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April 27, 1981 | Gamblers Park | Las Vegas, NV
Portland Lumberjacks vs. Las Vegas Gamblers


Watch it on ABL Vision


Let’s meet our teams:
The Portland Lumberjacks are currently struggling in the American Baseball Conference's Western Division, with a disappointing 6-13 record to start the 1981 season. This underperformance is reflected in their woeful -37 run differential and a team ERA of 5.88, indicating significant pitching issues. The team's offense isn't faring much better, with a batting average of .248 and an OPS of .694. Key hitters like Lance Gregg and Jeremy Campbell show potential, but the lineup overall lacks the consistency and power needed to compete effectively. Injuries have compounded these problems, with four players currently on the disabled list, further straining the team's depth and performance.

Financially, the Lumberjacks are on shaky ground. Despite a decent fan interest rise to 92% stadium fill rate, the revenue isn't translating into significant financial health, with a tight payroll reflecting the constraints faced by the management. Owner Ben Criswell's penny-pinching approach and the team’s low revenue limit their ability to make impactful player acquisitions. The front office and coaching staff, led by GM Ben Hayter and hitting coach Chris Hamilton, are doing their best with the resources available, but the lack of financial flexibility is a significant hurdle. The Lumberjacks' history in the Grand Tournament of Champions has been underwhelming, with four appearances but no significant success. This season looks to be another challenging one unless they can address their pitching woes and capitalize on their offensive opportunities​​.

The Las Vegas Gamblers have started the 1981 season on a high note with a strong 14-5 record, showcasing their dominance in the American Baseball Conference's Western Division. Their impressive .737 winning percentage is bolstered by a formidable run differential of +31, highlighting their balanced prowess in both scoring and defense. The team's pitching staff has been stellar, with an ERA of 2.90, reflecting their ability to limit opponent runs effectively. Key players like Bobby Rodriguez and Oscar Herrera are anchoring the rotation with sub-3 ERAs, making the Gamblers a formidable force on the mound. Offensively, the team boasts a .279 batting average and a .362 on-base percentage, driven by standout performances from Jon Martinez and David Avila. Martinez, with a .359 average and a .426 OBP, leads the charge, while Avila's combination of speed and hitting prowess adds depth to the lineup​​.

Financially, the Gamblers are in a solid position with a payroll of $5.4 million against a budget of $6.5 million. Fan interest is at a high, with a stadium fill rate of 94% and rising enthusiasm reflected in their fan interest score of 61. This robust support translates into a stable revenue stream, enabling potential mid-season acquisitions. Despite their relatively small market size, the Gamblers' strategic roster management and efficient front office operations have positioned them well for a deep playoff run. Their advanced metrics, including a Batter WAR of 3.61 and a Pitcher WAR of 2.97, further emphasize the team's all-around strength. As they continue their strong start, the Gamblers are poised to be serious contenders in the Grand Tournament of Champions, blending veteran experience with youthful exuberance to maintain their competitive edge​​.


Las Vegas Gamblers lead the series 100 - 98 | season series tied 0-0


Key players

Milestones:

POR – None
LV – None

All-Star Caliber:

Blue players:
POR - None
LV - None


Green players:
POR - None

LV - SP Bobby Rodriguez #5 | Age: 26 | Bats: L | Throws: R





The Game:
Welcome baseball fans to Las Vegas, Nevada, home of the Las Vegas Gamblers. Today’s featured contest pits the home team against the Portland Lumberjacks of Portland, Oregon, who are striving to improve their standings in the ABC Western Division. The Gamblers have had an impressive start to the season, holding a 14-5 record, while the Lumberjacks are struggling at 6-13. Las Vegas is looking to build on their strong performances and solid run differential, while Portland aims to turn their season around by addressing their defensive woes and capitalizing on clutch opportunities.

According to early season predictions, both teams are eager for wins and determined to climb the division ranks. The Gamblers, with an impressive 88.6% playoff probability, seek to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their recent successes. Meanwhile, the Lumberjacks, facing a 2.6% chance of making the playoffs, are eager to improve their consistency and gain traction in the division. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with much to prove, as they strive for long-term success this season.

Today’s pitching matchup is LHP Adam Strate #25 [1-2 5.19] for Portland and for the Gamblers RHP Oscar Herrera #33 [4-0 3.19].


Hello, ABL fans, Big Earl here... coming to you live ... and in color from Las Vegas NV...! Welcome to Gamblers Park...! It's Weekday Series 4! Today we're witnessing an ABC Western Division matchup between... Home run King, Jeremy Campbell and the Portland Lumberjacks... versus... Mike Rabel and the Las Vegas Gamblers... This is Game One of a Four-Game Series

Attention! ... Attention please! ... ... Have your pencil ... and scorecards ready ... and I'll give you... the correct lineups ... for today's ball game.

First, for the visiting Portland Lumberjacks... Managed by Tim Staheli... Batting first... The designated hitter... #22... Mike Hargett... Batting second... playing second base... #1... Jesus Gago... Batting third... playing left field... #38... Nukie Frondarina... Batting clean-up... playing center field... #16... Jeremy Campbell... Batting fifth... the shortstop... #28... Lance Gregg... Batting sixth... playing first base... #14... David de Leon... Batting seventh... playing right field... #63... Shigeo Oshima... Batting eighth... playing third base... #3... Roberto Marquez... Batting ninth... the catcher... #2... Renault Buso... The starting pitcher... for the Portland Lumberjacks... Left hander... #25... Adam Strate...

And now here is the starting lineup for the home-standing Las Vegas Gamblers... Managed by Matt Petrie... Batting first... playing right field... #29... Charles Crane... Batting second... playing center field... #4... Mario Smithson... Batting third... The designated hitter... #6... Mike Rabel... Batting clean-up... playing first base... #15... Eddie Rodriguez... Batting fifth... playing third base... #11... Jeff Smith... Batting sixth... the catcher... #19... Jon Dominguez... Batting seventh... playing left field... #34... Jose Charon... Batting eighth... playing second base... #42... David Avila... Batting ninth... the shortstop... #31... Danny Herrera... The starting pitcher ... for the Las Vegas Gamblers... Right hander ... #33... Oscar Herrera...

We are about to get underway here at Gamblers Park... Today's attendance looks like around... maybe... 19,000 fans... It's clear skies and 70 degrees at first pitch... with the wind blowing out to center at 10 mph...

Play Ball!!

⚾

ABL
PORTLAND LUMBERJACKS @ LAS VEGAS GAMBLERS
04/27/1981 Game 1 of 4
=================================================
BOTTOM OF THE 1ST

Las Vegas Gamblers batting - Pitching for Portland Lumberjacks : LHP Adam Strate

Pitching: LHP Adam Strate

No Outs, Bases empty
Batting: RHB Charles Crane
0-0: Swinging Strike
0-1: Swinging Strike
0-2: Ball
1-2: Ball
2-2: SINGLE (Groundball, 6MS, EV 74.4 MPH) (infield hit)

No Outs, Runner on 1st
Batting: RHB Mario Smithson
0-0: TRIPLE (Line Drive, 89XD, EV 106.9 MPH)
Charles Crane scores

Lumberjacks 0, Gamblers 1

No Outs, Runner on 3rd
Batting: RHB Mike Rabel
0-0: Swinging Strike
0-1: Ball
1-1: Ball
2-1: SINGLE (Line Drive, 8RS, EV 95.6 MPH)
Mario Smithson scores

Lumberjacks 0, Gamblers 2

No Outs, Runner on 1st
Batting: RHB Eddie Rodriguez
0-0: Ball
1-0: Called Strike
1-1: Foul Ball, location: 9LMF
1-2: Ball
2-2: SINGLE (Line Drive, 4D, EV 99.4 MPH)
Mike Rabel to second

No Outs, Runners on 1st & 2nd
Batting: RHB Jeff Smith
0-0: Ball
1-0: Ball
2-0: Called Strike
2-1: Foul Ball, location: 23F
2-2: Strikes out swinging

1 Out, Runners on 1st & 2nd
Batting: LHB Jon Dominguez
0-0: Foul Ball, location: 2F
0-1: Foul Ball, location: 2F
0-2: Ball
1-2: Strikes out swinging

2 Outs, Runners on 1st & 2nd
Batting: RHB Jose Charon
0-0: Ball
1-0: Ball
2-0: Ball
3-0: Called Strike
3-1: Fly out, F7 (Line Drive, 78M, EV 98.8 MPH)


Bottom of the 1st over - 2 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on base; Portland 0 - Las Vegas 2
=================================================
BOTTOM OF THE 2ND

Las Vegas Gamblers batting - Pitching for Portland Lumberjacks : LHP Adam Strate

No Outs, Bases empty
Batting: RHB David Avila
0-0: Called Strike
0-1: Foul Ball, location: 3F
0-2: Strikes out swinging, 2-3 out at first.

1 Out, Bases empty
Batting: RHB Danny Herrera
0-0: Ground out 6-3 (Groundball, 6, EV 84.4 MPH)

2 Outs, Bases empty
Batting: RHB Charles Crane
0-0: Swinging Strike
0-1: Ball
1-1: Ball
2-1: Ball
3-1: Base on Balls

2 Outs, Runner on 1st
Batting: RHB Mario Smithson
0-0: Called Strike
Charles Crane steals 2nd base

2 Outs, Runner on 2nd
0-1: Ball
1-1: Ball
2-1: Ball
3-1: Base on Balls

2 Outs, Runners on 1st & 2nd
Batting: RHB Mike Rabel
0-0: Ball
1-0: Ball
2-0: Ball
3-0: SINGLE (Groundball, 6D, EV 96.9 MPH)
Charles Crane to third
Mario Smithson to second
Runner from 3rd tries for Home, SAFE, throw by CF to home
Mario Smithson to third
Mike Rabel to second

Lumberjacks 0, Gamblers 3

2 Outs, Runners on 2nd & 3rd
Batting: RHB Eddie Rodriguez
0-0: Ball
1-0: Called Strike
1-1: Ball
2-1: Foul Ball, location: 2F
2-2: Strikes out swinging


Bottom of the 2nd over - 1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 left on base; Portland 0 - Las Vegas 3
=================================================
BOTTOM OF THE 3RD

Las Vegas Gamblers batting - Pitching for Portland Lumberjacks : LHP Adam Strate

No Outs, Bases empty
Batting: RHB Jeff Smith
0-0: Ball
1-0: Foul Ball, location: 3FF
1-1: Called Strike
1-2: Ball
2-2: SINGLE (Line Drive, 78M, EV 100.0 MPH)

No Outs, Runner on 1st
Batting: LHB Jon Dominguez
0-0: Called Strike
0-1: Ball
1-1: Foul Ball, location: 2F
1-2: Fly out, F7 (Line Drive, 7S, EV 92.5 MPH)

1 Out, Runner on 1st
Batting: RHB Jose Charon
0-0: Foul Ball, location: 5F
0-1: Ball
1-1: Ball
2-1: Called Strike
2-2: Ball
3-2: Base on Balls
Jeff Smith to second

1 Out, Runners on 1st & 2nd
Batting: RHB David Avila
0-0: Swinging Strike
0-1: Called Strike
0-2: Ball
1-2: Fly out, F3 (Popup, 3S, EV 72.5 MPH)

2 Outs, Runners on 1st & 2nd
Batting: RHB Danny Herrera
0-0: Ball
1-0: Foul Ball, location: 9LMF
1-1: SINGLE (Groundball, 6MD, EV 98.1 MPH)
Jeff Smith to third
Jose Charon to second
Runner from 3rd tries for Home, SAFE, throw by CF to home
Jose Charon to third
Danny Herrera to second

Lumberjacks 0, Gamblers 4

2 Outs, Runners on 2nd & 3rd
Batting: RHB Charles Crane
0-0: Foul Ball, location: 25F
0-1: Swinging Strike
0-2: SINGLE (Groundball, 56D, EV 105.0 MPH)
Jose Charon scores
Danny Herrera to third
Runner from 3rd tries for Home, SAFE, throw by LF to home
Charles Crane to second

Lumberjacks 0, Gamblers 6

'Jacks manager Tim Staheli is taking the long walk to the mound...
He's seen enough...
Pitching: RHP Adrian Walrod

2 Outs, Runner on 2nd
Batting: RHB Mario Smithson
0-0: Ball
1-0: Called Strike
1-1: Ball
2-1: Ball
3-1: Fly out, F8 (Flyball, 8RM, EV 98.1 MPH)


Bottom of the 3rd over - 3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on base; Portland 0 - Las Vegas 6
=================================================
BOTTOM OF THE 6TH

Las Vegas Gamblers batting - Pitching for Portland Lumberjacks : RHP Adrian Walrod

No Outs, Bases empty
Batting: RHB Charles Crane
0-0: Ball
1-0: Swinging Strike
1-1: Foul Ball, location: 9LSF
1-2: Ball
2-2: SINGLE (Line Drive, 7S, EV 101.3 MPH)

No Outs, Runner on 1st
Batting: RHB Mario Smithson
0-0: Ball
1-0: Called Strike
1-1: Ball
2-1: Ball
3-1: Fly out, F3 (Popup, 34S, EV 73.1 MPH)

1 Out, Runner on 1st
Batting: RHB Mike Rabel
0-0: Called Strike
0-1: DOUBLE (Flyball, 89D, EV 90.6 MPH)
Charles Crane to third
Runner from 3rd tries for Home, SAFE, throw by CF to trailing runner, SAFE at third!

Lumberjacks 0, Gamblers 7

1 Out, Runner on 3rd
Batting: RHB Eddie Rodriguez
0-0: Ball
1-0: Swinging Strike
1-1: Foul Ball, location: 3F
1-2: SINGLE (Line Drive, 7S, EV 107.5 MPH)
Mike Rabel scores

Lumberjacks 0, Gamblers 8

1 Out, Runner on 1st
Batting: RHB Jeff Smith
0-0: Ball
1-0: Foul Ball, location: 9LDF
1-1: Called Strike
Eddie Rodriguez steals 2nd base

1 Out, Runner on 2nd
1-2: SINGLE (Line Drive, 34D, EV 96.9 MPH)
Eddie Rodriguez to third

1 Out, Runners on 1st & 3rd
Batting: LHB Jon Dominguez
0-0: Called Strike
0-1: Ball
1-1: Fly out, F8 (Line Drive, 8RM, EV 93.8 MPH)
Runner from 3rd tags up, SCORES, no throw by CF

Lumberjacks 0, Gamblers 9

2 Outs, Runner on 1st
Batting: RHB Jose Charon
0-0: Ball
1-0: Fly out, F6 (Popup, 6M, EV 74.4 MPH)


Bottom of the 6th over - 3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on base; Portland 0 - Las Vegas 9
=================================================
BOTTOM OF THE 8TH

Las Vegas Gamblers batting - Pitching for Portland Lumberjacks : RHP Juan White

Now at 2B: Lance Gregg
Now at SS: Reomel Bernardo

No Outs, Bases empty
Batting: RHB Mike Rabel
0-0: Swinging Strike
0-1: Called Strike
0-2: Ball
1-2: SOLO HOME RUN (Flyball, 78XD, EV 108.8 MPH), Distance : 436 ft

Lumberjacks 0, Gamblers 10

No Outs, Bases empty
Batting: RHB Eddie Rodriguez
0-0: Ball
1-0: Hit by Pitch

No Outs, Runner on 1st
Batting: RHB Jeff Smith
0-0: Foul Ball, location: 3F
0-1: Called Strike
0-2: Grounds into double play, 6-4-3 (Groundball, 6S, EV 88.1 MPH)

2 Outs, Bases empty
Batting: LHB Jon Dominguez
0-0: Ball
1-0: Foul Ball, location: 2F
1-1: DOUBLE (Line Drive, 5D, EV 110.6 MPH)

2 Outs, Runner on 2nd
Batting: RHB Jose Charon
0-0: Ball
1-0: Ball
2-0: Called Strike
2-1: Ball
3-1: Base on Balls

2 Outs, Runners on 1st & 2nd
Batting: RHB David Avila
0-0: Fly out, F8 (Flyball, 8RS, EV 81.9 MPH)


Bottom of the 8th over - 1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on base; Portland 0 - Las Vegas 10
=================================================
TOP OF THE 9TH

Portland Lumberjacks batting - Pitching for Las Vegas Gamblers : RHP Oscar Herrera

No Outs, Bases empty
Batting: RHB Lance Gregg
0-0: Swinging Strike
0-1: Ball
1-1: Foul Ball, location: 2F
1-2: Ground out 6-3 (Groundball, 6, EV 87.5 MPH)

1 Out, Bases empty
Batting: RHB David de Leon
0-0: Ball
1-0: Foul Ball, location: 9LDF
1-1: SINGLE (Groundball, 6S, EV 65.6 MPH) (infield hit)

1 Out, Runner on 1st
Batting: RHB Shigeo Oshima
0-0: SINGLE (Groundball, 34D, EV 103.1 MPH)
David de Leon to second

1 Out, Runners on 1st & 2nd
Pinch Hitting: LHB Dave Namowicz
0-0: Called Strike
0-1: Ball
1-1: Called Strike
1-2: Foul Ball, location: 3FF
1-2: Ball
2-2: Foul Ball, location: 2F
2-2: Ball
3-2: Strikes out swinging

2 Outs, Runners on 1st & 2nd
Batting: RHB Renault Buso
0-0: DOUBLE (Line Drive, 7LS, EV 103.8 MPH)
David de Leon scores
Shigeo Oshima to third

Lumberjacks 1, Gamblers 10

2 Outs, Runners on 2nd & 3rd
Batting: RHB Mike Hargett
0-0: Foul Ball, location: 25F
0-1: Foul Ball, location: 3FF
0-2: Ball
1-2: Ball
2-2: Ground out 4-3 (Groundball, 34D, EV 105.0 MPH)


Top of the 9th over - 1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on base; Portland 1 - Las Vegas 10
=================================================


Well, there you have it... Let's take a look at the totals for today's game. First for the victorious Las Vegas Gamblers, 10 runs, on 15 hits, No errors, they left 10 men on base. They improve their record to a league leading, 15-5. for the Portland Lumberjacks, 1 run, on 10 hits, No errors, they left 9 men on base. They fall to an American conference worst, 6-14.

The Las Vegas Gamblers secured a decisive victory over the Portland Lumberjacks with a final score of 10-1. Las Vegas started strong, scoring two runs in the first inning with hits from Charles Crane, Mario Smithson, and Mike Rabel. They continued their offensive surge in the second inning, adding another run thanks to a single from Mike Rabel that drove in Charles Crane. By the third inning, the Gamblers extended their lead to 6 nothing, highlighted by hits from Jeff Smith, Danny Herrera, and a critical two-RBI single from Charles Crane.

Despite Portland's attempts to rally, they struggled against Las Vegas pitcher Oscar Herrera, who consistently shut down their batters. The Lumberjacks managed to get runners on base but were unable to capitalize until the ninth inning, when Renault Buso's double finally brought in a run. Meanwhile, Las Vegas continued to dominate, adding three more runs in the sixth inning and a solo home run by Mike Rabel in the eighth. The Gamblers' consistent offense and strong pitching from Herrera led to their overwhelming 10-1 victory, showcasing their dominance on both sides of the game.

The winning pitcher is... Oscar Herrera... his record improves to a league best... 5-0... The losing pitcher is Adam Strate... His record drops to 1-3...



The player of the game is Gamblers DH, Mike Rabel.

The paid attendance was 19,322 fans.

To recap...
Mike Rabel helped Las Vegas beat the Portland Lumberjacks, 10-1. He stroked 5 hits in 5 at-bats to spark his club in the win. Mike Rabel hit an RBI single in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, hit an RBI double in the 6th and hit a solo-shot off Juan White in the 8th. This year, Rabel is hitting .329 with 5 home runs. Las Vegas improves to 15-5, while Portland falls to 6-14.

This is Big Earl signing off from Gamblers Park in Las Vegas. Where today's final score is...

Las Vegas Gamblers 10 – Portland Lumberjacks 1..

Until next time... This is the Game!



WIN!!


Note: The Minneapolis at Chicago game was postponed due to weather and will be replayed on April 28, 1981 as part of a doubleheader.


Real. Fictional. ⚾.

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