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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
While waiting for 24, I've been going back and playing MLB 21 with my father in law (he has a PS4)
Am I crazy to like the gameplay and presentation a lot better than 23?Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
While I think many here would disagree with your 'take', I don't think it's crazy in the least. Every game in the series has a different vibe and I think folks have to find the one(s) in the series that vibe with them - no right or wrong answers.Play the games you love, not the games you want to love.Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
Just a Follow up to this post, here is a little bit more of a rundown on our bullpen to start the year, as well as other players that may be contributing to the big league club in 2024.
Bullpen:
LR - Tony Santillan
LR - Jake Woodford (was absolutely shoving in spring training, if he starts off good this year, he’ll be the first one to be put into the rotation, if anyone slips)
MR - Jose Ruiz
MR - Daniel Hudson
MR - Michael Fulmer
MR - Drew Pomeranz
SU - Aroldis Chapman
CP - Jeff Hoffman
Guys that are starting in the minors that will very likely see some time in the big leagues at some point:
2B Vidal Brujan
3B Edwin Rios
SS Josh H. Smith
SS Jose Iglesias
LF/1B Seth Brown
LF Juan Yepez
UTIL Eli White
OF Yusniel Diaz
Our two big prospects:
CF Dylan Crews - Crews starts the year with a 70ovr, in AAA. Obviously he is a piece of our future, so I don’t want to call him up yet, being 22 years old. However if Isbel and other big leaguers struggle and Crews is hitting well after the deadline, I hope to call him up.
RF James Wood - Wood will start 2024 in AA as a 67ovr. I think his bat could use more polishing before seeing the show. Barring a monster year in growth and statistically in AA, I’d say Wood will likely be looking at an ETA of late 2025/Early 2026.
Other Arms in the mix:
SP Michael Kopech
SP Karl Kauffman
SP Marco Gonzalez
SP Matt Canterio
RP Jose Cisneros
RP Scott Alexander
RP Austin Warren
Other Prospects:
CP Preston Keene (2023 Draft pick, 18yo, 67ovr, A pot) ETA 2025/2026
3B Sherten Apostel (FA signing) although Apostel has seen some big league action in his career already, we picked him up as a low risk, high reward. I could definitely see him seeing big league action in 2025.
SP Doug Haas (our #2 overall pick in 2023, 22yo, 67ovr, C pot) I hope this guy can progress a little bit this year and he could be a backend starter or long relief guy in 2025. But that’s a hope and prayer.ATLANTA BRAVES
GREEN BAY PACKERS
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
WISCONSIN BADGERSComment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
I picked up Lewin Diaz in my brewers franchise and he's been very productive as a bench player. just in case you're looking for a guy like that.
Sent from my SM-S918U using Operation Sports mobile appJUUUUUUUST A BIT OUTSIDEComment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
May 2-5, 2024: SAN ANTONIO (21-14) @ FLAGSTAFF (15-20)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 13,406)
May 2: Hops 2, Javelinas 1 (12)
May 3: Javelinas 11, Hops 2
May 4: Hops 6, Javelinas 1
May 5: Javelinas 4, Hops 3
Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - Flagstaff opened a seven game home stand with a four game series split with ML East leading San Antonio.
The Hops opened up their home stand with a 2-1 extra inning win over San Antonio. Art Mason's RBI single with no outs in the 12th inning, plated Robbie Westbrook with the game winning run as the Hops walked it off.
San Antonio would take a 1-0 lead in the third inning on a solo home run from Mark Lantern. It was his fifth on the year.
Flagstaff would tie it up in the fourth on back-to-back doubles from Robbie Westbrook and Josh Ortega.
The game would remain that way until the twelfth inning with not much offense in between. In the twelfth, Robbie Westbrook walked to open the inning and then stole second. Josh Ortega singled to left but Westbrook was held up at third. Art Mason then lined a single back up the middle against a drawn in infield to score Westbrook with the game winning run.
Also Osuna (2-3) picked up the win as he worked a scoreless 12th inning. Ryan Pressley tossed 6.2 innings and allowed just the one run on four hits while striking out five and walking two. Oliver Benedict and Samuel Espinoza combined for 4.1 hitless innings in relief.
Dan McClendon went seven innings for San Antonio, allowing one run on four hits. He struck out five and walked one. Reliever Willie de la Cruz went three innings and did not allow a baserunner, while striking out five. Harold Groniga (0-1) came in in the twelvth and did not record an out.
On Friday night, the Javelinas pounded out 17 hits including five home runs in an 11-2 blowout over the Hops. T.J. Hart went 4 for 5 with a double, triple and two home runs, driving in five to help pace San Antonio to the easy victory.
San Antonio got out to a fast start as Kosuke Matsui and T.J. Hart hit back-to-back solo home runs in the top of the first inning to give the visitors a 2-0 lead. They would extend it to 4-0 in the fourth on another set of back-to-back home runs off of Juro Yamaguchi. This time it was T.J. Hart and Sam Morgan with the solo shots.
Josh Ortega would hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth to cut into the lead. It was his tenth of the season.
But the Javeilnas responded with four more runs in the top of the fifth to blow this one open. Kosuke Matsui lined an RBI single to right. Mark Lantern then laced a two-run triple to center and Sam Morgan added a sacrifice fly to make it 8-1.
Manuel Hernandez would add a solo home run deep to left in the sixth to make it 9-1. A Bradley York home run in the bottom half was his fourth on the season.
The Javelinas would add a couple more runs in the top of the ninth to cap off the blowout.
Leo Sanchez (2-1) pitched eight innings and picked up the win. Juro Yamaguchi (0-5) was knocked around again, only lasting 4.1 innings and allowing six runs on seven hits. The Hops paid him almost $20M/year over three years to come here from Gilbert and he has been underwhelming if not just bad. He is (9-19) with an ERA over 5.50 since joining Flagstaff prior to the 2023 season.
On Saturday afternoon, the Hops got a great pitching performance from Alex Farmer and supported him by hitting three home runs in a 6-1 victory.
The Hops would strike in the first inning as Kiko Pressley singled, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout and then score on a David Benitez sacrifice fly.
The Javelinas would get that run back immediately on a T.J. Hart home run. He is red-hot coming off yesterday's huge performance in the San Antonio victory.
Grant Mitchell would get the start at first base, giving Josh Ortega the day off, and he responded by hitting a solo home run to open the second inning, his first on the season. A Bradley York solo home run in the fifth, his fifth on the year, made it 3-1. Phillip Choi would get in on the fun in the seventh with a solo home run of his own, his first on the campaign, to extend the lead to 4-1.
An Art Mason RBI double and Donnie Roland RBI single in the eighth would make it 6-1.
Alex Farmer (5-1) was once again excellent. He pitched seven innings, allowing on erun and just two hits, while striking out eight. Oliver Benedict got the final six outs to record his second save on the season.
In Sunday afternoon's finale, T.J. Hart homered twice as the Javelinas rallied late for a 4-3 victory to salvage a series split.
The Hops took a 1-0 lead in the third on a Bradley York solo home run, his sixth on the year.
San Antonio responded immediately, scoring twice in the top of the fourth as T.J. Hart and Greg Hunter hit back-to-back home runs. A Horace Ramirez solo home run in the seventh put San Antonio up 3-1.
But Flagstaff's stagnent offense came to life in the bottom of the eighth and Josh Ortega came through with a two-out, two-run single to tie the game at 3-3.
But in the ninth and with closer Vic Miller on the mound, T.J. Hart homered for the second time in the game, and fifth time in the series, to put the Javelinas up 4-3. It was his tenth home run on the year. Miller (1-1) hasn't been used much lately and came on in a non-save situation. He allowed the one run on one hit. He walked one and struck out three.
Harold Groniga (1-1) got the win out of the bullpen, pitching to just one batter and getting Art Mason to ground into a fielder's choice to end the eighth with a runner on third.
Former Hop Miguel Asencio picked up the save, his ninth in none opportunities.
The Hops (15-20) will host Albuquerque for a three game series to close out the home stand.
Around the League: Mesa's Welker Washington homered twice, including a grand slam, and drove in all six runs as the Solar Sox defeated Surprise 6-5 on Thursday evening as Mesa moved into first place in the DL East.
Rio Rancho scored nine times in the top of the ninth as they cruised to a 14-3 victory over Colorado Springs. Wesley Watson homered twice for the first place Owlz. Mike Stoneridge took the loss for the Snow Sox, dropping him to (0-7) on the season.
Salt Lake scored twice in the bottom of the ninth to rally for a 2-1 walk off victory over Fort Worth. Juan Corona homered to tie the game and David Hernandez doubled home Daren McCloud with the game winner for the first-place Chukars.
San Diego's Mark Mulder hit a grand slam as the Seals scored seven runs in the top of the ninth to take out Gilbert 11-4 at YouFit Park on Friday night. Mulder went 1 for 3 with the grand slam and he also walked three times in the game. In all, Gilbert pitchers walked 11 batters in the game.
Cory Law homered twice and drove in four runs as Chandler rallied for a 9-6 extra innings win in Las Vegas. Stanton Brickman also added two solo home runs as Chandler rallied from a 6-3 deficit late in the ballgame to get the road win.
Pat Eveland (2-2) outdueled Mark Donnellon (3-1) as Austin squeeked out a 1-0 victory over El Paso. Eveland tossed 7.2 shutout innings, scattering six hits and striking out four. Donnellon suffered his first loss on the season despite working 6.2 innings and allowing just one run on seven hits, while striking out five.
Rio Rancho's Bobby Gates homered three times and drove in six as the Owlz rolled to an 11-0 win over Colorado Springs. Rollie Flingers (6-1) went the distance, scattering five hits and striking out eight as he became the first pitcher to get to six wins in 2024.
West Texas outlasted Amarillo 8-6 in 22 innings in the longest game in IBL history on Saturday afternoon. Carlos Quinones two-run home run in the top of the 22nd was the difference as both teams used nine pitchers in the marathon.
Roswell's Danny Watson homered twice and drove in a career high eight runs in a 14-5 victory over Santa Fe.
San Diego completed the three game sweep of Gilbert on Sunday afternoon with a 6-4 victory, scoring three times in the top of the ninth to rally for the victory. A Matt Mulder RBI single and Luis Alfonzo two-run double keyed the rally for the Seals, who sit atop the DL West. Gilbert has lost seven of eight and has dropped to third in the DL East.
Trades: Rio Rancho has made a move to shore up their bullpen as they have acquired 32-year-old reliever Rickey Gilbert (89 OVR, B POT) from Phoenix in exchange for 31-year-old reliever Dana Hoffman (83 OVR, C POT) and 22-year-old starting pitcher Derrick Sanders (66 OVR, C POT). Gilbert was in the closer roll in Phoenix where he recorded 94 saves the past two seasons in 108 appearances. He will move into a setup roll for the Owlz and shores up an excellent bullpen. Hoffman will be the closer in Phoenix. He has electric stuff and has spent time in all roles in Rio Rancho, closing games as well as starting.
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53482656317_6b950145c1_o.jpg" width="720" height="405" alt="Series11_24"/>
T.J. Hart smacked five home runs in the four game series for San Antonio.Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
2024 is underway for the Nationals!
My plan for most of the season will be to play the first game of every series and then sim the rest of the series. I plan on just giving scores of all the games and then giving a briefing of statistics at the end of each month. I realize that when I go though and try to give specific stats for each game, I get bored because it takes time away from actually playing the games. If something special happens in any of the games I’m playing, I’ll make note of it, but it doesn’t seem like this team plans on lighting the world on fire off the bat.
Games 1-3 @ Philadelphia
Loss 0-2
Win 5-4
Loss 3-7
Games 4-6 @ Pittsburgh
Win 4-3
Win15-5
Loss 2-3
Games 7-10 vs LA Dodgers
Loss 0-1
Win 3-0
Win 5-4
Loss 3-9
Games 11-13 vs Chicago Cubs
Loss 3-8
Loss 0-8
Win 4-3
OVERALL: 6-7
Early season thoughts; our record is showing we’re better than we are, I feel. We’ve had guys not recording hits until the 5th,6th, 7th games of the season. I don’t want to single anyone out, but Willi Castro, Matt Chapman and Jason Heyward has absolutely dreadful starts to the year. I’ll give a little bit more leeway to Chapman here but Heyward and Castro are in danger of finding a comfy seat on the bench early in the season.
The good:
+Paul Goldschmidt is showing why he’s still good in his age 36 season. Hitting around .300 with 3 HR and 9 RBI, it shows why we spent money on him this offseason. Now if we could get some consistency around him in the lineup. Edmundo Sosa has slotted into a full time role early on already. Between DH and 2B, he’ll find himself in the lineup everyday, after starting the season batting .429 with 3 bombs and 8 ribeyes.
The bad: Starting Pitching - although it’s early, our starting pitching ERA average sits at 5.18. Actually, looking more - it’s our entire staff that has struggled. Outside of Woodford, Chapman and Hoffman our arms have been bad. It’s a miracle were one game under .500
Way too early stats to get excited about:
+Juan Yepez is off to a hot start in AAA hitting over .370
+Edwin Rios is hitting .368 in 38 AB in AAA
+Jose Iglesias is destined to be back in the big leagues soon enough, leading AAA in Avg (.405), RBI (12) and tied in HR(2)
+Michael Kopech has a 1.40ERA/ 1.09WHIP through 20IP in AAAATLANTA BRAVES
GREEN BAY PACKERS
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
WISCONSIN BADGERSComment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
2025 Pittsburgh Pirates 04/04-04/06
Overall Record:7-2 (1st NL Central/Tied with Cincinnati)
Game Results
Pirates-5
Athletics-2
Game 2
Pirates-1
Athletics-0
Game 3
Pirates-8
Athletcis-5
Pirates extend streak to seven with second consecutive sweep
The Pirates started off 2025 0-2 after two straight losses to the Chicago Cubs. Since then, they havent lost and have swept their last two series. Now those sweeps didnt come against the best competition atleast not record wise early in the season. The Cardinals and Athletics currently combine for a 3-15 record (2-7 and 1-8). But wins count no matter who the competition is.
The Pirates streak was put in danger in game two against the A's. That game ended up going to extra innings and then to the 12th before either team scored. The Pirates were able to get the walkoff victory on a bunt single by Ji-Hwan Bae who pinch hit for Andrew Mccutchen in the 9th inning.
So far this season, the Pirates are doing much better at the plate (aside from that game). The pitching could be better but after their near record breaking year in 2024, I think we could cut them some slack.
The Pirates will now end their homestand with three Vs. the Angels (5-5/3rd AL West).Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
May 6-8, 2024: ALBUQUERQUE (16-20) @ FLAGSTAFF (16-22)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 13,406)
May 6: Mariachis 6, Hops 4 (10)
May 7: Hops 2, Mariachis 1
May 8: Mariachis 6, Hops 5
Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The struggles continued for the Flagstaff Hops as they dropped two of three to the last-place team in the ML Central, the Albuquerque Mariachis, to close out the home stand.
A lot to unwrap from the opener as Albuquerque rallied late for a 6-4 victory in extra innings. Ex Hop Leandro Lugo was the hero for the visitors as he smashed a solo home run in the ninth to give the Mariachis the lead, then added an RBI double in the 10th with the go ahead run to help the Mariachis to the victory.
Russell Fluty tossed a gem for Flagstaff and left the game with one out in the eighth with a 3-0 lead. He scattered four hits and struck out nine.
The Hops took the lead in the fourth thanks to three unearned runs after a two-out error from second baseman Joel Huerta. Robbie Westbrook was on third after doubling and stealing the base. Art Mason grounded to Huerta but his throw went over the head of the first baseman, allowing Westbrook to score to make it 1-0. Donnie Roland then singled home Mason, and Oscar Aleman singled home Roland to make it 3-0.
In the eighth, Huerta doubled to right with one end, ending Fluty's night. Oliver Benedict came on and surrendered an RBI single to Jones. Ryan Swearer then blasted a two-run shot to left to tie the game at 3-3. It was Benedict's first blown save on the year.
Also Osuna came on to pitch in the ninth and he gave up a solo home run to Leandro Lugo to put the Mariachis up 4-3. It was the second straight game that the Hops had surrendered a leadoff home run in the ninth in a tie ball game.
But the Hops would strike back in the bottom of the ninth. Josh Ortega singled to right and was pulled for a pinch runner, Kiko Pressley. Art Mason singled back up the middle. Donnie Roland then singled to center with Pressley scoring and Mason advancing to third with no one out. Incredibly the Hops could not push across the winning run. Oscar Aleman popped out to third and Forrest Owen grounded into a 6-4-3 inning ending double play.
In the tenth, a Leandro Lugo RBI double and Reyes sacrifice fly put the Mariachis ahead for good with Kazuhito Yamamoto (1-1) getting the final six outs to earn the win.
Notes: After the game the Hops activated right fielder Roberto Geronimo from the Injured List and optioned center fielder Grant Mitchell back to Triple-A Albuquerque.
On Tuesday evening, the Hops got another great pitching performance, this time from Ryan Pressley, and they held on for a 2-1 victory over the Mariachis.
This one was scoreless into the seventh inning, when Donnie Roland lined a two-out RBI single to right that scored David Benitez. They would add a huge insurance run in the bottom of the eighth as Roberto Geronimo, just off the injured list, doubled home Forrest Owen, but Geronimo was thrown out at third.
In the ninth, Ryan Pressley was trying to finish off the shutout, but with one out, he allowed a solo home run to who else, but Leandro Lugo.
Vic Miller came on to get the final two outs and pick up his eighth save.
Pressley (3-2) went 8.1 innings, allowing one run on six hits. He struck out seven and walked two. Jason Trojanowski (2-4) took the loss but pitched pretty well for Albuquerque. He went 6.2 innings, allowing one run on six hits, while striking out four.
In the finale, the Mariachis went deep four times and then held on by a finger nail to edge out the Hops 6-5 to win the series. Ryan Swearer homered again, his second on the season and only third on the year, to help Albuquerque to the victory.
Flagstaff would grab a 1-0 lead immediately as Roberto Geronimo homered to start the bottom of the first inning.
But Albuquerque responded with two in the top of the second, on a Joel Huerta two-run shot off of Juro Yamaguchi.
The Hops would retake the lead in the fifth on a Robbie Westbrook RBI groundout and a Josh Ortega two-out, RBI single that scored Phillip Choi.
But the Mariachis answered back immediately as Hunter Hamilton homered to tie the game at 3-3.
Manager Matt Blake then sent Yamaguchi back out to start the seventh and the first pitch that he threw was blasted over the wall by Freddie Dias to put Albuquerque up 4-3. Samuel Espinoza came on and he surrendered a two-run home run to Ryan Swearer to make it 6-3.
Flagstaff (16-22) would rally though, getting two back on Roberto Geronimo's second home run of the game, a two-run shot, in the bottom of the seventh.
The Hops would have a great chance to tie in the ninth off of closer Bruno Villalobos. Bradley York singled to open the inning and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from Isaac Nettles. He would advance to third on a Phillip Choi ground out, but was left stranded as Roberto Geronimo struck out to end the game.
Juro Yamaguchi (0-6) took the loss, allowing four runs on seven hits, while striking out five in six plus innings of work. Samuel Espinoza only lasted 1/3 of an inning, allowing two runs on four hits.
Flagstaff will now hit the road for nine game as they travel to Austin, Amarillo and Colorado Springs.
Around the League: Surprise won the opener of a big three game series with Scottsdale 1-0. Gus Woodson tossed 8.1 innings, allowing six hits while striking out seven and walking two. The lone run for the first-place Saguaros came on a Steve Mihelich solo home run in the second inning.
San Diego's Matt Campbell improved to (5-1) on the season as San Diego defeated Glendale 6-4. Campbell struck out nine, but walked five in five innings of work, but earned the win for the first-place Seals.
Salt Lake got two-run home runs from David Hernandez and Robby Payne in the top of the ninth to break a 3-3 tie and defeat Colorado Springs 7-3. The Chukars have won ten of 12 to stretch their lead in the ML West to 4 ½ games over Prescott.
Notes: The club made a couple of roster moves after Wednesday afternoon's loss to Albuquerque. Starting pitcher Juro Yamgushi, and his $19.3M salary, was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque with the club recalling starting pitcher Geraldo Rodriguez. Also, left fielder Oscar Aleman was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque with the club recalling center fielder Grant Mitchell.
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53486897149_16fc8cd537_o.jpg" width="720" height="405" alt="Series12_24"/>
Former Hop Leandro Lugo had a big series as Albuquerque took two of three from Flagstaff.Last edited by bigjdotcom01; 01-25-2024, 11:17 AM.Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
May 10-12, 2024: FLAGSTAFF (16-25) @ AUSTIN (21-19)
Stadium: Dell Diamond (Capacity: 20,751)
May 10: Fire Frogs 1, Hops 0 (11)
May 11: Fire Frogs 2, Hops 0
May 12: Fire Frogs 3, Hops 2
Austin, TX (AP) - The story of the 2024 Flagstaff Hops has yet to be written, but it will likely revolve around the team's hitting woes and those continued as they were swept by the Austin Fire Frogs in a three game weekend series down in the Texas capital.
The Hops offensive woes continued as they opened up a nine game road trip with a 1-0 loss to the Fire Frogs in eleven inning. A Gabe Rangel sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 11th helped Austin walk it off.
Alex Farmer was spectacular again for the Hops, but that did not matter as they could not get the offense untracked. Farmer threw six shutout innings, scattering three hits and striking out nine as he lowered his ERA to 1.72. Valdez pitched three shutout innings and he only allowed one hit. Oliver Benedict (0-1) took the loss, throwing 1.2 innings and allowing the game winning run as he surrendered a leadoff double to Jerry Rameras to open the 11th.
Kris Jackson (2-2) picked up the win out of the Fire Frogs bullpen, tossing 3 1/3 innings and only allowing two hits. Pat Eveland started and went 7.2 innings, scattering four hits and striking out five.
Afterwards, manager Matt Blake said, “We need to be more patient at the plate. We are struggling up and down this lineup. We need someone to step up and get a clutch hit.”
The Hops are now 9 ½ games back of Salt Lake in the ML West.
Notes: Following Friday evening's loss to Austin, the Hops have fired hitting coach Dave Magadan. They have hired Arlo Cutliff to fill that role on the club.
The Hops were shutout again on a rainy Saturday night at Dell Diamond, falling 2-0 to the Fire Frogs. Richie Chappell tossed a complete game four-hitter, striking out three and not walking a batter.
The Frogs would score single runs in the first and second off of Ramon Garcia to grab a 2-0 lead. In the first, Hulk Hoagie singled home Chris Richardson and in the second Odell Hansen singled home Blip Sanders. That was the extent of the offense in this one as both teams combined for only 11 hits.
Ramon Garcia (0-4) remains winless, despite a nice outing tonight. He went five innings, allowing the two runs on three hits. He struck out four and walked one. Sam Varela tossed three shutout innings in relief.
The Hops managed just four hits in the game, all singles. Bradley York had two of the hits as he went 2 for 3.
On Sunday afternoon, the Fire Frogs completed the sweep with a 3-2 victory to extend the Hops losing streak to four and send them to a season high, nine games below .500.
The Hops got off to a quick start and looked like they may send Kyle Monroe to the showers early, making him throw 30 first inning pitches. They scored twice in the top of the first inning on an Art Mason RBI groundout and a David Benitez RBI single. But that would be it as they managed just two hits the rest of the way.
Russell Fluty was excellent in this one, but with no offensive support, he took the loss to drop to (0-3). He went 6 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits, while striking out four and walking one.
The Fire Frogs tie the game up in the fifth as the first five batters reached base. They scored on a Rick Singleton RBI single and Hulk Hoagie RBI single down the left field line. Fluty managed to work out of a bases loaded, no-out jam as he allowed no more runs by getting a 3-2-3 double play and a line out.
But in the seventh, an Odell Hansen solo home run with two-outs proved to be the difference. It was his third on the season and spelled the end for Fluty.
Kent McAlpin came on in the ninth to pick up his ninth save, sending the Hops down in order on three laser outs. Robbie Westbrook smoked a ball right at the first baseman. Josh Ortega lined out to shortstop and Art Mason blasted a line drive to right to end the ball game.
Kyle Monroe (3-3) earned the victory after the shaky start. He pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on four base hits. He struck out two and did not issue any walks.
Flagstaff (16-25) will now head to Amarillo to take on the last place Honey Hunters (14-27).
Around the League: Chandler's Zach Dossett homered twice and drove in four, including a big three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth on Saturday afternoon as the Chiefs snapped Mesa's three game winning streak with a 6-5 victory. Dossett is now second in the Desert League with 11 home runs.
El Paso's Tommie Bennett and Eloy Torrez each homered in the tenth inning as the Express defeated San Antonio 3-1. San Antonio's Clint Hamilton started and pitched four no-hit innings before being lifted after 95 pitches. He struck out five and walked five.
Surprise improved to a Desert League best (27-14) with an 8-5 extra innings win over Goodyear. The Jack Rabbits hit four home runs in the loss. Darell McCloud hit a bases clearing double in the 12th inning that push across three runs as the Saguaros won for the 15th time in 18 games.
What happened to the Gilbert Barnstormers? They lost their tenth straight and 14th out of 15 of Sunday afternoon, dropping an 8-3 decision to Scottsdale. They are now seven games back of Chandler in the DL East. Josh Helper went 0 for 5 with three strikeouts against the Scorpions to drop his average to .216. The defending MVP had 51 home runs and drove in 126 runs in 2023 in leading Gilbert to a division title.
Henderson catcher Jorge Delgado went 4 for 5 with two home runs and five RBIs as the Silver Knights pounded Fort Worth 17-9. The game featured 37 hits and nine home runs. Henderson sits one game back of San Diego in the DL West with the Kings one game back of San Antonio in the ML East.
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53489030882_faf0a8d7a0_o.jpg" width="720" height="405" alt="Series13_24"/>
Odell Hansen's home run on Sunday afternoon sealed the sweep for the Fire Frogs.Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
2025 Pittsburgh Pirates 04/07-04/09
Overall Record:10-2 (1st NL Central/Tied with Cincinnati)
Game Results
Game 1
Pirates-1
Angels-0
Game 2
Pirates-7
Angels-3
Game 3
Pirates-4
Angels-3
Pirates overcome Mike Trout's late inning heroics for third straight sweep
The Pirates winning streak was in jeopardy twice in their series with the Angels. The first time came in game one of the series. In that game, both Mitch Keller (Pirates) and Reid Detmers (Angels) did well in their starts. Both held the opposing team to no runs.
The no run streak continued for the bull pen that is until Yoennis Sherry hit a walkoff solo shot in the bottom of the 9th off of Angels relief pitcher, Andrew Wantz.
The second time was game three. The Pirates got off to an early second inning 1-0 lead thanks to a Oneil Cruz rbi single.
That lead would hold until the 8th inning. In that inning, Mike Trout hit a two run triple as the Angels took the 2-1 lead.
After that, the Pirates had their own late game heroics. In the 9th, with two outs, CJ Cron hit a rbi single to tie the game at 2-2.
Then, in the 11th, Yoennis Sherry laid down a sac bunt that brought the Pirates ghost runner, Bryan Reynolds in to score the walk off victory, 4-3.
The Pirates now head on the road to Arizona where they will face off with the Diamondbacks (8-5/1st NL West).Last edited by Itsma806; 01-27-2024, 02:22 AM.Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
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The second power rankings of 2024 are out. Let's have a look:
1. Salt Lake Chukars (27-13): The Chukars are red-hot having won 13 of their last 15 to open a 6 ½ game lead in the ML West. Their +50 run differential is best in the IBL. Darell McCloud is leading the way hitting .291 with nine home runs and 25 RBIs. The Chukars are fourth in runs scored (210) and fourth in team ERA (3.80). Garry Macbeth (7-2, 2.95 ERA) and Gilberto Guzman (4-0, 2.54) are leading the way on the mound with closer Emmitt Franco (1-0, 1.77) recording 14 saves in 17 opportunities.
2. Surprise Saguaros (27-14): The Saguaros are another red-hot team winning 15 of their last 18. They have a three game lead over Scottsdale in the DL Central. The offense has been leading the way for Surprise as they are second in batting average (.290), second in slugging (.474) and third in on-base percentage (.359). They are lead by Steve Mihelich (.368, 10 HR, 28 RBIs) and Darrell McCloud's brother Donnie McCloud (.295, 11 HR, 25 RBIs). Free agent acquistion Gus Woodson has been fantastic. He is (5-1, 2.57) with 46 strikeouts in 63.0 innings pitched.
3. San Antonio Javelinas (24-17): The Javeilinas are starting to round into the form that made them the inaugural IBL champions in 2022. They are fifth in runs scored (209) and fifth in ERA (3.94). They are lead by T.J. Hart (.302, 12 HR, 36 RBIs) and Kosuke Matsui (.312, 11 HR, 30 RBIs). Clint Hamilton (4-1, 2.70) has filled in nicely in his role as the 5th starter of the staff with the departure of Gus Woodson to Surprise.
4. Scottsdale Scorpions (24-17): The defending DL Central champions are off to another good start in 2024. They are second in OBP (.381) and second in ERA (3.35). Those two stats usually correlate well with winning teams. Juan Vargas in leading the offense (.348, 8 HR, 29 RBIs). He is on his third team in three seasons but is looking to have found a home in the Sonoran desert. Youngster Prestin Monahan is having a great start to the year (4-0, 2.30) with a WHIP of 0.73.
5. Chandler Chiefs (26-15): The defending champions are back in first place in the DL East and looking as strong as ever. Offensively this team is near the top in the important categories. They are led by 20-year-old MVP front runner Zach Dossett (.359, 12 HR, 38 RBIs). He was solid in his first two seasons, but has exploded on the scene in 2024. Stanley Taguchi, who came over from Las Vegas this offseason, is (5-0, 2.97) to lead the staff.
6. El Paso Express (21-20): The Express lost in the World Series last year and are off to a bit of a slow start, but this team is loaded and should be in contention the entire season. They lead the lead in batting average (.291) and OBP (.371) and are second in stolen bases (54). Josh Hawk is making an early case for ML MVP hitting (.351, 13 HR, 35 RBIs). This team has six players with at least six stolen bases, led by Bradon Gayle and Shuheii Takahashi each with nine. Mark Donnellon (3-1, 2.92) has a WHIP of 0.97 to anchor a staff that was struggled so far and is 25th in ERA (4.71).
7. Henderson Silver Knights (22-19): the Silver Knights are currently third in the DL West but are just 1.5 games out of the lead. Sean Pressley (.326, 3 HR, 14 RBIs, 11 SBs), Pat Beard (.347, 5 HR, 26 RBIs) and Alfonso Pacheco (.366, 6 HR, 31 RBIs) are lead ing the way offensively. Closer Irwin Strawberry is (1-0, 0.00) with 13 saves in 14 opportunities. Last year's bullpen workhorse Will Hernandez already has pitched 43.2 innings and is (3-2, 3.30 ERA) the rock on this pitching staff.
8. Mesa Solar Sox (23-18): the Solar Sox once again look to be a team to be reckoned with in 2024. The have cooled off a bit after a hot start but are currently holding down a Wild Card position. Innjuries are the big story with this team as they currently have three outfielders on the Innjured List (Clyde Floyd, Mike Rexman and Garrett Matthews). Rexman missed almost all of last year with a torn ACL and has a torn calf which may keep his out another month or two. One of the players getting valuable playing time is Willy Geronimo and he is taking advantage (.282, 9 HR, 26 RBIs).
9. Rio Rancho Owlz (23-17): the Owlz are off to a surprising start and lead the ML Central by 2.5 games over El Paso. They are ninth in batting (.271) and ninth in ERA (4.09). First baseman Zach Gallagher is off to a hot start (.307, 12 HR, 27 RBIs) and Rollie Flingers is the best pitcher right now in the IBL (7-1, 1.94 ERA) with a WHIP of 1.03 and 64 strikeouts in 60.1 innings pitched. This team could hang around but ultimately they need some pitching help if they want to stay in the race as a contender.
10. Austin Fire Frogs (21-19): the defending ML East champs started off slow but have been coming on. Rick Singleton is living up to his contract which is one of the highest in the IBL. He is hitting (.323, 11 HR, 33 RBIs) to lead the team in all three categories. Edgar Prado (5-1, 3.16) is having a great season as is Sam Herzog (4-2, 3.22) at the top of the Fire Frogs rotation.Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
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.
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Alex Farmer has been the one bright spot in a bleak season for the Hops so far.Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
2025 Pittsburgh Pirates 04/11-04/13
Overall Record:10-5 (2nd NL Central/1.5 behind Cincinnati)
Game Results
Game 1
Diamondbacks-6
Pirates-4
Game 2
Diamondbacks-4
Pirates-3
Game 3
Diamondbacks-1
Pirates-0
Pirates on wrong end of sweep against D-Backs
The Diamondbacks were likely the Pirates toughest opponent thus far in 2025 and Pittsburgh didnt fare well.
The Pirates started the new year losing two in a row before winning ten straight. That streak ended in their first game against Arizona and continued as the Diamondbacks did what they needed to do as they swept the Pirates to improve their record to 11-5.
Out of the three games, game two seemed like it would lead to a Pirate victory and atleast, one win in the series.
In that game, the Pirates got out to the first lead in the second inning when Bryan Reynolds and Yoennis Sherry combined their doubles for the first run of the game.
The D-Backs answered back quickly however as in the bottom of the 2nd, Gabriel Moreno hit his 5th homerun of the season to tie it at one. The Pirates would score twice more but both times the Diamondbacks matched it.
The Diamondbacks eventually took the lead in the 8th when Jake McCarthy hit an rbi double that scored the D-Backs fourth and deciding run as Arizona took the 4-3 victory.
The Pirates will now look to maintain pace with the surprising Reds as they travel to Houston for three against the Astros (9-7/tied for 1st AL West)Comment
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