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

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APRIL AWARDS:
ML Pitcher of Month: Luis Marmolejo (St George, RP) 13 APP, 3-0, 1.38 ERA, 18 Ks
ML Player of Month: Gene Beasley (Albuquerque, C) .372, 7 HR, 22 RBI
ML Rookie of Month: Derrek Kreisa (Albuquerque, LF) .420, 0 HR, 6 RBI
DL Pitcher of Month: George Brandt (Phonix, SP) 6-0, 1.47 ERA, 35 Ks
DL Player of Month: Edmund Issac (Surprise, RF) .333, 9 HR, 20 RBI
DL Rookie of Month: Fritz Armstrong (Gilbert, RF) .400, 2 HR, 9 RBI

[speels]

It is crazy that you are 9-20 with a -5 Run Differential. At worst you should be .500. I think it's just a run of bad luck and hopefully you start getting the luck on your side. Loving following this by the way!!

[bigjdotcom01]

It is crazy that you are 9-20 with a -5 Run Differential. At worst you should be .500. I think it's just a run of bad luck and hopefully you start getting the luck on your side. Loving following this by the way!!

You aren't kidding! We are getting no clutch hits. It is bound to turn around.

Thanks for checking in and the kind words!

[bigjdotcom01]

May 1-4: PHOENIX (18-17) @ LAS VEGAS (12-21)
Stadium: Bally's Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

May 1: Silver Kings 5, Firebirds 3
May 2: Firebirds 3, Silver Kings 0
May 3: Silver Kings 7, Firebirds 2
May 4: Silver Kings 5, Firebirds 2

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas bounced back from their series in Long Beach by taking three of four from Phoenix at Bally's Ballpark.

The Silver Kings returned home and started their ten game home stand with a 5-3 victory over the Firebirds. A two-run home run from David Tejeda in the bottom of the eighth was the difference as Vegas rallied from a 3-1 deficit to pull out the victory.

Las Vegas took an early 1-0 lead in the second on a Caden Juarez solo home run, his fourth on the season.

Phoenix would strike for all three of their runs in sixth inning, chasing starter Kevin Perez. Phil Chapman opened the inning with a single to right. He stole second and scored on a Richie Dale single to right. Dale then stole second and scored on a Jody Morton single to right to put Phoenix up 2-1. Morton stole second and scored on a John Harper single back up the middle to make it 3-1.

Las Vegas struck back immediately in the bottom half. Julio Chacon reached on a hit by pitch. David Tejeda then hit a sharp grounder to first that looked like a double play ball, but first baseman Rob Gray threw the ball into left field allowing the runners to move up to second and third. Mariano Hidalgo grounded out, allowing Chacon to score. Caden Juarez followed up with an RBI double to plate Tejeda to tie the game at 3-3.

In the eighth, Julio Chacon hit a bloop single to right to open the inning. David Tejeda then hit an 0-2 hanging curveball over the wall in right to put Vegas up 5-3.

Rob Porter came on in the ninth for Las Vegas and locked down his sixth save on the year, as Las Vegas became the last team in the IBL to finally reach ten wins.

On Friday night, Emery Hutchinson made one mistake, but it cost his team, as Phoenix beat Las Vehas 3-0. Rob Gray hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning off of Hutchinson and that was the difference in the game.

This one was a pitchers duel with Hutchinson (3-3) pitching six innings and allowing the three runs on six hits, striking out seven. He counterpart D.J. Saunders (2-4) pitched seven shutout innings, scattering three hits.

The Silver Kings would not do anything offensively and let a couple of good scoring chances waste away in the first and second innings as they left three runners in scoring position without scoring. A Danny Watt two-out single in the seventh was the Silver Kings only hit after the second inning.

Caden Juarez saw his ten game hitting streak snapped as he went 0 for 2 with a walk.

On Saturday evening, the Silver Kings put together a five-run fifth inning to come away with a 7-2 victory over the Firebirds. Eric Machado went 2 for 4 with a double, triple, two RBIs and a run scored to help pace the offense.

Phoenix grabbed the lead in the top of the fifth thanks to three straight two out hits. Phil Chapman tripled. Richie Dale and Rob Gray followed with RBI doubles to put Phoenix up by two.

Las Vegas responded with five in the bottom half as they batted around. Russell O'Reilly and Todd Matsumoto singled with one out. Eric Machado doubled home both runners to tie the game. Julio Chacon singled to right with Machado being held up at third. David Tejeda singled home Machado to put Las Vegas ahead 3-2. Mariano Hidalgo then lined a two-run double to center to make it 5-2.

Vegas would add two more in the eighth. Mariano Hidalgo was hit by a pitch and scored on a Danny Watt RBI triple. Watt then scored on an Alexander Busch sacrifice fly to put the Silver Kings up 7-2.

John Sato picked up the save, pitching the final three innings in relief of Antoine Swanger (4-2). Swanger went six innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, striking out seven and walking one.

In Sunday afternoon's finale, Jeremi Dillon (1-5) picked up his first win of the season, tossing six innings and allowing two runs on seven hits, striking out seven. Mariano Hidalgo went 3 for 4 with a double and two RBIs to lead the offense to the series win.

Las Vegas struck early as Hidalgo drove in both of his runs in the first inning with a two-run double, scoring Julio Chacon and David Tejeda.

Phoenix would get one back in the top of the second on a John Harper RBI single through the left side that plated Jody Morton.

In the third, Caden Juarez came through with a clutch two-out, two-run double that scored Chacon and Tejeda to put Las Vegas up 4-1. Juarez leads the team with 22 runs batted in.

A David Tejeda solo home run in the fifth put the Silver Kings up 5-1. It was his team leading sixth on the year.

Phoenix scored in the sixth on an Estevan Hernandez RBI double, scoring Phil Chapman.

The Las Vegas bullpen then came in and did its job. Kai Ransom, Russ Zickafoose and Rob Porter tossed scoreless innings with Porter picking up his seventh save.

The Silver Kings will have Monday off before hosting the Salt River Rafters (17-18) for a three game series beginning on Tuesday evening. The Silver Kings starting pitching has been excellent this year. They are 9^th in ERA (3.54), 1^st in WHIP (1.05), 7^th in hits/9 innings (8.2), 7^th in strikeouts (177), and 1^st in walks allowed (26). It is impressive for a team that is nine games below .500 at (12-21).

Around the League: Amarillo got a two-out, two-run walk off double from Arlen Larson as the Honey Hunters rallied to defeat Tahoe 3-2 on Saturday night at Hodgetown in a battle of first place clubs. Amarillo's Marty Rosa struck out nine in six innings of work, allowing two runs as Amarillo improved to (22-10) and now has the best record in the IBL.

Boise's Steve Jefferson tossed a complete game, two-hit shutout, striking out 11 as the Hawks shutout Austin 5-0.

Long Beach traded 30-year-old starting pitcher Barry Edwards (74 OVR, C POT) to Peoria for 32-year-old starting pitcher Jack Sweat (75 OVR, C POT) and 21-year-old catcher prospect Pablo Veras (65 OVR, C POT). Edwards was (2-2, 5.13 ERA) in 33,1 innings for Long Beach and will likely fill the fifth starter role in Peoria. Sweat was (3-2, 3.43 ERA) in 39.1 innings for Peoria and he will likely be the fifth starter in Long Beach.

Tahoe's Alex Prado went 3 for 4 with a double, triple, home run and eight RBIs as the Lake Monsters salvaged the finale of a three game weekend series with Amarillo with a 14-8 victory.

Danny Watt has been one of the best players on the Silver Kings in 2025.

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May 6-8: SALT RIVER (20-18) @ LAS VEGAS (12-24)
Stadium: Bally's Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

May 6: Rafters 4, Silver Kings 0
May 7: Rafters 7, Silver Kings 5
May 8: Rafters 5, Silver Kings 1

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Patience is wearing thin in Las Vegas as they were swept by Salt River to fall 12 games below .500. The offense is just about non-existent and now the pitching is starting to fall about. Not a good combo.

In the Tuesday evening opener, the Rafters used a three-run third inning and some excellent pitching to beat the Silver Kings 4-0. Reuben Gonzalez (4-3) tossed eight shutout innings, scattering five hits and striking out six to lead the Rafters to their eighth win in their last nine games.

The Rafters got to Steve Sechrist (1-2) in the third, all with two outs. Rickey Cornell singled to center and Abdul Ewing followed that up with a single to right. Tommie Turnwell then singled to left to score Cornell. Micah Lange tripled to center, scoring both runners but he was thrown out (8-6-2) trying to complete an inside-the-park home run.

Bo Mitchell would add a solo home run in the fourth, his eighth on the season, and Salt River went up 4-0 on a cold and rainy night in Las Vegas.

The Silver Kings could not get anything going offensively, managing only seven hits, with only one extra-base hit on the evening. The Silver Kings also hit into three crushing double-plays.

John Sato pitched 2.2 scoreless inning in relief of Steve Sechrist. He had allowed home runs in his previous two appearances.

On Wednesday evening, the Rafters scored seven times in the third inning, then held on for a 7-5 victory. Micah Lange went 2 for 5 with a double and he drove in a run to lead the Rafters to the win.

Archie Cutliff started the third with an infield single. Timo Hidalgo then grounded out (6-4-3) as Cutliff beat the play at second. Rickey Cornell singled home Cutliff to make it 1-0. Abdul Ewing singled to right. Tommie Turnwell hit a blooper to left that fell in, scoring Cornell. Micah Lange then singled to left to score Ewing to make it 3-0. Bo Mitchell walked to load the bases. Leon singled to right to score Turnwell. Cameron Napier then singled to left to score Lange and Mitchell to make it 6-0. Timo Hidalgo would hit a sacrifice fly to left to score Leon. The Rafters sent 11 men to the plate with seven scoring in the inning.

Starter Kevin Perez (1-4) was pulled in the third, going 2.1 innings and allowing seven runs on eight hits. Martin Villegas and Kai Ransom were excellent out of the bullpen. Villegas worked 3.2 innings without allowing a hit. Kai Ransom pitched 2.2 scoreless innings.

Las Vegas finally got the offense going in the fourth. Mariano Hidalgo lined a single to left that scored Eric Machado. Danny Watt then singled home Hidalgo to make it 7-2. Danny Watt would hit a solo home run in the seveth to cut it to 7-3, his third on the year.

In the eighth, Caden Juarez hit a two-out, two-run double to cut it to 7-5. The Rafters brought in their closer Carney and he got Danny Watt to fly out to center. He then sent the Silver Kings down in order in the ninth to pick up the four out save, his 11^th on the season.

Richard Stanley (4-3) picked up the win for Salt River. He pitched seven innings, allowing three runs on five hits.

In Thursday evening's finale, Micah Lange had himself a day, going 3 for 4 with a double, triple, home run and three RBIs ad the Rafters completed the sweep with a 5-1 victory.

Salt River didn't use a big inning in this one, they just plugged away, scoring in five separate innings as they pounded out 15 hits.

In the top of the first against Silver King's ace Emery Hutchinson, Micah Lange hit a two-out, RBI triple that scored Rickey Cornell. In the third, Micah Lange hit a two-out RBI double, scoring Ernesto Mercado, to make it 2-0. Abdul Ewing was thrown out at the plate on the play to end the inning.

Las Vegas would score their lone run of the game in the bottom of the third on back-to-back doubles from Russell O'Reilly and Todd Matsumoto.

A Cameron Napier home run in the top of the fourth stretched the lead back out to 3-1. Micah Lange would hit a solo shot in the sixth to make it 4-1, his eighth on the year. Eloy Leon then hit a line drive home run to left in the top of the ninth to put a cap on this one, his ninth on the season.

Chris Alecio (2-3), the puss-throwing right hander stymied the Silver Kings all night. He went six innings, allowing one run on six hits with seven strikeouts. The bullpen was just as good, holding Vegas to two hits over the final three innings.

Emery Hutchinson (3-4) took the loss, allowing four runs on 11 hits in six innings. He struck out seven, and the frustration is starting to show. After the game, he said, “I guess I am going to have to throw a shutout or we aren't going to have a chance to win.”

Henry Coronado threw two scoreless innings of relief, striking out five.

Micah Lange went 7 for 13 in the series with two doubles, two triples, a home run and six RBIs. The Silver Kings are thrilled that he is leaving town.

Adding insult to injury, second baseman Danny Watt injured his shoulder making a diving attempt and had to leave the game. He will likely miss two to three weeks and will be placed on the 10-day Injured List.

The Silver Kings (12-24) will close out this ten game homestand with a three game weekend series with Mesa (19-18).

Around the League: Amarillo has traded 28-year-old reliever Travis Ramirez (79 OVR, C POT) to Billings for 25-year-old starting pitcher Freddie Reyes (65 OVR, C POT). Ramirez had a 4.02 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 15.2 innings of work for Amarillo in 2025. The Honey Hunters have a stacked bullpen, which made Ramirez expendable.

Suddenly red-hot Long Beach completed a three-game sweep of first place Tahoe to move to within two games of the Lake Monsters in the DL West.

Peoria is (9-1) in their last ten, having just taken three of four from Scottsdale, to move atop the DL Central at (22-16).

Micah Lange wrecked the Silver Kings on Thursday evening.

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May 9-11: MESA (21-19) @ LAS VEGAS (13-26)
Stadium: Bally's Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

May 9: Solar Sox 5, Silver Kings 3
May 10: Silver Kings 5, Solar Sox 0
May 11: Solar Sox 3, Silver Kings 1

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas wrapped up their 10-game home stand by dropping two of three to Mesa to fall to a league worst (13-26). The Silver Kings went (4-6) on the home stand as they continue to be unable to find any offense in key situations.

On Friday night, the Silver Kings suffered another excruciating loss as Mike Anderson homered twice, including a three-run shot in the ninth off of closer Rob Porter, to help Mesa rally for a 5-3 victory in the series opener. Anderson drove in all five of Mesa's runs in the game to send Las Vegas to a fourth straight loss.

Anderson got things going in the fourth with a two-run shot off of Vegas starter Antoine Swanger. Swanger was excellent in this one, with just that one mistake. He went seven innings, allowing the two runs on three hits, striking out nine and walking two.

Las Vegas would struggle against Mesa starter Julius Cox. He pitched six shutout innings, scattering six hits and striking out four. But in the seventh, Steve Burke came on and the Vegas bats came to life. Junior Maldonado and Stephen Park singled to open the inning. Burke struck out Alexander Busch. Russell O'Reilly singled to left to load the bases. Todd Matsumoto then doubled into the left field corner to score Maldonado and Park to tie the game at 2-2. Eric Machado followed with a sacrifice fly to left to put Las Vegas up 3-2.

It would stay that way until the ninth when manager Ron Washington brought on closer Rob Porter. Porter gave up singles to Mendoza and Dewitt. Mike Anderson then blasted the first pitch that he saw off of the scoreboard in right to put Mesa up 5-3.

Mesa closer Sam DiLuca gave up a leadoff single to Stephen Park in the bottom of the ninth. But then got Mariano Hidalgo, Russell O'Reilly and Todd Matsumoto all to line out on balls that should have been hits, to earn his 12^th save.

On Saturday evening, three Silver Kings pitchers combined on a five-hit shutout as Las Vegas blanked Mesa 5-0. Jeremi Dillon won his second straight start, tossing 6.1 scoreless innings, scattering three hits and striking out six as he improved to (2-5).

Las Vegas would get all of the scoring that they would need in the fourth inning as they pushed across four runs. Caden Juarez grounded out to open the inning. Stephen Park tripled to center, and scored on an Alexander Busch single. Russell O'Reilly, Todd Matsumoto, and Eric Machado all singled to put Vegas up 3-0. Julio Chacon then grounded out, allowing Matsumoto to score to make it 4-0.

The Silver Kings would add an insurance run in the eighth after Alexander Busch singled and stole second. He scored on a Russell O'Reilly RBI single to right.

John Sato, Martin Villegas and Russ Zickafoose pitched the final 2.2 innings of scoreless relief, allowing only two hits and striking out four.

Rich Gonzalez (2-2) picked up the loss for Mesa. He pitched 3.1 innings, allowing four runs on six hits, before being yanked in the fourth.

On Sunday afternoon, it was more of the same as the Silver Kings waste another good pitching performance and fall 3-1 to the Solar Sox to end the home stand. Justin Rogers (2-3) tossed 7.2 innings, allowing one run on five hits, striking out five, to pick up the win.

Mesa grabbed a 1-0 lead in the fifth. Mike Anderson singled to open the inning with Rocco Reyes singling him to third one batter later. Alexander Vargas then beat out a possible inning ending double play, allowing Anderson to score to put Mesa up 1-0.

Stephen Park hit a solo home run to dead center to lead off the bottom of the fifth to tie the game at 1-1. It was his second on the year.

But Mesa replied with two in the top of the sixth. Steve Sechrist got the first two batters out. But Julio Mendoza hit an 0-2 bloop single to center. Steve Dewitt then punched 1-2 slider to left that was misplayed by Alexander Busch, turning the hit into a triple and allowing Mendoza to come around and score. Mike Anderson then hit a single back up the middle to score Dewitt to make it 3-1.

Las Vegas had no answers, as has been the case all year as we hit the quarter pole on the season. This Vegas team has pitching that is good enough to be a contender and a team that can hit the ball, but it just has no clutch anywhere in the lineup outside of Caden Juarez. The lack of power is also an issue, especially as the spacious Ballys Ballpark where the Silver Kings play.

Steve Sechrist (1-3) took the loss, tossing six innings and allowing three runs on six hits. All three runs scored with two outs. He struck out three and did not walk a batter. Henry Coronado pitched two scoreless innings in relief and Kai Ransom pitched a scoreless ninth.

Eric Machado stole his 15^th base on the season, second in the Desert League behind injured teammate Danny Watt, who has 16.

The Silver Kings will now hit the road for ten games as they travel to Billings to take on the Mustangs (21-18), Salt Lake City to face the Chukars (25-16), and then close the trip in Tahoe against the first place Lake Monsters (25-16).

Around the League: Long Beach is red-hot after a slow start to the season. The Surf Dawgs have won 10 of 11 to move to within a game of first-place Tahoe. The Surf Dawgs just swept Salt River over the weekend with Guillermo Duarte hitting a grand slam in the first inning on Sunday in a 7-6 win.

Flagstaff's Andres Saucedo (2-2) tossed a complete game, two-hit shutout, of Billings on Saturday night. Saucedo struck out seven and walked one in a 4-0 win. Diego Vizcaino and Jody Delaney each homered for the Hops in the win.

The Desert League East is a wild, tight race through the first 40 games with Tucson in first place at (22-18) and Salt River in last place at (20-21). The five teams are separated by just 2.5 games.

Mike Anderson homered twice, driving in five, in Mesa's win on Friday night.

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IBL POWER RANKINGS

Phoenix, AZ (AP) - Here are the mid-May Power Rankings as the season has hit the quarter pole.

1. Tahoe Lake Monsters (25-16) (Previous: 3rd): The Lake Monsters have slumped a bit lately but this is still the best team in the IBL. They are hitting .273 and slugging .449, with a team ERA of 3.57. Reese Cherry leads the way, hitting .329 with 11 home runs, 34 RBIs and seven stolen bases. Front runner for Desert League MVP. Julio Berroa (4-3, 1.81) has been great on the mound, striking out 57 with a WHIP of 1.10 in 54.2 innings of work.

2. Salt Lake Chukars (25-16) (8^th): the Chukars have a league best +58 run differential and are led by centerfielder Jackie Phillips (.279, 10 HR, 38 RBI) and catcher Michael Rice (.348, 5 HR, 18 RBI). Ceasr Santana (5-1, 3.09) and John Clements (4-2, 1.94) are having great years as the fourth and fifth starters.

3. Glendale Desert Dogs (24-17) (9^th): Jay Craigh (.239, 11 HR, 30 RBI) and Roberto Blanco (.266, 10 HR, 30 RBI) are leading a potent offense that is second in the Desert League in scoring behind Tahoe. The bullpen has been a key as the starters have been average at best.

4. Amarillo Honey Hunters (25-15) (1^st): Marty Ross (7-0, 1.72) has been perfect so far as the #2 starter in Amarillo. He has a WHIP of 0.90 with 55 strikeouts in 52.1 innings of work. Ozzie Valdez is hitting (.305, 8 HR, 27 RBI) to lead the team in all three categories. He also has four stolen bases.

5. San Antonio Javelinas (24-17) (NR): The Javelinas started off slow, but have come on going (19-6) in their last 25 to move to within a game and a half of first place Amarillo. No real stars at the plate, but they are finding ways to win. Juan Medrano (5-1, 3.16) has been the most consistant starter thus far.

6. Billings Mustangs (21-18) (6^th): Closer Robbie Hess has been brilliant for the Mustangs with 11 saves, an ERA of 1.02 and WHIP of 0.91. The Mustangs are only hitting .242 as a team (22^nd), but are 8^th in home runs with 52, led by first baseman Darrick Pugh, who has nine.

7. Long Beach Surf Dawgs (23-16) (NR): The Surf Dawgs are another team that started slow, but has come on. They are (16-5) in their last 21 to move to within one game of Tahoe. This is a team that has a solid lineup top to bottom with no real weak spots. Patrick Hammill leads the way, hitting (.299, 8 HR, 22 RBI). NO starting pitcher has an ERA below 3.65.

8. San Diego Seals (20-21) (5^th): The Seals are below .500 but have a run differential of +26. This is another team with a solid lineup with no real star power. Henry Aguilar leads the team (.284, 8 HR, 23 RBI), but they have seven players with at least six home runs. Las Vegas has just one player on the entire team with six home runs.

9. Peoria Pit Spitters (24-17) (NR): The Pit Spitters are tied with Glendale atop the DL Central. Left fielder Yusniel Tejera leads the way, hitting (.256, 10 HR, 40 RBI). First baseman Odell McCarthy is also having a nice year (.316, 8 HR, 22 RBI). Starting pitching has been a problem for the Pit Spitters withonly Irwin Kinslow (3-2, 4.56) with a winning record. The bullpen has been great though, and that is why Peoria finds itself in the top 10.

10. Albuquerque Mariachis (22-19) (NR): Catcher Gene Beasley is in the MVP conversation, hitting (.344, 12 HR, 36 RBI) for the first place Mariachis. Closer Robby Wolfe has 12 saves in 13 chances, with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.50 with 24 strikeouts in 14 innings of work.

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May 12-14: LAS VEGAS (14-28) @ BILLINGS (23-19)
Stadium: Western Sugar Field (Capacity: 12,798)

May 12: Mustangs 5, Silver Kings 2
May 13: Mustangs 6, Silver Kings 4
May 14: Silver Kings 7, Mustangs 6

Billings, MT (AP) - Las Vegas managed to win the finale of a three game series in Billings to avoid a sweep, as they put an end to their three game losing streak.

The Silver Kings woes continued in the opener of their roadtrip as they dropped a 5-2 decision to a slumping Billings Mustangs squad. Adam Cruz went 3 for 4 with a double, home run and two RBIs to lead the offense for the winning Mustangs.

Las Vegas ran themselves right out of a rally in the top of the first as Stephen Park led the game off with a double. He was then thrown out at the plate on a Julio Chacon single to right. The Silver Kings would also get an Mariano Hidalgo base hit in the innings. But Caden Jauarez flew out to deep right to end the inning. Three hits and no runs for the Silver Kings.

Billings came out and put two on the board in the bottom half on a John Fry two-run home run. It was after third baseman David Tejeda made an error, allowing Darrick Pugh to reach with two outs.

The Silver Kings got one back in the third on a two-out RBI single from Caden Juarez that scored David Tejeda.

Billings would extend their lead in the fifth. Hollis Zbyszynski single led off the inning. Ryan Price reached on a fielder's choice, then stole second. William Kand then hit a ball to third that David Tejeda booted. His second error of the game. Tom Ma would reach on a fielder's choice as he beat out a 3-6-3 double play, allowing Price to score to make it 3-1. Adam Cruz then hit a home run to left. The two-run shot was his first on the year and put Billings up 5-1.

That would spell the end for Kevin Perez. He went five innings, allowing five runs (one earned) on five hits. He drops to (1-5) on the year. John Sato pitched three scoreless innings in relief, striking out six.

The Silver Kings would get one back in the sixth on an RBI ground out by Russell O'Reilly, that allowed Caden Juarez to score.

Sam Lawrence (3-1) got the win, but he was knocked around, allowing ten hits, but only two runs in seven innings of work. Brian Wales pitched a scoreless eighth and Robby Hess worked the ninth to pick up his 12^th save.

Tuesday evening was another in a long line of brutal losses this year for Las Vegas as they blew a 3-0 lead and lost 6-4. The Mustangs hit three home runs including back-to-back home runs from John Fry (6) and James Moss i(7) n the bottom of the eighth to break a 4-4 tie.

Las Vegas would grab a 3-0 lead in the second inning. Caden Juarez led off the inning with a bomb to straight away center, his sixth on the season. Russell O'Reilly would add an RBI single to right that scored Stephen Park. Todd Matsumoto grounded out to short, allowing Gilberto Cardona to score to put Vegas up by three.

It would stay that way until the sixth. Manager Ron Washington went and got starter Emery Hutchinson after he issued a walk with one out in the sixth. Hutchinson went 5.1 innings, only allowing three hits, striking out nine and walking three, when he was pulled. It backfired. Kai Ransom came in and got John Fry to pop out, before walking James Moss. Glen Webber then singled to center, scoring Pugh. Peter Watanabe then blasted a three-run home run to left to put Billings in front 4-3.

It would remain that way until the eighth. Stephen Park hit a one out double to right. Russell O'Reilly then hit a two-out double to left to score Park to tie the game at 4-4.

Manager Ron Washington then went to setup man Jeff McArthur. He entered the game with an ERA of 0.00. He would surrender back-to-back home runs to John Fry and James Moss as Billings went up 6-4.

Billings brought in closer Robby Hess, and after giving up a leadoff single to Eric Machado, he struck out Julio Chacon, and David Tejeda. He then got Junior Maldonado to ground out to third to end the game and secure his 13^th save.

BREAKING NEWS: Following the loss to Billings on Tuesday evening, manager Ron Washington was relieved of his duties. The Silver Kings have replaced Washington with 42-year-old Alvin Ambrose

In Wednesday evening's finale, the Silver Kings outslugged the Mustangs and won 7-6. Gilberto Cardona's ninth inning home run was the difference as Las Vegas avoided the three game sweep and won manager Alvin Ambrose's debut.

The Silver Kings struck first as Mariano Hidalgo singled home David Tejeda in the first inning. Tejeda had doubled to left with two outs. They would increase that lead to 2-0 in the third on an Eric Machado opposite field home run to left. A fourth inning RBI single from Russell O'Reilly put the Silver Kings up 3-0.

Billings would finally get the offense going in the fifth as they had managed just one hit through four innings. James Moss (8) hit a towering home run to right, then Glen Webber (8) followed with a solo home run to left to cut the Silver Kings lead to 3-2.

Russell O'Reilly added his second RBI single in the sixth to make it 4-2. Eric Machado added a two-out RBI double to make it 5-2.

James Moss once again hurt the Silver Kings in the bottom of the sixth as he laced a two-out, two-run double to cut it to 5-4.

Mariano Hidalgo hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh to make it 6-4. It was his fifth on the year.

Setup man Jeff McArthur came on in the bottom of the eighth and once again, disaster struck. Cruz singled to open the inning and then Darrick Pugh hit a two-run home run to right to tie the game at 6-6. He would get the next three batters out to escape in a tie game.

Gilberto Cardona then led off the ninth with a missile onto the patio in right to put Las Vegas back up 7-6. It was his fourth on the year.

Rob Porter came on and gave up a lead off single to Peter Watanabe. But he was thrown out by Russell O'Reilly trying to steal. Porter would get Price to fly out to center to end the game as he picked up his eighth save.

The Silver Kings (14-28) will have tomorrow off before starting a weekend series in Salt Lake against the Chukars (25-19).

Around the League: Amarillo's Cristian Palbicki homered twice (7,8) and drove in six runs as the Honey Hunters blasted the Black Bears 15-1 to open up a three game series in Denver.

Surprise put an end to Albuquerque's ten game winning streak on Wednesday afternoon with a 10-2 victory. Jeff Nettles hit a triple and home run, driving in three, while MacKenzie Evans drove in four runs for the Saguaros.

Tahoe's Ray Hunter (3-4) tossed a complete game two-hit shutout as the Lake Monsters took care of Salt Lake 5-0 to complete a three game sweep between the two first-place clubs.

Gilberto Cardona hits a dramatic ninth inning bomb to help Las Vegas snap a three game losing streak.

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May 16-18: LAS VEGAS (14-31) @ SALT LAKE (28-19)
Stadium: Deseret Park (Capacity: 15,174)

May 16: Chukars 6, Silver Kings 5
May 17: Chukars 6, Silver Kings 5
May 18: Chukars 6, Silver Kings 3

Salt Lake City, UT (AP) - The woes for Vegas continued as they were swept by Salt Lake in three closes losses. The Silver Kings are now 17 games below .500.

On Friday evening, the Silver Kings opened a weekend series in Salt Lake City with a 6-5 loss to the Chukars. A Michael Rice solo home run in the bottom of the eighth was the difference as Salt Lake ended a three game losing streak with the win.

Eric Machado led off the game with a solo home run, his team leading seventh of the season.

But Salt Lake struck back in the bottom half with four runs of their own. Kyle Gomez singled and stole second. Jackie Phillips doubled him home. Tanner McConnell then doubled Phillips home to make it 2-1. Alejandro Cabrera launched a two-run shot into the seats in right to make it 4-1.

Starting pitcher Jeremi Dillon left the game in the bottom of the third with hamstring tightness. He will be evaluated after the game, but it did not look good. John Sato came on in relief.

In the fourth, the Silver Kings would tie it up as Gilberto Cardona launched a two-out, three-run home run to right.

Salt Lake struck back in the bottm of the fifth thanks to a two-out throwing error from Stephen Park that allowed the go ahead run to score. The Chukars would add a big insurance run in the bottom of the eighth when Michael Rice hit a leadoff home run off of Russ Zickafoose to make it 6-4.

That was huge because Caden Juarez led off the top of the ninth with a solo home run to center, his sixth of the season, and it was a one run game. Gilberto Cardona and Russell O'Reilly then drew one-out walks to put the tying run at second. Junior Maldonado would pinch hit for Todd Matsumoto. The first pitch he saw he blasted to left, but it was just foul. He then bounced into a 6-4-3 game ending double play with Richard Pritchett picking up the save, his 12^th.

Alfonso Luis (3-0) picked up the win out of the bullpen. He pitched a scoreless fifth. Salt Lake starter John Clemente only lasted four innings, allowing four runs on seven hits. The Chukars used five arms out of the bullpen to secure the win.

Jeremi Dillon left the game in the start of the third for Las Vegas. He allowed four runs on four hits. John Sato (0-4) pitched well, allowing one run (unearned) on two hits in 2.2 innings of work, but took the loss. He struck out five. Kai Ransom tossed 2.1 innings of scoreless relief. Russ Zickafoose gave up that big solo home run to Michael Rice in the eighth in his one inning of work.

Jeremi Dillon's injury was not serious, but he will likely miss three starts as the Silver Kings placed him on the 15-Day Injured List after the game. They have recalled Jude Vernon from Triple-A Salt Lake. Vernon was (4-3, 2.50 ERA) in 57 innings for the Bees so far in 2025.

On a late Saturday afternoon at Deseret Park, the Silver Kings once again gave up an eighth inning home run that proved to be the difference in another 6-5 loss to the Chukars. This time it was a David Nakijima solo home run off of Henry Coronado that put Salt Lake up 6-3, and they held one for the one run victory.

Vegas jumped out to a 2-0 lead in this one with single runs in the second and third innings. Russell O'Rielly singled home Gilberto Cardona in the second, and David Tejeda hit a solo home run to right in the third for the early lead.

Salt Lake would strike for five runs in the fifth. Kyle Gomez and Carlos Campillo both singled to open the inning. Danny Wood then grounded to short, but beat out the double play, with Gomez advancing to third. Jackie Phillips singled to right, scoring Gomez. That was the end of Steve Sechrist with Martin Villegas coming on in relief. Tanner McConnell doubled home both Wood and Phillips to give Salt lake their first lead 3-2. Henry Fishman then hit a long home run to left, his 10^th, to make it 5-2.

But the Silver Kings did not lay down. Back-to-back one-out doubles in the seventh from Julio Chacon and Stephen Park cut the lead to 5-3.

David Nakijima's solo home run to right was a big blow, putting the Chukars back up by three at 6-3 heading to the ninth.

Salt Lake brought on closer Richard Pritchett. Todd Matsumoto reached on an infield single, and Julio Chacon walked. Stephen Park flew out to left. David Tejeda then doubled home both Matsumoto and Chacon to cut it to 6-5. Salt Lake went to Diego Lantigua on the mound. He got Mariano Hidalgo to pop out to third and struck out Caden Juarez to end ot, picking up his first save.

The win went to Chukar reliever Arturo Ornelas (2-0). He pitched 1.1 innings in relief of starter David Na, who gave up two runs on nine hits in four innings or work. Salt Lake used seven pitchers in this one.

Steve Sechrist (1-4) took the loss, pitching 4.1 innings and allowing three runs on six hits.

David Tejeda went 3 for 5 with a double, home run and three RBIs.

In Sunday afternoon's finale, the bullpen once again failed the Silver Kings as they dropped a 6-3 decision. Matt Waldron hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth with two big insurance runs for the Chukars.

Salt Lake took a 1-0 lead in the first as Danny Wood homered to left, his second on the year.

Las Vegas would grab the lead in the fifth on a Julio Chacon two-run home run to center. It was his third on the season and it traveled 452 feet.

The lead was short lived as Salt Lake responded with three in the bottom half to retake the lead. Michael Rice led off with a double. Kyle Gomez then doubled him home. After Carlos Campillo struck out, Danny Wood lined a single to right that scored Gomez. Jackie Phillips singled and that was the end for starter Kevin Perez. Eric Herman came on and threw a wild pitch with both runners advancing. Tanner McConnell then grounded out 5-3 with Wood scoring to make it 4-2.

The Silver Kings would get one back in the seventh on a Russell O'Reilly solo home run, his third on the season, to cut it to 4-3.

But once again, Salt Lake got a home run in the bottom of the eighth. This time it was a Matt Waldron two-run home run, his fourth, to give the Chukars a three run cushion.

Closer Richard Pritchett came on and worked the ninth, picking up his 13^th save. Luis Villanueva (3-5) earned the win, throwing 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and striking out three.

Kevin Perez (1-6) took the loss, throwing 4.1 innings and allowing four runs on eight hits, striking out four and walking one.

Caden Juarez went 3 for 4 in the game with a double.

The road trip concludes with a four game series at first-place Tahoe (30-17). The Silver Kings trail the Lake Monsters by 15 games already.

Around the League: St George's Fletcher Long went 3 for 4 with a double, two home runs and four RBIs, including a walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the 11^th as the Archers beat Tahoe 10-8 in the opener of a weekend series.

Surpise has sent 32-year-old right fielder Vladimir Escalera (75 OVR, C POT) to Las Vegas in exchange for 32-year-old catcher Nicky Richards (72 OVR, C POT). Escalera was hitting .333 with four home runs and 15 RBIs for the Saguaros. Richards was hitting .287 with three home runs and 14 RBIs in Triple-A Salt Lake. The Silver Kings then sent left fielder Alexander Busch down to Triple-A Salt Lake. Busch was hitting just .176 with four RBIs and six stolen bases in 24 games.

San Antonio's Isreal Saucedo (3-4) tossed a complete game three hit shutout, striking out 12, as the Javelinas beat Chandler 5-0.

Denver's Harold Ray hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth as the Black Bears rallied to defeat the Pit Spitters 5-4 on Saturday afternoon at Frontier Field.

Albuquerque's Conrad Rouse (5-5) tossed 8.2 shutout innings, scattering five hits and striking out 14, in a 6-0 victory over Glendale.

Phoenix's Rickey Pugh went 2 for 3 with a home run, and four RBIs as Phoenix outslugged Salt River 12-10 on Sunday afternoon.

David Nakijima hit a key home run in Saturday afternoon's victory for the Chukars.

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May 19-22: LAS VEGAS (16-33) @ TAHOE (32-19)
Stadium: Lakefront Park (Capacity: 13,837)

May 19: Lake Monsters 15, Silver Kings 7
May 20: Silver Kings 7, Lake Monsters 0
May 21: Silver Kings 7, Lake Monsters 4
May 22: Lake Monsters 4, Silver Kings 3

South Tahoe, CA (AP) - Las Vegas was just three outs away from a series win against the top team in the DL West, but still managed to split the four game series as it appears as though the offense is starting to heat up.

In the opener on Monday evening, the Silver Kings may have hit rock bottom as they blew a 7-3 lead and lost 15-7. The Lake Monsters hit six home runs including three from superstar Reese Cherry as he went 3 for 5 and drove in four runs. Cherry now has 15 home runs on the season to lead the Desert League.

Las Vegas got off to an incredible start in this one, scoring four runs in the top of the first inning. Eric Machado singled and stole second to start off the ballgame. Danny Watt was hit by a pitch. David Tejeda doubled to right, scoring Machado. Mariano Hidalgo was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs. Caden Juarez grounded into a 5-3 double play, allowing Watt to score to make it 2-0. Newcomer Vladimir Escalera then blasted a two-run home run to center to make it 4-0. With ace Emery Hutchinson on the mound, it looked like this could be a good night for Las Vegas.

The first batter that Hutchinson faced was Reese Cherry. He saw nine pitches and on the ninth pitch launched an absolute bomb, 494 feet into the evening sky to cut the lead to 4-1. The ball landed on the boardwalk and was almost the first ball to land in Lake Tahoe.

The Silver Kings would add another run in the top of the second after Machado walked, stole second and scored on a David Tejeda single to center.

In the bottom of the third, Reese Cherry struck again. This time with a two-run shot onto the roof of the pavilion in right to cut the lead to 5-3.

In the fourth, Las Vegas upped their lead to 7-3 with an RBI double from Mariano Hidalgo and an RBI single from Caden Juarez.

But in the bottom of the fourth, Emery Hutchinson got rocked. Shea Horton hit a long home run to right to cut the lead to 7-4, his 13^th. Jose Dominguez then hit a two-run double to center, scoring Quentin Jamison and Edgar Rosa to cut it to 7-6. Manager Alvin Abrose had to go get Hutchinson with no outs in the fourth. Martin Villegas came on and gave up an RBI single to Guillermo Esquivel that tied the game at 7-7.

Robby Lancaster led off the fifth with a solo home run to right to give Tahoe an 8-7 lead.

The Lake Monsters then batted around in the seventh, scoring seven more runs to blow open the game. Guillermo Esquivel hit a two-run home run and Reese Cherry hit his third home run of the game in the seventh.

Emery Hutchinson went three plus innings, allowing seven runs on six hits. John Sato (0-5) picked up the loss, allowing one run on three hits in one inning of work. Henry Coronado and Russ Zickafoose were the pitchers touched up in the seventh.

This was another brutal loss for Las Vegas as they fell to a league worst (14-32).

Well, Tuesday evening was a completely different story, as the Silver Kings shutout the Lake Monsters 7-0. Antoine Swanger (5-2) threw seven shutout innings, allowing just one hit, a leadoff single in the first inning, striking out six, as the Silver Kings ended a four game losing streak.

This one was scoreless into the seventh inning before Las Vegas finally broke through. Mariano Hidalgo and Caden Juarez singled to open the inning, chasing starter Ray Hunter. Vladimir Escalera beat out a double play ball to leave runners in the corners with one out. Julio Chacon pinch hit for Gilberto Cardona, and popped out to first. Russell O'Reilly then came through with a clutch RBI double down the left field line that scored Hidalgo and Las Vegas went up 1-0.

In the eighth, the Silver Kings would pad their lead. Eric Machado singled and stole second. It was his league leading 22^nd stolen base. Danny Watt walked. David Tejeda then doubled to deep right center, scoring Machado and Watt. Mariano Hidalgo hit a line drive single to left with Tejeda advancing to third. Caden Juarez hit a sacrifice fly to left that scored Tejeda to make it 4-0.

In the top of the ninth, Vegas would add three more runs on a bases clearing three-run double from Danny Watt.

Kai Ransom pitched a scoreless eighth and closer Rob Porter worked a 1-2-3 ninth to close out the 7-0 win.

On Wednesday evening, the Silver Kings got a great pitching performance from Jude Vernon in his IBL debut as they beat the Lake Monsters 7-4. Vernon (1-0) went 6.2 innings, allowing two runs on six hits with six strikeouts and a walk.

Tahoe grabbed a 1-0 lead in the third on a solo home run from Ozzie Rivera. It was his first home run on the season.

Las Vegas responded with two in the top of the fourth on a Vladimir Escalera two-run double that scored Mariano Hidalgo and Caden Juarez. The Silver Kings put a five spot in the board in the fifth, to blow this one open. After Eric Machado grounded out and Danny Watt struck out to open the inning, then the Silver Kings got hot. David Tejeda tripled to center. Mariano Hidalgo reached on a throwing error by shortstop Jose Dominguez with Tejeda scoring. Caden Juarez singled with Hidalgo advancing to third. Vladimir Escalera then hit a three-run home run to right to make it 6-1. Gilberto Cardona followed that with a long home run onto the roof of the pavilion and it was 7-1.

Tahoe got one back in the seventh on a Alex Prado single that scored Ozzie Rivera. Henry Coronado worked out of a jam, stranding two runners as he struck out Robby Lancaster to end the inning.

The Lake Monsters would add solo home runs in the eighth and ninth as Shea Horton (14) homered in the eighth and Reese Cherry (16) homered in the ninth.

Levi McCann (1-1) took the loss for Tahoe. We went 4.2 innings, allowing six runs (three earned) on six hits, striking out one and walking two.

In Thursday afternoon's finale, the long ball once again burned Las Vegas as the Lake Monsters hit three home runs, including back-to-back home runs from Robby Lancaster and Quentin Jamison in the bottom of the ninth as the Lake Monsters rallied for a 4-3 victory.

Tahoe grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an Edgar Rosa RBI double that scored Henry Reyes.

Las Vegas would take the lead in the fourth. Eric Machado walked, then stole second. He would score on a Danny Watt RBI single to right. After Watt was caught stealing, David Tejeda hit a solo home run to center, his eighth on the year and it was 2-1 Silver Kings.

The Silver Kings would add a run in the sixth on an Eric Machado RBI double that scored Todd Machado.

It remained 3-1 until the bottom of the eighth. The Silver Kings brought in Russ Zickafoose and he was greeted by an Alex Prado solo home run to cut the lead to 3-2.

The Silver Kings brought on closer Rob Porter in the ninth and things imploded as he surrendered back-to-back home runs to Robby Lancaster (9) and Quentin Jamison (10) as the Lake Monsters avoided a series loss with the come-from-behind walk-off win. Porter's ERA is now up to 8.10 and manager Alvin Ambrose said after the game that the closer role woud likely change moving forward.

Steve Secrist pitched great but did not get a decision. He went six innings, allowing one run on six hits. Martin Villegas pitched ascoreless inning in relief. But Russ Zickafoose and Rob Porter gave up three combined home runs and Las Vegas fell to (16-33) on the season.

Las Vegas will return home for a six game homestand against Amarillo (29-20) and Chandler (26-23).

Around the League: Surprise's Johnnie Dawley (3-2) tossed a complete game two-hitter, striking out eight and walking two as the Saguaro's shutout Glendale 7-0 on Monday evening. Brett Madden had both of the Desert Dogs hits, both singles.

Tahoe made a blockbuster trade on Wednesday evening, as they sent 29-year-old starting pitcher Irwin Kelly (91 OVR, A POT) to El Paso for 28-year-old second baseman Henry Reyes (88 OVR, B POT) and 24-year-old right fielder Johnny Jackson (69 OVR, B POT). Irwin threw a no hitter earlier this year against Denver on April 1. Irwin was (3-1, 3.75 ERA) with 54 strikeouts in 62.1 innings of work this year. Reyes was hitting .232 with eight home runs and 17 RBIs for the Express in 44 games.

Quentin Jamison and the Lake Monsters celebrate a walk-off win.

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May 23-25: AMARILLO (30-22) @ LAS VEGAS (18-34)
Stadium: Bally's Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

May 23: Silver Kings 6, Honey Hunters 1
May 24: Honey Hunters 6, Silver Kings 1
May 25: Silver Kings 2, Honey Hunters 1 (10)

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas took two of three from first-place Amarillo and now appears to have a bit of momentum.

The Silver Kings returned home and started the home stand off on a positive note with a relatively easy 6-1 victory over the Honey Hunters. Kevin Perez (2-6) went 7.1 innings, allowing one run on three hits, striking out nine, to earn Player of the Game honors.

Amarillo jumped on the board first in the top of the third on a solo home run from George Rosenberg. It was his fifth on the season.

Las Vegas responded in the bottom half with a pair of runs to take the lead. Stephen Park, who got the start at second base, tripled home Todd Matsumoto and Eric Machado, on a ball that hit the top of the wall in dead center, and Las Vegas led 2-1.

In the fifth, Junior Maldonado singled home Todd Matsumoto, and Mariano Hidalgo hit a sacrifice fly to right that plated Eric Machado, to make it 4-1. A Gilberto Cardona two-run home run in the eighth, his seventh, made it 6-1.

Kai Ransom got the final two outs in the eighth in relief of Kevin Perez. Eric Herman gave up two hits in the ninth, but did not allow a run.

Manager Alvin Ambrose gave Danny Watt, David Tejeda, and catcher Russell O'Reilly the night off, to start the home stand.

On Saturday evening, the Honey Hunters turned the tables as they won 6-1. Fredrick Tillman won the battle of aces as he outdueled Emery Hutchinson, tossing seven shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out eight as he improved to (6-4).

Amarillo struck first in this one, but not until the top of the sixth. They would score four times and in the process, sent Emery Hutchinson packing. After Cy Goslin struck out to open the inning, Bernardo Lopez walked. Ian Tunick then singled to center. Cristian Palbicki lined a double to left, scoring both runners and Amarillo went up 2-0. John Sato came on in relief of Hutchinson. Sutton Ruiz singled back up the middle to score Palbicki. Alexi Ortega then reached on an infield single. Steve Batista reached on a throwing error by Todd Matsumoto, allowing Ruiz to score to make it 4-0.

The Honey Hunters would get a run in the eighth as Sutton Ruiz homered off of Martin Villegas. It was his ninth on the year. They would add another solo home run in the ninth as Arlen Larson hit a solo home run to left, his ninth, to make it 6-0.

Las Vegas would get a run back in the bottom of the ninth on a Junior Maldonado RBI single, driving in Danny Watt.

Emery Hutchinson (3-5) took the loss, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing three runs on four hits, striking out three and walking one.

In Sunday afternoon's finale, we had a pitcher's duel, but neither starter figured in the decision as Las Vegas won it 2-1 in extra innings. Mariano Hidalgo lined a base hit off the wall in right, allowing David Tejeda to score the wining run as Las Vegas won the rubber match.

Antoine Swanger was almost unhittable in this one, pitching seven innings and allowing one run on two hits, striking out 11 and walking two. The lone run allowed was a first inning solo home run from Steve Batista.

Las Vegas tied it up in the second on a Julio Chacon solo home run, his fourth.

Amarillo's Marty Rosa came into the game (7-0). He went seven innings, allowing one run on two hits, striking out seven. Eduardo Fernandez (0-1) took the loss. He pitched a 1-2-3 ninth, but gave up the leadoff game winning single to Mariano Hidalgo in the tenth.

Eric Herman, Kai Ransom and Jeff McArthur each tossed a scoreless inning in relief. McArthur (3-1) picked up the win.

Amarillo struck out 16 times in the game with Ian Tunick and Arlen Larsen each striking out three times.

Las Vegas (18-34) will host Chandler (29-23) to close out the six game home stand beginning on Monday evening. The Chiefs are (9-4) in their last 13.

Around the League: Mesa's Mike Anderson hit three home runs (9,10,11) and drove in ten runs in the Solar Sox's 15-1 victory over Gilbert on Friday night. He is now fourth in the Desert League in RBIs with 41, and tied for ninth with 11 home runs.

Oakland's star 23-year-old catcher Anderson Jones suffered a torn ACL in Friday evening's loss to Long Beach. He has been placed on the 60-Day Injured List and is out for the remainder of the 2025 season. Anderson was hitting .259 with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 135 at bats for the Oaks.

San Antonio has traded 33-year-old right fielder Orlando Madrid (75 OVR. B POT) to St George for 24-year-old starting pitcher Phil Brantley (66 OVR, C POT). Madrid was hitting just .143 with one home run and three RBIs in 35 at bats for the Javelinas.

Vaughn Bellamy homered twice (11,12), driving in five as Chandler took care of Flagstaff 11-1. Estevan Cabrera (7-1) got the win, going eight innings, allowing one run and scattering three hits. He struck out 10 and walked four.

Chandler's Buster Kershaw (6-3) tossed a complete game one-hit shutout of Flagstaff on Sunday afternoon in a 5-0 win. Kershaw struck out ten and did not walk a batter, facing one batter over the minimum.

Tucson swept Salt River in a three game series this weekend and now leads the DL East by a half game over Mesa, who swept Gilbert.

The Silver Kings are starting to feel a bit better about themselves lately.

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May 26-28: CHANDLER (31-24) @ LAS VEGAS (19-36)
Stadium: Bally's Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

May 26: Chiefs 2, Silver Kings 1
May 27: Chiefs 4, Silver Kings 2
May 28: Silver Kings 2, Chiefs 0

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas managed to win the finale, in three close ball games against a very good Chandler squad.

In the opener, it was another pitcher's duel and this time the visitors came out on top as Chandler scored in the top of the ninth to squeeze out a 2-1 victory. Vaughn Bellamy hit a blooper that dropped in, allowing Will Robinson to score from second with two outs in the ninth with the go ahead run.

Rookie Jude Vernon was once again fantastic for Las Vegas. He went 8.1 innings, allowing one run on four hits, striking out five and not allowing a walk. Kai Ransom, who many believe will be the new closer, allowed the game winner, but it was a blooper that found grass.

Las Vegas took the lead in the third on a David Tejeda bases loaded sacrifice fly. But the Silver Kings left runners at second and third as Mariano Hidalgo flew out to center to end the inning.

Chandler tied it up in the fifth on a Phill Russ solo home run, his eighth on the season.

Vernon Lorenz tossed seven innings, allowing one run on six hits. Aaron Gomez (4-2) picked up the win, throwing a scoreless eighth. Reese O'Farrell picked up his 20^th save working the ninth.

On Tuesday evening, the Silver Kings wasted a nice pitching performance from Steve Sechrist as they fell to the Chiefs 4-2. A Vaughn Bellamy RBI double in the top of the eighth gave Chandler the lead and they held on to win their fifth straight game.

Las Vegas grabbed a 1-0 lead in the fourth. Eric Machado led off with a triple to right center. He scored on a Danny Watt sacrifice fly to right and it was 1-0 Silver Kings. They extended that lead to 2-0 in the fifth on a two-out RBI single from Russell O'Reilly, driving in Caden Juarez.

Chandler would load the bases with one out in the top of the sixth, when manager Alvin Ambrose went to his bullpen. John Sato came on and on the first pitch gave up a two-run single to Phil Russ to tie the game at 2-2. Sato would get the final two outs without surrendering another run.

In the eighth, the Silver Kings turned to Jeff McArthur. Rosales led off with a base hit to left. He was lifted for a pinch runner, Ochoa. Vaughn Bellamy doubled to center allowing Ochoa to score from first as Chandler took their first lead. Bellamy advanced to third on a groundout. He scored on a strikeout, wild pitch, to make it 4-2. McArthur (3-2) has been a bit of a disaster lately as has the rest of the backend of the Las Vegas bullpen. McArthur saw his ERA jump to 5.11 as he took the loss.

Meanwhile, Chandler's bullpen worked out of a couple of jams in the seventh and eighth to hold onto the victory. Angel Espinoza (2-1) picked up the win in relief of starter Richie Sherr. Reese O'Farrell picked up his 21^st save.

On Wednesday evening, the Silver Kiongs managed to salvage the finale with a 2-0 victory. Kevin Perez (3-6) tossed seven shutout innings, allowing seven hits, striking out four, and walking one.

Las Vegas would score all of their runs in the third. Julius Roderick struck out, but reached first on a wild pitch. Eric Machado then tripled to right center, scoring Roberick. Danny Watt followed that with a sacrifice fly that score Machado to make it 2-0.

The Las Vegas defense was just as good as it's pitching as they turned four double plays in the game, including a huge 6-4-3 double play to end the first inning with the bases loaded.

Eric Herman pitched a scoreless eighth and Kai Ransom worked a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up his first save.

The Silver Kings finished the home stand at (3-3) and are now (19-36) on the year. They have Thursday off before starting a road trip at Surprise (27-29).

Around the League: Peoria's Yusniel Tejera hit a two run home run in the top of the 15^th as the Pit Spitters beat San Antonio 8-6 in the longest game in IBL history. The home run was Tejera's only hit of the ball game. The Jevelinas' Branden Hazel hit three home runs (5,6,7) in the game, all solo shots.

Phoenix's George Brandt (9-2) won his league leading ninth game on Tuesday evening as the Firebirds blanked St George 5-0. Brandt pitched 7.2 innings, scattering six hits, striking out five and walking five,

Colorado Springs Robby Lundy (3-3) tossed seven innings, allowing one run on just two hits, striking out 11, and walking six, as the Snow Sox defeated Scottsdale 11-2.

Oakland has lost shortstop Ivan Suacedo for the rest of the season with a torn labrum. He was hitting .257 with two home runs and 19 RBIs in 50 games, along with 13 stolen bases. The Oaks are currently 3.5 games ahead of Las Vegas in the DL West.

Vaughn Bellamy came up big in the two Chandler wins this week.

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May 30-31, June 1: LAS VEGAS (20-38) @ SURPRISE (29-30)
Stadium: Surprise Stadium (Capacity: 10,674)

May 30: Silver Kings 4, Saguaros 1
May 31: Saguaros 9, Silver Kings 5
June 1: Saguaros 8, Silver Kings 7

Surprise, AZ (AP) - Another monumental collapse prevented Las Vegas from winning a series in Surprise as they dropped two of three to the Saguaros.

The Silver Kings opened up their road trip with a 4-1 victory over the Saguaros. Emery Hutchinson went six innings, allowing one run on three hits, striking out 11 to pick up his fourth win.

Las Vegas went up 2-0 in the first on RBI singles from Julio Chacon and Danny Watt. Watt would add an RBI single in the third to make it 3-0.

Surprise would finally get to Emery Hutchinson in the fifth. Jeff Nettles doubled for the Saguaros first hit. Jonathan Patel then singled him home to cut the Las Vegas lead to 3-1.

A Russell O'Reilly RBI single in the seventh put the Silver Kings up 4-1.

Henry Coronado, Russ Zickafoose and Kai Ransom each threw a scoreless inning in relief. Ransom picked up his second save.

Surprise batters struck out 15 times and only had one walk.

On Saturday afternoon, the Saguaros bounced back with a 17-hit attack as they won 9-5. MacKenzie Evans went 4 for 5 with two home runs and three RBIs to lead the way for Surprise.

Surprise got off to a quick start as they scored in the first inning on MacKenzie Evans first home run of the game, a solo shot.

Las Vegas responded in the top of the second as Caden Juarez (7) homered to center. Todd Matsumoto added an RBI single, scoring Vladimir Escalera to put the Silver Kings up 2-1.

Surprise answered right back with a Jonathan Patel solo home run (8) to tie the game at 2-2.

Danny Watt was hit by a pitch to lead off the third for the Silver Kings. He stole second and scored on a David Tejeda single to give the Silver Kings a 3-2 lead.

The Saguaros answered again in the bottom half with RBI singles from Edmund Isaac and Jonathan Patel to retake the lead at 4-3. They woud add a pair in the fourth on a Keaton Ross two-run home run, his fifth. That was the end of starter Antoine Swanger. Swanger (5-3) went 3.1 innings, allowing six runs on nine hits. He has won five straight decisions coming into this one.

A Mariano Hidalgo solo home run in the top of the sixth cut it to 6-4, but Surprise answered right back again with two in the bottom half. This time it was MacKenzie Evans with a two-run shot, his second of the game and 11^th on the year, to make it 8-4. The Saguaros would add another run in the seventh on a Ramon Rayes RBI double.

Las Vegas got one back in the ninth on a Todd Matsumoto RBI double.

Every player in the lineup on the Saguaros had a hit in the game.

David Olsen (2-5) earned the win, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing four runs on eight hits, striking out two.

I am not sure what is left to say about this Las Vegas team in 2025. On Sunday afternoon, they blew a 7-0 lead and lost on a walk-off three-run home run from MacKenzie Evans as they fell 8-7. Evans went 2 for 5 with two more home runs, driving in four, as he killed the Silver Kings this weekend.

Las Vegas looked like they were going to cruise to a victory, building a 7-0 lead after four and a half innings. Julio Chacon hit a two-run home run in the first to get things started. In the third, Chacon hit an RBI double, with Russell O'Reilly adding an RBI single. In the fourth it was a two-run home run from Todd Matsumoto that put Vegas up 6-0. Caden Juarez then homered in the fifth to make it 7-0.

Surprise got one back in the fifth as Jonathan Patel homered, his ninth on the season and second of the series.

Starter Jude Vernon pitched seven innings, allowing one run on four hits, striking out four and walking one. He has been fantastic since Jeremi Dillon went on the Injured list. He has an ERA of 1.64 and has looked very good as a #3 starter, maybe making Dillon expendable. Dillon came off of the injured list this morning and was sent to Triple-A Salt Lake for a couple of rehab starts.

Things fell apart in the eighth. Former closer Rob Porter came in and was lit up, giving up three solo home runs. MacKenzie Evans, Ramon Reyes, and William Banks each hit solo shots off of Porter. Porter's ERA has jumped to 10.45 as he only managed to get one out in the eighth.

New closer Kai Ransom came on in the ninth getting Keaton Ross to strike out and Jonathan Patel to fly out to center to start the inning. Ramon Reyes singled to center. William Banks then hit what looked like a game ending grounder to second that Danny Watt bobbled and all runners were safe. Moreno singled to center, scoring Reyes to cut it to 7-5. MacKenzie Evens then worked the count full before blasting a 3-2 fastball over the wall in right to walk it off.

Ransom (0-2) allowed four run in four hits in 0.2 innings of work. Las Vegas just cannot find an answer at closer and we are now two months into the season.

The loss dropped Las Vegas to (20-38) on the year. The road trip continues tomorrow as they stay in the Valley to take on Gilbert (30-31).

Around the League: Boise has traded 29-year-old centerfielder Darryl Nair (75 OVR, C POT) to Chandler for 22-year-old starting pitcher Demarcus Bronson (64 OVR, C POT). Nair was hitting .304 with three home runs and 19 RBIs in 45 games for the Hawks.

Santa Fe has lost their ace Arnold Gilliand to a torn pectoral muscle. H ewas placed on the 60-Day Injured List and is expected to miss two to three months. They hope to have him back in late August-early September. He was (7-3, 3.52 ERA) with 76 strikeouts in 69.0 innings for a Jays team that is just a game out of first in the ML Central.

Surprise's MacKenzie Evans hit four home runs in the series including this walk off winner on Sunday.

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MAY AWARDS:
ML Pitcher of Month: Robby Wolfe (RP, Albuquerque) 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 7 SV's, 17 K's
ML Player of Month: Chad Riley (1B, Boise) .236, 8 HR, 14 RBIs
ML Rookie of Month: Joe Hendrix (SP, Santa Fe) 3-2, 2.95 ERA, 35 K's

DL Pitcher of Month: Alfonso Cruz (RP, Phoenix) 2-0, 0.69 ERA, 11 SV's, 13 K's
DL Player of Month: Shea Horton (1B, Tahoe) .280, 9 HR, 23 RBIs
DL Rookie of Month: Sam Diluca (RP, Mesa) 1-1, 1.69 ERA, 8 SV's, 7 K's

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June 2-4: LAS VEGAS (21-40) @ GILBERT (32-32)
Stadium: Fry's Field (Capacity: 9,448)

June 2: Barnstormers 2, Silver Kings 0
June 3: Silver Kings 3, Barnstormers 2
June 3: Barnstormers 6, Silver Kings 5

Gilbert, AZ (AP) - At some point, you just have to shake your head. The Silver Kings blew a late 5-1 lead in the finale, losing in walk-off fashion to allow Gilbert to win the series and drop the Silver Kings to (21-40) on the season.

The Barnstormers opened the series with Carlton Russell dominating, as he threw eight scoreless innings, scattering three hits and striking out five in a 2-0 victory. A Lamont Brady two-run hoe run in the sixth was the only scoring that the Barnstormers would need as they got back to .500.

Steve Sechrist (1-5) was the hard luck loser. He went 5.2 innings, allowing the two runs on three hits, striking out three. He was fantastic until the mistake to Brady in the sixth.

Martin Villegas tossed 2.1 scorless innings, allowing just one baserunner and striking out three. Mariano Hidalgo went 2 for 4 with a double in the loss.

Dan Law pitched the ninth for Gilbert and stayed perfect on the year, earning his 16^th save in 16 opportunities. Carlton Russell improved to (6-4) with the gem that he tossed.

On Tuesday evening, the Silver Kings responded with a 3-2 victory. Kevin Perez tossed 6.1 innings, allowing one run on six hits, striking out four as he improved to (4-6).

Gilbert would grab a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an Alton Callahan RBI single.

The Silver Kings would get single runs in the fourth, fifth, and six innings to go ahead 3-1. In the fourth, Caden Jaurez singled home Mariano Hidalgo, who had doubled to open the inning. In the fifth, Julio Maldonado doubled home Russell O'Reilly, who also had opened the inning with a double. Eric Machado blasted a 444' home run in the sixth to put Las Vegas up 3-1. It was his eighth on the year.

Gilbert got one back in the eighth as Lamont Brady homered off of reliever Russ Zickafoose. It was his fifth on the year, and second in two nights.

Las Vegas closer Kai Ransom worked a scoreless ninth to pick up his third save in five chances.

In the finale, the Silver Kings bullpen imploded...again. This time blowing a 5-1 lead as Gilbert pulled out a 6-5 walk-off win to win the series. Alton Callahan hit a ball off his hands, popping it over third base to drive in both runs in the bottom of the ninth as the Silver Kings' frustrations continue to mount.

Las Vegas grabbed a lead on the first batter of the game as Mariano Hidalgo homered to right, his eighth of the season. Russell O'Reilly would add a two-out RBI single to give Las Vegas a 2-0 lead after half an inning.

Danny Watt added a solo home run to center in the third to make it 3-0.

Lamont Brady homered off of Emery Hutchinson in the fourth. The solo shot was his sixth on the year and third in this series.

Julio Chacon hit a two-run home run in the top of the fifth to put Las Vegas up 5-1. Red-hot Luis Delgaudio answered with a two-run shot in the bottom half to cut the lead to 5-3.

Emery Hutchinson pitched into the eighth, before giving way to Eric Herman. Herman served up a solo home run to Joaquin Ramirez that cut the Silver Kings lead to 5-4. The Silver Kings sent Herman back out for the ninth. Michael Castro singled, Rico Estrella doubled, and then Alton Callahan blooped in both runs to win the game.

Emery Hutchinson threw 7.1 innings, allowing three runs on three hits, striking out five. Eric Herman (0-1) took the loss, throwing 0.2 and allowing three runs on four hits. Gilbert used six pitchers with Orlando David (3-0) picking up the win. He faced two batters in the ninth and got both out, stranding two runners in scoring position. The Silver Kings outhit Gilbert 16 to 7.

Las Vegas will now return home to face Long Beach (32-29) and Tahoe (40-24).

Around the League: San Antonio's Branden Hazel doubled and homered (8), driving in five runs as the Javelinas beat Salt Lake 6-3

Teddy Walker homered twice (11,12), driving in five, while Conrad Rouse (7-6) allowed just two hits over eight innings as Albuquerque beat Colorado Springs 8-1.

West Texas scored six in the bottom of the ninth to storm back and stun Denver 7-6 on Wednesday evening in Lubbock. Denver's Cole Joseph walked in the winning run in an improbable victory for the Bison.

Santa Fe's Corey Ziemer singled back up the middle to lead off the tenth, scoring Felipe Gomez with the game winning run in a 1-0 walk-off victory for the Jays over the Oakland Oaks.

Robby Lancaster homered twice (11,12), driving in three as Tahoe beat Glendale 5-0. Ray Hunter (5-6) picked up the win, tossing seven shutout innings, scattering six hits and striking out six.

West Texas has traded 29-year-old starting pitcher Dave Stanley (77 OVR, C POT) to Salt Lake for 29-year-old centerfielder Carlos Campillo (79 OVR, B POT).

The Barnstormers celebrate a walk-off win to win the series.