Portland Pioneers (SVMLB)

[pauwoo]

@ Montreal Alouettes (52-44, .542, 3rd NL East)
As the Portland Pioneers head north to face the Montreal Alouettes, get ready for a showdown with a team that's clinging to third place in the East Division, tied up in a knot with Philadelphia and Brooklyn at 52-44. The Alouettes' home turf boasts a respectable 29-19 record, making their park a formidable venue, even if their .244 batting average suggests they're more likely to bunt than bash. Montreal’s pitching staff, with a stellar 3.45 ERA, might just be the heroes they need, but their recent 4-6 skid hints at cracks in their armor. So, pack your enhanced ID’s and brace yourselves, Pioneers fans – we’re about to see if the Alouettes can keep their heads above water long enough to fend off our relentless advance.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP B. Sánchez (11-3, 3.31) vs LHP M. Ortega (6-5, 3.38)
RHP J. Fletchall (6-1, 1.14) vs RHP C. Forbes (7-6, 3.86)
RHP N. Barilla (6-2, 1.70) vs LHP S. Estevez (9-6, 3.14)

#97: Loss, 7-8… In a thrilling clash between the Portland Pioneers and the Montreal Alouettes, the Alouettes emerged victorious with a dramatic comeback to win 8-7. The game started off quietly with both teams managing only one run each in the first two innings. Portland took the lead in the third inning when Simon Harris hit a two-run double, driving in Shane Fukumoto and Bruce Sarmiento. Harris had an impressive game, adding a three-run homer in the fourth to give the Pioneers a substantial 7-1 lead. The Alouettes, however, were not to be outdone. They chipped away at the deficit with a three-run homer by John Czarnik in the fifth inning, bringing the score to 7-4. The seventh inning proved decisive as Montreal's offense exploded for four runs, highlighted by a clutch single from Manuel Phillips that drove in Heathcote Kinton and a single from Jude Varela that allowed Czarnik and Phillips to score, putting Montreal ahead 8-7.


Elsewhere: Johndale Bill had an exceptional outing for our AAA outfit, the Eugene Ducks, shutting down the St. Louis Blue Birds (a Brooklyn affiliate) over nine innings. He allowed no runs and scattered just five hits, while striking out five batters. Bill remained in control throughout the game, effectively navigating through multiple scoring threats to secure the Ducks' 6-0 victory. His dominant performance was key to maintaining the shutout and keeping the Blue Birds off the board.

Note: 34-year-old reliever, Robinson Bridges, was diagnosed with arthritic elbow and will be out for 3-4 months, so… in his stead we’ve called up 20-year-old Starter, Terry Singleton, who we drafted this season out of Vanderbilt with the 45th pick in the draft (kid got a killer boost in the conversion to OOTP 25, so – here we are).

#98: Win, 4-3… The Portland Pioneers edged out the Montreal Alouettes in a thrilling contest, winning 4-3. Portland's Leo Bullock sparked the offense with a solo home run in the fifth inning, contributing to his impressive day with an additional double. Micky Austin also shined, going 2-for-4 and scoring a crucial run. Frodo Gonzales delivered a key RBI single, and Takamori Miyake added a clutch RBI double to extend Portland's lead. Despite Montreal's late rally, highlighted by Rick Phillips' run in the fifth and a tense ninth inning, the Pioneers' bullpen, anchored by Dominic Hornbrook, held firm to secure the victory. Montreal's Martin Wainwright stood out for the losing team, reaching base twice and scoring in the sixth inning, but their comeback fell just short.

#99: Win, 4-2… The Portland Pioneers secured a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Alouettes in a game marked by solid pitching and timely hitting. Portland’s Frodo Gonzales broke the scoreless tie in the fifth inning with a single, eventually scoring on Blanco Whitt's double. Elijah Arvinda also contributed with an RBI single. For the Alouettes, Palmer Parker’s two-run home run in the fifth briefly tied the game, but the Pioneers regained the lead in the sixth inning, thanks to Gonzales' RBI single. Norman Barilla pitched six strong innings for Portland, while Montreal's Stephen Estevez took the loss despite a commendable effort on the mound.


Elsewhere: Oh Hong, doing the dirt for the Pipers now, had an impressive performance, drawing two walks in his first two at-bats, contributing to a run scored in the third inning. His highlight moment came in the fifth inning when he smashed a two-run home run, extending Pittsburgh's lead. Hong capped his performance with another three-run homer in the sixth inning, showcasing his power and clutch hitting ability. Overall, Hong's disciplined approach at the plate and timely power display were pivotal in Pittsburgh's commanding 9-2 victory over Vancouver.

Record: 52-47, .525, 3rd AL West
Up Next: The club will head back to Portland for a day before welcoming the Philadelphia Liberty to town for a 3-game set in Pendleton Park.

[pauwoo]

Vs. Philadelphia Liberty (55-44, .556, 2nd NL East)
Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up because the Philadelphia Liberty are rolling into our park for a three-game showdown. The Liberty, currently rocking a 55-44 record, have shown they can handle the pressure, sitting comfortably in second place in the East Division. Sure, they dominate at home with a .625 winning percentage, but take them out of their cozy confines and they're just a tick under .500. They've got the muscle, leading the league with 110 home runs, but their pitching has more holes than Swiss cheese with a 4.10 ERA. So, let's give a warm Portland welcome to the Liberty and show them why the Pioneers' home field is no place for a liberty walk!

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP W. Macomber (7-7, 3.24) vs RHP M. Poppen (0-2, 7.84)
RHP M. Holman (2-10, 3.94) vs LHP M. Crawford (10-4, 3.14)
LHP T. Singleton (0-0, 0.00) vs LHP L. Langston (10-4, 4.15)

#100: Win, 4-1… In a gritty showdown, the Portland Pioneers clawed their way to a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Liberty. Despite an early run from Philly, thanks to Cody Keenan's leadoff double and Smacky Butcher's RBI single, Portland's ace William Macomber held the fort down with a stellar performance on the mound. Leo Bullock's two-run homer in the fourth inning turned the tide, followed by Skyler Dickey's clutch triple, sending the Pioneers surging ahead. Not to be outdone, Frodo Gonzales chipped in with an RBI single in the eighth, sealing the deal. Philadelphia's Mikhail Poppen pitched valiantly but couldn't contain Portland's late-game heroics.

#101: Win, 9-2... The Portland Pioneers dominated the Philadelphia Liberty in a 9-2 victory, riding on the back of a stellar pitching performance by Micah Holman, who kept Philadelphia's bats silent for most of the game. Bruce Sarmiento was a standout for Portland, smashing a two-run homer in the fourth and driving in another run in the seventh. Simon Harris joined the party with a clutch three-run blast, sealing the deal in the bottom of the seventh. Philadelphia’s Cody Keenan managed a two-run homer, but it was too little, too late for the Liberty, who struggled to find their rhythm against Holman's effective pitching.


Elsewhere: SP Patrick Frost was a strikeout machine, mowing down nine batters while keeping the Tucson Saguaros scoreless through seven innings for our AAA Eugene Ducks. He danced around a walk and a hit-by-pitch, but never let things get too exciting for the Saguaros. Frost's command was a bit like my GPS: a few detours but always getting back on track. By the time he handed over the reins, Eugene was comfortably ahead, thanks in no small part to his dominating performance.

#102: Win, 5-4 (10)… Sweep City, USA! In a nail-biter against the Philadelphia Liberty, the Portland Pioneers eked out a 5-4 victory, thanks to key performances from Simon Harris and Bruce Sarmiento. Harris went 2-for-3 with the game-winning, walk off RBI double, while Sarmiento's consistent hitting kept the pressure on Philadelphia's pitchers. Despite Cody Keenan's second strong showing in a row for the Liberty, which included two doubles and a couple of RBIs, the Pioneers held their ground with Terry Singleton and Dominic Hornbrook combining for solid pitching to close out the game.

Record: 55-47, .539, 3rd AL West
Up Next: We’ll board a cross-country flight to New York City where we’ll lock horns with the Sluggers over a 3-game set.

[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.

[pauwoo]

Vs. Detroit Motors (51-54, .486, 2nd AL East)
These Motor City mavens might be sitting snug in second place, but they've got stats that are as up-and-down as a hydraulic lift. With a home record that could make you jealous, they've been racking up wins at a decent clip. Their road record, though, makes you wonder if they forgot how to pack their lucky socks. Keep an eye on those extra-inning games—they've got a knack for squeezing out the wins there, and against lefties too. When it comes to batting, they're not exactly breaking any speed limits, but they sure know how to get hits. And their pitchers? Well, let's just say they're striking out more batters than the local pub trivia champ. So, grab your peanuts, buckle up, and let's see if the Pioneers can put a wrench in the Motors' well-oiled machine!

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP M. Holman (3-10, 3.82 ERA) vs RHP K. Ford (10-3, 2.13 ERA)
LHP T. Singleton (0-0, 4.50 ERA) vs RHP E. Church (3-7, 4.88 ERA)
RHP J. Fletchall (7-1, 1.46 ERA) vs RHP D. Herrington (7-8, 4.05 ERA)

#106: Win, 4-2… In a game that started off as a classic pitchers' duel, the Portland Pioneers managed to edge out the Detroit Motors with a final score of 4-2. Early on, both teams struggled to find their footing, but Portland's LF Simon Harris and C Chaz Gildea kick-started the action in the bottom of the second inning with back-to-back singles, setting the stage for a late-game surge. It was RF Leo Bullock, though, who stole the show in the bottom of the fifth with a jaw-dropping 2-run homer that sailed over the outfield fence, sending the crowd into a frenzy. While Detroit's C Keith Grace put up a fight with a late-game single, it wasn't enough to overcome our momentum. SP Micah Holman's solid pitching performance for Portland stifled Detroit's offense, while SP Kicks Ford held his own on the mound for the Motors. In the end, it was a well-deserved victory for the Pioneers, who showed their resilience and firepower when it mattered most.

#107: Win, 12-0… The Portland Pioneers were just hoping for a solid outing from Terry Singleton. Instead, they got something special. The 20-year-old hurler tossed a no-hitter against the Detroit Motors in a lopsided affair under Portland's sunny skies. The Pioneers dominated the Detroit Motors from the get-go. The first inning saw SP Terry Singleton’s smooth lefty delivery keep the Motors scoreless, and hitless, setting the stage for Portland’s offensive fireworks. 3B Shane Fukumoto, hustling for an infield single, ignited a five-run barrage, highlighted by SS Skyler Dickey's clutch hitting and a monumental 3-run blast by Micky Austin. Detroit struggled to answer, their bats silenced by Singleton’s precision pitching. For Portland, Dickey’s standout performance with both his bat and glove shone brightest, his towering home run a testament to his power. On the losing side, LF Zackary Boyle's steady defense couldn't save Detroit from the Pioneers’ relentless onslaught, ending in a decisive 12-0 triumph for Portland.

#108: Loss, 0-3… In a tense pitching duel, the Detroit Motors edged out the Portland Pioneers 3-0. The game remained scoreless until the top of the 8th inning when C Keith Grace of the Motors smashed a 2-run homer off Pioneers' reliever Dominic Hornbrook. SP Douglas Herrington and RP Leland Morelli combined for a shutout, holding Portland to just 4 hits. For the Pioneers, 3B Shane Fukumoto and LF Simon Harris managed singles, but they couldn't capitalize. Despite a strong start by SP Jeremiah Fletchall, who struck out 8 over 7 innings, the Pioneers' offense couldn't muster a run. It was a disappointing night for the Pioneers, with the Motors celebrating a hard-fought victory.


Elsewhere: In the game against Fort Collins Merlins (a Colorado affiliate), 1B Cooper Poli showcased an impressive performance for the Bethlehem Steelers (a Pittsburgh affiliate). In the first inning, Poli hit a single with a line drive, then went on to steal second base. He continued his dominance in the third inning with a double and then scored in the seventh inning after a single by 3B Steve Paul. Throughout the game, Poli demonstrated his offensive prowess and base-running skills, contributing significantly to the Steelers' efforts despite their eventual, 6-7, loss.

Record: 59-49, .546, 2nd AL West
Up Next: Once again we’ll board a cross country flight, this time to Buffalo, as our Pioneers travel to New York for a 3-game set against the Nickels.

[pauwoo]

@ Buffalo Nickels (51-57, .472, 4th AL East)
We’ll head to the city of Buffalo, where the Nickels roll in and games get wild. The Buffalo Nickels might be sitting at the bottom of the East Division, tied with the Boston Patriots, but don’t let that fool you. They're a team that thrives on surprise and thrills. With a 51-57 record, they're hungry for victories, especially at home, where they've performed at a respectable 28-26 clip. Their lineup swings for the fences with 107 home runs, tied for second in the AL, while their bullpen boasts a stingy 3.40 ERA, the second best in the league. If you think you know how these games will go, think again. The Nickels have a knack for turning the tables, making them a formidable opponent on their own turf. So, buckle up, Portland Pioneers fans, because this series is bound to be a roller coaster ride.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP N. Barilla (7-2, 1.97 ERA) vs RHP M. McDougal (0-1, 1.80 ERA)
RHP W. Macomber (9-7, 2.98 ERA) vs RHP G. Rice (5-2, 4.75 ERA)
RHP M. Holman (4-10, 3.69 ERA) vs RHP T. Pushkin (8-9, 4.30 ERA)

#109: Loss, 1-4… The Pioneers couldn't capitalize on their early momentum, ultimately falling 4-1. Portland's DH Frodo Gonzales gave the team a brief glimmer of hope with an RBI single in the second inning, while RF Leo Bullock showcased his hustle with a walk and a stolen base. However, the Pioneers' bats fell silent against Buffalo's pitching duo of SP Milan McDougal and RP Pappy Kincaid, leaving runners stranded in crucial moments. Buffalo's 3B Nolan McMillan emerged as the hero, belting a two-run homer in the second and another two-run shot in the eighth, sealing the win for the Nickels.

#110: Loss, 2-10… In a disheartening showdown for the Portland Pioneers, the Buffalo Nickels emerged victorious with a convincing 10-2 win. Despite a valiant effort from Portland's DH Frodo Gonzales, who blasted a two-run homer in the second inning, the Pioneers couldn't keep up with Buffalo's relentless offense. LF Simon Harris also showed some spark with a double, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide. Buffalo's 2B J.J. Barbari was a standout, crossing the plate three times and driving the Pioneers' pitchers to the brink. The Nickels' SP Taylor Pushkin was rock-solid on the mound, stifling Portland’s lineup and making sure his team held the upper hand throughout the game.

#111: Loss, 2-3 (12)… In a nail-biter of a game, the Buffalo Nickels edged out the Portland Pioneers with a final score of 3-2. Despite the Pioneers' valiant efforts, highlighted by 1B Angel Marino's three-hit performance and LF Bruce Sarmiento's booming double, it was Buffalo's resilient offense that stole the show. CF Jim Rosenberg was a thorn in Portland's side all night, going 3-for-3 and driving in the game-winning, walk off run. SP Leonardo Duarte pitched a gritty game for Buffalo, keeping the Pioneers' bats mostly silent and setting the stage for a thrilling, albeit disappointing, conclusion in extras for the Pioneers.

Nothing like getting swept on the road to make you feel good about yourself.

Record: 59-52, .532, 3rd AL West
Up Next: Back home, again, where we’ll take another day off before the Dallas Chaparrals come to town for three games in Portland.

[pauwoo]

Vs. Dallas Chaparrals (62-49, .559, 2nd AL West)
Hold onto your hats, Pioneers fans, because the Dallas Chaparrals are rolling into town for a 3-game series, and they’ve got more twists and turns than a Texas tornado. With a record that screams "homebody"—39-18 at home but a rather sheepish 23-31 on the road—these guys are as predictable as a summer heatwave: scorching at home, lukewarm away. They boast the third-best slugging percentage in the league and have a knack for scoring runs, which is as surprising as a brisket at a barbecue. However, their pitching is more hit-and-miss than a blindfolded dart player, with an ERA ranking in the bottom third. So, while their bats might give us a run for our money, our Pioneers might just find the Chaps' bullpen more generous than a Texan's hospitality. Buckle up, folks—it's going to be a wild ride!

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
LHP T. Singleton (1-0, 1.80 ERA) vs RHP D. Lozano (2-4, 6.07 ERA)
RHP J. Fletchall (7-1, 1.34 ERA) vs RHP A. Barrientos (3-0, 4.32 ERA)
RHP N. Barilla (7-3, 2.01 ERA) vs LHP J. Hruska (12-7, 3.08 ERA)

#112: Win, 5-3… We secured a nail-biting 5-3 victory over the Dallas Chaparrals in a tilt that saw some standout performances from both sides. DH Frodo Gonzales delivered the goods with a monstrous 2-run homer in the second inning, giving us an early lead. C Chaz Gildea chipped in with a solo shot in the eighth, sealing the deal. On the mound, SP Terry Singleton was rock solid, keeping the Chaparrals off balance through seven innings. Despite a late surge by Dallas, highlighted by SS Toddrick Carr's solo blast in the eighth, it wasn't enough to overcome Portland's lead. Dallas' LF Aramis O'Connell fought hard with a couple of hits, but the Pioneers' bullpen shut the door, securing the win and leaving the Chaparrals to ponder what might have been.


Elsewhere: SP Rad Taylor put on a masterclass of how to handle pressure, navigating through 7.1 innings of scoreless pitching against the Colorado Kings. He started strong, efficiently dealing with the first inning, only allowing a walk and a couple of ground outs. The third inning saw some hiccups with three singles, but he deftly dodged trouble, stranding three runners. By the time the seventh inning rolled around, he was in complete control, striking out batters and forcing routine outs, ultimately sealing a dominant outing during a 5-0 win for his Salt Lake Alpines over the Colorado Kings. 7 K’s on the day too…

#113: Win, 11-5… In a thrilling matchup, your Portland Pioneers held off the Dallas Chaparrals with an 11-5 victory, thanks to standout performances from 3B Shane Fukumoto and 1B Angel Marino. Fukumoto showcased his clutch hitting, going 3-for-4 with a run scored and a key RBI, while Marino added to the scoreboard with two crucial RBIs. On the mound, SP Jeremiah Fletchall navigated through some early jams to secure the win, though he couldn't quite contain Dallas' CF Mick Miller, who smashed a two-run homer in the seventh inning. Despite the late surge from the Chaparrals, the Pioneers’ bullpen, led by RP Peter Yamaguchi, slammed the door, preserving their lead and notching another win.

#114: Loss, 7-9… In a wild ride of a game, the Dallas Chaparrals jumped out to an early 6-0 lead against the Portland Pioneers, courtesy of a two-run homer by RF Neil Jahraus and a solo shot by 3B Buffalo Maliwat. Despite this rough start, the Pioneers managed to claw their way back, highlighted by 3B Shane Fukumoto's crucial two-run double in the sixth inning, which tied the game at 7-7. Unfortunately for Portland, the comeback fell short as Dallas sealed the deal with some clutch pitching from SP Josh Hruska, who expertly kept the Pioneers at bay through 5.2 innings, securing the Chaparrals' victory.

Record: 61-53, .535, 3rd AL West
Up Next: We’ll welcome the 1st-place Colorado Kings to town for a hometown throwdown against the class of our division.

[pauwoo]

Vs. Colorado Kings (64-50, .561, 1st AL West)
Alright, Portland Pioneers faithful, get ready to welcome the Colorado Kings to our turf! The Kings are swooping into town with a smug lead in the West Division, probably trying to act all royal and regal. They've been on a tear lately, with stats that are so good they make us jealous—first in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, and basically everything else that makes a baseball team look good. Their pitching ain't half-bad either, but hey, they've got weaknesses too. Their bullpen's been leaking runs like a rusted-out bucket and their long reliever's ERA is higher than a giraffe's eye level. So, Kings, bring on your crown jewels—we'll see if your regal numbers hold up against our Pioneer grit.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP W. Macomber (9-8, 3.35) vs RHP E. Belanger (10-10, 4.50)
RHP M. Holman (4-10, 3.64) vs LHP L. Álvarez (12-6, 3.94)
LHP T. Singleton (2-0, 1.57) vs LHP O. Sum (5-5, 3.64)

#115: Win, 5-0… In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Portland Pioneers prevailed over the Colorado Kings in a nail-biting showdown. The Pioneers' pitcher, SP William Macomber, was dealing like a high-stakes poker player, keeping the Kings' bats in check with precision and poise. But it wasn't just the pitching that stole the show; Portland's offense came alive when it mattered most. 2B Takamori Miyake stepped up with a crucial hit in the eighth inning, igniting an outburst that saw the Pioneers pour in five runs. And let's not forget DH Frodo Gonzales, whose clutch hitting kept the momentum swinging in Portland's favor. As for the Kings, LF Eric Hayhurst put up a valiant effort with a solid single in the ninth, but it wasn't enough to stave off the Pioneer onslaught. In the end, it was Portland's night to shine, sending the Kings back to their hotel with their crowns a little less shiny.


Elsewhere: SP Roddy Dubey put on a solid performance for the Peabody Briners against the Hagerstown Beavers. In his start, Dubey went 7 innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walks, and striking out 9 batters. He pitched efficiently, with 74% of his pitches going for strikes, demonstrating excellent command and control. Dubey's strong outing helped lead the Briners to a dominant 10-1 victory over the Beavers and he is now a superb 13-2 on the season with a 2.81 ERA and 115 K’s.

#116: Loss, 4-6… The Kings emerged victorious in our park with a final score of 6-4. The game saw some standout performances, including a solid start by SP Micah Holman for the Pioneers, who showcased his pitching prowess with precision and finesse. On the offensive side, RF Evan Prag and DH LaTroy Jenkins led the charge for the Kings, with Prag notching a crucial double and Jenkins delivering a clutch single. And, LF Romy Hoke made a significant impact with a key two-run homer, swinging the momentum in favor of his team. Despite a valiant effort from the Pioneers, including a late-game rally in the bottom of the ninth, the Kings held on to secure the game two win… the rubber match will not be televised.

#117: Win, 7-0… In a dazzling display of baseball prowess, the Portland Pioneers dominated the Colorado Kings in a thrilling matchup. From the get-go, the Pioneers showcased their offensive might, with 3B Shane Fukumoto leading the charge with a pivotal single in the bottom of the 1st. DH Bruce Sarmiento's solid hitting further fueled their momentum, driving in two runs and setting the stage for their early lead. SS Skyler Dickey's standout performance, including a crucial single and a solo home run in the 8th inning, solidified Portland's commanding position. Meanwhile, pitcher Terry Singleton dazzled on the mound, shutting down the Kings with precision and finesse. With a final score of 7-0, Portland emerged triumphant, thanks to a stellar team effort and standout performances from Fukumoto, Dickey, and Singleton.

Record: 63-54, .538, 3rd AL West
Up Next: We’ll travel north to Seattle for a 3-game set against the Metros in the Emerald City.

[pauwoo]

@ Seattle Metros (60-57, .513, 4th AL West)
Here we have the Seattle Metros, our northern neighbors who are always trying to prove that they can keep up with the big kids. With a respectable 60-57 record, the Metros are comfortably perched in the middle of the pack, dreaming of catching up to the Portland Pioneers. Their home turf, where they hold a mildly impressive 30-27 record, will host our Pioneers for a three-game showdown. Known for their stellar pitching—boasting a third-best ERA in the league—the Metros are like that friend who meticulously plans every detail but still ends up with a messy outcome. Their bats, however, tell a different story: barely scraping by with a .243 average and a slugging percentage that screams "we tried." So, buckle up, Pioneers fans, and get ready for a series where the Metros' dreams of grandeur will meet the cold, hard reality of Portland's superiority.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP J. Fletchall (8-1, 1.80) vs LHP C. Newby (6-7, 3.50)
RHP N. Barilla (7-3, 2.60) vs RHP M. Fauske (10-6, 3.88)
RHP W. Macomber (10-8, 3.14) vs LHP A. Gunter (14-5, 2.50)

#118: Loss, 0-1… The Portland Pioneers and Seattle Metros locked horns in a classic pitcher’s duel, with the Metros sneaking out a 1-0 victory. Despite the best efforts of the Pioneers' SS Skyler Dickey, who went 2-for-4, and Bruce Sarmiento, who reached base twice, the offense couldn't crack Seattle's SP Cooper Newby, who was a masterful illusionist on the mound, turning would-be hits into easy outs. SP Jeremiah Fletchall put in a valiant effort for Portland, but a single run manufactured in the second inning off the bat of CF Nick Arredondo was enough for the Metros to take home the win. 3B Austin Velasquez stood out for Seattle, providing the spark that led to the game's only run. With bats quieter than a library at midnight, the Pioneers were left ruing their missed opportunities as Seattle’s bullpen shut the door.

#119: Loss, 4-17… In a game where the Seattle Metros flexed their offensive muscles, the Portland Pioneers were left scrambling to keep up. Despite a valiant effort highlighted by DH Frodo Gonzales’ two-run homer in the fourth and 3B Shane Fukumoto’s two-run blast in the fifth, the Pioneers couldn't match the Metros' firepower. SP Morten Fauske was a rock on the mound for Seattle, silencing Portland's bats when it counted. On the other side, SP Norman Barilla struggled, especially in the second and third innings where Seattle's C Oliver Amaya and CF Nick Arredondo showcased their hitting prowess, driving in crucial runs that put the game out of reach. The final score read Seattle Metros 13, Portland Pioneers 4, as the Metros cruised to a comfortable victory.


Elsewhere: SP Don Haag was an absolute maestro on the mound for the Evansville Blackhawks. Over eight innings, he allowed just three hits, walked two, and struck out eight hapless Manchester Clams. Haag's precision pitching left the Clams floundering, unable to muster any offense. Despite a couple of walks and a lone double, Haag kept his composure and silenced Manchester’s bats, ensuring Evansville's dominant 8-0 lead remained intact.

#120: Win, 2-0… In a game where offense was scarce and pitching reigned supreme, the Portland Pioneers edged out the Seattle Metros 2-0. SP William Macomber was on point for the Pioneers, turning the Metros' lineup into a parade of frustrated batters, racking up strikeouts like it was his hobby. C Elijah Arvinda sparked the offense with a single and a run, while 3B Shane Fukumoto chipped in with a couple of clutch singles, making the Seattle defense scramble. Despite a valiant effort from Seattle’s 2B Zen Wakabayashi, who showcased his speed with a stolen base and a hit, the Metros couldn’t find the timely hit they needed. It was a masterclass in pitching from the Pioneers, with Macomber and his bullpen pals sealing the deal, leaving Seattle to ponder their missed opportunities.

Record: 64-56, .533, 3rd AL West
Up Next: We’ll travel south on I-5 to get back home to PDX where the Salt Lake Alpines will be lying in wait, anxiously anticipating our arrival.

[pauwoo]

Vs. Salt Lake Alpines (44-76, .367, 6th AL West)
Ladies and gentlemen, grab your vanilla ice cream and get ready for a showdown, as the Salt Lake Alpines hike their way to our beloved city for a 3-game series. The Alpines, currently lounging at the bottom of the West Division, are here to remind us that baseball is a game of streaks—mostly losing streaks, in their case. With a road record that screams "we prefer our own beds" at 18-42, and an overall performance that's more "ice cream in the sun" than "Rocky Mountain High," the Alpines are hoping to turn their luck around. They've been swinging the bat like they're afraid of hurting the ball but watch out for those surprise homers—they're 4th in the AL for a reason. So, let's give a warm Portland welcome to our friends from Salt Lake, and hope they enjoy their stay... just not too much.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP M. Holman (4-11, 3.90) vs RHP R. Taylor (5-8, 4.05)
LHP T. Singleton (3-0, 1.16) vs RHP D. Melvin (12-8, 2.95)
RHP J. Fletchall (8-2, 1.79) vs RHP W. Long (4-9, 4.82)

#121: Win, 6-2… In a topsy-turvy game that saw the Portland Pioneers snatch a late victory from the Salt Lake Alpines, Portland’s bats came alive when it mattered most. RF Leo Bullock and SS Skyler Dickey led the charge for the Pioneers, with Bullock setting the stage by going 3-for-3 and scoring a crucial run in the 6th inning. Dickey delivered the game-winning blow with a clutch three-run homer during the bottom of the 8th, sending the hometown faithful into a frenzy. On the other side, DH Bakari Konaté's hustle and C Ronald Lejeune's timely hitting kept the Alpines in contention, but ultimately, their efforts were overshadowed by Portland's late-inning heroics, sealing a 6-2 win for the Pioneers.


Elsewhere: 1B Kyle Weaver had quite the eventful game for the Huntsville Scots. In the bottom of the second inning, Weaver smacked a line-drive single to get things going. He followed that up in the third with a clutch two-run double, contributing significantly to Huntsville's four-run rally. Weaver didn't stop there, blasting a solo home run in the sixth, and adding another single in the eighth. Overall, Weaver was a key player, delivering consistent offense and helping to secure the Scots' 13-3 victory over the Binghamton Chucks.

#122: Win, 2-1… In a closely contested showdown, the Portland Pioneers eked out a 2-1 victory over the Salt Lake Alpines. SP Terry Singleton's stellar pitching kept the Alpines at bay, striking out twelve over eight innings of work. 3B Shane Fukumoto shined for Portland, doubling in the first inning and later coming through with a crucial bunt in the fifth. Despite the Alpines' early lead, courtesy of CF Mason Duryea's RBI single, Portland's persistence paid off in the eighth inning when 2B Takamori Miyake capitalized on a balk and a wild pitch to tie the game. With the game hanging in the balance, DH Frodo Gonzales was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the ninth, setting the stage for C Elijah Arvinda to pinch-hit and ultimately drive in the winning run for a satisfying walk off conclusion!

#123: Loss, 2-3… In yet another tightly contested tilt, the Salt Lake Alpines edged out the Portland Pioneers 3-2, and the game was a showcase of pitching prowess and clutch hitting. Portland's RF Leo Bullock made an impact with a scorching double and a key run scored, while DH Frodo Gonzales delivered a critical RBI single to tie the game in the second inning. Despite their efforts, the Pioneers were unable to overcome a stellar performance by Salt Lake's SS Jess Alford, who launched a towering solo home run in the first inning and C Ronald Lejeune, whose timely double in the fifth inning drove in the decisive run. The Pioneers' starter, SP Jeremiah Fletchall, kept his team in the game with six strong innings, but ultimately, the Alpines' offense found just enough daylight to clinch the win.

Record: 66-57, .537, 3rd AL West
Up Next: A day off followed by a trip to British Columbia where we’ll do our level best to put a bad one on the Mounties over a 3-game set in Vancouver.

[pauwoo]

@ Vancouver Mounties (60-63, .487, 5th AL West)
Alright Pioneers fans, pack your raincoats and prepare for the scenic journey into the Great White North, where the Portland Pioneers are set to clash with the Vancouver Mounties. Currently lounging in fifth place with a cozy 60-63 record, the Mounties are masters of home field advantage, boasting a solid 38-25 record at their place—probably because they’ve trained their moose mascots to distract opposing pitchers. Despite their struggles on the road, Vancouver has been raking at the plate, leading the league in runs scored and home runs. But don't let those stats fool you—our Pioneers are ready to expose their pitching staff that’s about as reliable as a leaky canoe. So, get ready for a series filled with maple syrup, majestic mountains, and hopefully, a few big wins for Portland!

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP N. Barilla (7-4, 3.02) vs RHP R. Galan (11-10, 4.26)
RHP W. Macomber (11-8, 2.98) vs RHP T. Abraham (7-4, 3.59)
RHP M. Holman (5-11, 3.83) vs RHP H. Vaughn (9-7, 2.86)

#124: Loss, 0-2… In a classic display of offensive ineptitude, our Pioneers couldn’t buy a run even if they pooled all their lunch money together. Despite SP Norman Barilla's commendable performance on the mound, holding the Vancouver Mounties scoreless through six innings, the Pioneers' bats were quieter than a library at midnight. Standout performances from DH Frodo Gonzales, who managed a couple of hits, and C Chaz Gildea, who chipped in with a single, were not enough to crack Russ Galan, Vancouver's resident ace and thorn in our side. Meanwhile, the Mounties’ 1B Hunfredo Tavares decided to channel his inner superstar, knocking in two clutch singles and ultimately orchestrating the game-winning rally. The Mounties slipped past our Pioneers with a 2-0 victory, leaving Portland pondering where they left their offensive mojo.

#125: Win, 10-4… The Pioneers’ offensive explosion in the third inning was headlined by CF Micky Austin, who launched a grand slam that sent Mounties’ starter Tom Abraham packing and the hometown faithful into a slumber. SS Skyler Dickey also flexed his power with a towering two-run homer in the sixth, while 1B Angel Marino stayed hot, racking up hits and scoring runs like he had something to prove. On the mound, SP William Macomber pitched five solid innings, giving up just one run and keeping the Vancouver bats mostly silent. Despite the Mounties’ late attempt to rally, including a monstrous two-run homer by C Shawn Klein, the Pioneers’ bullpen shut the door, ensuring Vancouver never had a chance to mount a serious comeback.

#126: Win, 10-2… The boys went on a hitting spree, trouncing the Vancouver Mounties 10-2. Despite a shaky start, where RF Peter Claw of the Mounties launched a solo home run off SP Micah Holman, the Pioneers quickly took control. SS Skyler Dickey was the hero of the day, blasting a two-run homer in the 4th inning that set the tone. 1B Angel Marino and LF Simon Harris were relentless, each racking up multiple hits and RBIs, with Marino's aggressive baserunning causing havoc for Vancouver. SP Hunter Vaughn of the Mounties struggled on the mound, allowing 10 hits and six runs before being mercifully pulled. All in all, it was a dominant performance by the Pioneers, with Dickey and Marino shining brightest, and poor Hunter Vaughn likely considering a career change by the end of the night.


Elsewhere: LF Tyler Hill had a game to remember, kicking things off with a solo homer in his first at-bat, launching the ball 371 feet like he was sending it airmail. He later added a double to his tally in the 4th inning, setting up another run to score. Not content with a single long ball, Hill went yard again in the 8th with a 2-run homer, solidifying his status as the Berserkers’ heavy hitter of the day. For the game his Reno Berserkers defeated the Ontario Dumplings, in their park, by a score of 10-3.

Record: 68-58, .539, 3rd AL West
Up Next: The boys will travel to Sin City for a three-game set against the Las Vegas Outlaws inside the lobby of the Mandalay Bay… or not, we’ll likely hold the game in Sin City Park. More seats, better concessions…

[pauwoo]

@ Las Vegas Outlaws (60-66, .476, 4th NL West)
As the Portland Pioneers gear up for a crucial three-game series, they’ll be facing the Las Vegas Outlaws, a team that has been as unpredictable as a jackpot on the Strip. Sitting fourth in the West Division with a 60-66 record, the Outlaws have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with their bats. Leading the National League in batting average, slugging percentage, and hits, their lineup is a minefield for any pitcher. However, their pitching staff has struggled, ranking near the bottom in several key categories, making them the wild card of the division. With a .500 record at home, the Outlaws are a tough nut to crack in their own park, promising an exciting series filled with high-scoring potential and perhaps a few surprises.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
LHP T. Singleton (3-0, 1.14) vs RHP C. Craig (3-14, 5.67)
RHP J. Fletchall (8-2, 1.85) vs LHP S. Hernández (4-7, 6.14)
RHP N. Barilla (7-5, 2.99) vs LHP B. Tate (12-5, 3.62)

#127: Loss, 1-3… In a tightly contested game, the Portland Pioneers fell to the Las Vegas Outlaws, 3-1, in the first of a three-game series. Despite a strong start by left-hander Terry Singleton, who kept the Outlaws scoreless through four innings, it was Las Vegas’s RF K.C. Raines who broke the game open with a three-run homer in the fifth inning, his 420-foot blast proving to be the difference. On the offensive side for the Pioneers, SS Skyler Dickey stood out with three hits, including a scorching single at 108.1 mph off the bat, but Portland couldn’t capitalize on their baserunners, leaving nine stranded. RHP Cullen Craig for the Outlaws stifled the Pioneers' offense, and closer Delon Benjamin sealed the win with a scoreless ninth, striking out two.

#128: Win, 7-4… In a thrilling match, the Portland Pioneers overpowered the Las Vegas Outlaws, securing a 7-4 victory. The game started with a bang as 3B Shane Fukumoto launched a mammoth solo home run, traveling 463 feet in the top of the first inning. Fukumoto was a standout, adding another two-run homer in the ninth, showcasing his power. 2B Takamori Miyake also made a significant impact with a two-run homer in the fourth inning. Despite a strong effort from Las Vegas’s RF Mack Ramirez, who contributed with three hits and a solid RBI, the Outlaws couldn’t close the gap. Pitcher Jeremiah Fletchall’s dominant performance on the mound kept the Outlaws at bay for most of the game, leading the Pioneers to a well-earned win.

#129: Loss, 3-4… The game started strong for Portland with 3B Shane Fukumoto scoring in the first inning, setting the tone with a sharp single. SS Skyler Dickey kept the momentum going with a solo home run in the fifth, part of his two-hit performance. However, Las Vegas's offense proved resilient. The Outlaws were led by RF Mack Ramirez, who had a key RBI single in the fifth to tie the game, and 3B Kelyn Cuna’s clutch single in the sixth that drove in the go-ahead run. Despite a solid effort from Pioneers' pitcher Norman Barilla, who kept the game within reach, Portland couldn't muster a final comeback, stranding the tying run in the ninth as CL Delon Benjamin secured his 3rd save of the year as he closed the door for the Outlaws.

Record: 69-60, .534, 3rd AL West
Up Next: We’ll take a day of rest before welcoming the Pittsburgh Pipers to town for another interleague series.

[pauwoo]

Vs. Pittsburgh Pipers (59-69, .461, 5th NL East)
Currently sitting fifth in the East Division with a 59-69 record, the Pipers have been the ultimate road warriors—albeit with a few bumps and bruises along the way. With a solid .538 home record, they've shown they can hold their own at home, but their 24-39 road record suggests they might be more comfortable in their own building. Despite their struggles in extra-inning games and one-run nail-biters, the Pipers pack a punch with the bat, tying for fifth in the NL for home runs and boasting a respectable 3.98 ERA. Keep an eye on their slugging lineup and sturdy bullpen, and maybe, just maybe, we'll see some fireworks on the field.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP W. Macomber (12-8, 3.03 ERA) vs RHP G. Cameron (5-4, 3.53 ERA)
RHP M. Holman (6-11, 3.76 ERA) vs RHP B. Fulp (2-5, 3.78 ERA)
LHP T. Singleton (3-1, 1.52 ERA) vs LHP K. Bartoli (8-6, 3.97 ERA)

#130: Win, 8-6… In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Portland Pioneers clashed with the Pittsburgh Pipers in a nail-biting showdown. The Pioneers’ RHP William Macomber stepped onto the mound, facing off against the Pipers’ lineup, led by RF Ethan Mullens, who kicked off the game with a fly out, setting the tone for the intense matchup. Both teams showcased their defensive prowess, with CF Chance Bell and 1B Oh Hong making notable plays for the Pipers, while the Pioneers' LF Simon Harris shone with a crucial double, driving in a run. But it was CF Micky Austin who stole the show, launching a solo home run to give the Pioneers the edge they needed. Despite the Pipers' efforts, highlighted by Chance Bell's impressive 2-run homer in the 5th, the Pioneers prevailed, ultimately securing the win with a final score of 8-6. While the game showcased stellar performances on both sides, it was the Pioneers' resilience and timely hits that ultimately secured their victory, leaving the Pipers trailing in their wake.


Elsewhere: SP George Sanches pitched a gem for our Triple-A outfit, the Eugene Ducks, showcasing his dominance on the mound. Across 9 innings, he held the Atlantic City Aces to just 1 run on 3 hits, with 12 strikeouts and only 1 walk. Sanches was in control throughout, consistently hitting his spots and mixing up his pitches effectively, leading his team to a 3-1 victory.

#131: Win, 8-5 (12)… In a wild showdown at Pioneers Park, the Portland Pioneers outlasted the Pittsburgh Pipers in an 8-5 thriller, capped off by SS Skyler Dickey's dramatic walk-off three-run homer. Dickey's blast sent the Pipers packing and the Portland faithful into a frenzy. Leading the charge for the Pioneers was Leo Bullock, who went 3-for-6 at the plate, contributing 2 RBI and crossing the plate himself. His stellar performance helped keep the Pioneers in the game through multiple lead changes. On the losing side, RF Ethan Mullens, the former Los Angeles Leopard with a checkered past, showed he's still got game, going 3-for-6 with 3 runs scored, keeping the Pipers in contention until the very end.


Elsewhere: And there it went! Tom Franzone launched his 400th career dinger tonight against the Las Vegas Outlaws, sending the crowd into a furor. Franzone, the man of the hour for the Boston Patriots, couldn't hide his grin as he rounded the bases and got swarmed by his pumped-up teammates at home plate. Franzone, holding down the fort at first base, put on a show, going 2 for 5 with a pair of dingers and racking up 3 RBIs to help the Boston Patriots cruise to a 9-3 victory over the Las Vegas Outlaws. Taking a gander at his lifetime stats, Franzone's sporting a .313 career batting average, with 401 homers and a cool 1231 ribbies. This guy's swinging for the fences and making it look easy.

#132: Win, 9-1… In a dominant display at Pendleton Park, the Portland Pioneers cruised to a 9-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pipers, completing the series sweep. Leading the charge was 3B Shane Fukumoto, who went 3-for-5 at the plate, including a two-run homer, his 15th of the season, while driving in 3 runs. Second baseman Blanco Whitt also shined, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored, both hits being doubles. On the mound, Terry Singleton tossed 7.1 innings, striking out 5 but walking 5 as well, improving his record to 4-1 on the year. For the Pittsburgh Pipers, Rex Englestad stood out, going 3-for-4 with a run scored, doing his best to keep his team in the game. Despite Englestad's efforts, Portland's offensive onslaught and strong pitching secured the decisive win, outscoring Pittsburgh 25-15 over the three-game series.

Record: 72-60, .545, 3rd AL West
Up Next: The homestand continues at Pendleton Park with the Boston Patriots set to make an appearance at the park over the weekend.

[pauwoo]

Vs. Boston Patriots (64-68, .485, 3rd AL East)
At 64-68, and with Mr. 400, Tom Franzone, still raking, the Boston Patriots are a club that, with a slightly better offense, could be a real problem… but, with rankings of 7th in OBP, OPS, and wOBA, that’s not likely in the cards this season. They’ve been an also-ran, lovable losers who think they can, but can’t, won’t, and, as far as this season is concerned, likely never will. They exist in a power vacuum, where, as a team, they rank 12th in the AL for homers, despite Tom Franzone’s 27 on the year, with a staff that shines until their 9th ranked bullpen takes over for the starters and proceeds to dash the hopes and dreams of the Boston faithful on a near, nightly basis. It’s not that they’re awful, it’s that they’re aggressively average, a club content to amble along, going through the motions while trying to ape some modicum of professionalism. These aren’t winners – they clock watchers, time thieves who arrive fifteen minutes early without doing any work until their official shift is set to begin at which point they mail it in, by media mail, slow, steady, and never delivered on time.

Projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP J. Fletchall (9-2, 1.83) vs RHP F. Mangan (3-2, 3.26)
RHP N. Barilla (7-6, 3.10) vs LHP H. Dorsch (4-6, 3.90)
RHP W. Macomber (12-8, 3.23) vs RHP D. Wolbach (1-5, 7.24)

#133: Win, 9-1… Boston, content to shuffle along like some mindless zombie, would idle their time by going through the motions, offering little resistance against our survival in this post-apocalyptic, imaginary baseball world. Languishing aimlessly on a search for brains against a club with a combined 70 IQ… we’re not smart, we’re good. There’s a difference, I think. Our Pioneers, with their collective sites set on forging a new path in our razed landscape, went off from the start with three runs in the first, a run in each of the next three frames, followed by three more in the 5th, before shutting it down and letting our early work speak for itself… RF Simon Harris finished 3-for-4 with 3 runs scored, 1B Angel Marino drove one in on a double and two in on a 1st inning TANK, and SS Skyler Dickey, with a run-scoring single and a run-scoring double, drove two in on the day, and, while Tom Franzone showed out with his 28th homer of the year, his teammates couldn’t muster the strength to contribute as our staff slice and diced the Patriots, with SP Jeremiah Fletchall securing his 10th win after 7-innings of 5-hit, 1-run work.

#134: Win, 3-2 (11)… we’d blown our load last night, a spent shotgun casing with no reloading press in site… until we got to Boston’s pen, promptly turning this ho-hum contest around with just our hunting knife and a run-scoring single courtesy of 3B Shane Fukumoto before settling things in extras on a walk off DING DONG from SS Skylar Dickey, his 20th on the year. SP Norman Barilla gave us 6, hard-scrabble innings of work, recording 8 K’s with just one run scored on his watch, and the pen, with the notable exception of RP Bernal Sanchez and his blown save, was equal to his effort, handedly rebuffing the Boston Patriots en route to our 5th win a row as we closed the book on August in emphatic fashion.

#135: Loss, 2-3… Sunk, at home, a schooner lost at sea on the back of Boston’s 3 early runs, each coming during the top of the very first frame against an uncharacteristically shaky William Macomber, who was saddled with his 9th loss for his troubles. We’d answer with two of our own, thanks to a 2-run single hit by CF Micky Austin, but would be stuck in a malaise from that point forward – gifting our less-than-stellar opponent with a road win on their way out the door. A regrettable result on a Sunday day game, with our stands packed to the gills with families looking for sure fire entertainment before steeling themselves up for another week of commuting to computers to appease their corporate overlords. They did their part – there were cheers, foam fingers, plates overflowing with nachos being waved in the air, but, alas, we’d not be equal to it – sending them home unfulfilled, to face the week ahead after a disappointing result where their entertainment dollar would not result in a sufficient ROI. For shame.

Record: 74-61, .548, 3rd AL West
Up Next: We’ll travel to Charlotte on our day off where the 78-57 Imperials are no doubt licking their chops at the prospect of kicking our boys while they’re down.

[pauwoo]

@ Charlotte Imperials (78-57, .578, 1st AL East)
The Queen City Imps are lording over the AL West, enjoying a comfortable 11-game lead, as winners of 78 games so far… they boast the 4th ranked offense and 3rd ranked staff, doing the dirt on balance, guile, and more than their fair share of luck. They’re a good team making a living in a ho-hum division with designs on greatness – even if said greatness is hard to reconcile given what they are putting down on paper. Here we have a solid club plying their trade in a weak division, feasting on divisional foes, and living footloose and fancy free. We have an opportunity to impose our will, in their park, as we quest to ascend to the top of our far more competitive division in the AL West.

Pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP M. Holman (6-11, 3.73) vs LHP C. Tucker (4-9, 3.26)
LHP T. Singleton (4-1, 1.48) vs RHP T. Sheard (9-5, 3.03)
RHP J. Fletchall (10-2, 1.79) vs RHP N. Granado (8-9, 3.46)

#136: Win, 5-3… Tired from all our pillaging, it’d take the boys time to get right in this one, to work themselves into a lather, before breaking through with a 2-run top of the 9th that sealed the deal for us – LF Horado Montesano’s 2-run single was the game winner with Simon Harris’ late, 8th-inning solo shot drawing us even. CL Noah DiMaio earned the save, his 40th on the year, and Partick Frost, after turning in a 1-hit, 2.1-innings of work would be credited with the win despite a fine 5.2-inning, 7 K performance from our starter, Micah Holman. Outside of that aforementioned homerun, the boys couldn’t muster a single extra base hit, and, yet, here we are… sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.

#137: Win, 6-2… A well-earned, well-deserved, and beautifully executed series win on the road as Micky Austin crushed his 17th homer, a 3-run blast, to pace our offense while the staff, headed up by SP Terry Singleton and his 6.2-inning, 1-hit, 4 K effort, held the Imperials at bay throughout the contest. Two hits each for Simon Harris and Angel Marino, and each drove in a run, Fukumoto swiped his 39th bag, and we hit three for extra bases while leaving a mere 3 runners stranded – all systems go on the road it seems.

#138: Loss, 3-4… it seems that a sweep, on the road in Charlotte, would be a bridge too far as the Imperials pulled up the drawers, mustered some pride, and found a way to get the job done. RP Peter Yamaguchi, coming in cold after Jeremiah Fletcher left early with and injury, allowed 5 hits and 3 earned over a hard scrabble 3.1-innings of work, while our offense, despite putting two doubles on the board, was unable to match the standard set by Charlotte – just didn’t have enough feed to keep our horses going, enough soldiers to match the army the Imperials trotted out onto the field of battle, and not enough arrows to keep our Archers in ammo. Sometimes, the Monarchy, with its’ numbers and seemingly infinite supply of gold, wins even when FREEDOM is on the line.

Injury Update: Jeremiah Fletchall, alpha-brained tough guy that he is, will be out of action for two weeks with a finger blister. Those hurt. I mean, nothing a little gorilla glue can’t fix, but still…

Record: 76-62, .551, 3rd AL West
Up Next: Phoenix awaits...

[pauwoo]

@ Phoenix Coyotes (66-72, .478, 5th NL West)
The Phoenix Coyotes, those bastions of burnt orange and eggplant purple, have seen much, much better days… This season, despite boasting a well-built, capable, and, at times, mighty offense, currently ranked 4th in the NL, they’ve been held back by their pitching, ranked a dreadful 10th overall, with 12th place rankings in FIP and pWAR. There’s not a recipe for success in the world that could be conjured up from the ingredients they’ve stocked in their pantry – no, this season is a bust, a poorly conceived dinner special using left over prime rib and sausage gravy from the breakfast service. There servers abrupt, presenting themselves in disheveled, wrinkled attire, the prep cooks devoid of knife skills, and their chef’s, to the degree that they have any of those on the line, wouldn’t know a mid-rare piece of beef if Gordan Ramsey himself was standing next to them, berating there poor cooking acumen, while trying to teach them to be culinarily mid.

Note: I’m unclear if I’ve used culinarily correctly there, but, whatever, you get the gist…

Projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP N. Barilla (7-6, 3.02) vs LHP R. Luna (8-11, 4.81)
RHP W. Macomber (12-9, 3.09) vs RHP K. Voll (9-8, 4.10)
RHP M. Holman (6-11, 3.71) vs RHP T. Deering (3-0, 3.15)

#139: Loss, 6-11… Privately, while watching this game from the Press Box, I wondered to myself what the boys were thinking about on our flight into town from Charlotte… and, the only conclusion I found was that it sure as hell wasn’t baseball. Prior to this game, I didn’t know it was possible to get crushed by a club that committed 4 fielding flubs, but, here we are… our pitching, particularly our Starter, Norman Barilla, was dismantled, taken apart, and sold off for parts, and our offense, while solid in the overall scheme of things, couldn’t match the output of the Coyotes as we left 13 of our guys stranded while crossing the plate 6 times as a club. Leo Bullock and Micky Austin each put one out, and we burgled two bags as a club, including Fukumoto with number 41, but, again, we weren’t drinking what they were and as a result were left in the dust… here they did their best roadrunner impression despite so clearly being a coyote.

#140: Win, 5-1… back at it like a crack addict… we’d avoid dropping our fourth tilt in a row on the back of a workmanlike performance where our 3-run top of the 9th effected ended this one as SP William Macomber gave us 8-innings of 5-hit, 1 earned filthiness, providing our offense plenty of room to breathe and get the job done. There two-baggers on the day, including a 2-run double for Simon Harris during that fateful 7th frame, saw Blanco Whitt lay down the tastiest sac bunt, and crafted a rally killing, Fukumoto-Miyake-Marino double play during the bottom of the 9th that snuffed out these coyotes for good. Dynamite not required.

#141: Loss, 4-12… Oof. This was hurtful, mean, and altogether uncalled for. To be treated like this, on the road, in Phoenix, with no attempt to provide customer service, to cater to our, the customer’s needs… it’s tragic. Where should I begin with this recap? How about nowhere, I mean, what would be the point – setting my team up as the butt of the joke? Purposefully demeaning this loose collection of stiffs I’ve assembled in Portland, Oregon? You’re right, I should – I should lambast them, skewer them in the press, call their skills into question, their desire, their professionalism. But I won’t. That’s what the plane ride home is for – I’ll have a captive audience, there’ll be nowhere to run, no corner to hide in as they wipe away their tears… buncha lollygaggers you ask me.

Record: 77-64, .542, 3rd AL West
Up Next: We'll head back to Pendleton Park where the Los Angeles Leopards will be anxiously awaiting our arrival.

[pauwoo]

Vs. Los Angeles Leopards (85-56, .603, 1st NL West)
Ah, the Yellow Tops… that golden club, with coffers so deep even the water fountains are plated in gold, and my home for so many formative years as an imaginary GM, where, judging by their immaculate 85-56 record, they aren’t missing having me at the helm. With a staff still capable of shutting down even the most fearsome offense and an order that features the one & only Otto Isaac, who, at 37, is still doing Otto-type things (30 tanks, 109 RBI so far), Los Angeles is one of the biggest, baddest bullies on the block who’ve gotten off the bus at our stop and is looking to steal tomorrow’s lunch money. From inside our house. Even though our Mom got laid off and will be at home, zonked on Ambian, with a sink full of dishes and an endless loop of General Hospital queued up on the tube.

Projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
LHP T. Singleton (5-1, 1.32) vs RHP V. Welcome (12-10, 3.25)
RHP J. Fletchall (10-2, 1.85) vs RHP C. Arnett (13-7, 3.60)
RHP N. Barilla (7-6, 3.32) vs LHP O. Arce (10-5, 4.12)

#142: Loss, 10-13… Despite a valiant effort led by Skyler Dickey, the Portland Pioneers fell short in a slugfest against the Los Angeles Leopards, losing 13-10 at IPA Park. Dickey showcased his power and versatility, going 2-for-4 with a home run, three runs scored, and two RBIs, but Portland's bullpen faltered late. Los Angeles first baseman Otto Isaac broke an 8-8 tie in the eighth with a clutch two-run single, part of his two-hit, two-RBI performance. The Leopards piled on three insurance runs in the ninth, highlighted by a solo homer from Dontell Wilburn. Portland clawed back with two runs in the bottom of the ninth, including Dickey's two-run shot, but Leopards closer T-Rex Stiles slammed the door for his 44th save. Portland dropped to 77-65, while the Leopards extended their divisional lead at 86-56.

#143: Win, 4-2… Behind a stellar start from Norman Barilla and a pair of key offensive moments, the Portland Pioneers topped the Los Angeles Leopards 4-2 at IPA Park. Barilla (8-6) pitched seven strong innings, scattering seven hits and allowing just two runs to secure the win. Simon Harris provided the offensive highlight, smashing a two-run homer in the third inning to give us the lead for good. Third baseman Shane Fukumoto chipped in with a two-hit performance, including an RBI double. Noah DiMaio closed the door in the ninth, striking out two to record his 41st save of the season—and the 300th of his career. The win improves Portland to 78-65 as they push for a playoff spot, while the Leopards, despite outhitting the Pioneers, fall to 86-57.

#144: Loss, 2-4… We struck first with a two-run double by Chaz Gildea in the second inning, but the offense stalled, stranding eight runners. Los Angeles starter Christopher Arnett pitched 5.1 innings of two-run ball before exiting with an injury, and Dalton Burch’s clutch two-run double in the sixth off Dominic Hornbrook gave the Leopards the lead. Our bullpen, led by Patrick Frost’s two scoreless innings, kept the game within reach, but LA’s T-Rex Stiles closed it out in the ninth for his 45th save. The loss dropped us to 78-66 as we continue to battle in the Wild Card race, while Los Angeles improved to 87-57 atop the NL West.


Elsewhere: Aitor Cubas stole the show in Buffalo’s thrilling 9-7 extra-inning victory over Philadelphia, delivering a performance for the ages at Nickel Bags Park. The designated hitter went 3-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs, single-handedly powering the Nickels' offense. After smashing a grand slam in the fifth inning to give Buffalo a 5-1 lead, Cubas came through again in the bottom of the 11th, crushing a walk-off, two-run homer off Adam Sullivan. His heroics electrified the 24,522 fans in attendance, helping the Nickels snap a two-game skid and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Record: 78-66, .542, 3rd AL West
Up Next: We’ll welcome Toronto to town.

[pauwoo]

Vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (57-87, .396, 6th AL West)
We’ll welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs to PDX for a weekend series, pitting two teams on very different trajectories. The Maple Leafs (57-87) sit at the bottom of the East Division, struggling offensively despite Alexander MacDonald's power bat (28 HR, 86 RBI). While Liam Moskowitz (3.00 ERA) has been a bright spot on the mound, Toronto's pitching depth has faltered, as evidenced by their 642 runs allowed. Portland counters with a dominant rotation headlined by Jeremiah Fletchall (10-2, 1.85 ERA) and a balanced offense primed to capitalize on Toronto's inconsistencies. Toronto has shown recent sparks with a 5-5 record in their last 10 games, but they'll need much more to overcome the Pioneers' strong home-field advantage.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP M. Holman (6-12, 3.81) vs RHP E. Phillips (1-6, 6.00)
RHP J. Fletchall (10-2, 1.85) vs RHP L. Moskowitz (8-11, 3.00)
LHP T. Singleton (5-1, 2.25) vs LHP A. Rodríguez (7-10, 4.65)

#145: Win, 3-2… The Portland Pioneers rode the stellar arm of Micah Holman to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at IPA Park. Holman (7-12) pitched seven innings of two-run ball, scattering three hits and striking out five to earn Player of the Game honors. After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, Portland chipped away with solo home runs from Shane Fukumoto in the fifth and Elijah Arvinda in the seventh. Frodo Gonzales added a key RBI double in the sixth, driving in the go-ahead run. The bullpen duo of Bernal Sánchez and closer Nick DiMaio (42nd save) locked down the win, combining for two scoreless innings to seal it.

#146: Win, 4-1… Continuing our quest for a spot in the playoffs, we’d secure another hard-fought win behind a stellar performance from SP Terry Singleton and his 7-innings of 2-hit, 6 K ball where he’d allow a single earned run before handing things over to the pen. Offensively it was nothing doing for the boys until the 6th, highlighted by Chaz Gildea’s RBI single that put us up on the Leafs for good… Blanco Whitt added some insurance on a SAC FLY and Nick DiMaio locked things down, earning his 43rd save after turning in another flawless top of the 9th. We were relentless – 13 hits as a club to keep the Leaf on their heels throughout while improving our record to 80-66 on the year, keeping us in the AL Wild Card hunt.

#147: Loss, 2-5… Despite a late rally, the Portland Pioneers couldn’t overcome Iosif Grischenko’s two-homer performance, falling 5-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Pendleton Park. Grischenko’s blasts in the third and fifth innings accounted for three RBIs, leading the charge for Toronto. SP Norman Barilla struggled, allowing five runs over 5.1 innings, including all three of Toronto’s homers. The boys would mount a brief comeback in the eighth, highlighted by doubles from Blanco Whitt and Chaz Gildea, but Mauricio Henriquez shut the door in the ninth for his seventh save. The offense left 12 runners on base, frustrating a packed crowd of 38,366… send the hometown faithful off into the night with a sour taste in their mouth.

Record: 80-67, .544, 3rd AL West
Up Next: We’ll welcome the Seattle Metros to town and attempt to push their 73-74 head a bit deeper into the ocean.

[pauwoo]

Vs. Seattle Metros (73-74, .497, 5th AL West)
A set, at home, against our natural rival, who, so far this season, have been playing under an unrelenting canopy of clouds that reform each time the sun breaks for a while to deliver sheets of PNW rain all over their parade, is a daunting task… and, it doesn’t much matter the state that they’re in. These are games you get up for, an opportunity to rain on our parade, to make our route to the dance fraught with danger, to be the pothole that blows our tire. Seattle’s pitching has been their backbone, boasting the second-best starter ERA in the league (3.44) and a strong bullpen (3.72 ERA, 4th), though their offense has struggled, ranking ninth in runs scored (573) and 11th in batting average (.243). The season series favors the Metros slightly at 9-6, and with standout pitchers like Adam Gunter (17-8, 2.55 ERA) and Morten Fauske (14-7, 3.95 ERA) headlining the matchups, we will need strong showings from our arms, including ace Jeremiah Fletchall (10-2, 1.85 ERA). Look for key performances from Seattle’s veterans, RF Patrick Adams and LF Roberto Ruelas, as they battle for pride and momentum down the stretch.

Here are the projected pitching matchups, our pitchers listed first:
RHP W. Macomber (13-9, 3.02) vs RHP B. Dauncey (10-11, 3.86)
RHP J. Fletchall (10-2, 1.85) vs RHP M. Fauske (14-7, 3.95)
RHP M. Holman (7-12, 3.76) vs LHP A. Gunter (17-8, 2.55)

#148: Win, 2-1… With our umbrellas flexed, the boys pulled off a tense 2-1 victory over the Metros at Pendleton Park, led by a rip-roaring outing from SP William Macomber. Your boy hurled seven innings of one-run ball, striking out nine and scattering five hits to earn his 14th win of the season. 3B Shane Fukumoto delivered the game-winning hit in the seventh, driving in Micky Austin with a two-out single to break a 1-1 tie. Catcher Chaz Gildea also contributed with an early RBI double in the second inning. CL Noah DiMaio slammed the door in the ninth for his 44th save, solidifying our grip on the second AL Wild Card spot… there’s still some work to do, of course, but winning a close one against our I-5 enemies is a good way to put one foot in front of the other as we continue to slog towards the finish line.


Elsewhere: Philadelphia Liberty first baseman Satoru Ono etched his name into the MLB record books Tuesday night, crushing a solo home run in the fourth inning off Brooklyn’s Hank Wilson for the 300th homer of his illustrious career. Ono’s milestone blast, his 28th of the season, showcased his continued prowess at the plate and provided a spark in the Liberty’s eventual 4-3, 13-inning victory. The veteran slugger also drew a walk and played steady defense, helping anchor Philadelphia's lineup and defense in a memorable night.

#149: Win, 7-3… Here we’d use a mix of solid pitching and timely power to defeat the Metros, 7-3, at home, in front of our wives, girlfriends, kids, and children. SP Micah Holman turned in a gutsy start, going 6.1 innings and striking out six while allowing three earned runs. RP Patrick Frost stepped up in relief, securing a six-out save to close the door on the Metros. SS Skyler Dickey got us rolling early with a two-run homer in the second inning, while solo blasts from DH Frodo Gonzales and CF Micky Austin in the eighth sealed the win. Austin also showcased his versatility with two stolen bases. On the basepaths, Satoru Fukumoto burgled two bags of his own to bring his season total to 44. A nice series win for the boys as we gear up to try to even the season series at 9 wins each with a sweep in front of the hometown faithful tomorrow.

#150: Loss, 0-2… We fell victim to a pitching masterclass as SP Adam Gunter and the Seattle Metros dealt us a crushing 2-0 shutout at Pendleton Park and secured the moral victory of owning a 10-8 mark head-to-head against us this season. Gunter was in complete command, scattering just four hits across nine innings, striking out 10, and stranding eight of our guys on base. A solo homer by 2B Zen Wakabayashi in the sixth and a clutch two-out RBI single from 1B William Meadows proved to be all the offense Seattle needed. Despite a valiant effort by our starter Terry Singleton, who struck out eight over 8.2 innings and allowed just four hits himself, our bats couldn’t crack the code. Our playoff hopes remain alive, but the offense will need to wake up to stay competitive down the homestretch.

Record: 82-68, .547, 3rd AL West
Up Next: We’ll board a flight to Colorado for a 3-game set at altitude against the division leading, 85-65, Kings.