MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

[jamm113]

ESPN MLB Franchise Recap — Episode: “Spoilers in the Trop, Hope in the North”
Tampa Bay Rays Keep Playing Spoiler, End Homestand on a Tear

The Tampa Bay Rays might not be headed to October, but they’re making sure others have to earn their ticket.

Winners of 9 of their last 12 and riding one of their best stretches of the season, the Rays surged to a 77–82 record behind stellar pitching and the emergence of key contributors like Chandler Simpson, Junior Caminero, and Andrew Wantz. Despite falling short of the elusive .500 mark, Tampa Bay's late-season identity as a disruptive force in the AL playoff race was cemented with impressive showings against contending teams.

Simpson & Caminero Keep Rays Rolling

In a critical four-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa’s offense did just enough, but it was the arms that did the heavy lifting. Chandler Simpson continued to ignite the top of the order, driving in multiple clutch runs across the series, while Drew Rasmussen (before landing on the IL with shoulder tightness) and Shane McClanahan tossed gems to lead the rotation.

Game 2 saw Rasmussen go seven strong, and Wantz, who has been a revelation since his AAA call-up, closed the door with two scoreless to grab win #6 and drop his ERA to a stunning 1.61. Game 3 featured another breakout moment from Simpson, who delivered a bases-loaded two-run single to give Shane McClanahan the breathing room needed for his sixth win.

Bullpen Takes Center Stage

The Rays’ bullpen continued its dominance. Kevin Kelly (17 saves, 2.75 ERA) has become the go-to arm in high-leverage situations, with Pete Fairbanks temporarily removed from closing duties after a rocky year. Still, Fairbanks did notch a win in a thrilling comeback over Boston, and Wantz, Manuel Rodriguez, and the rest of the pen have locked it down across multiple tight games.

Rays Sweep Red Sox, Dent Playoff Hopes

If there was ever a statement series for the 2025 Rays, it came against the Boston Red Sox. Tampa handed Boston a crushing three-game sweep, all but ending the Sox’s playoff dreams. Chandler Simpson starred again, with a 3-for-4, 3-RBI night, and Junior Caminero launched another no-doubt homer — his 26th — as the Rays won back-to-back thrillers. Shane Baz and Ryan Pepiot each delivered standout outings, with Pepiot’s 10th win backed by more clutch bullpen work.

With the sweep, the Rays climbed to 76–80 and pushed Boston to the brink of elimination from both the AL East and the Wild Card, a feat that would’ve seemed impossible when Tampa was sitting at 12–28 in May.

Orioles Fight Back, Take Series 2-1

Tampa’s trip to Baltimore saw them cool off slightly. After taking Game 2 on the back of Pepiot’s dazzling 9-strikeout performance, the Rays dropped the bookend games in a pair of close contests. Eloy Jiménez’s bat stayed hot, delivering late RBIs, and Caminero homered again, but Shane McClanahan and Shane Baz both took tough-luck losses in low-scoring duels.

The series loss officially ended any mathematical hope for .500, but Tampa still enters the final series of the season on a strong note, playing disciplined, aggressive baseball with a clear foundation forming for 2026.

Arrighetti, Bradley, McClanahan Set to Close the Book

With just three games left, Tampa heads to Toronto to face the 60–99 Blue Jays, who are limping to the finish line. The Rays will hand the ball to:

Spencer Arrighetti (8–11, 3.91 ERA, 163.1 IP, 139 K) – looking to end the year on a high note after a strong stretch since arriving from Houston in exchange for Brandon Lowe.

Taj Bradley (11–14, 3.83 ERA, 185.2 IP, 140 K) – has been a steady presence all year, looking to reach 12 wins and eclipse 190 innings.

Shane McClanahan (6–5, 2.77 ERA, 74.2 IP, 73 K) – Tampa’s ace will close out the season as he prepares to anchor the 2026 staff.


Coming Up Next: Season Finale + Awards & Offseason Preview

The Rays have three games left to punctuate a second-half turnaround, and ESPN’s season finale episode will take a full look at the final standings, playoff matchups, award races, and Tampa’s offseason questions. With Rasmussen injured, Brandon Lowe dealt, and Kyle Gibson traded, the Rays' youth movement is well underway. The final weekend might be meaningless in the standings, but for the Rays’ future, every inning counts.

Stay tuned.

[jamm113]

Hopefully to those following you enjoyed the first year of my Rays franchise. It's the first time I have recorder my saves in this way so I look for feedback for the next year's and ways you think I can keep it engaging!
📻 WTRB 98.5 – “The Rays Roundup” – Season Finale Special

🎙 Host, Mike “The Mic” Reynolds:
"Good evening, Rays Country! This is Mike Reynolds bringing you the final regular season Rays Roundup of 2025. Folks… what a way to close the book on a wild, up-and-down year. From Spencer Arrighetti’s near masterpiece in Game 1, to Yandy Díaz chasing milestones, to Shane McClanahan’s triumphant return on the mound yesterday — we’ve got it all. Let’s dig in."


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🗣 GAME 1 – Arrighetti’s Near No-No
"Friday night, Spencer Arrighetti took the bump against Jake Bloss and came out firing like a man possessed. The kid had a no-hitter through five, 7 strikeouts, and even broke Vlad Jr.’s bat in the 4th. But the 6th inning… oof. A walk, a single by Springer, Santander’s two-run blast — suddenly it’s 4-3, and Cash had to make the move. Still, Arrighetti gave us 5.2 innings, 2 hits, 3 ER, 3 walks, 7 Ks — and the Rays pulled it out in 13 innings, 6-5. Caminero and Jiménez each drove in 2+, and Kevin Kelly went hero mode in extras."

🎙 Arrighetti Postgame:
"Felt great out there early, command was there. Sixth inning got away from me, but that’s baseball. Just proud we got the W."


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🗣 GAME 2 – Yandy Watch
"Saturday, we were all eyes on Yandy Díaz, sitting on .295 with 27 HR, 88 RBI. He came through with a 2-for-4 night and RBI #89, bumping that average to .297. Unfortunately, Taj Bradley didn’t have it — 3.2 IP, 6 ER — and the Jays took it 8-4. Ernie Clement… yes, Ernie Clement, had himself a two-homer night for Toronto."

🎙 Kevin Cash Postgame:
"Yandy’s been the rock for this lineup all year. Even on nights we don’t get the result, he gives quality at-bats."


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🗣 GAME 3 – McClanahan’s 2025 Farewell
"Sunday — final game of the year — Shane McClanahan got the ball in what’s been an inspiring comeback from injury. And oh boy, the first three innings? Electric. 9 outs, 8 strikeouts. Then… 4th inning trouble: Santander’s 30th homer, a couple of doubles, a walk, and Shane’s day was over. But this Rays team refused to roll over — 4 runs in the 7th, 4 in the 9th — 8-4 win. Simpson with 3 hits and 2 doubles, Josh Lowe with 2 RBI, and Yandy picking up RBI #90."

🎙 McClanahan Postgame:
"Man, it felt good to be back in the fight. I can’t wait to get a full offseason of work and come into 2026 guns blazing."


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📊 Final Standings:

Rays finish 79-83 — third in the AL East.

Orioles take the division over the Yankees with an 8-3 win on Sunday.

Playoff matchups are set, and yes, the AL is stacked.


AL Bracket:

Orioles (AL East) vs. Twins (3rd WC)

Tigers (AL Central) vs. Rangers (2nd WC)

Mariners have the bye.


NL Bracket:

Cubs (NL Central) vs. Mets (2nd WC)

Dodgers (NL West) vs. Reds (3rd WC)

Phillies have the bye.



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📞 FAN CALLS SEGMENT

Caller 1 – “Tom from St. Pete”:
"Arrighetti’s got something, Mike. That’s a young arm with upside. I’m saying it now — he’s your No. 3 starter next year."

Caller 2 – “Janice from Tampa”:
"Yandy’s the heart of this team. Extend him forever. And for the love of all things baseball, give McClanahan run support next year!"

Caller 3 – “Rick in Clearwater”:
"We were 79-83 with half a rotation. If Glassnow was still here, this is a playoff team. Write it down."


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🎯 Mike’s Final Word:
"This was a retool year, folks — remember that. The front office made moves: brought in Arrighetti for Lowe, shipped out Gibson for Joey Oakie, and we’ve got Caminero, Simpson, and a healthy McClanahan ready for 2026. The Rays finished hot — 9 of their last 12 — and with two rotation spots opening up, plus an offseason ahead, there’s reason to believe this team’s window is reopening. The team started 12-28 and the played playoff caliber baseball the rest of the year."

"Enjoy the playoffs, Rays Country — we’ll be back for offseason coverage, free agency rumors, and winter meetings madness. This is Mike Reynolds, signing off from WTRB."

[bigjdotcom01]

August 15-17: LAS VEGAS (51-73) @ TAHOE (76-50)
Stadium: Lakefront Park (Capacity: 13,837)

August 15: Silver Kings 7, Lake Monsters 3
August 16: Lake Monsters 4, Silver Kings 3 (10)
August 17: Silver Kings 6, Lake Monsters 5 (11)

South Tahoe, CA (AP) - Las Vegas went north and took two of three from Tahoe at Lakefront Park.

Las Vegas opened up the series by hitting three home runs and defeating Tahoe 7-3. Danny Watt continues to be red-hot after coming off the injury list as he added a two-run home run in a three-run sixth that keyed the win.

Las Vegas jumped on top in the first inning on back-to-back doubles from Mariano Hidalgo and Caden Juarez. Julio Chacon would send another run across with an RBI ground out as the Silver Kings went up 2-0. A Russell O'Reilly solo home run in the fourth made it 3-0, his ninth.

Tahoe put together a rally in the fifth. Jackie Kendrick led off with a single. Antoine Swanger then struck out Jose Dominguez and Adam McAlpin. Tom Yu then hit a two-run home run (9) to cut the lead to 3-2. Quentin Jamison singled and Reese Cherry lined a double to center allowing Jamison to score to tie the game at 3-3.

Las Vegas answered right back with three in the top of the sixth to go back up 6-3. Julio Chacon singled and stole second. Alexander Busch chopped one back up the middle to score Chacon as Vegas retook the lead. Danny Watt then hit a two-run home run to right, his eighth, and it was 6-3. The Silver Kings would get a solo home run from Junior Maldonado in the top of the ninth to make it 7-3.

Antoine Swanger (9-7) picked up the win, tossing six innings and allowing three runs on seven hits, striking out nine. Willie Willey threw two scoreless innings and Bill Larkin pitched a scoreless ninth in a non-save situation.

Joe Shannon (2-4) took the loss for Tahoe. He went 5.2 innings, allowing five runs on seven hits, striking out three.

On Saturday night, Las Vegas was ripping the cover off of the ball, while Tahoe was hitting soft bloopers. The soft bloopers won as Tahoe pulled out a 4-3 win in extra innings.

Las Vegas took an early lead in this one in the second inning on a Caden Jaurez solo home run, his 19^th on the season. Mariano Hidalgo hit a solo home run in the third, his 18^th, and it was 2-0.

Tahoe finally got to starter Jude Vernon in the sixth. Henry Reyes led off with a solo home run (15). Glen Webber doubled to center, and Jackie Kendrick lined a base hit to left, scoring Webber to tie the game at 2-2. Tom Yu then singled to left, scoring Kendrick to put Tahoe ahead 3-2.

It would stay that way until the ninth, when Tahoe brought in their closer Aaron Harding. The first batter that he faced, David Tejeda blasted a ball into the bullpens to tie the game at 3-3. It was his team leading 23^rd home run on the season.

After Las Vegas failed to score in the tenth, despite three line drive outs. Tahoe got a bloop single from Jose Dominguez that easily scored Quentin Jamison with the game winning run.

Las Vegas hit an incredible nine line drive outs in this game, just ripping the ball. Jude Vernon gave the Silver Kings another quality start, going six innings and allowing three runs on seven hits, striking out five. Bill Larkin (0-1) took the loss. He pitched the ninth and started the tenth, allowing the game winning hit.

In Sunday afternoon's finale, Danny Watt homered twice to help lead Las Vegas to a 6-5 extra innings win and a win of the series over Tahoe.

Tahoe went up 1-0 in the second inning on a Glen Webber solo home run. Las Vegas tied it up in the fourth on a Danny Watt solo home run. The Silver Kings took the lead in the sixth on Danny Watt's second home run of the game. The two-run shot was his tenth on the season and third in this series.

But Tahoe got that back in the bottom of the seventh. Thurman Ratto came on in relief of Steve Sechrist in the sixth and came back out for the seventh. Back-to-back home runs from Glen Webber and Robby Lancaster tied the game at 3-3. It was Webber's second of the game and 19^th on the season. It was Robby Lancaster's 22^nd.

It would remain tied through nine innings, meaning free baseball on getaway day. Las Vegas tightroped their way out of a ninth inning jam as Reese Cherry popped out to third with a runner on third.

In the tenth, Las Vegas made the first two outs as Todd Matsumoto flew out to right and Mariano Hidalgo grounded out to third. Gilberto Cardona came through with an RBI single back up the middle to put Vegas up 4-3. David Tejeda and Julio Chacon both singled to score Cardona and Vegas up up 5-3.

On the first pitch in the bottom of the tenth, Jose Dominguez blasted it over the wall in dead center to tie the game at 5-5. Henry Reyes then walked and stole second. After Herman got two outs, Kai Ransom came on and struck out Robby Lancaster with Reyes standing on third.

In the eleventh, Danny Watt grounded out to open the inning. Julius Newsome them blooped one into left to score Caden Juarez. The Silver Kings would load the bases, but Gilberto Cardona grounded into a fielder's choice to end the inning. In the bottom half, Kai Ransom came back out. Jamison singled to right, but they held Robby Lancaster at third. Morcaldi popped out and Reese Cheery drew a walk. Jose Dominguez grounded into a 5-4-3 double play to end it.

Kai Ransom (1-5) picked up the win, getting the final four outs. Steve Sechrist had his best start in a long while, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing one run on five hits, striking out eight.

The Silver Kings (51-73) will now return home for a six game home stand against Colorado Springs (63-62) and Denver (51-73).

Around the League: Fort Worth completed the three game sweep of the Javelinas in San Antonio, outscoring the Javelinas 39-13! Fort Worth has now moved from 1.5 games back to 1.5 game ahead of San Antonio in the DL East.

Boise's Chad Riley hit his IBL leading 39^th home run, but the Hawks dropped a 5-4 decision to the Hops in Flagstaff in the opener of a big four-game weekend series. Boise and Flagstaff are battling to stay within arms length of first-place Billings in the ML West. Both sit in a Wild Card position.

On Saturday night, Chad Riley hit his 40^th home run, a two-run shot, as Boise edged Flagstaff 3-2. Fort Worth won their sixth straight game, defeating Surprise 9-6. Pedro Lantigua went 2 for 3 with a double, home run and three RBIs to lead the Drillers to the win in the battle of first-place teams.

Gilbert completed a home sweep of Amarillo to remain atop the DL East. The Barnstormers have now won three straight, after losing four in a row, following a nine game winning streak. They will play their next nine games against Mesa and Chandler. The three teams are separated by one game.

Rookie David Tejeda is likely going to be a star in the IBL.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Drop Series In Oakland
May 11, 2030

Oakland secured close wins in the first two games of the series before New York was able to break through in the finale.

The opener saw the Mets jump out to an early lead thanks to solo shots by Nick Craven and Steven Logan. The As would fight back, tying the game at 2 in the 7th and forcing extra innings. Donald Beals would show he is human, giving up a walkoff HR to Gavin Piedra in the bottom of the 10th. It was Beals' first earned run of the year.

It was the Mets turn to mount a comeback in Game 2. After going down 4-0 on a pair of 2-run homers off Jeremy Pacheco, the Mets would fight back and tie the game in the 6th on a Jackie Maurer RBI single. However, the tie would not last long as the home team would regain the lead on a sac fly in the bottom half of the inning. 5-4 would be the final, with all 5 Athletics runs going on Pacheco's ledger.

New York got the win in the finale in an offensive battle, 10-7. The two teams combined for 33 hits, and Nick Craven, Corey Seager, Elvis Valido, and Steven Logan would all go deep. Giolito was solid in his second start, going 5 innings and giving up 3 runs on 11 hits while striking out 5. Jermaine Butler gave up a grand slam in the 8th, making it 8 ER against him in his last two appearances. His ERA is now over 7.50 and his spot on the roster is in question.

The Mets (30-12) will finish up their 10-game road trip in Colorado for a 4 game series. The Rockies (25-18) will be looking for revenge after the beatdown they suffered in New York just a week ago.

[bigjdotcom01]

August 18-20: COLORADO SPRINGS (64-64) @ LAS VEGAS (53-74)
Stadium: Ballys Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

August 18: Snow Sox 2, Silver Kings 1
August 19: Silver Kings 6, Snow Sox 4
August 20: Silver Kings 3, Snow Sox 1

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas returned home and took two of three from Colorado Springs to open a six game home stand against a pair of Mountain League Central opponents.

In the opener, Colorado Springs' Robby Lundy and his knuckleball, completely shut down the Silver Kings in a 2-1 victory. Lundy (9-7) went 7.2 innings, allowing one run on three hits, striking out six.

Both starters in this game had perfect games through four innings. In the fifth, Las Vegas got their first baserunner on a Julio Chacon double. Colorado Springs did not get a baserunner until the sixth when Ken Ridley tripled to center. He was thrown out at the plate on the next play, trying to score on a hard hit ball right at Mariano Hidalgo.

In the seventh, David Vasquez singled to center to open the inning. Buster White grounded out on a double play ball that Danny Watt bobbled. Rich Van**** then singled to left, scoring Vasquez as Colorado Springs took the lead. Hector Samuels then doubled home Van**** to make it 2-0.

Las Vegas finally got to Lundy in the eighth when Junior Maldonado absolutely blasted a hanging knuckleball and hit it 432 feet to right center, cutting the Snow Sox lead to 2-1. It was his fourth on the year. But that was as close as the Silver Kings would get, with Michael Spanos coming on in the ninth to pick up his 30^th save.

On Tuesday evening, Emery Hutchinson tossed a gem, but the Silver Kings had to tightrope their way to a 6-4 victory to even the series. Hutchinson (12-9) went 8.2 innings, allowing three runs on four hits, striking out nine, to take over the strikeout lead in the Desert League.

Las Vegas went up 4-0 in the third inning. Caden Juarez hit a three-run home run, his 20^th on the year, to get the Silver Kings on the board. Julio Chacon followed that with a solo home run, his eleventh.

In the fourth, Alexander Busch singled and stole second. He score on a Danny Watt RBI single. The Silver Kings would make it 6-0 in the sixth on a Russell O'Reilly RBI single.

Emery Hutchinson made it into the ninth, giving up a first inning single, and having sent down 22 in a row. But he ran out of gas, trying to get the final three outs. Nelson Coronado doubled to left. David Vasquez lined a two-out single to right to score Coronado. Buster White then blasted a two-run home run (28) to end Hutchinson's night. Henry Coronado came on and gave up back-to-back doubles to Rich Van**** and Hector Samuels to cut it to 6-4. But he would get Henry Samuel to strikeout to end the game and pick up his first save.

Dwight Saryan (13-5) only lasted 3.1 innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on seven hits.

In Wednesday evening's finale, Antoine Swanger (10-7) was dominant, throwing eight shutout innings to lead Las Vegas to a 3-1 victory. Swanger allowed three hits and struck out six, while not walking a batter.

The Silver Kings would get all the offense that they would need in the fourth inning. Junior Maldonado doubled to open the inning. Gilberto Cardona chopped one back up the middle with second baseman Robby McNeil throwing it away, allowing Maldonado to score. David Tejeda doubled home Cardona to make it 2-0.

David Tejeda would add a sacrifice fly in the sixth that plated Todd Matsumoto to put Vegas up 3-0.

Kai Ransom came on in relief of Antoine Swanger in the ninth. Robby McNeil singled to open the inning, and advanced to second on a wild pitch. He advanced to third on a flyout to right. Rich Van**** reached on an infield single that scored McNeil. Hector Samuels grounded out to Junior Maldonado to end the game, giving Ransom his 16^th save on the year.

Ronald Dunne (13-7) took the loss for the first-place Snow Sox. He went five innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits, striking out three. He left the game after getting hit in the left leg with a line drive from Junior Maldonado.

Las Vegas (53-74) will host ML Central bottom feeder Denver (52-76) to close out the six game home stand.

Around the League: Tucson got two-run home runs from Brian Lee (26) and Pedro Cabrera (15) in a four run sixth inning as they edged Chandler 4-2 to inch closer to first in the DL East. Sean Young (13-7) went seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits, striking out six. Closer Matt Tanner picked up his 31^st save. Tahoe scored two in the eighth and three in the ninth to rally past Glendale 8-4 on Tuesday evening. Robby Lancaster homered twice (23,24), driving in five for the Lake Monsters. An RBI single in the tenth from Eugene Griffin sent San Diego on to a 1-0 victory in Scottsdale. Keaton Ross homered twice (17,18), driving in four in Surprise's 10-0 win over Boise.

Oakland scored four times in the top of the ninth to stun Mesa 9-6. Nine of Oakland's 14 hits in the game were doubles. The Oaks are (8-4) in their last 12. Chandler's Phil Russ homered twice (23,24) as the Chiefs beat Gilbert 9-7. Estevan Cabrera (13-5) went 6.2 innings allowing four runs on eight hits, striking out ten, to pick up the win. San Antonio scored six times in the top of the tenth inning to beat West Texas in Lubbock. Mike Sanchez completed the rally with a bases clearing double in the tenth. The Javelinas are now a 1/2 game up on Fort Worth in the ML East.

Glendale's Carlos Sanchez homered three times, driving in six runs, as Glendale beat Tahoe 10-5. The Lake Monsters have now fallen three games back of San Diego in the DL West, while Glendale is now just a 1/2 game back of Surprise in a wild three-team DL Central race.

There is a three-way tie atop the ML Central at (64-64) with Colorado Springs, Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Caden Juarez and the Silver Kings have been pesky as the Dog Days continue.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets DFA Blair After Recent Blowups
May 13, 2030

After dropping a 10-7 decision to the Rockies tonight, the Mets have DFA'd Aaron Blair. Blair gave up a walk off 3-run HR in yesterday's game and then gave up a grand slam tonight that put the game out of reach. The Mets are in need of bullpen arms after the 14 inning marathon in the series opener, and Blair's recent struggles made him the obvious candidate to be removed from the roster.

The Mets are unlikely to find a trade partner for Blair, and will take him back if he clears waivers. Blair pitched to a 6.75 ERA in 13.1 IP so far this season.

Taking Blair's place on the roster will be Lincoln James. James has pitched to a sub-3.00 ERA during his time in AAA Syracuse. He will be active for tomorrow's game.

The Mets will be looking to bounce back after dropping the first two games of the series.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

New York Rallies To Split With Colorado
May 15, 2030

The Mets and Rockies played a hard fought 4-game set in Colorado this weekend in what may be a preview of this year's NLCS. The Mets handled the Rockies in New York just 10 days ago, but this time around looked far more like what we saw in the playoffs last year.

Game 1 was a 14 inning marathon. Both teams plated 3 runs before the 5th inning, but that would be all the scoring until the bottom of the 14th. After 3 spotless innings from Donald Beals, Aaron Blair would enter and be unable to record an out. Jorge Alfaro walked it off for the home team with a 3-run moonshot to right center.

Game 2 was billed as a high-caliber pitching matchup between Michael Whitehead and Peter Babb, but neither would survive the 4th inning. The Rockies scored 5 in the first and the Mets chipped away until they were down a run, 5-4. Aaron Blair was the goat once again as he surrendered a 5th-inning grand slam that would be the proverbial nail in the coffin. The Rockies would go on to win 10-7, and Blair was promptly DFA'd after the game.

Thankfully, the Mets were able to course correct in games 3 + 4 thanks to stellar pitching. Travis West threw 7 innings of 2 run baseball in Game 3, and the Mets took a 3-2 lead into the 9th inning. The Rockies would tie the game with a solo HR off Cesar Ferreira, but Nick Karnitz would give the Mets the lead right back in the 10th. Ramon Chavez would collect his first save of the year. Luke Wray also hit his second home run in as many games, which is hopefully a sign that he is coming to life. Roosevelt Fox has come back down to earth and Wray's power bat has been missed.

The Mets won the finale 4-3. After a RBI single by Steven Logan in the first inning, all was quiet until the 7th. The Mets would then tack on a few more runs via RBI singles by Michael Conforto and Corey Seager, as well as a solo HR by Elvis Valido. Conforto has been red hot as of late, his batting average close to .550 in the month of May. Julio Fernandez was masterful on the mound through 6 innings. He didn't let up a run and induced 4 ground ball double plays. Donald Beals would collect the save despite allowing two runs to cross in the bottom of the 9th. Barney Nowak also saw his 10-game hitting streak come to an end.

All in all, New York is happy to have gotten out of town with a split, which made their record on the 10-game road trip 5-5. The Mets (32-14) return home for a 2-game set with the Rangers (24-25), which is sandwiched between two off days.

[bigjdotcom01]

August 22-24: DENVER (54-77) @ LAS VEGAS (54-76)

Stadium: Ballys Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

August 22: Silver Kings 6, Black Bears 0
August 23: Black Bears 9, Silver Kings 3
August 24: Black Bears 3, Silver Kings 2

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Every time it looks like Las Vegas is starting to gain some momentum, they slide backwards. This weekend, the Silver Kings dropped two of three to the slumping Denver Black Bears at home to close out the home stand at .500.

Las Vegas opened up a three game weekend series with an easy 6-0 win over Denver. Jude Vernon tossed eight shutout innings, striking out nine to pick up his fifth win.

Las Vegas immediately jumped on the Black Bears with two runs in the first. Caden Juarez doubled with one out. Julio Chacon singled him home, and advanced to second on the throw. Russell O'Reilly singled to right, allowing Chacon to score to make it 2-0.

In the fourth, Mariano Hidalgo was hit by a pitch to start the inning. One out later, Ray Guardado doubled to right. After Julio Chacon popped out, Russell O'Reilly lined a two-out, two-run double into the right field corner. In the sixth, Todd Matsumoto lined a two-out, two-run single to center, scoring Alexander Busch and Danny Watt.

Denver was not able to generate any offense, managing just five hits. Fabio Jaquez doubled twice, but was left in scoring position both times. Sebastian Villarreal (1-4) got the start in an opener role. He went 2.1 innings, allowing four runs on four hits, striking out three.

Russell O'Reilly went 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs in the win. Every Silver King starter had a hit, except for Mariano Hidalgo. Hidalgo did reach base twice on hit by pitches.

On Saturday night, the Black Bears went deep four times in a 9-3 victory. Carlo Ruiz hit a double and two home runs, driving in in three to lead Denver to the win.

Las Vegas took a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Julio Chacon tripled to open the inning. Caden Juarez grounded out to second with Chacon scoring. Danny Watt singled and stole second. He came home on a Julius Newsome RBI single to make it 2-0.

But Denver got both runs right back as Carlo Ruiz (3) and Elliott Dyer (1) hit back-to-back home runs in the top of the third. The Black Bears then took the lead in the fifth and never looked back. Carlo Ruiz doubled to left to open the inning. Two batters later he scored on a Marcellus Armstrong sacrifice fly to put Denver up 3-2. Danny Harrington doubled to right and Nino Almanzar hit a home run (18) just inside the foul pole in right to make it 5-2.

The Black Bears would add four more in the top of the ninth. Carlo Ruiz hit a two-run home run (4). Marcellus Armstrong hit a double and Danny Harrington singled him home. Nino Almanzar then doubled to center, scoring Harrington to make it 9-2.

Las Vegas got one back in the bottom half, with a manufactured run. Gilberto Cardona doubled to open the inning. He advanced to third on a ground out and scored on a Julio Chacon sacrifice fly.

Steve Sechrist (1-12) took the loss in this one. He went 5.1 innings, allowing five runs on six hits, striking out five. Henry Coronado was lit up in the ninth, allowing three runs on four hits, while only getting two batters out.

Matt Serrano (4-11) picked up the win for Denver. He went seven innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, striking out eight.

On Sunday afternoon, the Silver Kings once again could not come up with a clutch hit, and managed to lose 3-2. Danny Harrington's two-out RBI single in the ninth proved to be the game winner as Denver came away with a series win.

Denver went up 1-0 in the first on a two-out Archie Friedman RBI double that scored Nino Almanzar.

The Silver Kings would take the lead in the second on a Russell O'Reilly two-run home run, his tenth on the season. A Sutton Ruiz solo home run (26) in the third tied the game back up at 2-2.

It would remain that way until the ninth. Las Vegas turned to reliever Eric Herman (1-3) and he could not find three outs. He got Ken Pagan and Carlo Ruiz to both fly out to right to open the inning. He then gave up three straight singles to Elliott Dyer, Marcellus Armstrong and then Danny Harrington as Denver took the lead 3-2. Herman went 0.2 innings, allowing one run on three hits.

Denver turned to their closer Chad Madlock and he sent down the Silver Kings in order, striking out Mariano Hidalgo and Caden Juarez, before getting Danny Watt to pop out to short left to end it.

Kevin Perez pitched well in the starting role, going seven innings and allowing two runs on eight hits, striking out four. Denver starter Carlos Cruz also went seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out seven. Clark Connell (4-3) picked up the win, pitching a scoreless eighth.

Las Vegas left four runners in scoring position in the game. Eric Machado was activated off of the injured list and went 2 for 4 with a double and also stole his league leading 49^th base. Danny Watt added a stolen base and now has 32, second best in the IBL.

Las Vegas (54-76) will now hit the road as they head to San Diego to face the first place Seals (82-50). They will continue the road trip in Oakland and conclude the ten game trip in Scottsdale as the calendar turns to September.

Around the League: El Paso's Burt Williamson went 3 for 5 with two home runs (12,13), driving in five, but the Express lost to Tucson 9-6. The Roadrunners are in fourth place in the DL East, but just 1.5 games back of Gilbert. Sean Gary homered (17), and drove in five as Fort Worth opened up a huge series at home against San Antonio with a 10-5 victory that moved the Drillers back into first place.

Chandler scored three times in the bottom of the ninth to stun Gilbert on Saturday afternoon in a walk-off 6-5 victory. Vaughn Bellamy hit a three-run home run (25) off of John Riley to win it. Phoenix's George Brandt won his 17^th game of the season as the Firebirds slipped past Scottsdale 5-2. Brandt (17-6) went eight innings, allowing two runs on two hits, striking out nine and walking one. Phil Chapman homered twice (15,16) and drove in three for the Firebirds.

Four Phoenix pitchers combined to throw the second no hitter, and first perfect game, in IBL history on Sunday afternoon. Hunter Moss started and went 5.1 innings. D.J. Post, Hiroyuki Tanaka, and Alfonso Cruz finished it off with Cruz picking up his league leading 44^th save in a 3-0 victory over Scottsdale. San Diego scored three in the bottom of the tenth to walk it off against Surprise in a 5-2 Seals win. Alvin Metoyer homered three times (28,29,30) and drove in all five San Diego runs.

Rookie Jude Vernon looks like he is poised to be a top end starter.

[The Gamer]

Beginning my 1998 franchise

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[The Gamer]

Cubs are off to a poor start

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[The Gamer]

Sosa’s Blast, González’s Gem Lift Cubs Past Diamondbacks 2–1
By [Chicago Tribune Sports Staff]

PHOENIX — On a warm desert evening, the Chicago Cubs rode a towering home run from Sammy Sosa and eight masterful innings by Geremi González to edge the Arizona Diamondbacks 2–1 on Tuesday night.

The decisive blow came in the top of the sixth. After Mark Grace legged out a single that deflected off third baseman Matt Williams, Sosa wasted no time jumping on a Brian Anderson offering. The slugger crushed a 424-foot drive to straightaway center, clearing the batter’s eye and giving the Cubs a lead they would not relinquish.

González (1–0) was in control from the start, scattering five hits and striking out six without issuing a walk. Mixing pinpoint fastballs with sharp off-speed pitches, he silenced an Arizona lineup that had been swinging well in the opening week.

Arizona’s only run came in the ninth against closer Rod Beck, who allowed three hits in the frame. Matt Williams singled to open the inning, and after back-to-back strikeouts, Travis Lee’s bloop single off right fielder Sosa’s glove plated Williams to cut the deficit in half. Beck then induced pinch-hitter Brent Brede to ground out to second, sealing his first save of the year.

Grace and Brant Brown each had two hits for Chicago, while Shawon Dunston swiped his first base of the season. The Cubs finished with nine hits but stranded 11 runners, a stat that loomed until Sosa’s long ball gave them breathing room.

Anderson (0–1) took the loss for Arizona despite a solid outing, yielding two runs on six hits over six innings with six strikeouts.

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[Itsma806]

2026 Houston Astros 04/30-05/03

Overall Record: 18-15 (1st AL West/1.0 over Seattle Mariners)

Game Results:

Game 1
Guardians-5
Astros-4

Game 2
Guardians-8
Astros-6

Game 3
Astros-5
Guardians-2

Game 4
Astros-8
Guardians-2

Astros end two streaks and start another.

The Houston Astros and Cleveland Guardians entered their four game matchup with both teams on a five game streak. For the Astros, it was a losing streak and for the Guardians, they had won five in a row. Now Houston wanted both of those streaks to end in game one but that wasnt the case. Hayden Wesneski got the start in that game for Houston as he took the place of Lance McCullers JR who has struggled at the bottom of the rotation thus far in 2026. Well, Wesneski wasnt much better. He pitched 5 innings, gave up 8 hits and 4 runs while he struck out four. Houston fought those and tied it in the sixth inning at 4-4. Then, wouldnt you know it, McCullers came in and lost it (1-4 on the season). He was great at first, getting through his first inning of work clean. Then however, he gave up a single and a walk in the seventh before he was pulled. Then, Bryan Abreu allowed one of McCullers runners to score to give Cleveland the 5-4 lead. A lead that their closer, Cade Smith was able to keep as he got his 7th save of the year.

Then, it was Houston's ace who got touched up early in game two. He allowed a two run HR to Josh Naylor in the first inning that gave Cleveland the early lead. Oh, yes the brothers are back together as Cleveland reunited Josh and Bo after he spent one year in Arizona, Cleveland signed him as a free agent this past offseason.

Still, despite the starting pitching getting knocked around a bit, Houston's offense continued to fight and even brought a one run lead into the 9th. But of course Houstons recent bad luck struck again their star closer, Josh Hader allowed three straight hits to include a three run shot from Cleveland's recently acquired catcher, Yohel Pozo (2) to give them the 8-6 lead. a lead that Cade Smith was again able to save for his second consecutive save and 8th of the year.

But finally,. Houston broke both streaks in game three with their 5-2 victory and then started their own winning streak and tieing the series with their game four victory, 8-2. Those came from strong starts by both Spencer Arrighetti and Hunter Brown.

Houston is hurting in their rotation and have been in contact with teams for a lefty starter such as Braxton Garrett of the Marlins, Yusei Kikuchi of the Angels and Cody Bradford of the Rangers. Of course, Houston would like to trade outside the division if it comes to that so Garrett is the most likely for them to pursue.

Houston will now look to keep that newly found streak alive as they welcome another hot team to Houston. Tampa Bay will visit and currently lead the East with a record of 22-13 as they have won four straight.

[The Gamer]

SOSA’S 3-RUN BLAST, WOOD’S 9 K’S CARRY CUBS TO 5–4 WIN

Chicago splits four with Arizona, improves to 2–4

PHOENIX — The Cubs needed a jolt. Sammy Sosa supplied it on the first swing that mattered.

After Lance Johnson’s leadoff single and a free pass to Mark Grace, Sosa turned on a Jeff Suppan fastball and launched a three-run homer in the opening frame, staking the Cubs to a cushion they would never relinquish in a 5–4 victory over the Diamondbacks on Monday night.

The win closes a four-game set at 2–2 and nudges Chicago to 2–4 on the young season.

Kerry Wood (1–0) was plenty good when he had to be. The right-hander scattered 10 hits over eight innings, striking out nine and walking three. Arizona kept nicking him — Devon White drove in two, Travis Lee added an RBI double and Yamil Benítez belted a solo homer — but Wood slammed the door each time the tying run crept into scoring position.

“He had traffic all night and never flinched,” manager Jim Riggleman said.

Chicago added on behind a Mickey Morandini RBI single in the third and Shawon Dunston’s run-scoring double in the sixth. Johnson set the table all evening, going 3-for-5, while Dunston chipped in two hits.

Suppan (0–1) took the loss, tagged for five runs (four earned) on six hits in 5.0 innings with two walks and four strikeouts. He was also charged with a wild pitch.

The final out didn’t come easily. Rod “Shooter” Beck allowed two hits and a walk in the ninth, but the closer muscled up for his second save, stranding the potential tying run to secure Wood’s first win.

Arizona finished with 12 hits to the Cubs’ eight, but the lone Diamondbacks error — charged to catcher Kelly Stinnett — helped extend a Chicago inning, and that was enough on a night when Sosa’s first-inning swing set the tone.


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Game at a glance

Cubs 5, Diamondbacks 4 — Final (R-H-E): Cubs 5-8-0, ARI 4-12-1

W: Wood (1–0) — 8.0 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 9 K

L: Suppan (0–1) — 5.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R (4 ER), 2 BB, 4 K, WP

S: Beck (2) — 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

HR: Cubs — Sosa (2); D-backs — Benítez (1)

Cubs leaders: Sosa 1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI; Johnson 3-for-5, R; Dunston 2-for-4, 2B, RBI



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What it means

Series: Cubs and Diamondbacks split the four-game set, 2–2.

Record: Cubs move from 1–4 to 2–4.


Next up: The rotation flips to Kevin Tapani for the series opener in the No. 2 slot

https://youtu.be/hxxXimFqnww?si=P7pULCS5m3CLJkvn

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[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Split With Rangers
May 18, 2030

New York continues to play .500 baseball, splitting their latest two games with Texas.

The pitching in Game 1 was spectacular - on both sides. Cesar Ramirez came into the game with a 7.56 ERA, but he went 7 scoreless innings and only gave up 4 hits for the visitors. Meanwhile, Jeremy Pacheco, Howard Sanchez, Ramon Chavez, and Cesar Ferreira combined to give up just 2 hits. Elvis Valido would deliver his second walk off home run of the season in the bottom of the 9th to secure the 1-0 win for the Metsies.

Game 2 was the Amed Rosario show. The former Met was 3 for 5 with 2 doubles and 4 RBI and led his team to the 7-4 win. Lucas Giolito had his worst performance since joining the Mets, going 4 innings while giving up 6 runs on 9 hits. Jermaine Butler would give up a run in his third straight appearance, ballooning his ERA to 7.64. On the bright side, Lincoln James pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in his return with the ball club, and Jackie Maurer smacked his first HR of the season. The Mets were expecting quite a bit more power out of the youngster, so hopefully he's found his homerun swing. Jack O'Neil also hit his second HR since being called up - a 2-run pinch-hit shot to left.

The Mets (33-15) will get another day off before Washington (23-26) comes to town. Hopefully playing the Nationals can reignite these Metsies and get them playing better than .500 baseball.

Butler DFA'd, Blair Clears Waivers

Jermaine Butler has been DFA'd following tonight's loss. He's given up 9 runs in his last 3 appearances, his ERA sitting at 7.56 through 18 appearances thus far. It really isn't the season the Mets or Butler were imagining. He was pegged as the guy for the 7th inning coming out of Spring Training, but he has been anything but reliable. The Mets still believe in his tools, but they can't afford to waste a spot in the pen on someone so ineffective right now. Hopefully, he'll clear waivers.

Taking Butler's spot will be Lester McCarthy. McCarthy has yet to give up a run in 11.2 IP in Syracuse. The 27 year old from California can touch 97 with his fastball and has a high-80s slider to go along with it. This will be his first big league experience. He will wear #90.

In addition, Aaron Blair passed through waivers unclaimed, so he will be headed to AAA Syracuse.

[The Gamer]

OAKLAND — Jimmy Haynes and the A’s bullpen bent but never broke, stranding 13 Chicago runners on base in a 2-0 shutout win over the Cubs Tuesday night. Despite being out-hit 11–8, Oakland made its second-inning rally stand thanks to a pair of extra-base hits and stingy relief work.

Matt Stairs opened the scoring with a ground-rule double, followed by Ben Grieve’s RBI double to right-center. A.J. Hinch tacked on the second run with a sharp single, and that was all the offense Haynes would need. The right-hander fired six shutout innings, scattering seven hits with five strikeouts before handing the ball to a three-man relief corps. Mike Fetters and T.J. Matthews each worked scoreless innings, and Billy Taylor closed the door for his second save of the young season.

For Chicago, Kevin Tapani turned in a tough-luck loss, going the distance with eight strong innings, allowing just two earned runs on eight hits with no walks. Offensively, the Cubs had multiple opportunities but grounded into two key double plays and went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Mark Grace and Jose Hernandez each collected two hits, while Shawon Dunston’s second-inning double was Chicago’s lone extra-base knock.

The win moves Oakland to 3–2 on the season, while Chicago falls to 2–5. The Athletics lead the interleague set 1–0, with Game 2 scheduled for tomorrow night.

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