Sacramento Prayers - 1988 FLB Season

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Gemmy’s Monthly Report: Elite Arms Keep Prayers in First
By Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

The first month of the season is in the books, and the Sacramento Prayers sit atop the West Division with an 18-11 record. While the offense has been inconsistent, the pitching staff has been nothing short of historic.

The Good: A Masterclass on the Mound

Sacramento currently boasts the #1 Team ERA in the American League (2.62) and leads the league in strikeouts (184).

* Russ Gray (1.78 ERA) and Jordan Rubalcava (2.01 ERA) have anchored the rotation.
* The bullpen remains a fortress, led by Ricky Gaias (3 wins) and Luis Prieto, who has locked down 9 saves.

The Bad: Cold Bats in the Capital

Despite the winning record, the Prayers are ranked 11th in the AL in Batting Average (.223).

* Eli Murguia (.314 AVG) is the only starter hitting over .300.
* Edwin Musco and Luis Martinez are both in major slumps, with Musco hitting just .033 over his last 8 games.

The Training Room

The biggest hurdle for the next week remains the injury list.

* Bret Perez is expected back in one week from his "pizza parlor mishap."
* Eli Murguia is currently listed as day-to-day, which is a massive concern given he is the team's primary offensive engine.

*The Road Ahead: Showdown in Tucson

The Prayers head to Tucson for a three-game set against the second-place Cherubs, who trail by only half a game. This series will likely determine who holds the division lead heading into the second week of May.

FBL STANDINGS -- MAY 1, 1989:

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BNN SERIES RECAP — MAY 1–3, 1989
Desert Disaster: Prayers Surrender First Place in Tucson Heartbreaker
By Chad G. Petey and C.O.Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

TUCSON, AZ — The desert has a way of stripping games down to their essentials — heat, patience, and mistakes magnified under open sky. Over three nights in Tucson, the Sacramento Prayers found all three waiting for them. The "Clash for the Coast" turned into a nightmare in the desert for the Sacramento Prayers (19-13). After entering the series with a chance to bury the Tucson Cherubs, Sacramento instead watched their division lead evaporate, losing two out of three in increasingly painful fashion.

With the series loss, the Tucson Cherubs (19-12) have officially leaped over Sacramento to claim first place in the West. Prayers entered Tucson clinging to first place and desperate for stability after a turbulent end to April. They left with more questions than answers.

A brilliant complete game from Robby Larson opened the series on a high note — but the offense vanished again, and the bullpen cracked twice in extra innings, handing Tucson a 2–1 series win and pulling the Cherubs within a whisper of the division lead.

Sacramento now sits at 19–13, still in first place but clearly wobbling.

★ ★ ★

MONDAY, MAY 1 — PRAYERS 4, CHERUBS 1

Larson Goes the Distance; Ninth‑Inning Surge Seals It

Robby Larson delivered the kind of outing that defines an ace: 9 innings, 6 hits, 1 run, 7 strikeouts, no walks, total command. Sacramento rode his masterpiece to a 4–1 win.

Key moments:

- Sam Strauss opened the scoring with a first‑inning solo homer — his third of the year.
- The game stayed 1–1 into the ninth, when the Prayers erupted:
- Eli Murguia tripled
- Strauss doubled
- Hector Iniguez ripped a two‑run double

It was the kind of late‑inning execution Sacramento had been missing for weeks.

Larson improved to 3–2 with a sparkling 1.92 ERA, and the Prayers briefly pushed their record to 19–11.

★ ★ ★

TUESDAY, MAY 2 — CHERUBS 1, PRAYERS 0 (10 INNINGS)

Another Shutout Loss as Offense Hits Rock Bottom

The momentum died instantly on Tuesday. Sacramento’s offensive slump reached a new low: one hit in ten innings.

The game unfolded as a duel — two starters, Russ Gray and Mike Bradford, trading zeroes with stubborn resolve. Gray danced out of trouble repeatedly, bending around baserunners without breaking. Bradford was even sharper, allowing just one hit in eight innings. Sacramento never advanced a runner past first base.

Luis Prieto, already showing signs of fatigue from heavy April usage, took the loss after allowing a walk‑off single to Virgile Perfelti in the tenth. The Prayers’ lone hit came from Edwin Musco, who has been fighting to climb out of a prolonged slump.

It was Sacramento’s fourth shutout loss in nine days.

★ ★ ★

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3 — CHERUBS 8, PRAYERS 5 (11 INNINGS)

Rossi Torches Sacramento; Bullpen Collapses Again

This one will sting for a while. Wednesday’s finale was a collapse of epic proportions. Sacramento built leads of 1–0, 3–0, 4–1, and 5–2 — only to watch Tucson claw back, tie it in the ninth, and win it in the eleventh.

The story was J.D. Rossi, who delivered one of the most devastating performances against Sacramento all season:

- 3‑for‑5
- Two home runs
- Six RBI
- Game‑tying three‑run homer in the ninth
- Walk‑off three‑run homer in the eleventh

Sacramento’s bullpen — already stretched thin — cracked again:

- Prieto: blown save (his second), 2 runs allowed
- Gaias: three‑run walk‑off homer allowed, tagged with the loss

The offense showed life — 11 hits, including:

- Hector Iniguez: 3‑for‑4, two doubles
- Edwin Musco: triple + RBI
- Alex Vieyra: three hits, RBI
- Sam Strauss: RBI single

But 15 runners left on base told the story.

Sacramento falls to 19–13, and Tucson pulls within ½ game of first place.

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The Bullpen Is Breaking Down
Prieto and Gaias have now blown three saves in five days.
Both are officially “slightly tired” — and it shows.

2. The Offense Is Still Inconsistent
Across the three games:

- 10 total runs
- One hit in Game 2
- 15 runners stranded in Game 3
- Team AVG now down to .223 on the season

3. Larson and Gray Are Carrying the Staff
Larson’s complete game and Gray’s near‑shutout the night before show the rotation remains elite — but exhausted.

4. Murguia Continues to Produce
Even in a quiet series, he added:

- Triple
- RBI
- Now 20 RBI, leading the team

5. Sacramento’s Division Lead Is in No More
The West standings as of May 3:

1. Tucson — 19–12 (½ GB)
2. Sacramento — 19–13
3. San Jose — 15–14
4. Seattle — 14–15
5. Fort Worth — 14–15

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: A Crisis of Confidence?

This series was a gut punch. Not only did the Prayers lose the division lead, but the bullpen—previously the team's greatest strength—looked completely human. Luis Prieto has now blown two saves in his last three appearances.

Furthermore, Eli Murguia continues to deal with a day-to-day injury, being subbed out late in games for Logan Hicks. Without Murguia at 100% and with Bret Perez still a week away, the lineup is producing historically low hit totals.

The road doesn't get easier as the Prayers head to Washington to face the Devils.

★ ★ ★

UP NEXT

Sacramento heads to Washington for a three‑game set against the Devils, who boast one of the league’s toughest pitching staffs.

Projected matchups:

- Fri, May 5: Huitron (3–4, 3.59)
- Sat, May 6: O’Brien (3–1, 2.22)
- Sun, May 7: TBD

The Prayers need rest, runs, and relief help — in that order.

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BNN SERIES RECAP — MAY 5–7, 1989
PRAYERS CRUSH DEVILS, BUT LOSE MURGUIA FOR SIX MONTHS
By C.O.Pilot, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a bruising 3–6 stretch that nearly cost them the division lead, the Sacramento Prayers arrived in Washington needing answers. They left with three straight wins, two shutouts, three complete games, and the best pitching week of their season. The Sacramento Prayers (22-13) should be celebrating — they marched into Devils Pit and completed a dominant three-game sweep of the Washington Devils, outscoring them 20-2. Their rotation is currently the envy of the league, and they have reclaimed a firm grip on the West.

But the clubhouse in Sacramento is silent today. The cost of victory was higher than anyone expected. The Prayers improved to 22–13, still atop the AL West, but the cost was enormous.

The headline that matters most isn't the sweep; it’s the medical report. During Saturday’s game, star left fielder and team leader Eli Murguia went down while running the bases. Team trainer Julio Pratts confirmed the worst-case scenario: a torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Murguia, who was leading the team in AVG (.310) and RBI (21), will be out for approximately six months, effectively ending his 1989 campaign. With Gil Cruz still sidelined with a base-running injury in Game 1, the Sacramento dugout is starting to look like a field hospital.

★ ★ ★

FRIDAY, MAY 5 — PRAYERS 11, DEVILS 0

Rubalcava Throws a Four‑Hit Shutout; Offense Erupts for 16 Hits

Jordan Rubalcava delivered a masterpiece, blanking Washington on four hits in a crisp 97‑pitch shutout. It was his second straight complete‑game gem and lowered his ERA to 1.72, second‑best in the league.

The offense — dormant for much of late April — exploded:

- Edwin Musco: 3‑for‑4, HR, 3 RBI
- Alex Velasquez: 3‑for‑5, RBI double
- Hector Iniguez: 2‑for‑4, 2 RBI
- Andres Valadez: two doubles, RBI
- Eli Murguia: 2‑for‑4, RBI, SB

Sacramento scored in six straight innings (4th through 9th), their most sustained offensive pressure of the season.

Rubalcava was surgical: “He wasn’t leaving anything over the plate,” said manager Jimmy Aces.

The Prayers moved to 20–13, and for the first time in weeks, looked like themselves again.

★ ★ ★

SATURDAY, MAY 6 — PRAYERS 8, DEVILS 2

Larson Dominant Again; Musco and Valadez Power the Lineup

Robby Larson continued his ascent into the AL’s elite, throwing his third complete game of the season — a four‑hit, eight‑strikeout performance that pushed him to 4–2 with a 1.93 ERA.

Sacramento scored four in the sixth to break the game open and the bats stayed hot all night long:

- Francisco Hernandez opened the game with a solo homer
- Musco crushed his 7th HR, part of a 4‑hit day
- Valadez homered and doubled
- Luis Martinez tripled and doubled
- Strauss added a bases‑clearing double

★ ★ ★

SUNDAY, MAY 7 — PRAYERS 1, DEVILS 0 (7 INNINGS, RAIN)

Andretti Completes the Sweep with a Rain‑Shortened Shutout

Bernardo Andretti capped Sacramento’s best pitching weekend of the year with six shutout innings before rain ended the game early.

He allowed five hits, walked two, and induced 17 balls in play without a single extra‑base hit.

The lone run came in the third:

- Matt Glover, making a rare start, lined a two‑out RBI single — his first RBI of the season.

Sacramento managed eight hits but stranded runners in every inning. Still, Andretti’s efficiency and the weather combined to secure the sweep.

Washington manager Izzy Castro summed it up: “There were a lot of frustrated guys walking back to the dugout.”

Sacramento improved to 22–13, winners of four of their last five.

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The Rotation Is Carrying the Franchise
In Washington:

- Rubalcava: 9 IP, 0 ER
- Larson: 9 IP, 2 ER
- Andretti: 6 IP, 0 ER

Combined: 24 IP, 2 ER (0.75 ERA)

Sacramento now leads the AL in:

- ERA (2.62)
- Starters’ ERA (2.43)
- Strikeouts (184)

2. Musco Is Heating Up
After a brutal slump, Musco erupted:

- 7‑for‑12
- 2 HR
- 5 RBI
- Raised AVG from .226 to .272

3. Valadez Finally Showing Signs of Life
Two doubles Friday, a homer Saturday, multi‑hit games in back‑to‑back starts.

4. The Murguia Injury Changes Everything
Murguia was:

- Team leader in AVG (.310)
- Team leader in RBI (21)
- One of only two consistent hitters
- A top‑five WAR player on the roster

Replacing him will require creativity — and patience.

5. Sacramento Regains Momentum
After going 3–7 in their previous 10, the Prayers have now won four straight and look stabilized… at least on the mound.

★ ★ ★

UP NEXT

Sacramento departs now to Philadelphia to face the Padres (15-18). Road trip continues and the question now is this: Who Steps Up Now?

We just witnessed the most dominant series of the year, but it feels like a funeral. Eli Murguia wasn't just a stat-sheet stuffer; he was the heartbeat of this offense.

The weight now falls squarely on Edwin Musco. He hit two massive home runs this weekend, looking like the All-Star we know he can be. He’ll need to carry that momentum forward because the "small ball" approach just lost its best weapon.

The one piece of good news? Bret Perez is expected to return to the lineup this week. He couldn't be coming back at a more critical time.

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BNN SERIES RECAP — MAY 8–10, 1989
Welcome Back, Bret: Prayers Take Two of Three in Philly
By Chad G. Petey and C.O.Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

PHILADELPHIA — Fresh off a dominant sweep in Washington, the Sacramento Prayers rolled into Philadelphia riding momentum, elite pitching, and the emotional weight of losing Eli Murguia for the season. The result was a 2–1 series win, powered once again by the rotation — but shadowed by an offense that continues to sputter without its star left fielder. While the sting of losing their star left fielder still lingers, the Sacramento Prayers (24-14) found a reason to smile again. That reason? The return of Bret Perez.

Fresh off the injured list, Perez wasted no time proving why he’s the engine of this offense, leading Sacramento to a gritty series win over the Padres. After missing a week with a bruised tailbone, Bret Perez returned to the lineup on Tuesday and looked like he hadn't missed a beat. He went 4-for-9 over the final two games, including a bases-clearing triple that broke Game 2 open. His presence at third base provides a much-needed stabilizer for a lineup currently mourning the loss of Murguia’s .310 average.

★ ★ ★

MONDAY, MAY 8 — PADRES 7, PRAYERS 3

Salazar Stumbles; Sacramento’s Early Lead Evaporates

The opening night set an uneasy tone early.

Fernando Salazar was tagged immediately, surrendering a leadoff homer to Nate Mudrow, and the Padres never allowed the game to settle after that. Sacramento answered briefly — Hector Iniguez launched a solo shot in the third, and the Prayers nudged ahead 3–1 — but the middle innings unraveled quickly.

Philadelphia flipped the game in the fourth. Rafael Alonzo’s two-run homer swung the score and the energy of the ballpark, and from there the Padres kept applying pressure. Tony Navarro, relentless all night, went 3-for-3 and seemed to materialize in every critical moment — a double here, a single there, a sacrifice fly when needed.

Salazar battled through six innings, but the damage was done. It wasn’t a collapse. It was a slow loss of command — of count, contact, and rhythm. By the final out, Sacramento was reminded that even good clubs can drift if they let innings linger. The bullpen didn’t help — Gil Caliari allowed two more runs, and the Padres cruised to a 7–3 win.

Sacramento fell to 22–14, and the loss underscored how much Murguia’s absence reshapes the lineup.

★ ★ ★

TUESDAY, MAY 9 — PRAYERS 6, PADRES 1

Gray Dominant; Perez Returns With a Statement

Tuesday belonged to Russ Gray. He delivered another ace‑level outing, tossing eight innings of four‑hit, one‑run ball to improve to 3–1 with a 1.33 ERA — the best mark in the rotation. After Monday’s frustration, Sacramento played with purpose — striking fast and refusing to give the Padres oxygen. Three runs in the first inning quieted the crowd, and when Philadelphia pushed across a run in the third, the Prayers answered immediately.

The defining moment came in the fourth. With two outs and two aboard, Bret Perez ripped a triple into the gap, clearing the bases and the tension with one swing. The dugout erupted. The game tilted decisively.

From there, Gray took over completely. He worked downhill, induced ground balls, and erased traffic without flourish. Philadelphia never mounted a real threat. The game slowed to Gray’s tempo — a luxury Sacramento gladly accepted after the opener.

“It felt like we were playing our game again,” Gray said afterward. They were — crisp, direct, and unsentimental.

The offense finally showed signs of life:

- Bret Perez, freshly activated from the IL after his infamous pizza‑parlor tailbone mishap, ripped a two‑run triple and added a single.
- Francisco Hernandez went 2‑for‑4 with an RBI.
- Alex Velasquez doubled home a run.
- Luis Martinez tripled and doubled, continuing a quiet but steady rebound.

Sacramento scored three in the first and three more in the fourth, then let Gray and Prieto slam the door.

It was the Prayers’ most complete win since Murguia’s injury.

★ ★ ★

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10 — PRAYERS 2, PADRES 1

Rubalcava Shines Again; Velasquez Delivers the Go‑Ahead Sac Fly

The finale was tense, quiet, and unforgiving.

For six innings, neither side broke through. Jordan Rubalcava continued his torrid stretch, navigating traffic without panic and firing eight innings of seven‑hit, one‑run ball to lower his ERA to 1.66, second‑best in the American League, while Philadelphia starter Mike Harris matched him pitch for pitch. Balls were put in play, chances surfaced — and died.

Philadelphia finally struck in the seventh, nudging ahead 1–0, and for a moment the Padres sensed a chance to steal the series. Sacramento answered the way disciplined teams do — without drama.

The offense was minimal but timely: in the eighth, Alex Velasquez lifted a sacrifice fly to tie the game. Moments later, Luis Martinez delivered a two-out RBI single that flipped the score. No celebration. No rush. Just execution.

Luis Prieto, still regaining form after a rough stretch, worked a tense ninth locking down his 10th save as Philadelphia stranded runners and frustrations alike. The final out settled into a waiting glove — and with it, the series.

Sacramento improved to 24–14, taking the series and stabilizing after a rocky start to May.

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The Rotation Is Carrying the Team

If you're a Padres hitter, you're probably glad the Prayers are leaving town. Sacramento’s "Twin Towers" of the rotation were virtually untouchable:

* Russ Gray (Game 2): 8.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER. Gray’s ERA now sits at a microscopic 1.33.
* Jordan Rubalcava (Game 3): 8.0 IP, 7 H, 1 ER. He lowered his ERA to 1.66.

When your two primary starters are sporting ERAs under 1.70 in mid-May, you’re going to win a lot of series—even when the bats are cold. Sacramento’s starters remain the best in the AL by a wide margin.

2. The Offense Is Surviving Without Murguia — Barely
In Philadelphia:

- 11 runs total
- Only one home run (Iniguez)
- Multiple innings with runners stranded
- Heavy reliance on Perez, Martinez, and Velasquez

The lineup is patchwork, and it shows.

3. Bret Perez’s Return Is Huge
After missing three weeks:

- 4‑for‑10 in the series
- 2‑run triple
- Stolen base
- Solid defense at third

His presence stabilizes the infield and lengthens the lineup.

4. Velasquez Is Becoming the New Clutch Bat
A sac fly to win Game 3
A double in Game 2
Quietly up to 17 RBI

5. Sacramento Leaves the Road Trip 5–1
A remarkable turnaround after the Murguia injury.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: Survival Mode is Working

The Prayers are playing "Sacramento Baseball" to perfection right now: elite starting pitching, a lockdown closer, and just enough offense to squeak by. While Luis Prieto made things interesting in the 9th on Wednesday (allowing two hits), he secured his 10th save, keeping Sacramento firmly atop the West.

One concern: the defense. Bret Perez committed two errors on Wednesday. We'll chalk that up to "tailbone rust," but against better teams, those mistakes will prove costly. For now, the Prayers are 10 games over .500 and heading home.

★ ★ ★

UP NEXT

The Prayers return home to host the El Paso Abbots for a three‑game set.

Projected rotation:

- Salazar
- Andretti
- Gray

The pitching is elite. The lineup is patchwork. The division lead is still razor‑thin.

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BNN SERIES RECAP — MAY 12–14, 1989
PRAYERS TAKE SERIES FROM EL PASO, IMPROVE TO 26–15 — BUT OFFENSE REMAINS THIN
By Chad G. Petey and C.O.Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO, CA — The El Paso Abbots arrived at Sacramento Stadium without fanfare, under .500 and far from the division conversation. They left having forced the Prayers into three tightly wound, low-scoring games — the kind that reveal temperament more than talent. The Sacramento Prayers returned home after a successful road trip and they continued to find ways to win, even as the trainer’s room fills up. After a quiet start to the weekend, the Prayers rallied for a dramatic extra-inning victory on Saturday and a shut-out gem on Sunday to take two out of three from the El Paso Abbots and riding their rotation once again while the offense continued to grind through life without Eli Murguia. Sacramento now sits at 26–15, 2½ games up in the AL West, with the pitching staff performing at a historic level.

But the bats remain inconsistent, and the lineup continues to shuffle as injuries pile up.

★ ★ ★

FRIDAY, MAY 12 — ABBOTS 2, PRAYERS 1

Rodriguez Outduels Larson; Sacramento Strands Opportunities

In a rain-soaked Friday night affair, Robby Larson pitched well enough to win — 7.2 innings, 6 hits, 2 runs, 4 strikeouts — but fell victim to a stagnant offense. Sacramento’s offense never found traction against El Paso starter Edgar Rodriguez, who worked deep into counts, scattered only five hits across 7⅔ innings, and refused to give Sacramento anything clean.

Sacramento’s lone run came in the fourth: Hector Iniguez lifted a sacrifice fly to tie the game 1–1. But El Paso answered immediately with a solo homer by Jared Pehrson who cracked the scoreless tie in the fourth, and in the fifth, Heath Mills lifted a sacrifice fly that proved decisive. That was it. No rallies. No eruptions. Just enough. Sacramento never recovered.

Key issues:

- Only five hits
- Seven runners left on base
- 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position
- Francisco Hernandez struck out three times
- The bottom of the order went 1-for-10

Larson fell to 4–3, despite a 1.98 ERA.

★ ★ ★

SATURDAY, MAY 13 — PRAYERS 4, ABBOTS 3 (11 INNINGS)

Perez Walks It Off; Iniguez Homers; Gaias Shines in Relief

Saturday provided the highlight of the season so far and really tested Sacramento’s nerve. This one had everything: a tight duel, a late comeback, extra innings, and a walk‑off moment for a player who has quickly become indispensable.

Sacramento trailed 3–1 entering the eighth, but:

- Hector Iniguez crushed a two‑run homer — his third of the year — to tie the game.
- Fernando Salazar delivered 8 strong innings (3 ER, 4 K), keeping the Prayers within striking distance.
- Ricky Gaias threw two scoreless innings, earning the win.

In the 11th, with two outs and a runner aboard, Bret Perez — proving he is fully back from his tailbone injury — ripped a double into the gap off Jeff Woliver, sending Sacramento Stadium into a frenzy.

Perez’s resurgence since returning from the IL has been one of the club’s most important developments.

Sacramento improved to 25–15, and the dugout felt alive again.

★ ★ ★

SUNDAY, MAY 14 — PRAYERS 2, ABBOTS 0

Andretti’s Mother’s Day Masterpiece; Martinez and Velasquez Deliver Late

Sunday was the quietest game of the series — and perhaps the most revealing. Bernardo Andretti was in complete command. He mixed speeds, lived on the edges, and allowed nothing free. El Paso put runners on, but never in rhythm. Seven-plus innings passed with the Abbots searching for something to lean on — and finding nothing.

The offense took time to arrive, but in the seventh:

- Luis Martinez lined a clutch RBI single to break the scoreless tie.
- In the eighth, Alex Velasquez added a two‑out RBI to give Sacramento breathing room.

Andretti handed the ball to Ricky Gaias, who finished the job without incident, sealing a shutout that felt inevitable by the final frames. Gaias earned his first save of the season with 1.2 innings of steady relief.

Sacramento improved to 26–15, winning the series and stabilizing atop the division.

★ ★ ★

The Medical Report: "Mongoose" Down

While the Prayers celebrated the series win, they held their breath as Gil "Mongoose" Cruz left Sunday's game. Team trainers have diagnosed him with a mild oblique strain. He is listed as day-to-day and is expected to miss about one week. With Murguia out for the year, the Prayers can ill afford to lose another versatile bat like Cruz for long.

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The Rotation Remains Untouchable
Across the three games:

- Larson: 7.2 IP, 2 ER
- Salazar: 8 IP, 3 ER
- Andretti: 7.1 IP, 0 ER

Combined: 23 IP, 5 ER (1.96 ERA)

This staff is carrying the franchise.

2. The Offense Is Still Searching
In the series:

- Only 7 runs in three games
- No multi‑run innings until the extra‑inning rally Saturday
- Heavy reliance on Iniguez, Perez, and Velasquez
- Hernandez and Musco remain inconsistent
- Liston and Hicks continue to struggle in expanded roles

3. Bret Perez Is Becoming the New Heartbeat
Since returning from the IL:

- Walk‑off double
- Multi‑hit games
- Steady defense
- 10 stolen bases on the season

He’s filling part of the void left by Murguia.

4. Gaias Is Rebounding
After a rough stretch in late April:

- 3.2 scoreless innings in the series
- First save of the season
- ERA down to 2.75

5. Sacramento Extends Division Lead
AL West standings after May 14:

1. Sacramento — 26–15
2. Tucson — 23–17 (2.5 GB)
3. San Jose — 20–19
4. Seattle — 19–20
5. Fort Worth — 18–21

The Prayers are back in control — for now.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: Pitching Wins Championships

The story of the 1989 Sacramento Prayers remains the starting rotation. When your "worst" starter (Andretti) is sporting a 3.02 ERA and your top two are under 1.70, you are never out of a game.

Bret Perez looks like the MVP of this roster right now. His walk-off double was a statement: the offense still has teeth, even without Murguia. However, the team is hitting only .203 as a unit over the last week. They are leaning heavily on the arms — let's hope the rotation can keep up this historic pace.

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BNN SERIES RECAP — MAY 15–17, 1989
PRAYERS SWEEP SAN JOSE WITH POWER, PATIENCE, AND TIMELY HITS — CLIMB TO 29–15
By Chad G. Petey and C.O.Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO, CA — The Sacramento Prayers (29-15) didn't just beat the San Jose Demons this week; they exorcised them. Prayers entered their three‑game set against the San Jose Demons riding momentum, confidence, and the best pitching staff in the American League. With the sweep at Sacramento Stadium, the Prayers showcased every way they can win: an offensive explosion, a late-inning nail-biter, and a come-from-behind slugfest. They will head to Baltimore with season-high 7 games over .500, a division lead stretched to 3½ games, and a clubhouse buzzing about the emergence of Bret Perez as a legitimate middle‑order force.

But the sweep came with a gut‑punch and the celebratory mood in the clubhouse is tempered by a dark cloud hanging over the training room: Jordan Rubalcava, the team’s co‑ace and owner of a 1.76 ERA, left Monday’s game with an injury. The severity is not yet known, but the concern is real.

★ ★ ★

Seventh-Inning Deluge Turns Tense Duel into Statement

For six innings, Monday night felt like another chapter in Sacramento’s recent script: tight margins, quiet bats, and the burden resting squarely on the right arm of Jordan Rubalcava.

Rubalcava was crisp and efficient, retiring hitters with a mix of late movement and fearless command. Outside of a solo homer by Rafael Lewis in the fourth, San Jose struggled to string together anything meaningful. Rubalcava exited after six strong innings — 3 hits, 2 runs, 5 strikeouts — lowering his ERA to 1.76 but leaving with an ominous cloud hovering: the ace departed later diagnosed with an injury sustained mid-outing, a development that would loom large in the days ahead. All eyes are on the medical staff's report on Rubalcava. Losing the "Venerable Venezuelan" would be the biggest blow yet to this roster.

The game remained knotted and uneasy until the bottom of the seventh. Then everything broke loose.

What began with a patient walk from Logan Hicks snowballed into a relentless parade of baserunners. Sacramento sent 13 men to the plate, scored eight runs, and exposed a San Jose bullpen that never recovered from Craig Rentas’ inability to find the zone.

Key blows rained in from everywhere:

* Bret Perez continued his torrid stretch with three hits and an RBI
* Edwin Musco and Alex Velasquez delivered two-out RBIs
* Francisco Hernandez added speed and pressure on the bases
* Hicks’ RBI walk embodied the inning’s theme: patience punished

By the time the dust settled, a close game had become a rout.

“Every manager loves to see an offensive outburst,” Jimmy Aces said afterward, “especially when it comes the right way.” It came the right way — disciplined, relentless, and overwhelming.

★ ★ ★

TUESDAY, MAY 16 — PRAYERS 2, DEMONS 1

Strauss Walks It Off After Pitchers’ Chess Match

This was Sacramento baseball in its purest 1989 form: elite pitching, thin offense, late drama.

San Jose starter Luo-lang Liu was brilliant, carving through the Sacramento lineup with poise and efficiency. For eight innings, he allowed just five hits, frustrating a Prayers offense still trying to find consistency. Across the diamond, Russ Gray matched him pitch for pitch delivering another signature gem — 6.1 innings, 6 hits, 1 run, 3 strikeouts — lowering his ERA to 1.34, the best among AL starters.

San Jose struck first with a sacrifice fly, and for much of the night it felt like that might be enough. The Prayers trailed 1–0 until the seventh, when Hector Iniguez turned on a fastball and sent it into the night for his fourth home run of the season — a solo shot that finally cracked Liu’s rhythm.

The game was deadlocked 1-1 in the 9th when Sam Strauss stepped in with with the bases loaded and lifted a deep sacrifice fly to right, scoring Francisco Hernandez and sending Sacramento Stadium into a roar.

Luis Prieto earned the win with a clean ninth, improving to 2–3.

Sacramento climbed to 28–15, and the team’s resilience — even without Murguia, even without Rubalcava — was on full display.

★ ★ ★

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17 — PRAYERS 9, DEMONS 5

The Bret Perez Power Hour

Wednesday night belonged to Bret Perez.

San Jose struck early, tagging Robby Larson for five runs through the middle innings, including a two-run homer and a gap-splitting double that briefly flipped the game on its head. Errors crept in. Tension followed.

Then Perez seized control.

In the second inning, he delivered the first blow — a three-run homer that electrified the ballpark and hinted at what was coming. Later, with the Prayers trailing again in the sixth and the bases loaded, catcher Alex Vieyra punched a two-run single through the infield to swing momentum back.

From there, Perez finished the job. By night’s end, his line told the story:

* 3-for-4
* 5 RBIs
* Home run, two singles, walk
* 11 RBIs on the season

Sacramento piled on insurance runs, the bullpen slammed the door, and the Demons were left staring at another night where opportunity slipped away.

“We had some nice at-bats at the right time,” Aces said. “That’s what winning baseball looks like.”

★ ★ ★

THE MEDICAL REPORT: RUBALCAVA OUT — FOR HOW LONG?

The biggest story of the series wasn’t a hit, a homer, or a walk‑off. It was Jordan Rubalcava walking off the mound on Monday. Team officials have not released details, but sources inside the clubhouse describe the injury as “concerning.” Rubalcava has been the Prayers’ most consistent starter: 4–2, 1.76 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 38 K in 66.2 IP. Losing him for any length of time would fundamentally reshape the rotation — and the season.

Gil "Mongoose" Cruz (INF): is still day-to-day with the oblique strain. He made a pinch-hitting appearance on Monday but remains limited.

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. Bret Perez Is Becoming a Star
Since returning from the IL:

- .333 average
- 11 stolen bases
- Walk‑off double vs. El Paso
- Five‑RBI game vs. San Jose
- Stabilizing the infield and the lineup

He is the heartbeat of the offense.

2. The Rotation Is Still Elite — But Now Vulnerable
Gray, Larson, Salazar, Andretti… all performing.

But without Rubalcava?

The margin shrinks dramatically.

3. The Offense Is Showing Signs of Life
In the San Jose series:

- 21 runs in three games
- Multi‑hit games from Perez, Iniguez, Hernandez, Strauss
- Musco’s power returning

This is the best the lineup has looked since Murguia went down.

4. The Bullpen Is Settling In
Wright, Prieto, and Gaias combined for 7 scoreless innings in the series.

5. Sacramento Extends Its Division Lead
AL West standings after May 17:

1. Sacramento — 29–15 (.659)
2. Tucson — 25–18 (3.5 GB)
3. Fort Worth — 24–21 (5.5 GB)
4. Seattle — 23–22 (6.5 GB)
5. San Jose — 21–23 (8.0 GB)
6. El Paso — 18–25 (10.5 GB)

The Prayers are in command — but the Rubalcava injury looms large.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: The Perez Era Has Begun

The Prayers needed a new offensive identity after Murguia’s injury. They’ve found it in Bret Perez.
Before the tailbone injury, Bret Perez was a "good" player. Since coming back? He’s a superstar. Driving in 5 runs in a single game is exactly what this team needed to offset the loss of Eli Murguia: he’s hitting, running, defending, and leading. He’s the spark this team desperately needed.

But let’s be real: we are holding our collective breath for Jordan Rubalcava. This team is built on the backs of four elite starters. If Rubalcava is down for an extended period, the pressure on Russ Gray and Robby Larson becomes immense. The Prayers are flying high at 29-15, but the wings are starting to feel the strain. Sacramento’s rotation has been the best in baseball — and the workload has been enormous. If Rubalcava misses significant time, the Prayers will need to reinvent themselves again.

For now, though?

They’re 29–15, they’re rolling, and they’re still the class of the AL West.

[liberty-ca]

BNN SERIES RECAP — MAY 19–21, 1989
PRAYERS SWEEP BALTIMORE, IMPROVE TO 32–15 — AND THE ROTATION JUST KEEPS DEALING
By Chad G. Petey and C.O.Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

BALTIMORE, MD — The Sacramento Prayers rolled into Sinners Grounds with momentum, swagger, and a rotation that has become the envy of the American League. It was a business-like trip for the AL West leaders, who relied on a mix of veteran pitching, small-ball execution, and a career-best performance from backup catcher Jose Rubbi. Prayers continue to defy the odds and the injury report, sweeping the Baltimore Satans this weekend.

While the rest of the division stumbles, Sacramento is sprinting, now sitting a comfortable 6.5 games ahead of the second-place Tucson Cherubs.

The offense was uneven, the defense occasionally shaky, and the lineup still feels the absence of Eli Murguia — but none of it mattered. Sacramento’s pitching staff once again turned a road series into a clinic.

And on Sunday, Bernardo Andretti delivered one of the finest performances of his career.

★ ★ ★

FRIDAY, MAY 19 — PRAYERS 2, SATANS 1

Salazar Sets the Tone in a One-Run Chess Match; Cardenas Delivers in the Clutch

This was the kind of game Sacramento has made a habit of winning in 1989: tight, tense, and decided by a single swing. The series opened with tension from the first pitch. Sacramento struck immediately in the top of the first, but Baltimore answered right back, and for the next six innings the game hardened into a test of patience and execution. Hits were scarce. Opportunities rarer. That played directly into the hands of Fernando Salazar. In a game defined by "bend-but-don't-break" pitching, Fernando Salazar was the master of escape. Working with crisp command and fearless efficiency, Salazar never allowed Baltimore a single breathe of fresh air. He pitched ahead, forced contact early, and calmly navigated traffic when it appeared.

Fernando Salazar was simply brilliant again:

- 7.2 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
- 105 pitches, 74 strikes
- ERA down to 2.77

The offense was minimal but timely: Bret Perez opened the game with a single and scored on a Velasquez groundout. The game was tied 1-1 until the 8th inning. After Gil "Mongoose" Cruz — returning to action as a pinch-hitter — drew a walk and moved up, Roberto Cardenas lofted a sacrifice fly to center to provide the winning margin.

“I just tried to make good contact,” Cardenas said afterward, understating the moment.

Luis Prieto shut the door for his 11th save, though he had to navigate a walk in the 9th to do it, and Sacramento walked off the field with a narrow but important opening win, improving to 30–15.

★ ★ ★

SATURDAY, MAY 20 — PRAYERS 6, SATANS 5

Rubbi’s Four‑Hit Night Steals the Show

The start was a bit of a rollercoaster for Jordan Rubalcava. Making his first start since the injury scare against San Jose, he looked sharp early (8 Ks) but was tagged for 5 runs (3 ER) over 6 innings. With the offense needing a spark, catcher Jose Rubbi provided a forest fire. Rubbi went a perfect 4-for-4, finishing a triple shy of the cycle, delivering the best offensive performance of his young career:

- 4‑for‑4
- Home run, double, two singles
- Three runs scored
- Go‑ahead homer in the eighth

Rubbi’s eighth‑inning blast off Juan Osorio — a full‑count fastball crushed to center — broke a 5–5 tie and ultimately won the game.

Other key contributions:

- Velasquez: 3 hits, RBI
- Hicks: RBI sac fly
- Strauss: RBI single
- Iniguez: 2 hits

“Honestly, I’m not frustrated,” Baltimore manager Jesus Garcia said later. “The effort was great.” Sacramento’s bullpen made sure the effort wasn’t rewarded.

Fortunately, the "Mop-up King" Matt Wright (4-0) and the steady Ricky Gaias navigated the final three innings, absorbing pressure, stranding runners, and preserving the one-run edge, they kept the Satans at bay until Prieto could secure his second save in as many nights.

It was a game Sacramento might have lost earlier in the season. They didn’t. Sacramento moved to 31–15, and Rubbi’s emergence added a new wrinkle to the lineup puzzle.

★ ★ ★

SUNDAY, MAY 21 — PRAYERS 2, SATANS 0

A Complete‑Game Shutout: Andretti Silences Baltimore to Seal the Sweep

On Mother’s Day last week, Andretti was excellent. On Sunday in Baltimore, he was untouchable. He didn't just beat Baltimore; he dismantled them. Andretti delivered one of his most composed outings of the season, going the distance on just 95 pitches, striking out six, walking none, and never allowing Baltimore to seriously threaten.

Baltimore never mounted a serious threat. Yes — The Satans managed seven hits, but they all came scattered and harmless. Andretti induced ground balls, finished at-bats quickly, and never let the game drift. He controlled every inning, every count, every tempo. It was the most efficient start of his season.

“We barely made him work at all,” Garcia admitted. “Sacramento could probably pitch him again tomorrow if they wanted.”

Sacramento supplied just enough offense. The offense provided the support via the long ball:

* Edwin Musco crushed his 8th of the year in the 1st.
* Alex Velasquez added insurance with a solo shot in the 9th.

That was all Andretti needed. The final out settled into Vieyra’s glove, Sacramento had completed a clean, convincing road sweep and improved to 32–15, the second‑best record in baseball.

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The Rotation Is Carrying the Franchise
In Baltimore:

- Salazar: 7.2 IP, 1 ER
- Rubalcava: 6 IP, 3 ER (8 K)
- Andretti: 9 IP, 0 ER

Combined: 22.2 IP, 4 ER (1.59 ERA)

Even without Rubalcava at full strength, this staff is terrifying.

2. Jose Rubbi Is Forcing the Issue
Rubbi’s 4‑for‑4 explosion raises a real question:

Is he now the starting catcher?

Vieyra’s defense is steady, but Rubbi’s bat is becoming impossible to ignore.

3. Bret Perez Stays Hot
Even in a quieter series:

- 4 hits
- Steady defense
- Another stolen base
- Continues to set the tone at third base

He’s the most important position player on the roster right now.

4. The Bullpen Is Settling Into Roles
Prieto: 2 saves
Gaias: scoreless inning
Wright: 1 win

The pen is no longer a liability — it’s stabilizing.

5. Sacramento’s Division Lead Is Growing
AL West after May 21:

1. Sacramento — 32–15 (.681)
2. Tucson — 25–21 (6.5 GB)
3. Fort Worth — 24–24 (8.5 GB)
4. Seattle — 24–24 (8.5 GB)
5. San Jose — 23–24 (9.0 GB)
6. El Paso — 19–27 (12.5 GB)

This is the largest lead Sacramento has held all season.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: Andretti Just Changed the Conversation

We’ve spent six weeks talking about Rubalcava, Gray, Larson, and Salazar. But after Sunday? Bernardo Andretti belongs in that conversation. Andretti throwing a 9-inning shutout on only 95 pitches is the most "1989 Prayers" stat I’ve seen all year. This team doesn't overpower you; they out-efficient you.

The most encouraging sign this weekend wasn't the pitching, though — it was Jose Rubbi. Having a backup catcher go 4-for-4 with a game-winning homer is the kind of depth championship teams are made of. And let's not overlook Bret Perez, who hit .275 over the series and continues to look like the best lead-off man in the West.

★ ★ ★

NEXT UP: SALT LAKE CITY COMES TO TOWN

The Prayers return home to face the Salt Lake City Prophets, a last‑place team with a dangerous lineup and nothing to lose. While the Prophets are struggling (19-28), Sacramento needs to maintain focus before a grueling road trip to Fort Worth and Seattle — two teams desperate to gain ground in the AL West.

The season is entering its grind phase. Sacramento is entering it with momentum, confidence, and the best pitching staff in baseball. The calendar keeps moving. So do the Prayers.

[liberty-ca]

BNN SERIES RECAP — MAY 22–24, 1989
HEAVENLY STREAK: PRAYERS SWEEP PROPHETS, REACH 11 STRAIGHT WINS
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN)
with Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO, CA — The Sacramento Prayers are no longer “hot.” They are no longer “rolling.” They are no longer “finding ways to win.”

They are steamrolling the American League.

With a three‑game sweep of the Salt Lake City Prophets, club desperate for traction, Sacramento extended its winning streak to 12 games, improved to 35–15, and pushed its AL West lead to 8½ games. While the offense has been timely, the story remains a historic run by the starting rotation, which allowed only six runs across the entire three-game set. The rotation continues to pitch like a staff possessed, the bullpen is locking down every late inning, and the offense — while still inconsistent — is producing just enough timely hits to keep the streak alive.

This sweep was not glamorous. It was not loud. It was not easy. But it was the kind of baseball that wins divisions.

★ ★ ★

MONDAY, MAY 22 — PRAYERS 4, PROPHETS 3
The "Mongoose" Bites: Cruz Delivers Walk-Off Magic

Robby Larson didn’t have his sharpest command, but he battled through 8 innings, allowing 3 runs and keeping Sacramento in the game long enough for the late‑inning magic to return. Sacramento spent most of the night edging forward, only to see Salt Lake City pull them back into reach.

The Prayers led 3–1 early, then watched Salt Lake City chip away with runs in the 6th, 7th, and 8th. But in the ninth, after Lorenzo Martinez led off with a triple, with the game tied 3–3, manager Jimmy Aces called upon Gil "Mongoose" Cruz to pinch-hit. Still recovering from a recent oblique strain, Cruz looked 100% healthy as he lined a single to center, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and securing Sacramento’s 9th consecutive victory.

It wasn’t dramatic in the highlight-reel sense. It was perfectly Sacramento. “Everyone was in sync,” Cruz said. “You could feel it.”

Luis Prieto cleaned up the ninth for the win, and the Prayers walked off knowing the streak was alive — but fragile. Cruz’s hit was a reminder: even banged up, he’s one of the most dangerous situational hitters on the roster.

Key notes:
- Larson: 8 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 5 K
- Cruz: pinch‑hit walk‑off single
- Martinez tripled; Hernandez drove in a run
- Sacramento wins ninth straight

★ ★ ★

TUESDAY, MAY 23 — PRAYERS 6, PROPHETS 3
Valadez Slay the Giant; Gray Stays Golden

Tuesday featured a heavyweight matchup: Sacramento’s rising star Russ Gray against 1983 Cy Young winner Forrest Marrs. The youngster won this round handily. This was also the night Andres Valadez reminded everyone why the Prayers have been so patient with him.

After Salt Lake City hung around early, the decisive blow came in the fourth inning, with two men on and two outs, Valadez unloaded on a Forrest Marrs fastball, sending a towering three‑run homer over the wall into the left‑field seats that put Sacramento up 5-0. It was the biggest swing of the series and the kind of moment Sacramento has been waiting for from the young infielder.

Russ Gray handled the rest with calm efficiency and continued his quiet march toward an All‑Star berth:

- 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
- ERA now 1.67

Ricky Gaias earned a two-inning save, effectively neutralizing any hope of a Prophets comeback.

Jimmy Aces was blunt afterward. “That’s how you respond,” he said. “You take the opening and you don’t give it back.”

The streak reached 10, and the standings gap grew wider.

Key notes:
- Valadez: 3‑run HR, his 3rd of the year
- Hernandez: 2 hits, RBI
- Musco doubled again
- Sacramento wins 10th straight

★ ★ ★

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 — PRAYERS 1, PROPHETS 0
Salazar Dominates; Hernandez Provides the Only Run

If you like "old school" baseball, Wednesday was a dream. In a tense, 1-0 pitcher's duel, Fernando Salazar was untouchable. This was vintage Fernando Salazar — the version Sacramento dreamed of when they acquired him. He was ruthless, efficient, and unbothered by Salt Lake City’s attempts to disrupt his rhythm. He struck out eight over 6.2 innings of scoreless work, surrendering only three hits.

6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 8 K, 2 BB
ERA now 2.55

The only run of the game came in the third inning, when Francisco Hernandez lifted a sacrifice fly to score Bret Perez. That was enough. “Our pitching was the difference tonight,” Hernandez said — a statement that could apply to the entire series.

The bullpen — Wright and Prieto — slammed the door without a hint of drama.

Key notes:
- Hernandez: sac fly for the game’s only RBI
- Perez doubled again
- Prieto earns save #13
- Sacramento wins 12th straight, improves to 35–15

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The Rotation Is Now Terrifying
Across the three games:

- Larson: 8 IP, 3 ER
- Gray: 7 IP, 3 ER
- Salazar: 6.2 IP, 0 ER

Combined: 21.2 IP, 6 ER (2.49 ERA)

And that’s without Rubalcava or Andretti even pitching in the series.

This is the best rotation in baseball.

2. The Offense Is Still Uneven — But Timely
The Prayers scored:

- 4 runs
- 6 runs
- 1 run

They are not overpowering teams. They are out‑executing them.

Valadez’s homer was huge. Cruz’s walk‑off was huge. Hernandez’s sac fly was huge. But the lineup still feels like it’s missing a middle‑order anchor.

3. Bret Perez Is the Engine
Since returning from the IL:

- Hitting over .300
- Extra‑base hits in bunches
- 11 stolen bases
- Steady defense
- Emotional spark plug

He’s becoming the heartbeat of the team.

4. Prieto Is Back in Form
Three appearances in the series:
- 3 IP, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
- Saves #12 and #13
- Win #3

After a shaky April, he looks like the closer Sacramento expected.

5. The Prayers Are Pulling Away
AL West after May 24:

1. Sacramento — 35–15
2. Tucson — 26–23 (8.5 GB)
3. Fort Worth — 25–26
4. Seattle — 25–26
5. San Jose — 24–26
6. El Paso — 20–29

This is no longer a tight race. Sacramento is building a cushion.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: 11 Straight and No Sign of Slowing

I’ve covered a lot of Sacramento baseball, but I’ve never seen a rotation this locked in. When you can win a game 1-0 on a sacrifice fly, you know your pitchers are doing something special. Fernando Salazar (5-1, 2.55 ERA) is no longer just a "solid" starter; he’s looking like an All-Star.

And how about Gil Cruz? Coming off the bench to hit a walk-off single while nursing an injury is exactly the kind of "team first" mentality Jimmy Aces has instilled in this clubhouse. The Prayers are now heading into a tough road trip to Fort Worth and Seattle. If they can keep this momentum through the end of the month, we might be looking at a wire-to-wire divisional race.

[liberty-ca]

BNN SERIES RECAP — MAY 26–28, 1989
NO MERCY IN TEXAS: PRAYERS SWEEP SPIRITS, STREAK HITS 14
By Chad G. Petey and C.O.Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

FORT WORTH, TX — Everything is bigger in Texas, including the Sacramento Prayers’ winning streak. The Sacramento Prayers are no longer flirting with greatness. They are marching toward it with the calm inevitability of a team that knows exactly who it is. In a series that featured a blowout, a 14-inning marathon, and a 9th-inning miracle, Sacramento (38-15) swept the Fort Worth Spirits to extend their victory parade to 14 consecutive games.

With a three‑game sweep of the Fort Worth Spirits — including a 14‑inning marathon, a 10‑run outburst, and another surgical masterpiece from Bernardo Andretti — The Prayers now sit 9.5 games ahead of the Tucson Cherubs, comfortably holding the best record in professional baseball as they head to Seattle. This wasn’t a sweep built on luck. It was built on depth, resilience, and a rotation that refuses to blink.

★ ★ ★

FRIDAY, MAY 26 — PRAYERS 10, SPIRITS 2
Strauss Sets the Tone as Sacramento Rolls

If there was any doubt that Sacramento’s momentum might stall on the road, it vanished quickly Friday night.

Sam Strauss turned the opener into his personal showcase, reaching base four times, scoring four runs, and punctuating the night with a late home run that served as a final exclamation point. He wasn’t flashy. He was relentless — exactly the tone the Prayers wanted to set.

After questions about his stamina following a brief injury scare, Jordan Rubalcava silenced the doubters and continued his quiet march toward the Cy Young conversation:

- 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 9 K
- ERA down to 1.91

Edwin Musco added his 9th home run of the year, Alex Vieyra chipped in with a clutch 2-run single, Hector Iniguez doubled twice, and Lorenzo Martinez stayed scorching with a three‑hit night.

Sacramento scored in six different innings, and Fort Worth never threatened. “We’re playing like a well-oiled machine right now,” manager Jimmy Aces said — and for once, it didn’t sound like hyperbole.

★ ★ ★

SATURDAY, MAY 27 — PRAYERS 5, SPIRITS 3 (14 INNINGS)
Endurance Test Passed: The Hicks Marathon

If Friday was dominance, Saturday was survival.

This was a test of will. In a game that lasted 4 hours and 39 minutes, Sacramento’s depth was pushed to the brink. Starting pitcher Robby Larson provided 7.0 solid innings, but the game remained deadlocked deep into the night.Fort Worth starter Luca Pedrotti was magnificent, matching Sacramento pitch for pitch deep into the game. Sacramento and Fort Worth traded zeros for seven straight innings before the Prayers finally broke through in the 14th.

The hero?
Logan Hicks, the rookie center fielder who has spent most of the season fighting for relevance.

With two aboard and two outs, Logan Hicks ripped a triple into the gap, clearing the bases and finally breaking the stalemate. It was a swing born not of power, but of persistence — Hicks’ fourth hit of the night in a seven-at-bat grind.

“It’s not about individual awards,” Hicks said afterward. “It’s about winning championships.” That quote could have been stamped on the entire game. Hicks finished the night 4-for-7, easily the best game of his young career.

The bullpen — Prieto, Wright, Gaias, and Caliari — combined for 7 innings, allowing just 1 run despite Fort Worth putting 17 runners on base. This was the kind of game that breaks lesser teams. Sacramento simply refused to lose.

Key notes:
- Hicks: 4 hits, game‑winning triple
- Musco: 2 hits, triple
- Bullpen: 7 IP, 1 ER
- Win streak hits 13

★ ★ ★

SUNDAY, MAY 28 — PRAYERS 2, SPIRITS 1
Andretti Dominates Again; Rubbi Delivers the Knockout Blow

After the chaos of Saturday, Sunday felt almost serene.

Bernardo Andretti, despite entering the game visibly taxed, summoned one of his sharpest outings of the season. On Sunday, he delivered his third straight gem, carving through Fort Worth with ruthless efficiency:

- 8 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 K
- ERA now 2.39

Fort Worth actually led briefly, scratching across a run in the sixth. But Sacramento stayed calm — as they always do. For eight innings, it looked like the streak would finally end. Spirits pitcher B. Cruz was untouchable, carrying a shutout into the 9th.

Down to their final out in the 9th, manager Jimmy Aces went to the bench for Jose Rubbi and Rubbi — who has quietly become one of the most dangerous hitters on the roster — launched a two‑run homer off reliever Mike Kaplan. It was a no‑doubt shot, the kind that leaves a ballpark silent except for the visiting dugout.

Ricky Gaias closed the ninth for his third save, and Sacramento completed the sweep.

Key notes:
- Andretti: 8 IP, 1 ER
- Rubbi: game‑winning HR
- Hicks: another hit, another stolen base
- Win streak hits 14

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The Rotation Is Now a Statistical Anomaly
Across the series:

- Rubalcava: 7 IP, 1 ER
- Larson (Saturday): 7 IP, 2 ER
- Andretti: 8 IP, 1 ER

Combined: 22 IP, 4 ER (1.64 ERA)

This is no longer a hot streak. This is a historic run.

2. Logan Hicks Just Saved His Season
The rookie entered the series hitting .161.
He leaves it hitting .208, with:

- 5 hits in two days
- A game‑winning triple
- 2 stolen bases
- Zero fear

He may have just earned himself a permanent role.

3. Rubbi Is Becoming a Late‑Inning Monster
In the last week:

- 2 HR
- 6 RBI
- Multiple clutch moments
- Catching defense improving

He’s forcing his way into the lineup.

4. The Prayers Are Winning Every Type of Game
In the last 15 wins:

- Blowouts
- Walk‑offs
- Extra‑inning marathons
- 1‑0 duels
- Comebacks
- Road wins
- Rain delays
- Bullpen battles

This is the profile of a championship team.

5. The AL West Race Is Over (Unless Something Wild Happens)
After May 28:

1. Sacramento — 38–15
2. Tucson — 28–24 (9.5 GB)
3. Seattle — 26–28
4. San Jose — 25–29
5. Fort Worth — 25–29
6. El Paso — 23–30

The Prayers have built a double‑digit cushion in everything but name.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: "Bench Mafia" is real. The Best Team in Baseball, Period

I’ve been covering this club for years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. The Prayers aren’t just winning — they’re dictating games. They’re controlling tempo, forcing opponents into mistakes, and getting contributions from every corner of the roster.

Bernardo Andretti is pitching like a man possessed.
Jordan Rubalcava is pitching like a Cy Young favorite.
Russ Gray is pitching like a future ace.
Fernando Salazar is pitching like a veteran anchor.

Fifteen straight wins is the kind of stuff you tell your grandkids about. But what impresses me most isn't the stars — it's the "Bench Mafia."

Jose Rubbi is hitting .297 and has two of the biggest home runs of the season as a backup catcher. Logan Hicks was hitting .161 going into Saturday and comes out with a 4-hit game and a game-winning triple. When your role players are performing like All-Stars, you don’t just win games; you demoralize the opposition.

The Prayers head to Seattle for a three-game set starting Tuesday. And as May turns to June, one question is growing louder across the American League: How long can this possibly last — and who, if anyone, is capable of stopping it?

[liberty-ca]

BNN SERIES RECAP — MAY 30–JUNE 1, 1989
PRAYERS DROP 2 OF 3 IN SEATTLE — STREAK ENDS, BUT ROTATION STILL SHINES
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SEATTLE, WA — All good things must come to an end, even for the most dominant team in baseball. After nearly three weeks of uninterrupted winning, the Sacramento Prayers finally hit turbulence in the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle Lucifers — a team that has spent most of the season punching above and below its weight in alternating bursts — managed to hand Sacramento two late‑inning losses, bookending a dominant Prayers shutout in the middle game.

The result: Sacramento drops the series 2–1, falls to 39–17, and sees its winning streak end at 14 games. But even in defeat, the rotation continued to pitch like the best staff in baseball. While the streak is over, Sacramento still holds a commanding 8½-game lead in the AL West.

This series wasn’t about collapse. It was about margins — razor‑thin ones — and Seattle found just enough daylight to squeeze through.

★ ★ ★

TUESDAY, MAY 30 — LUCIFERS 3, PRAYERS 2
The Streak Dies in Seattle

The magic finally ran out on Tuesday night. Sacramento’s first loss in nearly two weeks came in a game that felt winnable from the first pitch to the last. Fernando Salazar was sharp but not untouchable, and he was still good enough to win:

- 7.1 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 K

The Prayers led 2–0 early thanks to:

- Gil Cruz’s first home run of the season, a no‑doubt shot in the fifth
- Alex Velasquez’s RBI double in the fourth

But the offense stalled, and Seattle chipped away. The deciding blow came in the bottom of the eighth when Aaron Miller drove in the go-ahead run on a fielder's choice off Ricky Gaias. Seattle's closer, Wayne Thomaston, slammed the door in the ninth, officially ending the Prayers’ winning streak at 14.

Sacramento had chances — especially in the late innings — but went 0-for-3 with RISP after the fifth.

Key notes:
- Cruz: HR, 2 runs produced
- Musco: reached twice, scored once
- Perez: stolen base #12
- Streak ends at 14

“It’s so much easier when you throw good pitches,” Seattle starter Nelson Huichapa said afterward — a subtle nod to how little margin either side was given.

Sacramento outhit Seattle 7–6. Sacramento committed no errors. Sacramento still walked off with a loss.

That was the theme.

★ ★ ★

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 — PRAYERS 8, LUCIFERS 0
Iniguez Makes History; Rubalcava Dominates Again

If there was any "post-streak hangover," Hector Iniguez didn't get the memo. Iniguez delivered one of the most explosive offensive performances of the season — four doubles, tying an American League record, while scoring twice and driving in two. Every at-bat seemed louder than the last, each ball rocketing into gaps Seattle couldn’t seal:

- 4-for-5, FOUR doubles, tying the AL regular‑season record
- 2 RBI, 2 runs scored
- 8 total bases

He wasn’t alone. Sacramento pounded out 15 hits, including:

- Velasquez: triple + double, 2 RBI
- Hernandez: two doubles
- Strauss: two hits, 2 RBI
- Perez: two hits, run scored

Jordan Rubalcava matched that intensity with composure. Despite dancing around 8 hits, he refused to let a runner cross the plate over 6.0 innings:

- 6 IP, 8 H, 0 R, 5 K
- ERA drops to 1.79

He bent, but he never broke — and the bullpen followed suit flawlessly — Vizcarra and Gilbert slammed the door, combining for three scoreless innings.

This was Sacramento at its most complete: power, speed, gap‑to‑gap hitting, and a rotation that refuses to blink.
“The at-bats, obviously, needed to be better,” Lucifers manager Tony Sotelo admitted. For one night, Sacramento looked like the team the rest of the division fears.

Key notes:
- Iniguez ties AL doubles record
- Velasquez: Triple, Double, 2 RBI
- Rubalcava improves to 6–2
- Sacramento wins 8–0, moves to 39–16

★ ★ ★

THURSDAY, JUNE 1 — LUCIFERS 2, PRAYERS 1
Heartbreaker: Mullikin Walks It Off After Larson’s Gem

This one hurt.

Robby Larson pitched the game of his season — maybe the game of his life:

- 8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 7 K, 0 BB
- 100 pitches, 71 strikes
- A masterpiece

But the offense never got going. Sacramento managed just four hits, and their lone run came on an RBI single from Edwin Musco in the fourth.

Clinging to a 1–0 lead in the ninth, Sacramento turned to closer Luis Prieto, who had been brilliant for weeks. But on this night, he left one pitch in the wrong place.

Seattle’s DH John Mullikin launched a two-run homer into the night, flipping the game in a single swing, turning a pitching masterpiece into a loss and handing Prieto his third blown save and the Prayers their second loss of the series.

Larson received a standing ovation. The scoreboard told a different story. “It was just a matter of executing,” Sotelo said — and for one pitch, Sacramento didn’t. It was a reminder: even elite closers bleed.

Key notes:
- Larson: 8 scoreless innings
- Musco: 2 hits, RBI
- Hernandez: stolen base #19
- Prieto: BS, L (3-4, 3.45 ERA)
- Sacramento falls to 39–17

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The Rotation Is Still Untouchable
Even in a losing series, the starters were absurd:

- Salazar: 7.1 IP, 3 ER
- Rubalcava: 6 IP, 0 ER
- Larson: 8 IP, 0 ER

Combined: 21.1 IP, 3 ER (1.27 ERA)

This is the best rotation in baseball by a mile.

2. The Offense Is Showing Cracks
In the two losses:

- 2 runs
- 1 run
- 11 total hits

The Prayers are still winning with execution, not firepower. They need more from the middle of the order, and they need someone besides Iniguez and Musco to carry the load.

3. Iniguez Is Heating Up
Over his last 10 games:

- Hitting .429
- 2 HR
- 4 doubles in one game
- OPS soaring

He’s becoming the stabilizer the lineup desperately needs.

4. Prieto Finally Falters
After weeks of dominance:

- Blown save #3
- ERA rises to 3.45
- Still 13-for-16 in save chances

He remains elite — but human.

5. Sacramento Still Controls the West
Even after dropping the series:

1. Sacramento — 39–17
2. Tucson — 30–25 (8.5 GB)
3. Seattle — 28–29
4. San Jose — 27–30
5. Fort Worth — 26–31
6. El Paso — 24–32

The division is not close.

★ ★ ★

STAT WATCH: PRAYERS LEADERS (AS OF JUNE 2)

* AVG: H. Iniguez (.276)
* HR: E. Musco (9)
* RBI: E. Musco (32)
* ERA: R. Gray (1.67) / J. Rubalcava (1.79)
* K: R. Larson (75)

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: A Gut Punch, But Not a Warning Sign

Losing two out of three in Seattle is frustrating, especially with the way that Thursday game ended. My heart breaks for Robby Larson — you don't see many 8-inning, zero-walk, zero-run performances end in a loss. Luis Prieto has been so solid lately, but that Mullikin blast was a reminder that even the best can blink.

But let’s talk about Hector Iniguez. Four doubles in one game? That’s legendary. With Eli Murguia still months away from returning, Hector is proving he can be the offensive engine this team needs.

The Prayers are now heading to Columbus to face a very tough Heaven team (32-24). It’s the first real "adversity" this team has faced since mid-May. Let's see how Jimmy Aces rallies the troops.

The road trip continues for Prayers in Columbus, where a three-game set against the Heaven awaits with Bernardo Andretti (6-2, 2.39 ERA) being first on the hill — and that’s where we’ll see whether this team shrugs off the Seattle sting or lets it linger.

[liberty-ca]

BNN SERIES RECAP — JUNE 2–4, 1989
HEAVEN CAN WAIT: PRAYERS FIND REDEMPTION IN COLUMBUS
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

COLUMBUS, OH — After their historic 14-game winning streak crashed into the Kingdome walls earlier this week, many wondered how the Sacramento Prayers (41-18) would handle their first taste of adversity. The answer? With a thunderous display of power. The Heaven — a disciplined, contact‑heavy club — handed Sacramento its first shutout loss in nearly a month, then watched the Prayers storm back to take the final two games, outscoring the Columbus 17–8 over the weekend.

The Prayers leave Ohio at 41–18, still firmly in command of the AL West, with a firm grip on the AL West and a clear message: the streak may be over, but the dominance isn't; but with a rotation that is clearly showing signs of exhaustion after carrying the franchise for six straight weeks.

The headline of the weekend:
Edwin Musco is heating up again — and when he heats up, Sacramento becomes dangerous.

★ ★ ★

FRIDAY, JUNE 2 — HEAVEN 4, PRAYERS 0
Cole Silences Sacramento; Andretti Stumbles; Bats Go Cold

The Prayers’ offensive struggles from Seattle followed them to Columbus for one more night. Sacramento’s offense has been inconsistent all year, but this was the first time in weeks they looked overmatched. This one unraveled in a single inning — and lingered long after.

For five innings, Bernardo Andretti traded zeros with Ergot Cole, the veteran right-hander matching pitch for pitch while Sacramento scraped together traffic without traction. Six hits, two errors, and a handful of missed chances told the early story.

Then came the sixth.

With two men on and one out, Mikio Fujimoto got a fastball he could lean into — and didn’t miss. The three-run homer flipped a 1–0 Columbus lead into a commanding 4–0 cushion, draining the energy from Sacramento’s dugout in an instant. Columbus starter Ergot Cole dismantled the Sacramento lineup, throwing 7.0 innings of five-hit shutout ball. Sacramento never advanced a runner past second base.

Bernardo Andretti, who had been nearly untouchable for a month, finally showed fatigue. After five innings of tightrope work, he left a fastball up to Mikio Fujimoto, who crushed a three‑run homer that effectively ended the game. Andretti exited shortly after, charged with three earned runs, absorbing his third loss despite keeping the game within reach for most of the night.

“What’s not to like about a win?” Fujimoto said — and on this night, Columbus liked everything.

Sacramento managed only six hits — two from Bret Perez — and struck out eight times. It was their sixth shutout loss of the season and the first shutout loss since May 1.

Key notes:
- Andretti: 5.1 IP, 4 R (3 ER)
- Sacramento committed two errors
- 0-for-6 with RISP
- Streak of 13 straight games scoring at least one run ends

★ ★ ★

SATURDAY, JUNE 3 — PRAYERS 9, HEAVEN 4
Musco & Velasquez Clear the Fences

If Friday was a dud, Saturday was a thunderclap. The "Well-Oiled Machine" returned to life.

Sacramento struck early, struck often, and struck with authority — beginning with Alex Velasquez’s two-run homer, his seventh of the year, in the third and continuing with a relentless middle-of-the-order surge that Columbus never solved.

At the center of it all was Edwin Musco.

The second baseman went 2-for-5 with a homer and a double, driving in three and scoring twice. His fifth-inning home run pushed the Prayers firmly back in control, turning a tight game into a widening gap.

“I keep showing up every day and trying to put up good at-bats,” Musco said.
On Saturday, they were more than good — they were decisive.

Russ Gray wasn’t sharp, but he was sturdy. The right-hander bent through 5.2 innings, allowing four runs, yet never surrendered momentum. The bullpen — Matt Wright and Aaron Gilbert — finished the job cleanly, stranding inherited runners and extinguishing any late push.

Sacramento’s offense, which had been dormant the night before, erupted for:

- 11 hits
- Four extra-base hits
- Eight RBIs

By the ninth, Columbus was simply playing out the string. This was the kind of bounce‑back win that good teams deliver. The win officially righted the ship and set the stage for a Sunday showdown.

Key notes:
- Musco: 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
- Velasquez: HR, 2 RBI
- Hernandez & Perez each stole a base
- Sacramento evens the series

★ ★ ★

SUNDAY, JUNE 4 — PRAYERS 8, HEAVEN 4
Musco Again; Vieyra Delivers the Knockout Blow

Sunday belonged to Edwin Musco again — and to Alex Vieyra, who delivered the biggest swing of the afternoon. Series finale was a back-and-forth battle until the sixth inning.

Columbus jumped ahead 4–2 in the third on a three‑run blast by Terry D’Arcy, but Sacramento responded with the kind of relentless, grinding offense that has defined their best stretches.

In the fifth, Musco launched his 11th home run, a two‑run shot that tied the game. In the sixth, with two outs and two on, Vieyra ripped a two‑run double into the gap, giving Sacramento a 6–4 lead they would never relinquish.

Fernando Salazar wasn’t dominant, but he was steady enough:

- 5.2 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Vizcarra and Prieto combined for 3.1 scoreless innings, preserving the win.

“It’s nice to come out on top today,” Vieyra said. It was understated — like the swing itself. Sacramento finished the series with 20 runs in the final two games, a reminder that even with a bottom‑third batting average, this lineup can explode when the right hitters get hot.

Key notes:
- Musco: HR, 2 RBI, now hitting .260
- Strauss: HR #5
- Cardenas: rare multi‑hit game
- Perez: SB #15
- Sacramento takes the series, improves to 41–18

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. Musco Is Back — and That Changes Everything
In the three‑game set:

- 4-for-11, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 3 XBH

When Musco is locked in, Sacramento’s offense becomes multidimensional instead of streaky.

2. The Rotation Is Showing Wear
Andretti and Salazar both looked fatigued. Larson and Rubalcava are listed as exhausted. Gray is the only fully rested starter.

June will test this staff.

3. The Offense Is Still Feast-or-Famine
Runs scored in the series:

- 0, 9, 8

They can explode — but they can also disappear.

4. Perez Continues to Be the Catalyst
Another multi-hit game, another stolen base, another series of steady defense. He’s the heartbeat of this team.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: Musco is a Monster

Is anyone having a better week than Edwin Musco? He just slapped two more home runs over the weekend, bringing his season total to 11. He’s essentially carrying the power production right now. And don't look now, but Hector Iniguez is turning into a double-machine; he’s up to 22 on the year!

The big concern moving forward is Francisco Hernandez. We saw how the lineup struggled when Eli Murguia went down; if Hernandez misses significant time, manager Jimmy Aces is going to have to get very creative with the outfield rotation. Camden Liston filled in on Sunday, but his .128 average isn't going to cut it if he has to start every day. Next: Sacramento returns home to face the Detroit Preachers (30-25) starting tomorrow.

[liberty-ca]

BNN SERIES RECAP — JUNE 5–7, 1989
PITCHING PROWESS: PRAYERS TAKE TWO FROM PREACHERS
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO, CA — After a grueling road trip through Seattle and Columbus, the Sacramento Prayers returned home and did what elite teams do: they stabilized. Prayers (43-19) continue to prove that in 1989, pitching isn't just a part of their game—it is their game. Despite a growing list of injuries in the outfield, the Prayers used a combination of dominant starting pitching and a dramatic walk-off to take a 2-1 series victory over the visiting Detroit Preachers, club hovering around .500 but playing with edge and urgency.

The Prayers now sit a comfortable 9.5 games ahead of the Tucson Cherubs in the AL West, boasting a pitching staff that currently ranks 1st in the American League in every major statistical category, including ERA, Strikeouts, and Hits Allowed.

Detroit pushed Sacramento in all three games, and the Prayers’ margin for error — especially with Camden Liston and Eli Murguia injured — is shrinking. Still, Sacramento found enough timely hits and leaned on its arms to secure another winning series.

★ ★ ★

MONDAY, JUNE 5 — PRAYERS 2, PREACHERS 1
Rubalcava Owns the Night; Valadez Delivers the Difference

This was a classic Sacramento win: suffocating pitching, just enough offense, and a bullpen that slammed the door. This was Jordan Rubalcava at full command — the version opposing lineups dread.

The right-hander worked his way through Detroit for eight scoreless innings, allowing just four hits, striking out eight, and never issuing a walk. He worked quickly, challenged hitters, and erased mistakes with poise. When Detroit finally scratched across a run in the seventh — unearned — it felt almost accidental.

“It feels good to get this one,” Rubalcava said afterward. It felt better than good. It felt inevitable. Sacramento’s offense didn’t offer much cushion, but it offered just enough.

* Andres Valadez delivered a two-out RBI double in the sixth
* Sam Strauss drove in the other run
* Detroit committed three errors, all of which kept innings alive

Luis Prieto handled the ninth calmly for save No. 14, and the Prayers moved to 42–18, winning a game defined almost entirely by its starter.

This was a reminder: when Rubalcava takes the ball, Sacramento doesn’t need fireworks. They need patience.

★ ★ ★

TUESDAY, JUNE 6 — PRAYERS 6, PREACHERS 5
Rodriguez Powers the Comeback; Hernandez Walks it Off

Tuesday was chaos — loud, messy, and emotional. This one had everything: early fireworks, defensive miscues, bullpen tension, and a walk‑off that sent Sacramento Stadium into chaos.

In the most electric game of the series, the star was unexpected: Jesus Rodriguez, the utility infielder who has quietly become one of the most productive bats off the bench. He launched two home runs, driving in three, and almost single‑handedly kept Sacramento afloat. However, the game remained knotted at 5-5 heading into the bottom of the ninth.

The defining swing belonged to Francisco Hernandez, who lined a sharp single into right field in the bottom of the ninth to win it sending the crowd home and Sacramento’s dugout spilling onto the field. Hernandez has been streaky all year, but when he’s locked in, he’s still one of the most dangerous situational hitters on the roster.

Other key moments:

- Gil Cruz homered in the fourth
- Logan Hicks tripled home a run and later delivered a sac fly
- Jose Rubbi doubled and scored
- Luis Prieto earned the win with a clean ninth

“I warned the team,” Detroit manager Mario Montenegro joked darkly afterward, “that I’m wearing the same pair of undies until we win.” Sacramento improved to 43–18, and the dugout felt electric.

★ ★ ★

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7 — PREACHERS 5, PRAYERS 2
Rezende Outduels Andretti; Sacramento’s Offense Goes Quiet Again

TDetroit wasn’t leaving town quietly. The finale was a reminder that even great teams hit turbulence.

The series finale saw Bernardo Andretti (6-4) struggle with his command, surrendering four earned runs over 6.2 innings. While Edwin Musco stayed hot with his team-leading 12th home run of the season, the Prayers couldn't solve Detroit's Jorge Rezende, who was excellent, holding Sacramento to just four hits over seven innings. When the Prayers struck first on a two-run homer by Edwin Musco in the third, it looked like momentum might finally break. It didn’t.

Detroit chipped away, then took control in the seventh when Jose Nevarez delivered a go-ahead, two-run single — the decisive swing of the night. From there, Ed Holt slammed the door, earning his 20th save and sealing Detroit’s lone win of the series.

Meanwhile, Bernardo Andretti wasn’t bad — but he wasn’t sharp, he battled but absorbed the loss, undone by timing rather than stuff: 6.2 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 6 K. Detroit added an insurance run in the ninth, and Sacramento never threatened. The loss snapped a four‑game winning streak and highlighted the team’s ongoing challenge: when the lineup doesn’t produce, even elite pitching can’t always save them. It was the kind of game Sacramento has won often this year — just not this time.

The loss was made worse by a fresh blow to the roster: outfielder Camden Liston exited the game with patellar tendinitis. With Eli Murguia already on the 60-day IL, Sacramento’s outfield depth is being pushed to its absolute limit. Injury Update: Camden Liston is out 2-3 weeks.

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. Rubalcava Is Undisputed Ace
His last two starts:
- 16 IP, 0 ER, 12 K, 0 BB
He now leads the team with a 1.65 ERA and looks like a legitimate Cy Young contender.

2. Jesus Rodriguez Might Be For Real
He’s hitting .350 with power in limited action and has become a spark plug off the bench. Without his two homers Tuesday, this series may have swung. In limited duty, he continues to deliver outsized impact.

3. Prieto’s Workload Is Becoming a Concern
He pitched in all three games of the series and is now listed as slightly tired. Sacramento may need to ease his usage.

4. Detroit Was Better Than Their Record
The Preachers didn’t flinch, didn’t fade, and forced Sacramento to earn everything. This wasn’t a soft series win.

5. Injuries Are Mounting
- Camden Liston: patellar tendinitis (2–3 weeks)
- Eli Murguia: out for the season
- Francisco Hernandez: minor arm issue but avoided IL

Depth is becoming a storyline.

★ ★ ★

PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOMINEE

Edwin Musco (2B): Hit his 12th HR of the year on Wednesday. He now leads the team in HR (12) and RBI (39) and is the only Prayer with double-digit homers.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: The Machine Keeps Grinding

It’s getting hard to find new ways to describe Jordan Rubalcava. A 1.65 ERA in June? That’s not just good; that’s "video game" territory. Our starters are currently leading the AL with a 2.37 ERA, which is why we’re 24 games over .500 despite a team batting average that sits at 11th in the league.

The real story, though, is the "M.A.S.H." unit we're running in the outfield. Losing Liston for a few weeks wouldn't normally be a crisis, but with Murguia out long-term, we are down to Logan Hicks, Alex Velasquez, and Francisco Hernandez (who is also banged up) as our only healthy regular outfielders. I wouldn't be surprised to see GM Jimmy Aces looking at the waiver wire or calling up someone from the minors before we head to San Jose.

Speaking of Jesus Rodriguez — where has that power been?! Two bombs in one game? If he can provide that kind of spark from the second base rotation, it takes a lot of pressure off Musco.

Sacramento isn’t blowing teams out the way they did in mid‑May, but they’re still winning series — and that’s what great teams do. The pitching staff remains the best in baseball, and the offense, while inconsistent, is finding enough big swings to survive.

The upcoming four‑game set in San Jose will be a test. The Demons are streaky, unpredictable, and always play Sacramento tough. If the Prayers can take three of four, they’ll head into mid‑June with a division lead that looks nearly insurmountable.

[liberty-ca]

BNN SERIES RECAP — JUNE 8–11, 1989
DEMON SLAYERS: PRAYERS GRIND OUT SERIES WIN IN SAN JOSE
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SAN JOSE, CA — It wasn't always pretty, and it certainly wasn't a hit-parade, but the Sacramento Prayers (46-20) continue to find ways to win. Prayers arrived in San Jose carrying momentum, rotation depth, and the quiet confidence of a first-place club that had learned how to win games in more than one way. They left having taken three of four, navigating tight margins, extra innings, and one abrupt stumble — the kind of road series that tests contenders without derailing them. Despite scoring only eight runs across four games, Sacramento’s "Steel Curtain" pitching staff held the San Jose Demons to just ten total runs, securing a 3-1 series victory and extending their divisional lead to a double-digit 10.0 games.

The Prayers are now the first team in the league to reach 46 wins, though the grueling schedule is beginning to take a visible toll on the roster’s health.

★ ★ ★

THURSDAY, JUNE 8 — PRAYERS 4, DEMONS 2
Gray Steady, Musco Clutch, Sacramento Opens the Set with a Win

Russ Gray doesn’t overpower hitters. He doesn’t intimidate them. He just beats them.

The right‑hander delivered another quietly excellent outing — 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 K, 0 BB — and the Prayers did just enough offensively to secure the opener.

San Jose struck first on a first-inning home run by Pedro Bocanegra, and for a moment it looked like the Demons might ride the crowd’s early energy.

They didn’t.

Russ Gray settled immediately, pitching with economy and calm. Over seven innings, he allowed two runs on seven hits, walked nobody, and let the defense work behind him. It wasn’t flashy, but it was firm — the kind of start that gives a visiting team its footing.

The turning point came in the second. Back-to-back doubles from Sam Strauss and Luis Martinez flipped the game. Martinez’s RBI double — his seventh of the year — gave Sacramento a lead it would not surrender. “We’ll take some time to unwind,” Martinez said afterward, “and then get after it again.”

The big swing came from Edwin Musco, who launched a solo shot in the eighth to give Sacramento breathing room.
San Jose threatened late, but Ricky Gaias and Luis Prieto slammed the door.

Key notes:
- Gray improves to 6–1, 2.16 ERA
- Musco hits HR #13
- Hicks steals his 11th base

★ ★ ★

FRIDAY, JUNE 9 — PRAYERS 2, DEMONS 1
Salazar Dominates, Valadez Delivers the Big Blow

This was vintage Fernando Salazar — the version Sacramento dreamed of when they acquired him. He was ruthless, efficient, and completely in control. In a ballpark that rewards mistakes, Salazar made almost none:

8 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 K, 2 BB

The Demons managed only one run — a solo shot by J. Reese — and never mounted a serious threat.

The Prayers’ offense didn’t do much, but it didn’t need to. In the ninth, with Sacramento trailing 1–0, with two outs and a runner aboard, Andres Valadez turned on a fastball and sent it over the wall in left field, crushing a two‑run homer off G. Strander, flipping the game on its head and sending the Prayers to their 45th win. Ricky Gaias stepped in for the save, silencing the San Jose crowd.

Key notes:
- Salazar improves to 7–2, 2.73 ERA
- Valadez hits HR #4
- Prieto earns save #16

★ ★ ★

SATURDAY, JUNE 10 — DEMONS 6, PRAYERS 0
Liu Shuts Down Sacramento; Rubalcava Tagged in Rare Off Night

Saturday was the outlier — and it arrived without warning. Every great team gets punched in the mouth occasionally, and even the best have bad days. This was Sacramento’s punch.

San Jose’s Luo‑lang Liu was brilliant — 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K — and the Demons’ bullpen finished the job. Sacramento never threatened, never found rhythm, and never solved Liu’s mix of cutters and changeups.

Jordan Rubalcava, who has been nearly untouchable all season, finally cracked. A three‑run homer by Ryan Parks in the sixth broke the game open, and the Demons cruised.

It was Sacramento’s first shutout loss since April.

Key notes:
- Rubalcava falls to 7–3, 2.05 ERA
- Sacramento held to six singles
- Demons snap the Prayers’ momentum

★ ★ ★

SUNDAY, JUNE 11 — PRAYERS 2, DEMONS 1 (11 INNINGS)
Larson Brilliant, Prieto Heroic, Martinez Wins It in Extras

This was the kind of game Sacramento wins because they’re Sacramento.

In a four-hour endurance test, Robby Larson threw seven innings of three-hit ball, but received no run support. Larson was magnificent: 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 5 K, 3 BB. He matched San Jose pitch for pitch, inning for inning, and kept the Prayers alive long enough for the late‑inning magic to return.

The game stayed tied 1–1 into the 11th, when Sam Strauss doubled to lead off, and Luis Martinez flew out deep enough to center to score the go-ahead run. Luis Prieto (5-4) was phenomenal in relief, striking out five over three scoreless innings to vulturing the win.

It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t clean. But it was a Sacramento win. “I put my work in and trusted the process,” Larson said. The team did the rest.

Key notes:
- Larson: 7 IP, 1 ER, ERA now 2.36
- Prieto: 3 IP, 5 K, earns win #5
- Perez homers (HR #3)

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The Rotation Remains the Best in Baseball
Across the four games:

- Gray: 7 IP, 2 ER
- Salazar: 8 IP, 1 ER
- Rubalcava: 6 IP, 6 ER (rare off night)
- Larson: 7 IP, 1 ER

Combined: 28 IP, 10 ER (3.21 ERA)
And that includes Rubalcava’s worst start of the year.

2. The Offense Is Still a Roller Coaster
Runs scored in the series: 4; 2; 0; 2 .

They’re winning with pitching, defense, and just enough timely hitting. But the lack of consistent power remains the one thing keeping Sacramento from looking truly unstoppable.

3. Luis Martinez Is Quietly Becoming a Clutch Player
Luis Martinez (SS): hit .214 for the series but provided the go-ahead RBI in both Game 1 and Game 4. When the game is on the line, the kid doesn't blink.

4. Prieto Is Back to Being a Weapon
In the series:

- 4 IP, 0 R, 5 K, 0 BB
- Save #15
- Win #5

After a shaky April, he’s now one of the most reliable closers in the league.

5. Sacramento Hits the Road Again
Next up: Prayers travel to Fort Worth to take on the Spirits (30-37) starting Tuesday, then the massive showdown with Boston looms large.

The Prayers are 46–20, 10 games up in the AL West, and still playing like the class of the league.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: Survival Mode

We are officially in the "dog days" of June. Look at those scores: 4-2, 2-1, 0-6, 2-1. Our pitching is the only reason we aren't in a tailspin right now. Jordan Rubalcava finally looked human on Saturday, but he’s still sporting a 2.05 ERA, so let’s not panic.

The real concern is the clubhouse pharmacy. Edwin Musco is battling a nasty cold (Day-to-Day), and with Camden Liston and Eli Murguia both on the shelf, the outfield is looking thin. Robby Aguirre made his season debut this weekend — we’re literally pulling guys from the back of the bus to stand in left field.

Big Stat Watch: Luis Prieto now has 5 wins and 15 saves. He is on pace for a historic season out of the bullpen. If the offense doesn't wake up soon, he's going to lead the team in wins!

[liberty-ca]

BNN SERIES RECAP — JUNE 13–15, 1989
TEXAS HEARTBREAK: PRAYERS DROP SERIES AS INJURIES MOUNT
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

FORT WORTH, TX — It was a week of missed opportunities and medical bulletins for the Sacramento Prayers (47-22).

A grueling stretch of travel, injuries, and bullpen fatigue finally caught up to the AL West leaders, who dropped two of three to the Fort Worth Spirits. After arriving in Fort Worth looking to extend their dominance, the Prayers fell victim to two walk-off-style losses, a rare collapse from their closer, and a significant injury to their starting rotation. While they still hold a comfortable 10.5-game lead in the AL West, the cracks are beginning to show. Sacramento’s pitching remained elite — even dominant — but the offense sputtered, scoring just 7 runs across the three‑game set.

The Prayers briefly return home from Texas still holding a commanding division lead, but with clear signs that the machine is grinding through mid‑June wear.

★ ★ ★

TUESDAY, JUNE 13 — SPIRITS 3, PRAYERS 2
Injury Adds Insult to Loss

This one hurt — literally and figuratively.

The Prayers' trip to Texas started on a somber note when Bernardo Andretti was forced out of the game in the 4th inning with a shoulder injury, and while Aaron Gilbert held the line admirably, the Spirits capitalized in the sixth when Alberto Ramos crushed a two‑run homer to put Fort Worth ahead for good.

The Prayers struck first when Francisco Hernandez ambushed a fastball in the opening inning, sending it out to left for an early 1–0 lead. For five innings, the game stayed quiet, tense, and playable.

Then came the sixth.

With one on and none out, Alberto Ramos turned on a pitch from Aaron Gilbert and drove it into the night — a two-run homer that flipped the scoreboard and the rhythm of the game in one motion.

Sacramento clawed one back in the seventh on a Jesus Rodriguez solo shot, but Fort Worth’s bullpen slammed the door. Marek Majewski worked out of traffic in the ninth, and the Prayers were left staring at a loss that came down to a single mistake.

“Very pleased with the effort on our side,” said Fort Worth starter Bruce Cruz, who limited Sacramento to one run across 5.2 innings. For Sacramento, it was a reminder: thin margins travel poorly.

Key notes:
- Hernandez: HR, 2 hits
- Rodriguez: HR #3
- Andretti leaves with shoulder injury (later diagnosed as a SLAP tear 2‑week absence)
- Sacramento strands 7 runners

Jimmy Aces afterward: “We’re thin right now. We’ll patch it together.”

★ ★ ★

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 — PRAYERS 3, SPIRITS 2
Salazar Shines Again; Perez Steals the Show

Sacramento’s ace‑in‑waiting Fernando Salazar provided the much-needed "stopper" performance, striking out nine and navigating traffic with veteran calm. The bullpen bent but didn’t break, with Vizcarra and Prieto combining for the final seven outs. “If you pitch well, you give yourself some opportunities,” manager Jimmy Aces said.

Offensively, Sacramento scraped together just enough:

- Jesus Rodriguez: sac fly
- Francisco Hernandez: clutch two‑out RBI double
- Logan Hicks: two hits, stolen base, run scored
- Bret Perez: two hits, two walks, two steals — the spark plug all night

It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win — the kind Sacramento has specialized in all season.

Key notes:
- Salazar: 6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 9 K
- Perez: 2 hits, 2 SB
- Prieto: Save #16

★ ★ ★

THURSDAY, JUNE 15 — SPIRITS 3, PRAYERS 2 (Walk-Off)
A Masterpiece Wasted

This one will sting for a while.

In what was easily the most frustrating game of the season, Jordan Rubalcava delivered an absolute clinic: 8.0 innings, 6 hits, 0 runs, and 7 strikeouts. But the offense never gave him breathing room, managing only:

- A Bret Perez RBI single
- A Hicks triple that set up a second run

That slim 2–0 lead evaporated in the ninth when Luis Prieto — usually the most reliable arm in the pen — imploded walking three and surrendering the game-winning sacrifice fly to Brandon Luong. “It’s great when the crowd gets into it,” Luong said afterward. For Sacramento, the noise lingered longer than usual.

Prieto has now blown four saves, three in the last two weeks.

Key notes:
- Rubalcava: 8 IP, 0 R, 7 K
- Perez: 3 hits, SB #19
- Hicks: triple, SB #12
- Prieto: 0.2 IP, 3 R (2 ER), loss

Gemmy Nay summed it up:
“You can’t run a closer this hard in June and expect him to stay sharp. Sacramento needs a breather — and so does Prieto.”

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The Rotation Is Carrying the Team
Even with Andretti injured:

- Salazar: 6.2 IP, 2 ER
- Rubalcava: 8 IP, 0 ER
- Gilbert (spot start): solid until the Ramos HR

Sacramento’s starters remain the best in baseball.

2. The Offense Is Running on Fumes
Across the series:

- 2 runs
- 3 runs
- 2 runs

Velasquez, Iniguez, and Martinez are slumping. Hernandez remains streaky. Only Perez and Rodriguez are consistently producing.

3. Prieto Is Showing Wear
Four blown saves. Heavy usage. Velocity dipping. Command inconsistent.

Sacramento may need to lighten his load.

4. Injuries Are Mounting
- SP Bernardo Andretti: Diagnosed with a SLAP tear in his shoulder. He is expected to miss at least two weeks.
- LF Camden Liston: Nearing a return from patellar tendinitis (2 days).
- Murguia: long‑term
- 2B Edwin Musco: Still listed as day-to-day with a cold. Expected back for the Boston series.

Depth is being tested.

5. The Division Lead Is Still Safe
Even after losing 2 of 3:

- Sacramento: 47–22
- Tucson: 36–32 (10.5 GB)

Gemmy’s Take: The Price of Excellence

I’m not going to lie, folks — this series hurt. Seeing Jordan Rubalcava pitch his heart out for eight innings just to watch the bullpen cough it up in the 9th is enough to make a fan throw their radio out the window. Prieto has been our rock, but even rocks erode when you use them as often as we do.

The real headline, though, is the training room. Bernardo Andretti is out for two weeks with a shoulder tear. With Edwin Musco still down with a cold and the outfield already looking like a MASH unit, the depth of this roster is being tested like never before.

The Silver Lining: Jesus Rodriguez is making a serious case for more playing time. Since stepping in for the sneezing Musco, he’s hitting .310 with three homers. We’re going to need that bat as the Boston Messiahs come to town. Boston leads the AL East and is arguably the hottest team in baseball. This is a potential World Series preview, and we are limping into it.

[liberty-ca]

BNN SERIES RECAP — JUNE 16–18, 1989
HOLY SWEEP! PRAYERS REACH 50 WINS BY STIFLING MESSIAHS
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO, CA — After the emotional drain of Fort Worth, the Sacramento Prayers didn’t posture, didn’t press, and didn’t promise anything dramatic. They simply came home and pitched the Boston Messiahs into submission. If there were any doubts about whether the Sacramento Prayers are the team to beat in 1989, they were silenced this weekend. Facing the AL East-leading Boston Messiahs, the Prayers’ pitching staff surrendered a grand total of three runs over three games, completing a dominant sweep.

With the final out on Sunday, Sacramento allowed three total runs all weekend, improved to 50–22, and pushed their AL West lead to a staggering 13½ games. The rotation continues to operate on a different plane, the bullpen is stabilizing, and the lineup — inconsistent as ever — keeps finding the right swings at the right moments.

This was Sacramento baseball at its most ruthless.

★ ★ ★

FRIDAY, JUNE 16 — PRAYERS 8, MESSIAHS 0
Larson Throws One-Hitter; Iniguez Slams the Door

Robby Larson has thrown gems before, but this one was special. The right‑hander delivered nine innings of one‑hit, shutout baseball, striking out six and walking three. He called it “sub‑par stuff,” which tells you everything about the standard he holds himself to — and the standard Sacramento’s rotation has set.

“I trusted my catcher and the guys behind me bailed me out,” Larson said.

The offense backed him early and loudly:

- Francisco Hernandez opened the scoring with a solo shot in the 1st.
- Hector Iniguez detonated a grand slam in the 3rd, blowing the game open.
- Logan Hicks added two doubles.
- Jose Rubbi stayed scorching hot with two more hits.

By the middle innings, Sacramento Stadium had settled into that familiar hum — the sound of inevitability. Boston never threatened. Larson never blinked. Sacramento cruised. Boston’s Enrique Marin, who entered with 11 wins, was chased after just four innings and absorbed the loss, undone by five walks and two swings that erased any margin for error.

Key notes:
- Larson: 9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 6 K
- Iniguez: Grand slam, 4 RBI
- Hicks: 2 doubles, 2 RBI
- Sacramento reaches 48–22

★ ★ ★

SATURDAY, JUNE 17 — PRAYERS 6, MESSIAHS 2
Gray Shines Again; Hicks Delivers the Big Blow

This one simmered.

Russ Gray has quietly become one of the best pitchers in the league, and Saturday was another chapter in his breakout season. For six innings, Russ Gray and Boston’s Jorge Barrera traded precision, neither side scoring. Gray worked ahead, mixed speeds, and forced Boston into early contact, carrying a shutout into the eighth.

Then came the seventh — and the moment that broke Boston’s resistance.

With two aboard, Logan Hicks turned on a Carlos Martinez fastball and sent it screaming into the right-field seats. The three-run homer cracked the game open and the stadium with it.

“Getting ahead of the hitters was the key,” Gray said later.

Sacramento tacked on insurance in the eighth. Boston managed two late runs — one on a triple by Matt Adams — but Luis Prieto closed the door for his 17th save.

Key notes:
- Hicks: HR, 4 RBI
- Gray: 7.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER
- Vieyra: 3-for-4, 2 doubles
- Sacramento improves to 49–22

★ ★ ★
SUNDAY, JUNE 18 — PRAYERS 3, MESSIAHS 1
Gilbert Steps Up; Vieyra Homers; Sweep Complete

With Bernardo Andretti on the shelf and the rotation stretched thin, the Prayers needed someone to step up. Sacramento turned to Aaron Gilbert — and he delivered his best outing of the season and looked like a seasoned ace. Gilbert delivered eight authoritative innings, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out six. He attacked the zone, trusted his defense, and outdueled Boston’s Tim Prieto pitch for pitch.

Boston’s lone run came on a two-out RBI double by Matt Adams, but that was it. Prieto handled the ninth cleanly — no drama, no fatigue, no ghosts — securing save No. 18 and sealing the sweep.

“We busted our tails,” Boston manager Tim Nunez admitted. “But we came up short.”

Sacramento’s offense didn’t need much:

- Alex Velasquez doubled home a run in the 4th.
- Alex Vieyra launched a solo homer in the 5th.
- The bullpen — Prieto again — handled the ninth.

Key notes:
- Gilbert: 8 IP, 3 H, 1 ER
- Vieyra: HR, 2 RBI
- Velasquez: RBI double
- Sacramento reaches 50–22

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The Rotation Is Terrifying Again
Across the Boston series:

- Larson: 1 H shutout
- Gray: 7.1 IP, 1 ER
- Gilbert: 8 IP, 1 ER

Combined:
24.1 IP, 2 ER, 0.74 ERA

This is the best pitching staff in baseball, and it’s not close.

2. Logan Hicks Is Heating Up
After a brutal April and May, Hicks is suddenly:

- Driving the ball
- Running aggressively
- Playing elite defense
- Delivering clutch swings

His 3‑run homer Saturday was the turning point of the series.

3. Vieyra Shows Signs of Life
The veteran catcher has struggled all year, but this weekend:

- 3-for-4 with two doubles Saturday
- HR Sunday
- Cleaner receiving behind the plate

If he stabilizes even a little, Sacramento’s lineup becomes far more dangerous.

4. Iniguez Is Becoming a Middle‑Order Force
The grand slam was loud, but the underlying trend is louder:

- 5 HR
- 20 RBI
- .266 AVG
- 23 doubles (AL leader)

He’s the team’s most consistent extra‑base threat.

5. Sacramento Is Pulling Away
AL West after June 18:

1. Sacramento — 50–22
2. Tucson — 36–32 (13.5 GB)
3. San Jose — 34–36
4. Seattle — 33–37
5. El Paso — 32–37
6. Fort Worth — 32–38

This is no longer a race, it’s a coronation march. The standings say the Prayers are running away with the AL West. This series showed how.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: Fifty and Nifty

Stop what you’re doing and look at Robby Larson’s stat line from Friday. He threw a one-hitter against the best team in the East and then told reporters he "didn't feel quite right." Robby, if that’s your sub-par stuff, I’d hate to be the hitter when you actually feel good!

This series was a masterclass in "Next Man Up" baseball.

* Aaron Gilbert stepped into the rotation for the injured Andretti and out-dueled the Messiahs.
* Alex Vieyra, who was practically a permanent fixture on our "Who's Not" list, suddenly turned into Mike Piazza, hitting two doubles and a home run.
* Edwin Musco returned to the lineup, and even though he’s still shaking off that cold, his presence just makes this team feel whole again.

We just swept the class of the AL East. The Prayers aren't just leading the division; they're putting the rest of the league on notice. The Prayers now head to "Sin City" for a three-game set against the Las Vegas Blessed (36-33) to begin a grueling 9-game, 11-day long, stretch of the schrdule away from home.

[liberty-ca]

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

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

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

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

★ ★ ★

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

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

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

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

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

★ ★ ★

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

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

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

Offensively, Sacramento spread the damage around:

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

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

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

★ ★ ★

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

★ ★ ★

STAT WATCH: THE ROTATION

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

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: The Kids Are Alright

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

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

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

[liberty-ca]

BNN SERIES RECAP — JUNE 23–25, 1989
Prayers sweep the Cherubs, extend win streak to five, rotation continues to dominate
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

TUCSON, AZ — The Sacramento Prayers (55-23) are making the rest of the American League West look like they're playing a different sport. By completing a three-game sweep of the Tucson Cherubs this weekend, Sacramento extended their winning streak to five games and maintained a massive 16.0-game lead in the division.

Through 78 games, the Prayers are playing at a 114-win pace, fueled by a pitching staff that leads the league in nearly every meaningful category.

★ ★ ★

GAME 1 — Friday, June 23, 1989
Prayers 6, Cherubs 1
Hernandez Finds the Gaps, Gray Finds the Ground

Francisco Hernandez had been mired in a season-long slump, but he broke out in a big way Friday night. Hernandez — who has spent most of June fighting to stay above the Mendoza line — delivered his best game of the season: 3-for-5, triple, homer, 3 RBI, 2 runs, and loud contact all night. Leading off the fourth, Hernandez drove a triple into the right-center gap, a line drive that split the outfield and rolled forever. It didn’t score a run by itself, but it cracked the game open mentally. Sacramento followed with two runs in the inning, then two more in the fifth, and the tone was set. His fourth‑inning triple set the tone, and his ninth‑inning two‑run blast sealed it. Hernandez wasn’t done. In the ninth, with Tucson already leaning toward the exits, he turned on a fastball and launched a two-run homer. “Determination,” Hernandez said afterward, offering the simplest explanation for a game Sacramento controlled from start to finish.

On the mound, Russ Gray was everything the Prayers needed him to be: calm, efficient, and grounded. Gray worked 6⅔ innings, allowed one run, and kept Tucson beating the ball into the dirt. Two double plays erased threats. A balk was the lone blemish in an otherwise measured outing. Matt Wright and José Vizcarra closed it out cleanly.

Key Notes:
- Hernandez now up to 6 HR, 27 RBI, and quietly 25 steals.
- Musco added his 14th homer.
- Sacramento turned two double plays, continuing their elite defensive efficiency.
- Win pushes Gray to 8–1, 2.01 ERA.

★ ★ ★

GAME 2 — Saturday, June 24, 1989
Prayers 6, Cherubs 4
Seventh Inning Fireworks

Saturday night refused to settle, and Tucson’s J.J. Costner nearly stole it by himself — 3-for-4, HR, 3 RBI — but Sacramento’s power bats answered late.

Sacramento jumped early with a three-run first inning, highlighted by Hector Iniguez’s two-out double, then went quiet. Tucson answered back with power — back-to-back solo home runs off Fernando Salazar in the fourth — and suddenly the game was breathing again.

By the sixth, the Cherubs had climbed all the way back to 4–3, and the noise in Cherubs Fields rose accordingly. The turning point came in the seventh. That’s when Alex Velasquez stepped in.

With two outs in the seventh and a runner aboard, Velasquez unloaded on a hanging pitch and sent it screaming into the Tucson night — a two-run homer that flipped the game on its head. It was his only hit of the night, and it was everything.

“If the effort is there, the wins will come,” Velasquez told Sacramento Today afterward. Hector Iniguez followed with a solo shot, giving Sacramento the breathing room they needed.

Fernando Salazar wasn’t dominant, but he was durable: 8 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, and he didn’t walk a batter. Prieto closed it for save No. 20. Sacramento walked off the field with a win that felt heavier than the box score.

Key Notes:
- Iniguez continues to be one of the most quietly valuable hitters in the AL: 6 HR, 25 RBI, 24 doubles.
- Hicks added his 17th steal.
- Sacramento’s bullpen remains absurdly efficient: Prieto + Gaias + Wright + Vizcarra = 2.50 ERA combined.

★ ★ ★

GAME 3 — Sunday, June 25, 1989
Prayers 2, Cherubs 0 (10 innings)
Rubalcava Turns Silence into Art

This was a classic: two exhausted teams, two pitchers refusing to blink, and one ace who simply refused to lose.

In what might be the gutsiest performance of the season, Jordan Rubalcava (9-3) threw 9.0 innings of shutout ball, striking out eight on a staggering 121 pitches. Despite his dominance, the game went into the 10th inning tied at zero. Rubalcava was mesmerizing. Across from him, Tom Crossley matched the effort, scattering two hits of his own through eight shutout innings. Then Sacramento struck.

In the 10th, Hector Iniguez reached, and Luis Martinez lashed a two-run double, breaking the spell and finally giving Rubalcava something tangible to protect. Bret Perez added insurance with a sacrifice fly.

Prieto handled the bottom half with controlled tension, and the Prayers emerged victorious from a game that had demanded focus more than force. “I think we gave the fans their money’s worth,” Rubalcava said afterward — understated, as ever.

Key Notes:
- Sacramento sweeps the series and improves to 55–23.
- Win streak hits five.
- The Prayers’ rotation now features three starters with ERAs under 2.20.
- Sacramento is now 31–16 on the road, the best mark in the AL.

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS
- Pitching continues to define the season.
Rubalcava, Larson, Gray, Salazar — all four are performing like All‑Stars.
- Hernandez’s breakout weekend could be a turning point for the struggling left fielder.
- Velasquez and Iniguez remain the heart of the middle order.
- Defense and baserunning remain elite: 81 steals, top‑3 in the AL, and the infield continues to convert grounders into outs at a league‑leading rate.

★ ★ ★

PRAYERS STATISTICAL DOMINANCE

Pitching Rankings (American League):
* ERA: 2.38 (1st)
* Opponent AVG: .217 (1st)
* Strikeouts: 502 (1st)
* Runs Allowed: 205 (1st)

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: Iron Lungs and Rubber Arms

Can we talk about Jordan Rubalcava? It’s 87 degrees in Tucson, the game is on the line, and the man goes out there for the 9th inning having already thrown 100+ pitches. He is the heartbeat of this rotation. With that performance, his ERA is down to a ridiculous 1.81. If he isn't the front-runner for the Cy Young right now, I don't know who is.

And how about Francisco Hernandez? I’ve been hard on him in the Chronicle lately because of that sub-.200 average, but he was the spark plug all weekend. He’s up to 25 stolen bases and is finally starting to drive the ball. If he and Alex Vieyra (.500 over his last 6 games!) keep hitting like this, the bottom of our order is going to be a nightmare for opposing pitchers.

We are officially in "History Watch" territory, folks. 55 wins before the end of June is unheard of.

★ ★ ★

UP NEXT: June 27–29
The Prayers now head to El Paso for a three-game set against the Abbots. The Abbots are scrappy, unpredictable, and always annoying at home.

[liberty-ca]

BNN SERIES RECAP — JUNE 27–29, 1989
TEXAS SWEEP: PRAYERS EXTEND STREAK TO EIGHT IN EL PASO
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

EL PASO, TX — The Sacramento Prayers went into El Paso already rolling. They left having tightened their grip on the AL West and extended their dominance over the rest of the league.

Behind three more standout starts from Robby Larson, Russ Gray, and Fernando Salazar, Sacramento swept the Abbots, allowing just 2 runs in three games and improving to 58–23. The rotation continues to throw like it’s October, the catchers are suddenly raking, and the lineup is getting just enough thunder from its usual suspects.

The Prayers are currently the only team in the American League with a winning percentage over .700, and they show no signs of slowing down.

★ ★ ★

TUESDAY, JUNE 27 — PRAYERS 4, ABBOTS 0
Larson Sets the Tone

The series opened quietly — and decisively.

Robby Larson wasted no time asserting command, carving through the Abbots lineup with a fastball that lived on the corners and a breaking ball that never quite arrived where El Paso expected it. Over 7⅓ scoreless innings, Larson scattered three hits, walked two, struck out eight, and never allowed the game to feel reachable.

“A good, solid win,” manager Jimmy Aces said afterward — the kind of phrase that perfectly matched the night.

Sacramento struck early.
In the first inning, Edwin Musco punished a mistake from left-hander Luis Agosti, lifting a two-run homer into the El Paso night. It was quick, clean, and all the offense Larson would need.

The Prayers added insurance late. In the eighth, Francisco Hernandez turned on a pitch from Jeff Woliver, launching a two-run homer — his seventh — after already scoring twice earlier in the night. Hernandez finished 2-for-4, drove in two, and stole a base for good measure.

Larson handed the ball to Ricky Gaias, who finished the job without drama. Sacramento never let El Paso breathe. The Abbots had only four hits and never pushed a runner across.

Key Sacramento lines:

- Hernandez: 2-for-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB (26)
- Musco: 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
- Rubbi: 2-for-2, 2 doubles

Record: 56–23.

★ ★ ★

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28 — PRAYERS 9, ABBOTS 1
Gray and the Avalanche

This was as close to a stress‑free night as a manager gets in June.

The Prayers ambushed El Paso early and never eased up, tagging starter Eduardo Rodriguez for seven runs in 4⅔ innings. Francisco Hernandez set the tone immediately with a two-run homer in the first, his eighth of the season, and Sacramento turned the game into a steady march from there.

Edwin Musco continued his middle-of-the-order authority with two hits and two RBIs. Sam Strauss delivered a bases-clearing double. Alex Vieyra homered and added another RBI. Sacramento piled up 13 hits, scored in five different innings, and turned Abbots Park into a quiet place by the middle frames.

On the mound, Russ Gray was clinical. Gray allowed just one run over 7⅔ innings, striking out five without issuing a walk. The lone blemish — a solo homer by Victor Ruiz — barely registered. Gray moved quickly, trusted his defense, and never let El Paso string together momentum.

“Win or lose, we always try to grind it out and stay even-keeled,” Hernandez said — a quote that fit the night perfectly. Gil Caliari finished it off with 1.1 scoreless innings.

Key Sacramento lines:

- Hernandez: 1-for-5, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI
- Musco: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
- Vieyra: 2-for-4, HR, 2 R, RBI
- Perez: 2 R, double

Win streak: 7 straight. Record: 57–23.

★ ★ ★

THURSDAY, JUNE 29 — PRAYERS 6, ABBOTS 1
Rubbi’s Pinch-Hit Heroics

Thursday demanded patience.

For seven innings, the game refused to move. Fernando Salazar and Jim Bradford traded zeros, and Abbots Park leaned into every pitch as if the night might finally break El Paso’s way. El Paso finally landed a punch, pushing across a run in the 7th to take a 1–0 lead. In the eighth inning, with the game tied 1–1, Jose Rubbi stepped off the bench and delivered the swing that ended the suspense — a two-run pinch-hit home run that stunned the crowd and cracked the game wide open.

Moments later, Sam Strauss followed with his own two-run homer, and the floodgates finally opened. Sacramento sent nine men to the plate, scored five times, and erased any remaining doubt.

Fernando Salazar was, once again, exactly what they needed:

- 7.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
- ERA now 3.00, record 10–3

Gaias finished cleanly, and El Paso absorbed its eighth straight loss. “I thought we were prepared,” Abbots manager Alberto Rivas said afterward. “I thought we’d be more competitive out there.”

Key Sacramento lines:

- Rubbi: pinch‑hit HR, 2 RBI
- Strauss: 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI
- Velasquez: 2-for-5, RBI
- Hernandez: SB #27 before exiting for the pinch‑hit sequence
- Hicks: SB #18

Win streak: 8 straight. Record: 58–23. El Paso’s losing streak hits 8.

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS

1. The big three (plus one) are ridiculous.
In El Paso:

- Larson: 7.1 IP, 0 R
- Gray: 7.2 IP, 1 R
- Salazar: 7.1 IP, 1 R

Combined: 22 IP, 2 ER, 0.82 ERA.

And Jordan Rubalcava didn’t even pitch in this series — he’s sitting on a 1.81 ERA and 101 K.

2. The catching tandem is suddenly a strength.
- Rubbi: .330/.416/.557, 5 HR, 17 RBI in 97 AB.
- Vieyra: up to .222 with some big extra‑base hits recently and much better work the last 8 games (.467, 2 HR in that stretch).

What started the year as a black hole is now an asset.

3. Francisco Hernandez is finally punching back.
Three homers on the trip (Tucson + El Paso), plus his usual chaos on the bases (27 SB). The average is still low (.206), but the impact is finally matching the tools again.

4. Musco is the quiet engine.
After this series:

- .248/.344/.482, 15 HR, 47 RBI, 40 R, 39 BB.
He does everything: walks, power, defense, steals.

5. The standings are a blowout.
After June 29:

- Sacramento: 58–23 (.716)
- Next closest in the West: Tucson at 40–40, 17.5 back.

This isn’t a race. It’s a wire‑to‑wire campaign in the making.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: The "Exhaustion" Excellence

I’m looking at the "Status" column for our pitchers and I see words like "Exhausted" for Salazar and Gray. But looking at the box scores? They look like they’re just getting started. This rotation is a machine. Salazar just hit 10 wins, Gray is at 9 with a sub-2.00 ERA, and Larson is 3-0 in his last four starts.

The most "Prayers" thing about this series? The 8th inning on Thursday. We’re tied, the Abbots think they might actually snap their losing streak, and Jimmy Aces pulls Jose Rubbi off the bench. Boom. Two-run homer. Then Sam Strauss follows it up later with another homer. It’s almost unfair.

Watch Out: Bernardo Andretti is eligible to return in four days. With the way the current five are pitching, who do you even move? Gilbert has a 1.69 ERA in spot duty. It’s a "problem" 23 other GMs would kill for.

The Prayers now head back home to Sacramento for a high-stakes weekend series against the Milwaukee Bishops. They are riding rhythm, rotation depth, and quiet authority — the kind that doesn’t ask for attention, because it already has it.

[liberty-ca]

BNN SERIES RECAP — JUNE 30–JULY 2, 1989
SIXTY BEFORE JULY: PRAYERS HIT MILESTONE AMID INJURY SCARES
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO — The calendar flipped, the crowd stayed steady, and the Prayers kept winning — mostly. The Sacramento Prayers (60-24) became the first team in the league to reach the 60-win plateau this weekend, taking two out of three from the Milwaukee Bishops. While the home crowd celebrated the milestone and a massive 17.5-game division lead, a shadow looms over the clubhouse. Two of Sacramento's cornerstones—ace Jordan Rubalcava and star third baseman Bret Perez—left Friday’s opener with injuries, leaving fans holding their breath.

★ ★ ★

GAME 1 — Friday, June 30, 1989
Prayers 3, Bishops 1
Cardenas Breaks Through, Bullpen Slams Door

Friday’s opener was defined less by fireworks than by restraint. Sacramento opened the homestand with a grind-it-out, late-burst 3–1 win over Milwaukee, overcoming a brilliant outing from Bishops ace Francisco Sanchez. The game started with a collective gasp as Jordan Rubalcava exited after just 2.2 innings with a back strain. Minutes later, Bret Perez was forced out after an awkward throw.

Sanchez was nearly untouchable for most of the night — eight innings, no walks, six strikeouts — but the Prayers made the few mistakes he offered count. Gil Cruz opened the scoring with a solo shot in the second, and after Milwaukee tied it in the third, the game settled into a tense, low-scoring duel.

The breakthrough came in the seventh. Roberto Cardenas, homerless all season and fighting for relevance in a crowded outfield picture, jumped on a Sanchez fastball and launched it over the left-field wall. His first home run of 1989 put Sacramento ahead for good and sent the Stadium into a roar that felt bigger than a one-run lead. “I just tried to make good contact,” Cardenas said afterward, understating the moment as only role players often do.

Jose Rubbi added an RBI single later in the inning, and the bullpen — Ed Kukuk, Matt Wright, and closer Luis Prieto — stitched together 6.1 innings of scoreless relief after Jordan Rubalcava exited early with an injury.

Sacramento improved to 59–23, now 18½ games up in the West.

Player of the Game: Francisco Sanchez (MIL) — despite the loss, his dominance was undeniable.

★ ★ ★

GAME 2 — Saturday, July 1, 1989
Prayers 5, Bishops 0
Gilbert’s Night, Martinez’s Moment

Aaron Gilbert delivered his finest performance as a Prayer, blanking Milwaukee over eight innings in a crisp, commanding 5–0 victory.

Gilbert scattered eight hits, walked none, and struck out five, leaning on pinpoint fastball command and a heavy dose of ground balls. Milwaukee never mounted more than a flicker of a threat, and Sacramento’s defense — four double plays — erased every hint of trouble.

The decisive blow came in the fourth. With two on and one out, Luis Martinez turned on a Scott Ulrich fastball and crushed a three-run homer into the left-field bleachers. It was only his second of the season, but it arrived with the force of a middle-of-the-order slugger. “We played a good game and came out on top,” Martinez said — a simple summary of a night that required little embellishment.

Francisco Hernandez added two hits, including a first-inning double, and stole two bases as he continues to show signs of life after a long slump.

Sacramento moved to 60–23, the best record in baseball by a wide margin.

Player of the Game: Aaron Gilbert — a masterpiece.

★ ★ ★

GAME 3 — Sunday, July 2, 1989
Bishops 2, Prayers 0
A Left-Handed Wall; Man Beats Larson in Pitcher's Duel

The Prayers’ seven-game winning streak ended with a thud as Milwaukee left-hander John Man carved through Sacramento’s lineup in a 2–0 shutout. Milwaukee starter John Man was exceptional — precise, relentless, and unmoved by the crowd. Over eight shutout innings, the left-hander scattered three hits, struck out nine, and erased Sacramento threats before they could form.

The Bishops scored just enough — one run in the fourth, another in the seventh — and that proved plenty.

Sacramento starter Robby Larson pitched well enough to win on most days, striking out 10 over seven innings while allowing only two runs. But against Man, perfection was required — and unattainable.

The Prayers managed only four hits, stranded runners in key spots, and watched chance after chance dissolve. “John is tough to beat when he’s hitting his spots,” Milwaukee manager Ricky Zamora said, and there was no arguing the point.

The loss dropped the Prayers to 60–24, still comfortably atop the division but reminded that even the league’s best can be shut down when the bats go cold.

Player of the Game: John Man — dominant from first pitch to last.

★ ★ ★

MEDICAL REPORT

* 3B Bret Perez: Diagnosis pending (Day-to-Day).
* SP Jordan Rubalcava: Strained back (Estimated return: 2 days).
* SP Bernardo Andretti: Shoulder (Returning in 2 days).
* LF Eli Murguia: PCL Tear (3 days left on 60-day IL, but still 4 months from playing).

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: 60 Wins and a Bottle of Aspirin

Sixty wins! In any other week, we’d be dancing in the streets of Sacramento. This team reached 60 wins before the Fourth of July—that is historical dominance. But man, the training room is starting to look like a MASH unit.

Losing Bret Perez just as he was coming back from the tailbone issue is a gut punch. We’re still waiting on the official diagnosis, but with Andres Valadez and Gil Cruz both hitting under .200, the hot corner is suddenly a cold spot. And Jordan Rubalcava’s back? We need our ace healthy for the long haul.

The silver lining? Aaron Gilbert. That kid is a starter on 25 other teams. His ERA is 1.30! And don't look now, but Bernardo Andretti is eligible to return in two days. The timing couldn't be better. We’re going to need that "next man up" energy as we head to Albuquerque.

[liberty-ca]

BNN SERIES RECAP — JULY 3–5, 1989
Prayers Stumble in Albuquerque, Drop Back‑to‑Back for First Time in Weeks
By Chad G. Petey & C.O. Pilot — Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — The Sacramento Prayers (61-26) found the thin air of New Mexico less than welcoming this week. Despite a brilliant opening performance by Russ Gray, the Prayers dropped a series for the first time in weeks, losing two of three to the Albuquerque Damned (36-51). While Sacramento still holds a commanding 18-game lead in the AL West, the series was marred by uncharacteristic defensive lapses and a rare late-inning collapse by the league's top closer.

★ ★ ★

GAME 1 — MONDAY, JULY 3
Prayers 3, Damned 1
Gray Notches Win Number Ten

The opener followed a familiar Sacramento script: crisp pitching, timely contact, and just enough pressure applied at precisely the right moments. Russ Gray delivered one of the most economical outings of his brilliant season and became the second Prayers pitcher to reach double-digit wins this season. Gray delivered eight innings of near‑flawless work, he was the definition of "pitching to contact," allowing just four hits and a lone solo homer while walking none. The right‑hander didn’t record a strikeout, but he didn’t need to — Albuquerque never mounted sustained pressure.

“This is how Russ wins,” manager Jimmy Aces said afterward. “He doesn’t chase strikeouts. He chases outs.”

Sacramento’s offense was steady if unspectacular. Logan Hicks doubled to start the game and scored on Sam Strauss’s RBI single. Strauss later added a solo homer in the sixth, and Alex Velasquez punched a run‑scoring single in the seventh to extend the lead.

The Damned turned four double plays to stay afloat, Luis Prieto wobbled but survived ninth to seal his 23rd save despite issuing three walks. Sacramento moved to 61–24, continuing their march atop the division.

★ ★ ★

GAME 2 — TUESDAY, JULY 4
Damned 3, Prayers 2
Fourth of July Fireworks (The Wrong Kind)

Independence Day delivered the series’ defining moment — and one Sacramento would like back. Sacramento dominated for eight innings and then lost everything in three pitches.

Fernando Salazar was brilliant, firing eight shutout innings and allowing only one hit. He left with a 2–0 lead thanks to a sacrifice fly from Sam Strauss and an RBI single from Alex Velasquez. But the Prayers stranded opportunities throughout the night, and that would come back to haunt them.

In the bottom of the ninth, closer Luis Prieto faced three batters. He retired none.

After a leadoff single and a walk, Danny Hagman turned on a Prieto pitch and launched a three‑run walk‑off homer to left, stunning Sacramento and handing Prieto his fifth blown save of the season. The Damned stole a game they had no business winning, and the Prayers were left to wonder how a dominant pitching performance had slipped away. “We had our chances to add on,” Aces admitted. “That’s on us.” The loss dropped Sacramento to 61–25, and shifted the emotional gravity of the series.

★ ★ ★

GAME 3 — WEDNESDAY, JULY 5
Damned 6, Prayers 1
Defensive Gloom in the Afternoon

The finale was the only game of the series that wasn’t close. In his return from a back strain, Jordan Rubalcava (9-4) looked human for the first time this year. However, his stat line (6.0 IP, 6 R, 2 ER) was heavily skewed by a Sacramento defense that looked like it was still at a Fourth of July barbecue. Albuquerque jumped on Rubalcava immediately, scoring four in the first inning, capped by Eddie Serrano’s two‑run blast. Alex Castro added a two‑run homer in the fifth, and the Damned never looked back.

Sacramento mustered seven hits but couldn’t string them together. Francisco Hernandez and Edwin Musco each had multi‑hit games, but the Prayers grounded into two double plays and left runners in scoring position in the sixth and seventh. “Obviously, we wished for a better outcome,” Aces said, succinctly.

Damned starter Jose Arteaga was sharp, holding Sacramento to one run over 8.2 innings before turning the final out over to the bullpen.

The loss dropped Sacramento to 61–26 and marked their first back‑to‑back defeats since early June.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take: Put the Glove on the Correct Hand, Boys!

I don’t know if it was the altitude or too many green chiles, but our Prayers looked more like they were playing "Hot Potato" than professional baseball this week. Five errors in the last two games? That is not Sacramento baseball.

The Tuesday game was the real heartbreaker. Fernando Salazar gives you eight innings of one-hit ball — on the road, on a holiday — and you hand the ball to Luis Prieto, the guy who usually locks the door and throws away the key. Instead, Danny Hagman turns into Babe Ruth and ruins the party. You could almost see Jimmy Aces’ head steam from the dugout.

And let's talk about Jordan Rubalcava. It was good to see him back on the mound, but you could tell he was fighting his rhythm. To be fair, he shouldn't have given up six runs; if the defense makes the routine plays, that’s a 2-1 game. We’re heading home, and thank goodness. I think the boys need to sleep in their own beds and remember that the object of the game is to catch the ball, not watch it bounce into the dugout.