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

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September 8-10: GLENDALE (79-68) @ LAS VEGAS (64-82)
Stadium: Bally Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

September 8: Desert Dogs 5, Silver Kings 1
September 9: Silver Kings 3, Desert Dogs 2
September 10: Silver Kings 11, Desert Dogs 1

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas continues to play well late in the season as they take two of three from Glendale, a potential playoff team. The Silver Kings are (44-44) since June 1 as they look to build momentum heading to the 2026 season.

Glendale put an end to Las Vegas' four game winning streak as they took the opener 5-1. Anthony Davidson (11-6) picked up the win, going seven innings and allowing one run on six hits, striking out five.

Las Vegas picked up a run in the first. Eric Machado singled to open the game and stole second. He advanced to third on a Gilberto Cardona single. David Tejeda bounced into a 3-6-3 double play, allowing Machado to score as Vegas went up 1-0.

Steve Sechrist had a no hitter heading into the fifth inning. Brent Madden broke that up with a one-out blooper to left. Kiki Rouse followed that with a screaming double into the gap in left center to tie the game at 1-1. Andreas Ruiz hit a one-out solo home run (14) in the sixth to give the visitors the lead. Jay Craig (36) and Brent Madden (24) hit back-to-back home runs to open the seventh to end Steve Sechrist's night. A Carlos Sanchez triple in the eighth plated Ruiz to make it 5-1 Glendale.

Steve Sechrist (1-13) took the loss, losing his 13^th straight decision. But he did not pitch poorly. He went six plus innings, allowing four runs on five hits, striking out two and walking one.

On Tuesday evening, the Silver Kings blew a ninth inning lead, then walked it off on a Danny Watt two-out RBI single in the bottom half in a 3-2 victory over the Desert Dogs.

Las Vegas took an early 2-0 lead in this one on a Julius Newsome two-run home run in the second inning, his second on the year.

Glendale got on the scoreboard in the fifth on a solo home run from Kiki Rouse, his 19^th on the year.

Las Vegas starter Kevin Perez was excellent in this one, going 7.2 innings, allowing one run on six hits. Willie Willey came on in relief of Perez in the eighth with a runner on second and he struck out Brent Madden to send it to the ninth with a one run lead.

Kai Ransom came on in the ninth, looking for his 21^st save. He gave up a lead off single to Roberto Blanco, then got Jay Craig and Tom Levine to fly out. A wild pitch allowed Blanco to move into scoring position. Andres Villasmil then doubled off the wall in left, scoring Blanco to tie the game at 2-2.

David Tejeda opened the bottom half of the ninth with a ringing double. Mariano Hidalgo, mired in a huge slump, struck out. Caden Juarez hit a screamer to short for the second out. Danny Watt came through with a line drive single to center, allowing Tejeda to score as the Silver Kings walked it off.

Kai Ransom blew his sixth save, but picked up the win (2-6), allowing one run on two hits. Glendale reliever Billy Schaffer (4-6) took the loss, allowing one run on two hits in 1.2 innings of work.

In Wednesday afternoon's finale, the Silver Kings scored six times in the second inning and cruised to an easy 11-1 victory to win the series. Rookie David Tejeda continues to impress, going 4 for 5 with a double, home run and two RBIs with three runs scored.

The Silver Kings blew this one open in the second. Caden Juarez led the inning off with a single to center. Danny Watt reached on an error by shortstop Sanchez. Julius Newsome singled to center to load the bases with no outs. Stefan Hernandez hit a sacrifice fly to center with Juarez scoring to give Vegas a 1-0 lead. Todd Matsumoto singled to right, scoring Danny Watt. Gilberto Cardona doubled to right with Todd Matsumoto getting thrown out at the plate 9-4-2 with Newsome scoring on the play. Julio Chacon then tripled with Cardona scoring. David Tejeda capped off the inning with a two-run home run his 28^th, to make it 6-0.

In the third, Julius Newsome singled home Caden Juarez, who had singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Newsome singled and stole second in the fifth, scoring on a Todd Matsumoto RBI single. In the sixth, Danny Watt lined a two-out, two-run single to center to make it 10-0.

Glendale got one back in the seventh after Brent Madden tripled and scored on a Kiki Rouse sacrifice fly. Danny Watt added another RBI single in the eighth, scoring David Tejeda, to make it 11-1.

Las Vegas pounded out 18 hits in this one, with Glendale managing just two. Emery Hutchinson (14-9) continues to have an amazing season. He went seven innings, allowing one run on two hits, striking out eight and walking two. Thurman Ratto worked two scoreless and hitless innings in relief. Enrique Quintero (13-12) took the loss, getting lifted after just 1.2 innings. He allowed six runs (two earned) on seven hits.

The Silver Kings (64-82) will now head out on their final road trip of the season, a ten game trip, to Long Beach (70-76) for four games, Albuquerque (77-70) and Flagstaff (72-74). They will then return home for their final home stand against Scottsdale (56-90) and Oakland (65-81).

Around the League: Gilbert's Craig Miller homered three times (16,17,18), driving in four, and Alton Callahan took over the Desert League lead with his 39^th home run, as the Barnstormers beat up on Tahoe 8-1 to open a three game series on Monday evening. San Diego beat Albuquerque 4-2 to extend their lead in the DL West to eight games over slumping Tahoe. Chris Christensen went 2 for 3 with a double, home run (23) and he drove in three of the four runs for the Seals.

Phoenix's Richie Dale doubled, tripled and homered (21), driving in three as the Firebirds beat Chandler 8-1.

Chandler beat Phoenix 2-1 on Wednesday evening behind a strong start from Shawn Lettiere (7-6) and excellent bullpen work. The Chiefs bullpen did not allow a run over the final 2.1 innings with Reese O'Farrell picking up his 45^th save. Scottsdale's Shea Horton went 2 for 5 with a home run (39) and drove in four as the Scorpions beat Surprise 11-4. Austin gave up three runs in the top of the tenth, then rallied with four of their own to stun San Antonio 6-5. Donnell Bronk had a two run double and Boone Samuel walked it off with a two run triple for the Fire Frogs. Red-hot Amarillo won for the ninth time in ten games as they shutout West Texas 2-0. Fredrick Tillman (12-10) went 8.1 shutout innings, scattering four hits, striking out 10 and walking four. The Honey Hunters are now just 4.5 games out of the second Wild Card in the Mountain League.

David Tejeda looks like he has locked up Rookie of the Year at this point.

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September 11-14: LAS VEGAS (64-86) @ LONG BEACH (74-76)
Stadium: Harbor Park (Capacity: 19,253)

September 11: Surf Dawgs 4, Silver Kings 0
September 12: Surf Dawgs 5, Silver Kings 1
September 13: Surf Dawgs 6, Silver Kings 4 (10)
September 14: Surf Dawgs 6, Silver Kings 4

Long Beach, CA (AP) - Las Vegas opened up their final road trip of the season by getting swept in a four game series by division rival Long Beach.

Long Beach opened up the four game weekend series with a 4-0 win over the Silver Kings. Cody Garcia tossed 7.1 shutout innings, scattering four hits and striking out four as he improved to (8-14).

Long Beach jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. In the first inning Demarcus Bako hit a two-run home run to left, his seventh on the year, as Long Beach went up 2-0. Felipe Gomez hit a solo home run in the second that just snuck inside the left field foul pole. It was his 17^th on the season. Abdul Ewing led off the third with a double to left. Guillermo Duarte singled him home to make it 4-0.

Las Vegas had no answers offensively, managing just four hits. Antoine Swanger (12-8) took the loss but did not pitch poorly. He went six innings allowing the four runs on five hits, striking out seven. Henry Coronado threw two scoreless innings in relief.

On Friday night, Long Beach once again dominated in an easy 5-1 victory. Las Vegas' offense has disappeared in this series, scoring just one unearned run in two games.

The Surf Dawgs got off to a quick start as Felipe Gomez and Geraldo Chacin hit back-to-back home runs in the second to put Long Beach up 2-0. Las Vegas got one back in the fourth thanks to a Long Beach error as Geraldo Chacin booted a ground ball at second, allowing Julio Chacon to reach and Eric Machado to score. The Surf Dawgs immediately got it back on a Bako RBI single with two-outs in the bottom half.

Felipe Gomez second home run of the game, and third of the series in the eighth, made it 5-1.

This was a bullpen game for Long Beach. Starter Buster Calhoun went 3.2 innings, allowing one run on one hit. Anthony Taguchi (5-3) picked up the win in relief. He went 3.1 innings without allowing a hit.

Jude Vernon (6-5) took the loss, pitching five innings and allowing three runs on four hits, striking out seven and walking two. The loss officially eliminated the Silver Kings from the playoffs in 2025.

Notes: Mariano Hidalgo left the game after diving for a foul ball. He injured his right wrist and was placed on the 10-Day Injured List. Outfielder Ray Guardado has been recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake.

On Saturday evening, the Silver Kings blew a 4-1 lead and fell 6-4 in ten innings to the Surf Dawgs. A Geraldo Chacin walk-off two-run home run ended the comeback as Long Beach holds on to their slim playoff chances.

Las Vegas jumped out to an early lead in this one as Eric Machado homered to lead off the game, his 18^th on the season. David Tejeda reached on an error and scored on a Junior Maldonado RBI single to make it 2-0.

Ward Mejia hit a solo home run in the bottom half, his 32^nd on the season to get Long Beach on the board.

Russell O'Reilly doubled to open the second. He would score after a couple of ground outs to put Vegas up 3-1. Gilberto Cardona singled to open the third. He would steal second and scored on a Junior Maldonado RBI single.

An Arlo Thorman two-run home run in the fifth cut the Vegas lead to 4-3. It was his fourth on the season. Long Beach tied the game up in the seventh on a Demarcus Bako solo home run, his eighth.

In the tenth, Las Vegas ran themselves out of the inning. Todd Matsumoto led off with a single to right with Ray Guardado getting thrown out at the plate. Eric Machado grounded into a fielder's choice, then was thrown out trying to steal second. It was the second time he was thrown out stealing in the game.

Long Beach then ended the game on the first pitch in the bottom half as Geraldo Chacin blasted one to dead center. The walk off home run was his 21^st on the season.

Steve Sechrist once again, pitched well enough, but got no decision. He went 5.1 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, striking out five and walking one. Thurman Ratto picked up a blown save, allowing the home run from Demarcus Bako in the seventh. Eric Herman came on in the eighth with the bases loaded and no one out, and escaped without allowing a run. Kai Ransom (2-7) took the loss, getting the final out in the ninth, but giving up the home run in the tenth. Long Beach closer Will Flaherty (5-1) was credited with the win, pitching a scoreless tenth.

In Sunday afternoon's finale, the Surf Dawgs once again rallied to pull out a 6-4 win to sweep the four game series. Abdul Ewing led the way, going 4 for 4 with a double, home run, RBI and run scored.

Long Beach would grab an early 1-0 lead in the bottom half of the first inning on an Abdul Ewing solo home run, his 20^th on the season. A Stephen Park solo home run in the top of the second tied the game at 1-1. It was the fourth home run on the season for Park. Las Vegas took the lead in the third on a Junior Maldonado two-run double.

It would remain 3-1 into the sixth. Long Beach's offense came to life. Geraldo Chacin walked to open the inning. Winkler doubled to center with Chacon scoring. Thorman reached on a throwing error by David Tejeda. Carver then singled home both runners to put Long Beach ahead 4-3. Len Almquist then blasted a two-run home run to right to make it 6-3.

Las Vegas got one back in the ninth on a solo home run from Gilberto Cardona, his 13^th, to cut it to 6-4. But even after the Silver Kings got a double from David Tejeda, bringing the tying run to the plate, they could not convert. Julio Chacon struck out and Junior Maldonado lined out to right to end it.

Kevin Perez (10-11) took the loss for the Silver Kings, pitching six innings and allowing six runs (three earned) on 11 hits, striking out four and walking two. Long Beach reliever C.J. Self (2-0) picked up the win, pitching two scoreless innings. Will Flaherty earned his 46^th save.

Las Vegas (64-86) has Monday off as they travel to New Mexico to take on ML Central leaders Albuquerque (79-71).

Around the League: Amarillo walked it off on Thursday afternoon in a 4-3 victory over West Texas to continue their torrid run in September. Andreas Ortiz lined a two-out, two run double to walk it off as Amarillo won for the tenth time in eleven games. The Honey Hunters (71-76) are now just 3.5 games back of Colorado Springs for the final ML Wild Card spot.

Chandler opened up a huge weekend series by soundly beating Gilbert 6-1 to move 3.5 games clear of the Barnstormers in the DL East. Estevan Cabrera (15-6) went the distance, allowing one run on five hits, striking out 14 and issuing no walks. Demetrius Friedberg went 3 for 5 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored. San Diego scored twice in the top of the ninth, and twice in the tenth to come back and win the opener of another big series in San Antonio by a score of 4-3. Eugene Griffin lined a two-out, two-run single in the ninth to tie the game. Alvin Metoyer laced an RBI double to open the tenth and Rich Edney singled him home to put the Seals up 4-2. San Diego is now eight games up on Tahoe with 14 games left.

On Saturday afternoon, Gilbert scored three in the bottom of the ninth to tie Chandler, and then Alton Callahan hit a grand slam in the tenth to win it in walk-off fashion 8-4. Callahan went 2 for 5 with two home runs (40,41) and five RBIs in the victory. His 41 home runs leads the Desert League. Colorado Springs' Hector Samuels hit a grand slam (17) in the ninth as the Snow Sox beat Tahoe 10-5. Billings' John Fry homered twice (28,29), driving in five, and Darrick Pugh hit a two-run home run (40) in the Mustangs 12-5 victory over Flagstaff.

Chandler beat Gilbert 2-1 on Sunday afternoon, taking two of three from the Barnstormers to move 3.5 games clear in the DL East. Vaughn Bellamy's solo home run in the top of the ninth was the difference, breaking a 1-1 tie. San Diego completed a three-game sweep of San Antonio down in Texas with a 3-2 victory on Sunday. Dave Foxx lined a two-out RBI single to key a three-run seventh as San Diego moved ninth games clear of Tahoe and reduced their magic number to just four.

Felipe Gomez homered three times for Long Beach in the sweep.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Caden Jaurez homered twice in the sweep of Flagstaff.

[bigjdotcom01]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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