento Stadium into chaos.

“Satisfied,” Murguia said afterward — a masterful understatement.

Murguia wasn’t alone in powering the offense:

• J. Rubbi blasted a two-run homer in the 4th.
• Edwin Musco added two hits.
• Strauss delivered three more hits, raising his average to .400.
• Andres Valadez contributed another multi-hit game.
• Liston and Iniguez produced timely RBIs.

On the mound, Bernardo Andretti battled (6 IP, 6 R), Gino Caliari struggled with inherited runners, and Ed Kukuk threw a clean ninth to earn the win.

But this day belonged to Murguia — and to a Sacramento club that once again proved it can strike from behind at any moment.

Record after Game 18: Sacramento 16–2

SEATTLE SERIES TAKEAWAYS

* Eli Murguia’s Historic Stretch

9 hits in the final two games.
A five-hit masterpiece.
A walk-off that will be replayed for decades.

* Rotation Foundations Look Strong

Rubalcava’s surge.
Salazar grinding through innings.
Andretti eating starts even on off days.

* Clutch DNA Everywhere

Strauss. Valadez. Velasquez. Iniguez.
Sacramento’s late-inning offense looks dangerous against anyone.

* A Tough-Luck Loss, But a Statement Response

Love how they recovered — Game 3 was the mark of a contender with zero panic.

[liberty-ca]

By Gemmie Nye,Sacramento Sports Chronicle

The Sacramento Prayers (16-2) completed a phenomenal homestand by taking two of three games from the Seattle Lucifers (12-6). The series featured a dominant pitching performance, the team's first loss after a lengthy win streak, and a dramatic, walk-off victory.

Dominant Shutout for Rubalcava (April 20th)

The Prayers defeated the Lucifers 3-0 in a rain-shortened game that was called after five innings. Right-hander Jordan Rubalcava (W, 4-0) was masterful, allowing only four hits and one walk to secure the shutout victory. "It just felt right today," Rubalcava said, as the win moved Sacramento's record to 16-1. The offense provided just enough support, with Andres Valadez and Eli Murguia each driving in a run.

Win Streak Halted in Extra-Inning Loss (April 21st)

Sacramento absorbed its second loss of the season, falling 7-5 to Seattle in a hard-fought, 11-inning contest. The Prayers' offense was productive, featuring a spectacular 4-for-5 performance from first baseman Scott Strauss and a 3-hit game from Eli Murguia. However, closer Luis Prieto (L, 0-1) was tagged for two runs in the 11th on a double by Seattle's Miguel Flores, ending Sacramento's long run of consecutive wins.

Murguia's Walk-Off Ends Series with a Bang (April 22nd)

Sacramento ended the series on a high note with a thrilling 8-7 walk-off win. Left fielder Eli Murguia put on an offensive show, going a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate, including a game-winning hit that tied the AL regular season game record for hits. With the Prayers trailing 7-5 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and the bases loaded, Murguia delivered the final blow, lining a bases-clearing double for the dramatic 8-7 victory. Catcher J. Rubbi also contributed his first home run of the season. Murguia, who was named Player of the Game, told reporters he was "satisfied" with the win. Reliever Ed Kukuk (W, 1-0) earned the victory.

The Sacramento Prayers finished their homestand 5-1 and now stand at an impressive 16-2 on the season.

[liberty-ca]

By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN)

“Power, Extra Innings, and a Rare Slip: Sacramento Takes 2 of 3 in Texas”

Fresh off the emotional high of Eli Murguia’s five-hit walk-off masterpiece, Sacramento carried its league-best record into Fort Worth for a three-game set against the scrappy Spirits. The Prayers’ offense kept rolling, the bullpen showed both grit and strain, and one of the club’s most important hitters delivered his biggest swing of the young season. Sacramento took two of three, pushing their record to 18–3 before finally stumbling in the finale.

APRIL 23, 1988
Prayers 11, Spirits 4

Iniguez Drives the Bus; Sacramento Opens the Series With a Rout

The Sacramento offense arrived in Texas early — and did not bother to unpack lightly.

Hector Iniguez continued his quietly excellent April with a 2-for-5, 4-RBI performance, including a backbreaking two-run single in the 5th that turned a tight 4–3 game into a 6–3 Sacramento lead. It was the spark that unraveled Fort Worth’s pitching staff and set the tone for the entire afternoon.

“We’ll pop the top on a cold beverage and get back to work tomorrow,”
— Hector Iniguez, on his Player of the Game outing.

Sacramento’s attack was relentless:

• Cory Liston crushed a two-run homer in the 4th.
• B. Perez tripled and scored twice.
• Luis Martinez doubled twice.
• Francisco Hernandez posted two RBI.
• Andres Valadez, Musco, Strauss, and Mendoza all chipped in hits.

It was one of those classic Prayers performances — equal parts speed, power, and pressure.

On the mound, Russ Gray moved to 4–0, navigating six innings of traffic (8 H, 3 ER) with veteran poise. Joe Vizcarra and Dennys Garza locked down the final three frames.

The win pushed Sacramento to 17–2, the best 19-game start in franchise history.

APRIL 24, 1988
Prayers 8, Spirits 5 (11 innings)

Mendoza Breaks It Open in Extras; Sacramento Survives a Wild One

Sacramento’s extra-inning magic struck again — this time thanks to a player who began the night on the bench.

In the top of the 11th, with two outs and two aboard, catcher Alex Mendoza unloaded a towering three-run homer off Matt Majewski, turning a tense 5–5 tie into an 8–5 Sacramento advantage.

The blast — Mendoza’s first of the year — was the difference in a game where Sacramento piled up 13 hits but just couldn’t land the knockout blow until the final inning.

“We had some nice at-bats at the right time,”
— Manager Jimmy Aces

Other offensive highlights:

• Andres Valadez set the table with a four-hit, four-run explosion — including a three-run homer of his own in the 2nd.
• Spencer Strauss added another multi-hit game and RBI.
• Eli Murguia doubled twice and reached base three times.
• J. Rubbi doubled in the 2nd.
• Hernandez, Musco, and Perez all contributed.

On the pitching side:

• Aaron Gilbert bent but didn’t break in 4.2 innings.
• Dennys Garza fired 3.1 steady innings in relief.
• Luis Prieto earned his first win of the year with three scoreless innings — his sharpest outing of April.

The win elevated Sacramento to 18–2, and for the second straight day, the Prayers showed why no lead is safe when they have one more swing remaining.

APRIL 25, 1988
Spirits 3, Prayers 1

Cruz Outduels Rubalcava; Murguia Injured in Narrow Loss

Even the league's best can’t outrun the grind forever.

Sacramento’s bid for a sweep fell short as Fort Worth’s Bruce Cruz handcuffed the Prayers over 5.2 innings, and the Spirits turned a few early extra-base hits into just enough offense for a 3–1 win.

The bigger concern:
Eli Murguia left the game in the 1st inning while running the bases, and did not return. It was the second time in two days a player on either side exited due to baserunning mishaps. Sacramento played cautiously with him the rest of the series.

Sacramento produced chances — nine men left on base, including multiple in scoring position — but couldn’t cash them in.

Their lone run came on an Edwin Musco solo homer in the 8th.

Other bright spots:

• Musco reached three times (HR, double, HBP).
• Iniguez added a hit and RBI.
• Rubbi, Velasquez, and Liston reached.
• The defense turned a classic Martinez–Musco–Strauss double play.

On the mound, Jordan Rubalcava pitched far better than the line suggests (7.1 IP, 2 ER, 10 K). His slider was vicious. His command — tight. His only mistake: a middle-in fastball Ezequiel Reza converted into a late solo homer.

Fort Worth added an insurance run in the 8th, and Sacramento couldn’t scratch back.

The loss dropped the Prayers to 18–3 — still the best record in baseball by a wide margin.

FORT WORTH SERIES TAKEAWAYS

* The Offense Remains a Juggernaut

22 runs in the first two games.
Multiple hitters were scorching hot: Valadez, Strauss, Iniguez, Murguia, Martinez.

* Iniguez Quietly Dominated This Set

6 RBI in two days.
Gap power, situational hitting, leadership.

* The Bullpen Was Busy — But Delivered

Garza, Prieto, and Vizcarra were tested heavily.
Outside of the finale, they held strong.


* Rubalcava’s Loss Was Still an Ace-Level Start

10 strikeouts.
A 1.51 ERA through five starts.

* Health Watch

Murguia’s early exit loomed over the finale.
Status for the next series remains the biggest storyline entering April’s final stretch.

[liberty-ca]

By Gemmie Nye,Sacramento Sports Chronicle

The Sacramento Prayers (18-3) began their road trip by taking two out of three games from the Fort Worth Spirits (10-11). The series was a tale of explosive offense in the first two games, culminating in a dramatic extra-inning victory, followed by a tight, low-scoring loss in the finale.

Iniguez and the Offense Explode for 20 Hits (April 23rd)

Sacramento's offense showed no signs of slowing down, dominating the Spirits in an 11-4 victory. Designated hitter Hector Iniguez was named Player of the Game after a 2-for-5 performance that included a two-run single to break the game open in the fifth inning. The Prayers collected 20 hits total, with catcher Alex Mendoza having a three-hit day and Curt Liston hitting his first home run of the season. Starter Russ Gray (W, 4-0) remained undefeated, going 6.0 innings for his fourth win.

Mendoza's Walk-Off Homer Secures Extra-Inning Win (April 24th)

In a thrilling 8-5, 11-inning battle, the Prayers showcased their clutch hitting. Sacramento first built a large lead with an early four-run inning, powered by Andres Valadez's four-run home run, his third of the season. The Spirits battled back to tie the game in the fifth, but in the top of the 11th inning, reserve catcher Alex Mendoza delivered a massive, three-run, two-out home run off Fort Worth reliever Matt Majewski to secure the 8-5 win. Manager Jimmy Aces praised his team's timing, saying, "We had some nice at-bats at the right time." Reliever Luis Prieto (W, 1-1) got the win.

Spirits' Pitching Dominates Final Game (April 25th)

The Prayers' offense finally went quiet in the series finale, dropping a 3-1 decision to the Spirits. Fort Worth starter Bruce Cruz (W, 4-1) was the story of the game, pitching 5.2 shutout innings. Sacramento's only run came in the eighth inning on a solo home run from second baseman Edwin Musco, the first of his season. The loss was marked by more injury concerns for the Prayers, as starting left fielder Eli Murguia was injured while running the bases early in the game. Starter Jordan Rubalcava (L, 4-1) pitched well, giving up only two runs over 7.0 innings.

The Sacramento Prayers continue to lead the league with a stellar 18-3 record.

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“Sacramento Steams Through Washington: A Sweep Fueled by Stars and Statement Wins”
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN)

Returning home after a demanding road swing, the Prayers welcomed the struggling Washington Devils — and promptly overwhelmed them. Behind explosive offense, dominant starting pitching, and another MVP-level stretch from Eli Murguia, Sacramento swept all three games to improve to an eye-popping 21–3, one of the best 24-game starts in FBL history.

APRIL 26, 1988
Prayers 7, Devils 1

Murguia Ignites the Home Crowd; Salazar Shines Again

If there were any concerns about Eli Murguia’s minor baserunning injury in Fort Worth, the All-Star left fielder erased them immediately.

Murguia delivered his best game of the season, going 3-for-4 with a homer and 4 RBI, powering Sacramento to a 7–1 win in front of 22,473 at Sacramento Stadium. His sixth-inning blast — pulled deep into the right-field seats — put the game out of reach.

Alex Velasquez added his own fireworks: a two-run shot in the third plus a single, scoring twice and showcasing the gap power that made him the league’s triples king in 1985.

Luis Martinez joined the parade with his fifth home run of the season.

On the mound, Fernando Salazar continued to look like Fernando Salazar — the greatest pitcher the FBL has ever seen. The ace went 8.1 innings, allowing just 1 run, striking out 6 without a walk. Even late contact was soft.

“We’re in a funk right now,”
— Washington manager Caleb Simmons, summing up his team’s April spiral.

Sacramento improved to 19–3, and the offense showed no signs of slowing down.

APRIL 27, 1988
Prayers 4, Devils 3

Andretti Guts Out Seven; Perez Keeps Mashing

The middle game of the series was tighter, tougher — and ultimately another showcase of Sacramento’s ability to win any style available.

Bernardo Andretti turned in a gritty performance, battling through a rough sixth inning but still delivering 7 strong innings with no walks and 5 strikeouts. His only blemishes: back-to-back homers by Salinas and Cooper. Otherwise he was pinpoint.

Sacramento’s offense did just enough:

• Bret Perez, the AL home run leader, went 3-for-4, including a two-out RBI double in the sixth.
• Eli Murguia stayed red-hot with a solo homer — his sixth — and a pair of runs scored.
• Cory Liston added an RBI single.
• Rubbi contributed a sac fly.

Defensively, Sacramento turned a crucial Murguia-to-Martinez outfield assist, and Cory Liston erased a run at the plate with a perfect throw on a deep fly.

With a 4–3 lead in the ninth, setup man Marcus Wright handed the ball to Luis Prieto, who secured save No. 10 — though he left the mound with a minor injury after throwing to first.

“We’re not exactly playing great right now,”
— Caleb Simmons, as Washington fell to 6–17.

For Sacramento, it was win No. 20, the earliest the franchise has hit that mark in its 19-year history.

APRIL 28, 1988
Prayers 11, Devils 3

Musco’s Six-RBI Monster Game Caps a Statement Sweep

If the first two games of the series belonged to Murguia and Perez, the finale belonged to Edwin Musco — utterly, spectacularly.

Musco smashed two home runs (Nos. 2 and 3 on the year), including a grand slam in the fourth that blew the game open. He finished the night with:

2-for-2, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 2 runs, sac fly, HBP

A perfect demonstration of why he remains one of the most dangerous right-handed hitters in the league.

Cory Liston added a solo blast — his second in four days — and Luis Martinez tripled.
Andre Velasquez ripped a triple as well, while Strauss, Perez, and Hernandez all contributed runs.

On the mound, Russ Gray improved to 5–0, delivering seven sturdy innings and lowering his ERA to 1.91. Giovanni Caliari handled the final two frames.

Sacramento’s 11 runs marked their ninth double-digit scoring game of April — and their sixth in the last nine games alone.

As the Devils fell to 6–18, even their manager could only shrug:

“From the last… whatever, five, six, seven games, there’s really only one way to go and that’s up.”
— Caleb Simmons, after another lopsided loss.

Sacramento’s win pushed them to 21–3, a blistering pace unmatched since the 1977 Prayers — one of the greatest teams in FBL history.

WASHINGTON SERIES TAKEAWAYS

* The Murguia MVP Drumbeat Is Getting Loud

2 HR, 6 RBI, .538 AVG in 3 games.
League-best .400+ average heading into May.

* Musco’s Grand Slam Was the Moment of the Series

A towering shot that sealed the sweep.

* Perez’s Breakout Continues

3-for-4 in Game 8, a league-leading six homers, and elite baserunning.

* Salazar & Andretti Steady the Rotation

Two wins, 15 combined innings, just 4 runs allowed.

* Sacramento Now Holds Baseball’s Best Record

21–3.
First in runs scored.
First in team OPS.
First in ERA.
First in defensive efficiency.
A complete machine.

[liberty-ca]

By Gemmie Nye,Sacramento Sports Chronicle

The Sacramento Prayers (21-3) continued their dominant season by sweeping the three-game series against the Washington Devils (6-18) at Sacramento Stadium. The Prayers outscored the Devils 22-7 across the series, fueled by home runs and stellar starting pitching, proving why they are the league leaders.

Murguia Powers Opening Victory (April 26th)

The Prayers took Game 1 easily, 7-1, behind another huge performance from left fielder Eli Murguia. Murguia was the Player of the Game, going 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI. Sacramento's offense hit three home runs in the game, with Alex Velasquez chipping in a two-run shot and shortstop Luis Martinez adding his fifth home run of the year. Starter Fernando Salazar (W, 4-0) was excellent, allowing only one run over 8.1 innings.

Clutch Hitting Secures Tight Win (April 27th)

Sacramento narrowly escaped with a 4-3 victory in the second game. The Prayers' scoring was capped by a run-scoring double from Bret Perez in the sixth and a solo home run from Eli Murguia in the seventh. Starter Bernardo Andretti (W, 2-1) earned the win, pitching 7.0 innings and striking out five. Luis Prieto notched his league-leading 10th save of the season, but the win came at a cost, as both Perez (while running the bases) and Prieto (while throwing) suffered injuries.

Musco Slugs Prayers to Rout (April 28th)

The series concluded with an 11-3 blowout win, highlighted by an unforgettable performance from second baseman Edwin Musco. Musco went 2-for-2 with two home runs, including a massive grand slam in the fourth inning, driving in six runs total and earning Player of the Game honors. Curt Liston also hit his second home run of the year. Starting pitcher Russ Gray (W, 5-0) kept his perfect record intact, tossing 7.0 innings while surrendering only two runs.

The Sacramento Prayers' record improves to 21-3 as they continue their exceptional start to the season.

[liberty-ca]

"ENDING MONTH ON A HIGH NOTE"
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network

Prayers 9, Cherubs 4 (14 innings)

Velasquez Delivers in Marathon Finale as Sacramento Caps Historic Month

The Prayers wrapped April with one final test — an exhausting, 4-hour, 45-minute, 14-inning grinder in Tucson that demanded every ounce of bullpen depth, defensive resilience, and offensive creativity they had left. In the end, Sacramento powered through, defeating the Cherubs 9–4 and securing a 22–3 record for the month, cementing their status as baseball’s most dominant team.

Alex Velasquez was the hero, igniting the offense early and finishing with a 3-for-7 performance, including a two-run homer in the fourth that gave Sacramento a 3–1 lead. He added two singles, scored three times, and drove in a pair — another evidence point in his quietly outstanding April.

Sam Strauss provided extra-base damage in bulk, collecting an RBI double early and then a crucial two-run triple in the 14th, blowing the doors off a tired Tucson bullpen. Bret Perez reached base three times, scoring twice and stealing his 10th bag of the season, while Johan Rubbi and Francisco Hernandez both added doubles.

Sacramento stranded 14 runners but simply outlasted Tucson, stringing together five runs in the top of the 14th against Omar Sanchez and Jose Frias to put the game away for good.

On the mound, it was a team effort. After Jordan Rubalcava exited with an early injury just one batter into the game, Sacramento’s relief corps delivered 14 innings of patchwork excellence.
Matt Wright earned the win with 2.2 strong frames, and Ed Kukuk closed out the marathon.

“It feels good to get this one,”
— Alex Velasquez, after anchoring a victory that required every tool in the kit.

The win sent Sacramento into May with a remarkable 22–3 record, the best 25-game opening in franchise history — including their championship seasons in 1973, 1977, and 1982.

[liberty-ca]

By Gemmie Nye,Sacramento Sports Chronicle

The Sacramento Prayers (22-3) wrapped up the opening month of the 1988 season with a stunning, extra-inning victory, defeating the Tucson Cherubs 9-4 in a 14-inning road marathon on April 30th.

14-Inning Marathon Secures Final Victory

The Prayers and Cherubs battled deep into extra innings, with Sacramento ultimately pulling away in the 14th. Center fielder Alex Velasquez was the hero of the day, going 3-for-7 with a two-run home run in the fourth inning that gave Sacramento an early 3-1 lead. The game remained tied at 4-4 until the 14th, when the Prayers' offense exploded. Following an RBI double from Andres Valadez, first baseman Scott Strauss delivered the knockout blow, lacing a three-run triple to put Sacramento up for good. Reliever Matt Wright (W, 1-0) earned the win.

The game did, however, add two new names to the injury report, as starting pitcher Jordan Rubalcava and center fielder Francisco Hernandez were both injured during the contest.

Prayers Finish April at Historic 22-3

The Sacramento Prayers concluded the first month of the Fictional Baseball League season with an exceptional 22-3 record, establishing themselves as the clear dominant force in the American League.

Prayers Sweep American League Player of the Month Awards

Sacramento's dominance was recognized with both major American League monthly awards:

• AL Batter of the Month: Eli Murguia
  Left fielder Eli Murguia earned the AL Batter of the Month award after a phenomenal April. He finished the month with a .374 batting average, 34 hits, 6 home runs, 20 RBIs, and 19 runs scored.

• AL Pitcher of the Month: Russ Gray
  Starter Russ Gray was named the AL Pitcher of the Month, sporting a perfect 5-0 won-loss record with a stellar 1.91 ERA in five starts. Gray tossed 33 innings, recording 7 strikeouts and holding opposing hitters to a scant .236 average.

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WHAT FANS ARE SAYING AROUND TOWN

Sacramento isn’t just watching baseball right now — it’s living it. You can hear it in coffee shops, grocery-store checkout lines, barbershops, breweries, and every bus stop in the city. With the Prayers off to their best start in franchise history, the whole town has become one giant, excited sports radio show.

Here’s a sampling of what fans are saying around Sacramento:

📍 Old Soul Coffee (Midtown)

“Murguia is hitting like he’s allergic to outs.”
A pair of students in Prayers caps were scrolling through box scores like they were scripture. One of them said he’s convinced Eli Murguia isn’t just the best hitter in the league — he’s the best in team history. His friend nodded solemnly like this was an unassailable truth.

📍 Streetside Tailgate Barbershop (Oak Park)

“Russ Gray is HIM. Period.”
A barber stopped mid-fade to share the gospel of Russ Gray’s 5–0 record.
“Pitcher of the Month wasn’t an award,” he said. “It was a foregone conclusion.”
Customers agreed, comparing his April to some of Salazar’s legendary starts from the 1970s.

📍 The Capitol Market Deli (Downtown)

“I don’t know how Strauss keeps doing this, but don’t stop him.”
A deli worker insisted Scott Strauss should be getting way more love.
"Every time we need a big hit, he’s right in the middle of it. And that 14th-inning triple? Man… chef’s kiss."

📍 Tower Records Parking Lot (Land Park)

“Velasquez is back? Velasquez is BACK.”
Two friends reenacted Alex Velasquez’s homer from the Tucson marathon game, complete with full bat flip. A small crowd actually stopped to watch. Someone yelled, “Put him in the All-Star Game!” and nobody disagreed.

📍 New Helvetia Brewing (Broadway)

“This team’s got 1985 vibes.”
A group of old-timers at the bar were comparing this squad to great Prayers teams of the past. The consensus:
This one might be better.
“Deep lineup, deep staff, no weaknesses. It’s scary,” one said between sips.

📍 The Light Rail Blue Line (North Highlands to Downtown)

“Man, how is the bullpen THIS good?”
A pair of commuters debated whether the relief corps could sustain its pace. One insisted Vizcarra and Prieto were “the real unsung heroes of April.” The other simply held up a newspaper with the updated standings and grinned.

📍 El Jardin Taqueria (South Sacramento)

“Have we ever been this fast on the bases?”
A table of regulars was raving about Benito Perez swiping his 10th bag of the month.
“That kid is lightning,” one said. “Steal first if they let him.”

📍 A Gas Station on Folsom Blvd

“22–3 and we’re not even playing our best ball yet.”
A man filling his tank said the wildest part of this start isn’t the wins — it’s that Sacramento still has room to improve. “Murguia and Gray look like MVP candidates. But imagine when Iniguez really heats up. Or Musco.”
He shook his head in disbelief.
“This is gonna be a season.”

📍 McKinley Park Walking Loop (East Sac)

“I’m trying not to get ahead of myself, but… October.”
A woman walking her dog said she’s already planning her schedule around a potential playoff run. “I know it’s way too early,” she laughed. “But tell me this team doesn’t look championship-caliber.”

[liberty-ca]

May Preview: Can the Prayers Maintain the Impossible Pace?
By "Rally Cap" Ronnie (Resident Prayers Fanatic)

April is done, the history books are re-written, and the Sacramento Prayers are sitting at a ridiculous 22-3. But there’s no time to celebrate! May is here, and the schedule is packed with challenging road trips and tough divisional matchups. Can this team maintain the unbelievable momentum, or will the injury bug and the law of averages finally catch up?

May Outlook: Heavy Road Work

The May schedule is immediately front-loaded with road games, which will test the team's depth and endurance:

1. Finish the Tucson Series (May 1st - 2nd): We start with two more games against the Cherubs. After that 14-inning battle, we need to focus on winning these two games to get off the road and secure the series win, especially with Jordan Rubalcava potentially sidelined.
2. Home for the Brooklyn Priests (May 3rd - 5th): First big non-divisional test of May. This is a key home series. We need to grab these wins against a likely strong opponent before heading back out.
3. West Coast Trip (May 6th - 11th): The team faces a grueling three-game series in San Jose, immediately followed by three games back East against the Baltimore Satans, where we started the season with a sweep. Getting six wins out of these seven games would be a huge statement.

Biggest Question Marks for May

1. Injury Report Status: Our biggest X-factor is health. Can Bret Perez get back in the lineup? How long will Jordan Rubalcava and Francisco Hernandez be out? Crucially, can Luis Prieto return to his dominant closer form, or will the bullpen have to manage without him? We saw great performances from guys like Alex Mendoza and Matt Wright in April, but relying on deep reserves for an entire month is risky.

2. Pitching Depth: The perfect Russ Gray and the returning Bernardo Andretti will need to deliver quality starts every time out to protect a potentially strained bullpen. Pitching health and innings management will define our May success.

3. Eli Murguia's Encore: After winning the AL Batter of the Month award, can Murguia keep up the pace? Every opposing pitcher is going to be game-planning specifically to stop him. If he keeps crushing, this team will keep winning.

It's going to be a tough test, but if the Prayers play with the same fire and clutch hitting they showed in April, they are more than capable of navigating this schedule and turning May into another incredible chapter! Go Prayers!

[liberty-ca]

TUCSON TURNS THE TABLES: PRAYERS SWEPT IN EXTRA-INNING HEARTBREAKERS
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN)

After an almost surreal 22–3 April, the month of May arrived with a cold splash of desert reality for the Sacramento Prayers. In back-to-back extra-inning games at Cherubs Fields, Sacramento faltered late, dropping two winnable contests to the Tucson Cherubs and watching their record slip to 22–5.

It was the first time all season the Prayers looked merely mortal.

GAME 1 — MAY 1
Cherubs 3, Prayers 2 (10 innings)

Barrios Walk-Off Ends Salazar’s Masterpiece

For nine and a third innings, it was vintage Fernando Salazar — commanding, relentless, almost untouchable. The league’s most decorated arm carved up Tucson with a 107-pitch, 2-run, 5-strikeout performance that would win Sacramento almost any other night.
But Tucson finally cracked him in the tenth.

A single by Dave Barrios — his second hit of the day — dropped softly into left, scoring Chris Nelson and handing Sacramento its first loss in a week.

The Prayers had chances, particularly with runners on in the seventh and ninth, but a scattered approach at the plate and several empty swings in key spots (17 men left on base) let the Cherubs hang around.

The lone sparks:

• Bret Perez (3-for-5) continued his scorching start.
  
  
• Alex Velasquez tripled and scored.
  
  
• Luis Martinez delivered a sacrifice fly.

But the big inning never came.

“We’re not panicking,” said manager Jimmy Aces afterward. “Salazar gave us everything. We just didn’t cash in.”

Salazar, notably, still earned Player of the Game honors — an achievement tinged with frustration.

GAME 2 — MAY 2
Cherubs 5, Prayers 3 (10 innings)

Costner, de Leon, and Finally Bau Take Down Sacramento

The second matchup echoed the first: a tight duel, extra innings, and another painful walk-off blow.

This time it was Tucson DH Pat Bau, who crushed a towering 2-run homer off Luis Prieto in the tenth — his only plate appearance of the night. It instantly erased eight innings of strong Sacramento baseball and handed Prieto his second loss.

Early on, Sacramento looked in control.

• Aaron Gilbert delivered one of his sharpest outings of the season: 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 4 K.
  
• Bret Perez stayed hot, picking up two more hits and stealing two bags, bringing him to 12 SB already.
  
• Frank Hernandez, Musco, and Mendoza chipped in doubles.

But Tucson hit three solo home runs — Costner, de Leon, and finally Bau — providing all the offense they needed.

Aces again tried to stay even-keeled:

“We didn’t go down without a fight,” he said. “But giving clubs extra chances in their own park… it’ll burn you.”

It did, twice.

BIG PICTURE: A STUMBLE, NOT A SPIRAL

Even after the sweep, Sacramento stands at 22–5, still owning the best mark in the American League and still the most complete team in baseball. But the Cherubs exposed what few had seen so far:

• a bullpen capable of wobbling,
  
• an offense that occasionally stalls without Murguia’s thunder,
  
• and the consequences of close-game variance that had mostly broken Sacramento’s way in April.

Two extra-inning losses don’t define a season, but they serve as a reminder:

Winning 20 games a month is rare. Sustaining it is nearly impossible.

The Prayers now return home — battered but hardly shaken — to face the Brooklyn Kings. If nothing else, Tucson proved Sacramento is human.
And sometimes, that’s all a contender needs to reset.