MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

[LowerWolf]

Swept a four-game series with the Mets to improve to 7-0 against them this season. We've basically swapped placed with them from reality as they're in fourth place, behind the Marlins. I like my dynasty reality better.

[The Gamer]

Astros 2, Cubs 1 (11 innings)

May 2, 2025 — Astrodome

The Cubs pushed the first-place Astros to the limit Friday night under the Dome, but Houston’s Killer B’s delivered in the clutch.

Chicago tied the game in the top of the ninth when Oh Henry Rodriguez doubled, Lance Johnson pinch-ran, and the Shawon-O-Meter ticked upward with Dunston’s three-hit night capped by a strikeout but followed by Scott Servais’ RBI single that plated Johnson. It spoiled what looked to be an airtight win for Mike Hampton, who went 8.1 innings of one-run ball before Billy Wagner’s blown save opened the door.

But in the 11th, Houston’s lineup flexed. Craig Biggio, who finished 2-for-5 with two doubles and two runs scored, ripped another extra-base hit. Jeff Bagwell added his 30th RBI of the year, and Bill Spiers followed with a walk-off single against Dave Stevens.

Player of the Game: Craig Biggio — 2-for-5, two doubles, two runs scored.


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Cubs Notables

Shawon Dunston — 3-for-4, SB (Shawon-O-Meter alive and well at .286).

Scott Servais — RBI single in the ninth to force extras.

Steve Trachsel — 6.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K (Game Score 64).


Astros Notables

Craig Biggio — 2-for-5, 2 2B, 2 R.

Jeff Bagwell — RBI single in the 4th to score Biggio.

Bill Spiers — 2-for-5, game-winning RBI.

Mike Hampton — 8.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K (ND).



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Series Update

Astros lead series, 1–0

Cubs fall back under .500 at 16–17

Astros improve to 25–8, maintaining their NL Central lead



---

Game 2 Preview

Probables: Mark Clark (CHC) vs. Sean Bergman (HOU)

The Cubs turn to Mark Clark, who looks to steady the ship after the tough extra-inning loss. Clark will need to keep Houston’s relentless lineup — led by Biggio, Bagwell, and Moises Alou — from stringing together damage.

For Houston, right-hander Sean Bergman gets the ball, aiming to back up Hampton’s effort with another deep start.

Keys to Watch:

Can Slamming Sammy Sosa break out after a quiet 1-for-5 night?

Amazing Grace Mark Grace enters Game 2 hitting .318 and has been the Cubs’ most consistent bat.

Cubs bullpen depth will be tested after five relievers pitched in the opener.

Sent from my SM-S938U using Tapatalk

[bigjdotcom01]

Here is an update on the division races and wild card races with just two weeks left in the season, and here are the remaining series for the contenders:

Chandler (83-66): @ Glendale, @ Mesa, vs. Peoria, vs. Mesa
Gilbert (80-70): vs. Tahoe, @ Tucson, @ Salt River, vs. Phoenix
Tuscon (77-72): vs. Salt River, vs. Gilbert, @ Mesa, @ Salt River

Surprise (84-66): @ Phoenix, @ Glendale, vs. Phoenix, vs. San Diego
Phoenix (81-69): vs. Surprise, vs. Fort Worth, @ Surprise, @ Gilbert
Glendale (81-69): vs. Chandler, vs. Surprise, @ San Diego, @ Austin

San Diego (93-57): @ Oakland, vs. Amarillo, vs. Glendale, @ Surprise
Tahoe (84-66): @ Gilbert, @ Santa Fe, vs. Oakland, vs. Scottsdale

Fort Worth (81-69): @ West Texas, @ Phoenix, vs. West Texas, vs. Santa Fe
San Antonio (80-70): vs. Billings, vs. West Texas, @ Denver, @ Amarillo

Albuquerque (79-71): vs. Las Vegas, @ EL Paso, @ Billings, vs. Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs (76-72): @ El Paso, vs. Denver, vs. Santa Fe, @ Albuquerque
Santa Fe (76-74): vs. Denver, vs. Tahoe, @ Colorado Springs, @ Fort Worth

Billings (88-62): @ San Antonio, @ Peoria, vs. Albuquerque, vs. Boise
Boise (80-70): vs. St George, vs. Austin, vs. Salt Lake, @ Billings
Salt Lake (75-74): vs. Austin, vs. St George, @ Boise, @ Long Beach

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Crank 8 Homers In Finale, Win Series
June 9, 2030

The Mets claimed the series in Miami thanks to a huge offensive day in the finale which included a franchise record 8 home runs. In total, New York scored 33 runs in the three games after only having scored 9 in the 4 games prior against the Phillies.

Game 1 was a close affair until the 6th inning. With the Marlins leading 5-4, Otis Morgan entered in relief and Miami pounced all over him. Before the inning was over he had surrendered 4 runs and the Marlins had a 9-4 lead. The Mets would threaten in the 7th, but Barney Nowak grounded into an inning ending double play with the bases loaded to crush any chances at a comeback. It was an 11-6 Marlins win and pushed the Mets season worst losing streak to 3. Otis Morgan was optioned to AAA post game with Jermaine Butler being recalled.

New York would bounce back in a big way the next two games. The Mets won 10-3 in Game 2 thanks to 4 scoreless innings from their bullpen and a 3 for 4 day from Elvis Valido, which included 4 RBI and 2 HR. Then their bats exploded in a 17-6 win in the finale. 8 of their 21 hits were home runs - Steven Logan (3), Evlis Valido (2), Barney Nowak, Luke Wray, and Alexis Quevedo all went deep. Logan is up to 25 HR on the year, which leads the majors, and Valido now has 20.

The Mets (47-21) will take their talents to Philadelphia to try and get revenge against the Phillies (23-45) from their recent series loss. The Phillies continue their hot play with just having swept the Cubs and winning 6 of their last 7.

[countryboy]

Cardinals close out June atop the NL Central Division

RECORD: 53-36
DIVISION: 1ST (+3 CIN - +4 CHC)
WILDCARD: N/A

The Cardinals finished the month of June with a 15-11 record in the month and lead the National League Central by 3 games over the Reds and 4 games over the Cubs as the season gets ready for the mid-summer classic, the draft, the trade deadline and the 2nd half of the season.

The Cardinals pitching continues to be the biggest strength of the team as the starting pitching and bullpen have been superb aside from a few guys. Griffin Canning and Jorge Alcala have each struggled over the past several weeks. Aside from them, pitching has pushed the Cards thru some rough patches with the bats and kept this team atop the division. Offensively the Cardinals have been fueled by Nolan Gorman, Jarren Duran, Nolan Arenado and Alec Burleson. Unfortunately, Duran and Burleson suffered injuries during the month that really took a bite out of the lineup. Couple that with Masyn Winn and JJ Wetherholt's injuries and the Cardinals really needed help in the lineup. All 3 will return during the regular season with Winn returning at the All-Star Break, Burleson returning at the beginning of August, Wetherholt and Duran mid-late August, so the impact while significant isn't season long.

The Cardinals made two early moves for the trade season first acquiring Matt Vierling from the Tigers for Griffin Canning and a prospect. They also struck a deal with the Brewers to acquire RHP Mason Miller in exchange for Jorge Alcala, Michael Helman, and a propect. Vierling will play left field everyday until Duran returns and then will most likely move to right field while Mason Miller will join the bullpen as just another 7th/8th inning arm to go along with Jordan Hicks, Luke Weaver, and Alex Vesia.

The Cardinals will begin the month of July in Philadelphia with the Philles before heading home for a 3 game series with the Giants and then a 3 game weekend series with the Marlins to close out the first half of the regular. season.

[Itsma806]

2026 Houston Astros 05/22-05/24

Overall Record:

23-29 (4th AL West/3.0 behind Seattle Mariners)

Game Results:

Game 1
Braves-9
Astros-5

Game 2
Braves-11
Astros-4

Game 3
Braves-8
Astros-0


Atlanta dominates Houston as Stros' losing streak grows.

It was pure dominance by Atlanta in Houston as they swept the Astros bring Houston's losing streak to 8. It's way too early in the season to panic but what can Houston do to get back on track? Well for this series, Atlanta's offense hit homeruns seemingly at will. They had thirteen long balls in the three games while Houston managed 4 of their own (three by Kyle Tucker).

Houston has the talent at least offensively to win these games. Their pitching is their weak point as they likely by this point really regret letting Framber Valdez walk in free agency.

Possibly luckily for Houston, this bad stretch is coming in May. Though not ideal, with a so far weak divsion. Houston isnt out of it.

A strong end to May would be welcomed. Houston will look to get that going as they welcome the Boston Red Sox to town in what is their last full series of the month. Boston currently sits at 28-24 on the year which has them sitting at 3rd in the AL east (2.5 behind Tampa Bay).

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Jackie Maurer - Time to Have a Discussion?
June 10, 2030

Jackie Maurer came up in early August of last year and showed legitimate promise down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs. He's been pegged as the franchise's shortstop of the future and has been given the reins at third base this season. So far though, he has done everything but impress.

Maurer did get off to a satisfactory start, and was hitting .300 with a team high 8 doubles midway through April. He was unable to sustain it. For the year now, Maurer is slashing .234/.329/.327 with 2 HR, 11 2B, and 15 RBI. He's also struggled more than expected on the defensive end. Overall, it's been a less than impressive start to his first full season in the majors.

Expectations were high for the 23 year old, but Maurer earned those expectations by excelling at every level of the minors since being drafted in the first round of the 2026 draft. He's not the first highly touted prospect to struggle to find his footing, and he certainly won't be the last. The Mets are hoping that Maurer can find some confidence in the coming weeks because their belief in his potential is still sky high.

Working against the Mets' ability to be patient with the youngster is their desire to compete for a championship this season. This makes Maurer's hold on the hot corner tentative. Ray Velazquez will be returning from injury in the next few weeks, and Barney Nowak has been having a good year thus far. Nowak's natural position is third base, and he has a .746 OPS with 6 HR and 23 RBI so far this season, including 3 HR in the series vs Miami this week.

If things continue to develop this way, Nowak might be seeing a majority of the at bats at third once Velazquez comes back from injury. This doesn't diminish Maurer's potential or the belief the organization has in him long term. Their championship or bust mentality requires them to play the best players on a daily basis. The Mets are fortunate to have the flexibility to not be totally reliant on a 23 year old as they chase a championship this season.

Maurer has a couple more weeks to establish that he belongs in the lineup every day.

[countryboy]

Cardinals send Ryan Helsley and Mason Miller to the All-Star Game. Esteban Diaz to the Futures Game

The Cardinals will have 2 representatives in the 2028 All Star Game in Toronto. RHP Mason Miller and RHP Ryan Helsley will be on the National League roster for the Mid-Summer Classic in Toronto. Mason Miller who was acquired from the Brewers just a week or so prior to the All-Star break is having a phenomenal season with a sub 3.00 ERA, a WHIP under 1.2 and with an average of 10.2 strikeouts per 9 innings. Ryan Helsley comes in ranked 2nd in saves in the National League with 31, just 2 behind Tanner Scott who will not be on the roster due to injury. Helsley is 31 for 32 in save opportunities this season and is posting a 9.7 strikeouts per 9 innings with a 1.24 ERA.

Jack Flaherty seemed to be snubbed from the roster with a 10-4 record and 3.43 ERA and tied for 5th in strikeouts in the National League. Especially when Paul Skenes and Dylan Cease both won't attend due to minor injuries.

The Cards will also have a represenative in the Futures Game. RHP Esteban Diaz, a 3rd round pick in last year's draft will be on the NL Futures roster. Diaz is at AA Springfield where he is 14 for 17 in save opportunities with a 2.02 ERA and has recorded 34 strikeouts in 21.2 innings of work.

After the All Star Break the Cardinals will head west for a 3 game weekend series with the Giants before heading to Houston for a 3 game series with the Astros.

[Itsma806]

2026 Houston Astros 05/25-05/27

Overall Record:25-30 (3rd AL West/3.0 behind Seattle)

Game Results:

Game 1
Astros-4
Red Sox-1

Game 2
Astros-4
Red Sox-3

Game 3
Red Sox-5
Astros-2

Astros slow bleeding with series win over Red Sox.

The Astros losing streak has come to an end. That streak reached eight games before they were able to put a stop to it with two wins over the Boston Red Sox in Houston. Hunter Brown was the starter for game one where Houston snapped that streak. He only suffered one loss during that streak although the loss was credited to reliever Zach Jackson. Truthfully, though Brown's performance which came in the fourth game of that streak really should have amounted to an Astros win that would have stopped the streak at three. In that third game against the Angels, Brown was magnificent. In six innings, he allowed just 4 hits , 1 run and 1 walk as he struck out 13 Angels hitters. Still, that didnt result in a win and the streak went on for that game and four more.

He however was able to finally put that streak to an end when he led off the series against Boston. He pitched a similar line in this game although he didnt get as many K's. In this game, he pitched 6 innings, gave a 4 hits and 1 run while he struck out 6. His lone run came in the first inning when Connor Wong singled in David Hamilton who had led off the inning with a single of his own. This time, the bullpen backed up Hunter's performance shutting Boston out for the remainder of the game while Bryan Abreu and Josh Hader were perfect. Hader recorded his 12th save of the season. Houston's runs came via homeruns by Yordan Alvarez (18) and Christian Walker (14). Yainer Diaz also added an rbi to go along with his 2 for 4 night.

Houston then went on to start a mini winning streak as they won game two, 4-3.

They miss out on the sweep as Boston took game three, 5-2.

Houston will now close out what has been a rather miserable month as they start a three game series with the White Sox (15-41/5th AL Central).

[LowerWolf]

2025 Atlanta Braves
End of June update

Record in June: 19-7
Overall record: 58-27, tied with the Phillies for first in the NL East

Team Avg: .267 (3rd in MLB)
Team ERA: 3.75 (15th in MLB)

Transactions

• Acquired IF/OF Vidal Brujan from the Cubs for IF Christian Cairo
• DFA'd and outrighted RP Jose Suarez to make room on the 40-man for Brujan
• Purchased the contract of and recalled C Drake Baldwin from AAA Gwinnett
• Optioned C Reese McGuire to AAA Gwinnett
• DFA'd and outrighted RP Amos Willingham to make room on the 40-man for Baldwin
• Purchased the conract of and recalled IF Luke Williams from AAA Gwinett
• Optioned OF Pavin Smith to AAA Gwinnett
• Outrighted RP Domingo Gonzalez to make room on the 40-man for Williams
• Recalled IF/OF Vidal Brujan from AAA Gwinnett
• Optioned IF Luke Williams to Gwinnett
• Acquired RP Carson Fulmer from the Pirates for IF Luke Williams
• Purchased the contract of and recalled Carson Fulmer from AAA Gwinnett

Batting

Lineup	Avg.	HR	RBIs
1. Ronald Acuna Jr., RF	.261	20	46
2. Ozzie Albies, 2B	.293	13	43
3. Austin Riley, 3B	.266	16	51
4. Matt Olson, 1B	.340	32	78
5. Marcell Ozuna, DH	.273	26	69
6. Michael Harris, CF	.286	8	37
7. Jurickson Profar, LF	.258	13	39
8. Sean Murphy, C	.212	12	35
9. Orlando Arcia, SS	.205	4	27
Bench	Avg.	HR	RBIs
Drake Baldwin, C	.360	1	2
Nick Allen, IF	.212	2	6
Eli White, OF	180	0	1
Vidal Brujan, Util	143	0	1

• Olson was the NL Player of the Month after hitting .388 with 12 homers and 34 RBIs. The NL MVP race is pretty much down to him and Ohtani. Finally called Drake Baldwin up and he hasn't disappointed. Allen and White don't hit much but they provide defense off the bench.

Pitching

Rotation	W	L	ERA
1. Chris Sale	8	2	3.25
2. Spencer Strider	9	3	3.53
3. Reynaldo Lopez	5	8	5.32
4. Spencer Schwellenbach	11	3	2.51
5. Grant Holmes	9	3	4.53
Bullpen	W	L	ERA
Raisel Iglesias, CL	3	1	2.91
Joe Jimenez, SU	4	2	2.12
Aaron Bummer, SU	2	2	1.80
Dylan Lee, MR	2	1	4.46
Pierce Johnson, MR	2	2	3.62
Enoli Paredes, MR	1	0	1.80
Daysbel Hernandez, MR	0	0	5.63
Carson Fulmer, LR	0	0	4.50

• In just his second season, Schwellenbach has entered the Cy Young conversation. With Bryce Elder pitching well at Triple-A, struggling Lopez may be shifted to the bullpen. Probably going to give him to the All-Star break to turn it around. Iglesias is still perfect in save opportunities with 23.

[bigjdotcom01]

September 16-18: LAS VEGAS (65-88) @ ALBUQUERQUE (81-72)
Stadium: Optum Park (Capacity: 12,471)

September 16: Mariachis 12, Silver Kings 11
September 17: Mariachis 7, Silver Kings 4
September 18: Silver Kings 5, Mariachis 2

Albuquerque, NM (AP) - Las Vegas managed to salvage the final game of the series with Albuquerque to avoid a sweep, ending a six game losing streak to start the road trip.

On Tuesday evening, even the Silver Kings may have outdone themselves. Their ace Emery Hutchinson left the game with a six run lead in the eighth...and they lost. Albuquerque scored five in the eighth and then three in the ninth to walk it off in a 12-11 victory.

Las Vegas scored runs in each of the first six innings as they built a 10-4 lead. In the first, Julio Chacon singled home Eric Machado and the Silver Kings went up 1-0. In the bottom half, Tommy Coley lined a single to center with the bases loaded to score Cristian Palbicki and Richard Schartner to give Albuquerque a 2-1 advantage.

The Silver Kings responded in the top of the second as Russell O'Reilly hit a two-run home run, his 11^th, and Todd Matsumoto followed with a solo home run, his fifth, to make it 4-2 Las Vegas. David Tejeda hit his 29^th home run of the season, an absolute moon shot that traveled 479 feet, in the third to make it 5-2.

D'Andre McDaniel doubled home Cristian Palbicki in the bottom of the third to extend his hitting streak to 23 games. Richard Schartner added a sacrifice fly to close the lead to 5-4.

Las Vegas' Julius Newsome homered in the fourth to make it 6-4, his third on the year. Julio Chacon homered (12) to left if the fifth to make it 7-4. Eric Machado hit a three-run home run (19) in the fifth to make it 10-4 and it looked like Las Vegas would cruise to a win.

Emery Hutchinson started the eighth and gave up a lead off double to D'Andre McDaniel. Willie Willey came on a gave up a two-run home run to Gene Beasley and a solo home run to Richard Schartner to cut it to 10-7. Tommy Coley singled back up the middle to end Willey's evening. Thurman Ratto came on and got Rich Ortega to bounce int a 6-4-3 double play. Steve Ramiro singled and then the turning point of the game occurred. Garrett Hirsh looked like he took strike three on a 2-2 pitch that was clearly a strike. On the next pitch, he blasted a two-run home run (7) to cut the lead to 10-9.

Las Vegas would add what looked like a big insurance run in the top of the ninth as David Tejeda doubled to open the inning, and scored on a Caden Juarez sacrifice fly to put the Silver Kings up 11-9. Thurman Ratto came back out in the ninth and got Cristian Palbicki to line out and D'Andre McDaniel to pop out. Gene Beasley then blasted a long home run to left to cut it to 11-10, his second of the game and 35^th on the season. Richard Schartner hit a routine grounder to third, but David Tejeda threw wide to first to keep the Mariachis alive. Tommy Coley then unloaded on the first pitch, blasting it over the center field fence to walk it off.

Kai Ransom (2-8) took the loss, allowing two runs (none earned) on one hit. Starter Emery Hutchinson wasn't his best, but still went seven plus innings, allowing five runs on six hits, striking out nine and walking two. Willie Willey and Thurman Ratto each were lit up, allowing two and three runs respectively.

Las Vegas hit six home runs and still lost. It was the fourth time this season that Las Vegas has blown at least a six run lead and lost.

On Wednesday evening, the Silver Kings dropped their sixth straight game, losing 7-4. D'Andre McDaniel went 3 for 4 with three doubles and an RBI, scoring twice, to lead Albuquerque to their twelvth win in their last 14 games.

Las Vegas got off to a quick start in this one, with Danny Watt hitting a two-run home run in the second inning, his 12^th on the year, to put Vegas up 2-0.

Albuquerque chipped away at that lead. Rich Ortega singled to open the inning and reached second on a wild pitch. He would score on an Alberto Quezada RBI single with two outs in the third to cut it to 2-1. The Mariachis tied it up in the fourth after D'Andre McDaniel doubled. He scored on a Richard Schartner sacrifice fly to tie the game at 2-2. The Mariachis grabbed the lead in the fifth on a Quezada RBI double, scoring Rich Ortega.

Las Vegas retook the lead in the to of the sixth on a David tejeda two-run home run. It was his 30^th on the year and put Vegas up 4-3. But that was short lived. Albuquerque struck back with two in the bottom half. D'Andre McDaniel doubled to open the inning. Richard Schartner singled him home to tie the game at 4-4. Rich Ortega then lined a two-out double to center to score Schartner and Albuquerque took the lead 5-4.

A D'Andre McDaniel RBI double in the seventh extended the lead to 6-4. A Rich Ortega RBI single in the eighth made it 7-4.

Antoine Swanger (12-9) took the loss, pitching six innings and allowing five runs on eight hits, striking out six. Anthony Batista (10-9) picked up the win, tossing six innings and allowing four runs on four hits. The Albuquerque bullpen got the final nine outs without allowing a hit with Robby Wolfe picking up his 42^nd save.

On Thursday evening, the Silver Kings got a great pitching performance from Jude Vernon as they ended a six game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Mariachis. Vernon (7-5) went 5.2 innings, allowing one run on two hits, striking out five and walking three.

Las Vegas broke a scoreless tie in the fourth in weird fashion. Eric Machado singled to open the inning. Julio Chacon lined a single to center with Machado advancing to third. The throw from Alberto Quezada to second was thrown away, allowing Machado to score and Chacon to end up on third. David Tejeda then hit a sacrifice fly to center to bring home Chacon to make it 2-0. In the fifth, Eric Machado hit a solo home run to left, his 20^th, and it was 3-0.

Albuquerque got on the board in the sixth on a Steve Ramiro solo home run (11). Jude Vernon then got into some trouble with walks, and a hit batter, loading the bases. Willie Willey came on in relief and struck out Richard Schartner to end the threat.

Danny Watt singled and stole second in the seventh. He scored on a Russell O'Reilly single, to make it 4-1. Caden Juarez homered to right in the eighth, his 22^nd, to put Vegas up by four.

Rich Ortega hit a two-out solo home run (17) in the ninth off of Eric Herman. Kai Ransom then came on to get the final out and record his 21^st save.

Las Vegas (65-88) now heads to Flagstaff to close out their 2025 road schedule. The Hops (74-79) are barely hanging on in the ML Wild Card race as the season winds down. They are four games back of Colorado Springs with nine games left.

Around the League: San Diego hit five home runs as they cruised to a 10-1 win in Oakland over the Oaks. Wiley Blanton went 4 for 5 with two home runs (9, 10), driving in four. Clayton Lopez improved to (18-4), tossing eight innings, and allowing one run on four hits, striking out seven. Salt Lake's John Clemente (12-9) threw seven no hit innings, striking out three and walking three, in a 1-0 victory over Austin. Doug Kurowski's single with two outs in the ninth off of reliever Richard Pritchett broke up the no hitter. Danny Wood homered (10) in the fifth for the only run of the ballgame.

Gilbert's Chester Smith hit a two-run home run (13) in the bottom of the tenth as Gilbert defeated Tahoe 4-2 on Tuesday evening. Phoenix's Lance Deardorff hit two bombs (23,24), driving in five as the Firebirds opened up a huge series at home against Surprise with a 12-3 victory.

Phoenix won their fifth straight game, to pull within a game of Surprise in the DL Central, with a 7-1 victory over the Saguaros. Jeramy Johnson keyed the win with a bases clearing triple in the six-run fourth inning. San Diego clinched the DL West with a 5-4 victory over Oakland. Chris Christensen and Alvin Metoyer each hit two-run home runs for the Seals, who also clinched the best record in the league with their 96^th win.

Billings became the second team in the IBL to clinch a playoff berth as they defeated San Antonio 6-3 on Thursday afternoon. Rico Miranda went 3 for 5 with a home run, driving in five runs as Billings improved to (90-63). Phoenix moved into a first place tie atop the DL Central as they completed a three game sweep of the Saguaros with a 5-2 win. Lance Deardorff went 3 for 4 with a home run (25) and drove in three for the Firebirds.

Albuquerque's Tommy Coley celebrates a walk off win on Tuesday evening in a wild comeback.

[bigjdotcom01]

September 19-21: LAS VEGAS (68-88) @ FLAGSTAFF (74-82)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 9,474)

September 19: Silver Kings 6, Hops 4
September 20: Silver Kings 11, Hops 7
September 21: Silver Kings 5, Hops 2

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - Las Vegas ended the road portion of the 2025 season by sweeping the Flagstaff Hops to wind up the road portion of their schedule at (34-47)

Las Vegas opened the final road series of 2025 with a 6-4 victory over the Hops. Steve Sechrist broke a 13 game losing streak as he picked up his second win of 2025 with a solid six inning performance.

Las Vegas blew this one open in the fourth inning, scoring five times. Eric Machado singled to open the inning and stole second. Caden Juarez then lined a single to right , but Machado held at second. Both players then executed a double steal. Julio Chacon singled to right and both players scored to put Vegas up 2-0. Danny Watt doubled to right. Junior Maldonado ripped a double off of the wall in left to score Chacon and Watt. Guadalupe Velez singled to left. Todd Matsumoto grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing Maldonado to score to make it 5-0.

Danny Watt hit a solo home run to open the sixth, his 13^th, to put the Silver Kings up 6-0.

Flagstaff finally got the offense going in the bottom of the sixth. Ron Holder, Jay Reilly and Emil Rivera singled with one out to get the Hops on the board. Jody Delaney doubled home Reilly and Rivera to cut it to 6-3. Hollis Zbyszynski singled home Delaney to cut it to 6-4.

Las Vegas turned to their bullpen with Thurman Ratto working a scoreless seventh and eighth. Kai Ransom worked a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up his 22^nd save. Steve Sechrist (2-13) had not won since April 6^th . He went six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, striking out six.

On Saturday evening, the Silver Kings offense exploded for 11 runs in an 11-7 victory, effectively ending the Hops slim playoff chances. Caden Juarez went 2 for 5 with a double, home run and three RBIs to lead the way for Vegas.

Las Vegas grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first as Alexander Busch led off the game with a walk, and scored as Caden Juarez bounced into a 6-4-3 double play. Flagstaff immediately answered as Ron Holder blasted the first pitch from Kevin Perez over the wall in center, his 18^th on the season.

The fireworks continued in the second with Las Vegas sending nine men to the plate and scoring four runs. Todd Matsumoto doubled home Ray Guardado. Alexander Busch singled home Guadalupe Velez and Todd Matsumoto to make it 4-1. Caden Juarez then doubled home Busch to make it 5-1. A Diego Vizcaino solo home run led off the bottom of the second, it was his 13^th on the year. Hollis Zbyszynski singled home Jay Reilly in the third to cut the Vegas lead to 5-3.

The Silver Kings would bat around again in the sixth, this time blowing the game open with a six run inning. Todd Matsumoto hit a two-run double. Alexander Busch singled home Ray Guardado. Junior Maldonado hit a sacrifice fly that scored Todd Matsumoto. Caden Juarez capped it off with a two-run home run to left, his 23^rd on the year as Las Vegas went up 11-3.

The Hops tried to make it interesting, scoring one in the eighth and three in the ninth to make it an 11-7 final.

Kevin Perez (11-11) picked up the win, going seven innings and allowing three runs on six hits, striking out five and walking one. Henry Coronado gave up a run in the eighth and Eric Herman allowed three runs on four hits in the ninth.

Flagstaff starter Jimmy Villafuerte (9-10) only went four innings, allowing five runs on seven hits. Reliever Owen Esquivel was rocked in the sixth, allowing five runs on five hits, while recording just one out.

Every Flagstaff starter had a hit in the game, with seven players scoring runs.

In Sunday afternoon's finale, the Silver Kings hit three home runs and held on for a 5-2 victory to complete the three game sweep of Flagstaff. Danny Watt went 3 for 4 with a solo home run, scoring twice to lead the Silver Kings to the win.

Las Vegas grabbed a 2-0 lead in the second inning on solo home runs from Caden Jaurez (24) and Julius Newsome (4). They would extend that lead to 3-0 in the fifth on a solo home run from Danny Watt (14).

Flagstaff got on the board in the sixth on a two-out RBI single from Jody Delaney. They would cut that lead to 3-2 in the seventh on a Ron Holder sacrifice fly with the bases loaded. Diego Vizcaino lined out to Todd Matsumoto to end the inning, leaving the tying and go ahead runs in scoring position.

Las Vegas added a couple of insurance runs in the ninth. Ray Guardado hit an RBI single that scored Caden Juarez. Stefan Hernandez added a sacrifice fly that plated Danny Watt.

Emery Hutchinson (15-9) picked up the win, pitching 6.1 innings and allowing two runs on seven hits, striking out nine. Thurman Ratto got the Silver Kings out of the seventh inning jam. Bill Larkin got the final six outs to pick up his sixth save.

Las Vegas (68-88) now returns home to finish out the season against Scottsdale (62-94) and Oakland (68-88).

Around the League: Phoenix won their sixth straight game on Friday night, beating Fort Worth 7-4 to move into sole possession of first in the DL Central. Meanwhile San Antonio beat West Texas to move into a tie for first in the ML East with Fort Worth. Gilbert's Alton Callahan homered to increase his DL lead. He now has 42 on the year, but Gilbert lost 5-4 to Tucson, leaving them three games back of Chandler in the DL East.

Chandler lost their third straight on Saturday afternoon, falling 4-3 in ten innings to Mesa. Mike Anderson singled home Julio Mendoza with no outs in the bottom of the tenth for the walk off win. The Chiefs hold a two game lead over Gilbert in the DL East. Alton Callahan went 2 for 4, driving in all three Barnstormers runs in a 3-2 victory over Tucson. Phoenix's Jeramy Johnson hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh to help the Firebirds to a 2-0 victory over Fort Worth to extend their winning streak to seven games.

Mesa completed the weekend sweep of Chandler on Sunday afternoon with an 8-3 victory. Rocco Rayes homered twice for the Solar Sox as they got back to .500 at (78-78). Chandler got some help from Tucson as the Roadrunners walked it off against Gilbert 4-3. A Pedro Cabrerea solo home run led off the bottom of the ninth against Barnstormer closer Brock Crump (4-3). Alton Callahan homered (43) in the loss for Gilbert. Phoenix's George Brandt improved to (19-8) as the Firebirds stayed red-hot, winning their eighth straight game, 5-3 over Fort Worth, to complete the weekend sweep.

San Diego's Clayton Lopez improved to (19-4) with a 9-3 victory over Amarillo. The Seals have now won nine straight games. Wiley Blanton went 5 for 5, scoring four runs, for San Diego.

Caden Jaurez homered twice in the sweep of Flagstaff.

[IndianSummer]

Does anyone know how much effect the wind has on a fly ball?
I am playing a game with wind at 10 mph blowing out and the Twins have hit 6 homers against me. Also I haven’t hit a home run over 458’ this year and I just hit one with Gorman 483’
I read that 5 mph wind can add 19’ in real life. I was wondering how SDS based the wind. This is at Busch stadium

[bigjdotcom01]

September 23-25: SCOTTSDALE (64-95) @ LAS VEGAS (69-90)
Stadium: Ballys Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

September 23: Silver Kings 5, Scorpions 4 (10)
September 24: Scorpions 6, Silver Kings 4
September 25: Scorpions 7, Silver Kings 6

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas opened up the final home stand of the season by dropping two of three to Scottsdale.

Las Vegas took the opener 5-4 in walk off fashion as they rallied from a late three run deficit to pull out the victory, their fifth straight. Eric Machado had a day, going 4 for 5 with a triple, home run and two RBIs, including the game winning walk off single in the tenth.

Las Vegas went up 1-0 in the first as Eric Machado homered to lead off the bottom of the first. The ball was the first hit into The Yard in dead center field, estimated at 460 feet. Scottsdale tied it up in the sixth on a Gary Ritson RBI double, that scored Norris Masterson. The Scorpions took the lead in the top of the seventh, scoring three runs. Phillip Takatsu led off with a home run to left. Roger Cortes and Ryan Hackman doubled to make it 3-1. Norris Masterson then singled home Hackman to make it 4-1.

But Las Vegas answered right back. Danny Watt doubled, and scored on a Julius Newsome single. Russell O'Reilly then hit an improbable triple to right, scoring Newsome to make it 4-3. Todd Matsumoto popped out and Eric Machado grounded out 4-3 to end the inning, stranding the tying run at third.

In the eighth, Julio Chacon singled and stole second. He reached third on a Mariano Hidalgo ground out, and scored on a two-out RBI single from Caden Juarez.

Bill Larkin came on in the ninth, sending down the Scorpions in order. He then struck out the side in the tenth to strand the ghost runner at second. Eric Machado quickly ended it with a single to center to allowed Todd Matsumoto to score.

Bill Larkin (3-2) picked up the win. Antoine Swanger went 6.1 innings, allowing four runs on five hits, striking out 10 and walking two. He now has 201 strikeouts on the season.

Eric Machado extended his league lead in steals as he stole his 70^th on the season in the game. Danny Watt also had one and is second in the IBL with 42 stolen bases.

On Wednesday evening, the Scorpions rallied for a 6-4 victory to even the series. Shea Horton's three-run home run in the fifth was the difference as Scottsdale ended the Silver Kings five game winning streak.

Scottsdale got off to a quick start in this one as Gary Ritson (24) and Herb Dorsey (32) hit solo home runs in the first inning.

Las Vegas got one back in the second as Danny Watt doubled with two outs, and Julius Newsome followed that with an RBI single. The Silver Kings went ahead in the third on a two-run double from Junior Maldonado. Caden Juarez added an RBI single to make it 4-2.

In the fifth, Rich Kelley lined a one out double to center. Val Silver singled him home to cut the lead to 4-3. Silver stole second and third, and Gary Ritson drew a walk. Thurman Ratto got Herb Dorsey to pop out. Shea Horton then hit a two-out, three-run home run to give Scottsdale a 6-4 lead. It was his 41^st on the year.

Las Vegas had a couple of chances to get back in this one, but left runners on second and third in both the seventh and eighth innings. Juaquim Fernandez worked a 1-2-3 ninth for the Scorpions to pick up his sixth save.

Scottsdale used six pitchers in the game with starter Damien Garrett (8-8) getting the win. He went six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits.

Jude Vernon left the game with back issues in the second. Willie Willey went 3.1 innings in relief, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out six. Thurman Ratto (1-3) took the loss, allowing two runs on two hits in 1.2 innings.

In Thursday evenings finale, Scottsdale got a big run in the top of the ninth and held on for a 7-6 victory in a back and forth game. Ryan Hackman homered twice, driving in three to lead the Scorpions to the series win.

Scottsdale got off to a quick start in this one, with Gary Ritson hitting a sacrifice fly that scored Val Silver in the first. Ray Cortes doubled in the second and scored on a Hackman RBI single to put the visitors up 2-0.

RBI doubles from Russell O'Reilly and Junior Maldonado in the bottom of the second tied the game at 2-2. Val Silver led off the third with a double and scored on a Shea Horton two-out RBI single to put Scottsdale back in front. But Las Vegas answered with two in the bottom half to retake the lead. Alexander Busch scored on a Caden Juarez ground out, and Eric Machado scored on a Julio Chacon sacrifice fly.

Ryan Hackman's first home run of the game tied it up again in the fourth at 4-4. Las Vegas answered right back with a Todd Matsumoto RBI single that scored Russell O'Reilly and Vegas went up 5-4.

In the sixth, Scottsdale tied the game on Ryan Hackman's second home run. The solo shot was his fifth on the season. A Herb Dorsey RBI single in the seventh drove in Val Silver to put Scottsdale ahead 6-5. A two-out RBI single from Russell O'Reilly in the bottom of the eighth, tied the game at 6-6. He drove in Julio Chacon, who led off the inning with a triple.

In the ninth, Las Vegas brought in closer Kai Ransom. He gave up a one-out double to Herb Dorsey. Dorsey then stole third and scored on a two-out RBI double by Phillip Takatsu to put the Scorpions up 7-6.

Closer Joaquin Fernandez sent down the Silver Kings in order to pick up his seventh save. Kai Ransom (2-9) took the loss.

Las Vegas (69-90) will now host Oakland to close out the 2025 regular season. The Oaks (68-91) are a game back of Las Vegas in the DL West.

Around the League: Surprise's Jeff Nettles went 3 for 4, driving in three runs, and Keaton Ross homered (24) and drove in two, as the Saguaros beat Phoenix 7-2 to move into a first place tie atop the DL Central. Santa Fe's Corey Ziemer homered and drove in three as the Jays beat Colorado Springs 6-4 to move to within a game of the Snow Sox for the final ML Wild Card spot. Boise clinched a playoff spot with an 8-5 victory over Salt Lake. Chad Riley went 4 for 5 with a double and two RBIs to lead the Hawks. San Diego won their tenth straight game and they picked up their 100^th win on the season as they defeated Glendale 7-6 in 11 innings. Chris Christensen lined a base hit to lead off the bottom of the 11^th, scoring Rich Edney to send the home fans home happy.

Gilbert's Alton Callahan hit a two-run home run, his league leading 44^th, to lead the Barnstormers to a 2-1 victory over Salt River to pull within a game of Chandler atop the DL East. Jimmy Gutierrez (15-8) went the distance, allowing one run on six hits, striking out eight and walking two. Tahoe clinched a Wild Card spot on Wednesday evening with a 10-1 victory over Oakland. Reese Cherry went 3 for 6 with a triple, home run and RBI in the win. San Diego scored five in the bottom of the ninth two rally for an 11-10 win over Glendale to run their winning streak to 11 games. Colorado Springs rallied twice in extra innings to beat Santa Fe 7-6 in 13 innings. Billings clinched the ML West with a walk off 8-7 victory over Albuquerque. San Antonio clinched a playoff berth with a 4-1 victory over Denver. The Javelinas lead Fort Worth by one game in the ML East.

Mesa won their seventh straight game on Thursday evening, defeating Tucson 3-2. The loss eliminated Tucson from playoff contention and kept Mesa's slim hopes alive heading into the weekend. Chandler and Gilbert both lost on Thursday, leaving the Chiefs one game ahead in the DL East. Surprise defeated Phoenix 6-1 to move into a tie with the Firebirds in the DL Central. Both teams clinched playoff berths though as Glendale lost to San Diego. Albuquerque and Fort Worth both clinched a playoff spot on Thursday with losses from Santa Fe and Salt Lake.

Colorado Springs and Albuquerque meet on the final weekend with the Mariachis holding a one game lead on the Snow Sox.

Scottsdale's Ryan Hackman homered three times in the series as the Scorpions took two of three from the Silver Kings.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Take Series From Philly
June 12, 2030

The Mets were able to win the last two games of the series in Philadelphia to avenge their series loss from a week ago.

However, the Mets would lose the opener 6-2. 5 of the Phillies runs went on Travis West's ledger, the majority of them coming on a 3-run HR by RF Rick Dickinson in the 5th inning. The Mets offense didn't threaten much.

The middle game was an exciting affair that looked like it would be anybody's ball game. Jackie Maurer must have read the tabloids because he hit a 3-run HR in the second inning to give the Mets the lead. However, the Phillies would hit a 3-run bomb of their own off Lucas Giolito to tie it in the bottom half of the inning. The Mets reclaimed the lead for good in the 3rd inning thanks to a Michael Conforto homer. They would go on to win 9-4, and the bullpen did a good job in relief.

New York looked like they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in the finale when Ramon Chavez gave up two runs in the 7th to go down 4-3. That's when Barney Nowak came to the rescue and crushed a no doubter into the right field bleachers to give the Mets the lead right back, 5-4. Steven Logan would add a 2-run HR of his own in the 9th just for kicks, and the Mets would escape Philly with a 7-4 win in the rubber match. Broderick McClendon earned himself another start with his best showing - 5 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 3 K. He lives to pitch again.

Jackie Maurer had himself a series - 5 for 10 with a homer, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored. It was pleasant to see, especially after he was just thrust under the microscope.


Looking Ahead

After a day off, the Mets will embark on a stretch that sees them play 20 games in a row without a break. It will be a great litmus test as we creep towards the All Star break as to where exactly this team is. The first three games will be at Citi Field against the Dbacks (38-33).

3 v Arizona
3 v Miami
4 v STL
3 @ MIL
4 @ CHC
3 v LAA