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liberty-ca · 12-20-2025, 07:00 PM

🎙️ The Sacramento Chronicles: A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream 🎙️
By Gemmie Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

The Sacramento Stadium lights seem to burn a little brighter these days. As the Prayers’ charter flight touched down back in California following their series win in Milwaukee, there was a palpable sense that this team isn't just playing baseball — they are conducting a season-long clinic. At 82-32, the Prayers have reached a altitude rarely seen in the modern era.

"You look at the standings, and it’s like a misprint," one veteran scout was heard saying behind the batting cage at Bishops Stadium. "They aren't just beating you; they’re exhausting you. They have three different ways to kill you in every inning."

The Salazar Resurrection

In the series opener against Milwaukee, Fernando Salazar looked every bit the ace the Prayers paid for. After some inconsistent starts in July, "The Captain" went seven innings, surrendering only four hits.

Locker room insiders noted that Salazar spent most of the off-day in the film room. "I told the guys, I don't care about the 11 wins," Salazar reportedly told his teammates after the game. "I care about the two runs I gave up. We’re chasing perfection, not just wins. If I’m the weak link in this rotation, we’re in trouble — and I don't plan on being anyone's weak link."

The "Silent" Leader: Alex Mendoza

While Edwin Musco grabs the headlines with his MVP-caliber numbers, catcher Alex Mendoza quietly turned the Milwaukee series on its head. Homering in back-to-back games, Mendoza has become the primary beneficiary of pitchers trying to avoid Musco.

"They have to throw it to someone," Mendoza joked with reporters while icing his knees. "If they want to walk Edwin or pitch him in the dirt, I’m standing right there waiting. I’ve got the best seat in the house to watch him work, but I like it better when I’m the one rounding the bases."

The 12-Inning Ghost

The echoes of that 12-inning marathon against Boston still linger. Manager Jimmy Aces has been careful with his bullpen usage since the sweep of the Messiahs, leaning on Bernardo Andretti to go deep into the finale in Milwaukee.

"My arm feels like a million bucks," Andretti said after moving to 14-6. "When you're winning like this, you don't feel the fatigue. You just want the ball back. I’d pitch every three days if Jimmy let me. This team has a heartbeat you can hear from the parking lot."

12-20-2025, 07:00 PM	#75
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 391	🎙️ The Sacramento Chronicles: A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream 🎙️ By Gemmie Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle The Sacramento Stadium lights seem to burn a little brighter these days. As the Prayers’ charter flight touched down back in California following their series win in Milwaukee, there was a palpable sense that this team isn't just playing baseball — they are conducting a season-long clinic. At 82-32, the Prayers have reached a altitude rarely seen in the modern era. "You look at the standings, and it’s like a misprint," one veteran scout was heard saying behind the batting cage at Bishops Stadium. "They aren't just beating you; they’re exhausting you. They have three different ways to kill you in every inning." The Salazar Resurrection In the series opener against Milwaukee, Fernando Salazar looked every bit the ace the Prayers paid for. After some inconsistent starts in July, "The Captain" went seven innings, surrendering only four hits. Locker room insiders noted that Salazar spent most of the off-day in the film room. "I told the guys, I don't care about the 11 wins," Salazar reportedly told his teammates after the game. "I care about the two runs I gave up. We’re chasing perfection, not just wins. If I’m the weak link in this rotation, we’re in trouble — and I don't plan on being anyone's weak link." *The "Silent" Leader: Alex Mendoza* While Edwin Musco grabs the headlines with his MVP-caliber numbers, catcher Alex Mendoza quietly turned the Milwaukee series on its head. Homering in back-to-back games, Mendoza has become the primary beneficiary of pitchers trying to avoid Musco. "They have to throw it to someone," Mendoza joked with reporters while icing his knees. "If they want to walk Edwin or pitch him in the dirt, I’m standing right there waiting. I’ve got the best seat in the house to watch him work, but I like it better when I’m the one rounding the bases." *The 12-Inning Ghost* The echoes of that 12-inning marathon against Boston still linger. Manager Jimmy Aces has been careful with his bullpen usage since the sweep of the Messiahs, leaning on Bernardo Andretti to go deep into the finale in Milwaukee. "My arm feels like a million bucks," Andretti said after moving to 14-6. "When you're winning like this, you don't feel the fatigue. You just want the ball back. I’d pitch every three days if Jimmy let me. This team has a heartbeat you can hear from the parking lot."