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

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JULY AWARDS:
ML Pitcher of Month: Henry Nomo (SP, Boise) 5-0, 1.28 ERA, 28 Strikeouts
ML Player of Month: Chuck Cox (3B, Santa Fe) .358, 8 HR, 18 RBI
ML Rookie of Month: Henry Nomo (SP, Boise) 5-0, 1.28 ERA, 28 Strikeouts

DL Pitcher of Month: MacKenzie Kwon (SP, Glendale) 4-0, 2.63 ERA, 40 Strikeouts
DL Player of Month: Shea Horton (1B, Tahoe/Scottsdale) .397, 8 HR, 16 RBIs
DL Rookie of Month: Dirk Osborne (SP, Tahoe) 3-0, 3.44 ERA, 13 Strikeouts

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Phoenix, AZ (AP) - The 2025 IBL Draft was held just before the All-Star break in Austin and here are the results of the first round. Las Vegas selected first baseman George Rezae second overall. The club signed all of their picks except for their final pick reliever Hollis Shaffer, who decided to go to college.

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IBL UPDATES

Phoenix, AZ (AP) - Here is an updated positional power rankings of the Intermountain Baseball League after the trade deadline as we head into the stretch run.

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August 1-3: PEORIA (56-56) @ LAS VEGAS (46-66)
Stadium: Ballys Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

August 1: Pit Spitters 3, Silver Kings 2
August 2: Silver Kings 1, Pit Spitters 0
August 3: Pit Spitters 6, Silver Kings 1

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas dropped two of three to a struggling Peoria team as the homestand continues. The Silver Kings are (5-5) so far on the 13 game home stand.

The first game after the trade deadline and the Silver Kings dropped a 3-2 decision to the Pit Spitters. Yusniel Tejera broke a 2-2 tie with a solo home run in the ninth to send Peoria to the victory.

This one was another pitcher's duel here at Bally's Ballpark, a theme in 2025.

Peoria got on the board first in the top of the fourth. Alfonso Escalona singled and reached second on a wild pitch. Odell McCarthy hit a one out single down the left field line to score Escalona to put Peoria up 1-0. In the bottom half, Gilberto Cardona homered to center, his 12^th on the season to tie it back up at 1-1.

Light hitting Todd Matsumato hit a solo home run into the fountains in the fifth to put Vegas in front 2-1, his third home run on the year.

But Peoria got one back in the seventh on a Roy McNally RBI single to right that scored Yusniel Tejera, who had walked to open the inning and stole second.

The game remained tied into the ninth when Yusniel Tejera hit a one out solo home run to right off of Henry Coronado that proved to be the game winning run. Boston Portillo came in in the bottom half to pick up the save, his fifth, sending down the Silver Kings in order. Barry Richardson (5-2) picked up the win out of the Peoria bullpen.

Kevin Perez tossed seven strong innings, allowing two runs on six hits, striking out five and walking one. Henry Coronado (1-2) took the loss, throwing the final two innings.

On Saturday evening, the Silver Kings used three pitchers in a 1-0 shutout of the Pit Spitters. Emery Hutchinson (10-8) picked up his tenth win on the season, allowing three hits and striking out five in six innings of work.

Las Vegas took a 1-0 lead in the second on a Gilberto Cardona RBI single, scoring Junior Maldonado. That was all that Las Vegas would need in this one.

The bullpen tossed three scoreless innings in relief of Emery Hutchinson. Thurman Ratto struck out the final four batters that he faced and Bill Larkin struck out the side in the ninth to pick up his second save. In all, Peoria struck out 12 times and only had one walk in the game.

Las Vegas only had four hits with Josh Olson (4-12) getting the loss for Peoria. He went seven innings, allowing the one run on four hits and striking out four.

The series wrapped on Sunday afternoon with Peoria taking the rubber match by a 6-1 score. Irwin Kinslow (7-7) dominated the Silver Kings, going 7.2 innings and allowing just one run on three hits, striking out five, to pick up the win.

Odell McCarthy broke out of his mini slump in this one as he blasted a first inning home run, his 23^rd on the season and Peoria was out to an early 1-0 lead. It would remain that way until the fifth inning, when the floodgates opened. Elijah Daly led off with a triple. Scotty Rockwell was then hit by a pitch on an 0-2 count. Conner Madrigal hit a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Daly. Alfonso Escalona then tripled to right off of the glove of Alexander Busch, with Rockwell scoring to make it 3-0. Nino Mosquera then hit another sacrifice fly and the Pit Spitters went up by four.

Las Vegas got their only run in the sixth on a Todd Matsumoto RBI single, driving in Stephen Park, who had tripled.

The Pit Spitters would add two more runs in the eighth. One on a Mike Kennedy sacrifice fly and the other on a wild pitch that allowed Odell McCarthy to score.

Antoine Swanger (7-7) had been great lately but struggled on Sunday afternoon. He went five innings, allowing four runs on six hits. John Sato tossed two scoreless innings in relief. Martin Villegas was knocked around a bit in the eighth, allowing two earned runs.

Las Vegas (46-66) will now host Tucson to close out the longest home stand of the season.

After Sunday's game, the Silver Kings optioned reliever Martin Villegas to Triple-A Salt Lake and recalled outfielder Julius Newsome.

Around the League: Gilbert's Norm Doby (10-8) tossed eight strong innings, allowing two runs and striking out seven as Gilbert beats Oakland 8-2. Alton Callahan hit two home runs (24,25) and drove in four for the Barnstormers. Tahoe's Mark Payton (13-4) picks up another win, going seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits, striking out seven as the Lake Monsters ended Boise's six game winning streak.

Gilbert completed a three game sweep of Oakland on Sunday with an 8-7 walk-off win in extra innings. Rico Estrella went 4 for 5, driving in four, but his two-run walk-off home run proved to be the game winner in the tenth. Tucson stays hot as they swept Salt Lake to keep pace in the DL East, running their winning streak to six games.

William Choi (25) and Bo Mitchell (15) each homered for Santa Fe on Sunday to break a 12-game losing streak with an 8-3 victory over Flagstaff. The Jays, in third place, still only sit two games back of Albuquerque and Colorado Springs in the DL Central sitting at (54-58).

Peoria's Yusniel Tejera hit a big home run in the ninth to win the opener.

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August 4-6: TUCSON (62-54) @ LAS VEGAS (46-69)
Stadium: Ballys Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

August 4: Roadrunners 3, Silver Kings 0
August 5: Roadrunners 5, Silver Kings 0
August 6: Roadrunners 9, Silver Kings 6

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Tucson came into Las Vegas red-hot and completed a three game sweep of the Silver Kings to run their winning streak to nine games.

The dog days of summer are upon us and the Silver Kings offense seems to be melting in the heat. On Monday evening, the Silver Kings again managed just three hits in a 3-0 loss to Tucson. They have just ten hits combined in their last three games.

Tucson would grab a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a Herbert Webber RBI single, that pushed across Andy Sato. They would increase that lead to 2-0 in the fourth on a Scott Douglas RBI double off of the wall in left center. A Jeffrey McGregor sacrifice fly in the seventh put the Roadrunners up 3-0.

Jude Vernon (4-3) took the loss for Las Vegas, allowing three runs on five hits, striking out seven and walking one in 6.1 innings of work. Willie Terry (7-13) picked up the win for Tucson. He went seven innings, scattering three hits and striking out six.

Las Vegas' offensive woes continued on Tuesday evening as they were shutout for a second straight game, losing 5-0 to the Roadrunners. David Curren (6-4) went 7.1 innings, scattering six hits and striking out six to earn the win.

Tucson jumped on a Steve Sechrist early. In the second, Tyler Chavis came through with a clutch two-out, two-run double to put Tucson up 2-0. An RBI double from Harold Ray in the third made it 3-0. Tyler Chavis came through with another two-out, two-run double in the sixth, to make it 5-0.

Steve Sechrist (1-11) lost his eleventh straight decision. He went 5.2 innings, allowing five runs on eight hits, striking out five and walking three. Newly acquired Thurman Ratto threw three scoreless innings in relief.

The Silver Kings have just seventeen hits in their last four games combined! They have been outscored 14-1 in their last three games.

In Wednesday afternoon's finale, Tucson fell behind early, then turned on the offense and cruised to a 9-6 victory to complete the three game sweep. Herbert Webber was a double short of the cycle, driving in two, to lead Tucson to a ninth straight victory.

Tucson scored in the first on a Tyler Chavis solo homerun, sixth on the year. Las Vegas responded with three in the bottom half. David Tejeda singled home Gilberto Cardona, who had doubled. Julio Chacon then hit a two-run home run (10) to make it 3-1.

In the second, Tucson answered back with two, two-out RBI singles to tie the game. Las Vegas once again answered, with rookie Julius Newsome doubling, and scoring on a Russell O'Reilly single to put Vegas back in front 4-3.

The Silver Kings would add to that lead in the third on a Caden Juarez RBI double that scored Julio Chacon and Vegas went up 5-3.

In the fourth, Tucson answered right back with a two-out RBI double from Jeffrey McGregor to cut the Vegas lead to 5-4.

In the sixth, Tucson blew this one open. Micah Lange hit a bloop single to left to open the inning. Harold Ray doubled to left to score Lange to tie the game at 5-5. Henry Coronado came in to relieve David Perez. He got Jeffrey McGregor to fly out to right. Ben Villasmil then singled home Ray to put Tucson ahead. Andy Sato followed with an RBI triple. Herbert Webber then tripled with Sato scoring to make it 8-5.

Las Vegas got one back in the eighth on another Caden Juarez RBI double. But Herbert Webber hit a solo home run to open the ninth and Tucson was back up by three. Matt Tanner then came on and sent down the Silver Kings in order to pick up his 30^th save, and run Las Vegas' losing streak to four games.

The Silver Kings finished the longest home stand of the season at (5-8) after it started out well. They will now head to Phoenix for a quick three game road trip to take on the Firebirds (63-53).

Around the League: West Texas has claimed 28-year-old reliever Steven Silva (71 OVR, C POT) off waivers from Santa Fe.

San Diego got a huge three-run home run from Henry Aguilar (21) in the bottom of the eighth as they rallied to defeat Chandler 6-5 on Monday night. Reliever Evan Chick improved to (7-0) as he worked two scoreless innings with Norris Walk picking up his league leading 39^th save.

Chandler got a Jose Valdez solo home run in the top of the ninth off of Michael Means (4-1) to help Chandler slip past San Diego 4-3 in the second game of a big three game series in Old Town. Surprise had three players drive in four runs each in a 15-8 victory over San Antonio at Huntington Park. Keaton Ross, Carlos Valdez and newly acquired Andy Abreau each drove in four as the Saguaros pounded out 14 hits in the win and now sit a half game ahead of Phoenix in the DL Central. Red hot Colorado Springs won their fourth straight, defeating Denver 9-2 and now sit alone atop the ML Central at (58-56).

Tucson's Tyler Chavis hit two, two-run doubles in Tuesday evening's 5-0 win.

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August 8-10: LAS VEGAS (48-70) @ PHOENIX (64-55)
Stadium: Southwest Airlines Field (Capacity: 32,566)

August 8: Silver Kings 6, Firebirds 1
August 9: Silver Kings 13, Firebirds 6
August 10: Firebirds 5, Silver Kings 4

Phoenix, AZ (AP) - Las Vegas was just four outs away from a sweep in Phoenix, but had to settle for a series win as they took two of three from the first-place Firebirds.

The Silver Kings opened up their series in Phoenix with an impressive 6-1 victory over the Firebirds. Emery Hutchinson (11-8) dominated, tossing a complete game, scattering two hits and striking out 11.

Las Vegas brought the offense early in this one, chasing Phoenix starter Hunter Moss after just four outs. In the first, David Tejeda hit a two-run home run to center, his 21^st on the year and the Silver Kings were off to a quick 2-0 start. In the second, the Silver Kings added three more home runs. Julius Newsome (1), Russell O'Reilly (7), and Mariano Hidalgo (16) each homered with Newsome's being a two-run shot, to put the Silver Kings up 6-0.

Shane Dale hit a solo home run for the Firebirds in the fourth, his 16^th on the year. That would be the only hit Phoenix would have until a Phil Chapman single in the ninth.

Hunter Moss (6-10) lasted just 1.1 innings, allowing six runs on six hits.

On Saturday evening, the Silver Kings offense exploded for a season high 13 runs as they blasted the Firebirds 13-6. Las Vegas pounded out 16 hits, including three more home runs as they improved to (5-1) against the Firebirds this season.

Once again, the Silver Kings got off to a great start, scoring four times in the top of the first inning. Julio Chacon lined an RBI single that scored Gilberto Cardona to put the first run on the board. Caden Juarez singled home David Tejeda to make it 2-0. Stephen Park singled to right, scoring Julio Chacon and Caden Juarez, but he was thrown out at second on the play.

Russell O'Reilly homered for the second straight game in the second inning. It was his eighth on the year and that made it 5-0.

Phoenix began to chip away at that lead in the third as Jeramy Johnson homered (11) to left. Estevan Hernandez lined an RBI single to left to score Rickey Pugh in the fourth to cut the Vegas lead to 5-2.

Las Vegas added two more runs in the top of the sixth on a Todd Matsumoto two-run home run, his fourth on the year. But Phoenix got three back in the bottom half. Rickey Pugh hit a solo home run, his 20^th. Harper then blasted a two-run home run to left to cut the Las Vegas lead to 7-5.

Las Vegas finally blew this one open in the eighth. Todd Matsumoto lined an RBI single to center to score Julius Newsome. Mariano Hidalgo added a two-out, two-run single to right to make it 10-5. Stephen Park added a three-run home run in the ninth, his third, to make it 13-5. Park went 2 for 5 with the home run and he drove in five runs in the game.

Phoenix would get a solo home run from Jody Morton (15) in the bottom of the ninth off of closer Kai Ransom, but never threatened a comeback.

Antoine Swanger (8-7) picked up the win, but he wasn't particularly sharp. He went 5.1 innings, allowing five runs on seven hits, striking out six. D.J. Saunders (5-12) took the loss for Phoenix. He went five plus innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits. The Phoenix bullpen was not good, allowing eight runs on eight hits in four innings of work.

In Sunday afternoon's finale, the Firebirds rallied from a late 4-1 deficit to win in walk-off fashion 5-4. Lance Deardorff's two-out, RBI single to left scored John Harper with the game winning run to help the Firebirds avoid a three game sweep against last place Las Vegas.

Phoenix took the lead in the third on a Phil Chapman sacrifice fly, scoring Jason Lott.

Las Vegas tied the game up in the sixth with Gilberto Cardona hitting a one-out triple to left center, and scoring on a David Tejeda base hit to left. The Silver Kings would take the lead in the seventh. Caden Juarez hit a solo home run to left, his 18^th, and Stefan Hernandez added a two-run home run, his first in the big leagues, to put the Silver Kings up 4-1.

But they could not hold that lead. Henry Coronado came on in relief of Jude Vernon in the eighth and the Firebirds came to life. Jason Lott doubled down the line to open the inning. Lance Deardorff would ground out with Lott advancing to third. Jeramy Johnson reached on an infield single with Lott scoring to cut it to 4-2. Phil Chapman then doubled to left. Richie Dale grounded out to first with Johnson scoring to cut it to 4-3.

Las Vegas then brought in Bill Larkin but Rickey Pugh was able to fist one into short left allowing Chapman to score to tie the game at 4-4.

In the ninth, Stefan Hernandez hit a two-out double to give the Silver Kings a chance to take the lead. But Todd Matsumoto struck out on a 3-2 pitch to end the inning. In the bottom half, John Sato came on to pitch. After getting Hernandez to line out to center, John Harper reached on a throwing error from David Tejeda. Sato struck out Horton, and walked Jason Lott. Lance Deardorff then hit a soft liner into left that scored Harper with the winning run.

Jude Vernon was once again excellent for the Silver Kings, tossing seven innings and allowing just one run on two hits, striking out eight and walking one. Henry Coronado gets credit for a hold, but he was responsible for all three runs in the eighth with Bill Larkin getting a blown save. John Sato (2-7) took the loss, allowing the unearned run in the ninth.

Rodger Dominay (7-2) got the win for Phoenix, pitching a scoreless eighth and ninth.

The Silver Kings (48-70) return home for a three game series with Salt Lake (60-58)

Around the League: Colorado Springs Dwight Saryan improved to (13-3) as he went 7.2 innings, allowing one run on five hits, striking out four and walking two, as the Snow Sox buried Santa Fe 7-1. Gilbert won it's seventh straight game as they opened up a weekend series in Billings by crushing the Mustangs 16-8. The Barnstormers pounded out 24 hits with Lamont Brady, Rico Estrella and Alton Callahan each having four hit games. They each hit a home run in the game also.

One day after Long Beach snapped their nine game winning streak, Tucson bounced back with a 22 hit outburst as they throttled the Surf Dawgs 19-3. The Roadrunners hit seven home runs, led by Scott Douglas, who went 4 for 5 with two doubles, a home run (16) and four RBIs. Gilbert followed up their 24 hit performance on Friday with 21 hits on Saturday, scoring 15 runs in a 15-1 win at Billings. Rico Estrella hit two more home runs (24,25), driving in three, as Gilbert moved into first place in the DL East.

San Diego completed a three game sweep of Austin to take over first place in the DL West. J.J. Willis (9-10) threw a complete game two-hit shutout on Sunday afternoon, striking out seven in a 4-0 win.

Russell O'Reilly homered twice in the series in Phoenix.

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August 11-13: SALT LAKE (62-59) @ LAS VEGAS (49-72)
Stadium: Ballys Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

August 11: Chukars 4, Silver Kings 3
August 12: Silver Kings 6, Chukars 3
August 13: Chukars 5, Silver Kings 4

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas played a competitive series, but still dropped two of three to a very good Salt Lake team.

Salt Lake opened up a three game series in Las Vegas with a come-from-behind 4-3 victory. Reliever Dave Stanley (3-12) was huge for the Chukars, throwing 3.1 shutout innings to pick up the win, allowing three hits and striking out three.

Las Vegas went up 1-0 in the second inning after Julio Chacon tripled and Junior Maldonado singled him home. Salt Lake responded with two in the top of the third to take the lead. Danny Wood homered (6) to center to tie it, and Kyle Gomez doubled home Daniel Murillo to put the Chukars up 2-1.

But Las Vegas responded in the bottom half of the third with two of their own. Mariano Hidalgo homered (17) to tie the game at 2-2. Russell O'Reilly then reached on a two-out error by shortstop Matt Waldron, allowing Caden Juarez to score and Las Vegas went up 3-2.

A Danny Wood RBI single in the sixth tied the game up. The Chukars would take the lead in the seventh on a solo home run from David Nakajima, his 24^th on the season.

Las Vegas had a big chance to tie it up in the ninth after Mariano Hidalgo singled and Caden Juarez was hit by a pitch. But Chukars closer Richard Pritchett got Ray Guardado looking, and got Julio Chacon to ground out 6-4 to end it. He picked up his 34^th save.

Steve Sechrist did not get a decision, but pitched pretty well, going 5.2 innings and allowing three runs on seven hits, striking out five. Thurman Ratto (0-1) picked up the loss, allowing the go ahead run in the seventh.

Notes: Danny Watt has finally come off the disabled list, recovering from his broken foot. He has been out since July 5^th. To make room for him, the Silver Kings have sent Kevin Harris back to Triple-A Salt Lake. The team also claimed 25-year-old reliever Troy Snell off waivers from Glendale. He has been assigned to Salt Lake.

On Tuesday evening, Danny Watt returned to the lineup and he sparked a 6-3 victory over the Chukars. Watt went 2 for 4 with a triple and two RBIs as he returned from the Injured List.

Las Vegas quickly jumped on John Clemente. Mariano Hidalgo and Gilberto Cardona doubled to open the game. David Tejeda singled home Cardona to make it 2-0. Danny Watt came through with a big two-out, two-run single in the third to make it 4-0.

A Michael Rice two-run home run (15) in the sixth got the Chukars on the board and gave them some life. In the eighth, the Chukars got an RBI triple from Matt Waldron, but he was stranded at third as Willie Willey struck out Michael Rice to leave the tying run at third.

Las Vegas then added two huge insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth. Danny Watt hit a one-out triple to center. Rookie Julius Newsome came through again with an RBI single to score Watt. Russell O'Reilly singled to right, and Alexander Busch came through with his third hit of the night to drive in Newsome to make it 6-3.

Alexander Busch went 3 for 4 with a single, double, triple and an RBI.

In the ninth, Willie Willey got the first out, then turned it over to Bill Larkin to get the last two batters, earning his third save. Kevin Perez (10-8) went 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out five and walking two.

John Clemente (10-7) took the loss. He came in with a sub-3.00 ERA, but gave up three runs (two earned) on five hits in only two innings of work. He left with back spasms.

In the finale, Salt Lake jumped on Emery Hutchinson in the first, scoring three times and they rode that to a 5-4 victory in the rubber match of the three game series.

Hutchinson (11-9) threw 51 pitches in the first two innings and you just knew his start would be cut short after just throwing a complete game. The Chukars got back-to-back one-out singles from Matt Waldron and Michael Rice. On the Rice single, Julio Chacon looked like he injured a finger. He was removed from the game for x-rays. Jackie Phillips tripled home both runners to put Salt Lake up 2-0. Danny Wood reached on a fielder's choice on a poor decision by Mariano Hidalgo to go home with the baseball. Phillips cored on the play and it was 3-0.

A pair of Todd Matsumoto errors in the third led to another run as the Chukars went up 4-0.

Danny Watt hit a solo home run in the fourth, his seventh on the year, to get Las Vegas on the board.

But a Jackie Phillips walk to open the fifth led to another Salt Lake run as Tanner McConnell doubled to left, to make it 5-1 and the end of Emery Hutchinson's night. Hutchinson went 4.1 innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits, striking out six and walking a season high four.

A David Tejeda two-run home run (22) in the sixth cut the Salt Lake lead to 5-3. Gilberto Cardona added a two-out RBI double in the seventh to cut the lead to 5-4. But the Salt Lake bullpen would lock down the Silver Kings with Richard Pritchett picking up his 35^th save.

Rueben Gonzalez (9-11) got the win, going six innings and allowing three runs on eight hits, striking out seven.

The Silver Kings (49-72) will now head to Tahoe to take on the Lake Monsters (75-48) for a quick three game road trip. Tahoe is just a half game back of San Diego in the DL West.

Around the League: Glendale got a two-run double from Brent Madden, and a two-run home run from Kiki Rouse in a four run fourth, as they edged Chandler 4-3 as a huge Desert League series kicked off in Chandler. MacKenzie Kwon (11-6) allowed three runs on six hits, as he won his tenth straight decision.

Jeff Nettles homered twice and drove in five as Surprise beat Amarillo 13-3 to remain a half game ahead of Glendale and Phoenix in the DL Central. Fort Worth opened up a huge three game series in San Antonio with a wild 13-9 win over the Javelinas. Robert Carpenter went 3 for 3 with a double, driving in four, as the Drillers moved to within a half game of San Antonio for first-place in the ML East.

Jack Siddiqui (13-4) tossed 7.1 strong innings, allowing three runs on four hits, striking out five, as Chandler beat up on Glendale 13-4. Phil Russ homered and drove in four to lead the offense as the Chiefs look to move atop the DL East in a wild four team race.

David Nakajima's home run in the opener was the difference in the Chukars win.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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August 22-24: DENVER (54-77) @ LAS VEGAS (54-76)
Stadium: Ballys Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russell O'Reilly went 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs in the win. Every Silver King starter had a hit, except for Mariano Hidalgo. Hidalgo did reach base twice on hit by pitches.
On Saturday night, the Black Bears went deep four times in a 9-3 victory. Carlo Ruiz hit a double and two home runs, driving in in three to lead Denver to the win.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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August 25-27: LAS VEGAS (56-77) @ SAN DIEGO (83-52)
Stadium: Petco Park (Capacity: 42,445)

August 25: Silver Kings 6, Seals 4
August 26: Silver Kings 3, Seals 1
August 27: Seals 9, Silver Kings 2

San Diego, CA (AP) - Las Vegas started a ten game road trip by taking two of three from first-place San Diego.

Las Vegas opened up the three game series with an impressive 6-4 win behind ace Emery Hutchinson. Hutchinson (13-9) went seven innings, allowing three runs on five hits, while striking out 11 and not issuing a walk.

Eric Machado's speed was on full display in this one. In the first he singled, and stole second. Julio Chacon would line a two-out RBI double to right to make it 1-0.

San Diego would take the lead in the second as Reggie Adamson blasted a three-run home run to left, to put the Seals up 3-1. But the Silver Kings answered right back in the top of the third with two runs to tie it up at 3-3. Mariano Hidalgo doubled to right and Eric Machado reached on an error from Earl Shirley. Machado stole second for his second of the game. Caden Juarez singled home Hidalgo to cut the lead to 3-2. Julio Chacon came through with a sacrifice fly to right to score Machado to tie the game at 3-3.

In the fifth, the Silver Kings got a lead off double from Todd Matsumoto. They would manufacture a run with ground outs from Mariano Hidalgo and Eric Machado to take the lead at 4-3. In the seventh, Junior Maldonado and Alexander Busch singled to open the inning. Alexander Busch then stole second, and Mariano Hidalgo singled to right, scoring both runners to make it 6-3.

Coronado came on in relief of Hutchinson in the eighth. He gave up a double to Eugene Griffin and an RBI single to Earl Shirley as the Seals tried to claw their way back in. Kai Ransom came on in the ninth and did allow a one-out single to Wiley Blanton, but was able to work his way out of the jam to earn his 17^th save.

Cristian Johnson (9-13) took the loss for the Seals. He went five innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits, striking out five.

The Silver Kings stole five bases in the game: Eric Machado 3 (52), Danny Watt (33) and Alexander Busch (10). They now have 133 on the year, just five behind league leaders Billings.

On Tuesday evening, the Silver Kings pitching was excellent once again in a 3-1 victory over the first-place Seals. Eric Machado's return has also sparked the offense as he went 4 for 4 with a double and three more stolen bases in the win.

Las Vegas jumped on San Diego right from the start in this one. Eric Machado was hit by a pitch and stole second to open the ball game. Julio Chacon singled to right with Machado holding at third. David Tejeda hit a sacrifice fly to left to score Machado. Julio Chacon stole second and then scored on a two-out RBI single by Caden Juarez to make it 2-0. Las Vegas had a chance to blow the game open in the second but Julio Chacon and David Tejeda struck out, leaving the bases loaded.

The Seals got their only run of the game in the third on a solo home run from Eugene Griffin (21). The Seals had a couple of great chances to score in the fourth and fifth innings, but left runners on second and third in the fourth, and left the bases loaded in the fifth as Antoine Swanger struck out Henry Aguilar to end the inning.

Las Vegas got a big insurance run in the seventh as Eric Machado singled and stole second. He scored on a David Tejeda RBI double.

The Silver Kings turned it over to their bullpen after just five innings and they were brilliant. John Sato pitched two scoreless, hitless innings. Thurman Ratto pitched the eighth and Bill Larkin picked up the save working a scoreless ninth, getting Reggie Adamson to ground into a 6-4-3 double play to end the game. Larkin earned his fourth save. Antoine Swanger (11-7) got the win, allowing one run on four hits, striking out six in five innings of work.

Eric Machado stole three bases for a second straight game and now has 55 on the season.

On Wednesday evening, the Seals scored seven times in the bottom of the seventh to pull away for a 9-2 victory. Kenny McArthur went 2 for 3 with two home runs (3) and three RBIs in the victory.

The Seals took a 2-0 lead in the fourth against Jude Vernon. Kenny McArthur led off the inning with a solo home run to left. One out later, Alvin Metoyer hit a solo home run to right to make it 2-0. In the seventh, the Seals blew the game open. Chris Christensen singled home Rich Edney. Eugene Griffin added a two run double to make it 5-0. Kenny McArthur then hit his second home run of the game, a two-run shot to make it 7-0. Alvin Metoyer added another two-run home run, his second of the game and 32^nd on the season, to make it 9-0.

Las Vegas got two back in the top of the eighth on a Todd Matsumoto RBI single and a David Tejeda RBI single.

Jude Vernon (5-4) took the loss, going six innings and allowing four runs on five hits, striking out eight and walking three. Willie Willey was rocked in the seventh, allowing five runs on five hits while recording just one out. Brandon Cruz (2-1) picked up the win for San Diego, throwing seven shutout innings and allowing just three hits.

Las Vegas won the season series with San Diego (7-6).

The road trip continues after an off day tomorrow as the Silver Kings head up the coast to Oakland to take on the Oaks (58-75).

Around the League: Gilbert's Michael Castro blasted a two-run home run (18) in the top of the tenth as the Barnstormers beat Mesa 4-2 in the opener of a big four game series at Sloan Park. Tahoe opened up a big series with Phoenix by beating the Firebirds 2-1. RBI doubles from Tom Yu and Glen Webber in the fourth was all the offense that the Lake Monsters would need. Dirk Osborne (10-4) went 7.1 innings, allowing one run on six hits, striking out four and walking one, to pick up the win. San Antonio needed extra innings, but managed to walk it off in a 2-1 victory over Austin. Todd Montano singled home Reese Middleton with two-outs in the 11^th to secure the win for the Javelinas.

On Tuesday evening, Gilbert again used extra innings to slip past Mesa 6-5. Lamont Brady hit a two-run home run (14) in the top of the tenth and then the Barnstormers held on to win it. Glendale scored three in the top of the ninth to rally for an 8-7 victory over Salt River. Albuquerque's Steve Ramiro hit a first inning grand slam (10) as the Mariachis scored seven times in the inning en route to an 8-4 win over Boise. Chad Riley hit his league leading 42^nd home run for the Hawks in the loss. Fort Worth's Aaron Grimes (8-14) threw a complete game one-hitter, striking out 11, as the Drillers beat Amarillo 5-0.

Las Vegas has claimed 19-year-old catcher Mohammed Tanner off of waivers from West Texas.

For the third consecutive day, Gilbert got some late inning heroics to win at Mesa. Today Alton Callahan hit a two-run home run in the ninth as Gilbert rallied for a 3-2 victory. Mesa's Alan Hampton had hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to put Mesa up 2-1.

Billings' Percy Balk threw the third no hitter in the IBL this season, and second in a week, as the Mustangs blanked Long Beach 8-0. Balk (13-8) struck out ten and walked two for the first-place Mustangs. Rico Miranda tripled, homered (7) and drove in three. Cristian Palbicki doubled, tripled and homered (23), driving in three as Albuquerque drubbed Boise 12-2. The Hawks are now seven games back of the Mustangs in the ML West.

Eric Machado stole seven bases in the three game series.

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August 29-Sept 1: LAS VEGAS (58-79) @ OAKLAND (61-77)

Stadium: London Square Stadium (Capacity: 31,976)

August 29: Silver Kings 6, Oaks 4 (10)
August 30: Oaks 4, Silver Kings 2
August 31: Silver Kings 9, Oaks 6
September 1: Oaks 6, Silver Kings 2

Oakland, CA (AP) - Las Vegas continued their road trip by splitting a four game series in Oakland.

The Silver Kings rallied late in the opener to pull out a 6-4 victory in ten innings. David Tejeda's eighth inning home run tied the game and a couple of clutch tenth inning hits won it as Las Vegas looks to finish the season strong.

The Silver Kings got off to a great start in this one, scoring three times in the first inning. Julio Chacon singled with one out. David Tejeda lined an RBI double into left center as Vegas took the lead. Caden Juarez singled to right. Danny Watt then doubled off the wall in center, scoring both runners, but he was thrown out at third to end the inning.

The Oaks got one back in the bottom half on a Theodore Vargas sacrifice fly that scored Mariano Ferreira. Oakland tied it up in the fourth on a Fernando Molina two-run home run (2) off of Steve Sechrist. Theodore Vargas homered (26) in the fifth to put the Oaks up 4-3.

It would remain that way until the eighth. Eric Machado singled to open the inning. He was attempting a steal when Julio Chacon lined into a double play. David Tejeda saved the day as he followed with a long home run to center, his 24^th on the year and the game was tied at 4-4.

In the tenth, Eric Machado singled home Russell O'Reilly to give Las Vegas the lead. Machado stole second and scored on a Julio Chacon RBI double.

Closer Kai Ransom sent down the Oaks in order in the bottom half to pick up his 18^th save. Steve Sechrist went six innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits, striking out three and walking two. He had lost 12 consecutive decisions and left the game trailing 4-3. Henry Coronado, John Sato, Bill Larkin and Kai Ransom each threw a scoreless inning in relief with Bill Larkin (1-1) picking up the win.

Oakland closer Francesco Saldana (1-7) took the loss, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits while recording just one out.

On Saturday night, Oakland got a big three-run home run (27) from Theodore Vargas in the second inning and rode that to a 4-2 victory.

Las Vegas got one back in the top of the third on a solo home run from Eric Machado. The Oaks added a big insurance run in the sixth on a two-out RBI single from Freddy Rice. Eric Machado hit his second home run (16) of the game, a solo shot, in the eighth to cut it to 4-2.

Oakland brought in their closer Francesco Saldana in the ninth. He would tight rope his way out of a big time jam as the Silver Kings had first and second with only one out, but Saldana got Danny Watt to strike out, and pinch hitter Junior Maldonado bounced out to second to end the ball game. Saldana picked up his 23^rd save.

Kevin Perez (10-10) took the loss for Las Vegas. He went 6.1 innings, allowing four runs on four hits, striking out three. Louis Tabarne (8-12) earned the victory for Oakland. He went 7.2 innings, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out four.

Sunday afternoon was a wild one, as the Silver Kings scored five times in the top of the ninth to rally for a 9-6 victory. David Tejeda had a day, going 4 for 5 with two doubles, a home run and four RBIs to lead Las Vegas to the win.

Oakland jumped out in front early in this one with a second inning run off of Emery Hutchinson. Roger Parra led off the inning with a double, then scored on a two-out RBI single from Arnold Kato.

The Silver Kings immediately responded as Eric Machado hit a home run to lead off the third, tying the game at 1-1. It was his third home run of the series and 17^th on the year. In the fifth, Eric Machado singled and stole second. He would score on a David Tejeda two-out RBI single. Mariano Hidalgo followed that with an RBI double to put Vegas up 3-1. In the top of the seventh, David Tejeda had another big hit with a two-out RBI double that score Julio Chacon to put the Silver Kings up 4-1.

But Oakland would bat around in the bottom of the seventh, scoring five times to take the lead 6-4. Will Green had a two-run single. Willy Quezada added a two-run single and Theodore Vargas had an RBI single. Las Vegas used four pitchers in the inning with Willie Willey finally getting the Silver Kings off the field.

In the ninth, the Oaks brought on closer Franceso Saldana, who lost the opener by allowing two runs in the tenth. Russell O'Reilly led off with a pinch hit single. Todd Matsumoto then tripled him home to cut the lead to 6-5. Eric Machado singled back up the middle to tie the game at 6-6. Machado stole second, his 60^th stolen base on the season. David Tejeda then blasted a two-run home run, his 25^th, to put Las Vegas ahead 8-6. Caden Juarez singled and Stephen Park doubled him home to make it 9-6.

Kai Ransom came on and sent down the Oaks in order in the bottom half to pick up his 19^th save. Starter Emery Hutchinson went five innings, allowing one run on three hits, striking out eight and walking one. The bullpen was shaky, but Willie Willey (1-4) picked up the win. Francesco Saldana (1-8) picked up his second loss in the series., allowing three runs on three hits in the ninth, without recording an out.

In the finale, the Oaks rallied, scoring four times in the seventh to win it 6-2. Fernando Molina went 3 for 3 with a home run (3) and two RBIs in the victory.

Las Vegas took a lead in the top of the first inning on a two-out RBI double from David Tejeda. They would in crease that lead to 2-0 in the fifth on a two-out RBI double from Eric Machado.

Oakland tied it up in the fifth on a Fernando Molina two-run home run. The Oaks then scored four times in the bottom of the seventh. Robert McGaffick hit a solo home run (17) to put Oakland in front 3-2. David Radatz singled home Fernando Molina to make it 4-2. Ricky Irving then lined a two-out, two-run double to make it 6-2.

Ryan Hamilton (7-6) picked up the win out of the bullpen for Oakland. He worked a scoreless seventh. Starter Vince Martin went five innings, allowing two runs on six hits. Thurman Ratto (0-2) took the loss for Las Vegas, giving up four runs on five hits, getting just one out in the seventh. Starter Antoine Swanger went 6.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out six.

The Silver Kings (58-79) will now head to Scottsdale to close out the ten game road trip with a three game series against the Scorpions (50-87).

Around the League: Gilbert completes the four game sweep of Mesa with a 13-2 victory to move to the top of the DL East. Chester Smith went 3 for 6 with a home run (12) and three RBIs, with Lamont Brady driving in four. San Antonio's Tommie Turnwall homered twice, driving in four and the Javelinas scored 12 runs in the third inning of a 14-5 victory over Amarillo. San Diego opened up a big three game series at Tahoe with an impressive 5-0 victory. Clayton Lopez (16-3) pitched eight shutout innings, allowing five hits and striking out three. Glendale's Anthony Davidson (9-6) spun a complete game two-hitter, striking out ten as the Desert Dogs beat Billings 3-0 in the opener of a series in Glendale between two division leaders.

San Diego got a Reggie Adamson solo home run (15) in the top of the ninth to edge Tahoe 2-1, moving five games clear of the Lake Monsters in the DL West with just 25 games left in the regular season. St George's John Lemieux homered twice (15,16), driving in five as the Archers beat Mesa 8-4.

San Diego completes a three-game sweep of Tahoe on Sunday with a 7-4 victory, after trailing 4-0. The Seals now have a commanding six game lead in the DL West. Norris Walk earned his 46^th save by striking out the side in the ninth to secure the road sweep.

Gilbert has suddenly gone cold, losing their fourth straight as they open up a series against Surprise at home. The Saguaros shutout the Barnstormers 6-0 behind Johnnie Dawley (11-9) who tossed eight shutout innings, striking out seven. Keaton Ross hit three home runs (19,20,21) and drove in four for Surprise. Mesa lost their ninth game in a row on Monday in walk off fashion in Billings. An Alex Prado RBI single in the bottom of the ninth helped the ML West leaders to the victory.

David Tejeda is making a case to be named DL Rookie of the Year.

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AUGUST AWARDS:

ML Pitcher of Month: Sam Saldana (RP, Austin) 2.70 ERA, 9 SV, 9 K
ML Player of Month: David Nakajima (LF, Salt Lake) .281, 6 HR, 12 RBI
ML Rookie of Month: Kyle Gomez (2B, Salt Lake) .252, 4 HR, 18 RBI

DL Pitcher of Month: Norris Walk (RP, San Diego) 0.71 ERA, 10 SV, 15 K
DL Player of Month: Doyle Ramirez (3B, Mesa) .223, 5 HR, 9 RBI
DL Rookie of Month: David Tejeda (3B, Las Vegas) .278, 5 HR, 19 RBI

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September 2-4: LAS VEGAS (59-81) @ SCOTTSDALE (52-88)
Stadium: PXG Park (Capacity: 22,050)

September 2: Scorpions 1, Silver Kings 0
September 3: Scorpions 3, Silver Kings 2 (10)
September 4: Silver Kings 12, Scorpions 9 (10)

Scottsdale, AZ (AP) - Las Vegas closed their ten game road trip by losing two of three to last place Scottsdale to finish the trip (5-5).

In the opener, Las Vegas wasted a great pitching performance from Jude Vernon and lost 1-0 to Scottsdale. The Silver King smanaged just two hits in the game, both by rookie Guadalupe Valdez, making his first big league start.

This one was scoreless until the bottom of the ninth. Bill Larkin gave up a leadoff single to Gary Ritson. Then with two outs, Phillip Takatsu lined one past a diving Danny Watt to allow Ritson to score from second with the game winning run.

Jude Vernon pitched eight shutout innings, allowing three hits, while striking out nine and walking one. Bill Larkin (1-2) took the loss, allowing one run on two hits in the ninth. Scottsdale starter Sam Plaza left in the third with a hand injury. Four relievers kept Las Vegas at bay with Alonso Reyes (6-3) picking up the win.

On Wednesday evening, the Silver Kings wasted another great pitching performance and fell 3-2 in walk off fashion in ten innings. Val Silver's sacrifice fly in the tenth was the second straight walk off win for Scottsdale.

Las Vegas took a 2-0 lead in the fifth inning of this one. Junior Maldonado and Alexander Busch opened the fifth with back-to-back doubles. Mariano Hidalgo added a sacrifice fly and Vegas had the lead, 2-0.

Scottsdale got one back in the bottom half on a Norris Masterson RBI single to center, scoring Roger Cortes. It remained that way until the ninth. Las Vegas brought in close Kai Ransom to try and close it out. He struck out Shea Horton to start the inning. Phillip Takatsu lined a double to left. Cortes grounded out and the Silver Kings were one out away from a win. But Ryan Hackman lined a base hit to center with Takatsu scoring to tie the game at 2-2.

In the tenth, Vegas could not push across a run. Bill Larkin was called in from the bullpen for Vegas. He walked Alexis Carrera, then both runners moved up on a wild pitch. Val Silver hit a sacrifice fly to deep left with Norris Masterson easily scoring to give the Scorpions the win.

Kai Ransom (1-6) took the loss and picked up a blown save, allowing two runs on two hits in one inning of work. Starter Steve Sechrist pitched six solid innings, allowing one run on five hits, striking out five.

In the finale, the Silver Kings rallied late and won it in extra innings 12-9. David Tejeda continued his torrid second half of the season as he went 3 for 5 with two home runs, driving in five, including the go ahead run in the tenth.

Vegas jumped out to a 6-2 lead in the third and it looked like they may cruise to a win, but that was not the case. David Tejeda hit a two-run home run in the first to make it 2-0. A Todd Matsumoto RBI single in the second made it 3-0.

Scottsdale responded with two of their own in the bottom of the second on a Ryan Hackman RBI single and Norris Masterson RBI double to cut the Vegas lead to 3-2. But Vegas responded in the top of the third. David Tejeda singled home Gilberto Cardona, with Julio Chacon getting thrown out at third on the play. Caden Juarez singled home both David Tejeda and Mariano Hidalgo to make it 6-2.

Once again, Scottsdale responded immediately. Phillip Takatsu singled home Herb Dorsey and Roger Cortes hit a two-run home run (17) into the bullpen to cut the lead to 6-5. The Scorpions tied it up in the fourth on a Gary Ritson RBI single that scored Val Silver. A Takatsu solo home run (16) in the fifth put Scottsdale up 7-6. A Herb Dorsey two-run single in the sixth increased the Scorpions lead to 9-6.

It would stay that way until the ninth as it looked like the Silver Kings were going to be swept. Caden Juarez led off with a single to center. Danny Watt followed with a two-run home run to cut the lead to 9-8, his 11^th on the year. Scottsdale reliever Joaquim Fernandez then struck out Julius Newsome. Eric Machado pinch hit for Julius Roderick and laced a double to left. Stephen Park grounded out to first, advancing Machado to third. Gilberto Cardona then hit a blooper to left that Alexis Carrera dove for to end the game, but could not come up with, and Machado scored to tie the game.

In the tenth, David Tejeda hit his second home run of the game, the two-run shot was his 27^th on the year. Caden Juarez followed that with a solo home run, his 21^st, to make it 12-9. Tejeda has been on a tear as of late, hitting .325 with four home runs and 15 RBIs in his last ten games.

Kai Ransom came on and sent down the Scorpions in order to pick up his 20^th save. Bill Larkin (2-2) earned the win, pitching a scoreless ninth. Kevin Perez struggled in this one, allowing seven runs on ten hits in four innings of work.

Las Vegas (59-81) will return home to face Tahoe (82-59) and Glendale (78-63) in their next to last home stand of the season. Both the Lake Monsters and Desert Dogs appear headed to the postseason, while Vegas looks towards the offseason and how they can improve in 2026.

Around the League: Gilbert's Alton Callahan is making his case that he should be the DL MVP. On Wednesday evening, he hit a three-run home run (37) in the bottom of the eighth to help the Barnstormers to a 6-3 victory over Surprise. Callahan is hitting .318 with 37 home runs and 103 RBIs. That leaves him second in batting average, second in home runs and second in RBIs in the Desert League. Santa Fe's Michael Tover (14-9) tossed a complete game two-hitter, striking out 13 and walking two in a 6-0 victory for the Jays over Salt Lake. Mesa ended their ten game losing streak with a 9-5 victory over Billings. The Solar Sox hit five home runs in the victory.

David Tejeda is showing Vegas that the future may be bright.

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September 5-7: TAHOE (82-62) @ LAS VEGAS (62-81)
Stadium: Ballys Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

September 5: Silver Kings 3, Lake Monsters 2
September 6: Silver Kings 2, Lake Monsters 0
September 7: Silver Kings 4, Lake Monsters 1

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas returned home from a ten game road trip and swept Tahoe in a three game weekend series. The pitching was outstanding as the Silver Kings only allowed three runs and 23 hits in the series.

Las Vegas opened up the home stand with a come from behind 3-2 walk-off win over Tahoe. Danny Watt lined a base hit over right fielder Edgar Rosa's head, allowing Mariano Hidalgo to walk in with the game winning run.

Ozzie Rivera led off the game by hitting the first pitch from Emery Hutchinson over the wall in left to put Tahoe up 1-0. It was Rivera's sixth on the year. It would stay that way until the eighth. Robby Lancaster hit a two-out triple to center. Willie Willey came on in relief of Emery Hutchinson, but gave up a base hit to Reese Cherry, allowing Lancaster to score to put the Lake Monsters up 2-0.

But Las Vegas kept battling. Danny Watt singled and then stole second to open the bottom of the eighth. After Mark Payton got the next two batters out, Todd Matsumoto singled with Watt holding at third. Tahoe went to the bullpen and brought on their closer Aaron Harding. Eric Machado lined a single to center, scoring Watt. Harding then struck out Gilberto Cardona to end the eighth with the lead.

In the ninth, David Tejeda drew a nine pitch walk to open the inning. Mariano Hidalgo then ripped one into the left field corner for a double. Caden Juarez hit a sacrifice fly to center, with both runners advancing to tie the game and put the winning run on third. Danny Watt then lined one over Edgar Rosa'a head in right to win it.

Thurman Ratto (1-2) picked up the win, getting the final two outs in the top of the ninth. Emery Hutchinson was outstanding. He went 7.2 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits, striking out 12. Mark Payton was just as good for Tahoe, pitching 7.2 innings and allowing one run on six hits, striking out five, while lowering his ERA to 2.40. Closer Aaron Harding took the loss and picked up a blown save, allowing two runs on three hits.

On Saturday evening, the Silver Kings got another great pitching performance from Antoine Swanger as they beat the Lake Monsters 2-0. Swanger went 6.1 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out seven to pick up his 12^th win on the season, improving to (12-7).

Las Vegas got on the board in the second after backup catcher Julius Roderick hit an unlikely triple. Danny Watt followed with an RBI single and Vegas was up 1-0. In the third, Julio Chacon hit a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded, scoring Todd Matsumoto and the Silver Kings were up 2-0.

The rest of the story was Las Vegas' pitching. Henry Coronado came on in relief of Antoine Swanger in the seventh getting the final two outs. He then struck out the side in the eighth. Bill Larkin worked a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his fifth save.

On Sunday afternoon, the Silver Kings completed the sweep with a 4-1 victory. Jude Vernon was excellent, tossing six shutout innings, allowing six hits and striking out six.

Las Vegas would take the lead in the first inning on a Caden Juarez RBI single that scored Eric Machado. They would extend that lead to 2-0 in the fourth on back-to-back doubles from Guadalupe Valez and Caden Juarez. Valez added a two-out RBI single in the fifth to put Vegas up by three. A two-out RBI single by Todd Matsumoto in the seventh made it 4-0.

Tahoe tried to rally in the ninth as they did push a run across on a Rosa RBI single. But that was all the offense that they could muster as they were swept by last-place Las Vegas.

Joe Shannon (3-6) took the loss for the Lake Monsters. He pitched five innings, allowing three runs on nine hits.

Las Vegas won the season series from Tahoe (9-4).

Las Vegas will continue the home stand against Glendale starting tomorrow evening. The Desert Dogs (78-66) sit 1.5 games back of Surprise in the DL Central and have a one game lead on Gilbert and Phoenix for the second Wild Card spot.

Around the League: Albuquerque opened up a big weekend series with an 8-1 victory over Santa Fe. Cristian Palbicki went 3 for 5 with a home run (26) and two RBIs to lead the Mariachis, who sit a half game ahead of Colorado Springs and one game up on Santa Fe in the tight ML Central race. Colorado Springs slipped past San Antonio 12-3 as Robby Lundy improved to (12-7) on the year. The knuckleballer threw eight innings, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out seven and walking four. A David Vasquez grand slam (16) in the eighth salted this one away.

Chandler ace Jack Siddiqui left Friday night's game after getting hit with a line drive on his pitching arm. X-ray's revealed a break and he is likely out 8 to 12 weeks, meaning he will miss the rest of the regular season and likely all of the playoff's. Siddiqui was (13-7) with an ERA of 3.82 with 175 strikeouts to lead the staff.

Tucson ended a nine game losing streak on Saturday afternoon with a 3-2 win over Surprise. Micah Lange went 4 for 4 with four doubles, scoring all three Tucson runs in the win. Marcelo Vega-Ramos (12-8) went eight innings, allowing two runs on two hits, walking five and striking out ten. Boise's Daniel Valenzuela (16-7) won his 16^th game of the season on Saturday night as the Hawks beat Gilbert 7-1. Valenzuela went eight shutout innings, allowing five hits, walking one and striking out nine.

Chandler got a walk off three-run home run from Jose Valdez with two outs in the bottom of the ninth as they stunned Salt River 3-1 to win their series. Scottsdale completed a sweep of Glendale on Sunday with a 2-0 win at home, leaving the Desert Dogs 1.5 games back of Surprise in the DL Central. Oakland's Freddy Rice went 4 for 6 with two doubles, a triple and four RBIs as the Oaks took two of three from first place San Diego, winning on Sunday 14-5.

Antoine Swanger has been a solid #2 starter for the Silver Kings.