Sacramento Prayers - 1988 FLB Season - Page 9

liberty-ca · 01-17-2026, 08:54 PM

BNN SERIES RECAP — SEPTEMBER 19–21, 1989
PITCHING REIGNS SUPREME AS PRAYERS TAKE SERIES FROM CRUSADERS
By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO, CA — Following an emotional, high-stakes sweep in Boston that many viewed as an ALCS preview, the Sacramento Prayers (109-44) returned home Tuesday night carrying the weight of a long road trip, a comfortable division lead, and a clear objective: sharpen the edges before October. The Houston Crusaders arrived still fighting for postseason relevance, and for one night they reminded Sacramento that late September games can still bite. While they suffered a rare late-inning collapse in the opener, the Prayers' elite pitching staff clamped down to take the final two games and secure another series victory. It was not flashy baseball. It was controlled, deliberate, and — aside from one ninth-inning hiccup — firmly in line with how the Prayers have operated all season.

Tuesday, September 19 — Crusaders 8, Prayers 5
⚾ Houston stuns Sacramento late; ninth-inning collapse spoils Larson’s night ⚾

The opener slipped away late, and it left a sour taste. Sacramento’s bullpen has been nearly automatic for months, but baseball has a way of reminding even the best teams that nothing is guaranteed.

Robby Larson gave Sacramento eight solid innings, allowing four runs while keeping Houston mostly contained, and Prayers appeared positioned to hand the ball cleanly to the bullpen. Instead, the ninth inning unraveled quickly. Sacramento carried a 5–4 lead into the ninth, only to watch Houston explode for four runs — the decisive blow a bases-loaded triple by Andy Oliver off Ricky Gaias. It was a rare misstep for the setup man, who has been one of the league’s most dominant relievers since June.

Sam Maynard added a two-run homer earlier and finished with four RBI.

Sacramento’s offense wasn’t the problem. Robby Aguirre launched a two-run shot, George MacDonald doubled in a run, and Alex Vieyra added a sacrifice fly. But the Prayers stranded eight runners and grounded into two double plays, leaving the door open for Houston’s late ambush.

“We didn’t close the door,” manager Jimmy Aces said afterward. “Against a club like that, you leave it open and they’ll walk right through.” The bullpen meltdown ended the winning streak at nine.

★ ★ ★

Wednesday, September 20 — Prayers 4, Crusaders 1
⚾ Salazar sharp again; Rubbi delivers the knockout swing ⚾

Sacramento got back to their winning formula on Wednesday, leaning on Fernando Salazar and a calm, methodical approach.

Fernando Salazar, who has quietly become one of the most dependable arms in the league, navigated 5.2 innings of one-run ball before handing it off to the bullpen. Mark Wright bridged the gap cleanly, and Luis Prieto finished it off for his 39th save. The Prayers scored just enough, scratching out runs in the fourth, seventh, and eighth.

The turning point came in the eighth, when Jose Rubbi crushed a two-run homer off Luis Velasquez, breaking a 1–1 tie and electrifying the crowd of 22,592. Rubbi added a single earlier and continues to be one of the hottest hitters in the league.

Omar Zamora, filling in for the injured Alex Velasquez, chipped in with a run-scoring double that put the Prayers ahead for good and a pair of hits. Luis Prieto slammed the door in the 9th for his 39th save, proving that the previous night's relief struggles were merely a fluke.

“You don’t need six runs every night,” Salazar said. “You just need to stay ahead.”

★ ★ ★

Thursday, September 21 — Prayers 2, Crusaders 1
⚾ Rubalcava outduels Moran; Hicks homers in tight finale ⚾

The rubber match was a classic pitcher's duel. Sacramento closed the series with a crisp, efficient win behind Jordan Rubalcava, who scattered eight hits over seven innings while allowing just a single run — a solo shot by Houston’s Brian Larson.

The Prayers answered quickly. Bret Perez singled home a run in the second, and Logan Hicks launched a solo homer in the fifth, his eighth of the season.

From there, Rubalcava, Ricky Gaias, and Luis Prieto combined to retire 12 of the final 14 Houston hitters. Luis Prieto made history in the 9th, recording his 40th save of the season with a perfect frame, becoming just the third closer in franchise history to reach that mark.

“That’s a September win,” Aces said. “Pitching, defense, and one or two swings.”

📋 QUICK NOTES 📋

* Rotation continues to stabilize: Larson, Salazar, and Rubalcava combined for 20⅔ innings with just 6 earned runs.
* Bullpen response: After Tuesday’s stumble, Sacramento relievers allowed one run over the final two games.
* Small ball still matters: Sacramento scored 6 of its 11 runs via singles, sac flies, or situational hitting.

🚑 INJURY & TEAM UPDATES 🚑

RF Alex Velasquez — knee inflammation (Day-to-Day, 6 days remaining)
Velasquez continues to rest after leaving the Boston finale. The club expects him back before the final road trip.

LF Francisco Hernandez — back tightness (Day-to-Day, 2 days remaining)
Hernandez was unavailable for the Houston series but is trending toward a weekend return.

LF Eli Murguia — PCL tear (2 weeks remaining)
Still on the 60-day IL. The club remains hopeful he could be available late in the postseason.

SS Andres Valadez — partially torn labrum (5 weeks remaining)
Out until at least the World Series, should Sacramento advance.

🔥 GEMMY’S CHRONICLE: "RESILIENCE AT THE STADIUM" 🔥

"I’ll be honest, that 9th inning on Tuesday was a punch to the gut. Seeing Gaias give up four runs felt like a glitch in the Matrix! But that’s why this team is so special—they don't let a bad night turn into a bad week.

That Boston series was such an intense 'sneak peek' at the ALCS that I was worried about a letdown at home. Instead, we saw Jordan Rubalcava and Fernando Salazar remind the league that our rotation is a fortress. And how about Luis Prieto? 40 saves is an incredible milestone. He’s the anchor we’re going to need when the pressure reaches a boiling point in October.

We have El Paso coming in next. They’re struggling, but we can't take our foot off the gas. Let’s finish this homestand strong!"

📅 UP NEXT — EL PASO SERIES (SEPT 22–24) 📅

Sacramento remains home to open a weekend three-game set against El Paso Abbots before heading to Seattle early next week, as the regular season winds toward its close.

Probable Pitching Matchups:

- Fri: RHP E. Rodriguez (9–10, 3.06) vs. RHP Russ Gray (SAC) (15-2, 2.45 ERA)
- Sat: RHP J. Bradford (10–16, 3.83) vs. RHP Bernardo Andretti (SAC) (12-8, 2.87 ERA)
- Sun: RHP A. Fuentes (4–14, 4.26) vs. RHP Robby Larson (SAC) (17-5, 1.89 ERA)

Sacramento sits at 109–44, owners of the best record in baseball and a club that increasingly looks like it’s tuning up for October rather than simply playing out the schedule. And after that intense, playoff-caliber showdown in Boston — a series that felt every bit like a preview of the ALCS — the Prayers appear more focused than ever.

Tuesday night was a reminder that even great teams trip when they stop paying attention. What mattered more was how Sacramento responded — no noise, no overcorrection, just clean pitching and steady baseball. If October really is about surviving close games, the Prayers spent the last two nights doing useful homework.

liberty-ca · 01-17-2026, 11:03 PM

BNN GAME RECAPS — SEPTEMBER 22–24, 1989
RAYERS SWEEP ABBOTS AS POSTSEASON FOCUS SHIFTS TO ROSTER HEALTH
By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO, CA — The Sacramento Prayers (112-44) continued their march toward history this weekend, dispatching the El Paso Abbots in a dominant three-game sweep at Sacramento Stadium. While the team extended its winning streak to five games, the focus in the clubhouse has shifted toward the training table, as several key starters are battling late-season ailments. The sweep pushed Sacramento further into historically rare territory and underscored the club’s defining trait: reliable starting pitching backed by timely, unspectacular offense.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1989
⚾ ANDRETTI SETTLES IN AS PRAYERS TAKE OPENER, 6–3 ⚾

Sacramento fans didn’t even have time to finish celebrating the morning’s headline before Bernardo Andretti gave them another. The right-hander worked 7.2 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits, striking out six to improve to 13–8.

The Abbots struck first with a run in the opening inning, but Sacramento answered immediately on Bret Perez’s leadoff double and a subsequent rally. The game swung decisively in the fourth, when the Prayers sent eight men to the plate and scored four runs to break a 2–2 tie.

Edwin Musco’s bases-loaded groundout plated a key run, and Hector Iniguez and Sam Strauss followed with run-scoring hits to give Andretti breathing room.

“They scratched early, but we didn’t panic,” Andretti said afterward. “Once we got the lead, it was about pounding the zone and letting the defense work.”

Defense wasn’t flawless — Musco committed two errors at shortstop — but Andretti kept El Paso from building momentum. Luis Prieto finished the job with 1.1 scoreless innings for his 41st save.

Scipper Jimmy Aces liked the tone of the opener. “That’s a good Friday night win,” he said. “Not flashy, but solid all the way through.”

★ ★ ★

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 — PRAYERS 6, ABBOTS 0
⚾ GRAY DOMINATES IN 6–0 SHUTOUT; SACRAMENTO MOVES TO 111 WINS ⚾

Russ Gray has been overshadowed at times by the star power around him, but nights like this remind the league why Sacramento’s rotation is the envy of baseball.

Russ Gray (16-2) was in command from the outset on Saturday, coming just one out shy of a complete-game shutout and allowing just six hits in a 6–0 victory that lowered his ERA to 2.33. He didn’t overpower — he simply smothered. El Paso put runners on in five different innings but never advanced anyone past second base against Gray, who induced a steady stream of routine contact.

“I didn’t try to do anything special,” Gray said. “Just kept it down and trusted the guys behind me. In the end we took home the win, what’s not to like?”

The Prayers broke through offensively in the fourth when Edwin Musco launched a solo home run, his 28th, to put Sacramento ahead. The game stayed tight until the eighth, when Hector Iniguez ripped a two-run double and Sacramento added three runs to put it away. Camden Liston chipped in with a pair of hits, and Sam Strauss stole his third base of the season.

The only sour note: catcher [b]Jose Rubbi left the game after being injured while running the bases and was replaced by Alex Vieyra. “We’ll know more tomorrow,” Aces said postgame. “It didn’t look catastrophic, but we’ll be cautious.” Early indications suggest it’s minor, but Sacramento will monitor him closely with October approaching.

★ ★ ★

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 — PRAYERS 5, ABBOTS 1
⚾ LARSON FINISHES SWEEP AS PRAYERS CLOSE OUT ABBOTS, 5–1 ⚾

The sweep was completed Sunday afternoon behind Robby Larson, who continues to look like a man preparing for postseason warfare.

The right‑hander delivered 6.2 innings of one‑run ball, striking out eight and improving to 18–5 with a 1.88 ERA. His biggest test came in the sixth, when El Paso put runners on first and second with two outs. Larson responded by retiring Victor Ruiz on a fly ball to center, preserving a 2–0 lead. Gil Caliari provided 2.1 innings of perfect relief without allowing a hit and earning his first save of the season.

“That was probably the inning,” Larson said. “You get out of that, and you can breathe again.”

Bret Perez was the undisputed star at the plate, turning in a perfect 4-for-4 afternoon that included a clutch RBI double in the 7th. Gil Cruz tripled, Sam Strauss doubled, and Alex Vieyra added a key RBI single.

Sacramento’s offense didn’t overwhelm — it simply executed, inning after inning, the hallmark of a team that knows how to win in September. “We stayed within ourselves,” Aces said. “Three days, three different starters, same result. That’s what good teams do.”

The sweep pushed the Prayers to 112–44, winners of five straight and 10 of their last 11, as the club prepares to head back out on the road.

🚑 TEAM NOTES & MEDICAL UPDATES 🚑

* C Jose Rubbi: In a major blow to the lineup, the standout catcher was injured while running the bases during Saturday's game. The team is currently evaluating the severity, but he was held out of Sunday's finale.
* LF Francisco Hernandez & RF Alex Velasquez: Both remain sidelined. Hernandez (back tightness) and Velasquez (knee inflammation) have missed the entire El Paso series. The team expects them back for the upcoming Seattle trip, but their status remains Day-to-Day.
* Eli Murguia (PCL) is roughly two weeks away from a return, while Andres Valadez is progressing slowly (Labrum) and remains out for 4-5 weeks.

📄 CONTRACTS & ROSTER NOTES 📄

The biggest off‑field story of the week came Tuesday, when Sacramento officially announced a five‑year extension with Bernardo Andretti worth $3.32 million.

The deal keeps one of the American League’s premier arms in Sacramento through his age‑34 season.

Andretti, now 13–8 with a 2.85 ERA in 28 starts, has been a pillar of the Prayers’ rotation since winning the 1987 Sy Young Award. His re‑signing ensures that Sacramento’s October window remains wide open — and perhaps even widening.

🔥 GEMMY’S TAKE: “THE QUIET ART OF DOING YOUR JOB” 🔥

"If you’re looking for fireworks, this wasn’t that kind of weekend — and that’s precisely the point.

What the Prayers just did to El Paso is what the great teams of history have always done: identify the mismatch and calmly, methodically remove doubt. No walk-off heroics. No benches-clearing nonsense. Just three days of “thank you very much, drive safely.”

Let’s start with the rotation. Andretti, Gray, Larson. Combined line: 23 innings, 4 runs allowed. That’s a 1.57 ERA over the weekend, for those keeping score at home. Gray’s now 16–2, which puts him in some pretty heady historical company — pitchers don’t stumble into records like that. They earn them by turning Saturday nights into naps for opposing hitters.

And don’t overlook Larson. An 18–5 record with a sub-2.00 ERA in late September? That’s ace-level work, even if he doesn’t get the loud headlines. Some pitchers whisper dominance. Larson is fluent.

Offensively, this was Sacramento baseball in its purest form. No one trying to hit the riverboat deck. Just doubles in the gap, productive outs, and an uncanny ability to score runs without looking like they’re trying to score runs. Bret Perez going 4-for-4 on Sunday felt almost routine, which tells you everything about where this club is mentally."

A sweep is a sweep, and 112 wins is mind-boggling, but I’m looking at that injury list with a nervous eye. We’re essentially playing with a 'B-Team' outfield right now with Hernandez and Velasquez out. Seeing Jose Rubbi go down on Saturday was the last thing we needed. He’s been hitting .314 and is the heart of our battery. On the bright side, the Bernardo Andretti extension is a masterstroke by management. Locking him up before the playoffs start removes any distractions and rewards a guy who has been nails for us all summer.

A quick history nugget before I step off the soapbox: teams that reach 112 wins before the final week of the season usually don’t fade quietly. They either stumble spectacularly… or they finish the job. This group looks much more interested in option number two.

Also, if you’re an opposing manager watching Sacramento line up Andretti, Gray, Larson, Rubalcava in a short series? You’re already thinking about next spring."

📅 UP NEXT — ROAD TEST IN THE NORTHWEST & DESERT (SEPT. 26–30) 📅

Sacramento now heads to Seattle for a three‑game set to take on the Lucifers before finishing regular season in Tucson.

Probable Matchups:

* Tue 9/26 @ SEA: RHP N. Huichapa (14–10, 3.45) vs. RHP Jordan Rubalcava (16-5, 2.39 ERA)
* Wed 9/27 @ SEA: RHP R. Sanderson (10–12, 3.81) vs. RHP Fernando Salazar (18-8, 2.96 ERA)
* Thu 9/28 @ SEA: RHP N. Rossman (10–13, 3.86) vs. RHP Russ Gray (16-2, 2.33 ERA)

Sacramento leaves home having taken care of business — and looking very much like a club with bigger plans than September.

liberty-ca · 01-18-2026, 10:22 AM

BNN SERIES RECAP — SEPTEMBER 26–28, 1989
PRAYERS TAKE TWO IN SEATTLE AS STARS RETURN TO LINEUP
By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SEATTLE, WA — Sacramento’s visit to Seattle followed a familiar late-September pattern: dominant starting pitching, efficient offense, and just enough turbulence to remind everyone that even the league’s best clubs still have to play the games. The Sacramento Prayers (114-45) continued their dominant late-season push, taking two out of three games against the Seattle Lucifers at Lucifers Park. While the pitching continued to lead the way, the biggest story of the series was the long-awaited return of Sacramento’s primary outfielders just in time for the final stretch of the regular season.

Tuesday, September 26 — Prayers 2, Lucifers 1
⚾ Rubalcava Sharp Again as Prayers Edge Seattle ⚾

If the Prayers needed a tone‑setter for the final road swing of the regular season, Jordan Rubalcava delivered it with the calm of a man already picturing October. The right‑hander carved through Seattle for eight innings, allowing just one run in a crisp 2–1 Sacramento victory that pushed the club to 113–44.

Sacramento’s offense didn’t do much, but it didn’t need to. Gil Cruz punched two hits, Sam Strauss scored the opening run, and Logan Hicks delivered the lone RBI Sacramento would need.

Rubalcava, now 17–5 with a 2.35 ERA, allowed five hits, struck out nine, and handed the game cleanly to Luis Prieto, who locked down his 42nd save.

“Right now, things are falling our way,” manager Jimmy Aces said. “Jordan’s the reason nights like this feel easy. When you pitch like that, you don’t need to do much else.”

★ ★ ★

Wednesday, September 27 — Prayers 5, Lucifers 0
⚾ Salazar Dominates as Sacramento Blanks Seattle ⚾

If Tuesday was a tone‑setter, Wednesday was a statement.

Fernando Salazar, in one of his finest outings of the year, struck out 10 and allowed only three hits across 7.1 overpowering innings as Sacramento shut out Seattle 5–0, extending the winning streak to seven.

The big blow came from Jose Rubbi, who launched a three‑run homer in the fifth — his 12th of the season — continuing his torrid September. Cameron Liston and Logan Hicks added RBI singles.

Salazar improved to 19–8, lowering his ERA to 2.88, and looked every bit like a man ready for Game 1 of the ALCS.

“It’s a mindset,” Salazar said. “Just trying to do your job, trying to be consistent.”

Tight game underscored how little margin opponents have when the Prayers’ starters dictate tempo.

★ ★ ★

Thursday, September 28 — Lucifers 4, Prayers 2
⚾ Seattle Avoids Sweep, Hands Prayers a Loss ⚾

The winning streak came to an end Thursday night, as Bernardo Andretti (13-9) suffered a rare loss. Seattle’s Noah Rossman outdueled Sacramento in a 4–2 Lucifers win.

The finale went sideways early and never quite recovered. Sacramento scored twice in the first inning, but defensive miscues and missed opportunities opened the door for Seattle. Sacramento jumped ahead early on Francisco Hernandez’s 17th homer, but the bats went quiet afterward. Hector Iniguez doubled and singled three times, continuing his strong September, but the club stranded six runners.

Bernardo Andretti, fresh off signing his five‑year, $3.32 million extension, pitched better than his line suggests. He allowed just two earned runs across 6.1 innings, but defensive miscues and Seattle’s timely hitting proved costly. “It happens,” Andretti said. “We’ll clean it up.”

Seattle’s Aaron Miller delivered the decisive blow — a fifth‑inning RBI double that put the Lucifers ahead for good. Miller summed it up simply. “It’s nice to deliver when your team’s counting on you,” he said, as the Lucifers salvaged the series finale.

Despite the loss, Sacramento sits at 114–45, still on pace for one of the best records in franchise history.

🚑 NOTES AND INJURY UPDATES 🚑

The Stars Return:

The Prayers' lineup received a massive boost on Thursday as both primary corner outfielders returned to active duty:

* LF Francisco Hernandez: Returned to the starting lineup for Game 3 after recovering from back tightness. He immediately made an impact, launching a solo home run in his first at-bat.
* RF Alex Velasquez: Also returned for Game 3 following a bout of knee inflammation. He went 1-for-3 with a walk, looking mobile in the field.

Status Report:

* C Jose Rubbi: Despite the injury scare in the El Paso series, Rubbi started Games 1 and 2, showing no lingering ill effects from his baserunning mishap. He was rested for the series finale.
* LF Eli Murguia: (PCL) is entering the final week of his recovery. The team expects him to begin baseball activities soon.
* SS Andres Valadez: (Labrum) remains on track with a 4-week recovery timeline.

🔥 GEMMY’S TAKE: "READY FOR THE STRETCH RUN" 🔥

"It felt like Christmas in September seeing Francisco Hernandez and Alex Velasquez back in those corner outfield spots on Thursday. Hernandez launching a bomb in the first inning? That's exactly the kind of momentum we need as we head toward October.

Fernando Salazar is just one win away from 20! His 10-strikeout performance was a reminder that even if our bats have a quiet night, our rotation can shut down anyone, anywhere. I’m not worried about the loss in the finale; Andretti just had a bit of bad luck with the defense behind him.

We’re heading to Tucson next. The Cherubs are a sub-.500 team, and I’m looking for Salazar to get that 20th win and for the hitters to get their timing back with the full squad finally reunited."

📅 UP NEXT: SACRAMENTO AT TUCSON CHERUBS 📅

Sacramento heads to Tucson for a weekend set:

* Fri, Sept. 29 at Tucson — LHP K. Kubota (10–11, 4.31) vs. RHP Russ Gray (16-2, 2.33 ERA)
* Sat, Sept. 30 at Tucson — LHP A. Perez (0–0, 0.00) vs. RHP Jordan Rubalcava (17-5, 2.35 ERA)
* Sun, Oct. 1 at Tucson — RHP T. Crossley (5–12, 4.26) vs. RHP Fernando Salazar (19-8, 2.88 ERA)

If the rotation continues to set the terms, the Prayers may treat the desert as little more than a final tune-up.

liberty-ca · 01-18-2026, 01:22 PM

BNN SERIES RECAP — SEPTEMBER 29–OCTOBER 1, 1989
PRAYERS FINISH HISTORIC SEASON WITH 116 WINS; MACDONALD SIGNS EXTENSION
By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

TUCSON, AZ — The Sacramento Prayers (116-46) have officially closed the book on one of the greatest regular seasons in Fictional Baseball League history. After taking two of three from the Tucson Cherubs, the Prayers head into the postseason with momentum, a healthy roster, and the security of knowing a key veteran will be staying in Sacramento for years to come.

The Sacramento Prayers wrapped up their final road series of the regular season with a thunderous 13–1 victory over the Tucson Cherubs, punctuating a dominant stretch that has them looking every bit like the American League’s team to beat.

The series featured three very different games — a crisp shutout, a frustrating loss, and then a full‑throttle offensive explosion — but the takeaway is the same: Sacramento is rolling into October with momentum, depth, and star power.

★ ★ ★

Friday, September 29 — Prayers 3, Cherubs 0
⚾ Larson’s One‑Hit Gem Sets the Tone ⚾

Robby Larson set the tone immediately. The right-hander carved through Tucson’s lineup for eight shutout innings, allowing just one hit on 92 pitches as Sacramento opened the series with a crisp, controlled win. Larson struck out six, walked one, and never allowed the Cherubs to mount anything resembling sustained pressure.

Sacramento scored in the first, fifth, and eighth innings, with Francisco “Slicker” Hernandez doing the most damage. Hernandez doubled home a run in the opening frame and later added a solo homer in the eighth, his 18th of the year. Luis Prieto finished things cleanly in the ninth to collect his 43rd save.

“Robby showed what he’s made of, he’s locked in.” Manager Jimmy Aces praised Larson’s poise afterward. “That’s exactly the pace we want heading into October.”

★ ★ ★

Saturday, September 30 — Cherubs 5, Prayers 4
⚾ Costner’s Blast Sinks Sacramento ⚾

Saturday was the lone stumble. Russ Gray, usually a pillar of reliability, was ambushed early. A rare stumble for Russ Gray (16-3) saw him surrender five runs in just four innings, including two home runs.

Sacramento struck first on a leadoff home run by Hernandez, but Tucson answered quickly and decisively. Tucson’s J.J. Costner crushed a three‑run homer in the third inning, part of a five‑run outburst that held up despite a late Sacramento rally.

Edwin Musco’s three‑run homer in the ninth (No. 29) made it interesting, but the comeback fell short.

Gray took only his third loss of the season. Tucson manager Russ Barrett praised his club’s focus, calling it a “businesslike approach,” while Sacramento was left to file the game under missed chances rather than warning signs.

★ ★ ★

Sunday, October 1 — Prayers 13, Cherubs 1
⚾ Velasquez, Musco, Iniguez Lead a 19‑Hit Barrage ⚾

Any concern lingering from Saturday was erased quickly on Sunday. Sacramento erupted for 13 runs, turning the finale into a thorough dismantling. Alex Velasquez led the way, delivering one of the most complete offensive performances of the season: 3-for-5 at bat with a three-run homer, a double, and five RBIs.

George MacDonald added a three‑run homer, Hector Iniguez launched two long balls, and the Prayers piled up 19 hits.

Jordan Rubalcava handled the rest. The right-hander went the distance, allowing one run on four hits while striking out eight. He worked efficiently, rarely letting Tucson string together quality at-bats.

“We’ll take some time to unwind,” Velasquez said, “and then get after it again.” That sentiment summed up the afternoon — professional, loose, and emphatic.

★ ★ ★

CONTRACT NEWS — SACRAMENTO LOCKS UP ANOTHER CORNERSTONE
�� George MacDonald Stays Put; Signs 5‑Year, $1.94M Extension ��

The Prayers reached a major milestone off the field this week. Just days after extending Bernardo Andretti, the Prayers secured another key piece of their core.
First baseman George MacDonald agreed to a five‑year, $1,939,200 contract, keeping the 28‑year‑old in Sacramento through 1994.

MacDonald has been a model of consistency:
- .270 average
- 18 HR
- 88 RBI
- 149 games played

MacDonald is seen as a vital clubhouse leader. The front office is clearly intent on keeping the championship window wide open.

★ ★ ★

LEAGUE NEWS — A SHOCK IN WASHINGTON; THE DEVILS IN MOURNING
Washington Devils Owner Kyle Bone Dies at 84

The baseball world was shaken by the passing of Kyle Bone, longtime owner of the Washington Devils. Bone, known for his fiery competitiveness and deep pockets, succumbed to illness earlier this week.

Early reports suggest his son, Bubba Bone, is the leading candidate to assume ownership. His reputation? League insiders describe his managerial style as "unmerciful", "charitable with money", they call Bubba an "aggressive decision‑maker", leading to questions about potential front-office shakeups in Washington this winter.

The Devils’ future direction — and the AL East landscape — may shift dramatically depending on how the younger Bone reshapes the organization.

★ ★ ★

�� GEMMY’S TAKE: "A SEASON FOR THE AGES" ��

"116 wins. Let that sink in. We just watched the most dominant Sacramento team of our lives. Watching Alex Velasquez clear the fences on Sunday was the perfect exclamation point. He looks ready for October.

I’m also thrilled about the George MacDonald extension. You don't let a guy with that kind of grit walk away. As for the news out of Washington, my heart goes out to the Bone family. It'll be interesting to see if Bubba Bone’s 'unmerciful' style changes the culture of the Devils.

But for us? It’s all about Brooklyn now. The Priests are a tough Wildcard team, but with Larson, Rubalcava, and Salazar all sitting on 18 or 19 wins, I don't see how anyone takes three games from us in a series."

�� Injury Report ��

* LF Eli Murguia: (PCL) is listed as "day-to-day" (4 days remaining). He is expected to be available for the Division Series.
* SS Andres Valadez: (Labrum) remains on the IL. He is still 3–4 weeks away from a return and will likely miss the entire postseason.

★ ★ ★

�� PLAYOFF PICTURE SET ��

American League

- Sacramento (116–46): Clinched AL West; best record in baseball.
- Boston (90–72): AL East champions.
- Columbus (87–75) and Brooklyn (87–75): Both clinch Wild Cards.
- San Jose falls short despite a late push.

National League

- Nashville (96–66): NL East champions.
- Phoenix (95–67): NL West champions.
- Los Angeles (88–74) and Houston (86–76): Wild Cards.

The postseason bracket is now locked — and Sacramento’s path begins with a familiar foe.

★ ★ ★

�� COMING UP NEXT — BROOKLYN PRIETS SERIES PREVIEW ��

The Prayers open the postseason with a five‑game ALDS against the Brooklyn Priests, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 4 at Sacramento Stadium.

Brooklyn brings:
- A deep rotation led by D. Olivares (16–13, 3.24)
- A lineup built on speed (209 steals) and contact
- A bullpen that can shorten games

Sacramento counters with:
- The league’s best pitching staff (2.38 ERA)
- A lineup that just posted 748 runs
- Home‑field advantage and a rested rotation

This matchup has all the makings of a classic — and a potential stepping stone toward a rematch with Boston in the ALCS, a showdown many around the league are already whispering about.

liberty-ca · 01-18-2026, 02:36 PM

BNN EDITORIAL — THE 1989 SACRAMENTO PRAYERS

The Miracle on 16th Street — Reflections on a 116-Win Season
By C.O. Pilot, Baseball News Network (BNN), and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

They say that in baseball, you’re going to win 54 games and you’re going to lose 54 games; it’s what you do with the other 54 that counts. Well, the 1989 Sacramento Prayers clearly didn’t get the memo. By finishing the regular season at 116-46, this squad didn't just play the "other 54" — they conquered them.

From Opening Day through the final out in Tucson, the Prayers authored one of the most complete, disciplined, and downright punishing regular seasons in the history of the Fictional Baseball League. Their final ledger — 116 wins, 46 losses, a .716 winning percentage — doesn’t just lead the American League. It redefines the standard for what a modern powerhouse looks like.

This wasn’t a team that snuck up on anyone. Sacramento announced itself early, sustained excellence through every month, and closed the year with the swagger of a club that knows exactly who it is. And who they are is simple: the most balanced, most relentless, most structurally sound team in baseball.

As we stand on the precipice of the Division Series against Brooklyn, it is worth looking back at how this team turned the American League West into a 162-game coronation, finishing a staggering 34 games ahead of the second-place San Jose Demons.

★ ★ ★

A Rotation of Goliaths

The backbone of this season was a starting rotation that bordered on unfair. If you want to know why the Prayers are the most feared team in the FBL, look no further than the mound. The team posted a league-best 2.38 ERA. To put that in perspective, the next closest team in the AL West (San Jose) was nearly a full run higher at 3.33. The "Big Three" of Larson, Rubalcava, and Salazar combined for 56 wins.

- Robby Larson (19–5, 1.82 ERA) pitched like a man determined to reclaim the ace mantle he once held. His late‑September one‑hit masterpiece in Tucson was the exclamation point on a season of precision and poise. A masterclass in efficiency. His 0.94 WHIP led the staff and kept opposing dugouts in a constant state of frustration.
- Jordan Rubalcava (18–5, 2.30 ERA) delivered workhorse brilliance, leading the staff in strikeouts and innings while rarely showing signs of fatigue. The strikeout king, racking up 201 punchouts and finishing the season with a dominant 4-hit complete game in Tucson.
- Fernando Salazar (19–8, 2.88 ERA) was the quiet killer — a technician who saved some of his best work for September, including a 10‑strikeout shutout in Seattle. The workhorse who provided 253.1 innings of pure reliability.
- Bernardo Andretti (13–9, 2.85 ERA) battled exhaustion late but still produced a season worthy of a frontline starter — and earned a five‑year extension because of it.
- Russ Gray (16–3, 2.54 ERA), the veteran, gave Sacramento exactly what a contender needs: stability, efficiency, and the ability to stop losing streaks before they start.

Together, they formed the league’s best rotation by ERA, WHIP, opponent average, and nearly every other metric that matters.

★ ★ ★

A Lineup Without a Weak Link

While the rotation was the backbone, the lineup was the heartbeat — steady, powerful, and impossible to silence for long.

Edwin Musco put together an MVP‑caliber campaign, leading the team in almost every meaningful category:

- .296 average
- 29 home runs
- 101 RBI
- 7 triples
- 21 steals

His 6.9 WAR tells the story of a shortstop who anchored this team through every winning streak. He was the engine, the spark, and the safety valve all at once.

We also saw the vital importance of veteran presence.

Hector Iniguez quietly became one of the most valuable second basemen in the league, finishing with 83 RBI, 36 doubles, and a career‑best 18 homers.

Alex Velasquez delivered a late‑season surge, finishing with 20 home runs, 78 RBI, and a team‑leading flair for the dramatic — none bigger than his 15th‑inning blast in Boston.

Francisco Hernandez, streaky but explosive, added 19 homers and 53 steals, becoming one of the most dangerous dual‑threat players in the AL.

George MacDonald, freshly re‑signed to a five‑year deal, posted 18 homers, 88 RBI, and a .270 average — the kind of middle‑order consistency that championship teams are built on.

And then there was Jose Rubbi, the breakout star behind the plate. His .311 average, 12 homers, and .907 OPS made him one of the league’s most dangerous catchers — and one of its most indispensable.

★ ★ ★

A Bullpen That Closed the Door

Sacramento’s bullpen wasn’t just good — it was suffocating.

- Luis Prieto, despite heavy usage, finished with 43 saves and a 2.64 ERA.
- Ricky Gaias became one of the league’s premier setup men, posting a 1.73 ERA.
- Matt Wright, Aaron Gilbert, and Jose Vizcarra formed a trio of middle‑inning stoppers that turned every game into a six‑inning contest.

The numbers don’t lie: Sacramento allowed just 435 runs all season, the fewest in the American League by a wide margin.

★ ★ ★

“We try to play the same game every night,” Aces said on the last day of the regular the season. “That way, when the calendar changes, nothing else has to. We move on now to the Brooklyn Priests. They are a good team (87-75), but they are entering a lion’s den at Sacramento.”

Well, the 116 wins are in the history books. The shutouts are tallied. The contracts are signed. Now, there is only one thing left to do. The city is ready. The rotation is rested. Let’s go get that ring.

liberty-ca · 01-18-2026, 05:30 PM

BNN DIVISION SERIES RECAP — OCTOBER 4–7, 1989

BUSINESS-LIKE SWEEP: PRAYERS DISPATCH PRIESTS, MOVE ON WITHOUT DRAMA
By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

BROOKLYN, NY — If you were waiting for fireworks, chaos, or a heart-stopping ninth inning… you didn’t get one. And honestly? That’s the loudest statement this team could make. This series was a reminder of what playoff baseball used to look like when execution mattered more than adrenaline.

The Sacramento Prayers’ historic 116-win regular season was no fluke. In a dominant three-game display, the Prayers dismantled the Brooklyn Priests, sweeping the American League Division Series to advance to the League Championship Series. Sacramento outscored Brooklyn 22–6 over the three games, proving that their regular-season excellence travels well into October. It was postseason baseball played the Sacramento way: patient, prepared, and largely unspectacular — which, by design, made it effective.

GAME 1: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4 — PRAYERS 6, PRIESTS 1
Larson Sets the Tone as Sacramento Strikes First

The tone of the series was established quickly, and calmly, behind Robby Larson, who delivered steady, high-leverage pitching in the opener. The right‑hander, who’d just capped a 19‑5, 1.82 ERA season, opened the series with 6.2 innings of four‑hit, one‑run ball, striking out 10 in a 6‑1 win. Brooklyn scratched across its lone run on a two‑out double by L. Reddick in the fifth, but Larson and reliever Gil Caliari (2.1 scoreless) never let the Priests breathe. Sacramento left just two men on base all night and committed no defensive errors.

Sacramento’s offense did its damage in two bursts. An early run in the first set the tone, but the knockout came in the fifth: Jose Rubbi led off with a double, and with runners on the corners and one out, Bret Perez ripped a two‑run double to right‑center to make it 4‑1. Edwin Musco and George MacDonald added two‑out RBI in the frame, turning a tight game into a comfortable opener. Perez finished 2‑for‑4 with two RBI, and Sacramento swiped four bags — Perez, Francisco Hernandez (twice), and Musco — showcasing the athleticism that fueled their league‑leading attack.

“Robby put us in position from the first pitch,” manager Jimmy Aces said afterward. “That’s exactly what you want in Game 1.”

★ ★ ★

GAME 2: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 — PRAYERS 6, PRIESTS 2
Late Surge, Salazar’s Stamina Push Series to Brink

If Game 1 was about overpowering stuff, Game 2 was about stubborn, veteran work. For six innings, Game 2 leaned Brooklyn’s way. Then the Prayers flipped it in a hurry.

Fernando Salazar, coming off a 19‑8, 2.88 regular season, went 8.2 innings, allowing just two runs (one earned) on six hits in a 6‑2 victory that put Sacramento up 2‑0 in the series. He walked two, struck out seven, and repeatedly stranded Brooklyn traffic, including a key escape from trouble in the middle innings.

“You stay patient,” Salazar said. “This lineup doesn’t need to force anything. Eventually, something opens up.”

For six frames, though, the Priests held a 2‑0 edge, threatening to steal home‑field advantage. Then Sacramento’s lineup woke up. In the seventh, with two outs and two on, Sam Strauss turned on an A. Mendoza pitch and launched a three‑run homer to right, flipping the game from 0‑2 to 3‑2 in one swing. An inning later, MacDonald delivered the dagger: a three‑run shot off I. Perez that stretched the lead to 6‑2 and effectively ended Brooklyn’s night. Musco went 2‑for‑3 with a walk and two runs, Perez added two more hits, and the Prayers showed exactly why they led the AL in runs scored.

The victory sent Sacramento east with a 2–0 series lead and the look of a club fully in control of the matchup.

★ ★ ★

GAME 3: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 — PRAYERS 10, PRIESTS 3
Rubalcava and the Bats Finish the Job

Back in Brooklyn, Sacramento didn’t bother with drama. Any thought of a Brooklyn rally ended by the fourth inning of Game 3. The series finale was a Sacramento hit parade.

The Prayers closed the series with a 10‑3 rout at Priests Grounds, piling on early and late to complete the sweep. Jordan Rubalcava, the 18‑5, 2.30 workhorse, gave them 7.2 innings of seven‑hit ball, allowing just one earned run while striking out five. Ricky Gaias finished it off, surrendering only a late solo homer to A. Hamilton.

The lineup, again, was relentless. Down 2‑0 after the second, Sacramento answered with three in the third — highlighted by a two‑run homer from Hernandez — and three more in the fourth. Alex Velasquez owned the night: he went deep twice, a two‑run shot off K. Yates in the fourth and another two‑run blast off T. Mendez in the ninth, finishing 2‑for‑5 with four RBI. Hector Iniguez added a solo homer, Strauss doubled, and Logan Hicks chipped in two hits and an RBI from the bottom of the order. By the time the ninth‑inning barrage ended, the Priests were buried under 10 Sacramento runs and 11 hits.

Perez, steady all series at the top of the card, was named series MVP after hitting .417 with a .462 on‑base percentage, anchoring the infield and setting the table for the power behind him. “We didn’t try to do too much,” Perez said. “We just kept passing it along.”

Sacramento committed a few defensive miscues but answered each one quickly, never allowing Brooklyn to close the gap below four runs after the fourth inning.

★ ★ ★

SERIES TAKEAWAYS
A juggernaut rolls on, as the league shifts around it

The sweep felt less like an upset and more like confirmation. Sacramento’s rotation—Larson, Salazar, Rubalcava, with Bernardo Andretti and Russ Gray behind them—just finished authoring a 2.38 team ERA, the best in the American League by a wide margin. Luis Prieto’s 43 saves and a deep bullpen (Gaias, Caliari, Aaron Gilbert, recently extended for four more years) give Jimmy Aces options in every late‑inning script.

On offense, Musco’s .296/29/101 line, Iniguez’s 36 doubles and 83 RBI, Velasquez’s 20 homers, Hernandez’s blend of power and 53 steals, and the catching tandem of Rubbi (.311 with pop) and Vieyra form a lineup that can win with speed, patience, or brute force. The front office has doubled down on this core: Andretti inked a five‑year extension in late September, MacDonald followed with a five‑year deal on October 1, and Gilbert’s four‑year pact was announced the same day the Prayers finished off Brooklyn. This isn’t a one‑year window; it’s a sustained build.

Around the league, the landscape is shifting. Boston has just finished outlasting Columbus in the other AL Division Series, setting up a heavyweight League Championship clash between the 90‑win Messiahs and Sacramento’s 116‑win machine. In the National League, Nashville and Phoenix have already clinched their divisions, while Los Angeles grabbed the NL Wild Card despite a late skid. Off the field, the Washington Devils are reeling from the death of longtime owner Kyle Bone, with his son Bubba poised to take over a franchise that finished 72‑90 but still carries a passionate fan base.

CONTACT NEWS & ROSTER UPDATES

Gilbert Extended:
The Prayers front office continues to secure their future. Shortly after the Game 3 victory, Sacramento announced they have locked up reliever Aaron Gilbert to a 4-year, $1.2 million extension ($300k/year). While league analysts suggest Gilbert’s peak years may be behind him, his 1.24 ERA this season made him a priority for the Prayers’ bullpen stability.

Injury Update:
* SS Andres Valadez: His recovery from a partially torn labrum is progressing. He is estimated to be 2 weeks away. While he will miss the LCS, there is a slim hope he could return if the Prayers reach the World Series.

LEAGUE NEWS: THE MESSIAHS AWAIT

The ALCS matchup is set. The Boston Messiahs defeated the Columbus Heaven (3-1) to punch their ticket to Sacramento. The Messiahs come into the series led by a terrifying 26-win season from E. Marin, setting up a "clash of the titans" against Sacramento’s record-breaking rotation.

Meanwhile, around the league, the Washington Devils continue their period of mourning following the death of owner Kyle Bone. Players across the league have expressed condolences as Bubba Bone prepares to take over operations.

GEMMY’S TAKE: "THE BIG GREEN MACHINE OF THE WEST"

"That wasn't just a playoff series; it was a statement. Brooklyn didn't know what hit them. When Bret Perez plays like an MVP and Alex Velasquez starts hitting multi-home run games, this team is impossible to beat.

I love the Aaron Gilbert extension. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move for a guy who has been a silent assassin in our bullpen all year. We’re going to need that depth against Boston. The Messiahs have Marin, and that guy is a win-machine, but he hasn't faced a lineup like ours yet. Get your tickets now, Sacramento—this LCS is going to be legendary."

UPCOMING: AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES VS. BOSTON

For now, though, the story is simple: Sacramento was supposed to dominate, and it did. Three games, three wins, a 22‑6 aggregate score, and barely a moment where the series felt in doubt.

The Prayers now turn their attention to the Boston Messiahs and the League Championship Series — a collision between the AL’s best pitching staff and one of its most balanced lineups. Sacramento has already locked up its future with long‑term deals and proven, over 162 games and one ruthless Division Series, that the road to the FBL crown runs through Sacramento Stadium.

liberty-ca · 01-18-2026, 07:42 PM

1989 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES RECAP

PRAYERS RALLY FROM 3-1 DEFICIT TO CLAIM PENNANT; WORLD SERIES BOUND
By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO, CA — They say a 116-win season doesn't guarantee you a thing in October, and for the first four games of the ALCS, it looked like the Sacramento Prayers were going to be the greatest "what-if" in baseball history. But in a display of sheer resilience that will be talked about in this city for decades, the Prayers stared down elimination three times to defeat the Boston Messiahs, 4 games to 3.

The 1989 ALCS was everything a seven‑game series is supposed to be: tense, unpredictable, and shaped by pitching duels, sudden offensive eruptions, and stars rising to the moment. Sacramento, after falling behind 0–2 and later 1–3, stormed back to win the final three games and claim the American League pennant.

It was a series defined by resilience — and ultimately, by George MacDonald, whose steady production earned him Series MVP honors. Sacramento is headed to the World Series.

★ ★ ★

GAME 1 — OCTOBER 12: Boston 2, Sacramento 1
Barrera outduels Rubalcava; Messiahs steal opener

The League Championship Series opened quietly Thursday night at Sacramento Stadium, where runs were scarce and every baserunner mattered. Boston left-hander Jose Barrera set the tone early, working efficiently through seven innings as the Messiahs edged the Prayers, 2–1, to take the opener.

Sacramento struck first in the fourth when Edwin Musco drove a solo home run into the seats in right, briefly lifting the crowd of 23,934. The lead didn’t last. In the fifth, Boston pieced together its decisive rally without an extra-base hit. Enrique Delgado’s run-scoring single plated the tying run, and a sacrifice fly from Victor Camargo pushed the Messiahs ahead.

Jordan Rubalcava was nearly flawless in defeat. The Sacramento right-hander allowed just four hits over eight innings and did not surrender an earned run, but received little margin for error. Sacramento stranded seven runners, including multiple in scoring position.

“That’s October baseball,” Delgado said afterward. “You take what the game gives you.”

Boston’s bullpen bent in the ninth but did not break, with Dan Tolliver stranding three inherited runners to close it out. Boston leads series 1–0.

★ ★ ★

GAME 2, OCTOBER 13: Boston 10, Sacramento 2
Messiahs ambush Larson, take commanding lead

This one got away early. The Messiahs jumped on Sacramento early and never let the Prayers settle in, rolling to a 10–2 win and a commanding two-game series lead.

Manuel Hernandez’s two-run triple in the first inning set the tone, and Boston kept adding on. Ken Johnson delivered 7⅔ strong innings, allowing three hits and just one earned run while consistently pitching ahead in the count.

Sacramento struggled defensively, committing three errors, and never found a rhythm at the plate. Their two runs came late and did little to change the flow of the night.

“Ken pitched his heart out,” Boston manager Tim Nunez said. “When you get that kind of start, the game lines up for you.”

The series shifted east with Sacramento searching for footing and answers. Boston leads series 2–0.

★ ★ ★

GAME 3 — OCTOBER 15: Sacramento 9, Boston 3
Salazar stabilizes the Prayers; offense erupts late

Facing the possibility of being buried early, the Prayers responded Sunday night in Boston with their most complete effort of the series. Sacramento needed a veteran performance — right-hander Fernando Salazar delivered 7⅓ steady innings (5 H, 3 ER, 8 K), and Sacramento’s lineup finally found timely hits in a 9–3 win.

Edwin Musco’s two-run single in the seventh broke the game open, turning a narrow lead into breathing room. Sacramento tacked on four more runs over the final three innings, including late power from Sam Strauss and Edgar Murguia.

Boston’s mistakes piled up defensively, while Sacramento turned three double plays behind Salazar, keeping momentum firmly on its side.

“We didn’t pitch good, and when you don’t pitch good, you lose,” Nunez said flatly. Sacramento cuts the deficit to 2–1.

★ ★ ★

GAME 4 — OCTOBER 16: Boston 6, Sacramento 4
Messiahs push Prayers to the brink

Boston moved within one win of the pennant Monday night, capitalizing on a decisive sixth inning to take a 6–4 victory at Messiahs Stadium.

Matt Adams delivered the key blow, lining a two-run double with two outs to break open a tight game. Matt Canada followed with a steady six-inning start, surviving a three-home-run seventh from Sacramento without losing the lead.

The Prayers showed life with solo homers from Rubbi, Velasquez, and Musco, but could not string together sustained pressure.

“I liked his command,” Nunez said of Canada. “He stayed aggressive.”

Sacramento now faced elimination heading back home. Boston leads series 3–1.

★ ★ ★

GAME 5 — OCTOBER 17: Sacramento 6, Boston 3
Rubalcava keeps Sacramento alive

Jordan Rubalcava gave Sacramento exactly what it needed Tuesday night, and the Prayers kept the series alive with a 6–3 win.

Sam Strauss supplied the early spark with a solo home run in the fourth, and a four-run fifth inning gave Sacramento separation. Rubalcava worked 7⅓ innings, allowing three runs while navigating traffic with poise.

Boston threatened late but was held in check by the Sacramento bullpen.

“When Jordan is on, he can really move the ball around,” manager Jimmy Aces said. “That’s why you hand him the ball in spots like this.”

The series returned west for a decisive final stretch. Boston leads series 3–2.

★ ★ ★

GAME 6 — OCTOBER 19, Sacramento 6, Boston 2
Larson’s redemption forces Game 7

With the season on the line, Sacramento delivered its most confident home performance of the postseason. Robby Larson fired 6⅓ scoreless innings, and the Prayers forced a winner-take-all Game 7 with a 6–2 victory before a raucous Sacramento Stadium crowd.

The Messiahs managed only two runs, both coming in the ninth after the outcome was largely decided. Sacramento built steadily, scoring in four separate innings and pulling away late. Sacramento’s offense was balanced and relentless:

- MacDonald drove in three.
- Strauss doubled.
- Francisco Hernandez went 3‑for‑4 with two RBI.
- Rubbi doubled twice before leaving with an injury.

“Good baseball players make you a smarter manager,” Aces said. “Tonight, they made it easy.” The Prayers tied the series 3–3. The series would come down to one final game.

★ ★ ★

PRAYERS CLOSE THE DOOR IN GAME 7, ADVANCE WITH COMPOSED ROAD WIN
GAME 7 — Sacramento 3, Boston 2

In a tense, rain‑delayed finale at Sacramento Stadium, the Prayers finished the job.

Fernando Salazar, pitching on short rest, gave Sacramento 5 scoreless innings.
Matt Wright and Luis Prieto carried the final four frames, with Prieto earning his second save of the series.

Offensively:

- Musco’s sac fly put Sacramento ahead.
- Alex Velasquez delivered a two‑out RBI.
- George MacDonald reached base and scored, continuing the steady production that earned him MVP.

Boston rallied for two in the eighth, but Prieto shut the door in the ninth. “That’s a mature win,” manager Jimmy Aces said afterward. “Nobody tried to do too much. We stayed inside ourselves and trusted the game plan.”

Sacramento wins the ALCS, 4–3.

★ ★ ★

[b]SERIES MVP: GEORGE MACDONALD[/b]
(.321 AVG, .345 OBP, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R)

While many stars contributed, the Series MVP honors went to George MacDonald. In a series where every run felt like pulling teeth, his consistency in the middle of the order was the bridge that allowed the Prayers to cross back from the brink of elimination. MacDonald didn’t have the loudest moments — he had the most important ones.

- A homer in Game 2
- A triple in Game 5
- Multiple multi‑hit games
- Run production in nearly every Sacramento win

He was the constant presence in a series defined by turbulence.

★ ★ ★

THE STORY OF THE SERIES

1. Sacramento’s rotation carried them back from the edge

If MacDonald was the heart, Fernando Salazar was the backbone. Salazar went 3-0 this postseason, including the decisive Game 7 victory. After the Prayers fell behind 2-0, it was Salazar in Game 3 who stopped the bleeding.

Robby Larson also found his postseason footing. After a disastrous Game 2 where he surrendered 8 runs (5 earned), he returned in Game 6 with the season on the line and threw 6.1 innings of scoreless, 4-hit baseball to force the Game 7.

2. Sacramento’s stars showed up when it mattered

- Musco: clutch RBIs in Games 3 and 5
- Strauss: 3 HR in the series
- Velasquez: 7 RBI, including key Game 7 production
- Hernandez: 4 SB, multi‑hit games late
- Rubbi: huge doubles before injury

★ ★ ★

NLCS NEWS: THE FALL OF THE SAINTS

In the National League, the Houston Crusaders mirrored Sacramento's drama, defeating the Los Angeles Saints in a 7-game thriller. This sets up a World Series between two teams that have survived the absolute limit of postseason pressure. The Crusaders are known for their aggressive base-running, which will test Sacramento’s depleted catching depth if Rubbi cannot go.

★ ★ ★

GEMMY’S TAKE: "RAIN, PAIN, AND GLORY"

"I’m still drying off from that 67-minute rain delay in Game 7, and my heart rate hasn't settled. When Luis Prieto gave up those two runs in the 8th, I think the entire stadium stopped breathing. But this team... 116 wins wasn't a fluke. It was a callus. They were built for this.

We are going to the World Series, folks. We’re banged up—losing Murguia and Rubbi in back-to-back games is a nightmare—but we have Salazar, we have Larson, and we have a city that is absolutely on fire. Houston, you have a problem, and its name is Sacramento."

★ ★ ★

NEXT STOP: THE WORLD SERIES
Sacramento Prayers vs. Houston Crusaders

Houston survived a seven‑game war with the Los Angeles Saints, setting up a rematch of the regular‑season powerhouse vs. the NL’s most dangerous underdog.

And Sacramento enters the Fall Classic battle‑tested, hardened, and carrying the momentum of a comeback for the ages.

liberty-ca · 01-20-2026, 12:06 AM

BNN WORLD SERIES RECAP — GAMES 1 & 2
HOUSTON CRUSADERS vs. SACRAMENTO PRAYERS
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

GAME 1 — SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1989
Crusaders’ Seventh-Inning Surge Stuns Sacramento, 7–1

SACRAMENTO, CA — The World Series opened in Sacramento, but the home crowd saw the Prayers get ambushed by a single catastrophic inning.

For six innings Sunday night at Sacramento Stadium, the 1989 World Series opener followed a familiar script: Jordan Rubalcava in command, the Prayers playing clean defense, and a tense, low-scoring game unfolding pitch by pitch.

Then the seventh inning arrived — and with it, the defining moment of the night.

Houston sent 11 men to the plate, scoring seven runs and flipping a 1–0 deficit into a decisive 7–1 victory that gave the Crusaders a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The inning was punctuated by Matt Richardson’s bases-clearing double, a line drive into the gap that finally broke Rubalcava’s control of the game.

Rubalcava worked 6⅔ innings and allowed just three runs before trouble cascaded. After a sacrifice fly and a balk, manager Jimmy Aces pulled his ace for Gil Caliari.

It was a disaster. Caliari’s line reads like a horror story: 0.0 IP, 3 hits, 2 walks, 1 wild pitch, and 4 earned runs. Gil Caliari was clearly incapable to stop the momentum, as Houston turned patience and hard contact into separation.

Until that point, Sacramento had done enough to stay in front. Eli Murguia’s RBI double in the first inning accounted for the Prayers’ only run, and Rubalcava retired 13 of 14 batters at one stretch while mixing his fastball and breaking pitches effectively.

Houston starter Stephen Meinert matched him nearly pitch for pitch, throwing 7⅔ innings of six-hit baseball and keeping Sacramento off balance with movement rather than velocity. The Crusaders finished the night with four double plays, repeatedly erasing Sacramento baserunners.

“We didn’t play like we are capable of playing that inning,” manager Jimmy Aces said. “Up to that point, it was the game we wanted. One inning got away from us.”

A 28-minute rain delay in the fifth inning briefly slowed the pace but did little to alter the tone once Houston seized control. The Crusaders left the field having delivered the first punch of the Series. Sacramento, for the first time this postseason, was forced to absorb it.

GEMMY’S TAKE — GAME 1: ONE INNING CAN STILL HUMBLE ANYONE

Let’s be very clear: this was not a bad game for Sacramento — until it was.

If you’re looking for panic, you won’t find it in the first six innings. Rubalcava was sharp. The defense was airtight. The offense scratched early and stayed competitive. This is exactly how October games are supposed to feel.

But here’s the thing about World Series baseball — it doesn’t care how well you played earlier.

It’s hard to win a ballgame when you hit into four double plays. Every time the Prayers threatened to build on Eli Murguia’s first-inning RBI double, the Crusaders' infield turned two.

We saw Eli Murguia and Jose Rubbi back in the lineup tonight after their ALCS injury scares, which was a relief. But the relief we needed — the kind that comes from the bullpen — was nowhere to be found. Gil Caliari has been a steady hand all season, but tonight his $110,000 contract felt like a heavy burden as he watched the Crusaders circle the bases.

That seventh inning is a reminder that postseason margins are thin enough to disappear in real time. Richardson didn’t swing for folklore; he squared a pitch that caught too much plate. Houston didn’t ambush — they accumulated.

What struck me most was Houston’s discipline. They didn’t expand the zone, and they punished mistakes. Those four double plays turned by the Crusaders weren’t accidents — they were positioning and preparation.

So yes, Caliari struggled. But this isn’t about blame. This is about October reminding even great teams that control is temporary.

Houston walked away with a commanding win and a 1–0 series lead. The good news? Sacramento didn’t get exposed — they got tested. And tested teams tend to respond.

★ ★ ★

GAME 2 — MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1989
Murguia’s Bat Levels Series as Prayers Claim Game 2, 4–1

SACRAMENTO, CA — If Game 1 was defined by one inning unraveling, Game 2 was shaped by one swing landing cleanly.

With two outs in the bottom of the third, Eli Murguia turned on a former teammate Tom Mahlen's pitch and drove it out for a two-run home run, lifting Sacramento to a 2–0 lead and setting the tone for a 4–1 Prayers victory that evened the World Series at one game apiece.

Sacramento added two more runs in the fourth inning through steady pressure rather than power, backing a composed pitching effort that never allowed Houston to fully settle in. The Crusaders collected nine hits but stranded ten runners, repeatedly failing to convert traffic into runs.

Starter Bernardo Andretti worked 4⅔ innings, allowing just one run while navigating early Houston baserunners. From there, the bullpen took over. Gil Caliari, rebound in relief, earned the win with 1⅔ scoreless innings before Rafael Gaias closed the door with a 2⅔-inning save.

Murguia finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a walk, but his impact went beyond the box score.

“That swing mattered,” Jimmy Aces said. “It gave us some breathing room, and it let us play the game we wanted to play after that.”

Houston’s lone run came in the fifth, but Sacramento responded immediately, preventing momentum from flipping the way it had the night before. By the final out, the Series had reset. One game each. Best-of-five from here.

GEMMY’S TAKE — GAME 2: THIS IS HOW CONTENDERS ANSWER

This — this — is what response looks like.

No theatrics. No overcorrection. Sacramento didn’t try to erase Game 1; they absorbed it, then played their game again.

What a difference 24 hours makes. Last night, Gil Caliari was the goat (and not the good kind), surrendering four runs without recording an out. Tonight? Jimmy Aces showed ultimate faith in his southpaw, calling on him in the 5th with two runners on.

Caliari didn't just escape; he bridged the gap to the 7th, earning the win. But the real 'Ice Man' was Ricky Gaias. Coming in for a 2.2-inning save is legendary stuff in the modern era. Houston out-hit us 9 to 5, but our boys in the pen made sure those hits were nothing more than empty calories.

Murguia’s home run is going to live in highlight packages, but what mattered more was what followed. The bullpen didn’t nibble. The defense didn’t tighten up. Nobody chased a five-run inning because they didn’t need one.

I loved Andretti here. Not dominant — composed. He gave the bullpen a clean runway, and the relief work afterward was clinical. Caliari, especially, needed this outing. October doesn’t forgive, but it does allow redemption if you take it immediately.

Houston, meanwhile, is showing why this Series is fascinating. They hit. They get on base. They don’t fold. But ten runners left on tells a story — and Sacramento made them earn everything.

One last nerd note (you knew it was coming): teams that split the first two at home historically fare just fine if the split includes a win after a loss. Momentum matters less than stabilization.

Sacramento’s 4–1 win evened the World Series at one game apiece as the series shifted to Houston. Sacramento didn’t just even the Series. They re-centered it.

liberty-ca · 01-20-2026, 01:32 AM

BNN WORLD SERIES RECAP — GAME 3
PRAYERS PLUNDER HOUSTON; TAKE 2-1 SERIES LEAD
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

Sacramento Prayers 11, Houston Crusaders 2
Wednesday, October 25, 1989 — Houston Grounds

HOUSTON, TX — The Sacramento Prayers marched into Houston Grounds on Wednesday night and essentially turned the lights out by the first inning. Exploiting a total lack of command from Houston’s staff and punctuated by a Sam Strauss moonshot, Sacramento cruised to an 11-2 victory. The Prayers are now just two wins away from a World Series title.

The opening frame set the tone. Sacramento loaded the bases with one out against Raul Bargas and forced Houston into mistakes and patience, drawing four walks, scoring three runs without a hit, and adding a sacrifice fly. By the time Robby Larson took the mound with a four-run cushion, the game had already tilted sharply.

Larson did the rest. The right-hander delivered 7⅔ innings of five-hit baseball, striking out eight and allowing only two runs — both coming in the eighth inning after the outcome was long decided. He faced 28 hitters, walked none, and kept Houston off balance with fastball command and a sharp breaking ball.

Sacramento continued to add on methodically. While the Crusaders were handing out free passes, Jose Rubbi and Hector Iniguez drove in runs in the third, Eli Murguia plated another in the fourth, and Sam Strauss’ two-run homer in the fifth pushed the margin to 9–0. The Prayers tacked on two more in the seventh, capitalizing again on walks and timely singles.

The Crusaders' pitching staff forgot how to find the strike zone. Sacramento hitters drew a staggering 10 walks, including four in the first inning alone. Houston starter Raul Bargas was chased after just 2.1 innings, but the bleeding didn't stop there. “We waited for them to throw some real meatballs, and we didn’t let up,” manager Jimmy Aces said. “That’s how you play on the road in October.”

Houston managed seven hits but was undone by missed chances and shaky defense, committing an error and watching Sacramento score despite collecting only nine hits of its own. Russ Gray closed it out after Larson departed, finishing a road win that firmly swung momentum.

The next game is scheduled for Thursday night at Houston Grounds.

★ ★ ★

GEMMY’S TAKE — THE LONE STAR LASHING

If you’re looking for drama, you won’t find it in this box score — and that’s the point.

Sacramento didn’t steal Game 3. They took it, calmly, deliberately, and with the kind of early-inning discipline that makes October games feel very long for the home team. Four first-inning runs without a hit isn’t luck; it’s a refusal to chase, a willingness to wait, and an understanding that pressure compounds.

It wasn't the cleanest game we've seen from our boys. Three errors — one each from Perez, Musco, and Velasquez — usually spell disaster in October. But when you’re gifted 10 walks and your starter is dealing like Robby Larson, you can afford some sloppiness.

What I loved most was Larson’s pace. No wasted motion. No emotional spikes. He pitched like a man who knew four runs in the first meant the game was his to manage, not chase. Eight strikeouts, zero walks — that’s not flash, that’s control. He made the Crusaders' hitters look like they were swinging through Houston humidity rather than baseballs. This was a statement win: we didn't just beat them; we humiliated them in their own park.

And let’s talk about Sacramento’s offense, because this was not a slugfest masquerading as one. They scored 11 runs on nine hits, drew ten walks, and made Houston field the ball. That’s old-school playoff baseball, the kind managers in the late ’80s would nod at approvingly and never compliment out loud.

Strauss’ homer mattered, sure. But so did Rubbi’s walk in the first. So did Iniguez tagging properly. So did Murguia throwing a runner out at the plate. These things don’t headline, but they win road games.

Historically speaking — and yes, I checked — teams that win Game 3 after splitting the first two take the Series more often than not. It doesn’t guarantee anything. But it reclaims leverage, and Sacramento now has it.

Houston will punch back. They have to. Houston manager Bryan McQuillan was visibly frustrated in the post-game presser. Word around the league is that the Crusaders may shuffle their rotation for Game 4, as their bullpen is heavily taxed after tonight's 3-hour marathon.

liberty-ca · 01-20-2026, 09:23 AM

BNN WORLD SERIES RECAP — GAME 4
Salazar Carries Sacramento to Brink with Calm
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

Sacramento Prayers 3, Houston Crusaders 1
Thursday, October 26, 1989 — Houston Grounds

HOUSTON, TX — The Sacramento Prayers are now standing on the doorstep of immortality. Fernando Salazar put Sacramento one victory from a World Series title Thursday night, working eight steady innings and allowing just one run as the Prayers edged Houston, 3–1, to take a commanding 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Prayers now need just one more win to secure the most dominant season in the history of the sport.

For four innings the game moved quietly, neither club breaking through. Sacramento finally cracked the stalemate in the fifth, leaning again on patience. Alex Velasquez and Hector Iniguez drew consecutive walks, and Bret Perez lined a single to center that brought both runners home, including Iniguez on an aggressive read that pushed the lead to 2–0.

Salazar made that margin stand. The right-hander scattered five hits, walked two, and struck out five, consistently keeping the ball on the ground and the Crusaders off balance. Houston threatened sporadically but twice grounded into inning-ending double plays, including a key 5–4–3 turn in the sixth.

Sacramento added insurance in the seventh when Sam Strauss drove a Willie Moran pitch into the right-field seats for a solo home run, his fifth of the postseason. Houston answered with its only run in the eighth on Sam Maynard’s single, but Salazar finished the inning before turning the ball over.

Luis Prieto handled the ninth without incident to close it out.

“I executed the game plan and trusted the defense,” Salazar said. “In games like this, you don’t try to do too much.”

Manager Jimmy Aces pointed to the club’s approach at the plate. “We didn’t chase early, and when the opening came, we took it,” Aces said. “That’s October baseball.”

Game 5 is scheduled for Friday night at Houston Grounds, with Sacramento needing one more win to finish the Series.

★ ★ ★

GEMMY’S TAKE — WHEN NOTHING FLASHY IS EVERYTHING

This wasn’t a game you circle for the highlights reel, and Sacramento wouldn’t want it any other way.

Game 4 was about restraint. About not forcing the issue. About taking two walks when that’s all the pitcher gives you and cashing them in without theatrics. The Prayers scored three runs, yes — but more importantly, they dictated the pace for nine innings.

If you like old-school, 'get-em-over, get-em-in' baseball, tonight was a masterpiece. Salazar was pitching with the confidence of a man who knew the Crusaders couldn't touch him. He only needed 101 pitches to navigate 8 innings. Salazar didn’t overpower Houston; he outlasted them. Eight innings, five hits, one run — that’s the kind of line that looks almost modest until you realize how few stressful moments there were. He induced ground balls, trusted his infield, and let double plays do the heavy lifting. Somewhere, a pitching coach from 1984 is smiling.

And let's talk about Sam Strauss. The man is putting up a postseason for the ages. Every time he swings, the ball sounds different. Strauss’ homer mattered, but so did Bret Perez’s single in the fifth — not for the exit velocity, but for the awareness. Iniguez never hesitated rounding third. That run doesn’t score if anyone pauses.

But the real story is the pressure. Up 3-1, the Prayers have all the momentum. Houston looks tired, their swings look heavy, and the Sacramento bullpen — anchored tonight by a perfect 9th from Luis Prieto — looks untouchable. Historically, teams that take a 3–1 World Series lead win far more often than not, but history also warns you not to get cute about it. Close-out games are stubborn things. Sacramento knows that. Jimmy Aces knows that.

Still, this had the look of a team that understands where it is. No chest-thumping. No scoreboard-watching. Just a quiet walk back to the clubhouse with one job left. And sometimes, that’s the loudest message of all.

liberty-ca · 01-20-2026, 12:17 PM

BNN WORLD SERIES RECAP — GAME 5
PRAYERS CLINCH 10TH TITLE IN FRANCHISE HISTORY
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

Sacramento Prayers 4, Houston Crusaders 1
Friday, October 27, 1989 — Houston Grounds

HOUSTON, TX — The trophy has been captured, the champagne is flowing, and the city of Sacramento has a new set of immortal heroes. On a crisp Friday night at Houston Grounds, the Sacramento Prayers completed their dominant postseason run to win the World Series! The Sacramento Prayers finished the job Friday night, defeating the Houston Crusaders 4–1 to win the World Series, four games to one, and secure the 10th championship in franchise history. Fittingly, the final night belonged to Jordan Rubalcava, who delivered 8⅓ composed innings before handing the ball to Luis Prieto for the last two outs.

Sacramento struck early and never trailed. George MacDonald opened the scoring in the second inning with a solo home run to center, and the Prayers kept adding single runs in the third, fourth, and fifth. Bret Perez drove in a run with a sharp single in the third, Edwin Musco followed with a solo homer in the fourth, and Sam Strauss capped the scoring with a fifth-inning home run that pushed the lead to 4–0.

Rubalcava controlled the game with efficiency rather than force. He scattered seven hits, walked one, struck out five, and kept Houston off the board until the ninth. The Crusaders finally broke through when Matt Richardson and Roberto Reyes doubled to open the inning, scoring Houston’s lone run. Prieto entered with a runner on third and calmly closed the door.

“I wasn’t thinking about the moment,” Rubalcava said afterward. “I was thinking about each pitch. That’s how you get through a night like this.”

Manager Jimmy Aces framed the night simply. “This group doesn’t rush,” Aces said. “They trust the process, and tonight they trusted Jordan.”

First baseman Sam Strauss was the unanimous choice for Series MVP. Over the five-game stretch, Strauss hit .333 with 3 Home Runs and 4 RBI. His presence in the middle of the order forced Houston pitchers into impossible counts all week, and his defensive reliability at first base anchored the Prayers' infield.

“It feels totally incredible,” Strauss said. “I could live to 1,000 years old and I’d remember this moment!”

★ ★ ★

GEMMY’S TAKE — THE QUIET WAY TO FINISH LOUD

Ten championships. Let that sink in. To win a title in this league is a Herculean task; to win ten is to establish a permanent residence in the pantheon of greats. This 1989 squad felt different. They had the discipline to take 10 walks in Game 3, the pitching grit of Salazar in Game 4, and the raw, unadulterated power of Strauss, Musco, and MacDonald tonight. When Sam Strauss says he’ll remember this for 1,000 years, he isn't exaggerating — and neither will the fans who lined the streets of Sacramento tonight.

If you were waiting for fireworks, champagne sprays in the fifth inning, or dramatic fist pumps, you picked the wrong team.

Sacramento won this World Series the same way it won 116 games in the regular season — one clean inning at a time. Four solo home runs over the final two games. Ground balls when they were needed. A bullpen appearance that lasted all of eight pitches to finish the whole thing. This wasn’t about drama; it was about certainty.

Jordan Rubalcava didn’t pitch like a man chasing a signature moment. He pitched like a man who already owns several and didn’t need to add one more to the collection. Eight and a third innings, one run, no chaos. Even the balk in the first inning somehow felt… controlled. Houston never looked confused; they just looked managed.

And then there’s Sam Strauss. World Series MVPs are often chosen for one huge swing. Strauss earned his by showing up every night. Six home runs this postseason. Twelve RBIs. The ball sounded different coming off his bat all October, and by Game 5, Houston pitchers knew it too. You could almost hear the sigh when he stepped into the box in the fifth.

This championship also felt like a reminder. The Prayers don’t rely on miracles. They rely on habits. On turning double plays. On stretching singles into runs because no one hesitates. On a manager who rarely raises his voice because he rarely has to.

Ten championships is a big, round number. But what makes this one linger is how little doubt there was at the end. The Prayers didn’t celebrate until the last out because they didn’t believe in shortcuts. And when the final grounder settled into Strauss’s glove, it felt less like an explosion — and more like a deep exhale.

That’s Sacramento baseball. And for the rest of the league, it’s still the standard.

liberty-ca · 01-20-2026, 12:24 PM

BNN Postseason Retrospective — Sacramento Prayers (October 1989)
By C.O. Pilot, Baseball News Network (BNN)

Sacramento’s October was a study in momentum, resilience, and timely pitching. The Prayers swept through the Division Series, battled back from a 1–3 hole in the League Championship Series, then closed the year by taking the World Series in five games. Across three opponents — Brooklyn, Boston, and Houston — Sacramento leaned on a rotation that found its best form in October, a lineup that delivered in bursts, and a few players who turned big moments into a championship.

★ ★ ★

Division Series — Sacramento vs. Brooklyn (Sacramento wins 3–0)
Sacramento opened the postseason with a clean sweep of the Brooklyn Priests. The series set the tone early:

- Game 1 (Oct. 4): Robby Larson dominated, 6.2 innings of four‑hit ball in a 6–1 win. Bret Perez’s two‑run double in the fifth provided the decisive blow.
- Game 2 (Oct. 5): Fernando Salazar answered with 8.2 innings and seven strikeouts in a 6–2 victory that put Sacramento up 2–0.
- Game 3 (Oct. 7): Sacramento closed the series emphatically, 10–3, with a balanced attack. Bret Perez was named series MVP after hitting .417 in the three games.

The sweep was efficient: Sacramento combined strong starting pitching with opportunistic offense and left Brooklyn little room to breathe.

★ ★ ★

League Championship Series — Sacramento vs. Boston (Sacramento wins 4–3)
The LCS was a classic seven‑game war. Sacramento’s path was jagged — an early 0–2 deficit at home, a midseries rally, a 1–3 hole, then a dramatic comeback to win the pennant.

- Early tilt: Boston took the first two games at Sacramento (2–1 and 10–2), with Jose Barrera and Ken Johnson turning in big starts.
- Sacramento’s response: The Prayers grabbed Game 3 in Boston (9–3) behind veteran Fernando Salazar, then fell in Game 4 to trail 3–1.
- The comeback: Facing elimination, Sacramento won Games 5 (6–4) and 6 (6–3) to force a decisive Game 7 back in Sacramento.
- Game 7 (Oct. 20): A tight, tense finish — Sacramento edged Boston 4–3 to clinch the League Championship Series. George MacDonald earned LCS MVP honors (.321, 6 RBI), his timely hitting a throughline in the comeback.

This series showcased Sacramento’s depth and refusal to fold. When the rotation wavered, the lineup and bullpen found ways to manufacture runs and swing momentum.

★ ★ ★

World Series — Sacramento vs. Houston (Sacramento wins 4–1)
After surviving Boston, Sacramento faced the Houston Crusaders in the World Series and closed the deal in five games.

- Game 1 (Oct. 22): Houston struck first, a 7–1 win keyed by a seventh‑inning surge and Stephen Meinert’s strong outing.
- Game 2 (Oct. 23): Sacramento answered at home, 4–1, as Eli Murguia’s two‑run homer and a steadier Sacramento pitching effort evened the series.
- Game 3 (Oct. 25, in Houston): Robby Larson delivered a statement start — 7.2 innings, eight strikeouts — and Sacramento exploded for an 11–2 road win to take a 2–1 lead.
- Game 4 (Oct. 26): Fernando Salazar dominated with eight shutout innings in a 3–1 victory that put Sacramento on the cusp of the title.
- Game 5 (Oct. 27): Jordan Rubalcava closed it out with 8.1 strong innings in a 4–1 clincher. Sam Strauss was named World Series MVP after a .333 showing with three homers and four RBI in the Fall Classic.

Across the series Sacramento’s pitching staff — led by Larson, Salazar, and Rubalcava — neutralized Houston’s lineup at the moments that mattered. The offense supplied timely homers (MacDonald, Musco, Strauss among them) and enough depth to sustain a five‑game run.

★ ★ ★

Standouts and storylines

- Robby Larson: A postseason workhorse. Big starts in the Division Series and World Series (notably Game 3 in Houston) set the tone for Sacramento’s October.
- Fernando Salazar: Veteran presence who delivered multiple long, effective outings (DS Game 2; LCS and WS starts) and helped swing momentum in Sacramento’s favor.
- Jordan Rubalcava: Key postseason starter who closed the World Series with a gutsy Game 5 performance.
- Sam Strauss: World Series MVP; his power in the Fall Classic (three homers) provided Sacramento the extra punch.
- George MacDonald: LCS MVP; his timely hitting was central to the comeback against Boston.
- Bret Perez: Division Series MVP and a consistent postseason contributor in the early rounds.
- Bullpen and role players: Relievers such as R. Gaias and L. Prieto and bench contributors (Jose Rubbi’s walks and run production, Eli Murguia’s homers) supplied the small margins that add up in October.

Other notes from the logs: Sacramento made a notable offseason commitment to Aaron Gilbert (a four‑year deal mentioned in October), and the team navigated injuries (e.g., Andres Valadez on the IL during the postseason) while maintaining depth.

★ ★ ★

What this championship means

Sacramento’s run combined dominant starting pitching, a lineup that could erupt in clusters, and a clubhouse that refused to be defined by a mid-series deficit. The sweep of Brooklyn announced their intent; the seven‑game LCS tested their character and revealed their resilience; the World Series win — a 4–1 series victory over a strong Houston club — validated the whole.

This was a team that found its identity in October: veteran arms stepping up, middle‑order power delivering in bursts, and role players answering the call. For Sacramento, the 1989 postseason will be remembered as a complete campaign — efficient, dramatic, and ultimately triumphant.

liberty-ca · 01-20-2026, 12:48 PM

WORLD SERIES STATISTICAL WRAP-UP: THE SACRAMENTO DYNASTY
BY THE NUMBERS: HOW THE PRAYERS CAPTURED THEIR 10TH CROWN
By Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

The 1989 World Series wasn't just a victory; it was a clinical demonstration of why the Sacramento Prayers are the gold standard of the league. After a wake-up call in Game 1, the Prayers flipped a switch, outscoring the Houston Crusaders 20-5 over the final four games of the series. Here is the definitive breakdown of the stats that defined this championship run.

THE SERIES OVERVIEW

Sacramento’s dominance was built on two pillars: an iron-clad pitching staff and an incredibly disciplined eye at the plate. The Prayers finished the series with a staggering 22 walks drawn, compared to just 8 for Houston. That patience wore down the Crusaders' arms and led to a lopsided 21-9 total run differential. While Sacramento hit a modest .238 as a team, their 1.60 Series ERA ensured that Houston’s .211 average resulted in almost no meaningful damage.

OFFENSIVE LEADERS & MVP PERFORMANCE

Sam Strauss cemented his legacy as a Sacramento legend this week. Winning the World Series MVP was a formality after he posted a .333 average with 3 home runs and a massive 1.250 OPS over the five games. He wasn't alone in the power department, as George MacDonald contributed 2 home runs and 3 RBI, providing the protection Strauss needed in the lineup. On the basepaths, Eli Murguia was a constant nuisance, leading the team with 3 stolen bases and scoring key runs in the Game 3 and 4 victories.

THE PITCHING MASTERCLASS

If the hitters provided the spark, the rotation provided the fuel. Sacramento’s "Big Three" starters were nothing short of heroic. Jordan Rubalcava led the way with a 1.08 ERA over 8.1 innings in the clincher, while Fernando Salazar was nearly as good, posting a 1.12 ERA in his 8-inning masterpiece in Game 4. Robby Larson rounded out the trio with a 2.35 ERA and a team-high 8 strikeouts. When the starters finally sat down, Luis Prieto slammed the door, earning 2 saves without allowing a single earned run.

THE CONTRACT CORNER: THE PRICE OF SUCCESS

The champagne is sweet, but the bill is coming. Sacramento's front office has some difficult decisions to make as this championship roster heads toward the offseason:

* Sam Strauss ($145,000): Our MVP is the biggest bargain in baseball, but not for long. With 6 total postseason home runs and a ring on his finger, Strauss is expected to seek a deal that could make him the highest-paid first baseman in the league.
* The Rotation Value: Fernando Salazar ($180,000) and Jordan Rubalcava ($170,000) have proven they are elite "big-game" pitchers. Both are entering contract years where their market value has likely doubled overnight.
* Luis Prieto ($110,000): As one of the most reliable closers in the league, Prieto is significantly underpaid. Sacramento will need to act fast to extend him before big-market teams start calling.

LEAGUE-WIDE NEWS & THE "SACRAMENTO MODEL"

This 10th championship has sent shockwaves through the league. Historians are already labeling this 1989 Prayers team as one of the most balanced rosters ever assembled. Around the league, scouts are calling the Prayers' strategy the "Sacramento Model" — a focus on starting pitchers who can go 8+ innings and a lineup that prioritizes walks and high-leverage power over raw batting average.

In Houston, the fallout has already begun. Reports suggest the Crusaders' front office is frustrated by the team's inability to adjust to Sacramento's pitching, leading to rumors of a potential shake-up in their hitting coaching staff.

liberty-ca · 01-20-2026, 12:54 PM

BNN PARADE-DAY NOTEBOOK — OCTOBER 30, 1989
A CITY EXHALES: PRAYERS BRING IT HOME AGAIN
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

SACRAMENTO, CA — The streets around Capitol Mall filled early Monday morning, long before the buses rolled, long before the trophies appeared. Office workers leaned from windows. Kids skipped school. Retirees brought folding chairs and stories. By the time the Sacramento Prayers’ motorcade turned onto L Street shortly after 10 a.m., the crowd had already decided what this day was about: gratitude more than surprise.

This was Sacramento’s 10th championship, and it looked it.

Players waved, some sheepishly, some like they’d been practicing since Little League. Jordan Rubalcava, still moving with the careful posture of someone who threw 109 pitches three nights earlier, lifted his cap repeatedly, pausing to point toward the upper decks of Sacramento Stadium in the distance. Sam Strauss, World Series MVP, carried his young son on his shoulders and smiled like someone who finally had time to stop swinging.

“You work all year and it goes by fast,” Strauss said as the buses slowed near City Hall. “This part? You don’t forget this.”

Manager Jimmy Aces stayed mostly seated, nodding and tipping his cap. When asked later what he noticed most, he didn’t hesitate. “The calm,” Aces said. “This city expects good baseball now. That’s earned.”

The ceremony itself was brief, by design. Mayor Thomas Keller praised the club’s consistency and discipline. League officials offered congratulations and quickly stepped aside. The loudest ovations were reserved for the pitching staff — Rubalcava, Salazar, Gray, Andretti — names that have become familiar to the point of comfort.

“They never panicked,” ballpark groundskeeper Luis Mercado, leaning against the railing after the speeches. “You knew every night what the game was going to feel like.”

Not everything was polished. A confetti cannon misfired. A banner tangled briefly in a traffic light. Someone dropped the American League pennant and had to scoop it up quickly. The crowd didn’t mind. Parade days aren’t about perfection.

GEMMY’S TAKE — NOT A PARADE FOR FIREWORKS, BUT FOR HABITS

I’ve covered parades where people wanted noise — confetti like snowfall, music loud enough to shake windows, players spraying everything that could fizz. This one felt different, and in a way, more honest.

This was a parade for a team that doesn’t sprint unless it has to.

The Prayers didn’t win 116 games because of theatrics. They won them because Fernando Salazar knew when to pitch inside, because Russ Gray never gave away a free base, because Sam Strauss took bad pitches personally and good ones to the seats. Watching them roll through downtown, you could see it on their faces — not disbelief, not relief, but recognition. This looked like the end of a job well done, not a miracle survived.

Jordan Rubalcava waved like a man who understands history. And he should. In a franchise already thick with banners, his October quietly joined elite company. Eight wins, a shutout, a clincher on the road — these are the things that turn seasons into chapters.

What struck me most, though, was the crowd. There were cheers, yes, but there were also conversations. Parents explaining old teams to kids. Fans debating rotations like it was July again. Sacramento doesn’t just celebrate baseball anymore — it discusses it. That’s when you know something has taken root.

Ten championships is a round number. But this one won’t be remembered for the roundness. It’ll be remembered for how steady it felt, how inevitable it became, and how calmly everyone accepted that this, once again, was what fall looks like in Sacramento.

And when Opening Day comes and that banner goes up, nobody will gasp. They’ll nod.

That might be the highest compliment of all.

liberty-ca · 01-20-2026, 11:21 PM

BNN AWARDS ROUNDUP — 1989 SEASON
PRAYERS CLEAN UP: LARSON, MUSCO HEADLINE A DOMINANT AWARDS HAUL
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN)

SACRAMENTO — The trophies kept coming for the Sacramento Prayers on Tuesday, and this time they didn’t arrive with champagne or parade routes. They came with ballots, tallies, and an unmistakable message from the American League: the 1989 season belonged, in large part, to Sacramento.

At the top of the list stood Robby Larson, whose methodical brilliance earned him the 1989 American League Cy Young Award, while teammate Edwin Musco capped a career season by being named American League Most Valuable Player. Add in Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers, and a ballot sheet dotted with Sacramento names, and the Prayers’ championship season now has the hardware to match the standings.

CY YOUNG: LARSON SETS THE STANDARD

Larson’s Cy Young win was decisive. The right-hander collected 16 of 24 first-place votes, finishing well ahead of teammate Jordan Rubalcava, who placed second, and Boston’s Eddie Marin, who finished third.

Larson went 19–5 in 35 starts, logging a league-leading 262 innings while allowing just 180 hits. He walked 65, struck out 190, and posted a 1.82 ERA that quietly buried opposing lineups all summer.

“I didn’t try to be special,” Larson said. “I tried to be available every fifth day. On this team, that’s enough.”

Rubalcava’s second-place finish only underlined Sacramento’s pitching depth. Fernando Salazar and Bernardo Andretti also appeared on Cy Young ballots, giving the Prayers four of the league’s top nine vote-getters.

Manager Jimmy Aces wasn’t surprised. “When your starters don’t blink, the rest of the game settles down,” he said. “That’s what Robby gave us all year.”

MVP: MUSCO’S COMPLETE SEASON

If Larson represented control, Edwin Musco embodied impact.

The 29-year-old infielder earned the American League MVP Award with 20 first-place votes, running away from a crowded field that again featured Larson, Rubalcava, and a cluster of Boston regulars.

Musco hit .296 with a .378 on-base percentage, collecting 171 hits, 29 home runs, and 101 RBI. He scored 94 times, walked 76, and anchored a lineup that rarely went quiet for long.

“I’ve had good years,” Musco said. “This was the first one where everything lined up — health, lineup, timing.”

Musco’s name appeared again later in the day, when he was announced as the Silver Slugger winner at second base, further cementing his status as the league’s most complete player at the position.

DEFENSE COUNTS TOO: GOLD GLOVES

Sacramento’s awards haul wasn’t limited to pitching and power.

Fernando Salazar was named Gold Glove winner at pitcher, recognized for his quick feet and sharp reactions on the mound. In the outfield, Francisco Hernandez earned the Gold Glove in left field, a nod to range and consistency that often showed up only after runs were taken away.

“You don’t notice defense when it’s routine,” Hernandez said. “That’s kind of the point.”

SILVER SLUGGERS: MUSCO, INIGUEZ HONORED

The Prayers placed two players among the American League’s Silver Slugger Award winners:

Edwin Musco, Second Base
Hector Iniguez, Designated Hitter

Iniguez’s selection followed a quietly productive season in which he posted a .279/.351/.454 line, drove in runs from the middle of the order, and provided balance behind Musco and Strauss.

A BALLOT THAT TELLS THE STORY

Sacramento players appeared repeatedly across MVP and Cy Young ballots, reflecting not just star power but roster depth. Musco, Larson, Rubalcava, Iniguez, George MacDonald, Alex Velasquez, and Francisco Hernandez all received MVP consideration. On the pitching side, multiple Prayers drew votes even after Larson and Rubalcava separated from the field.

It read less like a fluke and more like a blueprint. For Sacramento, the awards served as something more than validation. They were documentation — proof on paper of what the standings already said. The Prayers didn’t just win in 1989. They were recognized everywhere the ballots went.

liberty-ca · 01-21-2026, 12:04 AM

BNN HALL OF FAME — CLASS OF 1990
BEN SWIFT’S LONG RUN HOME ENDS IN COOPERSTOWN-CALIBER IMMORTALITY
By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

COOPERSTOWN — The debate is officially over. The final tally left no suspense. When the ballots were counted and certified, the Fictional Baseball League Hall of Fame opened its doors to a man who defined excellence for nearly two decades in a Sacramento Prayers uniform. Ben Swift, the Wichita-born right fielder who paired a surgeon’s precision at the plate with the speed of a sprinter, was elected to the Hall of Fame in his very first year of eligibility.

Swift didn't just walk into the Hall; he sprinted. Receiving 91.7% of the vote, Swift led a distinguished class of three inductees who reached the mandatory 75% threshold for enshrinement. Swift joins Cameron Gallenberg and Jonathan Perry as members of the Hall of Fame Class of 1990, but the ceremony’s emotional center belonged unmistakably to the longtime Sacramento Prayers slugger — a fixture of pennant races, October nights, and an era when durability and excellence were not considered opposites.

“From the first time I saw him play, I knew he had the potential to be one of the best,” Swift’s first manager said at the ceremony. “And the more I saw him play, the more certain I was that he would reach that potential.”

A CAREER BUILT ON PRESENCE

Swift retired at age 42 having played 2,024 games, most of them in Sacramento colors. His career line — .310 average, 174 home runs, 1,117 RBI — tells only part of the story. He was a right fielder who hit for average, ran the bases with intent, and showed up every day, even as injuries accumulated late in his career.

From 1969 through 1974, Swift authored one of the most sustained offensive peaks the league has seen, leading or ranking near the top of the American League in hits, runs, total bases, and OPS multiple times. His 1973 season (.355 average, 204 hits, 109 RBI) remains one of the defining offensive performances of the era.

He was not just a regular-season constant. In 138 postseason games, Swift hit .328 with an .867 OPS, delivering key October moments for a Sacramento franchise that became synonymous with winning.

“This is one of the greatest moments of my life and to share it with all of you here is... simply amazing. I would just like to thank my family and all my teammates for their support during my journey here. Individual honor was never my goal, winning was,” Swift said, visibly emotional as he addressed the crowd. “But this is more than I could have ever dreamed.”

He was the ultimate hybrid: a Gold Glove defender in right field who could hit for average, draw a walk, and then steal second before the pitcher even looked back. He was the heart of the Prayers, and seeing him at the podium in tears today reminds us that even the giants of the game are humbled by this sport.

OCTOBER MAN, CLUBHOUSE FIXTURE

His resume reads like a fantasy:

Five World Series Championships (1969, 1971, 1972, 1976, 1983).
Two-time AL MVP (1973, 1974).
1976 World Series MVP.
75.4 Career WAR, proving his immense value on both sides of the ball.

Former teammates filled the front rows at his induction, joined by longtime rivals who spent years trying — and often failing — to find a hole in his game. Sacramento Prayers caps dotted the crowd, but so did colors from across the league.

“You hated facing him,” one former opposing manager said quietly, “because he never gave you a night off.”

THE VOTE AND THE CONTEXT

Swift’s election came decisively, surpassing the 75 percent requirement with room to spare. Gallenberg followed with 89.2 percent in his fifth year on the ballot, while Perry crossed the line at 80.6 percent in his third.

Several prominent names fell short but remained on the ballot, including Corey Gonzales and Tommy Goolsby, while others were dropped after failing to reach the five-percent threshold.

Still, the story of this class centered on Swift — the rare player whose statistical case, postseason résumé, and peer respect aligned without controversy.

THE LASTING IMAGE

By the time Swift stepped down from the podium, applause lingered longer than protocol required. It was not just for the numbers — impressive as they remain — but for a career that unfolded in full view of the league, season after season, without shortcuts.

He wore No. 14, played the game hard, and left it with little left to prove.

On this day, the Fictional Baseball League made it official:
Ben Swift’s run was not just great. It was eternal.

liberty-ca · 01-23-2026, 10:09 PM

SACRAMENTO PRAYERS 1990 SEASON OPENING WEEKEND:
A DYNASTY TESTED, A ROSTER REMADE, A TARGET ON THEIR BACKS
By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

FORT WORTH — A new decade began the way most Sacramento Prayers seasons do: with strong pitching, timely power, and a reminder that even champions start from zero. Sacramento opened the 1990 campaign by splitting its first two games at Spirits Grounds, squeezing out a tense 3–2 win on Opening Day before absorbing a lopsided 10–3 defeat the following night.

At 1–1, the Prayers left Texas with no illusions, but also no panic. The roster has changed. The league has shifted. The expectations, as always in Sacramento, remain heavy.

★ ★ ★

BNN SERIES RECAP — MARCH 30–31, 1990
SACRAMENTO AT FORT WORTH: “ONE GRITTY WIN, ONE HARD LESSON”

FRIDAY, MARCH 30 — PRAYERS 3, SPIRITS 2
Murguia homers late as Rubalcava sets the tone

Sacramento’s first win of the 1990 season arrived the hard way. The Prayers opened the season on Friday with a classic "Jimmy Aces" victory — tight pitching and opportunistic power. Jordan Rubalcava worked 6⅔ innings of composed, efficient baseball, allowing two runs (one earned) while navigating traffic without unraveling. He scattered eight hits, struck out four, and left with the game tied — exactly the sort of outing that has defined his ascent.

The game remained a deadlock until the top of the eighth inning, when Eli Murguia, who has been vocal about wanting to prove he's worth his $424k salary, turned on a Jared Bouchard pitch and lifted it deep into left field for a solo home run, snapping a 2–2 tie.

“That’s a veteran at-bat,” manager Jimmy Aces said afterward. “He didn’t try to do too much. He waited, got his pitch, and didn’t miss it.”

Gil Caliari bridged the gap with 1⅓ scoreless innings, stranding two inherited runners, and Luis Prieto closed the door cleanly for the season’s first save.

Hector Iniguez was everywhere offensively, going 4-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while George MacDonald and Murguia supplied the power. Sacramento finished with 10 hits but also left opportunities on the table, a theme that would grow louder the next night.

★ ★ ★

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 — SPIRITS 10, PRAYERS 3
Seventh inning unravels as Fort Worth breaks it open

Saturday’s contest served as a sobering reminder that even champions are vulnerable. Steve Schultz anchored the Spirits’ attack with a 3-for-4 night, while timely two-out hits from nearly every spot in the order buried the Prayers. Cy Young winner Robby Larson looked dominant early, but the wheels fell off in the late stages. Robby Larson was charged with five runs over 6⅔ innings, and the bullpen — so reliable the night before — was caught in the blast radius.

The Prayers held a slim 3-2 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh before Fort Worth erupted for seven runs, turning a competitive game into a rout. Gil Caliari, the hero of Game 1, struggled immensely, giving up 5 runs without recording an out. The Sacramento defense, usually a fortress, couldn't stop the bleeding as Fort Worth's Steve Schultz and Ryan Robinson spearheaded the comeback.

Offensively, Sacramento’s highlights came early. Francisco Hernandez launched a two-run homer in the first inning, and Edwin Musco added a solo shot in the seventh, but sustained pressure never materialized. The Prayers managed just five hits.

“Things kind of got away from us,” Aces said plainly. “That inning snowballed. Good teams stop it earlier — we didn’t.”

★ ★ ★

THE MEDICAL REPORT: A CRUSHING BLOW

The victory on Friday was overshadowed by devastating news regarding the rotation. Veteran ace Fernando Salazar is officially out for at least 3 months with a stress reaction in his elbow.

Losing Salazar is more than just losing a starter; it’s losing the emotional anchor of the clubhouse. With Salazar on the shelf until mid-summer, the pressure on young arms like Ricky Gaias and Ramon Mayorga to fill the void is immense. Expect Jimmy Aces to be active on the waiver wire if the back end of the rotation struggles in April.

★ ★ ★

A NEW ERA BEGINS: THE PRAYERS EMBARK ON TITLE DEFENSE

FORT WORTH — The champagne barely had time to dry on the clubhouse carpet before the Sacramento front office began reshaping a champion. The 1989 Prayers didn’t just win the World Series — they survived it, grinding through Boston, outlasting Houston, and leaning on a rotation of aging arms and timely power. But dynasties aren’t maintained by nostalgia. They’re maintained by cold, unsentimental decisions. And Sacramento made them. The team that took the field at Spirits Grounds this week looks significantly different from the one that hoisted the trophy in October. General Manager Jimmy Aces has been busy behind the scenes, reshaping the roster and the payroll in a series of aggressive winter moves.

THE WINTER OF HARD CHOICES

The biggest news of the offseason wasn’t a signing, but a departure. In a move that stunned the fanbase, the Prayers traded 1989 World Series MVP Sam Strauss to the San Antonio Hell Fire in late February.

Sacramento sent Strauss and RHP Zachery Remmey to San Antonio for RHP Javier Gutierrez, a 1st-round draft pick, and $200,000 in cash. While fans are mourning the loss of their postseason hero, the financial logic is clear: Strauss’s market value was peaking. By moving him, Sacramento cleared his salary demands and bolstered their future with a high-value draft pick.

A move like that sends a message. Sacramento wasn’t going to cling to sentiment. They were going to reload.

Then came the rest:

- Jose Vizcarra shipped out, along with a stack of draft capital.
- Andres Valadez and Logan Hicks moved to Seattle for pitching depth and another first‑round pick.
- International amateur Miguel Diez signed, a long‑term outfield project.
- Jeff Smith and Danny St. Clair added, both arms with upside and cost control.

This wasn’t a teardown. It was a recalibration — the kind a champion makes when it knows the league is coming for it.

THE 1990 PAYROLL: A STUDY IN TRANSITION

Current Payroll Leaders: Hector Iniguez enters the season as the highest-paid Prayer at $932,000, followed by the newly extended Jordan Rubalcava ($800k through 1994) and 1989 MVP Edwin Musco ($720k).

The Salary Strategy: Despite the trades, the Prayers are carrying an $8.4 million total payroll for 1990. However, the books look much cleaner for the future, with projected obligations dropping to $4.1 million by 1994.

The salary sheet tells the story as clearly as any press conference:

- Fernando Salazar (39) and Russ Gray (39) remain as elder statesmen, but the rotation is shifting beneath them.
- Robby Larson, Bernardo Andretti, and Ricky Gaias represent the next wave.
- George MacDonald, now 28 and entering his prime, is the new offensive centerpiece.
- Hector Iniguez, Bret Perez, Edwin Musco, and Eli Murguia form the veteran core — but each is on the clock.

This is a roster that can still win. But it’s also a roster that knows the window won’t stay open forever.

★ ★ ★

LEAGUE-WIDE NEWS & TRANSACTION TRENDS

* The Draft Pick Economy: Sacramento’s recent trades emphasize a league-wide trend of teams valuing 1st and 2nd round draft picks over established veterans. By acquiring 1st-rounders from both San Antonio and Seattle, the Prayers are effectively betting on a "retool while winning" strategy.
* Seattle’s New Face: The trade of Andres Valadez to the Seattle Lucifers gives the Lucifers a veteran presence at shortstop, signaling they are ready to challenge for a postseason spot in 1990.
* The Hall of Fame Glow: The league is still buzzing from Ben Swift’s first-ballot induction. Reports suggest that attendance at "heritage games" across the league has seen a 10% uptick as fans celebrate the legends of the 70s and 80s.

CONTRACT & ROSTER WATCH

Sacramento enters 1990 with a $8.4 million Opening Day payroll, still among the league’s most disciplined despite sustained success.

Key contract notes:

* Jordan Rubalcava remains on a club-friendly multi-year deal through 1994 at $800k annually.
* George MacDonald holds a player opt-out after 1991.
* Aaron Gilbert enters a season with a looming team option.
* Several young players — including Ricky Gaias, Ramon Mayorga, Larry Mansfield, Chris Moore — approach arbitration eligibility windows that could shape the next payroll phase.

★ ★ ★

RECENT TRANSACTIONS (OFFSEASON SNAPSHOT)

Sacramento’s winter was active and deliberate:

* Dec 5, 1989: Signed C Keisuke Ishibashi to a minor-league deal with a major-league option.
* Dec 7, 1989: Traded RHP Jose Vizcarra (30% retained), LF Robby Aguirre, and multiple draft picks to Albuquerque.
* Jan 3, 1990: Dealt minor-league arms Kyle Adams and Felix Medina to Baltimore for LHP Jeff Smith and a 2nd-round pick.
* Jan 20, 1990: Signed Venezuelan RF Miguel Diez for an $80,000 bonus.
* Feb 23, 1990: Traded Sam Strauss, Zachery Remmey, and two 2nd-round picks to San Antonio for RHP Javier Gutierrez, a 1st-round pick, and cash.
* Feb 28, 1990: Traded Andres Valadez, Logan Hicks, and two 2nd-round picks to Seattle for LHP Danny St. Clair, a 1st-round pick, and cash.

The pattern is unmistakable: pitching depth, draft capital, and financial flexibility.

★ ★ ★

GEMMY’S TAKE — OPENING WEEKEND IS A MIRROR, NOT A VERDICT

If you’re looking for omens in late March, baseball will happily lie to you.

Friday looked like Sacramento heritage baseball: Rubalcava steady, defense mostly clean, a single swing deciding things late. Saturday looked like a warning label — what happens when command wobbles and a good lineup smells blood.

Here’s the nerdy context: over the last ten seasons, Sacramento has split its first series six times. They went on to win the division in four of those years. Opening series splits don’t predict trophies — but they do reveal stress points.

The stress point this weekend was bullpen sequencing and run prevention with inherited runners. Caliari was brilliant Friday. Saturday, the margins collapsed. That’s not a crisis; it’s data.

What was encouraging? Iniguez looks rejuvenated. Hernandez’s swing hasn’t aged. Rubalcava’s pitch mix is deeper than last October, and his results came despite traffic. That matters.

And yes, the roster turnover is real. No Strauss. No Valadez. New arms, new timelines. But Sacramento didn’t trade stars for dreams — they traded them for control, picks, and flexibility. That’s how dynasties stretch their windows instead of slamming them shut.

Two games in, the Prayers look exactly like a team built to last 162: sturdy, occasionally messy, and still very much the standard everyone else is measuring against.

If this weekend taught us anything, it’s this: Sacramento hasn’t changed who they are.
They’ve just started writing the next chapter.

THE ROAD AHEAD

The schedule doesn’t ease up:

- A final game in Fort Worth.
- A homestand against Tucson.
- Columbus looming after that.

And all the while, Sacramento must answer the questions that define every defending champion:

- Who replaces the production of Sam Strauss?
- Can Salazar hold up at age 39?
- Is Rubalcava ready to be a true No. 1?
- Can MacDonald carry a lineup instead of complementing one?
- Will the new arms — St. Clair, Smith, Gutierrez — stabilize the middle innings?

The 1989 Prayers were a team of destiny.
The 1990 Prayers must be a team of identity.

And that identity is being forged right now — in the cold mornings of March, in the long travel days of April, and in the quiet moments when a champion decides whether it wants to be remembered as a one‑year wonder or the beginning of something larger.

Sacramento has the talent.
Sacramento has the pedigree.
Now Sacramento must prove it still has the hunger.

liberty-ca · 01-24-2026, 12:00 AM

PRAYERS WEEKLY — APRIL 1–7, 1990
By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

The Sacramento Prayers’ first full week of the 1990 regular season technically never finished before it was interrupted, scheduled to be resumed elsewhere, and then rounded into form at home. It was a week that opened in weather chaos, steadied itself through uneven stretches, and closed with the unmistakable feel of a club that already knows how it wants to win games.

The Sacramento Prayers returned home this week as defending champions, but if anyone expected a champagne hangover, the club spent the first seven days reminding the league that last October wasn’t a fluke. They didn’t dominate wire‑to‑wire, but they showed the same traits that carried them through Houston: opportunistic hitting, late‑inning resolve, and a pitching staff that — even without Fernando Salazar — still knows how to suffocate a lineup.

Sacramento went 5–2 across seven days, with one contest — Monday’s opener against the Spirits — left suspended and unresolved. The Prayers nevertheless emerged from the opening week with early pitching stability, flashes of lineup depth, and the sense that they are still assembling rather than unveiling.

But this first week also delivered the season’s first dose of adversity. The injuries are real. The roster churn is already underway. And the margin for error in the AL West is thin.

Let’s walk through the week.

★ ★ ★

MONDAY, APRIL 1 — Prayers 2, Spirits 2 (Suspended, 7th inning)
Record: 1-1

The season began under gray skies and ended prematurely. Sacramento and the Spirits were locked in a 2–2 tie when persistent rain forced officials to halt play in the seventh inning.

The Prayers scored twice early and then watched the Spirits claw back, turning the opener into a tight, low-scoring affair before weather took over. The game will be resumed on May 14, when the Spirits return to Sacramento as part of a scheduled doubleheader.

Manager Jimmy Aces called the suspension “unfortunate but unavoidable,” noting afterward that the opener “felt like it was just getting interesting.”

For the standings, the game remains officially incomplete — an unresolved footnote that will linger into mid-May.

★ ★ ★

TUESDAY, APRIL 3 — Sacramento 7, Tucson 2
Record: 2–1

This was the first complete game of the week, and it belonged to Ricky Gaias, who looked every bit the breakout candidate Sacramento believes he is. Six and two‑thirds innings, eight strikeouts, and only two runs allowed — the kind of start that stabilizes a rotation missing Salazar.

The bats woke up late, but when they did, they erupted.
- Edwin Musco launched his second homer of the year.
- Francisco Hernandez tripled and homered.
- Bret Perez delivered a three‑run blast that capped the surge and sent Tucson reeling.

Gil Caliari earned the win in relief, but the night belonged to Gaias.

★ ★ ★

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 — Tucson 5, Sacramento 2
Record: 2–2

This one felt like a hangover game. The Prayers never found rhythm against Kenichi Kubota, who scattered six hits across 8.2 innings. Rubalcava pitched well enough to win, but a third‑inning mistake to Dave de Leon — a two‑run shot — set the tone.

Sacramento’s offense stranded seven, including multiple chances with runners in scoring position. A reminder that even championship lineups can sputter.

★ ★ ★

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 — Sacramento 8, Tucson 7 (Walk‑off)
Record: 3–2

The first classic of the 1990 season.

Eli Murguia put on a show that would’ve made his 1985 self proud:
- Two home runs,
- Four hits,
- And the walk‑off blast leading off the bottom of the ninth.

The Prayers needed every bit of it. Tucson kept punching — Nick Smith tripled twice, the Cherubs hung a four‑spot in the seventh — but Sacramento’s depth carried the day. Alex Lopez homered, Musco homered again, and the bullpen held just long enough for Murguia to finish the job.

Sacramento had watched a three-run lead dissolve in the seventh and could have folded quietly. Instead, the Prayers matched Tucson punch for punch and refused to let the series slip away.

“We didn’t blink,” Murguia said afterward. “That’s the part I liked.”

The win carried a sense of emotional weight well beyond the standings. This was the first time the Stadium truly felt alive in 1990.

★ ★ ★

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 — Sacramento 6, Columbus 4
Record: 4–2

Bernardo Andretti didn’t dominate, but he competed — and that’s what the Prayers needed. Columbus put up a four‑run fourth, but Sacramento answered with a three‑run sixth, highlighted by:

- Alex Velasquez, who doubled twice and drove in a run,
- Alex Lopez, who homered again,
- Musco, who added his fourth homer of the young season.

The bullpen combination of Matt Wright and Luis Prieto slammed the door, continuing a trend: Sacramento’s relief corps has been quietly excellent.

“We didn’t chase,” Andretti said. “We let the game come back to us.”

★ ★ ★

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 — Sacramento 1, Columbus 0
Record: 5–2

The week closed quietly — and convincingly. This was vintage Russ Gray — a crisp, no-frills performance, 7.1 innings, five hits, no runs, and complete command. Sacramento didn’t hit much, but they didn’t need to. Hector Iniguez delivered the lone RBI with a second‑inning single, and the pitching staff did the rest.

Chris Ryan earned his first save, and the Prayers closed the week with their most complete defensive game of the season.

“That’s winning baseball,” Jimmy Aces said. “No shortcuts.”

★ ★ ★

Current IL Status

3B Gil Cruz — Knee bursitis
- Out ~1 week
- Already on the IL, eligible to return soon
- His absence has forced Jimmy Aces to juggle late‑inning defensive alignments, with Jesus Rodriguez and Bill Marcos picking up scattered innings.

SP Fernando Salazar — Stress reaction in elbow
- Out 2–3 months
- This is the big one.
- Sacramento is surviving without him thanks to Gray, Andretti, and Gaias, but the rotation is thinner than it looks.
- The club will need to manage workloads carefully — especially Rubalcava, who has already thrown 100+ pitches twice.

No new injuries occurred during the week, but the Prayers are already operating without two significant pieces.

★ ★ ★

Early Standouts
- **Eli Murguia:** .333, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB — and the walk-off of the week.
- **Edwin Musco:** 4 HR already, slugging like a man determined to repeat last year’s title run.
- **Francisco Hernandez:** 2 HR, 3 SB, and the heartbeat of the lineup.
- **Russ Gray:** 7.1 shutout innings in his season debut.
- **Bernardo Andretti:** 6.2 strong innings in his first start.

★ ★ ★

Early Concerns
- Bullpen volatility (Caliari’s workload, Prieto’s usage).
- Robby Larson’s rough outing (7.62 ERA).
- Depth stress from the Salazar injury.

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take

There’s something fitting about the Prayers’ season beginning with a game that didn’t end.

Monday night’s suspension felt symbolic — not ominous, just unfinished. This team hasn’t shown you everything yet, and frankly, it shouldn’t have to by April 7. What matters is how they responded once baseball resumed uninterrupted.

What stood out wasn’t dominance; it was adaptability. Sacramento won games by slugging, by surviving chaos, by grinding through midweek frustration, and finally by manufacturing a single run and guarding it like a secret. That last part matters more than it looks. One-run wins in April aren’t pretty, but they teach you exactly how thin the margins can be.

Murguia’s walk-off was the emotional centerpiece of the week, and it deserves the replay loop. But don’t sleep on Russ Gray’s Saturday night. That was an ace performance without ace theatrics — just command, tempo, and quiet authority. Those outings stack up in September.

And yes, the bullpen bent. Yes, the offense vanished for stretches. Welcome to early-season baseball. The encouraging part is that Sacramento didn’t panic, didn’t chase fixes, and didn’t pretend it was something it isn’t yet.

Five wins, one game suspended, and a team still in pencil rather than ink. If this is the opening paragraph, it’s a promising one — even if the first sentence won’t be finished until May 14.

★ ★ ★

LOOKING AHEAD

The Prayers close the Columbus series Sunday, then welcome the Salt Lake City Prophets for a three‑game set. After that, it’s off to El Paso.

The schedule softens a bit, but the pitching staff will be tested. And with Cruz still out and Salazar months away, Sacramento’s margin for error is thinner than the standings suggest.

But at 5–2, with the bats heating up and the bullpen sharp, the champs look like themselves.

liberty-ca · 01-24-2026, 06:43 PM

BNN WEEK IN RETROSPECT – PRAYERS WEEKLY
Sacramento Prayers: April 8–14, 1990
By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

The Sacramento Prayers wrapped up a busy early-April week with steady pitching, timely extra-base hitting, and just enough margin for error to keep momentum moving forward. If you haven’t checked the standings lately, go ahead—treat yourself. Your Sacramento Prayers are sitting pretty at 10-3, perched atop the AL West like a hawk on a cathedral spire. While the San Jose Demons are keeping it tight, our boys are proving that when you combine a massive payroll with a "refuse to lose" attitude, magic happens.

What stood out was not dominance every night, but consistency. Even in the lone loss — a 6–4 setback to Salt Lake City — the Prayers stayed competitive deep into the game. When things tilted their way, they tended to stay there. We’ve seen walk-offs, complete games, and enough souvenirs hit into the stands to stock a sporting goods store. Let’s dive into the week that was!

★ ★ ★

Sunday, April 8 – Prayers 3, Heaven 2
The Bret Perez Double-Feature

Sacramento opened the week with a tightly played afternoon game that hinged on pitching and one swing in the middle innings. They say good things come in threes, and Bret Perez took that literally. Our third baseman treated the Columbus Heaven like a personal tee-ball set, rifling three doubles into the gaps. The decisive moment came in the sixth, when Bret Perez delivered a run-scoring double to left, breaking a 2–1 game and restoring breathing room.

“We faced good pitching and still got it done,” Perez said afterward. “That’s what good teams do. I’m not chasing stats. I’m chasing wins.” — Bret Perez

On the mound, Ricky Gaias continued his "I’m not a backup" tour, tossing 6.2 innings of one-run ball. Gaias is currently earning the league minimum ($66k), and if he keeps pitching like a Cy Young candidate, he’s going to be the most underpaid man in California.

The Prayers played clean defense behind Gaias and turned the game over to Luis Prieto, who allowed a solo homer in the ninth but calmly finished the job.

★ ★ ★

Monday, April 9 – Prayers 4, Prophets 1
Rubalcava dominates, Lopez goes deep

The Prayers followed with one of their sharper pitching performances of the young season. Jordan Rubalcava is essentially a cheat code, and we invite you to be the judge. "Pluto" delivered his best outing of the season: 8.2 innings, seven hits, nine strikeouts, and complete control. Alejandro Lopez provided the big swing — a towering two‑run homer in the third that gave Sacramento a lead it never surrendered.

“Yeah, I was gratified. Nights like this remind you why you love the work. Salt Lake City’s name is the "Prophets," but I bet none of them saw that 95-mph heater coming.” Rubalcava said afterward, summing up a night that pushed Sacramento to 7–2.

★ ★ ★

Tuesday, April 10 – Prophets 6, Prayers 4
Larson battles, bullpen falters, Cardenas injured

Look, not every day can be Sunday morning. Robby Larson struggled again, and while he struck out eight, he gave up four runs and saw his ERA hover in the "I need a drink" territory (6.16). To make matters worse, Roberto Cardenas took a pitch to the ribs and had to exit. Robby Larson pitched better than the line suggests, but Salt Lake City kept finding two‑out magic. The lone blemish of the week came in a back-and-forth contest that turned on one swing. A two-run single by Santiago Salazar in the seventh inning swung the game in Salt Lake City’s favor. This rally flipped the game, and Sacramento couldn’t claw back despite a homer from Bret Marcos and a pair of RBI from Murguia and Rodriguez.

Manager Jimmy Aces: “We gave them too many extra chances. That’s on us. This was a messy one, involving errors by both Caliari and Rodriguez. Let’s just burn the tape and move on.”

The loss dropped Sacramento to 7–3, but did little to shake the club’s overall footing.

★ ★ ★

Wednesday, April 11 – Prayers 6, Prophets 2
Andretti throws a masterpiece

Sacramento responded immediately behind its most complete performance of the week. Bernardo Andretti decided the bullpen needed a night off, so he went out and was untouchable. He never drifted out of control throwing a complete game three‑hitter with just one walk. It was efficient, it was ruthless, and it was beautiful. Sacramento’s bats backed him early. Offensively, we had a home run derby: Edwin Musco (his 5th!), Bret Perez, and Alejandro Lopez all went deep. Watching Marrs give up three homers was like watching a slow-motion car crash—tragic, but you couldn't look away.

Andretti: “My job is to throw quality pitches and give us an opportunity. Tonight, everything clicked.”

★ ★ ★

Friday, April 13 – Prayers 8, Abbots 0
Everything’s Bigger in Texas (Especially Our Lead)

April 13: Prayers 8, El Paso 0 — "Everything’s Bigger in Texas (Especially Our Lead)"
The Prayers opened their El Paso series with their most lopsided win of the week. Francisco Hernandez was a one-man wrecking crew, going 4-for-5 with a home run and a double. He’s heating up faster than a sidewalk in July. Ricky Gaias was once again untouchable, lowering his ERA to a microscopic 1.31. If Gaias were a stock, I’d be putting my entire retirement fund into him.

“We maximized our offense today,” manager Jimmy Aces said. “That makes everyone’s life easier. And this team believes in each other. That’s the secret sauce.”

★ ★ ★

Saturday, April 14 – Prayers 10, Abbots 1
The Return of the King

Prayers broke the game open early and never looked back. The headline here? Gil Cruz is back! Our star 3B returned from knee bursitis and immediately went 2-for-5. But the real story was Jordan Rubalcava (again). Rubalcava delivered another dominant outing, he took a no-hitter deep into the game, finishing with 8 innings of two-hit ball. The lineup detonated for six runs in the second inning alone. Hernandez crushed a three‑run homer (his 4th) because apparently, he hates El Paso’s pitching staff. Perez tripled, and Velasquez added two RBI.

“We’re not trying to be hot in April. We’re trying to be dangerous in September.” — Edwin Musco
El Paso manager Alberto Rivas on game's impression: “No, not my idea of a good time, not at all.”

The win moved the Prayers to 10–3, capping a week defined by pitching depth and early-season balance.

★ ★ ★

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jordan Rubalcava – SP
2 starts | 16.2 IP | 2 ER | 16 K | 0.54 ERA

He didn’t just pitch well — he pitched like an ace. He’s justifying every cent of that nearly million-dollar deal.
HITTER OF THE WEEK
Francisco Hernandez – CF/DH
.400+ for the week | 2 HR | 6 RBI | 2 doubles

When he’s locked in, the entire lineup feels different.

★ ★ ★

LEAGUE NEWS & RUMORS

Draft Lottery Luck: The results are in! While the Albuquerque Damned nabbed the #1 pick, the Prayers are sitting on a gold mine. Thanks to some savvy trading by Jimmy Aces, we hold the #10, #17, and #22 picks in the first round this July. We aren't just winning now; we're building a fortress for the future.

The San Jose Shadow: The Demons are 11-4. This divisional race is going to be a bloodbath. Every game against El Paso and Seattle matters because San Jose simply refuses to lose.

Contract Buzz: Word around the batting cage is that the front office might be looking to extend Francisco Hernandez before his price tag reaches orbit. Smart move, if you ask me.

★ ★ ★

THE MEDICAL WARD

* Fernando Salazar (SP): Still out 2-3 months. The elbow is a fickle mistress.
* Roberto Cardenas (RF): Day-to-day after the HBP. We’re hoping it’s just a nasty bruise and not a cracked rib.

★ ★ ★

FAN SENTIMENT

Sacramento Stadium is buzzing. Fans are calling this the most exciting Prayers team since the mid‑80s. Local radio callers are already whispering about October, and merchandise sales reportedly spiked after the team’s 10‑3 start.

One fan outside the park summed it up:
“This team feels different. They punch back.”

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take

If this week told us anything, it’s that the 1990 Prayers are already playing a brand of baseball that travels — and that survives imperfect nights.

They didn’t bludgeon everyone. They didn’t cruise wire to wire. What they did instead was pitch, defend just well enough, and hit doubles like they were going out of style. Bret Perez’s three-double game on Sunday doesn’t jump off the standings page, but it’s the kind of afternoon that wins you games in April and pennants in September.

I’m also keeping an eye on the rotation hierarchy forming in real time. Rubalcava looks like a stopper when things wobble. Andretti looks like someone who takes offense personally. And Gaias? He’s quietly putting together lines that don’t get ink until you’re suddenly eight games over .500.

One loss all week — and even that one never felt like a collapse. That’s not drama. That’s professionalism. And in April, that’s usually the tell. We’re winning games by an average of nearly two runs. The pitching is lights out, and the "Big Money" bats are booming. If you aren't excited, you might want to check your pulse!

★ ★ ★

LOOKING AHEAD: April 15–21

- @ El Paso – Z. Gardener (0–3, 8.05)
- @ Seattle – Rossman, Schilder, Gaytan
- vs Brooklyn – Mendez

Seattle’s pitching is better than their record. Brooklyn’s bullpen is a problem for everyone.
Next week will test Sacramento’s depth — and their stamina.

liberty-ca · 01-24-2026, 10:13 PM

BNN WEEK IN RETROSPECT – PRAYERS WEEKLY
Sacramento Prayers: April 15–21, 1990
By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle

Amen and Hallelujah! Your Sacramento Prayers are sitting pretty at 14-5, perched atop the AL West. It was a week of high drama, massive dingers, and a few "Lord, have mercy" moments in the trainer's room. We’ve got the league’s best ERA (2.72) and the most power in the circuit (32 HRs). If the season ended today, we’d be legends. Good thing it doesn't, because we are not done talking yet.

The Prayers entered the week riding a wave of strong pitching and timely hitting. What followed was a stretch that showcased the team’s depth, its ability to win close games, and — late in the week — its vulnerability when the bullpen is stretched thin and the defense wobbles. Sacramento finished the week 3–3, still firmly atop the AL West, but with a few new questions to monitor as April winds down.

★ ★ ★

Sunday, April 15 — Prayers 3, Abbots 2 (Abbots Park)

Prayers opened the week by stealing a tight one in El Paso, leaning on patience late and steady bullpen work. Sacramento didn’t generate much offense for most of the afternoon, and for seven innings it looked like the Prayers might waste a solid outing from Robby Larson. The right‑hander wasn’t dominant, but he was steady, working around traffic and keeping El Paso from stringing together anything beyond Sergio Garcia’s two‑run homer in the third.

The Prayers’ lineup, meanwhile, couldn’t solve Zach Gardener’s mix of sinkers and changeups. Through seven innings, Sacramento managed only three singles and a walk, rarely threatening and often rolling over early in counts.

Everything changed in the eighth. Francisco Hernandez opened the inning with a sharp triple into the right‑center gap, finally giving Sacramento a spark. Alex Vieyra followed with a well‑struck double to left, cutting the deficit to 2–1. After a groundout and a walk, Roberto Cardenas — pinch‑hitting for Eli Murguia — lined a clean single to center, scoring Vieyra and tying the game. Moments later, a fielder’s choice brought home the go‑ahead run.

Aaron Gilbert handled the seventh and eighth with crisp work, and Luis Prieto closed the ninth despite allowing a two‑out double. It wasn’t a flashy win, but it was the kind of composed, opportunistic performance that has defined Sacramento’s early season.

“We weren’t sharp early, but we stayed with it. That’s what good teams do. Those games don’t feel big when you’re in April,” Larson said, “but they add up fast.” A classic "grind-it-out" road win.

Sacramento left town at 11–3, continuing its quiet, businesslike start.

★ ★ ★

Tuesday, April 17 — Prayers 2, Lucifers 1 (Lucifers Park)

Welcome to Seattle, where the air is cold and the wins are tight. This one unfolded as a pitcher’s duel from the opening pitch. Bernardo Andretti and Seattle’s J.J. Schilder traded scoreless frames for six innings, each working efficiently and leaning on their defenses. Andretti mixed his fastball and slider well, inducing soft contact and avoiding the big inning despite a few scattered baserunners.

Sacramento finally broke through in the seventh when Alex Vieyra turned on a Schilder fastball and sent it over the left‑field wall. Seattle answered immediately in the bottom half, tying the game on a double and a two‑out RBI knock.

The Prayers responded in the eighth with a patient, methodical rally. A leadoff double from José Rubbi set the table, and Alejandro Lopez delivered a deep sacrifice fly to center, restoring the lead. Gil Caliari and Luis Prieto combined for the final six outs, with Prieto needing only five pitches to secure his sixth save. Seattle threatened in the ninth, but Prieto induced a routine grounder to end it.

“It wasn’t pretty, but it was professional. That’s the kind of baseball we want to play.” said Alejandro Lopez. “That’s execution baseball,” added manager Jimmy Aces. “No panic, no shortcuts.”

★ ★ ★

Wednesday, April 18 — Prayers 12, Lucifers 5 (Lucifers Park)

Someone left the oven on at Lucifers Park! Sacramento’s offense erupted in its most complete performance of the week. After falling behind early, the Prayers answered with a four‑run fifth inning highlighted by Eli Murguia’s solo homer and José Rubbi’s three‑run blast. The lineup kept applying pressure, forcing Seattle starter Enrique Gaytan from the game and then punishing the bullpen.

George MacDonald delivered the decisive blow in the sixth, launching a three‑run homer to extend the lead to 7–4. From there, Sacramento piled on with additional home runs from Gil Cruz and Edwin Musco, turning the game into a comfortable win.

Ricky Gaias didn’t have his sharpest command, allowing 10 hits in 5.1 innings, but he limited the damage and let the offense take over. Matt Wright handled the final 3.2 innings with poise, earning his first save of the season.

“We weren’t chasing big swings — just good at‑bats stacked together. That’s when we’re at our best. And when we’re patient, opposing pitchers start making mistakes,” MacDonald said. “Tonight those mistakes showed up in bunches.”

★ ★ ★

Thursday, April 19 — Lucifers 1, Prayers 0 (Lucifers Park)

Sacramento’s five‑game winning streak ended in a frustrating shutout loss. Sometimes, baseball just isn't fair, and Jordan Rubalcava deserved better. "Pluto" pitched brilliantly, allowing only three hits across eight innings, but one of them — a first‑inning RBI double by Gus Arispe — proved decisive.

The Prayers had chances, including a pair of runners in scoring position in the sixth and eighth, but Seattle starter Nelson Huichapa repeatedly worked out of trouble with well‑located fastballs and a sharp curve. Sacramento managed only four hits and never found the timely swing they needed.

“That’s baseball,” Rubalcava said. “You tip your cap and get ready for tomorrow.”

The loss snapped a five-game winning streak but left no visible residue. “Rubby gave us everything we needed. We just didn’t hold up our end,” Jimmy Aces told reporters after the game.

★ ★ ★

Friday, April 20 — Prayers 3, Priests 1 (Sacramento Stadium)

Back home in Sacramento for the "Holy War" against Brooklyn, Prayers reverted to its preferred script: clean pitching, one timely swing, lights out late. Robby Larson delivered his best outing of the season, scattering five hits over 6.1 innings and allowing only a single run in the sixth.

The Prayers struck early with two runs in the first, including a sharp RBI double from George MacDonald. Brooklyn cut the lead in half, but Sacramento restored the cushion in the sixth when Alex Vieyra doubled home a run with two outs.

Gil Caliari and Luis Prieto handled the final eight outs, with Prieto earning his seventh save despite pitching through mild abdominal soreness.

“I just wanted to keep the ball down and let the defense work. They did the rest.” said Robby Larson in the dressing room. “That’s us,” Aces said. “Pressure’s on them, not us.”

★ ★ ★

Saturday, April 21 — Priests 9, Prayers 4 (Sacramento Stadium)

This was the week’s lone lopsided loss, and it was shaped early. On Saturday to forget Russ Gray struggled from the outset, giving up four runs in the second inning — including a bases‑clearing triple by Luke Reddick — and two more in the third. Sacramento’s defense didn’t help, committing two errors that extended innings and forced Gray to throw stress pitches.

The Prayers chipped away with single runs in the second, third, and fourth, but they never mounted a sustained rally. Brooklyn’s bullpen held firm, and the Priests added three insurance runs late against Aaron Gilbert.

Sacramento collected 13 hits but stranded 13 runners, a theme that defined the loss as much as the early deficit.

“We had traffic all night. We just didn’t convert.” — Bret Perez summed the game up.

★ ★ ★

FAN SENTIMENT

Sacramento fans remain overwhelmingly positive. The team’s 14–5 record, strong pitching, and balanced lineup have created a sense of early‑season confidence. The only concerns voiced this week:

- The bullpen workload, especially with Prieto nursing soreness.
- The defense, which committed several costly errors late in the week.
- The inconsistency of the bottom third of the lineup.

Still, the general mood is upbeat: fans believe this team is built for the long haul.

★ ★ ★

AROUND THE HORN: LEAGUE OBSERVATIONS

The Washington Devils are currently the class of the AL East at 12-9, but they’ve got the Messiahs and Bishops breathing down their necks. Over in the National League, the Detroit Preachers (14-7) are the only team keeping pace with Sacramento’s win total. It seems the "Religious Era" of baseball is in full swing this 1990 season!

Seattle continues to struggle offensively despite quality starting pitching. Brooklyn’s bullpen depth is already being tested heavily in April. Several AL clubs have begun skipping starters due to early workload concerns.

★ ★ ★

THE INFIRMARY

The training room is getting crowded, and it's starting to hurt our depth.

CL Luis Prieto: The heart of our bullpen is dealing with abdominal soreness. He’s listed as Day-to-Day, and the team is hopeful he won't miss significant time.
RP Aaron Gilbert: Left the game on 4/21 with an undisclosed injury while pitching. We are awaiting the official diagnosis, but he’s expected to miss his next few appearances.
SP Fernando Salazar Still two months out with that elbow stress reaction. We miss you, Fernando!

★ ★ ★

THE FRONT PEW: FAN MAIL

"Dear Gemmy,
I love the Prayers, but I’m confused. This week we played the Abbots, the Lucifers, and the Priests. I can’t tell if I’m looking at the standings or a Sunday school syllabus. When do we play a team named after a normal animal, like a Tiger or a Bear?
— Confused in Carmichael"

Gemmy: Listen, Confused, in this league, you’re either the hunter or the sacrifice. Personally, I like the theme. It makes every series feel like an exorcism. Besides, have you seen the Lucifers' mascot? That thing is terrifying. I’d much rather be a "Prayer" than whatever is going on in Seattle!

★ ★ ★

Gemmy’s Take

This was not a highlight-reel week — and that’s exactly why it mattered.

Sacramento played six games decided by two runs or fewer and went 5–1. That’s not luck. That’s structure. It’s the bullpen knowing its lanes. It’s starters understanding when to nibble and when to challenge. It’s hitters taking sacrifice flies seriously in April.

The Rubalcava loss on Thursday? That’s the one that tells me the most. Ten years ago, teams carried those losses like a bad bruise. This club treated it like a line item.

Also: Fernando Salazar’s Saturday start deserves more credit than it’ll get. After giving up three in the second, he stopped the bleeding completely. That’s a veteran skill, and it saves bullpens in August even if no one remembers it now.

And yes — Prieto already looks overworked on paper. But watch the innings. No drama. No traffic. That matters more than totals.

Sacramento didn’t dominate the week. They handled it. And that’s how good teams quietly scare everyone else by June.

★ ★ ★

LOOKING AHEAD

The Prayers close out the homestand with Brooklyn before heading to San Antonio for a three‑game set. The Hell Fire have been inconsistent but dangerous, and their left‑handed starters could test Sacramento’s right‑heavy lineup.

01-17-2026, 08:54 PM	#161
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN SERIES RECAP — SEPTEMBER 19–21, 1989 PITCHING REIGNS SUPREME AS PRAYERS TAKE SERIES FROM CRUSADERS By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle SACRAMENTO, CA — Following an emotional, high-stakes sweep in Boston that many viewed as an ALCS preview, the Sacramento Prayers (109-44) returned home Tuesday night carrying the weight of a long road trip, a comfortable division lead, and a clear objective: sharpen the edges before October. The Houston Crusaders arrived still fighting for postseason relevance, and for one night they reminded Sacramento that late September games can still bite. While they suffered a rare late-inning collapse in the opener, the Prayers' elite pitching staff clamped down to take the final two games and secure another series victory. It was not flashy baseball. It was controlled, deliberate, and — aside from one ninth-inning hiccup — firmly in line with how the Prayers have operated all season. Tuesday, September 19 — Crusaders 8, Prayers 5 ⚾ Houston stuns Sacramento late; ninth-inning collapse spoils Larson’s night ⚾ The opener slipped away late, and it left a sour taste. Sacramento’s bullpen has been nearly automatic for months, but baseball has a way of reminding even the best teams that nothing is guaranteed. Robby Larson gave Sacramento eight solid innings, allowing four runs while keeping Houston mostly contained, and Prayers appeared positioned to hand the ball cleanly to the bullpen. Instead, the ninth inning unraveled quickly. Sacramento carried a 5–4 lead into the ninth, only to watch Houston explode for four runs — the decisive blow a bases-loaded triple by Andy Oliver off Ricky Gaias. It was a rare misstep for the setup man, who has been one of the league’s most dominant relievers since June. Sam Maynard added a two-run homer earlier and finished with four RBI. Sacramento’s offense wasn’t the problem. Robby Aguirre launched a two-run shot, George MacDonald doubled in a run, and Alex Vieyra added a sacrifice fly. But the Prayers stranded eight runners and grounded into two double plays, leaving the door open for Houston’s late ambush. “We didn’t close the door,” manager Jimmy Aces said afterward. “Against a club like that, you leave it open and they’ll walk right through.” The bullpen meltdown ended the winning streak at nine. ★ ★ ★ Wednesday, September 20 — Prayers 4, Crusaders 1 ⚾ Salazar sharp again; Rubbi delivers the knockout swing ⚾ Sacramento got back to their winning formula on Wednesday, leaning on Fernando Salazar and a calm, methodical approach. Fernando Salazar, who has quietly become one of the most dependable arms in the league, navigated 5.2 innings of one-run ball before handing it off to the bullpen. Mark Wright bridged the gap cleanly, and Luis Prieto finished it off for his 39th save. The Prayers scored just enough, scratching out runs in the fourth, seventh, and eighth. The turning point came in the eighth, when Jose Rubbi crushed a two-run homer off Luis Velasquez, breaking a 1–1 tie and electrifying the crowd of 22,592. Rubbi added a single earlier and continues to be one of the hottest hitters in the league. Omar Zamora, filling in for the injured Alex Velasquez, chipped in with a run-scoring double that put the Prayers ahead for good and a pair of hits. Luis Prieto slammed the door in the 9th for his 39th save, proving that the previous night's relief struggles were merely a fluke. “You don’t need six runs every night,” Salazar said. “You just need to stay ahead.” ★ ★ ★ Thursday, September 21 — Prayers 2, Crusaders 1 ⚾ Rubalcava outduels Moran; Hicks homers in tight finale ⚾ The rubber match was a classic pitcher's duel. Sacramento closed the series with a crisp, efficient win behind Jordan Rubalcava, who scattered eight hits over seven innings while allowing just a single run — a solo shot by Houston’s Brian Larson. The Prayers answered quickly. Bret Perez singled home a run in the second, and Logan Hicks launched a solo homer in the fifth, his eighth of the season. From there, Rubalcava, Ricky Gaias, and Luis Prieto combined to retire 12 of the final 14 Houston hitters. Luis Prieto made history in the 9th, recording his 40th save of the season with a perfect frame, becoming just the third closer in franchise history to reach that mark. “That’s a September win,” Aces said. “Pitching, defense, and one or two swings.” 📋 QUICK NOTES 📋 * Rotation continues to stabilize: Larson, Salazar, and Rubalcava combined for 20⅔ innings with just 6 earned runs. * Bullpen response: After Tuesday’s stumble, Sacramento relievers allowed one run over the final two games. * Small ball still matters: Sacramento scored 6 of its 11 runs via singles, sac flies, or situational hitting. 🚑 INJURY & TEAM UPDATES 🚑 RF Alex Velasquez — knee inflammation (Day-to-Day, 6 days remaining) Velasquez continues to rest after leaving the Boston finale. The club expects him back before the final road trip. LF Francisco Hernandez — back tightness (Day-to-Day, 2 days remaining) Hernandez was unavailable for the Houston series but is trending toward a weekend return. LF Eli Murguia — PCL tear (2 weeks remaining) Still on the 60-day IL. The club remains hopeful he could be available late in the postseason. SS Andres Valadez — partially torn labrum (5 weeks remaining) Out until at least the World Series, should Sacramento advance. 🔥 GEMMY’S CHRONICLE: "RESILIENCE AT THE STADIUM" 🔥 "I’ll be honest, that 9th inning on Tuesday was a punch to the gut. Seeing Gaias give up four runs felt like a glitch in the Matrix! But that’s why this team is so special—they don't let a bad night turn into a bad week. That Boston series was such an intense 'sneak peek' at the ALCS that I was worried about a letdown at home. Instead, we saw Jordan Rubalcava and Fernando Salazar remind the league that our rotation is a fortress. And how about Luis Prieto? 40 saves is an incredible milestone. He’s the anchor we’re going to need when the pressure reaches a boiling point in October. We have El Paso coming in next. They’re struggling, but we can't take our foot off the gas. Let’s finish this homestand strong!" 📅 UP NEXT — EL PASO SERIES (SEPT 22–24) 📅 Sacramento remains home to open a weekend three-game set against El Paso Abbots before heading to Seattle early next week, as the regular season winds toward its close. Probable Pitching Matchups: - Fri: RHP E. Rodriguez (9–10, 3.06) vs. RHP Russ Gray (SAC) (15-2, 2.45 ERA) - Sat: RHP J. Bradford (10–16, 3.83) vs. RHP Bernardo Andretti (SAC) (12-8, 2.87 ERA) - Sun: RHP A. Fuentes (4–14, 4.26) vs. RHP Robby Larson (SAC) (17-5, 1.89 ERA) Sacramento sits at 109–44, owners of the best record in baseball and a club that increasingly looks like it’s tuning up for October rather than simply playing out the schedule. And after that intense, playoff-caliber showdown in Boston — a series that felt every bit like a preview of the ALCS — the Prayers appear more focused than ever. Tuesday night was a reminder that even great teams trip when they stop paying attention. What mattered more was how Sacramento responded — no noise, no overcorrection, just clean pitching and steady baseball. If October really is about surviving close games, the Prayers spent the last two nights doing useful homework.

01-17-2026, 11:03 PM	#162
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN GAME RECAPS — SEPTEMBER 22–24, 1989 RAYERS SWEEP ABBOTS AS POSTSEASON FOCUS SHIFTS TO ROSTER HEALTH By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle SACRAMENTO, CA — The Sacramento Prayers (112-44) continued their march toward history this weekend, dispatching the El Paso Abbots in a dominant three-game sweep at Sacramento Stadium. While the team extended its winning streak to five games, the focus in the clubhouse has shifted toward the training table, as several key starters are battling late-season ailments. The sweep pushed Sacramento further into historically rare territory and underscored the club’s defining trait: reliable starting pitching backed by timely, unspectacular offense. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1989 ⚾ ANDRETTI SETTLES IN AS PRAYERS TAKE OPENER, 6–3 ⚾ Sacramento fans didn’t even have time to finish celebrating the morning’s headline before Bernardo Andretti gave them another. The right-hander worked 7.2 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits, striking out six to improve to 13–8. The Abbots struck first with a run in the opening inning, but Sacramento answered immediately on Bret Perez’s leadoff double and a subsequent rally. The game swung decisively in the fourth, when the Prayers sent eight men to the plate and scored four runs to break a 2–2 tie. Edwin Musco’s bases-loaded groundout plated a key run, and Hector Iniguez and Sam Strauss followed with run-scoring hits to give Andretti breathing room. “They scratched early, but we didn’t panic,” Andretti said afterward. “Once we got the lead, it was about pounding the zone and letting the defense work.” Defense wasn’t flawless — Musco committed two errors at shortstop — but Andretti kept El Paso from building momentum. Luis Prieto finished the job with 1.1 scoreless innings for his 41st save. Scipper Jimmy Aces liked the tone of the opener. “That’s a good Friday night win,” he said. “Not flashy, but solid all the way through.” ★ ★ ★ SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 — PRAYERS 6, ABBOTS 0 ⚾ GRAY DOMINATES IN 6–0 SHUTOUT; SACRAMENTO MOVES TO 111 WINS ⚾ Russ Gray has been overshadowed at times by the star power around him, but nights like this remind the league why Sacramento’s rotation is the envy of baseball. Russ Gray (16-2) was in command from the outset on Saturday, coming just one out shy of a complete-game shutout and allowing just six hits in a 6–0 victory that lowered his ERA to 2.33. He didn’t overpower — he simply smothered. El Paso put runners on in five different innings but never advanced anyone past second base against Gray, who induced a steady stream of routine contact. “I didn’t try to do anything special,” Gray said. “Just kept it down and trusted the guys behind me. In the end we took home the win, what’s not to like?” The Prayers broke through offensively in the fourth when Edwin Musco launched a solo home run, his 28th, to put Sacramento ahead. The game stayed tight until the eighth, when Hector Iniguez ripped a two-run double and Sacramento added three runs to put it away. Camden Liston chipped in with a pair of hits, and Sam Strauss stole his third base of the season. The only sour note: catcher [b]Jose Rubbi left the game after being injured while running the bases and was replaced by Alex Vieyra. “We’ll know more tomorrow,” Aces said postgame. “It didn’t look catastrophic, but we’ll be cautious.” Early indications suggest it’s minor, but Sacramento will monitor him closely with October approaching. ★ ★ ★ SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 — PRAYERS 5, ABBOTS 1 ⚾ LARSON FINISHES SWEEP AS PRAYERS CLOSE OUT ABBOTS, 5–1 ⚾ The sweep was completed Sunday afternoon behind Robby Larson, who continues to look like a man preparing for postseason warfare. The right‑hander delivered 6.2 innings of one‑run ball, striking out eight and improving to 18–5 with a 1.88 ERA. His biggest test came in the sixth, when El Paso put runners on first and second with two outs. Larson responded by retiring Victor Ruiz on a fly ball to center, preserving a 2–0 lead. Gil Caliari provided 2.1 innings of perfect relief without allowing a hit and earning his first save of the season. “That was probably the inning,” Larson said. “You get out of that, and you can breathe again.” Bret Perez was the undisputed star at the plate, turning in a perfect 4-for-4 afternoon that included a clutch RBI double in the 7th. Gil Cruz tripled, Sam Strauss doubled, and Alex Vieyra added a key RBI single. Sacramento’s offense didn’t overwhelm — it simply executed, inning after inning, the hallmark of a team that knows how to win in September. “We stayed within ourselves,” Aces said. “Three days, three different starters, same result. That’s what good teams do.” The sweep pushed the Prayers to 112–44, winners of five straight and 10 of their last 11, as the club prepares to head back out on the road. 🚑 TEAM NOTES & MEDICAL UPDATES 🚑 * C Jose Rubbi: In a major blow to the lineup, the standout catcher was injured while running the bases during Saturday's game. The team is currently evaluating the severity, but he was held out of Sunday's finale. * LF Francisco Hernandez & RF Alex Velasquez: Both remain sidelined. Hernandez (back tightness) and Velasquez (knee inflammation) have missed the entire El Paso series. The team expects them back for the upcoming Seattle trip, but their status remains Day-to-Day. * Eli Murguia (PCL) is roughly two weeks away from a return, while Andres Valadez is progressing slowly (Labrum) and remains out for 4-5 weeks. 📄 CONTRACTS & ROSTER NOTES 📄 The biggest off‑field story of the week came Tuesday, when Sacramento officially announced a five‑year extension with Bernardo Andretti worth $3.32 million. The deal keeps one of the American League’s premier arms in Sacramento through his age‑34 season. Andretti, now 13–8 with a 2.85 ERA in 28 starts, has been a pillar of the Prayers’ rotation since winning the 1987 Sy Young Award. His re‑signing ensures that Sacramento’s October window remains wide open — and perhaps even widening. 🔥 GEMMY’S TAKE: “THE QUIET ART OF DOING YOUR JOB” 🔥 "If you’re looking for fireworks, this wasn’t that kind of weekend — and that’s precisely the point. What the Prayers just did to El Paso is what the great teams of history have always done: identify the mismatch and calmly, methodically remove doubt. No walk-off heroics. No benches-clearing nonsense. Just three days of “thank you very much, drive safely.” Let’s start with the rotation. Andretti, Gray, Larson. Combined line: 23 innings, 4 runs allowed. That’s a 1.57 ERA over the weekend, for those keeping score at home. Gray’s now 16–2, which puts him in some pretty heady historical company — pitchers don’t stumble into records like that. They earn them by turning Saturday nights into naps for opposing hitters. And don’t overlook Larson. An 18–5 record with a sub-2.00 ERA in late September? That’s ace-level work, even if he doesn’t get the loud headlines. Some pitchers whisper dominance. Larson is fluent. Offensively, this was Sacramento baseball in its purest form. No one trying to hit the riverboat deck. Just doubles in the gap, productive outs, and an uncanny ability to score runs without looking like they’re trying to score runs. Bret Perez going 4-for-4 on Sunday felt almost routine, which tells you everything about where this club is mentally." A sweep is a sweep, and 112 wins is mind-boggling, but I’m looking at that injury list with a nervous eye. We’re essentially playing with a 'B-Team' outfield right now with Hernandez and Velasquez out. Seeing Jose Rubbi go down on Saturday was the last thing we needed. He’s been hitting .314 and is the heart of our battery. On the bright side, the Bernardo Andretti extension is a masterstroke by management. Locking him up before the playoffs start removes any distractions and rewards a guy who has been nails for us all summer. A quick history nugget before I step off the soapbox: teams that reach 112 wins before the final week of the season usually don’t fade quietly. They either stumble spectacularly… or they finish the job. This group looks much more interested in option number two. Also, if you’re an opposing manager watching Sacramento line up Andretti, Gray, Larson, Rubalcava in a short series? You’re already thinking about next spring." 📅 UP NEXT — ROAD TEST IN THE NORTHWEST & DESERT (SEPT. 26–30) 📅 Sacramento now heads to Seattle for a three‑game set to take on the Lucifers before finishing regular season in Tucson. Probable Matchups: * Tue 9/26 @ SEA: RHP N. Huichapa (14–10, 3.45) vs. RHP Jordan Rubalcava (16-5, 2.39 ERA) * Wed 9/27 @ SEA: RHP R. Sanderson (10–12, 3.81) vs. RHP Fernando Salazar (18-8, 2.96 ERA) * Thu 9/28 @ SEA: RHP N. Rossman (10–13, 3.86) vs. RHP Russ Gray (16-2, 2.33 ERA) Sacramento leaves home having taken care of business — and looking very much like a club with bigger plans than September.

01-18-2026, 10:22 AM	#163
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN SERIES RECAP — SEPTEMBER 26–28, 1989 PRAYERS TAKE TWO IN SEATTLE AS STARS RETURN TO LINEUP By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle SEATTLE, WA — Sacramento’s visit to Seattle followed a familiar late-September pattern: dominant starting pitching, efficient offense, and just enough turbulence to remind everyone that even the league’s best clubs still have to play the games. The Sacramento Prayers (114-45) continued their dominant late-season push, taking two out of three games against the Seattle Lucifers at Lucifers Park. While the pitching continued to lead the way, the biggest story of the series was the long-awaited return of Sacramento’s primary outfielders just in time for the final stretch of the regular season. Tuesday, September 26 — Prayers 2, Lucifers 1 ⚾ Rubalcava Sharp Again as Prayers Edge Seattle ⚾ If the Prayers needed a tone‑setter for the final road swing of the regular season, Jordan Rubalcava delivered it with the calm of a man already picturing October. The right‑hander carved through Seattle for eight innings, allowing just one run in a crisp 2–1 Sacramento victory that pushed the club to 113–44. Sacramento’s offense didn’t do much, but it didn’t need to. Gil Cruz punched two hits, Sam Strauss scored the opening run, and Logan Hicks delivered the lone RBI Sacramento would need. Rubalcava, now 17–5 with a 2.35 ERA, allowed five hits, struck out nine, and handed the game cleanly to Luis Prieto, who locked down his 42nd save. “Right now, things are falling our way,” manager Jimmy Aces said. “Jordan’s the reason nights like this feel easy. When you pitch like that, you don’t need to do much else.” ★ ★ ★ Wednesday, September 27 — Prayers 5, Lucifers 0 ⚾ Salazar Dominates as Sacramento Blanks Seattle ⚾ If Tuesday was a tone‑setter, Wednesday was a statement. Fernando Salazar, in one of his finest outings of the year, struck out 10 and allowed only three hits across 7.1 overpowering innings as Sacramento shut out Seattle 5–0, extending the winning streak to seven. The big blow came from Jose Rubbi, who launched a three‑run homer in the fifth — his 12th of the season — continuing his torrid September. Cameron Liston and Logan Hicks added RBI singles. Salazar improved to 19–8, lowering his ERA to 2.88, and looked every bit like a man ready for Game 1 of the ALCS. “It’s a mindset,” Salazar said. “Just trying to do your job, trying to be consistent.” Tight game underscored how little margin opponents have when the Prayers’ starters dictate tempo. ★ ★ ★ Thursday, September 28 — Lucifers 4, Prayers 2 ⚾ Seattle Avoids Sweep, Hands Prayers a Loss ⚾ The winning streak came to an end Thursday night, as Bernardo Andretti (13-9) suffered a rare loss. Seattle’s Noah Rossman outdueled Sacramento in a 4–2 Lucifers win. The finale went sideways early and never quite recovered. Sacramento scored twice in the first inning, but defensive miscues and missed opportunities opened the door for Seattle. Sacramento jumped ahead early on Francisco Hernandez’s 17th homer, but the bats went quiet afterward. Hector Iniguez doubled and singled three times, continuing his strong September, but the club stranded six runners. Bernardo Andretti, fresh off signing his five‑year, $3.32 million extension, pitched better than his line suggests. He allowed just two earned runs across 6.1 innings, but defensive miscues and Seattle’s timely hitting proved costly. “It happens,” Andretti said. “We’ll clean it up.” Seattle’s Aaron Miller delivered the decisive blow — a fifth‑inning RBI double that put the Lucifers ahead for good. Miller summed it up simply. “It’s nice to deliver when your team’s counting on you,” he said, as the Lucifers salvaged the series finale. Despite the loss, Sacramento sits at 114–45, still on pace for one of the best records in franchise history. 🚑 NOTES AND INJURY UPDATES 🚑 The Stars Return: The Prayers' lineup received a massive boost on Thursday as both primary corner outfielders returned to active duty: * LF Francisco Hernandez: Returned to the starting lineup for Game 3 after recovering from back tightness. He immediately made an impact, launching a solo home run in his first at-bat. * RF Alex Velasquez: Also returned for Game 3 following a bout of knee inflammation. He went 1-for-3 with a walk, looking mobile in the field. Status Report: * C Jose Rubbi: Despite the injury scare in the El Paso series, Rubbi started Games 1 and 2, showing no lingering ill effects from his baserunning mishap. He was rested for the series finale. * LF Eli Murguia: (PCL) is entering the final week of his recovery. The team expects him to begin baseball activities soon. * SS Andres Valadez: (Labrum) remains on track with a 4-week recovery timeline. 🔥 GEMMY’S TAKE: "READY FOR THE STRETCH RUN" 🔥 "It felt like Christmas in September seeing Francisco Hernandez and Alex Velasquez back in those corner outfield spots on Thursday. Hernandez launching a bomb in the first inning? That's exactly the kind of momentum we need as we head toward October. Fernando Salazar is just one win away from 20! His 10-strikeout performance was a reminder that even if our bats have a quiet night, our rotation can shut down anyone, anywhere. I’m not worried about the loss in the finale; Andretti just had a bit of bad luck with the defense behind him. We’re heading to Tucson next. The Cherubs are a sub-.500 team, and I’m looking for Salazar to get that 20th win and for the hitters to get their timing back with the full squad finally reunited." 📅 UP NEXT: SACRAMENTO AT TUCSON CHERUBS 📅 Sacramento heads to Tucson for a weekend set: * Fri, Sept. 29 at Tucson — LHP K. Kubota (10–11, 4.31) vs. RHP Russ Gray (16-2, 2.33 ERA) * Sat, Sept. 30 at Tucson — LHP A. Perez (0–0, 0.00) vs. RHP Jordan Rubalcava (17-5, 2.35 ERA) * Sun, Oct. 1 at Tucson — RHP T. Crossley (5–12, 4.26) vs. RHP Fernando Salazar (19-8, 2.88 ERA) If the rotation continues to set the terms, the Prayers may treat the desert as little more than a final tune-up.

01-18-2026, 01:22 PM	#164
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN SERIES RECAP — SEPTEMBER 29–OCTOBER 1, 1989 PRAYERS FINISH HISTORIC SEASON WITH 116 WINS; MACDONALD SIGNS EXTENSION By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle TUCSON, AZ — The Sacramento Prayers (116-46) have officially closed the book on one of the greatest regular seasons in Fictional Baseball League history. After taking two of three from the Tucson Cherubs, the Prayers head into the postseason with momentum, a healthy roster, and the security of knowing a key veteran will be staying in Sacramento for years to come. The Sacramento Prayers wrapped up their final road series of the regular season with a thunderous 13–1 victory over the Tucson Cherubs, punctuating a dominant stretch that has them looking every bit like the American League’s team to beat. The series featured three very different games — a crisp shutout, a frustrating loss, and then a full‑throttle offensive explosion — but the takeaway is the same: Sacramento is rolling into October with momentum, depth, and star power. ★ ★ ★ Friday, September 29 — Prayers 3, Cherubs 0 ⚾ Larson’s One‑Hit Gem Sets the Tone ⚾ Robby Larson set the tone immediately. The right-hander carved through Tucson’s lineup for eight shutout innings, allowing just one hit on 92 pitches as Sacramento opened the series with a crisp, controlled win. Larson struck out six, walked one, and never allowed the Cherubs to mount anything resembling sustained pressure. Sacramento scored in the first, fifth, and eighth innings, with Francisco “Slicker” Hernandez doing the most damage. Hernandez doubled home a run in the opening frame and later added a solo homer in the eighth, his 18th of the year. Luis Prieto finished things cleanly in the ninth to collect his 43rd save. “Robby showed what he’s made of, he’s locked in.” Manager Jimmy Aces praised Larson’s poise afterward. “That’s exactly the pace we want heading into October.” ★ ★ ★ Saturday, September 30 — Cherubs 5, Prayers 4 ⚾ Costner’s Blast Sinks Sacramento ⚾ Saturday was the lone stumble. Russ Gray, usually a pillar of reliability, was ambushed early. A rare stumble for Russ Gray (16-3) saw him surrender five runs in just four innings, including two home runs. Sacramento struck first on a leadoff home run by Hernandez, but Tucson answered quickly and decisively. Tucson’s J.J. Costner crushed a three‑run homer in the third inning, part of a five‑run outburst that held up despite a late Sacramento rally. Edwin Musco’s three‑run homer in the ninth (No. 29) made it interesting, but the comeback fell short. Gray took only his third loss of the season. Tucson manager Russ Barrett praised his club’s focus, calling it a “businesslike approach,” while Sacramento was left to file the game under missed chances rather than warning signs. ★ ★ ★ Sunday, October 1 — Prayers 13, Cherubs 1 ⚾ Velasquez, Musco, Iniguez Lead a 19‑Hit Barrage ⚾ Any concern lingering from Saturday was erased quickly on Sunday. Sacramento erupted for 13 runs, turning the finale into a thorough dismantling. Alex Velasquez led the way, delivering one of the most complete offensive performances of the season: 3-for-5 at bat with a three-run homer, a double, and five RBIs. George MacDonald added a three‑run homer, Hector Iniguez launched two long balls, and the Prayers piled up 19 hits. Jordan Rubalcava handled the rest. The right-hander went the distance, allowing one run on four hits while striking out eight. He worked efficiently, rarely letting Tucson string together quality at-bats. “We’ll take some time to unwind,” Velasquez said, “and then get after it again.” That sentiment summed up the afternoon — professional, loose, and emphatic. ★ ★ ★ CONTRACT NEWS — SACRAMENTO LOCKS UP ANOTHER CORNERSTONE �� George MacDonald Stays Put; Signs 5‑Year, $1.94M Extension �� The Prayers reached a major milestone off the field this week. Just days after extending Bernardo Andretti, the Prayers secured another key piece of their core. First baseman George MacDonald agreed to a five‑year, $1,939,200 contract, keeping the 28‑year‑old in Sacramento through 1994. MacDonald has been a model of consistency: - .270 average - 18 HR - 88 RBI - 149 games played MacDonald is seen as a vital clubhouse leader. The front office is clearly intent on keeping the championship window wide open. ★ ★ ★ LEAGUE NEWS — A SHOCK IN WASHINGTON; THE DEVILS IN MOURNING Washington Devils Owner Kyle Bone Dies at 84 The baseball world was shaken by the passing of Kyle Bone, longtime owner of the Washington Devils. Bone, known for his fiery competitiveness and deep pockets, succumbed to illness earlier this week. Early reports suggest his son, Bubba Bone, is the leading candidate to assume ownership. His reputation? League insiders describe his managerial style as "unmerciful", "charitable with money", they call Bubba an "aggressive decision‑maker", leading to questions about potential front-office shakeups in Washington this winter. The Devils’ future direction — and the AL East landscape — may shift dramatically depending on how the younger Bone reshapes the organization. ★ ★ ★ �� GEMMY’S TAKE: "A SEASON FOR THE AGES" �� "116 wins. Let that sink in. We just watched the most dominant Sacramento team of our lives. Watching Alex Velasquez clear the fences on Sunday was the perfect exclamation point. He looks ready for October. I’m also thrilled about the George MacDonald extension. You don't let a guy with that kind of grit walk away. As for the news out of Washington, my heart goes out to the Bone family. It'll be interesting to see if Bubba Bone’s 'unmerciful' style changes the culture of the Devils. But for us? It’s all about Brooklyn now. The Priests are a tough Wildcard team, but with Larson, Rubalcava, and Salazar all sitting on 18 or 19 wins, I don't see how anyone takes three games from us in a series." �� Injury Report �� * LF Eli Murguia: (PCL) is listed as "day-to-day" (4 days remaining). He is expected to be available for the Division Series. * SS Andres Valadez: (Labrum) remains on the IL. He is still 3–4 weeks away from a return and will likely miss the entire postseason. ★ ★ ★ �� PLAYOFF PICTURE SET �� American League - Sacramento (116–46): Clinched AL West; best record in baseball. - Boston (90–72): AL East champions. - Columbus (87–75) and Brooklyn (87–75): Both clinch Wild Cards. - San Jose falls short despite a late push. National League - Nashville (96–66): NL East champions. - Phoenix (95–67): NL West champions. - Los Angeles (88–74) and Houston (86–76): Wild Cards. The postseason bracket is now locked — and Sacramento’s path begins with a familiar foe. ★ ★ ★ �� COMING UP NEXT — BROOKLYN PRIETS SERIES PREVIEW �� The Prayers open the postseason with a five‑game ALDS against the Brooklyn Priests, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 4 at Sacramento Stadium. Brooklyn brings: - A deep rotation led by D. Olivares (16–13, 3.24) - A lineup built on speed (209 steals) and contact - A bullpen that can shorten games Sacramento counters with: - The league’s best pitching staff (2.38 ERA) - A lineup that just posted 748 runs - Home‑field advantage and a rested rotation This matchup has all the makings of a classic — and a potential stepping stone toward a rematch with Boston in the ALCS, a showdown many around the league are already whispering about. Last edited by liberty-ca; 01-18-2026 at 05:25 PM.

01-18-2026, 02:36 PM	#165
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN EDITORIAL — THE 1989 SACRAMENTO PRAYERS The Miracle on 16th Street — Reflections on a 116-Win Season By C.O. Pilot, Baseball News Network (BNN), and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle They say that in baseball, you’re going to win 54 games and you’re going to lose 54 games; it’s what you do with the other 54 that counts. Well, the 1989 Sacramento Prayers clearly didn’t get the memo. By finishing the regular season at 116-46, this squad didn't just play the "other 54" — they conquered them. From Opening Day through the final out in Tucson, the Prayers authored one of the most complete, disciplined, and downright punishing regular seasons in the history of the Fictional Baseball League. Their final ledger — 116 wins, 46 losses, a .716 winning percentage — doesn’t just lead the American League. It redefines the standard for what a modern powerhouse looks like. This wasn’t a team that snuck up on anyone. Sacramento announced itself early, sustained excellence through every month, and closed the year with the swagger of a club that knows exactly who it is. And who they are is simple: the most balanced, most relentless, most structurally sound team in baseball. As we stand on the precipice of the Division Series against Brooklyn, it is worth looking back at how this team turned the American League West into a 162-game coronation, finishing a staggering 34 games ahead of the second-place San Jose Demons. ★ ★ ★ A Rotation of Goliaths The backbone of this season was a starting rotation that bordered on unfair. If you want to know why the Prayers are the most feared team in the FBL, look no further than the mound. The team posted a league-best 2.38 ERA. To put that in perspective, the next closest team in the AL West (San Jose) was nearly a full run higher at 3.33. The "Big Three" of Larson, Rubalcava, and Salazar combined for 56 wins. - Robby Larson (19–5, 1.82 ERA) pitched like a man determined to reclaim the ace mantle he once held. His late‑September one‑hit masterpiece in Tucson was the exclamation point on a season of precision and poise. A masterclass in efficiency. His 0.94 WHIP led the staff and kept opposing dugouts in a constant state of frustration. - Jordan Rubalcava (18–5, 2.30 ERA) delivered workhorse brilliance, leading the staff in strikeouts and innings while rarely showing signs of fatigue. The strikeout king, racking up 201 punchouts and finishing the season with a dominant 4-hit complete game in Tucson. - Fernando Salazar (19–8, 2.88 ERA) was the quiet killer — a technician who saved some of his best work for September, including a 10‑strikeout shutout in Seattle. The workhorse who provided 253.1 innings of pure reliability. - Bernardo Andretti (13–9, 2.85 ERA) battled exhaustion late but still produced a season worthy of a frontline starter — and earned a five‑year extension because of it. - Russ Gray (16–3, 2.54 ERA), the veteran, gave Sacramento exactly what a contender needs: stability, efficiency, and the ability to stop losing streaks before they start. Together, they formed the league’s best rotation by ERA, WHIP, opponent average, and nearly every other metric that matters. ★ ★ ★ A Lineup Without a Weak Link While the rotation was the backbone, the lineup was the heartbeat — steady, powerful, and impossible to silence for long. Edwin Musco put together an MVP‑caliber campaign, leading the team in almost every meaningful category: - .296 average - 29 home runs - 101 RBI - 7 triples - 21 steals His 6.9 WAR tells the story of a shortstop who anchored this team through every winning streak. He was the engine, the spark, and the safety valve all at once. We also saw the vital importance of veteran presence. Hector Iniguez quietly became one of the most valuable second basemen in the league, finishing with 83 RBI, 36 doubles, and a career‑best 18 homers. Alex Velasquez delivered a late‑season surge, finishing with 20 home runs, 78 RBI, and a team‑leading flair for the dramatic — none bigger than his 15th‑inning blast in Boston. Francisco Hernandez, streaky but explosive, added 19 homers and 53 steals, becoming one of the most dangerous dual‑threat players in the AL. George MacDonald, freshly re‑signed to a five‑year deal, posted 18 homers, 88 RBI, and a .270 average — the kind of middle‑order consistency that championship teams are built on. And then there was Jose Rubbi, the breakout star behind the plate. His .311 average, 12 homers, and .907 OPS made him one of the league’s most dangerous catchers — and one of its most indispensable. ★ ★ ★ A Bullpen That Closed the Door Sacramento’s bullpen wasn’t just good — it was suffocating. - Luis Prieto, despite heavy usage, finished with 43 saves and a 2.64 ERA. - Ricky Gaias became one of the league’s premier setup men, posting a 1.73 ERA. - Matt Wright, Aaron Gilbert, and Jose Vizcarra formed a trio of middle‑inning stoppers that turned every game into a six‑inning contest. The numbers don’t lie: Sacramento allowed just 435 runs all season, the fewest in the American League by a wide margin. ★ ★ ★ “We try to play the same game every night,” Aces said on the last day of the regular the season. “That way, when the calendar changes, nothing else has to. We move on now to the Brooklyn Priests. They are a good team (87-75), but they are entering a lion’s den at Sacramento.” Well, the 116 wins are in the history books. The shutouts are tallied. The contracts are signed. Now, there is only one thing left to do. The city is ready. The rotation is rested. Let’s go get that ring.

01-18-2026, 05:30 PM	#166
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN DIVISION SERIES RECAP — OCTOBER 4–7, 1989 BUSINESS-LIKE SWEEP: PRAYERS DISPATCH PRIESTS, MOVE ON WITHOUT DRAMA By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle BROOKLYN, NY — If you were waiting for fireworks, chaos, or a heart-stopping ninth inning… you didn’t get one. And honestly? That’s the loudest statement this team could make. This series was a reminder of what playoff baseball used to look like when execution mattered more than adrenaline. The Sacramento Prayers’ historic 116-win regular season was no fluke. In a dominant three-game display, the Prayers dismantled the Brooklyn Priests, sweeping the American League Division Series to advance to the League Championship Series. Sacramento outscored Brooklyn 22–6 over the three games, proving that their regular-season excellence travels well into October. It was postseason baseball played the Sacramento way: patient, prepared, and largely unspectacular — which, by design, made it effective. GAME 1: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4 — PRAYERS 6, PRIESTS 1 Larson Sets the Tone as Sacramento Strikes First The tone of the series was established quickly, and calmly, behind Robby Larson, who delivered steady, high-leverage pitching in the opener. The right‑hander, who’d just capped a 19‑5, 1.82 ERA season, opened the series with 6.2 innings of four‑hit, one‑run ball, striking out 10 in a 6‑1 win. Brooklyn scratched across its lone run on a two‑out double by L. Reddick in the fifth, but Larson and reliever Gil Caliari (2.1 scoreless) never let the Priests breathe. Sacramento left just two men on base all night and committed no defensive errors. Sacramento’s offense did its damage in two bursts. An early run in the first set the tone, but the knockout came in the fifth: Jose Rubbi led off with a double, and with runners on the corners and one out, Bret Perez ripped a two‑run double to right‑center to make it 4‑1. Edwin Musco and George MacDonald added two‑out RBI in the frame, turning a tight game into a comfortable opener. Perez finished 2‑for‑4 with two RBI, and Sacramento swiped four bags — Perez, Francisco Hernandez (twice), and Musco — showcasing the athleticism that fueled their league‑leading attack. “Robby put us in position from the first pitch,” manager Jimmy Aces said afterward. “That’s exactly what you want in Game 1.” ★ ★ ★ GAME 2: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 — PRAYERS 6, PRIESTS 2 Late Surge, Salazar’s Stamina Push Series to Brink If Game 1 was about overpowering stuff, Game 2 was about stubborn, veteran work. For six innings, Game 2 leaned Brooklyn’s way. Then the Prayers flipped it in a hurry. Fernando Salazar, coming off a 19‑8, 2.88 regular season, went 8.2 innings, allowing just two runs (one earned) on six hits in a 6‑2 victory that put Sacramento up 2‑0 in the series. He walked two, struck out seven, and repeatedly stranded Brooklyn traffic, including a key escape from trouble in the middle innings. “You stay patient,” Salazar said. “This lineup doesn’t need to force anything. Eventually, something opens up.” For six frames, though, the Priests held a 2‑0 edge, threatening to steal home‑field advantage. Then Sacramento’s lineup woke up. In the seventh, with two outs and two on, Sam Strauss turned on an A. Mendoza pitch and launched a three‑run homer to right, flipping the game from 0‑2 to 3‑2 in one swing. An inning later, MacDonald delivered the dagger: a three‑run shot off I. Perez that stretched the lead to 6‑2 and effectively ended Brooklyn’s night. Musco went 2‑for‑3 with a walk and two runs, Perez added two more hits, and the Prayers showed exactly why they led the AL in runs scored. The victory sent Sacramento east with a 2–0 series lead and the look of a club fully in control of the matchup. ★ ★ ★ GAME 3: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 — PRAYERS 10, PRIESTS 3 Rubalcava and the Bats Finish the Job Back in Brooklyn, Sacramento didn’t bother with drama. Any thought of a Brooklyn rally ended by the fourth inning of Game 3. The series finale was a Sacramento hit parade. The Prayers closed the series with a 10‑3 rout at Priests Grounds, piling on early and late to complete the sweep. Jordan Rubalcava, the 18‑5, 2.30 workhorse, gave them 7.2 innings of seven‑hit ball, allowing just one earned run while striking out five. Ricky Gaias finished it off, surrendering only a late solo homer to A. Hamilton. The lineup, again, was relentless. Down 2‑0 after the second, Sacramento answered with three in the third — highlighted by a two‑run homer from Hernandez — and three more in the fourth. Alex Velasquez owned the night: he went deep twice, a two‑run shot off K. Yates in the fourth and another two‑run blast off T. Mendez in the ninth, finishing 2‑for‑5 with four RBI. Hector Iniguez added a solo homer, Strauss doubled, and Logan Hicks chipped in two hits and an RBI from the bottom of the order. By the time the ninth‑inning barrage ended, the Priests were buried under 10 Sacramento runs and 11 hits. Perez, steady all series at the top of the card, was named series MVP after hitting .417 with a .462 on‑base percentage, anchoring the infield and setting the table for the power behind him. “We didn’t try to do too much,” Perez said. “We just kept passing it along.” Sacramento committed a few defensive miscues but answered each one quickly, never allowing Brooklyn to close the gap below four runs after the fourth inning. ★ ★ ★ SERIES TAKEAWAYS A juggernaut rolls on, as the league shifts around it The sweep felt less like an upset and more like confirmation. Sacramento’s rotation—Larson, Salazar, Rubalcava, with Bernardo Andretti and Russ Gray behind them—just finished authoring a 2.38 team ERA, the best in the American League by a wide margin. Luis Prieto’s 43 saves and a deep bullpen (Gaias, Caliari, Aaron Gilbert, recently extended for four more years) give Jimmy Aces options in every late‑inning script. On offense, Musco’s .296/29/101 line, Iniguez’s 36 doubles and 83 RBI, Velasquez’s 20 homers, Hernandez’s blend of power and 53 steals, and the catching tandem of Rubbi (.311 with pop) and Vieyra form a lineup that can win with speed, patience, or brute force. The front office has doubled down on this core: Andretti inked a five‑year extension in late September, MacDonald followed with a five‑year deal on October 1, and Gilbert’s four‑year pact was announced the same day the Prayers finished off Brooklyn. This isn’t a one‑year window; it’s a sustained build. Around the league, the landscape is shifting. Boston has just finished outlasting Columbus in the other AL Division Series, setting up a heavyweight League Championship clash between the 90‑win Messiahs and Sacramento’s 116‑win machine. In the National League, Nashville and Phoenix have already clinched their divisions, while Los Angeles grabbed the NL Wild Card despite a late skid. Off the field, the Washington Devils are reeling from the death of longtime owner Kyle Bone, with his son Bubba poised to take over a franchise that finished 72‑90 but still carries a passionate fan base. CONTACT NEWS & ROSTER UPDATES Gilbert Extended: The Prayers front office continues to secure their future. Shortly after the Game 3 victory, Sacramento announced they have locked up reliever Aaron Gilbert to a 4-year, $1.2 million extension ($300k/year). While league analysts suggest Gilbert’s peak years may be behind him, his 1.24 ERA this season made him a priority for the Prayers’ bullpen stability. Injury Update: * SS Andres Valadez: His recovery from a partially torn labrum is progressing. He is estimated to be 2 weeks away. While he will miss the LCS, there is a slim hope he could return if the Prayers reach the World Series. LEAGUE NEWS: THE MESSIAHS AWAIT The ALCS matchup is set. The Boston Messiahs defeated the Columbus Heaven (3-1) to punch their ticket to Sacramento. The Messiahs come into the series led by a terrifying 26-win season from E. Marin, setting up a "clash of the titans" against Sacramento’s record-breaking rotation. Meanwhile, around the league, the Washington Devils continue their period of mourning following the death of owner Kyle Bone. Players across the league have expressed condolences as Bubba Bone prepares to take over operations. GEMMY’S TAKE: "THE BIG GREEN MACHINE OF THE WEST" "That wasn't just a playoff series; it was a statement. Brooklyn didn't know what hit them. When Bret Perez plays like an MVP and Alex Velasquez starts hitting multi-home run games, this team is impossible to beat. I love the Aaron Gilbert extension. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move for a guy who has been a silent assassin in our bullpen all year. We’re going to need that depth against Boston. The Messiahs have Marin, and that guy is a win-machine, but he hasn't faced a lineup like ours yet. Get your tickets now, Sacramento—this LCS is going to be legendary." UPCOMING: AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES VS. BOSTON For now, though, the story is simple: Sacramento was supposed to dominate, and it did. Three games, three wins, a 22‑6 aggregate score, and barely a moment where the series felt in doubt. The Prayers now turn their attention to the Boston Messiahs and the League Championship Series — a collision between the AL’s best pitching staff and one of its most balanced lineups. Sacramento has already locked up its future with long‑term deals and proven, over 162 games and one ruthless Division Series, that the road to the FBL crown runs through Sacramento Stadium. Attached Images

01-18-2026, 07:42 PM	#167
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	1989 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES RECAP PRAYERS RALLY FROM 3-1 DEFICIT TO CLAIM PENNANT; WORLD SERIES BOUND By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle SACRAMENTO, CA — They say a 116-win season doesn't guarantee you a thing in October, and for the first four games of the ALCS, it looked like the Sacramento Prayers were going to be the greatest "what-if" in baseball history. But in a display of sheer resilience that will be talked about in this city for decades, the Prayers stared down elimination three times to defeat the Boston Messiahs, 4 games to 3. The 1989 ALCS was everything a seven‑game series is supposed to be: tense, unpredictable, and shaped by pitching duels, sudden offensive eruptions, and stars rising to the moment. Sacramento, after falling behind 0–2 and later 1–3, stormed back to win the final three games and claim the American League pennant. It was a series defined by resilience — and ultimately, by George MacDonald, whose steady production earned him Series MVP honors. Sacramento is headed to the World Series. ★ ★ ★ GAME 1 — OCTOBER 12: Boston 2, Sacramento 1 Barrera outduels Rubalcava; Messiahs steal opener The League Championship Series opened quietly Thursday night at Sacramento Stadium, where runs were scarce and every baserunner mattered. Boston left-hander Jose Barrera set the tone early, working efficiently through seven innings as the Messiahs edged the Prayers, 2–1, to take the opener. Sacramento struck first in the fourth when Edwin Musco drove a solo home run into the seats in right, briefly lifting the crowd of 23,934. The lead didn’t last. In the fifth, Boston pieced together its decisive rally without an extra-base hit. Enrique Delgado’s run-scoring single plated the tying run, and a sacrifice fly from Victor Camargo pushed the Messiahs ahead. Jordan Rubalcava was nearly flawless in defeat. The Sacramento right-hander allowed just four hits over eight innings and did not surrender an earned run, but received little margin for error. Sacramento stranded seven runners, including multiple in scoring position. “That’s October baseball,” Delgado said afterward. “You take what the game gives you.” Boston’s bullpen bent in the ninth but did not break, with Dan Tolliver stranding three inherited runners to close it out. Boston leads series 1–0. ★ ★ ★ GAME 2, OCTOBER 13: Boston 10, Sacramento 2 Messiahs ambush Larson, take commanding lead This one got away early. The Messiahs jumped on Sacramento early and never let the Prayers settle in, rolling to a 10–2 win and a commanding two-game series lead. Manuel Hernandez’s two-run triple in the first inning set the tone, and Boston kept adding on. Ken Johnson delivered 7⅔ strong innings, allowing three hits and just one earned run while consistently pitching ahead in the count. Sacramento struggled defensively, committing three errors, and never found a rhythm at the plate. Their two runs came late and did little to change the flow of the night. “Ken pitched his heart out,” Boston manager Tim Nunez said. “When you get that kind of start, the game lines up for you.” The series shifted east with Sacramento searching for footing and answers. Boston leads series 2–0. ★ ★ ★ GAME 3 — OCTOBER 15: Sacramento 9, Boston 3 Salazar stabilizes the Prayers; offense erupts late Facing the possibility of being buried early, the Prayers responded Sunday night in Boston with their most complete effort of the series. Sacramento needed a veteran performance — right-hander Fernando Salazar delivered 7⅓ steady innings (5 H, 3 ER, 8 K), and Sacramento’s lineup finally found timely hits in a 9–3 win. Edwin Musco’s two-run single in the seventh broke the game open, turning a narrow lead into breathing room. Sacramento tacked on four more runs over the final three innings, including late power from Sam Strauss and Edgar Murguia. Boston’s mistakes piled up defensively, while Sacramento turned three double plays behind Salazar, keeping momentum firmly on its side. “We didn’t pitch good, and when you don’t pitch good, you lose,” Nunez said flatly. Sacramento cuts the deficit to 2–1. ★ ★ ★ GAME 4 — OCTOBER 16: Boston 6, Sacramento 4 Messiahs push Prayers to the brink Boston moved within one win of the pennant Monday night, capitalizing on a decisive sixth inning to take a 6–4 victory at Messiahs Stadium. Matt Adams delivered the key blow, lining a two-run double with two outs to break open a tight game. Matt Canada followed with a steady six-inning start, surviving a three-home-run seventh from Sacramento without losing the lead. The Prayers showed life with solo homers from Rubbi, Velasquez, and Musco, but could not string together sustained pressure. “I liked his command,” Nunez said of Canada. “He stayed aggressive.” Sacramento now faced elimination heading back home. Boston leads series 3–1. ★ ★ ★ GAME 5 — OCTOBER 17: Sacramento 6, Boston 3 Rubalcava keeps Sacramento alive Jordan Rubalcava gave Sacramento exactly what it needed Tuesday night, and the Prayers kept the series alive with a 6–3 win. Sam Strauss supplied the early spark with a solo home run in the fourth, and a four-run fifth inning gave Sacramento separation. Rubalcava worked 7⅓ innings, allowing three runs while navigating traffic with poise. Boston threatened late but was held in check by the Sacramento bullpen. “When Jordan is on, he can really move the ball around,” manager Jimmy Aces said. “That’s why you hand him the ball in spots like this.” The series returned west for a decisive final stretch. Boston leads series 3–2. ★ ★ ★ GAME 6 — OCTOBER 19, Sacramento 6, Boston 2 Larson’s redemption forces Game 7 With the season on the line, Sacramento delivered its most confident home performance of the postseason. Robby Larson fired 6⅓ scoreless innings, and the Prayers forced a winner-take-all Game 7 with a 6–2 victory before a raucous Sacramento Stadium crowd. The Messiahs managed only two runs, both coming in the ninth after the outcome was largely decided. Sacramento built steadily, scoring in four separate innings and pulling away late. Sacramento’s offense was balanced and relentless: - MacDonald drove in three. - Strauss doubled. - Francisco Hernandez went 3‑for‑4 with two RBI. - Rubbi doubled twice before leaving with an injury. “Good baseball players make you a smarter manager,” Aces said. “Tonight, they made it easy.” The Prayers tied the series 3–3. The series would come down to one final game. ★ ★ ★ PRAYERS CLOSE THE DOOR IN GAME 7, ADVANCE WITH COMPOSED ROAD WIN GAME 7 — Sacramento 3, Boston 2 In a tense, rain‑delayed finale at Sacramento Stadium, the Prayers finished the job. Fernando Salazar, pitching on short rest, gave Sacramento 5 scoreless innings. Matt Wright and Luis Prieto carried the final four frames, with Prieto earning his second save of the series. Offensively: - Musco’s sac fly put Sacramento ahead. - Alex Velasquez delivered a two‑out RBI. - George MacDonald reached base and scored, continuing the steady production that earned him MVP. Boston rallied for two in the eighth, but Prieto shut the door in the ninth. “That’s a mature win,” manager Jimmy Aces said afterward. “Nobody tried to do too much. We stayed inside ourselves and trusted the game plan.” Sacramento wins the ALCS, 4–3. ★ ★ ★ [b]SERIES MVP: GEORGE MACDONALD[/b] (.321 AVG, .345 OBP, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R) While many stars contributed, the Series MVP honors went to George MacDonald. In a series where every run felt like pulling teeth, his consistency in the middle of the order was the bridge that allowed the Prayers to cross back from the brink of elimination. MacDonald didn’t have the loudest moments — he had the most important ones. - A homer in Game 2 - A triple in Game 5 - Multiple multi‑hit games - Run production in nearly every Sacramento win He was the constant presence in a series defined by turbulence. ★ ★ ★ THE STORY OF THE SERIES 1. Sacramento’s rotation carried them back from the edge If MacDonald was the heart, Fernando Salazar was the backbone. Salazar went 3-0 this postseason, including the decisive Game 7 victory. After the Prayers fell behind 2-0, it was Salazar in Game 3 who stopped the bleeding. Robby Larson also found his postseason footing. After a disastrous Game 2 where he surrendered 8 runs (5 earned), he returned in Game 6 with the season on the line and threw 6.1 innings of scoreless, 4-hit baseball to force the Game 7. 2. Sacramento’s stars showed up when it mattered - Musco: clutch RBIs in Games 3 and 5 - Strauss: 3 HR in the series - Velasquez: 7 RBI, including key Game 7 production - Hernandez: 4 SB, multi‑hit games late - Rubbi: huge doubles before injury ★ ★ ★ NLCS NEWS: THE FALL OF THE SAINTS In the National League, the Houston Crusaders mirrored Sacramento's drama, defeating the Los Angeles Saints in a 7-game thriller. This sets up a World Series between two teams that have survived the absolute limit of postseason pressure. The Crusaders are known for their aggressive base-running, which will test Sacramento’s depleted catching depth if Rubbi cannot go. ★ ★ ★ GEMMY’S TAKE: "RAIN, PAIN, AND GLORY" "I’m still drying off from that 67-minute rain delay in Game 7, and my heart rate hasn't settled. When Luis Prieto gave up those two runs in the 8th, I think the entire stadium stopped breathing. But this team... 116 wins wasn't a fluke. It was a callus. They were built for this. We are going to the World Series, folks. We’re banged up—losing Murguia and Rubbi in back-to-back games is a nightmare—but we have Salazar, we have Larson, and we have a city that is absolutely on fire. Houston, you have a problem, and its name is Sacramento." ★ ★ ★ NEXT STOP: THE WORLD SERIES Sacramento Prayers vs. Houston Crusaders Houston survived a seven‑game war with the Los Angeles Saints, setting up a rematch of the regular‑season powerhouse vs. the NL’s most dangerous underdog. And Sacramento enters the Fall Classic battle‑tested, hardened, and carrying the momentum of a comeback for the ages.

01-20-2026, 12:06 AM	#168
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN WORLD SERIES RECAP — GAMES 1 & 2 HOUSTON CRUSADERS vs. SACRAMENTO PRAYERS By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle GAME 1 — SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1989 Crusaders’ Seventh-Inning Surge Stuns Sacramento, 7–1 SACRAMENTO, CA — The World Series opened in Sacramento, but the home crowd saw the Prayers get ambushed by a single catastrophic inning. For six innings Sunday night at Sacramento Stadium, the 1989 World Series opener followed a familiar script: Jordan Rubalcava in command, the Prayers playing clean defense, and a tense, low-scoring game unfolding pitch by pitch. Then the seventh inning arrived — and with it, the defining moment of the night. Houston sent 11 men to the plate, scoring seven runs and flipping a 1–0 deficit into a decisive 7–1 victory that gave the Crusaders a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The inning was punctuated by Matt Richardson’s bases-clearing double, a line drive into the gap that finally broke Rubalcava’s control of the game. Rubalcava worked 6⅔ innings and allowed just three runs before trouble cascaded. After a sacrifice fly and a balk, manager Jimmy Aces pulled his ace for Gil Caliari. It was a disaster. Caliari’s line reads like a horror story: 0.0 IP, 3 hits, 2 walks, 1 wild pitch, and 4 earned runs. Gil Caliari was clearly incapable to stop the momentum, as Houston turned patience and hard contact into separation. Until that point, Sacramento had done enough to stay in front. Eli Murguia’s RBI double in the first inning accounted for the Prayers’ only run, and Rubalcava retired 13 of 14 batters at one stretch while mixing his fastball and breaking pitches effectively. Houston starter Stephen Meinert matched him nearly pitch for pitch, throwing 7⅔ innings of six-hit baseball and keeping Sacramento off balance with movement rather than velocity. The Crusaders finished the night with four double plays, repeatedly erasing Sacramento baserunners. “We didn’t play like we are capable of playing that inning,” manager Jimmy Aces said. “Up to that point, it was the game we wanted. One inning got away from us.” A 28-minute rain delay in the fifth inning briefly slowed the pace but did little to alter the tone once Houston seized control. The Crusaders left the field having delivered the first punch of the Series. Sacramento, for the first time this postseason, was forced to absorb it. GEMMY’S TAKE — GAME 1: ONE INNING CAN STILL HUMBLE ANYONE Let’s be very clear: this was not a bad game for Sacramento — until it was. If you’re looking for panic, you won’t find it in the first six innings. Rubalcava was sharp. The defense was airtight. The offense scratched early and stayed competitive. This is exactly how October games are supposed to feel. But here’s the thing about World Series baseball — it doesn’t care how well you played earlier. It’s hard to win a ballgame when you hit into four double plays. Every time the Prayers threatened to build on Eli Murguia’s first-inning RBI double, the Crusaders' infield turned two. We saw Eli Murguia and Jose Rubbi back in the lineup tonight after their ALCS injury scares, which was a relief. But the relief we needed — the kind that comes from the bullpen — was nowhere to be found. Gil Caliari has been a steady hand all season, but tonight his $110,000 contract felt like a heavy burden as he watched the Crusaders circle the bases. That seventh inning is a reminder that postseason margins are thin enough to disappear in real time. Richardson didn’t swing for folklore; he squared a pitch that caught too much plate. Houston didn’t ambush — they accumulated. What struck me most was Houston’s discipline. They didn’t expand the zone, and they punished mistakes. Those four double plays turned by the Crusaders weren’t accidents — they were positioning and preparation. So yes, Caliari struggled. But this isn’t about blame. This is about October reminding even great teams that control is temporary. Houston walked away with a commanding win and a 1–0 series lead. The good news? Sacramento didn’t get exposed — they got tested. And tested teams tend to respond. ★ ★ ★ GAME 2 — MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1989 Murguia’s Bat Levels Series as Prayers Claim Game 2, 4–1 SACRAMENTO, CA — If Game 1 was defined by one inning unraveling, Game 2 was shaped by one swing landing cleanly. With two outs in the bottom of the third, Eli Murguia turned on a former teammate Tom Mahlen's pitch and drove it out for a two-run home run, lifting Sacramento to a 2–0 lead and setting the tone for a 4–1 Prayers victory that evened the World Series at one game apiece. Sacramento added two more runs in the fourth inning through steady pressure rather than power, backing a composed pitching effort that never allowed Houston to fully settle in. The Crusaders collected nine hits but stranded ten runners, repeatedly failing to convert traffic into runs. Starter Bernardo Andretti worked 4⅔ innings, allowing just one run while navigating early Houston baserunners. From there, the bullpen took over. Gil Caliari, rebound in relief, earned the win with 1⅔ scoreless innings before Rafael Gaias closed the door with a 2⅔-inning save. Murguia finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a walk, but his impact went beyond the box score. “That swing mattered,” Jimmy Aces said. “It gave us some breathing room, and it let us play the game we wanted to play after that.” Houston’s lone run came in the fifth, but Sacramento responded immediately, preventing momentum from flipping the way it had the night before. By the final out, the Series had reset. One game each. Best-of-five from here. GEMMY’S TAKE — GAME 2: THIS IS HOW CONTENDERS ANSWER This — this — is what response looks like. No theatrics. No overcorrection. Sacramento didn’t try to erase Game 1; they absorbed it, then played their game again. What a difference 24 hours makes. Last night, Gil Caliari was the goat (and not the good kind), surrendering four runs without recording an out. Tonight? Jimmy Aces showed ultimate faith in his southpaw, calling on him in the 5th with two runners on. Caliari didn't just escape; he bridged the gap to the 7th, earning the win. But the real 'Ice Man' was Ricky Gaias. Coming in for a 2.2-inning save is legendary stuff in the modern era. Houston out-hit us 9 to 5, but our boys in the pen made sure those hits were nothing more than empty calories. Murguia’s home run is going to live in highlight packages, but what mattered more was what followed. The bullpen didn’t nibble. The defense didn’t tighten up. Nobody chased a five-run inning because they didn’t need one. I loved Andretti here. Not dominant — composed. He gave the bullpen a clean runway, and the relief work afterward was clinical. Caliari, especially, needed this outing. October doesn’t forgive, but it does allow redemption if you take it immediately. Houston, meanwhile, is showing why this Series is fascinating. They hit. They get on base. They don’t fold. But ten runners left on tells a story — and Sacramento made them earn everything. One last nerd note (you knew it was coming): teams that split the first two at home historically fare just fine if the split includes a win after a loss. Momentum matters less than stabilization. Sacramento’s 4–1 win evened the World Series at one game apiece as the series shifted to Houston. Sacramento didn’t just even the Series. They re-centered it.

01-20-2026, 01:32 AM	#169
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN WORLD SERIES RECAP — GAME 3 PRAYERS PLUNDER HOUSTON; TAKE 2-1 SERIES LEAD By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle Sacramento Prayers 11, Houston Crusaders 2 Wednesday, October 25, 1989 — Houston Grounds HOUSTON, TX — The Sacramento Prayers marched into Houston Grounds on Wednesday night and essentially turned the lights out by the first inning. Exploiting a total lack of command from Houston’s staff and punctuated by a Sam Strauss moonshot, Sacramento cruised to an 11-2 victory. The Prayers are now just two wins away from a World Series title. The opening frame set the tone. Sacramento loaded the bases with one out against Raul Bargas and forced Houston into mistakes and patience, drawing four walks, scoring three runs without a hit, and adding a sacrifice fly. By the time Robby Larson took the mound with a four-run cushion, the game had already tilted sharply. Larson did the rest. The right-hander delivered 7⅔ innings of five-hit baseball, striking out eight and allowing only two runs — both coming in the eighth inning after the outcome was long decided. He faced 28 hitters, walked none, and kept Houston off balance with fastball command and a sharp breaking ball. Sacramento continued to add on methodically. While the Crusaders were handing out free passes, Jose Rubbi and Hector Iniguez drove in runs in the third, Eli Murguia plated another in the fourth, and Sam Strauss’ two-run homer in the fifth pushed the margin to 9–0. The Prayers tacked on two more in the seventh, capitalizing again on walks and timely singles. The Crusaders' pitching staff forgot how to find the strike zone. Sacramento hitters drew a staggering 10 walks, including four in the first inning alone. Houston starter Raul Bargas was chased after just 2.1 innings, but the bleeding didn't stop there. “We waited for them to throw some real meatballs, and we didn’t let up,” manager Jimmy Aces said. “That’s how you play on the road in October.” Houston managed seven hits but was undone by missed chances and shaky defense, committing an error and watching Sacramento score despite collecting only nine hits of its own. Russ Gray closed it out after Larson departed, finishing a road win that firmly swung momentum. The next game is scheduled for Thursday night at Houston Grounds. ★ ★ ★ GEMMY’S TAKE — THE LONE STAR LASHING If you’re looking for drama, you won’t find it in this box score — and that’s the point. Sacramento didn’t steal Game 3. They took it, calmly, deliberately, and with the kind of early-inning discipline that makes October games feel very long for the home team. Four first-inning runs without a hit isn’t luck; it’s a refusal to chase, a willingness to wait, and an understanding that pressure compounds. It wasn't the cleanest game we've seen from our boys. Three errors — one each from Perez, Musco, and Velasquez — usually spell disaster in October. But when you’re gifted 10 walks and your starter is dealing like Robby Larson, you can afford some sloppiness. What I loved most was Larson’s pace. No wasted motion. No emotional spikes. He pitched like a man who knew four runs in the first meant the game was his to manage, not chase. Eight strikeouts, zero walks — that’s not flash, that’s control. He made the Crusaders' hitters look like they were swinging through Houston humidity rather than baseballs. This was a statement win: we didn't just beat them; we humiliated them in their own park. And let’s talk about Sacramento’s offense, because this was not a slugfest masquerading as one. They scored 11 runs on nine hits, drew ten walks, and made Houston field the ball. That’s old-school playoff baseball, the kind managers in the late ’80s would nod at approvingly and never compliment out loud. Strauss’ homer mattered, sure. But so did Rubbi’s walk in the first. So did Iniguez tagging properly. So did Murguia throwing a runner out at the plate. These things don’t headline, but they win road games. Historically speaking — and yes, I checked — teams that win Game 3 after splitting the first two take the Series more often than not. It doesn’t guarantee anything. But it reclaims leverage, and Sacramento now has it. Houston will punch back. They have to. Houston manager Bryan McQuillan was visibly frustrated in the post-game presser. Word around the league is that the Crusaders may shuffle their rotation for Game 4, as their bullpen is heavily taxed after tonight's 3-hour marathon. Last edited by liberty-ca; 01-20-2026 at 01:35 AM.

01-20-2026, 09:23 AM	#170
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN WORLD SERIES RECAP — GAME 4 Salazar Carries Sacramento to Brink with Calm By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle Sacramento Prayers 3, Houston Crusaders 1 Thursday, October 26, 1989 — Houston Grounds HOUSTON, TX — The Sacramento Prayers are now standing on the doorstep of immortality. Fernando Salazar put Sacramento one victory from a World Series title Thursday night, working eight steady innings and allowing just one run as the Prayers edged Houston, 3–1, to take a commanding 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Prayers now need just one more win to secure the most dominant season in the history of the sport. For four innings the game moved quietly, neither club breaking through. Sacramento finally cracked the stalemate in the fifth, leaning again on patience. Alex Velasquez and Hector Iniguez drew consecutive walks, and Bret Perez lined a single to center that brought both runners home, including Iniguez on an aggressive read that pushed the lead to 2–0. Salazar made that margin stand. The right-hander scattered five hits, walked two, and struck out five, consistently keeping the ball on the ground and the Crusaders off balance. Houston threatened sporadically but twice grounded into inning-ending double plays, including a key 5–4–3 turn in the sixth. Sacramento added insurance in the seventh when Sam Strauss drove a Willie Moran pitch into the right-field seats for a solo home run, his fifth of the postseason. Houston answered with its only run in the eighth on Sam Maynard’s single, but Salazar finished the inning before turning the ball over. Luis Prieto handled the ninth without incident to close it out. “I executed the game plan and trusted the defense,” Salazar said. “In games like this, you don’t try to do too much.” Manager Jimmy Aces pointed to the club’s approach at the plate. “We didn’t chase early, and when the opening came, we took it,” Aces said. “That’s October baseball.” Game 5 is scheduled for Friday night at Houston Grounds, with Sacramento needing one more win to finish the Series. ★ ★ ★ GEMMY’S TAKE — WHEN NOTHING FLASHY IS EVERYTHING This wasn’t a game you circle for the highlights reel, and Sacramento wouldn’t want it any other way. Game 4 was about restraint. About not forcing the issue. About taking two walks when that’s all the pitcher gives you and cashing them in without theatrics. The Prayers scored three runs, yes — but more importantly, they dictated the pace for nine innings. If you like old-school, 'get-em-over, get-em-in' baseball, tonight was a masterpiece. Salazar was pitching with the confidence of a man who knew the Crusaders couldn't touch him. He only needed 101 pitches to navigate 8 innings. Salazar didn’t overpower Houston; he outlasted them. Eight innings, five hits, one run — that’s the kind of line that looks almost modest until you realize how few stressful moments there were. He induced ground balls, trusted his infield, and let double plays do the heavy lifting. Somewhere, a pitching coach from 1984 is smiling. And let's talk about Sam Strauss. The man is putting up a postseason for the ages. Every time he swings, the ball sounds different. Strauss’ homer mattered, but so did Bret Perez’s single in the fifth — not for the exit velocity, but for the awareness. Iniguez never hesitated rounding third. That run doesn’t score if anyone pauses. But the real story is the pressure. Up 3-1, the Prayers have all the momentum. Houston looks tired, their swings look heavy, and the Sacramento bullpen — anchored tonight by a perfect 9th from Luis Prieto — looks untouchable. Historically, teams that take a 3–1 World Series lead win far more often than not, but history also warns you not to get cute about it. Close-out games are stubborn things. Sacramento knows that. Jimmy Aces knows that. Still, this had the look of a team that understands where it is. No chest-thumping. No scoreboard-watching. Just a quiet walk back to the clubhouse with one job left. And sometimes, that’s the loudest message of all. Last edited by liberty-ca; 01-20-2026 at 12:01 PM.

01-20-2026, 12:17 PM	#171
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN WORLD SERIES RECAP — GAME 5 PRAYERS CLINCH 10TH TITLE IN FRANCHISE HISTORY By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle Sacramento Prayers 4, Houston Crusaders 1 Friday, October 27, 1989 — Houston Grounds HOUSTON, TX — The trophy has been captured, the champagne is flowing, and the city of Sacramento has a new set of immortal heroes. On a crisp Friday night at Houston Grounds, the Sacramento Prayers completed their dominant postseason run to win the World Series! The Sacramento Prayers finished the job Friday night, defeating the Houston Crusaders 4–1 to win the World Series, four games to one, and secure the 10th championship in franchise history. Fittingly, the final night belonged to Jordan Rubalcava, who delivered 8⅓ composed innings before handing the ball to Luis Prieto for the last two outs. Sacramento struck early and never trailed. George MacDonald opened the scoring in the second inning with a solo home run to center, and the Prayers kept adding single runs in the third, fourth, and fifth. Bret Perez drove in a run with a sharp single in the third, Edwin Musco followed with a solo homer in the fourth, and Sam Strauss capped the scoring with a fifth-inning home run that pushed the lead to 4–0. Rubalcava controlled the game with efficiency rather than force. He scattered seven hits, walked one, struck out five, and kept Houston off the board until the ninth. The Crusaders finally broke through when Matt Richardson and Roberto Reyes doubled to open the inning, scoring Houston’s lone run. Prieto entered with a runner on third and calmly closed the door. “I wasn’t thinking about the moment,” Rubalcava said afterward. “I was thinking about each pitch. That’s how you get through a night like this.” Manager Jimmy Aces framed the night simply. “This group doesn’t rush,” Aces said. “They trust the process, and tonight they trusted Jordan.” First baseman Sam Strauss was the unanimous choice for Series MVP. Over the five-game stretch, Strauss hit .333 with 3 Home Runs and 4 RBI. His presence in the middle of the order forced Houston pitchers into impossible counts all week, and his defensive reliability at first base anchored the Prayers' infield. “It feels totally incredible,” Strauss said. “I could live to 1,000 years old and I’d remember this moment!” ★ ★ ★ GEMMY’S TAKE — THE QUIET WAY TO FINISH LOUD Ten championships. Let that sink in. To win a title in this league is a Herculean task; to win ten is to establish a permanent residence in the pantheon of greats. This 1989 squad felt different. They had the discipline to take 10 walks in Game 3, the pitching grit of Salazar in Game 4, and the raw, unadulterated power of Strauss, Musco, and MacDonald tonight. When Sam Strauss says he’ll remember this for 1,000 years, he isn't exaggerating — and neither will the fans who lined the streets of Sacramento tonight. If you were waiting for fireworks, champagne sprays in the fifth inning, or dramatic fist pumps, you picked the wrong team. Sacramento won this World Series the same way it won 116 games in the regular season — one clean inning at a time. Four solo home runs over the final two games. Ground balls when they were needed. A bullpen appearance that lasted all of eight pitches to finish the whole thing. This wasn’t about drama; it was about certainty. Jordan Rubalcava didn’t pitch like a man chasing a signature moment. He pitched like a man who already owns several and didn’t need to add one more to the collection. Eight and a third innings, one run, no chaos. Even the balk in the first inning somehow felt… controlled. Houston never looked confused; they just looked managed. And then there’s Sam Strauss. World Series MVPs are often chosen for one huge swing. Strauss earned his by showing up every night. Six home runs this postseason. Twelve RBIs. The ball sounded different coming off his bat all October, and by Game 5, Houston pitchers knew it too. You could almost hear the sigh when he stepped into the box in the fifth. This championship also felt like a reminder. The Prayers don’t rely on miracles. They rely on habits. On turning double plays. On stretching singles into runs because no one hesitates. On a manager who rarely raises his voice because he rarely has to. Ten championships is a big, round number. But what makes this one linger is how little doubt there was at the end. The Prayers didn’t celebrate until the last out because they didn’t believe in shortcuts. And when the final grounder settled into Strauss’s glove, it felt less like an explosion — and more like a deep exhale. That’s Sacramento baseball. And for the rest of the league, it’s still the standard. Attached Images

01-20-2026, 12:24 PM	#172
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN Postseason Retrospective — Sacramento Prayers (October 1989) By C.O. Pilot, Baseball News Network (BNN) Sacramento’s October was a study in momentum, resilience, and timely pitching. The Prayers swept through the Division Series, battled back from a 1–3 hole in the League Championship Series, then closed the year by taking the World Series in five games. Across three opponents — Brooklyn, Boston, and Houston — Sacramento leaned on a rotation that found its best form in October, a lineup that delivered in bursts, and a few players who turned big moments into a championship. ★ ★ ★ Division Series — Sacramento vs. Brooklyn (Sacramento wins 3–0) Sacramento opened the postseason with a clean sweep of the Brooklyn Priests. The series set the tone early: - Game 1 (Oct. 4): Robby Larson dominated, 6.2 innings of four‑hit ball in a 6–1 win. Bret Perez’s two‑run double in the fifth provided the decisive blow. - Game 2 (Oct. 5): Fernando Salazar answered with 8.2 innings and seven strikeouts in a 6–2 victory that put Sacramento up 2–0. - Game 3 (Oct. 7): Sacramento closed the series emphatically, 10–3, with a balanced attack. Bret Perez was named series MVP after hitting .417 in the three games. The sweep was efficient: Sacramento combined strong starting pitching with opportunistic offense and left Brooklyn little room to breathe. ★ ★ ★ League Championship Series — Sacramento vs. Boston (Sacramento wins 4–3) The LCS was a classic seven‑game war. Sacramento’s path was jagged — an early 0–2 deficit at home, a midseries rally, a 1–3 hole, then a dramatic comeback to win the pennant. - Early tilt: Boston took the first two games at Sacramento (2–1 and 10–2), with Jose Barrera and Ken Johnson turning in big starts. - Sacramento’s response: The Prayers grabbed Game 3 in Boston (9–3) behind veteran Fernando Salazar, then fell in Game 4 to trail 3–1. - The comeback: Facing elimination, Sacramento won Games 5 (6–4) and 6 (6–3) to force a decisive Game 7 back in Sacramento. - Game 7 (Oct. 20): A tight, tense finish — Sacramento edged Boston 4–3 to clinch the League Championship Series. George MacDonald earned LCS MVP honors (.321, 6 RBI), his timely hitting a throughline in the comeback. This series showcased Sacramento’s depth and refusal to fold. When the rotation wavered, the lineup and bullpen found ways to manufacture runs and swing momentum. ★ ★ ★ World Series — Sacramento vs. Houston (Sacramento wins 4–1) After surviving Boston, Sacramento faced the Houston Crusaders in the World Series and closed the deal in five games. - Game 1 (Oct. 22): Houston struck first, a 7–1 win keyed by a seventh‑inning surge and Stephen Meinert’s strong outing. - Game 2 (Oct. 23): Sacramento answered at home, 4–1, as Eli Murguia’s two‑run homer and a steadier Sacramento pitching effort evened the series. - Game 3 (Oct. 25, in Houston): Robby Larson delivered a statement start — 7.2 innings, eight strikeouts — and Sacramento exploded for an 11–2 road win to take a 2–1 lead. - Game 4 (Oct. 26): Fernando Salazar dominated with eight shutout innings in a 3–1 victory that put Sacramento on the cusp of the title. - Game 5 (Oct. 27): Jordan Rubalcava closed it out with 8.1 strong innings in a 4–1 clincher. Sam Strauss was named World Series MVP after a .333 showing with three homers and four RBI in the Fall Classic. Across the series Sacramento’s pitching staff — led by Larson, Salazar, and Rubalcava — neutralized Houston’s lineup at the moments that mattered. The offense supplied timely homers (MacDonald, Musco, Strauss among them) and enough depth to sustain a five‑game run. ★ ★ ★ Standouts and storylines - Robby Larson: A postseason workhorse. Big starts in the Division Series and World Series (notably Game 3 in Houston) set the tone for Sacramento’s October. - Fernando Salazar: Veteran presence who delivered multiple long, effective outings (DS Game 2; LCS and WS starts) and helped swing momentum in Sacramento’s favor. - Jordan Rubalcava: Key postseason starter who closed the World Series with a gutsy Game 5 performance. - Sam Strauss: World Series MVP; his power in the Fall Classic (three homers) provided Sacramento the extra punch. - George MacDonald: LCS MVP; his timely hitting was central to the comeback against Boston. - Bret Perez: Division Series MVP and a consistent postseason contributor in the early rounds. - Bullpen and role players: Relievers such as R. Gaias and L. Prieto and bench contributors (Jose Rubbi’s walks and run production, Eli Murguia’s homers) supplied the small margins that add up in October. Other notes from the logs: Sacramento made a notable offseason commitment to Aaron Gilbert (a four‑year deal mentioned in October), and the team navigated injuries (e.g., Andres Valadez on the IL during the postseason) while maintaining depth. ★ ★ ★ What this championship means Sacramento’s run combined dominant starting pitching, a lineup that could erupt in clusters, and a clubhouse that refused to be defined by a mid-series deficit. The sweep of Brooklyn announced their intent; the seven‑game LCS tested their character and revealed their resilience; the World Series win — a 4–1 series victory over a strong Houston club — validated the whole. This was a team that found its identity in October: veteran arms stepping up, middle‑order power delivering in bursts, and role players answering the call. For Sacramento, the 1989 postseason will be remembered as a complete campaign — efficient, dramatic, and ultimately triumphant.

01-20-2026, 12:48 PM	#173
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	WORLD SERIES STATISTICAL WRAP-UP: THE SACRAMENTO DYNASTY BY THE NUMBERS: HOW THE PRAYERS CAPTURED THEIR 10TH CROWN By Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle The 1989 World Series wasn't just a victory; it was a clinical demonstration of why the Sacramento Prayers are the gold standard of the league. After a wake-up call in Game 1, the Prayers flipped a switch, outscoring the Houston Crusaders 20-5 over the final four games of the series. Here is the definitive breakdown of the stats that defined this championship run. THE SERIES OVERVIEW Sacramento’s dominance was built on two pillars: an iron-clad pitching staff and an incredibly disciplined eye at the plate. The Prayers finished the series with a staggering 22 walks drawn, compared to just 8 for Houston. That patience wore down the Crusaders' arms and led to a lopsided 21-9 total run differential. While Sacramento hit a modest .238 as a team, their 1.60 Series ERA ensured that Houston’s .211 average resulted in almost no meaningful damage. OFFENSIVE LEADERS & MVP PERFORMANCE Sam Strauss cemented his legacy as a Sacramento legend this week. Winning the World Series MVP was a formality after he posted a .333 average with 3 home runs and a massive 1.250 OPS over the five games. He wasn't alone in the power department, as George MacDonald contributed 2 home runs and 3 RBI, providing the protection Strauss needed in the lineup. On the basepaths, Eli Murguia was a constant nuisance, leading the team with 3 stolen bases and scoring key runs in the Game 3 and 4 victories. THE PITCHING MASTERCLASS If the hitters provided the spark, the rotation provided the fuel. Sacramento’s "Big Three" starters were nothing short of heroic. Jordan Rubalcava led the way with a 1.08 ERA over 8.1 innings in the clincher, while Fernando Salazar was nearly as good, posting a 1.12 ERA in his 8-inning masterpiece in Game 4. Robby Larson rounded out the trio with a 2.35 ERA and a team-high 8 strikeouts. When the starters finally sat down, Luis Prieto slammed the door, earning 2 saves without allowing a single earned run. THE CONTRACT CORNER: THE PRICE OF SUCCESS The champagne is sweet, but the bill is coming. Sacramento's front office has some difficult decisions to make as this championship roster heads toward the offseason: * Sam Strauss ($145,000): Our MVP is the biggest bargain in baseball, but not for long. With 6 total postseason home runs and a ring on his finger, Strauss is expected to seek a deal that could make him the highest-paid first baseman in the league. * The Rotation Value: Fernando Salazar ($180,000) and Jordan Rubalcava ($170,000) have proven they are elite "big-game" pitchers. Both are entering contract years where their market value has likely doubled overnight. * Luis Prieto ($110,000): As one of the most reliable closers in the league, Prieto is significantly underpaid. Sacramento will need to act fast to extend him before big-market teams start calling. LEAGUE-WIDE NEWS & THE "SACRAMENTO MODEL" This 10th championship has sent shockwaves through the league. Historians are already labeling this 1989 Prayers team as one of the most balanced rosters ever assembled. Around the league, scouts are calling the Prayers' strategy the "Sacramento Model" — a focus on starting pitchers who can go 8+ innings and a lineup that prioritizes walks and high-leverage power over raw batting average. In Houston, the fallout has already begun. Reports suggest the Crusaders' front office is frustrated by the team's inability to adjust to Sacramento's pitching, leading to rumors of a potential shake-up in their hitting coaching staff. Last edited by liberty-ca; 01-20-2026 at 12:51 PM.

01-20-2026, 12:54 PM	#174
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN PARADE-DAY NOTEBOOK — OCTOBER 30, 1989 A CITY EXHALES: PRAYERS BRING IT HOME AGAIN By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle SACRAMENTO, CA — The streets around Capitol Mall filled early Monday morning, long before the buses rolled, long before the trophies appeared. Office workers leaned from windows. Kids skipped school. Retirees brought folding chairs and stories. By the time the Sacramento Prayers’ motorcade turned onto L Street shortly after 10 a.m., the crowd had already decided what this day was about: gratitude more than surprise. This was Sacramento’s 10th championship, and it looked it. Players waved, some sheepishly, some like they’d been practicing since Little League. Jordan Rubalcava, still moving with the careful posture of someone who threw 109 pitches three nights earlier, lifted his cap repeatedly, pausing to point toward the upper decks of Sacramento Stadium in the distance. Sam Strauss, World Series MVP, carried his young son on his shoulders and smiled like someone who finally had time to stop swinging. “You work all year and it goes by fast,” Strauss said as the buses slowed near City Hall. “This part? You don’t forget this.” Manager Jimmy Aces stayed mostly seated, nodding and tipping his cap. When asked later what he noticed most, he didn’t hesitate. “The calm,” Aces said. “This city expects good baseball now. That’s earned.” The ceremony itself was brief, by design. Mayor Thomas Keller praised the club’s consistency and discipline. League officials offered congratulations and quickly stepped aside. The loudest ovations were reserved for the pitching staff — Rubalcava, Salazar, Gray, Andretti — names that have become familiar to the point of comfort. “They never panicked,” ballpark groundskeeper Luis Mercado, leaning against the railing after the speeches. “You knew every night what the game was going to feel like.” Not everything was polished. A confetti cannon misfired. A banner tangled briefly in a traffic light. Someone dropped the American League pennant and had to scoop it up quickly. The crowd didn’t mind. Parade days aren’t about perfection. GEMMY’S TAKE — NOT A PARADE FOR FIREWORKS, BUT FOR HABITS I’ve covered parades where people wanted noise — confetti like snowfall, music loud enough to shake windows, players spraying everything that could fizz. This one felt different, and in a way, more honest. This was a parade for a team that doesn’t sprint unless it has to. The Prayers didn’t win 116 games because of theatrics. They won them because Fernando Salazar knew when to pitch inside, because Russ Gray never gave away a free base, because Sam Strauss took bad pitches personally and good ones to the seats. Watching them roll through downtown, you could see it on their faces — not disbelief, not relief, but recognition. This looked like the end of a job well done, not a miracle survived. Jordan Rubalcava waved like a man who understands history. And he should. In a franchise already thick with banners, his October quietly joined elite company. Eight wins, a shutout, a clincher on the road — these are the things that turn seasons into chapters. What struck me most, though, was the crowd. There were cheers, yes, but there were also conversations. Parents explaining old teams to kids. Fans debating rotations like it was July again. Sacramento doesn’t just celebrate baseball anymore — it discusses it. That’s when you know something has taken root. Ten championships is a round number. But this one won’t be remembered for the roundness. It’ll be remembered for how steady it felt, how inevitable it became, and how calmly everyone accepted that this, once again, was what fall looks like in Sacramento. And when Opening Day comes and that banner goes up, nobody will gasp. They’ll nod. That might be the highest compliment of all.

01-20-2026, 11:21 PM	#175
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN AWARDS ROUNDUP — 1989 SEASON PRAYERS CLEAN UP: LARSON, MUSCO HEADLINE A DOMINANT AWARDS HAUL By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) SACRAMENTO — The trophies kept coming for the Sacramento Prayers on Tuesday, and this time they didn’t arrive with champagne or parade routes. They came with ballots, tallies, and an unmistakable message from the American League: the 1989 season belonged, in large part, to Sacramento. At the top of the list stood Robby Larson, whose methodical brilliance earned him the 1989 American League Cy Young Award, while teammate Edwin Musco capped a career season by being named American League Most Valuable Player. Add in Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers, and a ballot sheet dotted with Sacramento names, and the Prayers’ championship season now has the hardware to match the standings. CY YOUNG: LARSON SETS THE STANDARD Larson’s Cy Young win was decisive. The right-hander collected 16 of 24 first-place votes, finishing well ahead of teammate Jordan Rubalcava, who placed second, and Boston’s Eddie Marin, who finished third. Larson went 19–5 in 35 starts, logging a league-leading 262 innings while allowing just 180 hits. He walked 65, struck out 190, and posted a 1.82 ERA that quietly buried opposing lineups all summer. “I didn’t try to be special,” Larson said. “I tried to be available every fifth day. On this team, that’s enough.” Rubalcava’s second-place finish only underlined Sacramento’s pitching depth. Fernando Salazar and Bernardo Andretti also appeared on Cy Young ballots, giving the Prayers four of the league’s top nine vote-getters. Manager Jimmy Aces wasn’t surprised. “When your starters don’t blink, the rest of the game settles down,” he said. “That’s what Robby gave us all year.” MVP: MUSCO’S COMPLETE SEASON If Larson represented control, Edwin Musco embodied impact. The 29-year-old infielder earned the American League MVP Award with 20 first-place votes, running away from a crowded field that again featured Larson, Rubalcava, and a cluster of Boston regulars. Musco hit .296 with a .378 on-base percentage, collecting 171 hits, 29 home runs, and 101 RBI. He scored 94 times, walked 76, and anchored a lineup that rarely went quiet for long. “I’ve had good years,” Musco said. “This was the first one where everything lined up — health, lineup, timing.” Musco’s name appeared again later in the day, when he was announced as the Silver Slugger winner at second base, further cementing his status as the league’s most complete player at the position. DEFENSE COUNTS TOO: GOLD GLOVES Sacramento’s awards haul wasn’t limited to pitching and power. Fernando Salazar was named Gold Glove winner at pitcher, recognized for his quick feet and sharp reactions on the mound. In the outfield, Francisco Hernandez earned the Gold Glove in left field, a nod to range and consistency that often showed up only after runs were taken away. “You don’t notice defense when it’s routine,” Hernandez said. “That’s kind of the point.” SILVER SLUGGERS: MUSCO, INIGUEZ HONORED The Prayers placed two players among the American League’s Silver Slugger Award winners: Edwin Musco, Second Base Hector Iniguez, Designated Hitter Iniguez’s selection followed a quietly productive season in which he posted a .279/.351/.454 line, drove in runs from the middle of the order, and provided balance behind Musco and Strauss. A BALLOT THAT TELLS THE STORY Sacramento players appeared repeatedly across MVP and Cy Young ballots, reflecting not just star power but roster depth. Musco, Larson, Rubalcava, Iniguez, George MacDonald, Alex Velasquez, and Francisco Hernandez all received MVP consideration. On the pitching side, multiple Prayers drew votes even after Larson and Rubalcava separated from the field. It read less like a fluke and more like a blueprint. For Sacramento, the awards served as something more than validation. They were documentation — proof on paper of what the standings already said. The Prayers didn’t just win in 1989. They were recognized everywhere the ballots went.

01-21-2026, 12:04 AM	#176
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN HALL OF FAME — CLASS OF 1990 BEN SWIFT’S LONG RUN HOME ENDS IN COOPERSTOWN-CALIBER IMMORTALITY By Chad G. Petey, Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle COOPERSTOWN — The debate is officially over. The final tally left no suspense. When the ballots were counted and certified, the Fictional Baseball League Hall of Fame opened its doors to a man who defined excellence for nearly two decades in a Sacramento Prayers uniform. Ben Swift, the Wichita-born right fielder who paired a surgeon’s precision at the plate with the speed of a sprinter, was elected to the Hall of Fame in his very first year of eligibility. Swift didn't just walk into the Hall; he sprinted. Receiving 91.7% of the vote, Swift led a distinguished class of three inductees who reached the mandatory 75% threshold for enshrinement. Swift joins Cameron Gallenberg and Jonathan Perry as members of the Hall of Fame Class of 1990, but the ceremony’s emotional center belonged unmistakably to the longtime Sacramento Prayers slugger — a fixture of pennant races, October nights, and an era when durability and excellence were not considered opposites. “From the first time I saw him play, I knew he had the potential to be one of the best,” Swift’s first manager said at the ceremony. “And the more I saw him play, the more certain I was that he would reach that potential.” A CAREER BUILT ON PRESENCE Swift retired at age 42 having played 2,024 games, most of them in Sacramento colors. His career line — .310 average, 174 home runs, 1,117 RBI — tells only part of the story. He was a right fielder who hit for average, ran the bases with intent, and showed up every day, even as injuries accumulated late in his career. From 1969 through 1974, Swift authored one of the most sustained offensive peaks the league has seen, leading or ranking near the top of the American League in hits, runs, total bases, and OPS multiple times. His 1973 season (.355 average, 204 hits, 109 RBI) remains one of the defining offensive performances of the era. He was not just a regular-season constant. In 138 postseason games, Swift hit .328 with an .867 OPS, delivering key October moments for a Sacramento franchise that became synonymous with winning. “This is one of the greatest moments of my life and to share it with all of you here is... simply amazing. I would just like to thank my family and all my teammates for their support during my journey here. Individual honor was never my goal, winning was,” Swift said, visibly emotional as he addressed the crowd. “But this is more than I could have ever dreamed.” He was the ultimate hybrid: a Gold Glove defender in right field who could hit for average, draw a walk, and then steal second before the pitcher even looked back. He was the heart of the Prayers, and seeing him at the podium in tears today reminds us that even the giants of the game are humbled by this sport. OCTOBER MAN, CLUBHOUSE FIXTURE His resume reads like a fantasy: Five World Series Championships (1969, 1971, 1972, 1976, 1983). Two-time AL MVP (1973, 1974). 1976 World Series MVP. 75.4 Career WAR, proving his immense value on both sides of the ball. Former teammates filled the front rows at his induction, joined by longtime rivals who spent years trying — and often failing — to find a hole in his game. Sacramento Prayers caps dotted the crowd, but so did colors from across the league. “You hated facing him,” one former opposing manager said quietly, “because he never gave you a night off.” THE VOTE AND THE CONTEXT Swift’s election came decisively, surpassing the 75 percent requirement with room to spare. Gallenberg followed with 89.2 percent in his fifth year on the ballot, while Perry crossed the line at 80.6 percent in his third. Several prominent names fell short but remained on the ballot, including Corey Gonzales and Tommy Goolsby, while others were dropped after failing to reach the five-percent threshold. Still, the story of this class centered on Swift — the rare player whose statistical case, postseason résumé, and peer respect aligned without controversy. THE LASTING IMAGE By the time Swift stepped down from the podium, applause lingered longer than protocol required. It was not just for the numbers — impressive as they remain — but for a career that unfolded in full view of the league, season after season, without shortcuts. He wore No. 14, played the game hard, and left it with little left to prove. On this day, the Fictional Baseball League made it official: Ben Swift’s run was not just great. It was eternal. Attached Images

01-23-2026, 10:09 PM	#177
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	SACRAMENTO PRAYERS 1990 SEASON OPENING WEEKEND: A DYNASTY TESTED, A ROSTER REMADE, A TARGET ON THEIR BACKS By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle FORT WORTH — A new decade began the way most Sacramento Prayers seasons do: with strong pitching, timely power, and a reminder that even champions start from zero. Sacramento opened the 1990 campaign by splitting its first two games at Spirits Grounds, squeezing out a tense 3–2 win on Opening Day before absorbing a lopsided 10–3 defeat the following night. At 1–1, the Prayers left Texas with no illusions, but also no panic. The roster has changed. The league has shifted. The expectations, as always in Sacramento, remain heavy. ★ ★ ★ BNN SERIES RECAP — MARCH 30–31, 1990 SACRAMENTO AT FORT WORTH: “ONE GRITTY WIN, ONE HARD LESSON” FRIDAY, MARCH 30 — PRAYERS 3, SPIRITS 2 Murguia homers late as Rubalcava sets the tone Sacramento’s first win of the 1990 season arrived the hard way. The Prayers opened the season on Friday with a classic "Jimmy Aces" victory — tight pitching and opportunistic power. Jordan Rubalcava worked 6⅔ innings of composed, efficient baseball, allowing two runs (one earned) while navigating traffic without unraveling. He scattered eight hits, struck out four, and left with the game tied — exactly the sort of outing that has defined his ascent. The game remained a deadlock until the top of the eighth inning, when Eli Murguia, who has been vocal about wanting to prove he's worth his $424k salary, turned on a Jared Bouchard pitch and lifted it deep into left field for a solo home run, snapping a 2–2 tie. “That’s a veteran at-bat,” manager Jimmy Aces said afterward. “He didn’t try to do too much. He waited, got his pitch, and didn’t miss it.” Gil Caliari bridged the gap with 1⅓ scoreless innings, stranding two inherited runners, and Luis Prieto closed the door cleanly for the season’s first save. Hector Iniguez was everywhere offensively, going 4-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while George MacDonald and Murguia supplied the power. Sacramento finished with 10 hits but also left opportunities on the table, a theme that would grow louder the next night. ★ ★ ★ SATURDAY, MARCH 31 — SPIRITS 10, PRAYERS 3 Seventh inning unravels as Fort Worth breaks it open Saturday’s contest served as a sobering reminder that even champions are vulnerable. Steve Schultz anchored the Spirits’ attack with a 3-for-4 night, while timely two-out hits from nearly every spot in the order buried the Prayers. Cy Young winner Robby Larson looked dominant early, but the wheels fell off in the late stages. Robby Larson was charged with five runs over 6⅔ innings, and the bullpen — so reliable the night before — was caught in the blast radius. The Prayers held a slim 3-2 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh before Fort Worth erupted for seven runs, turning a competitive game into a rout. Gil Caliari, the hero of Game 1, struggled immensely, giving up 5 runs without recording an out. The Sacramento defense, usually a fortress, couldn't stop the bleeding as Fort Worth's Steve Schultz and Ryan Robinson spearheaded the comeback. Offensively, Sacramento’s highlights came early. Francisco Hernandez launched a two-run homer in the first inning, and Edwin Musco added a solo shot in the seventh, but sustained pressure never materialized. The Prayers managed just five hits. “Things kind of got away from us,” Aces said plainly. “That inning snowballed. Good teams stop it earlier — we didn’t.” ★ ★ ★ THE MEDICAL REPORT: A CRUSHING BLOW The victory on Friday was overshadowed by devastating news regarding the rotation. Veteran ace Fernando Salazar is officially out for at least 3 months with a stress reaction in his elbow. Losing Salazar is more than just losing a starter; it’s losing the emotional anchor of the clubhouse. With Salazar on the shelf until mid-summer, the pressure on young arms like Ricky Gaias and Ramon Mayorga to fill the void is immense. Expect Jimmy Aces to be active on the waiver wire if the back end of the rotation struggles in April. ★ ★ ★ A NEW ERA BEGINS: THE PRAYERS EMBARK ON TITLE DEFENSE FORT WORTH — The champagne barely had time to dry on the clubhouse carpet before the Sacramento front office began reshaping a champion. The 1989 Prayers didn’t just win the World Series — they survived it, grinding through Boston, outlasting Houston, and leaning on a rotation of aging arms and timely power. But dynasties aren’t maintained by nostalgia. They’re maintained by cold, unsentimental decisions. And Sacramento made them. The team that took the field at Spirits Grounds this week looks significantly different from the one that hoisted the trophy in October. General Manager Jimmy Aces has been busy behind the scenes, reshaping the roster and the payroll in a series of aggressive winter moves. THE WINTER OF HARD CHOICES The biggest news of the offseason wasn’t a signing, but a departure. In a move that stunned the fanbase, the Prayers traded 1989 World Series MVP Sam Strauss to the San Antonio Hell Fire in late February. Sacramento sent Strauss and RHP Zachery Remmey to San Antonio for RHP Javier Gutierrez, a 1st-round draft pick, and $200,000 in cash. While fans are mourning the loss of their postseason hero, the financial logic is clear: Strauss’s market value was peaking. By moving him, Sacramento cleared his salary demands and bolstered their future with a high-value draft pick. A move like that sends a message. Sacramento wasn’t going to cling to sentiment. They were going to reload. Then came the rest: - Jose Vizcarra shipped out, along with a stack of draft capital. - Andres Valadez and Logan Hicks moved to Seattle for pitching depth and another first‑round pick. - International amateur Miguel Diez signed, a long‑term outfield project. - Jeff Smith and Danny St. Clair added, both arms with upside and cost control. This wasn’t a teardown. It was a recalibration — the kind a champion makes when it knows the league is coming for it. THE 1990 PAYROLL: A STUDY IN TRANSITION Current Payroll Leaders: Hector Iniguez enters the season as the highest-paid Prayer at $932,000, followed by the newly extended Jordan Rubalcava ($800k through 1994) and 1989 MVP Edwin Musco ($720k). The Salary Strategy: Despite the trades, the Prayers are carrying an $8.4 million total payroll for 1990. However, the books look much cleaner for the future, with projected obligations dropping to $4.1 million by 1994. The salary sheet tells the story as clearly as any press conference: - Fernando Salazar (39) and Russ Gray (39) remain as elder statesmen, but the rotation is shifting beneath them. - Robby Larson, Bernardo Andretti, and Ricky Gaias represent the next wave. - George MacDonald, now 28 and entering his prime, is the new offensive centerpiece. - Hector Iniguez, Bret Perez, Edwin Musco, and Eli Murguia form the veteran core — but each is on the clock. This is a roster that can still win. But it’s also a roster that knows the window won’t stay open forever. ★ ★ ★ LEAGUE-WIDE NEWS & TRANSACTION TRENDS * The Draft Pick Economy: Sacramento’s recent trades emphasize a league-wide trend of teams valuing 1st and 2nd round draft picks over established veterans. By acquiring 1st-rounders from both San Antonio and Seattle, the Prayers are effectively betting on a "retool while winning" strategy. * Seattle’s New Face: The trade of Andres Valadez to the Seattle Lucifers gives the Lucifers a veteran presence at shortstop, signaling they are ready to challenge for a postseason spot in 1990. * The Hall of Fame Glow: The league is still buzzing from Ben Swift’s first-ballot induction. Reports suggest that attendance at "heritage games" across the league has seen a 10% uptick as fans celebrate the legends of the 70s and 80s. CONTRACT & ROSTER WATCH Sacramento enters 1990 with a $8.4 million Opening Day payroll, still among the league’s most disciplined despite sustained success. Key contract notes: * Jordan Rubalcava remains on a club-friendly multi-year deal through 1994 at $800k annually. * George MacDonald holds a player opt-out after 1991. * Aaron Gilbert enters a season with a looming team option. * Several young players — including Ricky Gaias, Ramon Mayorga, Larry Mansfield, Chris Moore — approach arbitration eligibility windows that could shape the next payroll phase. ★ ★ ★ RECENT TRANSACTIONS (OFFSEASON SNAPSHOT) Sacramento’s winter was active and deliberate: * Dec 5, 1989: Signed C Keisuke Ishibashi to a minor-league deal with a major-league option. * Dec 7, 1989: Traded RHP Jose Vizcarra (30% retained), LF Robby Aguirre, and multiple draft picks to Albuquerque. * Jan 3, 1990: Dealt minor-league arms Kyle Adams and Felix Medina to Baltimore for LHP Jeff Smith and a 2nd-round pick. * Jan 20, 1990: Signed Venezuelan RF Miguel Diez for an $80,000 bonus. * Feb 23, 1990: Traded Sam Strauss, Zachery Remmey, and two 2nd-round picks to San Antonio for RHP Javier Gutierrez, a 1st-round pick, and cash. * Feb 28, 1990: Traded Andres Valadez, Logan Hicks, and two 2nd-round picks to Seattle for LHP Danny St. Clair, a 1st-round pick, and cash. The pattern is unmistakable: pitching depth, draft capital, and financial flexibility. ★ ★ ★ GEMMY’S TAKE — OPENING WEEKEND IS A MIRROR, NOT A VERDICT If you’re looking for omens in late March, baseball will happily lie to you. Friday looked like Sacramento heritage baseball: Rubalcava steady, defense mostly clean, a single swing deciding things late. Saturday looked like a warning label — what happens when command wobbles and a good lineup smells blood. Here’s the nerdy context: over the last ten seasons, Sacramento has split its first series six times. They went on to win the division in four of those years. Opening series splits don’t predict trophies — but they do reveal stress points. The stress point this weekend was bullpen sequencing and run prevention with inherited runners. Caliari was brilliant Friday. Saturday, the margins collapsed. That’s not a crisis; it’s data. What was encouraging? Iniguez looks rejuvenated. Hernandez’s swing hasn’t aged. Rubalcava’s pitch mix is deeper than last October, and his results came despite traffic. That matters. And yes, the roster turnover is real. No Strauss. No Valadez. New arms, new timelines. But Sacramento didn’t trade stars for dreams — they traded them for control, picks, and flexibility. That’s how dynasties stretch their windows instead of slamming them shut. Two games in, the Prayers look exactly like a team built to last 162: sturdy, occasionally messy, and still very much the standard everyone else is measuring against. If this weekend taught us anything, it’s this: Sacramento hasn’t changed who they are. They’ve just started writing the next chapter. THE ROAD AHEAD The schedule doesn’t ease up: - A final game in Fort Worth. - A homestand against Tucson. - Columbus looming after that. And all the while, Sacramento must answer the questions that define every defending champion: - Who replaces the production of Sam Strauss? - Can Salazar hold up at age 39? - Is Rubalcava ready to be a true No. 1? - Can MacDonald carry a lineup instead of complementing one? - Will the new arms — St. Clair, Smith, Gutierrez — stabilize the middle innings? The 1989 Prayers were a team of destiny. The 1990 Prayers must be a team of identity. And that identity is being forged right now — in the cold mornings of March, in the long travel days of April, and in the quiet moments when a champion decides whether it wants to be remembered as a one‑year wonder or the beginning of something larger. Sacramento has the talent. Sacramento has the pedigree. Now Sacramento must prove it still has the hunger.

01-24-2026, 12:00 AM	#178
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	PRAYERS WEEKLY — APRIL 1–7, 1990 By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle The Sacramento Prayers’ first full week of the 1990 regular season technically never finished before it was interrupted, scheduled to be resumed elsewhere, and then rounded into form at home. It was a week that opened in weather chaos, steadied itself through uneven stretches, and closed with the unmistakable feel of a club that already knows how it wants to win games. The Sacramento Prayers returned home this week as defending champions, but if anyone expected a champagne hangover, the club spent the first seven days reminding the league that last October wasn’t a fluke. They didn’t dominate wire‑to‑wire, but they showed the same traits that carried them through Houston: opportunistic hitting, late‑inning resolve, and a pitching staff that — even without Fernando Salazar — still knows how to suffocate a lineup. Sacramento went 5–2 across seven days, with one contest — Monday’s opener against the Spirits — left suspended and unresolved. The Prayers nevertheless emerged from the opening week with early pitching stability, flashes of lineup depth, and the sense that they are still assembling rather than unveiling. But this first week also delivered the season’s first dose of adversity. The injuries are real. The roster churn is already underway. And the margin for error in the AL West is thin. Let’s walk through the week. ★ ★ ★ MONDAY, APRIL 1 — Prayers 2, Spirits 2 (Suspended, 7th inning) Record: 1-1 The season began under gray skies and ended prematurely. Sacramento and the Spirits were locked in a 2–2 tie when persistent rain forced officials to halt play in the seventh inning. The Prayers scored twice early and then watched the Spirits claw back, turning the opener into a tight, low-scoring affair before weather took over. The game will be resumed on May 14, when the Spirits return to Sacramento as part of a scheduled doubleheader. Manager Jimmy Aces called the suspension “unfortunate but unavoidable,” noting afterward that the opener “felt like it was just getting interesting.” For the standings, the game remains officially incomplete — an unresolved footnote that will linger into mid-May. ★ ★ ★ TUESDAY, APRIL 3 — Sacramento 7, Tucson 2 Record: 2–1 This was the first complete game of the week, and it belonged to Ricky Gaias, who looked every bit the breakout candidate Sacramento believes he is. Six and two‑thirds innings, eight strikeouts, and only two runs allowed — the kind of start that stabilizes a rotation missing Salazar. The bats woke up late, but when they did, they erupted. - Edwin Musco launched his second homer of the year. - Francisco Hernandez tripled and homered. - Bret Perez delivered a three‑run blast that capped the surge and sent Tucson reeling. Gil Caliari earned the win in relief, but the night belonged to Gaias. ★ ★ ★ WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 — Tucson 5, Sacramento 2 Record: 2–2 This one felt like a hangover game. The Prayers never found rhythm against Kenichi Kubota, who scattered six hits across 8.2 innings. Rubalcava pitched well enough to win, but a third‑inning mistake to Dave de Leon — a two‑run shot — set the tone. Sacramento’s offense stranded seven, including multiple chances with runners in scoring position. A reminder that even championship lineups can sputter. ★ ★ ★ THURSDAY, APRIL 5 — Sacramento 8, Tucson 7 (Walk‑off) Record: 3–2 The first classic of the 1990 season. Eli Murguia put on a show that would’ve made his 1985 self proud: - Two home runs, - Four hits, - And the walk‑off blast leading off the bottom of the ninth. The Prayers needed every bit of it. Tucson kept punching — Nick Smith tripled twice, the Cherubs hung a four‑spot in the seventh — but Sacramento’s depth carried the day. Alex Lopez homered, Musco homered again, and the bullpen held just long enough for Murguia to finish the job. Sacramento had watched a three-run lead dissolve in the seventh and could have folded quietly. Instead, the Prayers matched Tucson punch for punch and refused to let the series slip away. “We didn’t blink,” Murguia said afterward. “That’s the part I liked.” The win carried a sense of emotional weight well beyond the standings. This was the first time the Stadium truly felt alive in 1990. ★ ★ ★ FRIDAY, APRIL 6 — Sacramento 6, Columbus 4 Record: 4–2 Bernardo Andretti didn’t dominate, but he competed — and that’s what the Prayers needed. Columbus put up a four‑run fourth, but Sacramento answered with a three‑run sixth, highlighted by: - Alex Velasquez, who doubled twice and drove in a run, - Alex Lopez, who homered again, - Musco, who added his fourth homer of the young season. The bullpen combination of Matt Wright and Luis Prieto slammed the door, continuing a trend: Sacramento’s relief corps has been quietly excellent. “We didn’t chase,” Andretti said. “We let the game come back to us.” ★ ★ ★ SATURDAY, APRIL 7 — Sacramento 1, Columbus 0 Record: 5–2 The week closed quietly — and convincingly. This was vintage Russ Gray — a crisp, no-frills performance, 7.1 innings, five hits, no runs, and complete command. Sacramento didn’t hit much, but they didn’t need to. Hector Iniguez delivered the lone RBI with a second‑inning single, and the pitching staff did the rest. Chris Ryan earned his first save, and the Prayers closed the week with their most complete defensive game of the season. “That’s winning baseball,” Jimmy Aces said. “No shortcuts.” ★ ★ ★ Current IL Status 3B Gil Cruz — Knee bursitis - Out ~1 week - Already on the IL, eligible to return soon - His absence has forced Jimmy Aces to juggle late‑inning defensive alignments, with Jesus Rodriguez and Bill Marcos picking up scattered innings. SP Fernando Salazar — Stress reaction in elbow - Out 2–3 months - This is the big one. - Sacramento is surviving without him thanks to Gray, Andretti, and Gaias, but the rotation is thinner than it looks. - The club will need to manage workloads carefully — especially Rubalcava, who has already thrown 100+ pitches twice. No new injuries occurred during the week, but the Prayers are already operating without two significant pieces. ★ ★ ★ Early Standouts - Eli Murguia: .333, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB — and the walk-off of the week. - Edwin Musco: 4 HR already, slugging like a man determined to repeat last year’s title run. - Francisco Hernandez: 2 HR, 3 SB, and the heartbeat of the lineup. - Russ Gray: 7.1 shutout innings in his season debut. - Bernardo Andretti: 6.2 strong innings in his first start. ★ ★ ★ Early Concerns - Bullpen volatility (Caliari’s workload, Prieto’s usage). - Robby Larson’s rough outing (7.62 ERA). - Depth stress from the Salazar injury. ★ ★ ★ Gemmy’s Take There’s something fitting about the Prayers’ season beginning with a game that didn’t end. Monday night’s suspension felt symbolic — not ominous, just unfinished. This team hasn’t shown you everything yet, and frankly, it shouldn’t have to by April 7. What matters is how they responded once baseball resumed uninterrupted. What stood out wasn’t dominance; it was adaptability. Sacramento won games by slugging, by surviving chaos, by grinding through midweek frustration, and finally by manufacturing a single run and guarding it like a secret. That last part matters more than it looks. One-run wins in April aren’t pretty, but they teach you exactly how thin the margins can be. Murguia’s walk-off was the emotional centerpiece of the week, and it deserves the replay loop. But don’t sleep on Russ Gray’s Saturday night. That was an ace performance without ace theatrics — just command, tempo, and quiet authority. Those outings stack up in September. And yes, the bullpen bent. Yes, the offense vanished for stretches. Welcome to early-season baseball. The encouraging part is that Sacramento didn’t panic, didn’t chase fixes, and didn’t pretend it was something it isn’t yet. Five wins, one game suspended, and a team still in pencil rather than ink. If this is the opening paragraph, it’s a promising one — even if the first sentence won’t be finished until May 14. ★ ★ ★ LOOKING AHEAD The Prayers close the Columbus series Sunday, then welcome the Salt Lake City Prophets for a three‑game set. After that, it’s off to El Paso. The schedule softens a bit, but the pitching staff will be tested. And with Cruz still out and Salazar months away, Sacramento’s margin for error is thinner than the standings suggest. But at 5–2, with the bats heating up and the bullpen sharp, the champs look like themselves.

01-24-2026, 06:43 PM	#179
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN WEEK IN RETROSPECT – PRAYERS WEEKLY Sacramento Prayers: April 8–14, 1990 By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle The Sacramento Prayers wrapped up a busy early-April week with steady pitching, timely extra-base hitting, and just enough margin for error to keep momentum moving forward. If you haven’t checked the standings lately, go ahead—treat yourself. Your Sacramento Prayers are sitting pretty at 10-3, perched atop the AL West like a hawk on a cathedral spire. While the San Jose Demons are keeping it tight, our boys are proving that when you combine a massive payroll with a "refuse to lose" attitude, magic happens. What stood out was not dominance every night, but consistency. Even in the lone loss — a 6–4 setback to Salt Lake City — the Prayers stayed competitive deep into the game. When things tilted their way, they tended to stay there. We’ve seen walk-offs, complete games, and enough souvenirs hit into the stands to stock a sporting goods store. Let’s dive into the week that was! ★ ★ ★ Sunday, April 8 – Prayers 3, Heaven 2 The Bret Perez Double-Feature Sacramento opened the week with a tightly played afternoon game that hinged on pitching and one swing in the middle innings. They say good things come in threes, and Bret Perez took that literally. Our third baseman treated the Columbus Heaven like a personal tee-ball set, rifling three doubles into the gaps. The decisive moment came in the sixth, when Bret Perez delivered a run-scoring double to left, breaking a 2–1 game and restoring breathing room. “We faced good pitching and still got it done,” Perez said afterward. “That’s what good teams do. I’m not chasing stats. I’m chasing wins.” — Bret Perez On the mound, Ricky Gaias continued his "I’m not a backup" tour, tossing 6.2 innings of one-run ball. Gaias is currently earning the league minimum ($66k), and if he keeps pitching like a Cy Young candidate, he’s going to be the most underpaid man in California. The Prayers played clean defense behind Gaias and turned the game over to Luis Prieto, who allowed a solo homer in the ninth but calmly finished the job. ★ ★ ★ Monday, April 9 – Prayers 4, Prophets 1 Rubalcava dominates, Lopez goes deep The Prayers followed with one of their sharper pitching performances of the young season. Jordan Rubalcava is essentially a cheat code, and we invite you to be the judge. "Pluto" delivered his best outing of the season: 8.2 innings, seven hits, nine strikeouts, and complete control. Alejandro Lopez provided the big swing — a towering two‑run homer in the third that gave Sacramento a lead it never surrendered. “Yeah, I was gratified. Nights like this remind you why you love the work. Salt Lake City’s name is the "Prophets," but I bet none of them saw that 95-mph heater coming.” Rubalcava said afterward, summing up a night that pushed Sacramento to 7–2. ★ ★ ★ Tuesday, April 10 – Prophets 6, Prayers 4 Larson battles, bullpen falters, Cardenas injured Look, not every day can be Sunday morning. Robby Larson struggled again, and while he struck out eight, he gave up four runs and saw his ERA hover in the "I need a drink" territory (6.16). To make matters worse, Roberto Cardenas took a pitch to the ribs and had to exit. Robby Larson pitched better than the line suggests, but Salt Lake City kept finding two‑out magic. The lone blemish of the week came in a back-and-forth contest that turned on one swing. A two-run single by Santiago Salazar in the seventh inning swung the game in Salt Lake City’s favor. This rally flipped the game, and Sacramento couldn’t claw back despite a homer from Bret Marcos and a pair of RBI from Murguia and Rodriguez. Manager Jimmy Aces: “We gave them too many extra chances. That’s on us. This was a messy one, involving errors by both Caliari and Rodriguez. Let’s just burn the tape and move on.” The loss dropped Sacramento to 7–3, but did little to shake the club’s overall footing. ★ ★ ★ Wednesday, April 11 – Prayers 6, Prophets 2 Andretti throws a masterpiece Sacramento responded immediately behind its most complete performance of the week. Bernardo Andretti decided the bullpen needed a night off, so he went out and was untouchable. He never drifted out of control throwing a complete game three‑hitter with just one walk. It was efficient, it was ruthless, and it was beautiful. Sacramento’s bats backed him early. Offensively, we had a home run derby: Edwin Musco (his 5th!), Bret Perez, and Alejandro Lopez all went deep. Watching Marrs give up three homers was like watching a slow-motion car crash—tragic, but you couldn't look away. Andretti: “My job is to throw quality pitches and give us an opportunity. Tonight, everything clicked.” ★ ★ ★ Friday, April 13 – Prayers 8, Abbots 0 Everything’s Bigger in Texas (Especially Our Lead) April 13: Prayers 8, El Paso 0 — "Everything’s Bigger in Texas (Especially Our Lead)" The Prayers opened their El Paso series with their most lopsided win of the week. Francisco Hernandez was a one-man wrecking crew, going 4-for-5 with a home run and a double. He’s heating up faster than a sidewalk in July. Ricky Gaias was once again untouchable, lowering his ERA to a microscopic 1.31. If Gaias were a stock, I’d be putting my entire retirement fund into him. “We maximized our offense today,” manager Jimmy Aces said. “That makes everyone’s life easier. And this team believes in each other. That’s the secret sauce.” ★ ★ ★ Saturday, April 14 – Prayers 10, Abbots 1 The Return of the King Prayers broke the game open early and never looked back. The headline here? Gil Cruz is back! Our star 3B returned from knee bursitis and immediately went 2-for-5. But the real story was Jordan Rubalcava (again). Rubalcava delivered another dominant outing, he took a no-hitter deep into the game, finishing with 8 innings of two-hit ball. The lineup detonated for six runs in the second inning alone. Hernandez crushed a three‑run homer (his 4th) because apparently, he hates El Paso’s pitching staff. Perez tripled, and Velasquez added two RBI. “We’re not trying to be hot in April. We’re trying to be dangerous in September.” — Edwin Musco El Paso manager Alberto Rivas on game's impression: “No, not my idea of a good time, not at all.” The win moved the Prayers to 10–3, capping a week defined by pitching depth and early-season balance. ★ ★ ★ PLAYER OF THE WEEK Jordan Rubalcava – SP 2 starts \| 16.2 IP \| 2 ER \| 16 K \| 0.54 ERA He didn’t just pitch well — he pitched like an ace. He’s justifying every cent of that nearly million-dollar deal. HITTER OF THE WEEK Francisco Hernandez – CF/DH .400+ for the week \| 2 HR \| 6 RBI \| 2 doubles When he’s locked in, the entire lineup feels different. ★ ★ ★ LEAGUE NEWS & RUMORS Draft Lottery Luck: The results are in! While the Albuquerque Damned nabbed the #1 pick, the Prayers are sitting on a gold mine. Thanks to some savvy trading by Jimmy Aces, we hold the #10, #17, and #22 picks in the first round this July. We aren't just winning now; we're building a fortress for the future. The San Jose Shadow: The Demons are 11-4. This divisional race is going to be a bloodbath. Every game against El Paso and Seattle matters because San Jose simply refuses to lose. Contract Buzz: Word around the batting cage is that the front office might be looking to extend Francisco Hernandez before his price tag reaches orbit. Smart move, if you ask me. ★ ★ ★ THE MEDICAL WARD * Fernando Salazar (SP): Still out 2-3 months. The elbow is a fickle mistress. * Roberto Cardenas (RF): Day-to-day after the HBP. We’re hoping it’s just a nasty bruise and not a cracked rib. ★ ★ ★ FAN SENTIMENT Sacramento Stadium is buzzing. Fans are calling this the most exciting Prayers team since the mid‑80s. Local radio callers are already whispering about October, and merchandise sales reportedly spiked after the team’s 10‑3 start. One fan outside the park summed it up: “This team feels different. They punch back.” ★ ★ ★ Gemmy’s Take If this week told us anything, it’s that the 1990 Prayers are already playing a brand of baseball that travels — and that survives imperfect nights. They didn’t bludgeon everyone. They didn’t cruise wire to wire. What they did instead was pitch, defend just well enough, and hit doubles like they were going out of style. Bret Perez’s three-double game on Sunday doesn’t jump off the standings page, but it’s the kind of afternoon that wins you games in April and pennants in September. I’m also keeping an eye on the rotation hierarchy forming in real time. Rubalcava looks like a stopper when things wobble. Andretti looks like someone who takes offense personally. And Gaias? He’s quietly putting together lines that don’t get ink until you’re suddenly eight games over .500. One loss all week — and even that one never felt like a collapse. That’s not drama. That’s professionalism. And in April, that’s usually the tell. We’re winning games by an average of nearly two runs. The pitching is lights out, and the "Big Money" bats are booming. If you aren't excited, you might want to check your pulse! ★ ★ ★ LOOKING AHEAD: April 15–21 - @ El Paso – Z. Gardener (0–3, 8.05) - @ Seattle – Rossman, Schilder, Gaytan - vs Brooklyn – Mendez Seattle’s pitching is better than their record. Brooklyn’s bullpen is a problem for everyone. Next week will test Sacramento’s depth — and their stamina. Last edited by liberty-ca; 01-24-2026 at 06:44 PM.

01-24-2026, 10:13 PM	#180
liberty-ca Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: New Westminster, BC Posts: 331	BNN WEEK IN RETROSPECT – PRAYERS WEEKLY Sacramento Prayers: April 15–21, 1990 By Chad G. Petey and C.O. Pilot – Baseball News Network (BNN) and Gemmy Nay, Sacramento Sports Chronicle Amen and Hallelujah! Your Sacramento Prayers are sitting pretty at 14-5, perched atop the AL West. It was a week of high drama, massive dingers, and a few "Lord, have mercy" moments in the trainer's room. We’ve got the league’s best ERA (2.72) and the most power in the circuit (32 HRs). If the season ended today, we’d be legends. Good thing it doesn't, because we are not done talking yet. The Prayers entered the week riding a wave of strong pitching and timely hitting. What followed was a stretch that showcased the team’s depth, its ability to win close games, and — late in the week — its vulnerability when the bullpen is stretched thin and the defense wobbles. Sacramento finished the week 3–3, still firmly atop the AL West, but with a few new questions to monitor as April winds down. ★ ★ ★ Sunday, April 15 — Prayers 3, Abbots 2 (Abbots Park) Prayers opened the week by stealing a tight one in El Paso, leaning on patience late and steady bullpen work. Sacramento didn’t generate much offense for most of the afternoon, and for seven innings it looked like the Prayers might waste a solid outing from Robby Larson. The right‑hander wasn’t dominant, but he was steady, working around traffic and keeping El Paso from stringing together anything beyond Sergio Garcia’s two‑run homer in the third. The Prayers’ lineup, meanwhile, couldn’t solve Zach Gardener’s mix of sinkers and changeups. Through seven innings, Sacramento managed only three singles and a walk, rarely threatening and often rolling over early in counts. Everything changed in the eighth. Francisco Hernandez opened the inning with a sharp triple into the right‑center gap, finally giving Sacramento a spark. Alex Vieyra followed with a well‑struck double to left, cutting the deficit to 2–1. After a groundout and a walk, Roberto Cardenas — pinch‑hitting for Eli Murguia — lined a clean single to center, scoring Vieyra and tying the game. Moments later, a fielder’s choice brought home the go‑ahead run. Aaron Gilbert handled the seventh and eighth with crisp work, and Luis Prieto closed the ninth despite allowing a two‑out double. It wasn’t a flashy win, but it was the kind of composed, opportunistic performance that has defined Sacramento’s early season. “We weren’t sharp early, but we stayed with it. That’s what good teams do. Those games don’t feel big when you’re in April,” Larson said, “but they add up fast.” A classic "grind-it-out" road win. Sacramento left town at 11–3, continuing its quiet, businesslike start. ★ ★ ★ Tuesday, April 17 — Prayers 2, Lucifers 1 (Lucifers Park) Welcome to Seattle, where the air is cold and the wins are tight. This one unfolded as a pitcher’s duel from the opening pitch. Bernardo Andretti and Seattle’s J.J. Schilder traded scoreless frames for six innings, each working efficiently and leaning on their defenses. Andretti mixed his fastball and slider well, inducing soft contact and avoiding the big inning despite a few scattered baserunners. Sacramento finally broke through in the seventh when Alex Vieyra turned on a Schilder fastball and sent it over the left‑field wall. Seattle answered immediately in the bottom half, tying the game on a double and a two‑out RBI knock. The Prayers responded in the eighth with a patient, methodical rally. A leadoff double from José Rubbi set the table, and Alejandro Lopez delivered a deep sacrifice fly to center, restoring the lead. Gil Caliari and Luis Prieto combined for the final six outs, with Prieto needing only five pitches to secure his sixth save. Seattle threatened in the ninth, but Prieto induced a routine grounder to end it. “It wasn’t pretty, but it was professional. That’s the kind of baseball we want to play.” said Alejandro Lopez. “That’s execution baseball,” added manager Jimmy Aces. “No panic, no shortcuts.” ★ ★ ★ Wednesday, April 18 — Prayers 12, Lucifers 5 (Lucifers Park) Someone left the oven on at Lucifers Park! Sacramento’s offense erupted in its most complete performance of the week. After falling behind early, the Prayers answered with a four‑run fifth inning highlighted by Eli Murguia’s solo homer and José Rubbi’s three‑run blast. The lineup kept applying pressure, forcing Seattle starter Enrique Gaytan from the game and then punishing the bullpen. George MacDonald delivered the decisive blow in the sixth, launching a three‑run homer to extend the lead to 7–4. From there, Sacramento piled on with additional home runs from Gil Cruz and Edwin Musco, turning the game into a comfortable win. Ricky Gaias didn’t have his sharpest command, allowing 10 hits in 5.1 innings, but he limited the damage and let the offense take over. Matt Wright handled the final 3.2 innings with poise, earning his first save of the season. “We weren’t chasing big swings — just good at‑bats stacked together. That’s when we’re at our best. And when we’re patient, opposing pitchers start making mistakes,” MacDonald said. “Tonight those mistakes showed up in bunches.” ★ ★ ★ Thursday, April 19 — Lucifers 1, Prayers 0 (Lucifers Park) Sacramento’s five‑game winning streak ended in a frustrating shutout loss. Sometimes, baseball just isn't fair, and Jordan Rubalcava deserved better. "Pluto" pitched brilliantly, allowing only three hits across eight innings, but one of them — a first‑inning RBI double by Gus Arispe — proved decisive. The Prayers had chances, including a pair of runners in scoring position in the sixth and eighth, but Seattle starter Nelson Huichapa repeatedly worked out of trouble with well‑located fastballs and a sharp curve. Sacramento managed only four hits and never found the timely swing they needed. “That’s baseball,” Rubalcava said. “You tip your cap and get ready for tomorrow.” The loss snapped a five-game winning streak but left no visible residue. “Rubby gave us everything we needed. We just didn’t hold up our end,” Jimmy Aces told reporters after the game. ★ ★ ★ Friday, April 20 — Prayers 3, Priests 1 (Sacramento Stadium) Back home in Sacramento for the "Holy War" against Brooklyn, Prayers reverted to its preferred script: clean pitching, one timely swing, lights out late. Robby Larson delivered his best outing of the season, scattering five hits over 6.1 innings and allowing only a single run in the sixth. The Prayers struck early with two runs in the first, including a sharp RBI double from George MacDonald. Brooklyn cut the lead in half, but Sacramento restored the cushion in the sixth when Alex Vieyra doubled home a run with two outs. Gil Caliari and Luis Prieto handled the final eight outs, with Prieto earning his seventh save despite pitching through mild abdominal soreness. “I just wanted to keep the ball down and let the defense work. They did the rest.” said Robby Larson in the dressing room. “That’s us,” Aces said. “Pressure’s on them, not us.” ★ ★ ★ Saturday, April 21 — Priests 9, Prayers 4 (Sacramento Stadium) This was the week’s lone lopsided loss, and it was shaped early. On Saturday to forget Russ Gray struggled from the outset, giving up four runs in the second inning — including a bases‑clearing triple by Luke Reddick — and two more in the third. Sacramento’s defense didn’t help, committing two errors that extended innings and forced Gray to throw stress pitches. The Prayers chipped away with single runs in the second, third, and fourth, but they never mounted a sustained rally. Brooklyn’s bullpen held firm, and the Priests added three insurance runs late against Aaron Gilbert. Sacramento collected 13 hits but stranded 13 runners, a theme that defined the loss as much as the early deficit. “We had traffic all night. We just didn’t convert.” — Bret Perez summed the game up. ★ ★ ★ FAN SENTIMENT Sacramento fans remain overwhelmingly positive. The team’s 14–5 record, strong pitching, and balanced lineup have created a sense of early‑season confidence. The only concerns voiced this week: - The bullpen workload, especially with Prieto nursing soreness. - The defense, which committed several costly errors late in the week. - The inconsistency of the bottom third of the lineup. Still, the general mood is upbeat: fans believe this team is built for the long haul. ★ ★ ★ AROUND THE HORN: LEAGUE OBSERVATIONS The Washington Devils are currently the class of the AL East at 12-9, but they’ve got the Messiahs and Bishops breathing down their necks. Over in the National League, the Detroit Preachers (14-7) are the only team keeping pace with Sacramento’s win total. It seems the "Religious Era" of baseball is in full swing this 1990 season! Seattle continues to struggle offensively despite quality starting pitching. Brooklyn’s bullpen depth is already being tested heavily in April. Several AL clubs have begun skipping starters due to early workload concerns. ★ ★ ★ THE INFIRMARY The training room is getting crowded, and it's starting to hurt our depth. CL Luis Prieto: The heart of our bullpen is dealing with abdominal soreness. He’s listed as Day-to-Day, and the team is hopeful he won't miss significant time. RP Aaron Gilbert: Left the game on 4/21 with an undisclosed injury while pitching. We are awaiting the official diagnosis, but he’s expected to miss his next few appearances. SP Fernando Salazar Still two months out with that elbow stress reaction. We miss you, Fernando! ★ ★ ★ THE FRONT PEW: FAN MAIL "Dear Gemmy, I love the Prayers, but I’m confused. This week we played the Abbots, the Lucifers, and the Priests. I can’t tell if I’m looking at the standings or a Sunday school syllabus. When do we play a team named after a normal animal, like a Tiger or a Bear? — Confused in Carmichael" Gemmy: Listen, Confused, in this league, you’re either the hunter or the sacrifice. Personally, I like the theme. It makes every series feel like an exorcism. Besides, have you seen the Lucifers' mascot? That thing is terrifying. I’d much rather be a "Prayer" than whatever is going on in Seattle! ★ ★ ★ Gemmy’s Take This was not a highlight-reel week — and that’s exactly why it mattered. Sacramento played six games decided by two runs or fewer and went 5–1. That’s not luck. That’s structure. It’s the bullpen knowing its lanes. It’s starters understanding when to nibble and when to challenge. It’s hitters taking sacrifice flies seriously in April. The Rubalcava loss on Thursday? That’s the one that tells me the most. Ten years ago, teams carried those losses like a bad bruise. This club treated it like a line item. Also: Fernando Salazar’s Saturday start deserves more credit than it’ll get. After giving up three in the second, he stopped the bleeding completely. That’s a veteran skill, and it saves bullpens in August even if no one remembers it now. And yes — Prieto already looks overworked on paper. But watch the innings. No drama. No traffic. That matters more than totals. Sacramento didn’t dominate the week. They handled it. And that’s how good teams quietly scare everyone else by June. ★ ★ ★ LOOKING AHEAD The Prayers close out the homestand with Brooklyn before heading to San Antonio for a three‑game set. The Hell Fire have been inconsistent but dangerous, and their left‑handed starters could test Sacramento’s right‑heavy lineup. Last edited by liberty-ca; 01-24-2026 at 10:15 PM.