[pauwoo]

@ New York Sluggers (45-57, 5th AL East)
Ah, the New York Sluggers, the team that's somehow managed to turn "struggling" into an art form. With a record that screams "we're just here for the hot dogs," they've shown an uncanny ability to hit home runs, but unfortunately, those long balls haven't quite translated into enough wins to lift them out of the basement of the AL East. Whether they're playing at home or on the road, it seems their fortunes don't change much. But hey, at least they're good in extra-inning games, which is a skill, right?

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP J. Fletchall (7-1, 1.32 ERA) vs RHP B. Ulibarri (1-5, 6.69 ERA)
RHP N. Barilla (7-2, 1.80 ERA) vs RHP T. Truitt (0-0, 4.70 ERA)
RHP W. Macomber (8-7, 3.10 ERA) vs RHP N. Holmberg (9-6, 3.14 ERA)

#103: Loss, 4-8… In a game that started off with promising energy, the Portland Pioneers couldn't maintain their early lead against the New York Sluggers, falling 8-4. The Pioneers jumped ahead in the top of the 1st with Shane Fukumoto's blazing triple, followed by a sacrifice from Simon Harris. However, their offense stagnated as hurlers Alfredo Salcido and Brock Ulibarri shut them down. For the Sluggers, CF Reuben Miret’s clutch double and 1B Spike Tucker’s two-run homer in the 6th turned the tide, with 3B Aiden Irvine and C Rudy Izquierdo adding insurance runs in the 8th. Pioneers' Jeremiah Fletchall pitched solidly early on with 5 K’s over 6.2-innings of 5-hit, 2 earned work, but the Sluggers' late-game heroics sealed their victory.

#104: Win, 5-3 (10)… In a nail-biting showdown that stretched into extra innings, the Portland Pioneers and the New York Sluggers delivered a spectacle for the fans. The game kicked off with a solid defensive start from both teams, but it was the Sluggers who drew first blood, with CF Reuben Miret's double driving in the opening runs. However, the Pioneers fought back, led by standout performances from 1B Angel Marino, whose clutch hitting kept them in contention. With the score tied at 3-3 heading into the 10th inning, the Pioneers exploded with a decisive offensive surge. SS Skyler Dickey and DH Frodo Gonzales delivered key hits, while 3B Shane Fukumoto's patience earned him a crucial walk, ultimately sealing the victory for Portland with a 5-3 triumph. Though the Sluggers put up a valiant effort, highlighted by DH Randy Karos's solo home run, it was the Pioneers' resilience and timely plays that secured the win, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final out.

#105: Win, 6-3… In a high-energy match at the New York Sluggers' home turf, the Portland Pioneers came out swinging, grabbing an early lead in the first inning and maintaining their advantage throughout the game. 1B Angel Marino set the tone for Portland with a solo home run in the third inning, blasting a 452-foot shot that left the crowd in awe. DH Frodo Gonzales was also a standout, delivering a key RBI double early on and maintaining a strong presence at the plate. On the Sluggers' side, DH Randy Karos showed his power with a solid double and a late-game two-run homer, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Pioneers' early lead. The Pioneers' pitching, led by SP William Macomber, held strong, effectively neutralizing New York's offense and securing a well-deserved 6-3 victory on the road to take the series, 2 games to 1.

Record: 57-48, .543, 3rd AL West
Up Next: The back & forth continues as we head home for a day off before welcoming the Detroit Motors to Pendleton Park for a 3-game set.