Summer of SIlver - An MLB the Show 25 Franchise - Presented by BigJDotCom01

[bigjdotcom01]

League Preview/Predictions:

Since this is a brand new league, predictions are tough and are mainly based on the rosters just after the draft. Here is what the ratings say, check back in at the end of the season to see how it all played out.

Mountain League:
Eastern Division:

1. West Texas Bison (8th) - Projected payroll $95.51M
2. Austin Fire Frogs (14^th) - $86.36M
3. Amarillo Honey Hunters (16t^h) - $110.63M
4. San Antonio Javelinas (17^th) - $158.45M
5. Fort Worth Drillers (21st) - $130.12M

Central Division:

1. Colorado Springs Snow Sox (6^th) - $98.99M
2. El Paso Express (10^th) - $137.50M
3. Denver Black Bears (18^th) - $169.46M
4. Santa Fe Jays (24^th) - $138.30M
5. Albuquerque Mariachis (26^th) - $134.31M

Western Division:

1. Boise Hawks (5th) - $155.68M
2. Salt Lake Chukars (9th) - $129.19M
3. Billings Mustangs (12^th) - $148.66M
4. Flagstaff Hops (19^th) - $165.17M
5. St George Archers (20^th) - $131M

Desert League:
Eastern Division:

1. Gilbert Barnstormers (7^th) - $151.29M
2. Mesa Solar Sox (15th) - $47.09M
3. Tucson Roadrunners (22nd) - $129.05M
4. Salt River Rafters (25^th) - $109.09M
5. Chandler Chiefs (30^th) - $119.37M

Central Division:

1. Phoenix Firebirds (1st) - $140.06M
2. Surprise Saguaros (2nd) - $158.45M
3. Scottsdale Scorpions (4th) - $92.07M
4. Peoria Pit Spitters (11^th) - $110.98M
5. Glendale Desert Dogs (27^th) - $127.29M

Western Division:

1. Long Beach Surf Dawgs (3rd) - $120.65M
2. Las Vegas Silver Kings (13^th) - $102.94M
3. Oakland Oaks (23rd) - $139.14M
4. San Diego Seals (28th) - $96.53M
5. Tahoe Lake Monsters (29th) - $111.28M

[bigjdotcom01]

2025 Las Vegas Silver Kings Schedule:

The initial schedule has been released for the Silver Kings. They will open the season playing 15 of their first 18 away from home, opening with a six game road trip to Peoria and then El Paso. Vegas will host Surprise in their home opening series, just three games before heading back out on the road. The Silver Knights will close the season at home with a series against division rival Oakland.

The Silver Kings will play 13 games against each divisional opponent, then play a home and away series against the other ten Desert League teams. They will play one series against each Mountain League team, except they will play a home and away series against the Salt Lake Chukars.

[bigjdotcom01]

2025 PROSPECTS:




[/center]

The list of the top 50 Prospects in the IBL has been released and there is just one Silver King on the list in centerfielder Maurice Martens at #46. Vegas has the second highest rated minor league system in potential value at $280M.

[bigjdotcom01]

MARCH 27, 29-30: LAS VEGAS (1-2) @ PEORIA (2-1)

Stadium: JetBlue Park (Capacity: 12,976)

March 27: Silver Kings 9, Pit Spitters 0
March 29: Pit Spitters 5, Silver Kings 1
March 30: Pit Spitters 5, Silver Kings 3

Peoria, AZ (AP) - The Las Vegas Silver Kings opened up the 2025 season by dropping two of three on the road against the Peoria Pit Spitters.

The Silver Kings opened the 2025 regular season with a dominating 9-0 victory over the Pit Spitters. Eric Machado homered twice and drove in three to lead Vegas to the victory.

Las Vegas jumped on Peoria immediately, scoring five times in the top of the first inning and chasing Peoria starter Josh Olson after just eight batters. Julio Chacon got things started with a one-out double. David Tejada followed with a single back up the middle to score Chacon to make it 1-0. Vaughn Bellamy then doubled off the wall in left. Gilberto Cardona followed with a two-run double to left to score both runners as the Silver Kings went up 3-0. Danny Watt singled back up the middle to score Cardona. Stephen Park finished off the fun with an RBI double to right to make it 5-0.

In the fourth, Stephen Park and Eric Machado each hit solo home runs to up the Vegas lead to 7-0. Then in the sixth, Machado homered again, this time a two-run blast to make it 9-0.

Emery Hutchinson (1-0) was magnificent on the bump, pitching seven shutout innings, and allowing just two hits, while striking out five. Martin Villegas and Henry Coronado each pitch a shutout inning in relief.

Josh Olson (0-1) was pulled after just eight batters. He only got two outs, while allowing five runs on six hits. Derek Hudson gave up four runs on five hits in five innings of relief.

After an off day, the teams restarted their series on Saturday afternoon with the Pit Spitters winning 5-1. Irwin Kinslow tossed seven strong innings to shut down the Silver Kings and pick up the win.

Las Vegas once again got the offense going early with a first inning run. Gilberto Cardona hit a two-out RBI double that plated David Tejada, who had drawn a two-out walk.

Peoria would tie it up in the third inning. Scotty Rockwell doubled off of the left field wall to open the inning. One batter later, Alfonso Escalona lined a single to right to score Rockwell.

The Pit Spitters would add three in the bottom of the fifth on three RBI singles. Conor Madrigal, Nino Mosquera and Yusniel Tejera all hit ground ball singles through the infield as Peoria went up 4-1.

Odell McCarthy would add a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh to make it 5-1.

Irwin Kinslow (1-0) pitched seven innings, allowing one run on four hits, striking out four and walking two. Johnnie McKay and Taylor Plank each tossed one scoreless inning in relief. Antoine Swanger (1-0) picked up the loss for Las Vegas. He went six innings, allowing four runs on nine hits, striking out two and walking two.

In Sunday afternoon's rubber match, the Pit Spitters got a pair of two run home runs and then held on for a 5-3 victory. Odell McCarthy went 2 for 4 with a two-run home run and scored twice to lead the Pit Spitters to a series win.

Peoria didn't waste any time getting on the board as Odell McCarthy hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. It was his second of the series and put Peoria up 2-0.

The Pit Spitters would increase their lead to 3-0 in the third on Scotty Rockwell sacrifice fly. Nino Mosquera had singled, reached second on a wild pitch and stole third base, before scoring on the sacrifice fly.

A Caden Juarez two-out RBI single in the fifth got Las Vegas on the board. But Uusniel Tejea hit a two-run home run in the bottom half to put Peoria up 5-1.

Catcher Frank Hagan hit a two-run home run in the top of the ninth off of closer George Guevara. Las Veags then got two more runners on before Guevara got Caden Juarez to fly out to short center to end the ball game. The save was his first on the season.

Ruben Diaz (1-0) picked up the win, going six innings and allowing one run on three hits, Striking out six and walking just one. Jeremi Dillon (0-1) took the loss fro the Silver Kings. He went five innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits. He struck out five and walked just one. The Kings bullpen tossed three shutout innings of relief.

Las Vegas (1-2) will finish off their opening road trip with a three game series in El Paso against the Express (3-0), who swept Glendale to open their season..

Around the League: Tahoe's Reese Cherry and Quentin Jamison each homered twice in their season opening victory over Long Beach. Both players drove in four runs in the 13-7 victory. Reese Cherry homered four times in the series with Tahoe taking three of four from the Surf Dawgs at Harbor Park. Long Beach's Ward Mejia hit three home runs and drove in seven for the Surf Dawgs in the series.

Oakland swept San Antonio in a three game series to welcome the return of professional baseball to Oakland. Maurice McInnis went 4 for 11 with two triples and drove in five runs for the Oaks in the series.

Amarillo's Alexi Ortega hit three home runs and drove in seven as the Honey Hunters opened the season by taking three of four from Santa Fe at Hodgetown.

West Texas' Sandy Stevensen struck out ten, allowing just two runs on six hits in 7.2 innings of work as the Honey Hunters beat Austin 3-2 on Saturday night. Willy Maraville's three run home run in the seventh was the difference.

Boise's Daniel Valenzuela (1-0) struck out ten, allowing only three hits in a complete game 10-0 shutout of the Black Bears in Saturday night.

Odell McCarthy hit two home runs in the series to power Peoria to the series win.

[bigjdotcom01]

MARCH 31 - APRIL 2: LAS VEGAS (1-5) @ EL PASO (6-0)
Stadium: Southwest University Park (Capacity: 13,369)

March 31: Express 5, Silver Kings 4
April 1: Express 5, Silver Kings 4
April 2: Express 2, Silver Kings 1

El Paso, TX (AP) - Las Vegas' early season struggles continued as they were swept in El Paso by the Express to end their season opening road trip at (1-5).

In the opener on Monday evening, the Express walked it off 5-4, thanks to a Burt Williamson solo home run leading off the bottom of the ninth off of reliever Russ Zickafoose. The Silver Knights had rallied from a 4-1 deficit to tie the game in the top of the ninth on a Julio Chacon two-out RBI single.

El Paso would grab a 2-0 in the the third inning on an Andy Abreau RBI single and a Tomas Velazquez sacrifice fly.

The Silver Knights got on the board in the top of the sixth with a two-out RBI double from Vaughn Bellamy, scoring Eric Machado.

But the Express responded in the bottom half with two of their own to push the lead to 4-1. Henry Reyes doubled to open the inning and scored on a Murray Miles sacrifice fly to right. Robby Phillips then lined a two-out double and scored on a Jerold Kazarian RBI single.

Las Vegas answered right back in the top of the seventh. Frank Hagan and Stephen Park singled with one out. Caden Juarez then lined an RBI double to right. Eric Machado would ground out to third, allowing Park to score to cut the lead to 4-3.

In the top of the ninth, closer Middleton got two quick out before Eric Machado reached on an infield single. Machado then stole second and score on a two-out bloop RBI single from Julio Chacon to tie the game at 4-4.

Ron Washington then went to Russ Zickafoose out of the bullpen and oft a 3-2 fastball over the middle of the plate that Burt Williamson crushed over the wall in left to walk it off.

Marcos Nivar (1-0) picked up the win, facing just one batter in the ninth, after Las Vegas had tied the ball game.

Eric Machado went 3 for 5 with two doubles, an RBI and two runs scored in the loss.

On Tuesday evening, the Express rallied late for a 5-4 victory. A three-run seventh inning was the difference as El Paso remains perfect on the season as they moved to (5-0).

The Express grabbed an early lead in this one on a Burt Williamson sacrifice fly in the second. Andy Abreau then lined a two-out RBI single to make it 2-0.

Las Vegas tied things up in the third on a Caden Juarez two-run home run to dead center, his first in the year.

The Silver Kings would jump in front in the fifth after Danny Watt singled and Stephen Park doubled to open the inning. Caden Juarez hit a sacrifice fly to center that scored Watt. Eric Machado then lined a two-out single back up the middle that scored Park to make it 4-2.

In the seventh, the Express used the long ball to flip the game. Andy Abreau hit a two-run home run to tie the game at 4-4. Henry Reyes then hit a solo home run to break the tie and pit El Paso up 5-4.

The Express then had their bullpen close out the Silver Kings. De Jesus struck out Julio Chacon and got David Tejada to ground out in the eighth with Eric Machado in scoring position. In the ninth, closer Chad Middleton sent down the Silver Kings in order to earn his second save and send Vegas to their fourth straight loss.

Travis Curry (1-0) picked up the win for El Paso, pitching a scoreless seventh inning. Starter Tom Gonzalea only lasted two plus innings, allowing a run on one hit and striking out three. He left after taking a line drive off of his shin.

Las Vegas starter Kevin Perez pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on three hits, striking out three and walking three. Martin Villegas (0-1) took the loss, allowing three runs on three hits in one inning of work.

On Wednesday afternoon, Johnnie Mateo shut down the Silver Kings, allowing just one run over seven innings in a 2-1 victory for the home standing Express as they improved to (6-0) on the season.

Las Vegas would take the lead in the second inning on a solo home run from Gilberto Cardona, his first on the year.

El Paso answered that in the fourth as Jerold Kazarian hit a two-run shot to dead center and the Express took a 2-1 lead. That would be it for the scoring as both starters were excellent.

Emery Hutchinson (1-1) took the loss. He went 6.1 innings, allowing the two runs on five hits. He struck out eight and walked one. Johnnie Mateo (2-0) allowed just one run on four hits, striking out five and walking one. Chad Middleton pitched the ninth to earn his third save.

Las Vegas has yet to get their closer, Rob Porter, into a game yet. The Silver Kings won their opener 9-0, but have since lost five straight. They will have their home opener on Friday as they host Surprise (3-3) for a three game weekend series to open up Bally's Ballpark.

Around the IBL: Tahoe's Irwin Kelly threw the first no-hitter in IBL history on Tuesday evening as he struck out ten in a 7-0 victory for Tahoe over Denver. Irwin walked one batter and hit two batters.

Michael Castro homered twice and drove in six runs as Gilbert blasted Mesa 12-1.

Billings' Percy Baik tossed eight shutout innings, allowing just one hit, while striking out 12 and walking one in a 1-0 victory for the Mustangs over Surprise. Balk did not get a decision in the game as Sean Padilla hit a walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to win it.

Amarillo has traded 28-year-old lefty reliever Dino Urbina (78 OVR, C POT) to Austin in exchange for 25-year-old starting pitcher Clifford Heath (66 OVR, C POT).

Las Vegas has traded away 28-year-old catcher Frank Hagan (84 OVR, B POT) and 24-year-old centerfield prospect Woodrow Kang (62 OVR, C POT) to Glendale in exchange for 24-year-old catcher Russell O'Reilly (83 OVR, B POT). Hagan was hitting .214 with one home run and two RBIs in four games to start the year for Las Vegas.

The Express celebrate a walk-off victory in the opener of their three game sweep

[bigjdotcom01]

APRIL 4-6: SURPRISE (5-4) @ LAS VEGAS (2-7)
Stadium: Bally's Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

April 4: Saguaros 4, Silver Kings 3
April 5: Saguaros 4, Silver Kings 0
April 6: Silver Kings 12, Saguaros 4

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas dropped the first two games against Surprise, but managed to win the finale to end a seven game losing streak and avoid a sweep.

Las Vegas saw it's losing streak extend to six games on Friday night as they lost their home opener 4-1 to Surprise. The Silver Kings could not figure out knuckleballer Salvador Ferreira as he just handcuffed their offense.

Surprise would take a 1-0 lead in the fourth on a solo home run from MacKenzie Evans.

The Saguaros would extend that lead to 4-0 in the sixth as they scored three times. Jonathan Patel lined an RBI single to right and then Jeff Nettles hit a two-run triple to center that ended Antoine Swanger's night.

The Silver Kings would get a run back in the bottom of the seventh on a Danny Watt RBI double, but that was all that they could manage as they were held to eight hits.

Salvador Ferriera (1-1) went 7.2 innings, allowing one run on six hits, striking out five. Vince Wilson got three outs and then Humberto Lopes got the final out to earn the save, his first.

Antoine Swanger (0-2) pitched well, but picked up the loss. He went 5.2 innings, allowing four runs on six hits, striking out seven and walking just one.

Julio Chacon and Danny Watt each had three hits in the loss. The rest of the lineup went 2 for 26.

On Saturday evening, the Saguaros shut out the Silver Kings to extend Las Vegas' losing streak to seven games. Johnnie Dawley (1-0) tossed eight shutout innings, allowing five hits and striking out three to pick up the win.

Surprise struck iin the top of the first inning with a two-out double from MacKenzie Evans and then an RBI single from Edmund Isaac to take a 1-0 lead. They would extend that lead in the third on a Joaquim Moreno solo home run to center.

Surprise would add two ore in the seventh on an RBI double from Jeff Nettles and an RBI single from Keaton Ross.

Jeremi Dillon (0-2) took the loss for Vegas. He went 6.1 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, striking out five.

After scoring nine runs in their season opening win over Peoria, the Silver Kings have scored only 14 runs in their next seven games.

In Sunday afternoon's finale, the Silver Kings pounded out 14 hits, including four home runs, as they beat the Saguaros 12-4. Caden Juarez went 3 for 4 2ith a double, home run and four RBIs to lead the way as Las Vegas snapped their seven game losing streak.

Surprise wemt up 1-0 in the second inning on a solo home run from Jeff Nettles.

Vegas finally got on the scoreboard in the fifth inning, thanks to a three- run home run from Caden Juarez, his second on the season. In the sixth, Danny Watt would add a three- run home run to put the Silver Kings up 6-1.

Andre Wolf and Jeff Nettles each hit solo home runs in the seventh off of reliever Henry Coronado, to cut the lead to 6-3 and it looked like we might have a good finish.

But the Silver Kings put this one away in th ebottom of the seventh, scoring five more times. David Tejada hit a three-run home run, and Gilberto Cardona added a solo shot. Julio Chacon added a sacrifice fly as the Silver Kings built an 11-3 lead. They would get an RBI double from Caden Juarez in the eight to score their season high 12^th run.

Steve Sechrist (1-0) picked up the win, tossing six innings and allowing on erun on four hits. He struck out five and walked one. Closer Rob Porter got in for his first appearance of the season in the ninth and allowed one run on three hits.

The Silver Kings (2-7) will now hit the road for a nine game road trip to Tucson, Oakland and San Diego. Las Vegas opens with 15 of their first 18 away from Bally's Ballpark.

Around the League: West Texas has traded 27-year-old reliever Eloy Caruso (79 OVR, B POT) to Chandler for 23-year-old rightfielder Lewis French (63 OVR, A POT). Caruso made three appearances for the Bison in 2025 and had a 2.08 ERA with four strikeouts and six walks in 4.1 innings of work.

Flagstaff's Theodore Vargas homered twice and drove in three, but the Hops dropped a wild 12-11 decision to Tahoe.

Former Silver King catcher Frank Hagan homered in his Glendale debut, going 1 for 4 as the Desert Dogs beat Oakland 10-3.

Tucson's Herbert Webber homered threee times, driving in four in a 9-8 victory over San Diego on Saturday afternoon.

Caden Juarez had a big game in Vegas' 12-4 win on Sunday afternoon.

[bigjdotcom01]

APRIL 8-10: LAS VEGAS (3-9) @ TUCSON (6-6)
Stadium: Safeway Park (Capacity: 34,654)

April 8: Roadrunners 4, Silver Kings 3
April 9: Silver Kings 4, Roadrunners 3
April 10: Roadrunners 7, Silver Kings 3

Tucson, AZ (AP) - Las Vegas' woes continued as they dropped two of three down in Tucson to the Roadrunners.

The Silver Kings started their nine game road trip with a 4-3 loss to the Roadrunners. Manny Do went 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs to lead Tucson to the victory.

Las Vegas would strike first in this one, putting a run on the board in the top of the first inning. Eric Machado doubled to left and Vaughn Bellamy singled to left to score Machado.

Tucson would take the lead in the third on a Manny Do two-run home run.

The Silver Kings tied it up in the top of the sixth as Julio Chacon homered to left. But Manager Ron Washington may have made a mistake by sending starter Kevin Perez back out there to pitch the sixth after he struck out the side in the fifth. Brian Lee doubled to lead off the inning and Herbert Webber followed that with an RBI double to end Perez's night. Webber would score on a sacrifice fly by Jeffrey McGregor to make it 4-2.

Las Vegas got one back on a ninth inning leadoff home run from Vaughn Bellamy. He went 4 for 4 in the game and drove in both Las Vegas runs. But after the leadoff home run, Matt Tanner sent down the Silver Kings in order to pick up his first save.

Kevin Perez (0-1) took the loss, despite pitching well. He went five plus innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, striking out six and walking two. David Curren (1-1) picked up the win for the Roadrunners. He went six innings, allowing two runs on eight hits, striking out one.

Herbert Webber went 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI. His batting average is up to .444.

On Wednesday evening, the Silver Kings rallied late to pull out a 4-3 victory to even the series. Newcomer Mariano Hidalgo's RBI single in the ninth was the difference as Las Vegas scored all four of their runs after the sixth inning.

Tucson took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Brian Lee solo home run into the bullpens in right.

Las Vegas tied things up in the top of the seventh on a Gilberto Cardona solo home run, his 3^rd on the year. But Tucson answered right back as Jeffrey McGregor hit a two-run shot off of Emery Hutchinson to put Tucson back up 3-1.

Russell O'Reilly hit a solo home run to open the eighth to pull Las Vegas back to within 3-2.

Then in the ninth, Julio Chacon singled to lead off the ninth off of closer Matt Tanner. David Tejada then doubled off of the wall in right to bring in Chacon to tie the game at 3-3. Mariano Hidalgo then singled through the left side allowing Tejada to score to put the Silver Kings up 4-3.

Closer Rob Porter came on and sent down Tucson in order to pick up his first save. Jeff McArthur (1-0) picked up the win, pitching a scoreless eighth. Starter Emery Hutchinson was great until he made that mistake in the seventh. He went seven innings, allowing three runs on five hits, striking out seven and walking one.

Tucson closer Matt Tanner was charged with the blown save and took the loss, dropping him to (1-1). he recorded no outs, allowing two runs on three hits.

In Thursday afternoon's finale, the Las Vegas bullpen imploded, giving up five runs, including three home runs as the Roadrunners pulled away late for a 7-3 victory. Scott Douglas led the way for Tucson, going 2 for 5 with a home run and two RBIs.

Tucson got off to a quick start in this one off of starter Antoine Swanger, scoring twice in the first inning. Manny Do tripled with one out and scored on a Scott Douglas RBI single back up the middle. Brian Lee then reached on an error by third baseman David Tejada. Herbert Webber walked and Mikey Melendez hit a bases loaded sacrifice fly, that scored Douglas as Tucson went up 2-0.

It would stay that way until the fifth. Matsumoto opened with a walk and Eric Machado doubled to right. Julio Chacon grounded out 4-3, but Matsumoto scored to get Vegas on the board. David Tejada then hit a sacrifice fly to deep right field, scoring Machado to tie the game at 2-2.

Starter Antoine Swanger pitched five complete innings, leaving with the game tied 2-2. He allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits, striking out nine and walking two.

John Sato (0-1) came in out of the bullpen and immediately surrendered back-to-back home runs to Jeffrey McGregor (2) and Tyler Chavis (2).

In the seventh, Martin Villegas came in and gave up a solo home run to Scott Douglas (1) on the first pitch as Tucson increased their lead to 5-2. They would add two more in the eighth, also off of Villegas, on a Andy Sato RBI triple and a Manny Do RBI single.

Russell O'Reilly hit a solo home run (2) deep to left in the ninth to close it to 7-3, but Las Vegas would get no closer.

Sammy Grimsley (1-0) picked up the win out of the bullpen for Tucson. He pitched a scoreless sixth inning.

The Silver Kings (3-9) will now head to Oakland for a three game weekend series against the Oaks (5-7).

Around the League: Las Vegas makes their second big trade in a week, sending 29-year-old first baseman Vaughn Bellamy (81 OVR, B POT), along with 19-year-old centerfield prospect Phil Cervantes (56 OVR, B POT) to Chandler, in exchange for 24-year-old first baseman Mariano Hidalgo (83 OVR, B POT).

Santa Fe's Garrett Flaherty went 4 for 5 with a home run, droving in five, as Santa Fe beat El Paso 9-2, handing the Express just their second loss in 2025. Arnold Gilliand (2-0) pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out 11 and walking just one for the Jays.

Glendale's Robert Gomez (2-1) pitched eight scoreless innings, scattering eight hits and striking out nine, as the Desert Dogs shutout Scottsdale 6-0. Jay Craig went 3 for 3 with a home run, two walks and three RBI as surprising Glendale improved to (8-5).

Scott Douglas homered in Thursday afternoon's finale to help Tucson to a series victory.

[bigjdotcom01]

APRIL 11-13: LAS VEGAS (3-12) @ OAKLAND (8-7)
Stadium: London Square Stadium (Capacity: 31,976)

April 11: Oaks 2, Silver Kings 1
April 12: Oaks 7, Silver Kings 6
April 13: Oaks 2, Silver Kings 1

Oakland, CA (AP) - A disastrous start to the 2025 season continues for Las Vegas as they drop three straight one runs games in Oakland and now fall to (3-12) on the young season.

In Friday evening's rainy opener, the Oaks scored two runs and that was enough as they held off the Silver Kings 2-1. A Robert McGaffick solo home run in the bottom of the eighth proved to be the difference as Las Vegas continues to struggle offensively.

Oakland would grab a 1-0 lead in the fourth as Willy Quezada doubled off a Jeremi Dillon to open the inning. Riley Duffy would get a key two-out RBI single to score Quezada after Dillon struck out the next two batters.

It would stay that way until the eighth when manager Ron Washington sent Dillon back out there. The first batter he faced, Robert McGaffick, hit a solo home run to center to put the Oaks up 2-0. It was a shame because Dillon (0-3) was excellent in this one, He only allowed the two runs on four hits, striking out eight and not walking a batter.

David Tejada opened the ninth by hitting an absolute bomb off of Oaks' closer Ryan Hamilton. The home run measured an estimated 507' and cut the lead to 2-1. Gilberto Cardona drew a one out walk, but Danny Watt grounded into a 1-6-3 game ending double play.

Vince Martin (1-1) picked up the win for Oakland. He pitched six innings, scattering six hits and striking out six, while walking just one. Francesco Saldana, John Frye and Ryan Hamilton got the final nine outs for the Oaks.

What can you say? On Saturday night, the Silver Kings blew a 6-1 lead in the ninth, giving up six runs to the Oaks as they walked it off 7-6. The Silver Kings blew an absolute gem from Steve Sechrist as he allowed just one hit and struck out seven through seven scoreless innings.

Las Vegas was in control early in this one with Junior Maldonado getting them on the board with an RBI single in the second. Julio Chacon hit a two-run home run in the third to put Las Vegas up 3-0.

Junior Maldonado added an RBI double in the fourth to increase that lead to 4-0. Caden Juarez homered in the fifth to make it 5-0. Juarez went 3 for 4 with a double, triple and home run in the game, missing out on the cycle by only a single.

A solo home run from Todd Matsumoto in the seventh put Las Vegas up 6-0 and it looked like they woul dcruise to the win.

But Oakland got a run in the eighth on a groundout from Riley Duffy that scored Robert McGaffick to cut the lead to 6-1.

In the ninth disaster struck. Kai Ransom came on and gave up a solo home run to Will Green on his first pitch. Ivan Saucedo walked and David Radantz blasted a home run to left to cut the lead to 6-4.

Manager Ron Washington brought on closer Rob Porter. Ricky Irving doubled to right to greet him. Maurice McGinnis then grounded out with Irving advancing to third. Jay Reilly lined a double to right to score Irving. Robert McGaffick then flew out for the second out. Riley Duffy lined a double to left to score Reilly to tie the game at 6-6. Willy Quezada then grounded one back up the middle allowing Duffy to score and the Oaks had a most improbable win.

It was a crushing loss for Las Vegas, who dropped to (3-11) on the young season with so many close losses.

In Sunday afternoons finale, a familiar refrain for Las Vegas. They got a great pitching performance, yet lost 2-1. Kevin Perez tossed six solid innings, allowing two runs on three hits, but got saddled with th eloss as the punchless Vegas offense could not come through with a clutch hit.

Las Vegas grabbed a 1-0 lead as Eric Machado led off the game with a solo home run to right. It was his third home run of the season and first since opening day, when he had two.

Oakland did all of their damage offensively in the fourth on solo home runs from Ivan Saucedo (1) and Maurice McGinnis (2). The Oaks would only manage two other hits the rest of the way, yet won again.

The Silver Kings best chance to score again came in the seventh as Oakland made two errors in the inning. Mariabo Hidalgo came on to pinch hit with runners on the corners and two out, but he flew out to the warning track in center to end the threat. The Silver Kings left five runners in scoring position in the game.

Las Vegas (3-12) will now head to San Diego for a three game series with the Seals (9-7), looking to turn around their season that is quickly looking like a disaster.

Around the League: El Paso has traded 29-year-old left fielder Angel Colon (74 OVR, C POT) to Boise in exchange for 29-year-old second baseman Satchel Tremaine (76 OVR, C POT). Colon was hitting .182 with a home run and two RBIs in 22 at-bats for the Express. Tremaine was hitting .260 with two home runs and eight RBIs in 50 at-bats for Boise.

San Diego's Rich Edney hit for the cycle, going 4 for 5 and driving in five runs as San Diego unloaded on Long Beach 18-4. The Seals had 20 hits and also drew eight walks in the win. Las Vegas heads to San Diego for their next series.

Surprise pounded Scottsdale 18-1 on Sunday afternoon with the Saguaros having 17 hits and 11 walks. Vladimir Escalera went 4 for 6 with a double, home run and three RBIs to lead the way. William Banks reached base five times and scored four times.

Oakland's Willy Quezada caps off a six run rally in the bottom of the ninth on Saturday night.

[speels]

I am very excited to follow this. I did a full fantasy league with all made up teams and Bacon's Fictional roster in 2021 and had a blast. I love your whole league setup and team chioces. Good Luck to the Silver Kings!!!

[bigjdotcom01]

IBL POWER RANKINGS

Phoenix, AZ (AP) - The IBL season is a little over two weeks old, so lets have a look at the early season power rankings.

1. Amarillo Honey Hunters (11-5): The Honey Hunters are playing some great baseball early on and a bit of a surprise atop the poll, but hard to argue with a +17 run differential and a team ERA of 3.53. First baseman Sutton Ruiz is hitting .407 with five homers and 12 RBIs through the first few weeks, making an early case for MVP.

2. El Paso Express (11-4): The Express got off to a hot start, but have cooled off this week. Starting pitcher Johnnie Mateo (3-0, 0.38 ERA) has been incredible. He was a WHIP of 0.71with 17 strikeouts in 24.0 innings of work for the first place Express. Catcher Andy Abreau is hitting .375 with two homers and 11 RBIs to lead the offense.

3. Tahoe Lake Monsters (10-6): Tahoe is off to a hot start thanks in part to centerfielder Reese Cheery who is hitting .362 with six home runs and 16 RBIs. This team is second in the league in home runs (25) and second in runs scored (89).

4. Gilbert Barnstormers (10-7): The Barnstormers lead the league in runs scored with 93 and also lead the league in home runs with 26. Second baseman Michael Castro has five home runs and has driven in 16, while first baseman Alton Calahan is hitting .345 with four homers and 12 RBIs. Norm Doby is (3-0) with an ERA of 0.87 and WHIP of 0.97 with 37 strikeouts in three starts.

5. San Diego Seals (9-7): The Seals have scored 89 runs and have only allowed 62 through the first 16 games. First baseman Rich Edney leads the way, hitting .328 with five home runs and 17 RBIs. The San Diego starting pitchers are just (5-6) with an ERA of 4.60.

6. Billings Mustangs (10-6): The Mustangs currently lead the ML West by a game over Boise. Right fielder John Frye is hitting .339 with three homers and 13 RBIs to lead the offense. Percy Baik is (1-1, 1.74) with 22 strikeouts in 20.2 innings of work.

7. Boise Hawks (9-7): Boise comes in with a run differential of +30, best in the IBL through 16 games. They have allowed the fewest runs at 51 and have the second lowest team ERA in the league at 3.06. Alex Cabrera is hitting .345 with three homers and 12 RBIs, with starter Hans Miller (2-0, 1.83) leading the way on the mound.

8. Salt Lake Chukars (9-8): Salt Lake leads the league in team ERA at 2.73, but just lost their best offensive player Theo Beckman to a torn calf for the next 4-8 weeks. Beckman was hitting .356 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in his first 55 at bats. Cesar Santana (2-0, 2.14 ERA) has struck out 22 and only walked three in 21.0 innings of work.

9. Glendale Desert Dogs (9-7): The Desert Dogs have been hot, going (8-2) in their last ten to move into our top 10. first baseman Roberto Blanco is hitting .286 with six home runs and 14 RBIs to lead their offense. Roberto Gomez (2-1, 1.80 ERA) leads the way on the mound.

10. Santa Fe Jays (8-8): Santa Fe rounds out our initial top 10. The Jays are tied for second in the ML Central. First baseman William Choi is living up to his lofty draft status, hitting .294 with five home runs and 14 RBIs. Joe Hendrix (3-0, 3.66) and Arnold Gilliand (2-0, 3.32) lead the very good staff.

[bigjdotcom01]

APRIL 15-17: LAS VEGAS (5-13) @ SAN DIEGO (10-9)

Stadium: PETCO Park (Capacity: 42,445)

April 15: Silver Kings 5, Seals 3
April 16: Silver Kings 2, Seals 0
April 17: Seals 4, Silver Kings 1

San Diego, CA (AP) - Las Vegas managed to salvage the end of their nine game road trip by taking two of three from the San Diego Seals at Petco Park.

Las Vegas opened up their series in San Diego with a 5-3 victory. The Silver Kings led 5-0 heading into the bottom of the ninth, but avoided another disastrous collapse, like Saturday night in Oakland, to break a four game losing streak.

The SIlver Kings got off to a quick start with David Tejeda homering to right in the first inning to give Las Vegas a 1-0 lead.

They would increase that lead to 4-0 in the sixth. Eric Machado singled to right with one out, then stole second. Julio Chacon singled and David Tejada doubled Machado home to make it 2-0. Mariano Hidalgo then doubled home Chacon and Tejeda to put the Silver Kings up 4-0.

In the eighth, Eric Machado singled and again stole second, his league leading 11^th stolen base. David Tejeda singled to right, but Machado stopped at third. Mariano Hidalgo then hit a deep fly ball to center that was caught, allowing Machado to score to make it 5-0.

Starter Emery Hutchinson was cruising, allowing just two hits through eight innings, so manager Ron Washington sent him back out for the ninth.

Eugene Griffin and Daniel Murillo both singled to open the inning. Earl Shirley then beat out a possible double play ball to leave runners on the corners with one out. Jorge Tejada then beat out another double play ball to short, allowing Griffin to score to cut the lead to 5-1, but also leaving the Silver Knights one out away from a win. Henry Aguilar then blasted a two-run home run to right to cut it to 5-3.

Manager Ron Washington had to go and get Hutchinson, bringing in McArthur to get Alvin Metoyer to fly out to center to end it.

Emery Hutchinson (2-1) went 8.2 innings, allowing three runs on five hits, striking out four. Jeff McArthur earned his first save on the year.

David Tejeda went 3 for 4 with a double, home run and two RBIs. Mariano Hidalgo drove in three runs in the victory.

On Wednesday evening, the Silver Kings defeated the Seals 2-0 to put together their first back-to-back wins all season. Antoine Swanger (1-2) was brilliant, tossing seven shutout innings, scattering five hits and striking out six to pick up his first victory.

Las Vegas grabbed a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning on an Alexander Busch RBI double, scoring Julio Chacon. They would extend that lead in the seventh as Junior Maldonado tripled and then scored on a Todd Matsumoto ground out for a big insurance run.

Russ Zickafoose and Rob Porter sent down the Seals in order in the eighth and ninth to secure the win. It was Porter's second save on the season.

In Thursday evening's finale, Henry Aguilar homered twice and drove in three as the Seals avoided a sweep with a 4-1 victory.

Las Vegas struck first with a run in the second inning. Gilberto Cardona tripled to right and scored on a Danny Watt RBI groundout.

The Seals got that run right back in the bottom half. Alvin Metoyer doubled to center and then scored on a Daniel Murillo RBI single to tie the game. Henry Aguilar hit a two-run home run in the third to put San Diego up 3-1. Aguilar struck again in the fifth with a solo home run to make it 4-1.

Las Vegas just could not find the answers offensively even though they outhit the Seals 9-8.

Jeremy Dillon (0-4) took the loss, but pitched well, going seven innings and allowing the four runs on eight hits. He struck out seven and did not walk a batter. J.J. Willis (2-2) picked up the win for the Seals. He pitched seven innings, allowing on erun on nine hits, striking out two. Norris Walk earned the save, his sixth.

The Silver Kings (5-13) will now return home, where they will play 15 of their next 21 after opening the season with 15 of their first 18 away from Ballys Ballpark. They open up a six game home stand tomorrow evening against St George (11-8).

Around the League: Long Beach's Ward Mejia hit his league leading seventh home run as the Surf Dawgs beat Colorado Springs 8-6. Mejia drove in three and now is second in the Desert League with 20 RBIs.

St George's Michael Calzado tossed seven innings of one-hit ball, striking out five and walking two, but did not get a decision in a 2-1 extra inning victory over Austin.

San Antonio sent reliever Frank Lowe to the 60-Day Injured List with a shoulder separation.

Salt River swept Fort Worth and has now won seven straight games to improve to (12-8). The Rafters currently lead the Desert League East by a half game over Chandler.

David Tejeda homered in the opener and has been heating up for the Silver Kings.

[bigjdotcom01]

APRIL 18-20: ST GEORGE (14-8) @ LAS VEGAS (5-16)

Stadium: Bally's Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

April 18: Archers 2, Silver Kings 0
April 19: Archers 1, Silver Kings 0
April 20: Archers 5, Silver Kings 3

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - This season is quickly turning into a disaster for Las Vegas as they were swept at home by St George. The Silver Kings did not score a run until late in the final game of the three game sweep.

On Friday night, the Silver Kings got another great pitching performance from their starter, but failed to help him offensively as they dropped the opener of their weekend series, 2-0 to the Archers.

This one was scoreless into the ninth inning. The Silver Kings went to setup man Russ Zickafoose and he got the first two batters that he faced out. He struck out Garret Willard and got John Lemieux to pop out to third. Tristan Corbett singled to left. Kenny Pugh pinch hit for Bertram Diggs and lined a single to center. Hunter Ochoa then worked an eight pitch at bat before lining a double over the head of Alex Busch in right with both baserunners scoring to put St George up 2-0.

The Archers brought in closer Luis Marmolejo. He struck out Mariano Hidalgo and Eric Machado before giving up a two-out double to Caden Juarez. He would get Julio Chacon to bounce out to end the game as he picked up his sixth save. Freddie Floyd (1-1) picked up the win, pitching a scoreless eighth. Archers starter Deandre Schnell pitched seven shutout innings, scattering five hits and striking out two.

Steve Sechrist threw seven scoreless innings for Las Vegas, scattering six hits and striking out six. John Sato worked a 1-2-3 eighth, before giving way to Russ Zickafoose for the ninth.

St George's Garret Willard extended his hitting streak to 16 games as he went 2 for 4.

On Saturday night, the Silver Kings woes continued as they were shutout for a second consecutive night, losing 1-0 to the Archers. Emil Fernandez tossed seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits and striking out four as he improved to (3-2).

The lone run in the game came in the top of the fourth. Garret Willard doubled to right to open the inning, and extend his hitting streak. He reached third on a wild pitch, and scored on a Tristan Corbett sacrifice fly.

Kevin Perez (0-3) did not deserve his fate as he went 5.1 innings, allowing one run on eight hits, striking out three.

The much maligned bullpen tossed 3.2 innings of scoreless relief, but the offense could do nothing, only managing three hits.

In Sunday afternoon's finale, the Archers hit three home runs and cruised to a 5-3 victory to complete the three game sweep, sending the Silver Kings to a fourth consecutive loss. Star Garrett Willard went 1 for 2 with a home run and two walks to extend his league leading hitting streak to 18 games.

St George got on the board in the second on a solo home run from Willard, it was his second of the series and third this year.

The Archers would extend the lead to 2-0 in the fifth on a solo home run from Bertram Diggs. They would add two more in the sixth off of Vegas ace Emery Hutchinson on a John Lemieux RBI double and a Tristan Corbett sacrifice fly. Robert Reyes added a solo home run in the seventh as the Archers went up 5-0.

Las Vegas would finally break their 31 inning scoreless streak in the seventh on a Julio Chacon RBI single after Caden Juarez doubled to lead off the inning. Danny Watt then singled home Chacon one batter later to cut it to 5-2. Watt then made a base running mistake, trying to score on a single to right from Maldonado, getting gunned down at the plate to stop the rally.

Mariano Hidalgo hit a solo home run in the eighth to cut it to 5-3, but that was as close as the Silver Kings would get.

Emery Hutchinson (2-2) took the loss, pitching six innings and allowing four runs on four hits, striking out seven and walking three. Michael Calzado (1-1) picked up the win for St George. He went 6.1 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, striking out five.

The Silver Knights (5-16) are last in scoring (64), but second in runs allowed (74) in the entire IBL. They also are last in walks (16) and OBP (.263).

Around the League: Austin has traded 33-year-old starting pitcher Kevin Dolan (72 OVR, C POT) to the Scorpions for 28-year-old reliever Freddie Angeles (78 OVR, B POT). Angeles had made eight appearances for Scottsdale, with a 4.35 ERA in 10.1 innings pitched.

Boise's Steve Jefferson three eight shutout innings, allowing five hits and striking out eight, as the Hawks shutout Denver 5-0 to end the Black Bears seven game winning streak.

Amarillo's Fredrick Tillman struck out 11, allowing no runs and just four hits, in eight innings of work in a 5-1 victory over Austin. The Honey Hunters lead the ML East at (15-7).

St George's Hunter Ochoa's two-run double in the top of the ninth broke a scoreless tie on Friday night.

[bigjdotcom01]

APRIL 22-24: SANTA FE (13-13) @ LAS VEGAS (6-18)
Stadium: Ballys Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

April 22: Silver Knights 5, Jays 2
April 23: Jays 7, Silver Kings 4
April 24: Jays 3, Silver Kings 2

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas' woes continued as they closed out the home stand by losing two of three to Santa Fe to drop to (6-18) on the season, the worst record in the entire IBL.

The Silver Kings opened a three game midweek series with the Jays by picking up a 5-2 victory. Antoine Swanger overcame a rough first innings, but then shut down the Jays to earn the win.

Santa Fe would grab a 2-0 lead in the first inning thanks to a two-out, two-run home run from Chuck Cox. It was his second on the season.

Las Vegas responded with three in the bottom half of the second to take the lead. Mariano Hidalgo was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Gilberto Cardona singled back up the middle. Danny Watt the lined a single to left that scored Hidalgo. Watt would steal second, his 11^th this season. Caden Juarez lined a single to right, scoring both Cardona and Watt, but he was thrown out at second.

It would remain 3-2 unitl the eighth inning. Las Vegas added two big insurance runs on a Julio Chacon two-run double.

Rob Porter came on in the ninth and struck out the side to pick up his third save.

Antoine Swanger (2-2) pitched 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on five hits, striking out seven. John Sato, Eric Herman and Rob Porter would get the final 11 outs without allowing a baserunner.

Jimi Robertson (0-5) remains winless for Santa Fe, but he pitched well, allowing three runs on five hits in six innings of work. He struck out three and walked one.

On Wednesday evening, the Jays struck back with a 704 victory to even the series. Joaquim Andino led the way with a home run and three RBIs for the Jays, who picked up a much needed win.

Santa Fe would take a 2-0 lead in the top of the second on a Felipe Gomez two-run double. But the Silver Kings struck right back, scoring three times in the bottom half to take the lead. Gilberto Cardona reached on an error by the shortstop Brian Seo. Park lined a single to left. Caden Juarez then laced a two-run triple to center. He would score on a Roderick single to right as Las Vegas took the lead.

But that lead was short lived as Santa Fe retook the lead in the top of the third on a Joaquim Andino two-run home run. They would extend that lead to 6-3 in the fourth. Corey Ziemer singled to open the inning. One out late, Brian Seo tripled Ziemer home, and then scored on a Joaquim Andino ground out to make it 6-3.

Back-to-back doubles from Chance Fernandez and MacKenzie Lucas with one out in the eighth pushed across another run for the Jays. Las Vegas would get that run right back in the bottom half. Eric Machado singled, stole second, and advanced to third on a ground out. He then scored on a David Tejeda ground out to cut the Santa Fe lead to 7-4.

Shawn Machado came on in the ninth and sent the Silver Kings down in order to pick up his eighth save.

Jeremi Dillon (0-5) took the loss and he was knocked around for six runs on eight hits in just five innings of work. He struck out seven and walked one. Joe Hendrix (4-1) got the win, going six innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits, striking out three.

In Thursday afternoon's finale, the Silver Kings again could not get a key hit and fell 3-2. The Jays scored all three of their runs in the second inning to get back to the .500 mark at (13-13).

Las Vegas took the lead in the first inning without a hit. Eric Machado walked and stole second. He would score on a throwing error by second baseman Corey Ziemer and it was 1-0 Vegas.

Santa Fe responded with three in the top of the second off of Steve Sechrist. After getting the first two batters out, Sechrist served up a home run to Chance Fernandez to tie the game at 1-1. Then back-to-back doubles from MacKenzie Lucas and Corey Ziemer put Santa Fe ahead. Buck Damon then tripled to center, scoring Ziemer to make it 3-1.

Las Vegas got one back in the sixth on a two-out RBI single from Junior Maldonado.

The Silver Kings would run themselves out of a rally in the eighth. Russell O'Reilly singled with one out and was lifted for a pinch runner. Park came in and immediately was picked off. Danny Watt then singled to center and he was picked off.

Santa Fe brought in their closer Shawn Machado in the ninth, and after giving up a one-out single to Junior Maldonado, he struck out Todd Matsumoto and got Mariano Hidalgo to fly out to center to earn his ninth save.

Las Vegas sits at (6-18) through 24 games and no one in the organization saw this coming after the draft. This is a team with talent to compete for a playoff spot, and now they are in last place overall just a month into the season.

The Silver Kings will now hit the road for series at DL Central leading Glendale (15-10) and Long Beach (12-13).

Around the League: Boise has traded 30-year-old centerfielder Reese Middleton (75 OVR, B POT) to San Antonio for 28-year-old catcher Lee Lee (70 OVR, C POT). Lee was hitting .250 with two RBIs in 12 plate appearances for the Javelines. Middleton was hitting .231 with a home run and three RBIS in 26 at bats for Boise.

Oakland walked it off against red-hot Salt River on Monday night as David Radatz doubled home Ivan Saucedo with two-outs in the bottom of the ninth at London Station Stadium. The Oaks got back to .500 at (11-11) with the win.

Austin has traded 33-year-old starting pitcher Kevin Dolan (72 OVR, C POT) to Tucson for 23-year-old third baseman Beau Kaminski (64 OVR, C POT).

Tucson's Brian Lee hit three home runs and drove in seven in a wild 14-12 victory for the Roadrunners over the Hawks in Boise.

Caden Juarez is heating up for the Silver Kings.

[bigjdotcom01]

April 25-27: LAS VEGAS (9-18) @ GLENDALE (15-13)
Stadium: Camelback Ranch (Capacity: 11,742)

April 25: Silver Kings 8, Desert Dogs 5
April 26: Silver Kings 3, Desert Dogs 0
April 27: Silver Kings 3, Desert Dogs 0

Glendale, AZ (AP) - Las Vegas hit the road and swept DL Central leading Glendale in a three game series with the last two wins being by shutout. This could be just what this team has needed after a slow start to the season.

The Silver Kings opened a six game road trip with a victory over Glendale 8-5. Mariano Hidalgo and Danny Watt each hit three-run home runs to help Las Vegas to the win.

Glendale would strike early in this one, scoring single runs in the first and second innings to go up 2-0. In the first, Parra lined an RBI single to left after Sanchez opened the inning with a double. In the second, Levine walked, reached second on a wild pitch and advanced to third on a passed ball. He would score on a Matthew Karlic ground out to short, to put Glendale up by two.

Las Vegas got the bats going in the fourth with four consecutive hits. David Tejeda homered to center to get it going. Mariano Hidalgo and Gilberto Cardona followed with singles. Danny Watt then blasted a hanging curveball into the grass seating area in right and Las Vegas went up 4-2.

In the sixth, Gilberto Cardona singled with with one out, and was sacrificed over to second on a Watt bunt. Caden Juarez hit a bullet to left for a single, but Cardona had to hold up at third. Russell O'Reilly then came through with a single to right to score Cardona and make it 5-2.

Mariano Hidalgo hit a three-run home run in the seventh to put Las Vegas up 8-2, his fourth on the season.

Glendale would get two in the eighth on a two-out, two-run single from Matthew Karlic. Sato would get Rouse to fly out to left to end the innings, leaving the bases loaded. The Desert Dogs would get another in the ninth on a Jay Craig RBI single to center. The Desert Dogs had the tying run at the plate, when Frank Hagan singled to center, but Roberto Blanco got thrown out at the plate to end the game (8-6-2).

On Saturday afternoon, the Silver Kings won their second straight with a 3-0 victory over the Desert Dogs. Emery Hutchinson tossed seven shutout innings, scattering two hits, while striking out 11 and walking one to pick up his third win on the year.

This was a pitchers duel early on with neither team scoring and each team only registering one hit through four innings.

In the fifth, Las Vegas broke through. Caden Juarez got things going as he reached on a one-out infield single. After Russell O'Reilly grounded out, Alexander Busch singled back up the middle to score Juarez to put the Silver Kings up 1-0.

In the sixth, David Tejeda doubled off the wall in right, and scored on a Mariano Hidalgo RBI single. Danny Watt beat out a double play ball to keep the inning alive. He stole second and then scored on a Caden Juarez single to right to make it 3-0.

The Silver Kings much maligned bullpen then stepped up in relief of Emery Hutchinson with Kai Ransom coming on after Hutchinson walked the first batter in the eighth. Ransom would strike out the first two batters that he faced before getting former Silver King Frank Hagan to bounce out to end the inning.

Rob Porter came in to work the ninth. He gave up a two-out single to Roberto Blanco before striking out Jay Craig to end the game and pick up his fifth save.

Anthony Davidson (2-2) took the loss but pitched well, allowing three runs on seven hits in 5.2 innings.

Caden Juarez went 3 for 4 with a double and RBI to raise his batting average to .330. Danny Watt stole a base to tie Eric Machado atop the Desert League with 13 stolen bases on the season.

In Sunday afternoon's finale, Antoine Swanger, with some help from the bullpen, shutout the Desert Dogs as the Silver Kings completed the sweep with a 3-0 victory.

This one was scoreless through five innings, but the Silver Kings broke through in the top of the sixth on an Eric Machado solo home run, his fourth on the year, to put Las Vegas up 1-0.

Manager Ron Washington then pulled Swanger, who had thrown 89 pitches, and went to his bullpen. Martin Villegas tossed two innings, with Eric Herman and Russ Zickafoose getting the final six outs to secure the victory. Zickafoose picked up his first save of the year, striking out Matthew Karlic to end the game.

The Silver Kings would add a couple of big insurance runs in the seventh on a two-run single from Caden Juarez.

Antoine Swanger (3-2) picked up the win, tossing five scoreless innings, scattering four hits, while striking out five and walking two. Eric Machado stole a base in the game to increase his league lead to 14.

The Silver Kings will now have Monday off before heading to Long Beach to take on the Surf Dawgs (13-15) for a quick two game series.

Around the League: Amarillo's Marty Ross improved to (6-0) as he tossed eight shutout innings, striking out 13 and allowing only four hits in a 5-0 victory for the Honey Hunters over Long Beach on Satuday afternoon at Harbor Park.

Salt Lake's Jackie Phillips went 3 for 5 with a double, home run and seven RBIs as the Chukars blew out Santa Fe 14-5 on Saturday evening in Salt Lake City to run their winning streak to six games.

Tahoe improved to a league best (20-7) as they shut out Peoria 6-0 on Saturday night. Julio Berroa (4-1) tossed 7.1 innings, scattering eight hits and striking out nine for the Lake Monsters, who are now (9-1) in their last ten.

Mariano Hidalgo hit a long home run in Friday night's win over the Desert Dogs.

[bigjdotcom01]

APRIL 29-30: LAS VEGAS (9-20) @ LONG BEACH (15-15)
Stadium: Harbor Park (Capacity: 19,253)

April 29: Surf Dawgs 4, Silver Kings 3
April 30: Surf Dawgs 6, Silver Kings 4

Long Beach, CA (AP) - Well, the momentum that Las Vegas gained with their sweep of Glendale was lost as they got swept in a short two game series in Long Beach against the Surf Dawgs.

On Tuesday evening, Long Beach rallied thanks to a pair of home runs in the sixth inning to defeat the Silver Kings 4-3. The loss snapped a season high three game winning streak for Las Vegas.

The Silver Kings went up 2-0 in the first inning thanks to a two-run home run from Eric Machado, his fifth on the season.

Long Beach answered back with single runs in the third and fourth innings to tie the game. Len Almquist had an RBI single in the third, driving home Ward Mejia. In the fourth, Aubrey Winkler lined a two-out single to right that scored Scott Soto to tie the game at 2-2.

Las Vegas would retake the lead in the top of the sixth, but it could have been much more. Caden Juarez doubled to open the inning and Julio Chacon singled to right. Russell O'Reilly then grounded into a 5-4-3 double play with Juarez scoring to give Las Vegas the lead.

Manager Ron Washington went to his bullpen as Jeremi Dillon had thrown 89 pitches through five innings. John Sato came on and after getting Scott Soto to strike out, gave up back-to-back solo home runs to Lance Deardorff (4) and Gullermo Duarte (2) as Long Beach went in front 4-3.

The Long Beach bullpen then went to work and was excellent as it has been lately. Carlo Cardona, Juan Orozco and Will Flaherty each threw a scoreless, hitless inning to close the game out. Flaherty earned his 11^th save on the year. Michael Tover (3-2) picked up the win, pitching six innings and allowing two runs on five hits.

Jeremi Dillon left the game with the lead, pitching five innings and allowing two runs on six hits, striking out seven. John Sato (0-2) took the loss, getting just one batter out and allowing the two solo home runs. Henry Coronado came on and got the final eight outs for Las Vegas.

Wednesday afternoon, the Surf Dawgs hit four home runs and beat the Silver Kings 6-4. Scott Soto went 3 for 4 with two home runs and he drove in three to lead the Surf Dawgs to the sweep.

Long Beach went up 1-0 in the first on a Santiaga Guevara solo home run. They would make it 4-0 in the third as Patrick Hamill blasted a two-run home run (4), then Scott Soto followed it up with a solo shot.




Las Vegas would battle back in this one though. They pushed across a run in the fifth on a Russell O'Reilly RBI single to right. Then in the sixth, Danny Watt lined a two-run double to left-center to cut it to 4-3. Caden Juarez then hit an RBI single back up the middle to score Watt and tie the game at 4-4.

But for the second straight day, reliever John Sato was the goat. He came in and served up a two-run home run to Scott Soto with two outs in the seventh as Long Beach retook the lead 6-4.

Las Vegas had a great shot to get back into it in the eighth as David Tejeda and Mariano Hidalgo both singled to open the inning. Alexander Busch would fly out to center and Danny Watt just barely beat out a double play grounder. Watt stole second to move the tying run into scoring position Caden Juarez was at the plate and ripped one to left, but right at Aubrey Winkler to end the inning.

Closer Will Flaherty came on and sent down the Silver Kings in order in the ninth to pick up his 12^th save.

Steve Sechrist battled, going 5.2 and allowing four runs on seven hits, striking out six. But the bullpen cost Las Vegas the win, again.

Danny Watt took over the league lead in stolen bases with 15 as he had two more on Wednesday afternoon. He is one ahead of teammate Eric Machado. Gilberto Cardona left the game with a hamstring injury. The club is likely to place him on the 10-Day Injured List and recall top prospect Maurice Martens from Triple-A Salt Lake.

Las Vegas (9-20) will now return home for a ten game homestand beginning with Phoenix tomorrow evening.

Around the League: San Diego has traded 29-year-old third baseman Daniel Murillo (77 OVR, C POT) to Salt Lake for 25-year-old right fielder Dave Foxx (75 OVR, C POT). Murillo was hitting .314 with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 28 games for San Diego. Foxx was hitting .222 with two home runs, 10 RBIs and three stolen bases for Salt Lake.

Salt Lake then made another trade as they have sent 23-year-old third baseman Rey Kendall (64 OVR, C POT) to Peoria for 30-year-old first baseman Danny Wood (77 OVR, C POT).

Colorado Springs' Matt Gregori (3-0) tossed eight shutout inninhgs, allowing two hits and striking out ten as the Snow Sox defeated El Paso 1-0. The loss dropped El Paso into a tie with Albuquerque atop the Mountain League Central.

Long Beach's Gullermo Duarte hit this majestic shot at sunset on Tuesday evening.