Intermountain Baseball League - Presented by BigJdotcom01

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May 14-16, 2024: FLAGSTAFF (18-26) @ AMARILLO (15-29)
Stadium: Hodgetown (Capacity: 6,169)

May 14: Honey Hunters 5, Hops 4
May 15: Hops 6, Honey Hunters 4
May 16: Hops 4, Honey Hunters 0

Amarillo, TX (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops got the ship turned in the right direction in Amarillo as they took two of three from the last place Honey Hunters.

The Honey Hunters won their fourth straight game on Tuesday evening as they rallied late for a 5-4 victory over Flagstaff. Luke Brady's home run in the bottom of the eighth was the difference as Amarillo opened the series with a win.

Flagstaff jumped out to a 3-0 lead in this one, and with their ace on the mound, looked to be in great shape to break their four game losing streak. Art Mason got things going with a solo home run in the fourth inning, his eighth on the season.

Emmitt Hampton doubled home Isaac Nettles in the fifth in his return to the lineup after coming off of the Injured List. Robbie Westbrook then grounded out that allowed Forrest Owen to score to put the Hops up 3-0.

But Amarillo would rally. In the bottom of the fifth Jesus Baez lined an RBI single to right to get the Honey Hunters on the scoreboard. Daryl Sweet would then beat out a double play that allowed Bobby Huff to score to make it 3-2.

A Forrest Owen solo home run in the seventh put the Hops up 4-2.

But back-to-back home runs from Jon Cooper and Yusniel Valdez in the bottom of the seventh tied the game at 4-4. Luke Brady then homered off of Oliver Benedict in the bottom of the eighth to give Amarillo its first lead.

Francesco Taveras came on in the ninth as sent the Hops down in order with three loud outs. It was his ninth save on the season. Gerry Pines (4-6) picked up the win out of the bullpen, pitching two innings and allowing one run on three hits.

Starter Ryan Pressley did not figure in the decision, but went seven innings, allowing four runs on six hits. He struck out eight and walked one. Oliver Benedict (0-2) took the loss.

On Wednesday evening, the Hosp rebounded to end a four game skid with a 6-4 victory over the Honey Hunters. Roberto Geronimo went 3 for 4 with two doubles and an RBI to help lead the way.

Flagstaff would grab a 2-0 lead in the second on a Roberto Geronimo RBI double that scored Art Mason and an Isaac Nettles RBI triple.

Amarillo would tie it up in the third off of Geraldo Rodriguez, making his Flagstaff debut. Daryl Sweet hit a two-run home run to right, his seventh on the season.

But the Hops would get the offense going in the fifth, scoring four times to blow this game open. Josh Ortega got it started with a three-run home run. Then David Benitez doubled home Roberto Geronimo, who had also doubled.

A Dennis Mays solo home run in the bottom half cut into the Flagstaff lead.

A Luke Brady triple led to a fourth Amarillo run in the eighth as Daryl Sweet singled him home off of reliever Aldo Osuna.

Vic Miller came on in the ninth and struck out the side to pick up his ninth save of the season.

Geraldo Rodriguez (1-0) earned the win in his debut. He pitched five innings, allowing three runs on five hits, while striking out five. Ryan Walker (0-2) took the loss for Amarillo. He went four plus innings allowing five runs on eight hits.

On Thursday afternoon, the Hops got a complete game shutout from Alex Farmer on their way to a 4-0 victory to win the series in Amarillo.

Farmer (6-1) was outstanding in this one, scattering two hits and striking out eight, while walking one to lower his league best ERA down to 1.47. He is making a case for the CY Young Award that was won by another Hops pitcher, Shoe-Lace O'Tying, last season.

The Hops would get all the offense that they would need in the third as former Honey Hunter Bradley York hit a three-run home run, his seventh on the season. This comes after he struggled at the plate in the first two games with five strikeouts.

Flagstaff (18-26) would add another run in the fourth on a Roberto Geronimo sacrifice fly to go up 4-0.

Amarillo (15-29) had no answers for Farmer. There best opportunity came in the second when Mays grounded a single back up the middle and Baez walked. But Farmer would work his way out of that jam and did not allow another baserunner until the ninth when Yusniel Valdez singled with two outs.

Art Mason suffered a lat muscle strain during the game and had to be removed from the lineup. He was replaced by Grant Mitchell and is expected to miss a few days, but will not go on the Injured List.

The Hops will conclude their road trip as they head to Colorado Springs to take on the last place Snow Sox (16-27) for a three game weekend series beginning on Friday night.

Around the League: San Diego's Felipe Rios (4) hit a walk-off three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth as the Seals rallied to stun Long Beach 7-6 on Monday evening. Rios went 2 for 5 in the game.

Austin pounded out 15 hits, including seven extra base hits, in a 12-2 thrashing of El Paso. Catcher Jerry Rameres went 2 for 3 with a doubles and drove in five to help lead the Fire Frogs to their fourth straight victory.

Salt Lake's Darrell McCloud (11) homered and drove in four as red-hot Salt Lake cruised past Colorado Springs 8-3. The Chukars were red-hot down the stretch in 2023 and it has carried over into 2024 as they look like the best team in the IBL.

Henderson hit six home runs including two each from Alfonso Pacheco (7,8) and Albert Zambrano (11,12) in a 19-4 victory over Tucson. The Silver Knights had 18 hits and eight walks with Pachedo driving in six runs as he went 3 for 6, all extra base hits.

Rio Rancho's Bill Olson hit two home runs (9,10) and drove in five, and Felipe Sosa tossed eight shutout innings as the Owlz blanked the Bison 14-0. The Owlz have now won four straight and eight of nine.

Salt River's Robin Kelly (4-3) tossed a complete game six-hit shutout and Edwin Ortiz (7) and Sean McKenzie (4) hit home runs as the Rafters shutout slumping Gilbert 4-0.

Alex Farmer has been the one bright spot in a bleak season for the Hops so far.

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May 17-19, 2024: FLAGSTAFF (20-27) @ COLORADO SPRINGS (17-29)
Stadium: Security Service Field (Capacity: 13,587)

May 17: Hops 3, Snow Sox 2 (12)
May 18: Snow Sox 6, Hops 2
May 19: Hops 3, Snow Sox 1

Colorado Springs, CO (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops wrapped up a nine game road trip by taking two of three from the Colorado Springs Snow Sox to finish the trip at (4-5).

The Hops grabbed the opener of the series in dramatic fashion as Emmitt Hampton and Robbie Westbrook each homered in extra innings to pull out a 3-2 victory at Security Service Field.

Flagstaff would grab a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning on a Grant Mitchell RBI double.

That lead lasted until the bottom of the sixth when Brad DiMaggio hit a solo home run to left to tie the ball game at 1-1. The Snow Sox had a chance to win it in the bottom of the ninth as Donnie Samuels tripled, but he made the third out at home on a failed suicide squeeze.

In the 11th Emmitt Hampton hit a solo home run to right center, his first in the season to put the Hops up 2-1. Vic Miller came on in the bottom half and quickly got the first two outs, but then surrendered a solo home run to Brad DiMaggio, his second of the game and third on the year, to tie the game at 2-2. It was Miller's second blown save on the season.

The Hops would get a solo home run from Robbie Westbrook in the 12th to go back up 3-2, his sixth on the season. Oliver Benedict would come on and send the Snow Sox down in order to pick up his third save.

Ramon Garcia tossed seven innings, allowing one run on three hits, while striking out seven, but got a no decision as he looked to pick up his first win on the season. Hops pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts and two walks.

On Saturday afternoon, the Snow Sox bounced back with a 6-2 victory. Chips Wolf struck out 12 in 5.1 innings of work to pick up the win for the last place Snow Sox.

Colorado Springs jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the third. They got a solo home run from Roberto Silva in the first inning, then a Todd Austin RBI single and Dave Lyon two-run home run in the third to go up by four.

An Emmitt Hampton two-run home run in the fifth, his second on the year, cut the lead in half.

But the Snow sox would add two more runs in the seventh on three doubles to stretch it out to 6-2.

Chip Wolf (2-2) got the win, allowing two runs on five hits with those 12 strikeouts. Russell Fluty (0-4) took the loss, pitching five innings and allowing the four runs on seven hits. He struck out three and walked three. Samuel Espinoza allowed two runs in two innings of work out of the bullpen.

In Sunday afternoon's finale, Ryan Pressley tossed a gem as the Hops won the finale 3-1. Pressley (4-2) threw eight innings, allowing one run on two hits. He struck out 11 and walked three.

Flagstaff would get all the offense that they would need in the second as Isaac Nettles hit a three- run home run off of Ken Withenshaw (2-2). Withenshaw came on in relief of starter Mike Stoneridge just two batters into the game after Stoneridge left with a shoulder injury.

The Snow Sox would get on the board in the fifth inning on a Mike Rock solo home run, his sixth on the year.

Emmitt Hampton single handedly kept the Snow Sox in the game. HE grounded into three inning-ending double plays with two men on base in this game. Hampton went 0 for 4 and is hitting just .160 since coming off of the Injured List.

Vic Miller picked up his tenth save on the season working a 1-2-3 ninth.

Robbie Westbrook left the game in the eighth inning with a knee injury while attempting to steal second. The team has said it is only a sprain, but he will be heading to the 10-Day Injured List.

The Hops (20-27) will now return home to take on El Paso (24-23) and Santa Fe (21-26).

Around the League: Gilbert's Josh Heupel (10) hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to walk it off as the Barnstormers defeated Scottsdale 3-2 on Friday night at YouFit Field. The season has been a struggle for both Heupel and the Barnstormers, but the season is still young and this talented team still has plenty of time to right the ship.

Roswell's Danny Watson (11,12) homered twice and drive in four runs as Roswell walloped Mesa 13-2. Twelve of the Aliens 15 hits went for extra bases (six doubles, one triple and five home runs). Seven different Aliens drove in runs in the win.

Henderson moved into first place in the DL West in a wild 9-8 victory over San Diego. Albert Zambrano (14) hit a walk off, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to send the home crowd home happy.

Chandler's Stanley Taguchi improved to (6-0) as the Chiefs defeated Salt River 9-6. Taguchi gave up six runs on nine hits in 5.1 innings, but struck out six and got plenty of help form his offense. The Chiefs got home runs from Carl Lentzkow and Zach Dossett as they won their seventh in a row and improved to (31-15).

Surprise's Gus Woodson improved to (6-1) as he tossed seven shutout innings in a 6-1 victory for the Saguaros over the Firebirds.

El Paso's Shuheii Takahashi hit a grand slam to help the Express to a 14-6 victory over Fort Worth. The teams combined to hit eight home runs.

West Texas completed a three game sweep over Salt Lake on Sunday afternoon with a 10-6 victory. The Bison's Quinones went 4 for 4 with two triples and a home run, driving in two in the victory.

Trades: The Phoenix Firebirds have sent 28-year-old left fielder Greg Duke (79 OVR, A POT) to Glendale in exchange for 26-year-old starting pitcher Jake Gutierrez (77 OVR, C POT).

St George has acquired 25-year-old right fielder Edwin Ortiz (87 OVR, C POT) from Salt River in exchange for 26-year-old starting pitcher Steve Leland (75 OVR, B POT) and 24-year-old first baseman Ricky Cervantes (70 OVR, C POT). Ortiz was hitting .227 with six home runs and 27 RBIs for far for the Rafters.

Robbie Westbrook's 11th inning home run on Friday night gave Flagstaff the victory.

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May 20-22, 2024: EL PASO (26-24) @ FLAGSTAFF (21-29)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 13,406)

May 20: Express 3, Hops 1
May 21: Hops 7, Express 1
May 22: Express 5, Hops 2

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The Hops returned home and dropped two of three to El Paso in a rematch of last year's MLCS.

The Hops opened up their series with the defending ML Champions with a 3-1 loss. Mark Donnellon tossed seven strong innings and got some help from slugger Josh Hawk to help the Express to the series opening victory.

The Express grabbed a 2-0 lead in the third off of Geraldo Rodriguez. Josh Hawk hit a sacrifice fly that scored Phil Colon. Then Tommie Bennett singled home Brandon Gayle, who had singled and stole second.

The Hops lone run came in the bottom of the third as Forrest Owen scored on a ground out by Roberto Geronimo.

El Paso would add an insurance run in the eighth on a Josh Hawk solo home run, his 16th on the year.

Mark Donnellon (4-1) worked seven innings, allowing one run on five hits, while striking out three. Sam Lopez worked a perfect ninth to pick up his sixth save. Geraldo Rodriguez (1-1) took the loss. He pitched six innings, allowing two run son six hits. He struck out four and walked one.

On Tuesday evening, Alex Farmer tossed seven strong innings and won his league leading seventh game on the year as the Hops cruised to a 7-1 victory.

The Hosp would score single runs in the first three innings to take a 3-0 lead. In the first, Emmitt Hampton hit a solo home run to lead off, his third on the season. In the second Roberto Geronimo lined a two-out, bases loaded single to right that scored Bradley York. In the third, it was a Forrest Owen RBI single that scored David Benitez.

Josh Ortega would put this one on ice in the sixth with a towering three-run blast to left. It was his 12th on the year.

The Express would get on the scoreboard in the seventh as Eloy Torrez hit a solo home run off of Alex Farmer. Roberto Geronimo would homer in the eighth to make it 7-1.

Alex Farmer (7-1) went seven innings, allowing one run on three hits. He struck out four and walked none. Luis Corella (2-7) took the loss, only lasting four innings and allowing three runs on nine hits. He struck out two and walked three.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Express got a big three-run home run from Omar Chavez and rode that to a 5-2 victory to win the series.

Chavez would hit a three-run home run off of Ramon Garcia in the second inning. It was his fifth on the season. Tommie Bennett would add a solo home run in the sixth off of reliever Samuel Espinoza and Shuheii Takahashi added an RBI triple in the seventh to put the Express up 5-0.

Phillip Choi would hit a two-run home run in the bottom half of the seventh, his second on the season, to get Flagstaff on the scoreboard, but the Express bullpen would shut down the Hops.

Ramon Garcia (0-5) took the loss despite another decent outing. He went five innings, allowing three runs on four hits, while walking two. Bryan Higgins (5-3) picked up the win for El Paso. He went seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits, while striking out three and walking two. Sam Lopez worked a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his seventh save in eight opportunities.

Flagstaff (21-29) will have Thursday off before hosting Santa Fe (24-26) for a three-game weekend series. The Jays just swept Salt Lake, outscoring the Chukars 24-9.

Around the League: Five Santa Fe pitchers combined to throw a four-hit shutout of the Salt Lake Chukars on Monday evening. Matt Price (6-2) picked up the win, tossing 5.1 innings and scattering two hits, while striking out four and walking five. It was the Chukars fourth straight loss.

Phoenix's David Peralta (6-1) tossed 6.1 innings, allowing one run on eight hits while striking out seven as the Firebirds defeated Goodyear 6-1. Peralta has been a bright spot in a rough start for Phoenix as the Firebirds sit in fourth place in the DL Central, 10 ½ games back of Surprise.

Scottsdale's Martin Perez went 3 for 6 with two home runs and drove in six as the Scorpions took care of Tucson 11-6.

Josh Hawk and the El Paso Express took two of three from Flagstaff.

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May 24-26, 2024: SANTA FE (26-27) @ FLAGSTAFF (22-31)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 13,406)

May 20: Jays 4, Hops 2
May 21: Jays 4, Hops 1
May 22: Hops 3, Jays 2 (10)

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - Flagstaff managed to salvage the finale to avoid a three game sweep at the hands of red-hot Santa Fe.

The Jays grabbed the opener as they rallied late for a 4-2 victory. Donny Craig homered twice to help the Jays to their fourth consecutive victory.

Flagstaff would grab a 1-0 lead in the third on Arturo Mardones first home run of the season, a solo shot.

Santa Fe would tie it up in the fifth on a Dan Torres RBI double.

The Hops retook the lead in the sixth on a Roberto Geronimo solo home run, his tenth on the season. But the Hops bullpen could make make that hold up. Donny Craig homered off of Samuel Espinoza in the seventh to tie the game up. D'Marcus Peterson then hit a solo home run off of Kenneth Valdez in the eighth, and Craig homered off of Oliver Benedict in the ninth.

Russell Fluty tossed six strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits, but did not figure in the decision.

Pat Mehnutzak (4-3) earned the victory for the visitors. He went seven innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, but struck out 11. Lincoln Graham sent down the Hops in order in the ninth to earn his 14th save. Josh Ortega and Bradley York each struck out four times in the loss.

On Saturday evening, the Jays hit three solo home run son their way to a 4-1 victory. Ron Sposato tossed seven strong innings to lead Santa Fe to a fifth consecutive victory and drop the Hops a season high ten games below .500.

In the first Corey Barton singled off of the bag at first to score D'Marcus Peterson as the Jays grabbed a 1-0 lead. Emmitt Hampton would respond immediately as he lead off with a solo home run, his fourth on the season.

The Jays would then get solo home runs from Robby Flores (8), Donny Craig (8) and Ryan Williams (9) in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to build a 4-1 lead.

Sposato (4-4) went seven innings, allowing one run on six hits. He struck out six. Lincoln Graham worked a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up his 15th save.

Ryan Pressley (4-3) took the loss but went eight innings, allowing the four runs on eight hits. He struck out five.

On Sunday afternoon, struggling shortstop Arturo Mardones was the unlikely hero as he hit a solo walk-off home run in the tenth to send Flagstaff to a 3-2 come from behind victory over the Jays to end their winning streak.

The Jays would grab the lead in the second, scoring a run on a bases loaded double play, to take a 1-0. They would extend that lead to 2-0 in the seventh on a Sergio Sierra solo home run.

Flagstaff's offense was completely handcuffed in this one with just three hits through eight innings. But in the ninth, Grant Mitchell singled with one out. Emmitt Hampton then pinch hit and delivered, sending the first pitch from closer Lincoln Graham over the wall. It was his fifth on the season, and tied the game at 2-2. It was Lincoln Graham's third blown save on the season.

In the tenth, Arturo Mardones greeted reliever Ed Hartung with a bang, hitting a hanging slider over the wall in left to win it and salvage the finale for the Hops as they avoided a sweep.

Aldo Osuna (3-4) picked up the win in relief, pitching two scoreless innings. Starter Rodriguez went seven innings, allowing two runs on eight hits. He struck out four and did not issue a walk.

The Hops will now hit the road as they face ML Central leading Rio Rancho before facing defending ML Champion El Paso.

Around the League: Chandler remained red-hot as they took down Gilbert on Thursday evening, 5-2. The win was their 11th in their past 12 games as they have stretched their lead to 7.5 games over Mesa. Stanton Brickman keyed the win with a three-run home run, his 11th on the season.

Surprise's Humberto Perez (6-2) tossed 8.1 shutout innings, striking out five and walking three as the Saguaros defeated Phoenix 2-0. Maury Keith got the final two outs for Surprise, picking up his league leading 19th save. Mario Escobar (4-5) was the hard luck loser for the Firebirds, he tossed seven strong innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out nine as he lowered his ERA to 2.67.

Forth Worth scored twice in the bottom of the ninth to tie and then won it in the tenth on a walk off home run from Terence Harris as the Kings sent Salt Lake to their seventh straight loss, 6-5. Roy Graham tied it in the bottom of the ninth with a two-out, two run home run off of Chukars closer Emmitt Franco.

San Diego's Matt Campbell (6-2) tossed a complete game shutout, striking out seven and scattering six hits as the Seals crushed Fresno 14-0. Javier Vatencia went 3 for 4 with two doubles, a home run and four RBIs in the victory.

Salt Lake ended a seven game losing streak as they pounded Fort Worth 13-3. The Chukars got grand slams from both Richie Guerrero and David Hernandez in the victory.

Arturo Madrones has struggled in 2024, but Sunday afternoon he came through with the game winning walk-off home run.

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May 27-29, 2024: FLAGSTAFF (24-32) @ RIO RANCHO (33-23)
Stadium: Intel Field (Capacity: 5,796)

May 27: Hops 2, Owlz 1
May 28: Owlz 4, Hops 2
May 29: Hops 4, Owlz 2

Rio Rancho, NM (AP) - Flagstaff opened their road trip by taking two of three from ML Central leading Rio Rancho. Pitching was once again the story as the Hops offense continues to struggle in 2024.

The Hops opened up the road trip with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Rio Rancho Owlz. Two runs in the seventh inning were the difference as the Hops pulled out the victory.

Rio Rancho grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning and a sac fly from Zach Gallagher.

It would remain that way until the seventh. Emmitt Hampton walked to lead off the inning. Forrest Owen then doubled with Hampton scoring to tie the game at 1-1. Owen advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on an Isaac Nettles sac fly.

Alex Farmer (8-1) continues to have a Cy Young campaign. He tossed seven innings, allowing one run on three hits. He struck out five and did not walk a batter. Pedro Macias worked the eighth and Vic Miller pitched the ninth to earn his 11th save.

Bert Stokes (4-3) took the loss for the Owlz, but pitched well, going six plus innings and allowing the two runs on five hits. He struck out three and walked two.

On Tuesday evening, the Owlz got a bases clearing double from an unlikely source and rode that to a 4-2 victory to even the series. Catcher Mike Lloyd cleared the bases in the fifth inning with a three run double, his first hit on the season to put Rio Rancho up 3-1 and they rode that to the victory.

Flagstaff would grab a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a David Benitez solo home run, his eighth on the year.

Rio Rancho would take the lead in the fifth on the three-run double from Lloyd, and would extend that lead in the sixth on a solo home run from Elvis Velasquez.

Emmitt Hampton would help close the gap with a solo home run to open the eighth, but the Owlz bullpen would shut down the Hops to close the game out.

Clark McIntyre (4-3) earned the win, throwing six innings and allowing one run on six hits. Brian Lopez picked up his 18th save for the Owlz, getting Isaac Nettles to ground into a 3-6-3 double play to end the ballgame.

Ramon Garcia dropped to (0-6), but once again pitched decent enough. He went 5 1/3 innings, allowing the four runs on seven hits. He struck out three and did not walk a batter. Sam Varela and Pedro Macias got the final eight outs without allowing a run.

On Wednesday afternoon, it was once again a come-from-behind win for the Hops as they scored four times in the seventh and with the help of three Rio Rancho errors, defeated the Owlz 4-2.

The Owlz would grab the lead in the first on an RBI ground out by Zack Gallagher that scored Eric Pressley. They would extend that lead to 2-0 in the sixth on a David Dominguez solo home run, his 11th.

But the Hops finally got the offense going in the seventh, scoring four times to take the lead. David Benitez drew a one-out walk and Isaac Nettles singled. Bradley York grounded to second in what looked to be an inning ending double play, but Del Villar bobbled it and everyone was safe. Arturo Mardones then singled to center to score both Benitez and Nettles to tie the game at 2-2. Phillip Choi then doubled home York and Mardones to put the Hops up 4-2.

The Hops bullpen then took over with Oliver Benedict, Aldo Osuna and Vic Miller shutting down the Owlz to help the Hops to the series win. Miller picked up his 12th save on the season.

Russell Fluty (1-4) picked up his first win of 2024, pitching six innings and allowing two runs on five hits. He struck out three and walked one. Rio Rancho ace Ryne Rodriguez (1-3) took the loss, pitching 6 1/3 innings and allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits. He struck out six, but walked three.

The Hops will now travel south to El Paso for a four game weekend series against the Express (31-26) in a rematch of the 2023 ML Championship Series.

Trades: Albuquerque acquired 22-year-old starting pitcher Gary Woodson (75 OVR, C POT) from West Texas in exchange for 25-year-old centerfielder Bubba Thompson (75 OVR, B POT).

Around the League: Salt River blew a 9-0 lead in Tucson on Monday evening, but rallied for a 10-9 victory in ten innings. Dante Teleshaw's (7) solo home run in the top of the tenth was the difference for the Rafters in this batter of DL East bottom feeders.

Austin's Rick Singleton (17) and Odell Hansen (6) each homered in the tenth inning as Austin dug out of a 2-0 hole late to win 5-2 in St George.

T.J. Hart went 3 for 4 with two doubles and a home run (14) as San Antonio doubled up Salt Lake 8-4. Hart is hitting .302 for the first-place Javelinas. The Chukars meanwhile, still sit in first in the ML West, but have dropped nine of their last 11.

Long Beach pounded out 18 hits and scored 11 times in the first two innings in a 14-6 victory over Gilbert. Six Surf Dawg starters had at least two hits with the top three players in the lineup going 9 for 16 with a double, triple, two home runs and six RBIs.

Salt River's Cosmo Dorta (5-6) tossed seven strong innings, allowing two runs and striking out eight as the Rafters defeated Las Vegas 9-3.

Long Beach's Steve Willis (7-3) tossed a complete game three-hit shutout of the Gilbert Barnstormers on Wednesday afternoon in downtown Gilbert. Willis struck out 11 and did not issue a walk in the Surf Dawgs 6-0 victory.

Henderson scored 17 runs for the second consecutive game against Fresno, piling up 42 hits in the two games as they stomped the Bears 17-8 and 17-2 to move into first place in the DL West. Enos Webb went 4 for 6 with a double, two home runs (10) and a career best nine RBIs in Wednesday afternoon's win for the Silver Knights.

Wesley Watson was gunned down at the plate by Arturo Mardones on Wednesday afternoon.

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May 30 - June 2, 2024: FLAGSTAFF (26-34) @ EL PASO (33-28)
Stadium: Southwest University Park (Capacity: 9,323)

May 30: Hops 5, Express 1
May 31: Express 3, Hops 2
June 1: Express 6, Hops 2
June 2: Hops 10, Express 6

El Paso, TX (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops completed their road trip by splitting a four game series with El Paso.

The Hops opened up a four game series in El Paso with a dominating 5-1 victory. Ryan Pressley went the distance to pick up his fifth win on the season and got some help from his offense that has struggled so far in 2024.

Flagstaff grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first on a Grant Mitchell two-run home run, his second on the season. They would extend that lead to 4-0 in the fourth on a big two-out, two-run single from David Benitez. Emmitt Hampton then homered in the fifth to make it 5-0. It was his seventh on the season.

El Paso would scratch across a run in the sixth on a Josh Hawk RBI single.

Ryan Pressley (5-3) was brilliant in this one. He scattered six hits while striking out six and walking one.

Robbie Westbrook went 0 for 3 in his return to the lineup, but did draw a walk and stole a base, his 14th on the season.

El Paso ace Mark Donnellon (5-2) only lasted four plus innings, allowing the five runs on six hits.

El Paso closed out the month of May with some fireworks on Friday night as they hit two home runs in the bottom of the ninth off of Flagstaff closer Vic Miller to rally for a 3-2 victory to even the series. Casey Moore tied it and Steve Marquez won it, blowing a great pitching performance from starter Geraldo Rodriguez.

The Hops would grab a 2-0 lead in the third on a two run double from Emmitt Hampton. The Express immediately got one back in the bottom half on an Eloy Perez solo home run, his fourth on the year.

It would stay that way until the bottom of the ninth. Casey Moore led off and hit a solo home run to left to tie the ballgame at 2-2. Two batters later, Steve Marquez blasted one down the line that just stayed fair as the Express walked it off.

Vic Miller (2-2) took the loss and was handed his third blown save on the season. Starter Geraldo Rodriguez went six innings, allowing one run on six hits and he struck out four.

Eloy Rosado (1-2) picked up the win out of the bullpen, working a scoreless ninth inning.

On Saturday afternoon, the Express rallied for a 6-2 victory thanks to a big sixth inning rally. Bryan Higgins had the Hops batters baffled all day long as he earned the win.

Flagstaff would take a 2-0 lead in the fourth on a David Benitez two-run home run, his ninth on the season.

El Paso would score four times in the sixth inning, all with two outs. Josh Hawk lined a bases loaded single that scored Steve Marquez and Omar Chavez. Tommie Bennett then doubled home Shuheii Takahashi and Josh Hawk to make it 4-2.

In the seventh, Homer Pressley doubled home Omar Chavez and Brandon Gayle singled home Pressley to make it 6-2.

Alex Farmer (8-2) took the loss, throwing 5.2 innings and allowing four runs on six hits. He struck out five. Bryan Higgins (7-3) got the win, going six innings and allowing two runs on three hits, while striking out seven.

In the finale, the Hops offense exploded for a season high ten runs in a 10-6 victory to earn a split of the four game weekend series. Josh Ortega went 4 for 5 with two home runs and three runs scored for the Hops in the victory.

The Hops would score runs in each of the first six innings in this one, chasing starter and Express ace Bruno de la Cruz after just four innings of work. The Express also made a season high four errors, leading to four unearned runs in the ballgame.

Flagstaff would grab an early 1-0 lead in the first inning on an Art Mason two-out, RBI infield single that scored Bradley York. The Hops forced de la Cruz to throw 32 first inning pitches, also a season high.

In the second, Forrest Owen reached on an error by Eloy Torrez. He would advance to second on a throwing error by catcher Omar Chavez, and scored on a Roberto Geronimo two-out RBI single. Bradley York then singled home Geronimo to make it 3-0.

Another two-out RBI single, this time from from Robbie Westbrook in the third, made it 4-0.

Brandon Gayle hit a solo homer off of Ramon Garcia in the third to get El Paso on the board.

Roberto Geronimo homered in the top of the fourth, his 11th, and Casey Moore (9) answered in the bottom half for El Paso.

Flagstaff would blow this one open in the fifth. Mitchell doubled home Art Mason, who reached on an error. Robbie Westbrook then singled home Mitchell and Roberto Geronimo grounded into a bases loaded double play that scored Forrest Owen to make it 8-2.

Josh Ortega's first home run of the game in the sixth made it 9-2.

The Express would rally with three in the bottom half on a Casey Moore RBI single, a Steve Marquez RBI double and Sanders RBI double. A Shuheii Takahashi solo homer in the seventh cut the lead to 9-6.

But Josh Ortega's second home run of the ball game and 14th on the season in the ninth put this one to rest.

Ramon Garcia (1-6) picked up his first win on the season, going 5.2 innings and allowing five runs on nine hits. He struck out five. Sam Varela got the rare nine out save, his first on the season.

Bruno de la Cruz (5-6) struggled, allowing five runs (three earned) on eight hits in four innings of work. He threw 87 pitches and struck out five.

The Hops (26-34) will return home to take on West Texas (29-32) tomorrow evening.

Trades: Phoenix has sent 27-year-old third baseman Phil Payne (84 OVR, D POT) to Goodyear in exchange for 30-year-old right fielder Darren McCarty (84 OVR, B POT) and 25-year-old starting pitcher Markus Nielsen (75 OVR, D POT).

Around the League: Rio Rancho's Rollie Flingers (10-1) tossed a complete game, six hit shutout, striking out six, as the Owlz defeated Albuquerque 7-0. Eric Pressley went 3 for 5 with two doubles and a home run, driving in two in the victory.

Salt River and Surprise combined to hit ten home runs in a wild 11-10 walk-off victory for the Rafters. Aaron Henderson's (6) second home run of the ball game in the bottom of the ninth sent the home fans home happy as the Rafters won their sixth straight game.

Salt Lake lost their sixth straight as they dropped an 8-5 decision at home to Austin. The Chukars are now just (2-13) in their last 15 and have seen their lead in the ML West cut to just two games over St George.

San Diego's Matt Mulder homered twice (11) including a walk-off home run in the 11th inning as the Seals defeated Las Vegas 12-11. Mulder went 3 for 5 with a double, two homers and he drove in five runs. Javier Vatencia went 3 for 6 with two home runs as the Seals hit five bombs in the game.

Chandler's Zach Dossett homered twice (16) and Scotty North hit a bases clearing double in the first inning as the Chiefs completed a three game sweep of Scottsdale on Sunday afternoon. Starr (8-2) picked up the win, allowing one run on five hits in six innings of work.

The Hops are hoping that Josh Ortega and the offense are finally starting to awaken.

[bigjdotcom01]

MAY AWARDS:
ML Pitcher of Month: Rollie Flingers (SP, Rio Rancho) 5-0, 1.59 ERA, 46 K's
ML Player of Month: Earl Phelps (RF, West Texas) .433, 7 HR, 18 RBI
ML Rookie of Month: Jon Cooper (C, Amarillo) .287, 2 HR, 12 RBI
DL Pitcher of Month: Jamier Pacheco (SP, Scottsdale) 5-0, 2.83 ERA, 32 K's
DL Player of Month: Herb Smith (CF, Long Beach) .339, 14 HR, 26 RBI
DL Rookie of Month: James Outman (CF, San Diego) .382, 1 HR, 5 RBI

[bigjdotcom01]

June 5, 2024
Phoenix, AZ (AP) - The IBL held their First Year Player Draft on Wednesday evening in Phoenix. It consisted of six rounds with the draft order determined by the final 2023 standings with Albuquerque selecting first overall and Gilbert selecting 30th. Compensatory picks were allocated after rounds one and two.

The top overall pick in the draft was 22-year-old starting pitcher Randy Hoffman out of Penn State by the Albuquerque Mariachis. Hoffman is a lefty with a five pitch repertoire featuring a running fastball at 89 mph and sinker at 88 mph. He is rated 59 OVR with a potential of 92.

Amarillo selected first baseman Dirk Hall second overall. The 21-year-old is rated 74 OVR with a 92 POT. He has very good power, especially against lefties and could make his IBL debut as soon as 2026. He was the highest rated player drafted in the first round.

San Diego's Federico Sosa, a 23-year-old starting pitcher was drafted in the fifth round, was the highest rated player drafted at 75 OVR with a 62 POT. The lefty from Panama may be able to make his debut in 2025 if things fall right.

The Hops drafted left fielder Andres Cabrera in round one at pick 23. The 21-year-old is rated 61 OVR with a 77 POT. He is likely a few years away from making his Flagstaff debut but is a good contact hitter with decent speed.

The average overall potential of Amarillo's seven picks was 81.29 which led the IBL, edging out Long Beach by over two points. The Henderson Silver Knights lead all the teams in current overall of their draft picks with an average rating of 64.71. Flagstaff was 21st in potential and second in actual overall..

Here is a look at the first round and breakdown of the potentials and overalls of each team’s draft. The number indicates their draft position.