MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

2024 Pittsburgh Pirates 09/06-09/07

Overall Record:92-51 (1st NL Central/9 over Milwaukee)

Game Results
Game 1
Pirates-4
Cubs-3

Game 2
Pirates-10
Cubs-0

Game 3
Cubs-6
Pirates-0

*note* I actually won game one 5-0 but when I came back into my francise it had reverted back two games (back to the Washington series) so I just made sure I lost that last game agaisnt Washington and won the first game of this series. I dunno why that happens sometimes, its supposed to auto save after games.

Pirates take two of three against divison rival Cubs

The Pirates last scored in the double digits back on June 14th in a 10-0 victory over Miami. They had that same result in game two Vs. the Cubs. Anthony Santander finally hit a home run in the fourth inning that brought the score to 4-0 and his season total to 29. Will he get #30? Thats still to be seen his HR slump in between #28 and #29 was nearly a month.

The big inning for the Pirates came in the 7th when they scored five. One of those came on CJ Cron's 28th of the season. The Pirates have a realistic chance to get three players to 30 HR for the season with Oneil Cruz being the third as he sits at 27.

Blake Snell also had his fourth complete game of the season. That ties him for the NL lead with Zack Weeler. Sandy Alcantara and Logan Webb.

The Cubs returned the shutout favor in game three as Hayden Wesneski and Chad Green combined to hold the Pirates without a run.

The Pirates will now finish off their road trip with three in Toronto (90-52/1st AL East).

[SamC24167]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

Cardinals head into offseason with decisions to make for the 2029 season

The Cardinals 2028 season ended without a trip to the postseason. The Cardinals won just 87 games and really failed to live up to expectations. They will look to improve their roster to ensure a return trip to the postseason, and as divisional champs.

Pitching will be the primary focus this winter. The Cardinals have Jack Flaherty and Reid Detmers at the top of the rotation as a one-two punch, but after that, things get very shaky. The bullpen is in need of improvement as well with only Alex Reyes and Genesis Cabrera as guaranteed returns for the new season.

Offensively the Cardinals will start a new era with Jordan Walker as the primary third baseman as Nolan Arenado will not be re-signed or even offered a contract. Walker along with Nolan Gorman give the Cardinals a young, power combo at the corners of the infield. Tommy Edman who moved from SS to 2B last season, will likely be there again in 2029, although depending on how things go, he could end up back at shortstop, as Oswald Peraza has failed to perform when given opportunities at the big league level. Masyn Winn is an option but he cannot stay healthy.

In the outfield, its Dylan Carlson and a bunch of maybes. Joshua Baez and Chase Davis have been given opportunities, but neither give the front office or coaching staff confidence they can be everyday players for 162 games. Harrison Bader is a exclusive free agent, but the likelihood of a him receiving an offer are slim.

Not only do the Cardinals need to plug holes at the starting positions, but their depth last year left something to be desired, both pitching and postion players.

Expect the Cardinals to be active this winter as they look to re-balance the roster so that they have solid starters and minor league depth to fill in for poor performance and injuries.

So happy for ya man and glad to be able to keep reading about the journey GO CARDS!!!!

[bigjdotcom01]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

APRIL 8-10: FLAGSTAFF (5-8) @ COLORADO SPRINGS (6-7)
Stadium: Security Service Field (Capacity: 13,587)

April 8: Hops 3, Snow Sox 0
April 9: Snow Sox 3, Hops 2 (11)
April 10: Snow Sox 5, Hops 1

Colorado Springs, CO (AP) - The early season woes for the Flagstaff Hops continued as they dropped two of three in Colorado Springs to slide down into last place in the ML West.

The Hops opened up their series in Colorado Springs with a 3-0 victory, but suffered a devastating injury as superstar Shoe-Lace O’Tying left the game in the eighth holding his shoulder in obvious pain. O’Tying tossed 7 2/3 shutout innings, allowing three hits and striking out seven before leaving with the injury.

The only offense in the game came in the second as the Hops scored three times off of Mike Stoneridge. Art Mason led off with a solo home run, his third on the season. Forrest Owen would then add a two-out, two-run single to make it 3-0.

The teams combined for just seven hits in the briskly played game.

Oliver Benedict got the final four outs to record his first save with Vic Miller still out.

It was determined that O’Tying tore his labrum and will miss the rest of the 2024 season. This was devastating news for a Hops team that is off to a tough start. The team recalled Russell Fluty from Triple-A Albuquerque to move into the rotation.

On Tuesday evening, the Hops blew a two-run lead and lost 3-2 in extra innings to the Snow Sox. Mike Rock’s RBI single with one out in the 11th scored Donnell Marcus with the game winning run.

Flagstaff built a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Donnie Roland singled to center and Art Mason tried to go first to third but the throw got away into the dugout allowing Mason to score to put the Hops up 1-0. Oscar Aleman then doubled home Roland to make it 2-0 and it looked like the Hops were on their way. But that was it offensively as they team continues to struggle at the plate.

In the third, Dave Lyon homered to left. It was the first career hit for the rookie and git the Snow Sox on the board. Juan Primo then hit a solo home run in the sixth to tie the game at 2-2.

Ryan Pressley was brilliant for the Hops, tossing 7 2/3 innings and allowing two runs on five hits, while striking out ten and not issuing any walks. Pedro Macias would get seven outs without allowing a base runner. Aldo Osuna (0-2) came on in the 11th and served up a double to Donnell Marcus and the game winning single to Mike Rock.

Arturo Mardones came in for an injured Isaac Nettles in the first inning and went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts. He is now 0 for 22 at the plate with seven strikeouts. The team optioned him to Triple-A Albuquerque after the game, recalling newly acquired Jimmy James.

In the finale, the Snow Sox hit three home runs to pull away for a 5-1 victory. Robby Blair homered twice and drove in three to lead the Snow Sox to the series victory.

This one was a pitchers duel as Juro Yamaguchi and Brian Chin were locked in a scoreless tie into the sixth inning. Donnie Samuels would break that up with a solo home run to lead off the sixth for Colorado Springs.

Josh Ortega would hit a solo shot off of Chin to open the seventh to tie the game at 1-1. It was his third on the year. Robby Blair hit a solo home run off of Yamaguchi in the bottom half to put Colorado Springs in front for good. It was his first on the year.

The Snow Sox would add three in the bottom of the eighth, capped off by Robby Blair two-run home run to make it 5-1.

Art Mason grounded out to first to end the game for Flagstaff and end his ten game hitting streak.

The Hops are currently hitting just .232 as a team, last in the IBL. They have allowed 24 home runs, also last in the IBL , and they will be without star Shoe-Lace O’Tying for the rest of the season. I know it is early, but this may be a lost season for a team that had title expectations just two weeks ago.

The Hops will return home for a four game weekend series with Austin (5-8) in a rematch of last season’s MLDS in which the Hops swept the Fire Frogs out of the playoffs. They will then host Roswell (10-2) who currently have the best record in the IBL.

Around the League: Long Beach’s Steve Willis tossed seven strong innings, allowing one run on eight hits, while striking out eight, in a 2-1 loss to San Antonio.

Fort Worth’s Douglas Matsui (1-1) struck out ten, in eight shutout innings, as the Kings defeated Austin 6-0. Cal Velasco homered twice and drove in three in the victory.

Josh Hawk went 6 for 6 with three home runs and drove in five as El Paso cruised to a 12-2 victory over Salt River in Tempe. Hawk would follow that up with a two home run and six RBI performance as the Express crushed Salt River 16-3, completing the sweep in which El Paso outscored Salt River 36-6. Hawk went 10 for 15 with five home runs and 12 RBIs in the series.

Jalen Chestnut went 5 for 6 with a triple, stolen base and an RBI in Tucson’s 12-2 victory over Phoenix. The Roadrunners pounded out 20 hits as they picked up their third win of the season.

<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53406994408_7d637231b1_o.jpg" width="720" height="405" alt="Series4_24"/>
Mike Rock and the Snow Sox took two of three from slumping Flagstaff.

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

2024 Pittsburgh Pirates 09/09-09/11

Overall Record:95-51 (1st NL Central/9.5 over Milwaukee)

Game Results

Game 1
Pirates-8
Blue Jays-5

Game 2
Pirates-7
Blue Jays-2

Game 3
Pirates-4
Blue Jays-3

Pirates sweep Jays/Take over top spot in NL

The Pittsburgh Pirates are now atop the National League with their record of 95-51. The Braves are just behind with their record of 94-53. The Padres (93-54) and Dodgers (91-56) are also still in the hunt.

All four of the mentioned teams have also atleast clinched a playoff spot while Atlanta has clinched their division. The Guardians (92-54) are the only AL team who has clinched a playoff spot thus far.

The Pirates got off to a fast start in game one versus the Blue Jays. The inning started with the bases being loaded after Oneil Cruz was hit by a pitch, Anthony Santander was walked and Buddy Kennedy got a single on a swining bunt. CJ Cron then hit a sac fly that scored Cruz. And finally, Jack Suwinski hit an opposite field three run homerun (his 12th).

The Pirates offense kept scoring and starting pitcher Jack Flaherty was dominate. Those factors eventually led the Pirates to a 7-0 lead through the top of the 8th. That eighth innining saw Toronto get some momentum going as they scored five runs, four of which came on a Santiago Espinal grand slam. Cron then hit his 29th homer of the season in the ninth inning while David Bednar saved his 48th game of the season while Pittsburgh took the 8-5 victory.

The Pirates won game two 7-2. In that game, Anthony Santander and CJ Cron got their 30th home runs of the season while Oneil Cruz got closer with his 28th.

The Pirates got out to a 4-0 lead in game three while Julio Urias pitched well but did give up a number of hits. He also pitched in the 8th inning and in that inning, he gave up three runs that brought Tornto to within one. Bednar was able to get another save to close out the victory and the sweep. He is now just one away from tying his mark from last year.

The Pirates now return home for a three game series with the Mets (73-73/4th NL East). The Mets are still in the race for the third wild card spot as they sit 3.5 games behind the Phillies.

[DonkeyJote]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

Just because I was curious, I checked to see how well my Franchise predicted Free Agency.

So far 2 for 53. Got Angel Perdomo to the Braves, and Lourdes Gurriel staying in Arizona. And I'm fairly certain Gurriel didn't even hit Free Agency for me in Free Agency.

Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

2024 Pittsburgh Pirates 09/13-09/15

Overall Record:97-52 (1st NL Central/9.5 over Milwaukee)

Game Results
Game 1
Mets-5
Pirates-0

Game 2
Pirates-8
Mets-2

Game 3
Pirates-4
Mets-1

Pirates win series vs. Mets

The Pirates faced the Pirates just once prior to their final series of the year. In that first series, New York swept Pittsburgh in a three game series. The Mets were also trying to creep back into the Wildcard as they entered the most recent matchup.

Game one was dominated by Tylor Megill who pitched eight great innings for the Mets as he allowed just three hits, no runs and struck out five. His offense also did enough against Blake Snell as they got four off of him through four innings. One of those four was Pete Alonso's 32nd homerun of the season. They also added another run off of Snell in the 7th that knocked him out of the game and gave the Mets the lead and eventual final score of 5-0.

The Pirates were the ones to get out to the early lead in game two. That lead came via a two run shot by Anthony Santader for his 31st of the year. The Pirates then loaded the bases in the fourth inning thanks to a single,HBP and walk. They werent able to fully capitilize on that however as they only managed one run Endy Rodriguez singled home the Pirates third run of the game.

New York briefly made it close by scoring two in the 7th but the Pirates answered back with three in the bottom half when Rodolfo Castro hit his 5th homerun of the season. The Pirates then added on two more in teh 8th off of RBi singles by Ke'Bryan Hayes and Matt Frazier.

Game three saw Jack Flaherty face off against a future hall of famer, Max Scherzer. The only problem with that was that the Mets used Scherzer for an inning of relief in game two. That along with a patient Pittsburgh lineup quickly ended his night after just three innings. To be fair, he did have a good outing for those three innings as he allowed just a single run in that third inning when Santander hit his 32nd home run of the season.

Flaherty was coming off his best performance of the year in his last start against Toronto when he struck out 13 batters. He did not repeat that feat or even come close (just three in this game). But he did pitch well as he allowed just one run in his six innings of work.

The Pirates brought a 4-1 lead into the 9th and that meant David Bednar would get a chance to equal his last years save total of 50. And, although he did allow two his, he didnt allow any runs and did get that 50th save. He is looking to be pretty likely to repeat as the NL releiver of the year as he current leads the majors in the category. Even better is the fact that he has blown just one save all season. His performances can be directly tied to the Pirates success this season.

The Pirates now remain home to face off against the Cincinnati Reds (58-91/5th NL Central)

[baseballguy99]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

"The Lost Season" A Yankees 2023 Franchise

Small.jpg

I still enjoy collecting the Topps baseball series each year and always thought it would look cool capturing action shots one day from a MLB the show Yankees franchise... its taken me a while but I may have found my sweet spot with creating a fun, challenging experience in this game so perhaps its better late than never.

Is it time to rewrite the record books? Will the 2023 Yankee season still be a lost cause? Well Im going to give it a go using an opening day roster, I'll be hitting on legend and pitching on legend + with juiced CPU hitting sliders

I might stream a few of my games for anyone interested in the journey

https://www.youtube.com/@Baseballguy13

It might be fun to make a few more baseball cards during the season, depending on who makes the team out of spring training or who is acquired during the season. Im hoping documenting the franchise will keep me engaged in it.

[jcar0725]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

"The Lost Season" A Yankees 2023 Franchise

[ATTACH]209477[/ATTACH]

I still enjoy collecting the Topps baseball series each year and always thought it would look cool capturing action shots one day from a MLB the show Yankees franchise... its taken me a while but I may have found my sweet spot with creating a fun, challenging experience in this game so perhaps its better late than never.

Is it time to rewrite the record books? Will the 2023 Yankee season still be a lost cause? Well Im going to give it a go using an opening day roster, I'll be hitting on legend and pitching on legend + with juiced CPU hitting sliders

I might stream a few of my games for anyone interested in the journey

https://www.youtube.com/@Baseballguy13

It might be fun to make a few more baseball cards during the season, depending on who makes the team out of spring training or who is acquired during the season. Im hoping documenting the franchise will keep me engaged in it.

These look very cool


Sent from my SM-S918U using Operation Sports mobile app

[baseballguy99]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

"The Lost Season" A Yankees 2023 Franchise
MLB(R) The Show(TM) 23_5.jpg

Phillies 2 - 1 Yankees

The Yankees' first spring training game against the Phillies ended in a 2-1 loss. Both teams displayed solid defensive performances, resulting in a low-scoring affair. The game lacked major highlights or standout moments, making it a relatively uneventful affair for spectators.

The overall uneventful nature of the game should not overshadow the promising performances of Franchy Cordero and Willie Calhoun. As the spring training season unfolds, their contributions and consistency will be closely monitored by the coaching staff as they vie for a spot on the team's opening day roster.

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

2024 Pittsburgh Pirates 09/16-09-19

Overall Record: 100-53 (1st NL Central/10 over Milwaukee)

Game Results

Game 1
Reds-4
Pirates-1

Game 2
Pirates-2
Reds-0

Game 3
Pirates-5
Reds-0

Game 4
Pirates-1
Reds-0

Pirates clinch second straight NL Central Crown

The Pittsburgh Pirates won their 100th game of the season Thursday in their series clinching game four matchup with the Cincinnati Reds. The win saw the Pirates get to 100 wins for the first time since 1909. The win also clinched the division for the Pirates, the second in as many years.

And of course, the win was done in the most 2024 Pirates way. Last year, the Reds made the questionable move to trade Elly De La Cruz to the Marlins for an up and coming pitcher. That pitcher was Eury Perez and he has the Pirates number.

Last season, Eury nearly no hit the Pirates and this year he got even closer. He held the Pirates without a hit for 7+ innings. Luckily for Pittsburgh, Roansy Contreras was also very good as he allowed just 3 hits and no runs in his six innings of work. The Pirates got just two overall hits in the game and both were by CJ Cron. Cron broke up the no hitter in the 8th and then after neither team could score, he hit the walkoff single in the 10th inning for the Pirates to take the 1-0 victory.

The Pirates will now head to Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers (94-59/2nd NL West) as they try to keep pace with San Diego.

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

2024 Pittsburgh Pirates 09/20-09/22
Overall Record:100-56 (1st NL Central 8 over Milwaukee)

Game Results:

Game 1
Dodgers-5
Pirates-4

Game 2
Dodgers-7
Pirates-5

Game 3
Dodgers-5
Pirates-3

The Mookie Show

Mookie Betts was great at the plate in the Dodgers sweep of the Pirates as both teams look toward the playoffs. Betts went 7-12 in the series with 5 RBIs, two HR's and a double. Each game was close however but with that, the Pirates allowed the Dodgers closer, Evan Phillips to nearly catch up to David Bednar for the NL saves lead (51). Phillips saved all three games and now sits at 50 which has him in second place in the NL.

The only game of the series that looked like it may be a bit lopsided was game two. In that game, both teams scored a pair of runs early. The Dodgers then scored 1 in the fifth to take the 3-2 lead. That lead was expanded in the 7th inning when the Dodgers scored four with one coming off a Mookie single, another off of a Will Smith sac fly and two came when Luke Voit hit his 20th HR of the season. Those scores made the tally at 7-2 in favor the of the home team (Dodgers). The Pirates tried to make a comeback with three of their own in the 8th that came off of RBI's by Oneil Cruz and Anthony Santander but unfortunately, they couldnt plate any more and ended up taking the 7-5 loss.

The sweep does put a sour taste in the Pirates mouthes as they ended up 1-5 against the Dodgers, a team that could very likely be a playoff opponent.

The race for the #1 spot in the NL is also again heating up as both the Padres and Braves are sitting just one game back of the Pirates with 99 wins a piece.

The Pirates will look to get some confidence and expand that NL lead when they head to Cincinnati face off against the Reds in their second to last series of the season.

[chuddjim]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

NEED PLAYERS for ONLINE SIM ONLY FRANCHISE

I'm looking for players to start an online franchise. up to 30 players. This will be a SIM ONLY franchise to be more focused on being a GM of your franchise. instead of worrying about gameplay, you'll be responsible for...
-making trades
-signing new/resigning contracts
-scouting new prospects/rookies
-call ups or call downs from the majors and minors.


Once we reach 30 people I will host a lottery draft with everyone's names. This will determine everyone's picking order for which team they want. (sorry whoever ends with the Atheltics)


the franchise will be simulated everyday at 9pm CT (10pm ET) (7pm PT) I sim two full weeks of the season a day (which is equivalent to about 10-12 games)


once we reach the trade deadline there will be a 3 day grace period of no siming for people to trade. (you can trade at any point pre-trade deadline)


Post trade deadline we then sim 1 full week of the season every day (instead of 2) until we reach the playoffs


Postseason we sim 1 round of the playoffs a day (wildcard day 1) (divisional day 2) (championship day 3) (world series Games 1-4 day 4) (World series games 5-7 day 5)


(DECISIONS ARE NOT FINAL AND MAY CHANGE) comment if you're interested and or have any other questions thank you.
discord is the main source of communication

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

2024 Pittsburgh Pirates 09/24-09/26

Overall Record:101-58 (1st NL Central 6 over Milwaukee)

Game Results

Game 1
Reds-2
Pirates-1

Game 2
Pirates-4
Reds-1

Game 3
Reds-5
Pirates-4

Pirates stumble as season winds down

As the 2024 season nears it's end, The Pirates are focused on locking down the #1 seed in the NL and possibly the #1 seed overall. Unfortunately, the Pirates didn't do themselves any favors in their second to last series of the year. The Pirates traveled to Cincinnati and dropped two of three to the Reds who are in last place in the NL Central.

The third game was the deciding factor and the Pirates blew it in extra innings when Tyler Stephenson gave David Bednar just his second blown save of the season. Neither team scored in the 10th inning after the game entered extras tied 3-3. The 11th started off poorly for Pittsburgh as Oneil Cruz was picked off at second after for some reason, he took an extra step off of second. THe Pirates fought through that however and eventually took the 4-3 lead heading into the bottom half.

David Bednar then entered the game looking for his MLB leading 53rd save of the season. Unfortunately, Tyler Stephenson had other ideas as he hit a ball into the left center field stands to score himself and the ghost runner to take the game via a walkoff 5-4.

To make matters worse, the Braves are now tied with the Pirates with 101 wins. The Braves also hold the tie breaker over Pittsburgh since they won the season series 4-3.

The Pirates will need to be nearly perfect as they hope to get a sweep back home when they face the Cubs (70-89) to end the regular season.

[bigjdotcom01]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

APRIL 11-14, 2024: AUSTIN (7-10) @ FLAGSTAFF (7-10)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 13,406)

April 13: Hops 5, Fire Frogs 0
April 14: Hops 3, Fire Frogs 1
April 15: Fire Frogs 4, Hops 1
April 16: Fire Frogs 6, Hops 0

Flagstaff (AP) - The struggling Flagstaff Hops split a four game weekend series with Austin in a rematch of last season's MLDS series. The Hops dominated the first two games, then withered in the last two to fall to (7-10) to open the season.

The Hops grabbed the opener 5-0 behind a complete game shutout tossed by Alex Farmer. He improved to (2-0), scattering three hits and striking out five as the Hops ended a two game skid.

Robbie Westbrook, mired in a slump, hit his first home run since opening day, when he had two, in the fourth inning to put the Hops up 1-0. Roberto Geronimo would then blast a three-run shot in the fifth to put Flagstaff up 4-0. Westbrook would then homer again in the eighth to make it 5-0.

Richie Chappell (1-2) took the loss for the visitors, throwing 4 2/3 innings and allowing four run son five hits.

On Friday night, the Hops won in dramatic fashion as Josh Ortega blasted a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to walk it off for a 3-1 Hops victory.

This one was a pitchers duel, scoreless into the eighth inning. David Benitez hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth, to break the ice and put Flagstaff up 1-0. It was his secon din the season.

Vic Miller came on to close it out and quickly got the first two outs and had Rick Singleton down 0-2. But he hung a pitch that Singleton blasted onto the roof of the administration building in left to tie the game at 1-1.

That lead to the Ortega heroics in the bottom of the ninth. Isaac Nettles lined a one-out double to left off of Jayson Stelmach, making his IBL debut. Ortega then hammered a hanging slider over the wall in left center to win it. It was Ortega’s fourth home run on the year.

Ramon Garcia pitched six shutout innings, allowing only two hits, while striking out two and walking two. Samuel Espinoza and Pedro Macias worked scoreless innings in relief. Miller (1-0) earned the win after blowing the save.

Kyle Monroe pitched well for Austin, allowing on erun on three hits in seven full innings of work.

On Saturday evening, the Fire Frogs jumped out to a 3-0 lead and were able to cruise to a 4-1 victory. Gabe Rangel went 2 for 4 with a double, home run and an RBI in the victory.

Austin would grab a 1-0 lead in the fourth on a HUlk Hoagie solo home run, his fifth on the season. They would extend that lead to 3-0 in the sixth. Gabe Rangle led off with a solo home run to left. Rick SIngleton would single home Richardson, who had singled and stole second, to make it 3-0.

An Art Mason RBI single in the bottom half would allow Flagstaff to get on the board.

Austin would add an insurance run in the ninth on a sacrifice fly from Martinez.

Kent McAlpin closed it out, sending down the Hops in order, to pick up his fourth save on the season.

Former Hop Sam Herzog (2-1) picked up the win, pitching seven innings, allowing on erun on seven hits. He struck out three. Russell Fluty (0-1) took the loss in his 2024 debut for Flagstaff. He pitched six innings, allowing three runs on six hits, while striking out seven and walking one.

In Sunday afternoon's finale, Ryan Pressley took a no hitter into the sixth inning, then fell apart as the Fire Frogs scored five times to pull away for a 6-0 victory. Willy Benavides hit a three-run home run and Hulk Hoagie added a two-run shot in the inning as Austin managed to earn a split of the four game series.

Ryan Pressley (1-1) was great, until the sixth. He allowed five run on five hits, striking out four and walkimg one in the loss.

Austin's Edgar Prado (2-1) picthed a complete game, scattering four hits, all in teh first three innings, while striking out six.

Willy Benavides also added a solo home run in the eighth off of Samuel Espinoza. The two home runs were his first two on the season.

Flagstaff (7-10) will next host ML Central leading Roswell (11-5) for a three game series beginning tomorrow evening.

Around the League: Mesa’s Richard Logan (3-0) tossed eight shutout innings, allowing just three hits and striking out nine as the Solar Sox shutout first place Gilbert 2-0 to avoid a sweep in the four game series. Willy Geronimo provided all the offense in the game with a two-run home run in the fifth inning, his third on the year.

Rio Rancho’s Bill Olsen hit a second inning grand slam and drove in six total runs as the Owlz knocked out 14 hits in an 11-3 victory over El Paso. Rollie Flingers (3-0) picked up the win, pitching seven innings and allowing just one earned run, while striking out nine and walking three.

Josh Heupel’s solo home run in the 12th inning sent Gilbert to a 1-0 victory over Salt River. It was only the second hit of the game for the Barnstormers. Salt River’s O’Leary threw eight no-hit innings, striking out eight and walking five.

West Texas won a wild one on Saturday after noon as they got a walk-off grand slam from David Petrovski in the bottom of the 13th to defeat St George 16-12. The Archers scored five in the top of the eighth to build a 9-4 lead but gave up two in the bottom of the eighth and three in the bottom of the ninth, thanks to a two-out, three-run home run by Chase Ponder to tie the game at 9-9. Each team scored twice in the tenth and once in the 11th before Petrovski won it in the 13th.

Horace Ramirez hit three home runs for San Antonio as the Javelinas defeated Amarillo 11-3 on Saturday afternoon. Ramirez went 3 for 4 with three solo home runs.

Josh Heupel laced a two-run single with two outs in the top of the ninth to help Gilbert rally for a 3-2 victory over Salt River as teh Barnstormers improved to (12-5).

Trades: San Antonio has acquired 31-year-old shortstop Manuel Hernandez (89 OVR, A POT) from Glendale in exchange for 22-year-old third baseman Emil Palmeiro (80 OVR, A POT). The Desert Dogs have struggled out of the gate and their regular third baseman Adrian Beltran is currently on the Injured List until mid to late May. Beltran is also in the final year of his contract. Hernandez role in San Antonio will be as a utility/backup and add depth to an already potent lineup.

Austin has sent 33-year-old reliever John Rose (79 OVR, B POT) to Rio Rancho in exchange for 27-year-old third baseman Elroy German (64 OVR, B POT).

<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53430193117_724b1fb047_o.jpg" width="720" height="405" alt="Series5_24"/>
Josh Ortega's two-run walk-off home run on Friday night was the highlight of the weekend for the Hops.

[bigjdotcom01]

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52374412026_8e1968f82d_o.png" width="720" height="144" alt="IBL_header2">

<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53431346698_15a1f411cb_o.jpg" width="720" height="603" alt="TeamLeaders_April_24"/>

The first power rankings of the 2024 regular season are out. We will be doing these once a month around mid-month through the end of the regular season. This year we will just have a top 10 each month.

1. Chandler Chiefs (11-5): The defending champions sit atop the first power rankings of 2024. The Chiefs are offensively very good and their pitching is once again very solid. Carl Lentzkow is off to a fast start, hitting .327 with five home runs and 17 RBIs. Veteran Rueben Starr is (3-0, 2.16 ERA) off to a hot start on the rubber as this team looks toward a repeat in 2024.

2. Roswell Aliens (11-5): The Aliens have four starting pitchers with a sub-3.50 ERA to start the season, led by 26-year old DeSean Gardner who is (2-1) with a 3.29 ERA in three starts. He has 27 strikeouts, second in the Mountain League. Second baseman Angel Rodriguez is tied for the league lead with seven home runs and is hitting .293.

3. Gilbert Barnstormers (12-5): The Barnstormers appear to once again be a threat in the IBL. They finished the 2023 regular season with the best record before losing to eventual champion Chandler in the DLDS. Steve Heupel is off to a hit start, hitting .282 with five home runs and 13 RBIs to lead teh offense. Gilberto Medrano (1-1, 2.29 ERA) has been dominant on the bump along with Armando Bermudez (2-0, 3.63 ERA). The two have combined for 40 strikeouts and only 11 walks.

4. Surprise Saguaros (10-5): The Saguraos are loaded and look to regain their form of 2022 when they went to the World Series before losing to San Antonio. They are hitting .313 as a team led by the young budding superstar Darell McCloud. He is hitting .320 with six home runs and 13 RBIs. Free agent acquisition Gus Woodson, who came over from San Antonio is (2-0) with an ERA of 1.64 in three starts.

5. El Paso Express (10-7): The Express are near the top in all offensive categories led by stud first baseman Josh Hawk who is hitting .333 with seven home runs and 17 RBIs. Right fielder Tommie Bennett is making an early case for MVP, hitting .421 with six home runs and 22 RBIs to go along with four stolen bases.

5. San Antonio Javelinas (10-6): The Javelinas have won seven straight after a slow start and are led by 2023 ML MVP Kosuke Matsui, who is hitting .333 with five home runs and 16 RBIs. The loss of Gus Woodson in free agency hasn't hurt their pitching staff too much early on with Clint Hamilton (2-0, 2.40 ERA) and Ted McClendon (1-0, 2.84 ERA) picking up the slack. Angelo Valez (1-2, 3.47 ERA) has been very good since coming over from Phoenix last July. He leads the team in WHIP 1.04 and strikeouts with 22.

6. Scottsdale Scorpions (9-6): The Scorpions are off to a nice start after winning the DL Central in 2023. Juan Vargas is hitting .347 with two home runs and 11 RBIs and has been stellar since coming over from Prescott last summer. Jaime Pacheco leads a staff that leads the IBL in ERA at 2.75. Pacheco is (2-1, 1.74 ERA) with 16 strikeouts and Billy Cooper is (0-0, 1.47 ERA) and a WHIP under 1.00 in three starts.

7. Salt Lake Chukars (9-6): after just missing out on the playoffs in 2023, the Chukars are looking tio bust through that door this season. They are hitting .300 as a team after the first few weeks of the season. Derek Hills is hitting .327 with five home runs and 16 RBIs to lead a potent offense. Gilberto Guzman (3-0, 0.49 ERA) has 18 strikeouts and six walks in three starts. The Chukars look to be legitimate threats to the Hops in the ML West in 2024.

8. St George Archers (9-6): The Archers are not at the top of any hitting or pitching categories, but they are balanced. They already have seven players with three home runs after only 15 games. Victor Sixto is leading the way, hitting .341 with three bombs and 12 RBIs. Tom Gifford (3-0, 1.23) has been incredible out of the bullpen, leading the team in innings pitched (22.0) and strikeouts (20).

9. Prescott Hot Shots (9-7): The Hot Shots are playing themselves into contention with a strong start to the 2024 season. Khris Kovach is hitting .346 with two home runs and seven RBIs. Lefty Matthew Cairo is (1-1, 2.33 ERA) with 21 strikeouts and a 1.24 WHIP.

10. San Diego Seals (9-7): The Seals are buoyed by a strong pitching staff that is second in ERA (3.14) in the IBL. Matt Campbell (2-1, 2,05 ERA), the defending Cy Young winner out of the Desert League, leads the league in strikeouts with 32 in 30.2 innings of work. Matt Morales (2-0, 1.80 ERA) has been strong too as the Seals sit in first place in the DL West.