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liberty-ca · 01-29-2026, 12:38 AM

BNN WEEK IN RETROSPECT – PRAYERS WEEKLY
SACRAMENTO PRAYERS: MAY 27 – JUNE 2, 1990
By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

The Sacramento Prayers entered the final days of May looking to stabilize after a turbulent mid‑month stretch. They ended the week having done far more than that. Behind a resurgent offense, steady top‑of‑rotation work, and a pair of statement wins in Washington, Sacramento closed the period 6–1, improving to 36–21 and extending their American League West lead to 6 games.

It was a week defined by Eli Murguia’s home‑run barrage, Edwin Musco’s continued MVP‑caliber consistency, and Bernardo Andretti and Jordan Rubalcava anchoring the staff. Even with injuries and rotation fatigue, Sacramento looked like a club rediscovering its identity.

★ ★ ★

Sunday, May 27 — Seattle Lucifers at Sacramento Prayers
Sacramento 9, Seattle 6
The Lucifers Get Burned

Eli Murguia supplied the thunder, and the Sacramento Prayers supplied the response every time Seattle threatened Sunday night at Sacramento Stadium, riding two home runs from their left fielder to a 9–6 victory over the Lucifers.

Murguia went 3-for-4, drove in four runs, and scored twice as Sacramento improved to 32–20. His solo homer to lead off the second inning put the Prayers on the board, and his two-run shot in the third erased a Seattle lead and swung the momentum back toward the home dugout.

Seattle answered with a four-run third inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from Matt Mayeski, and later climbed back in front at 6–5 on solo home runs by Arturo Valadez and Juan Romero. Sacramento, however, refused to blink. Bret Perez doubled home a run in the fourth, and Alex Velasquez delivered the decisive blow in the sixth, lining a two-out RBI single to left off reliever Hector Bonilla to push the Prayers ahead for good, 8–6.

“I just tried to make good contact,” Velasquez said afterward. “He left something up, and I didn’t miss it.”

Reliever Don St. Clair steadied the game after starter Raul Gaias allowed five runs over 4⅔ innings, holding Seattle to one run across 3⅓ frames to earn his first win of the season. Chris Ryan worked a clean ninth for his third save.

Murguia was named Player of the Game as Sacramento out-hit Seattle 14–12 and closed the night with contributions throughout the lineup, including three hits from catcher Joey Rubbi and two doubles from Edwin Musco.

★ ★ ★

Tuesday, May 29 — San Jose Demons at Sacramento Prayers
Sacramento 5, San Jose 4
The Brierly Battle

Tuesday brought the San Jose Demons to town and with them, the formidable arm of Jessie Brierly — a man who once struck out 196 batters in a season. For a while, it was a classic chess match. In the end Prayers made it five straight wins Tuesday night, leaning on timely power and a strong outing from Bernardo Andretti to edge the San Jose Demons, 5–4.

After San Jose struck for three runs in the second inning, Sacramento chipped away methodically. Eli Murguia singled home a run, Hector Iniguez added a sacrifice fly, and the Prayers gradually flipped the score behind steady at-bats against Jessie Brierly.

The decisive moment came in the fifth. With the game tied 3–3, Bret Perez stepped in and drove a splitter from Brierly over the left-field wall for a solo home run — his seventh of the season — giving Sacramento a 5–3 cushion.

Andretti carried the load on the mound, scattering five hits over 7⅔ innings while allowing four runs — only one earned — to move to 6–2 on the year. He worked out of several jams, aided by a sharp double play and a composed approach as San Jose pressured late.

Jimmy Aces praised his club’s resilience: “Maximum effort. That’s what this group gave me tonight. That’s maximum effort. We didn’t play clean baseball the whole night, but we competed every inning.”

Luis Prieto closed the door in the ninth for his 16th save, striking out three and stranding the tying run at second base.

★ ★ ★

Wednesday, May 30 — San Jose Demons at Sacramento Prayers
Sacramento 9, San Jose 5
Musco’s 3‑Run Blast Extends Win Streak to Five

Edwin Musco delivered the knockout swing, and Jordan Rubalcava delivered the innings, as the Prayers extended their winning streak to six with a 9–5 win over the Demons on Wednesday night.

After the teams traded single runs early, Musco broke the game open in the fourth inning. With two runners aboard, the shortstop turned on a sinker from Danny Kidder and sent it into the seats for a three-run home run — his 13th of the season — pushing Sacramento out to a 5–1 lead.

“Very pleased with the effort on our side,” Musco said. “That’s a good club over there, and we stayed aggressive.”

San Jose clawed back with a four-run sixth, trimming the margin to 5–5, but Sacramento answered immediately. Eli Murguia homered in the seventh, and pinch hitter Roberto Cardenas delivered a two-run single later in the inning to restore breathing room. The Prayers tacked on three more runs in the eighth to put the game away.

Rubalcava went seven innings, allowing five runs on four hits while striking out six to improve to 6–3. Chris Ryan again handled the late work, tossing two scoreless innings to secure his fourth save.

Sacramento finished with 11 hits, drew eight walks, and received contributions throughout the order as the club improved to 34–20, continuing a steady climb in the standings as May wound down.

★ ★ ★

Thursday, May 31 — San Jose Demons at Sacramento Prayers
Sacramento 7, San Jose 1
The Murguia Masterpiece

If Wednesday belonged to Musco, Thursday was the "Eli Murguia Invitational." In a performance for the ages, Eli Murguia put on a one-man show Thursday night, blasting three home runs and driving in five as the Sacramento Prayers closed out their homestand with a decisive 7–1 win over the San Jose Demons. His first two were solo shots off D. Collins, but his third was the masterpiece: a three-run rocket in the 8th off Danny Zavala that turned a tense game into a laugher.

Murguia finished the night with 5 RBIs and a look of pure zen at the plate. “It’s nice to deliver when your team’s counting on you,” Murguia said.

The rest of the scoring came in measured bursts. Gil Cruz drove in a run in the second, Joey Rubbi doubled home Musco in the seventh, and Sacramento capitalized on two San Jose errors during the eighth-inning rally.

On the mound, Robby Larson delivered seven steady innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out five to even his record at 4–4. Chris Ryan followed with two scoreless innings to collect his fifth save as the Demons dropped their fifth straight.

Sacramento improved to 35–20 with the win, finishing a strong stretch at home before heading east. It was the perfect cap to the homestand.

★ ★ ★

Friday, June 1 — Sacramento Prayers at Washington Devils
Sacramento 7, Washington 4
Surviving the Pit

The Prayers traveled to Washington D.C. on Friday and brought the thunder with them. A three-run first inning, fueled by doubles from Murguia and Velasquez, silenced the Devils Pit early. Ricky Gaias rebounded from recent struggles with a composed, efficient outing: 7 innings, 2 runs, 6 strikeouts.

Sacramento jumped on Washington starter Fernando Almendarez for three runs in the first inning, highlighted by RBI hits from George MacDonald and Edwin Musco. The Prayers added four more in the fifth, stringing together four doubles to open a 7–1 lead.

Alex Velasquez was in the middle of everything, going 3-for-4 and driving in two runs, while Bret Perez scored twice and swiped his 14th base of the season.

Gaias carried the game into the eighth, allowing two runs over seven innings while striking out six to improve to 6–4.

“He gave us exactly what we needed,” manager Jimmy Aces said. “Kept the ball down and didn’t let things snowball.”

Washington mounted a threat in the eighth, loading the bases with two outs, but Aaron Gilbert induced a groundout to escape. After a two-run homer by Carlos Guerra in the ninth trimmed the margin, Luis Prieto entered and needed just four pitches to record the final out, earning his 17th save.

The win pushed Sacramento to 36–20 and widened its West Division lead.

★ ★ ★

Saturday, June 2 — Sacramento Prayers at Washington Devils
Washington 8, Sacramento 0
The D.C. Shutout

The winning streak ended with a thud on Saturday. A long week caught up with the Prayers on Saturday as Washington handed Sacramento an 8–0 shutout, snapping the club’s momentum behind a dominant performance from Jose Allende.

Allende went 3-for-4, driving in five runs, including a three-run homer in the sixth inning that broke the game open. He also doubled with two men on in the fourth as Washington steadily pulled away.

Sacramento managed just four hits against Wally O’Brien, who struck out six over 6⅓ scoreless innings to earn the win. The Prayers never advanced a runner beyond second base.

Russ Gray took the loss, allowing six runs — four earned — in five innings, while Sacramento’s defense struggled behind him, committing three errors.

“We didn’t play sharp baseball tonight,” Aces said. “That happens over a long season. You turn the page.” Sacramento committed three errors, their sloppiest defensive showing in weeks. Jimmy Aces didn’t sugarcoat it: “We didn’t execute. Simple as that.”

Still, the club finished the week 6–1, maintaining firm control of the division. The shutout dropped Sacramento to 36–21 as the club closed out its road trip in Washington. It was a sobering reminder that in this league, the "Devil" eventually gets his due.

★ ★ ★

PLAYER TRENDS & STORYLINES

Eli Murguia – The Week’s Headliner
Murguia hit six home runs from May 27–June 2, raising his season total from 7 to 13. His OPS surged, and he now sits among the AL’s most productive left fielders.

Edwin Musco – MVP Pace Continues
Musco ended the week hitting .311 with 13 HR, 37 RBI, and elite defense. He reached base 11 times in the seven‑game stretch and continues to be Sacramento’s most consistent presence.

Bernardo Andretti – Rotation Anchor
Andretti delivered two strong starts, allowing just two earned runs across 15.2 innings. His ERA dropped to 2.94, and he now leads the staff in innings pitched.

Jordan Rubalcava – Quietly Dominant
Rubalcava’s ERA sits at 2.23, and he added two more wins this week. His command and efficiency have stabilized the rotation during Gaias’s ups and downs and Gray’s inconsistency.

Bullpen – Ryan & Prieto Form a Reliable Back End
Chris Ryan and Luis Prieto combined for four saves this week. Prieto now leads the AL with 17, while Ryan’s ERA has dipped near 1.00.

★ ★ ★

STANDINGS AL WEST (as of June 2)

1. Sacramento Prayers – 36–21 (.632)
2. Tucson Cherubs – 30–29 (7.0 GB)
3. San Jose Demons – 29–30 (8.0 GB)
4. Fort Worth Spirits – 28–30 (8.5 GB)
5. Seattle Lucifers – 23–36 (14.0 GB)
6. El Paso Abbots – 20–38 (16.5 GB)

Despite Saturday’s loss, Sacramento continues to lead the league in run differential and remains the AL’s most complete club through the season’s first two months.

★ ★ ★

Injuries & Medical Report

* Gil Caliari (P) — shoulder inflammation
Out 2–3 months; on 60-day IL (43 days remaining)

* Fernando Salazar (P) — stress reaction, elbow
Out approx. 3 weeks; on IL, eligible for return soon

* Francisco Hernandez (CF) — back spasms
Missed time with back spasms but is expected to return shortly. His absence has opened opportunities for Larry Mansfield and Jesus Rodriguez, both of whom contributed in limited roles.

★ ★ ★

FAN MAIL: Questions From The Front Pew

Q: Dear Gemmy, Murguia is on fire, but am I the only one worried about the bullpen? We’re relying on Prieto for every close game. If his arm falls off, do we even have a Plan B?
— Save-Me-Steve from Roseville

Gemmy: Steve, you’re preaching to the choir. Prieto is the "Plan A, B, and C" right now. With Caliari on the 60-day IL, the middle relief has been a game of Russian Roulette. Jimmy Aces is managing the innings like a hawk, but don't be surprised if the Prayers go shopping for a veteran arm before the trade deadline. We can't ride Prieto into the dirt before October.

Q: Gemmy, are we worried about Francisco Hernandez's back? Center field feels empty without him.
— Bleacher-Bob from Oak Park

Gemmy: Bob, the short answer is "a little." Back spasms are tricky. One day you’re fine, the next you can’t put your socks on. He’s listed as day-to-day for the next five days. The team is being cautious because we need his glove for the Charlotte series. A. Lopez has filled in admirably, but Hernandez is the heart of that outfield defense.

Q: Is it time to worry about Russ Gray? Saturday was a disaster. Is it time to call up a young arm from the minors? Russ Gray’s ERA is climbing faster than my blood pressure. We can't keep asking the offense to score 7 runs every time he starts.
— Worried in West Sac

Gemmy: I hear you, Worried. Gray has been "feast or famine" all year. The problem is, with Salazar and Caliari both on the IL, our farm system is already being tapped for depth. The front office is likely scouring the trade market for a reliable #4 starter, but until then, we’re stuck with Gray. Just keep the antacids handy when he’s on the bump. Gray is what we call a "high-variance" pitcher. When he’s on, he’s unhittable. When he’s off, he’s a human tee, but we don't really have the luxury of moving Russ out of the rotation. We just have to hope he finds his command before his next start.

★ ★ ★

GEMMY’S TAKE

"Look, I know Saturday’s 8-0 loss felt like a punch to the gut. It’s never fun to get shut out when you’ve been averaging nearly seven runs a game. But let’s keep some perspective, folks. We just went 5-1 over the last six games. Eli Murguia is putting up MVP numbers, and Edwin Musco is playing like he wants a statue built in his honor. This team is deep, they’re resilient, and they’re fun to watch. If you aren't enjoying this ride, you might want to check your pulse."

★ ★ ★

LOOKING AHEAD

The Prayers close their road series in Washington on June 3 before returning home for a three‑game set with the Charlotte Monks, one of the National League’s hottest teams. With the rotation stabilizing and the offense firing, Sacramento enters June with momentum — and a chance to widen their lead even further.

As Jimmy Aces put it after the San Jose sweep: “We’re starting to look like ourselves again.”

01-29-2026, 12:38 AM	#186
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 347	BNN WEEK IN RETROSPECT – PRAYERS WEEKLY SACRAMENTO PRAYERS: MAY 27 – JUNE 2, 1990 By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle The Sacramento Prayers entered the final days of May looking to stabilize after a turbulent mid‑month stretch. They ended the week having done far more than that. Behind a resurgent offense, steady top‑of‑rotation work, and a pair of statement wins in Washington, Sacramento closed the period 6–1, improving to 36–21 and extending their American League West lead to 6 games. It was a week defined by Eli Murguia’s home‑run barrage, Edwin Musco’s continued MVP‑caliber consistency, and Bernardo Andretti and Jordan Rubalcava anchoring the staff. Even with injuries and rotation fatigue, Sacramento looked like a club rediscovering its identity. ★ ★ ★ Sunday, May 27 — Seattle Lucifers at Sacramento Prayers Sacramento 9, Seattle 6 The Lucifers Get Burned Eli Murguia supplied the thunder, and the Sacramento Prayers supplied the response every time Seattle threatened Sunday night at Sacramento Stadium, riding two home runs from their left fielder to a 9–6 victory over the Lucifers. Murguia went 3-for-4, drove in four runs, and scored twice as Sacramento improved to 32–20. His solo homer to lead off the second inning put the Prayers on the board, and his two-run shot in the third erased a Seattle lead and swung the momentum back toward the home dugout. Seattle answered with a four-run third inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from Matt Mayeski, and later climbed back in front at 6–5 on solo home runs by Arturo Valadez and Juan Romero. Sacramento, however, refused to blink. Bret Perez doubled home a run in the fourth, and Alex Velasquez delivered the decisive blow in the sixth, lining a two-out RBI single to left off reliever Hector Bonilla to push the Prayers ahead for good, 8–6. “I just tried to make good contact,” Velasquez said afterward. “He left something up, and I didn’t miss it.” Reliever Don St. Clair steadied the game after starter Raul Gaias allowed five runs over 4⅔ innings, holding Seattle to one run across 3⅓ frames to earn his first win of the season. Chris Ryan worked a clean ninth for his third save. Murguia was named Player of the Game as Sacramento out-hit Seattle 14–12 and closed the night with contributions throughout the lineup, including three hits from catcher Joey Rubbi and two doubles from Edwin Musco. ★ ★ ★ Tuesday, May 29 — San Jose Demons at Sacramento Prayers Sacramento 5, San Jose 4 The Brierly Battle Tuesday brought the San Jose Demons to town and with them, the formidable arm of Jessie Brierly — a man who once struck out 196 batters in a season. For a while, it was a classic chess match. In the end Prayers made it five straight wins Tuesday night, leaning on timely power and a strong outing from Bernardo Andretti to edge the San Jose Demons, 5–4. After San Jose struck for three runs in the second inning, Sacramento chipped away methodically. Eli Murguia singled home a run, Hector Iniguez added a sacrifice fly, and the Prayers gradually flipped the score behind steady at-bats against Jessie Brierly. The decisive moment came in the fifth. With the game tied 3–3, Bret Perez stepped in and drove a splitter from Brierly over the left-field wall for a solo home run — his seventh of the season — giving Sacramento a 5–3 cushion. Andretti carried the load on the mound, scattering five hits over 7⅔ innings while allowing four runs — only one earned — to move to 6–2 on the year. He worked out of several jams, aided by a sharp double play and a composed approach as San Jose pressured late. Jimmy Aces praised his club’s resilience: “Maximum effort. That’s what this group gave me tonight. That’s maximum effort. We didn’t play clean baseball the whole night, but we competed every inning.” Luis Prieto closed the door in the ninth for his 16th save, striking out three and stranding the tying run at second base. ★ ★ ★ Wednesday, May 30 — San Jose Demons at Sacramento Prayers Sacramento 9, San Jose 5 Musco’s 3‑Run Blast Extends Win Streak to Five Edwin Musco delivered the knockout swing, and Jordan Rubalcava delivered the innings, as the Prayers extended their winning streak to six with a 9–5 win over the Demons on Wednesday night. After the teams traded single runs early, Musco broke the game open in the fourth inning. With two runners aboard, the shortstop turned on a sinker from Danny Kidder and sent it into the seats for a three-run home run — his 13th of the season — pushing Sacramento out to a 5–1 lead. “Very pleased with the effort on our side,” Musco said. “That’s a good club over there, and we stayed aggressive.” San Jose clawed back with a four-run sixth, trimming the margin to 5–5, but Sacramento answered immediately. Eli Murguia homered in the seventh, and pinch hitter Roberto Cardenas delivered a two-run single later in the inning to restore breathing room. The Prayers tacked on three more runs in the eighth to put the game away. Rubalcava went seven innings, allowing five runs on four hits while striking out six to improve to 6–3. Chris Ryan again handled the late work, tossing two scoreless innings to secure his fourth save. Sacramento finished with 11 hits, drew eight walks, and received contributions throughout the order as the club improved to 34–20, continuing a steady climb in the standings as May wound down. ★ ★ ★ Thursday, May 31 — San Jose Demons at Sacramento Prayers Sacramento 7, San Jose 1 The Murguia Masterpiece If Wednesday belonged to Musco, Thursday was the "Eli Murguia Invitational." In a performance for the ages, Eli Murguia put on a one-man show Thursday night, blasting three home runs and driving in five as the Sacramento Prayers closed out their homestand with a decisive 7–1 win over the San Jose Demons. His first two were solo shots off D. Collins, but his third was the masterpiece: a three-run rocket in the 8th off Danny Zavala that turned a tense game into a laugher. Murguia finished the night with 5 RBIs and a look of pure zen at the plate. “It’s nice to deliver when your team’s counting on you,” Murguia said. The rest of the scoring came in measured bursts. Gil Cruz drove in a run in the second, Joey Rubbi doubled home Musco in the seventh, and Sacramento capitalized on two San Jose errors during the eighth-inning rally. On the mound, Robby Larson delivered seven steady innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out five to even his record at 4–4. Chris Ryan followed with two scoreless innings to collect his fifth save as the Demons dropped their fifth straight. Sacramento improved to 35–20 with the win, finishing a strong stretch at home before heading east. It was the perfect cap to the homestand. ★ ★ ★ Friday, June 1 — Sacramento Prayers at Washington Devils Sacramento 7, Washington 4 Surviving the Pit The Prayers traveled to Washington D.C. on Friday and brought the thunder with them. A three-run first inning, fueled by doubles from Murguia and Velasquez, silenced the Devils Pit early. Ricky Gaias rebounded from recent struggles with a composed, efficient outing: 7 innings, 2 runs, 6 strikeouts. Sacramento jumped on Washington starter Fernando Almendarez for three runs in the first inning, highlighted by RBI hits from George MacDonald and Edwin Musco. The Prayers added four more in the fifth, stringing together four doubles to open a 7–1 lead. Alex Velasquez was in the middle of everything, going 3-for-4 and driving in two runs, while Bret Perez scored twice and swiped his 14th base of the season. Gaias carried the game into the eighth, allowing two runs over seven innings while striking out six to improve to 6–4. “He gave us exactly what we needed,” manager Jimmy Aces said. “Kept the ball down and didn’t let things snowball.” Washington mounted a threat in the eighth, loading the bases with two outs, but Aaron Gilbert induced a groundout to escape. After a two-run homer by Carlos Guerra in the ninth trimmed the margin, Luis Prieto entered and needed just four pitches to record the final out, earning his 17th save. The win pushed Sacramento to 36–20 and widened its West Division lead. ★ ★ ★ Saturday, June 2 — Sacramento Prayers at Washington Devils Washington 8, Sacramento 0 The D.C. Shutout The winning streak ended with a thud on Saturday. A long week caught up with the Prayers on Saturday as Washington handed Sacramento an 8–0 shutout, snapping the club’s momentum behind a dominant performance from Jose Allende. Allende went 3-for-4, driving in five runs, including a three-run homer in the sixth inning that broke the game open. He also doubled with two men on in the fourth as Washington steadily pulled away. Sacramento managed just four hits against Wally O’Brien, who struck out six over 6⅓ scoreless innings to earn the win. The Prayers never advanced a runner beyond second base. Russ Gray took the loss, allowing six runs — four earned — in five innings, while Sacramento’s defense struggled behind him, committing three errors. “We didn’t play sharp baseball tonight,” Aces said. “That happens over a long season. You turn the page.” Sacramento committed three errors, their sloppiest defensive showing in weeks. Jimmy Aces didn’t sugarcoat it: “We didn’t execute. Simple as that.” Still, the club finished the week 6–1, maintaining firm control of the division. The shutout dropped Sacramento to 36–21 as the club closed out its road trip in Washington. It was a sobering reminder that in this league, the "Devil" eventually gets his due. ★ ★ ★ PLAYER TRENDS & STORYLINES Eli Murguia – The Week’s Headliner Murguia hit six home runs from May 27–June 2, raising his season total from 7 to 13. His OPS surged, and he now sits among the AL’s most productive left fielders. Edwin Musco – MVP Pace Continues Musco ended the week hitting .311 with 13 HR, 37 RBI, and elite defense. He reached base 11 times in the seven‑game stretch and continues to be Sacramento’s most consistent presence. Bernardo Andretti – Rotation Anchor Andretti delivered two strong starts, allowing just two earned runs across 15.2 innings. His ERA dropped to 2.94, and he now leads the staff in innings pitched. Jordan Rubalcava – Quietly Dominant Rubalcava’s ERA sits at 2.23, and he added two more wins this week. His command and efficiency have stabilized the rotation during Gaias’s ups and downs and Gray’s inconsistency. Bullpen – Ryan & Prieto Form a Reliable Back End Chris Ryan and Luis Prieto combined for four saves this week. Prieto now leads the AL with 17, while Ryan’s ERA has dipped near 1.00. ★ ★ ★ STANDINGS AL WEST (as of June 2) 1. Sacramento Prayers – 36–21 (.632) 2. Tucson Cherubs – 30–29 (7.0 GB) 3. San Jose Demons – 29–30 (8.0 GB) 4. Fort Worth Spirits – 28–30 (8.5 GB) 5. Seattle Lucifers – 23–36 (14.0 GB) 6. El Paso Abbots – 20–38 (16.5 GB) Despite Saturday’s loss, Sacramento continues to lead the league in run differential and remains the AL’s most complete club through the season’s first two months. ★ ★ ★ Injuries & Medical Report * Gil Caliari (P) — shoulder inflammation Out 2–3 months; on 60-day IL (43 days remaining) * Fernando Salazar (P) — stress reaction, elbow Out approx. 3 weeks; on IL, eligible for return soon * Francisco Hernandez (CF) — back spasms Missed time with back spasms but is expected to return shortly. His absence has opened opportunities for Larry Mansfield and Jesus Rodriguez, both of whom contributed in limited roles. ★ ★ ★ FAN MAIL: Questions From The Front Pew Q: Dear Gemmy, Murguia is on fire, but am I the only one worried about the bullpen? We’re relying on Prieto for every close game. If his arm falls off, do we even have a Plan B? — Save-Me-Steve from Roseville Gemmy: Steve, you’re preaching to the choir. Prieto is the "Plan A, B, and C" right now. With Caliari on the 60-day IL, the middle relief has been a game of Russian Roulette. Jimmy Aces is managing the innings like a hawk, but don't be surprised if the Prayers go shopping for a veteran arm before the trade deadline. We can't ride Prieto into the dirt before October. Q: Gemmy, are we worried about Francisco Hernandez's back? Center field feels empty without him. — Bleacher-Bob from Oak Park Gemmy: Bob, the short answer is "a little." Back spasms are tricky. One day you’re fine, the next you can’t put your socks on. He’s listed as day-to-day for the next five days. The team is being cautious because we need his glove for the Charlotte series. A. Lopez has filled in admirably, but Hernandez is the heart of that outfield defense. Q: Is it time to worry about Russ Gray? Saturday was a disaster. Is it time to call up a young arm from the minors? Russ Gray’s ERA is climbing faster than my blood pressure. We can't keep asking the offense to score 7 runs every time he starts. — Worried in West Sac Gemmy: I hear you, Worried. Gray has been "feast or famine" all year. The problem is, with Salazar and Caliari both on the IL, our farm system is already being tapped for depth. The front office is likely scouring the trade market for a reliable #4 starter, but until then, we’re stuck with Gray. Just keep the antacids handy when he’s on the bump. Gray is what we call a "high-variance" pitcher. When he’s on, he’s unhittable. When he’s off, he’s a human tee, but we don't really have the luxury of moving Russ out of the rotation. We just have to hope he finds his command before his next start. ★ ★ ★ GEMMY’S TAKE "Look, I know Saturday’s 8-0 loss felt like a punch to the gut. It’s never fun to get shut out when you’ve been averaging nearly seven runs a game. But let’s keep some perspective, folks. We just went 5-1 over the last six games. Eli Murguia is putting up MVP numbers, and Edwin Musco is playing like he wants a statue built in his honor. This team is deep, they’re resilient, and they’re fun to watch. If you aren't enjoying this ride, you might want to check your pulse." ★ ★ ★ LOOKING AHEAD The Prayers close their road series in Washington on June 3 before returning home for a three‑game set with the Charlotte Monks, one of the National League’s hottest teams. With the rotation stabilizing and the offense firing, Sacramento enters June with momentum — and a chance to widen their lead even further. As Jimmy Aces put it after the San Jose sweep: “We’re starting to look like ourselves again.”