Intermountain Baseball League - Presented by BigJdotcom01

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August 9-11: ROSWELL (62-54) @ FLAGSTAFF (59-58)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 9,486)

August 9: Hops 7, Aliens 4
August 10: Hops 5, Aliens 4
August 11: Aliens 5, Hops 4

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops took two of three from the Roswell Aliens in a battle of two teams locked into the Mountain League Wild Card chase. All three games were closely contested and these same two teams will meet next week in Roswell.

The Hops opened up a huge series at home against the Roswell Aliens with a come from behind 7-4 victory. Art Mason hit for the cycle, driving in three to help pace the Hops to the big win.

Roswell jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the fourth on an RBI single from Hudson and a two-run single from Schwarzfeld. But the Hops replied immediately with four in the bottom half. Oscar Aleman hit a three run home run to right center to tie the game and then Art Mason tripled home Shoe-Lace O’Tying to give Flagstaff the lead.

The Hops would add a solo home run from Josh Ortega (19) in the fifth and an Art Mason two run home run in the sixth, his 21st, to go up 7-3.

Danny Watson would hit a long solo home run in the eighth off of reliever Wirth. It was his 33rd on the year, tying him for the Mountain League lead with Flagstaff’s Rodney Millar.

Angelo Chacin (3-1) earned the win, gong five innings and allowing three runs on five hits. He struck out five and walked one. The bullpen worked the final four innings ad allowed just the solo home run to Watson. Vic Miller struggled, allowing a hit and walk, but managed to tightrope out of it to secure his 29th save.

Dwayne Parks (7-5) took the loss for Roswell. He only went 4 1/3 and allowed five runs on ten hits.

On Wednesday evening the Hops rallied late, blew a lead, and then walked it off as they defeated the Aliens 5-4. Art Mason’s single back up the middle scored Skyler Lyons with the winning running as Flagstaff celebrated a huge win.

Tied at two, late in the game, the Hops hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the eighth as Rodney Millar hit his 33rd and Robbie Westbrook blasted his 19th, to put the Hops up 4-2.

Manager Bud Black trotted starter Shoe-Lace O’Tying back out to start the ninth. He got the first out, but surrendered a double to Blake Pacinelli. Black brought in closer Vic Miller and the first pitch that he threw, Damien Hudson blasted over the wall in dead center to tie the game at four. It was Miller’s fourth blown save and third since the All-Star game.

In the bottom half, Josh Ortega led off with a single and Skyler Lyons pinch ran for him. He advanced to second on a ground out and scored on Art Mason’s two-out RBI single to walk it off.

Vic Miller (2-1) got the win, despite the blown save. Shoe-Lace O’tying went 8 1.3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits. He struck out nine and did not walk a batter.

In the finale, the Aliens held off the Hops 5-4 to avoid the sweep. Joe Gallagher was the hero for the Aliens, hitting a three-run go-ahead home run in the sixth that proved to be the winner.

Robbie Westbrook homered twice for the Hops, both solo shots and Arturo Mardones hit a two-run home run in the losing effort.

The Hops loaded the bases with two-outs in the ninth off of Roswell closer Raymond Lane, but could not push across any runs as Josh Ortega flew out to center to end the ball game.

Roswell ace David Lee (11-8) picked up the win. He pitched six innings, allowing four runs on just four hits. The bullpen held the Hops scoreless over the final three innings with Lane picking up his league leading 37th save.

Ryan Pressley (7-10) pitched well, but that three-run home run in the sixth did him in. He went seven innings, allowing the five runs on nine hits.

The Hops (59-58) will host Prescott (46-70) to close out the home stand for a three game weekend series.

Notes: The Hops have claimed reliever Peter Colon and RF Cade Matthews off waivers from Yuma.

Around the League: Forth Worth rallied from a 9-2 deficit to stun red-hot Santa Fe 10-9 with a home run from Randy Klaus to tie it in the bottom of the ninth and a walk-off sacrifice fly from Kraus in the 10th. Steve Marquez hit a three-run home run to key the St. George Archers to a 4-0 victory over Salt Lake as they move farther ahead of Flagstaff in the ML West.

Armando Bermudez tossed seven shutout innings, but got a no decision in Gilbert’s 1-0 walk-off win over Tucson at Sloan Park. Ryan Rodriguez doubled home Steve Heupel with the game winning run as Gilbert stretched it’s lead in the DL East to 8 1/2 games over Salt River.

A Joel Valdez two-run home run in the ninth sent Santa Fe to a 3-1 victory over Fort Worth in a series with big playoff implications.

Art Mason hit for the cycle in the Hops 5-4 win on Wednesday evening.

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August 12-14: PRESCOTT (46-73) @ FLAGSTAFF (62-58)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 9,486)

August 12: Hops 7, Hot Shots 6
August 13: Hops 19, Hot Shots 7
August 14: Hops 3, Hot Shots 2

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops swept last place Prescott with a couple of one-run wins and an offensive explosion in between as they are moving themselves into position to challenge for the ML West lead and a Wild Card spot.

The Hops rallied in the opener to win a wild 7-6 game in a steady rain. The Hops bullpen came through with four shutout innings to secure the win.

After the Hops took a 1-0 lead in the second, Darren Gomes hit a two-run home run in the third to put Prescott in front, 2-1. The Hops would tie it in a Rodney Millar solo homer in the fourth, his 35th.

Prescott then exploded for four in the top of the fifth off of Sam Herzog, capping it off with a Harwill O’Kane two-run shot to dead center to put the Hot Shots up 6-2. But the Hops responded with a three-run shot by Oscar Aleman, his 19th, in the bottom of the fifth to cut it to 6-5. They would then take the lead in the sixth as William Chen came on. He walked the bases loaded before giving up an RBI single by Isaac Nettles to tie it. He would get Skyler Lyons to bounce into a 4-6-3 double play, but that allowed Rodney Millar to score the go ahead run.

Pedro Macias, Aldo Osuna and Vic Miller would lock down the Hot Shots over the final four innings, allowing just two hits and now runs, striking out five. Miller picked up his 30th save on the year as the Hops won their 60th game. Sam Herzog lasted just five innings, allowing six runs (three earned) on seven hits. He struck out five and did not walk a batter. The Hops pitchers struck out ten without issuing a walk.

On Saturday night the Hops offense exploded, hitting six home runs and a season high in runs as they clobbered the Hot Shots 19-7. Robbie Westbrook went 3 for 5 with a double, home run and four RBIs to lead the offense.

The Hops scored four in the first, then scored six run sin the fifth and eighth innings, pounding out 21 hits in the win. Home runs from Westbrook (22), Arturo Mardones (10), Skyler Lyons (7), Roberto Geronimo (29) and Oscar Aleman (20) on a relatively calm night at AutoZone Park.

The Hot Shots got home runs from Noah Wilson (18) and Harwill O’Kane (16) in the blowout loss.

John Benitez (1-4) was credited with the win, going seven innings and allowing four runs on seven hits. Alex Spanos struggled in the eighth, allowing three runs on three hits in one inning of work.

In the finale, the Hops got a huge two-run home run from Oscar Aleman and then held on for a 3-2 victory. Aleman went 3 for 4 with a double, home run and three runs batted in to help the Hops to the sweep.

The teams exchanged first inning runs with the Hot Shots getting a home run from Darren Gomes (19) and the Hops responding with an RBI double from Oscar Aleman.

The Hops would take the lead in the third on a two-run home run from Aleman, it was his 21st on the year and they led 3-1.

A Khris Kovach RBI single in the sixth cut into the Hops lead, but the bullpen would lock the Hot Shots down to secure the win. Vic Miller picked up his 31st save in the process. Angelo Chacin (4-1) picked up the win, even though he left in the sixth with shoulder tightness. He worked five plus innings, allowing one run on three hits. He struck out three and walked just one.

Dave Powers (8-8) took the loss for Prescott. He lasted five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits. He struck out four and did not walk a batter.

The Hops (62-58) will now head to Roswell for a quick three game road trip to take on the first place Aliens (65-54).


Around the League: San Diego’s Matt Campbell, the top pick in the IBL Draft, tossed eight shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out 10 as the Seals defeated Yuma 4-1. Edgar Escobedo tossed 7 2/3 shutout innings, striking out eight as Scottsdale stunned first-place Colorado Springs 6-0.

Henderson’s Nicolae Capisizu (11-8) tossed a complete game three-hitter, striking out seven as Henderson defeated Long Beach 7-0 to move to within four games of the Surf Dawgs in the DL West.

Salt River’s Cosmo Dorta (6-8) tossed a complete game one-hitter, striking out ten as the Rafters defeated first place Gilbert 7-0. The Rafters are now just six games back in the DL East.

Rookie Robbie Westbrook and the Flagstaff Hops are red-hot

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Mid-August Power Rankings are out as the Wild Card and Divisional races heat up:

1. Long Beach Surf Dawgs (68-52) (+2): The Surf Dawgs regain the top spot and they are looking like the team to beat in the IBL. Excellent offense and pitching led by Cy Young candidate Steve Willis (12-1, 2.66) who leads the IBL with 181 strikeouts.

2. Gilbert Barnstormers (68-52) (+4): The Barnstormers started out slow but have really come on as they are starting to run away in the DL East. Ryan Rodriguez (24 HR, 83 RBI) and Steve Heupel (28 HR, 70 RBI) are leading the way offensively and Armando Bermudez (10-3, 1.92) is dominating on the mound.

3. Fort Worth Kings (66-53) (-2): Fort Worth has been near the top of these rankings all season and Randy Klaus is one of the main reason. He is hitting .284 with 34 HRs and 100 RBIs. The pitching staff is excellent led by Gabriel Carmona (10-3, 2.56 ERA, 1.00 WHIP).

4. Glendale Desert Dogs (65-55) (+5): Third baseman Adrian Beltran leads the way hitting .255 with 24 HRs and 72 RBIs. A solid pitching staff is going to keep the Desert Dogs in the race the rest of the way.

5. Henderson Silver Knights (63-57) (+3): sneakily one of the best teams in the IBL. Offensively they are very good leading the IBL in OBP and runs scored. The lineup is pretty solid with four players with at least 21 home runs and 58 RBIs. No one is going to want to play them in the playoffs.

6. Colorado Springs Snow Sox (65-53) (-2): Pitching is the main reason that this team is leading the ML West, led by Sam Gonzalez (16-3, 2,64 ERA, 1.13 WHIP). Mike Rock (.271, 24 HR, 71 RBI). Donnell Marcus (.272, 21 HR, 76 RBI) and Eric Lowe (.283, 21 HR, 53 RBI) providing the offensive punch as the Snow Sox try and fend off charges by St. George and Flagstaff.

7. Las Vegas Nuggets (63-55) (-5): The Nuggets made a bunch of trades to upgrade their lineup but not sure if it will be enough. Ace Stanley Taguchi (11-9, 3.05 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) is going to have to carry them if they want to hang on to any post season hopes.

8. Santa Fe Silver Bullets (64-54) (+7): The hard charging Silver Bullets are (26-12) over the last 38 games to work themselves to just 1/2 game out of first in the ML Central. Young first baseman Donny Craig (.274, 25 HR, 81 RBIs) lead the offense with William Min (8-7, 3.08 ERA, 1.29 WHIP), Jared Hughes (8-5, 3.09 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) and recently acquired Pat Mehnutzak (9-6, 3.68 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) all pitching well.

9. San Antonio Javelinas (65-55) (+1): The Javelinas are led by young star shortstop Bran Gonzalez. He is hitting .291 with 12 HR, 53 RBIs and 35 stolen bases. Newly acquired Tom Jung has been excellent in the closer role.

10. Roswell Aliens (65-54) (+1): The Aliens sit atop the ML Central thanks to Danny Watson (.280, 34 HR, 89 RBI) and Blake Pacinelli (.326, 32 HR, 95 RBIs) who are both in the MVP conversation.

11. Flagstaff Hops (62-58) (+12): The Hops have flown up the rankings this month thanks to an offense that has come to life. They are top five in batting and lead the league by a wide margin in home runs and slugging percentage. The Hops have seven players with at least 19 home runs! If this team can make it into the playoffs, their top three starters in Shoe-Lace O’Tying, Ryan Pressley and Sam Herzog are all solid and they could be a tough out.

12. St. George Archers (62-58) (NC): The Archers have come to life after the All-Star break as they make a playoff push. Ryan Holland (10-6, 3.10 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) and Lamont Lawrence (8-8, 3.45 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) anchor the staff.

13. El Paso Blue Rocks (64-54) (-8): The Blue Rocks find themselves in a dogfight in the ML Central with Roswell and Santa Fe. This team steals bases at an amazing clip, leading the league by almost 40. They have four players with at least 25 stolen bases. Josh Hawk (.254, 25 HR, 94 RBIs) is a bonafide star.

14. Surprise Saguaros (62-56) (-7): The Saguaros are sliding out of the playoff race and starting pitching may be a big reason. They only have two pitchers that have thrown over 90 innings in Dan Rayna (6-10, 3.17 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) and Jamaal Sykes (3-9, 3.60 ERA, 1.27 WHIP). Maury Keith has been excellent in the closer role with 32 saves in 35 opportunities, if they can get the ball to him with a lead.

15. Austin Fire Frogs (61-58) (+2): Austin is hanging around in the Wild Card chase but their starting pitching is holding them back.. No starter has an ERA of under 4.10 or a WHIP under 1.35. Young first baseman Hulk Hoagie has 18 HRs and 62 RBIS to go along with that great mustache.

16. Albuquerque Mariachis (61-58) (+2): Playing in arguably the toughest division in the league, the Mariachis are somehow still in the playoff race. They have won five straight to pull to with 3 1/2 games of a Wild Card spot. Right fielder Thomas Estrada (.314, 26 HRs, 73 RBI) is in the league MVP talk.

17. West Texas Bison (58-61) (+5): The Bison are another team that uses their team speed to keep them in games. They have six players with at least 14 stolen bases. Left fielder David Raze is hitting .295 with 10 home runs, 40 RBIs and 24 stolen bases. Lowell Alan Pressley is (11-6, 4.15 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) with 144 strikeouts.

18. Salt River Rafters (62-56) (-4): This team has been up and down lately and currently sits tied for a Wild Card spot, but five back of Gilbert in the DL East. Young third baseman Antone Garcia is a five tool guy and a player to look out for in the future. He is hitting .254 with 17 HRs, 67 RBIs and has 15 stolen bases.

19. Mesa Solar Sox (58-61) (-6): disappointing is a word to describe the Solar Sox. Sitting in fourth in the DL East, they are second in the IBL with 179 home runs lead by superstar John Nichols (.297, 24 HR, 70 RBI, 21 SB).

20. Phoenix Firebirds (60-59) (-4): Highest payroll in the IBL at $172M, yet they are sitting outside of a Wild Card spot. First baseman Juan Chavez, acquired via trade is a stud, hitting .302 with 23 HRs and 65 RBIs.

21. Tucson Roadrunners (59-60) (-1): lowest payroll in the IBL at $59M, but with a gorgeous new stadium and a bunch of money to spend this offseason. Look for the Roadrunners to spend some money on upgrading their roster this winter. 18-year-old centerfielder Jalen Chestnut is a piece to build around. The youngster is hitting .285 with 10 home runs, 41 RBIs and 20 stolen bases.

22. Goodyear Jack Rabbits (55-66) (-3): This team is baffling. They are near the top in hitting and pitching, yet they sit 8 1/2 games out of a Wild Card spot in the Desert League.

23. Rio Rancho Owlz (54-64) (+4): led by youngster Rollie Flingers (9-11, 3.97 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 152 K), the Owlz can build around him as they look towards the future.

24. Amarillo Honey Hunters (55-65) (-3): sitting in last place in the ML East, the Honey Hunters have Bradley York to look forward to but not much else.

25. Salt Lake Chukars (52-67) (-1): The Chukars went into rebuild mode before the trade deadline. J.P. Grant has been a bright spot, hitting .307 with 19 homers and 70 RBIs in an otherwise dismal season.

26. Scottsdale Scorpions (54-66) (+4): This team has been playing better but still sits in last in the DL Central. First baseman Lim Lee is exciting to watch with 21 homers, 72 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.

27. San Diego Seals (51-67) (+1): It has been said all season, the Seals have stars in Matt Campbell and Matt Mulder. If they can put the pieces around these two, they could contend, but they are in a tough division with Long Beach, Las Vegas and Henderson.

28. Chandler Chiefs (56-64) (-3): Awful pitching has this team heading towards the bottom of our rankings. Their best player Rick Singleton (22 HR, 76 RBI, 14 SB) is a free agent after the season.

29. Prescott Hot Shots (46-73) (-3): not a lot of young talent here on an aging team. They have major money tied up in reliever Jack Mays and starter Ken Smith. Both could be on the move this offseason as this team looks to rebuild. The question is who wants to take on their salaries.

30. Yuma Dust Devils (43-76) (-1): They sold off their players with value for futures at the deadline. This team is looking to 2023 and beyond.

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August 16-18: FLAGSTAFF (62-61) @ ROSWELL (68-54)
Stadium: Greater New Mexico Field (Capacity: 5,602)

August 16: Aliens 5, Hops 4
August 17: Aliens 2, Hops 1
August 18: Aliens 6, Hops 5

Roswell, NM (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops were swept in a three game series at Roswell, losing all three games by one run. The losses put a temporary dent in their Wild Card hopes as they are now five games back in the Wild Card chase.

In the opener, the Aliens went deep four times off of Shoe-Lace O’Tying as they eeked out a 5-4 victory. Danny Watson homered and doubled to help lead the Aliens to the victory.

The Hops would grab a 2-0 lead right off the bat off of Hendricks on an Oscar Aleman RBI single and a Roberto Geronimo sacrifice fly, but it could have been much worse as they left the bases loaded.

Roswell would get the first of their four home runs in the second as Joe Gallagher hit a solo home run to left to cut the Flagstaff lead in half. The Aliens would then hit back-to-back-to-back homers in the fourth by Watson, Blake Pacinelli and Damien Hudson to grab a 4-2 lead. Watson’s homer tied him for the Mountain League lead with his 35th on the year. Pacinelli’s was his 33rd.

Josh Ortega would tie the game up in the sixth with a two-run home run, his 20th on the season.

But the Aliens would get that right back in the bottom half on a Robby Flores RBI double that ended O’Tying’s evening, and gave Roswell a 5-4 lead. O’Tying (9-5) took the loss in a forgettable outing as he allowed five runs on nine hits including the four solo home runs. He struck out three and walked two.

Robert Sbarbori (4-1) got the win out of the bullpen for Roswell. Raymond Lane picked up his league leading 40th save as he worked a 1-2-3 ninth.

The Aliens took game two on Wednesday evening as they escaped with a 2-1 victory. Blake Pacinelli’s solo home run in the seventh proved to be the difference. It was his 34th on the year.

The Aliens grabbed the lead in the bottom of the third on a Reece RBI single. The Hops would tie it up in the top of the fourth on a Robbie Westbrook RBI double. It would remain tied until Pacinelli’s solo home run in the seventh off of Ryan Pressley (7-11). Pressley went 6 1/3 innings allowing the two runs on just four hits. He struck out six and did not issue a walk.

Robert Sbarbori (5-1) picked up the win for the second consecutive evening out of the bullpen. He pitched a scoreless seven, striking out two.

In the finale, the Aliens rallied from a 5-1 deficit in the fifth to win it 6-5. A Damien Hudson homer in the bottom of the eighth off of Aldo Osuna was the difference as Roswell won their seventh straight ballgame.

Flagstaff (62-61) looked like they were going to avoid the sweep as they jumped out to an early 4-0 lead. Josh Ortega hit a solo home run, his 21st, and Roberto Geronimo blasted a two-run homer in the second to give the Hops a three run lead. Ortega would add an RBI single in the third to make it 4-0.

A Steve Fuzz solo homer off of Sam Herzog to open the fourth cut the lead to 4-1.

Skyler Lyons hit a solo homer to center to open the fifth. It was his eighth on the year and gave the Hops a four run lead.

An RBI double by Reece would cut the lead to 5-2 in the bottom half and then Kelly Schwarzfeld hit a two-out, three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth to tie the ballgame at 5-5.

The Hops brought on Aldo Osuna to pitch the bottom of the eighth and the first pitch that he threw was blasted over the wall in left by Daniel Hudson to put Roswell up 6-5.

Raymond Lane would come on for the third straight day to pick up the save as he earned his 42nd on the season.

The third straight loss dropped the Hops (62-61) 4 1/2 games back in the ML West and 5 1/2 out of a Wild Card spot. Up next they will return home for a three game weekend series with Salt Lake (55-68).

Around the League: Fort Worth’s Alex Pena tossed a complete game two-hitter, striking out five and walking three as the Kings took down red-hot West Texas 2-0. Mikey Fisher hit a three run home run in the eighth to supply all the offense that the Kings would need. Red-hot St George defeated Amarillo 7-5 behind home runs from Jamaal McCormick, Angel Montes and Rolando Powers as they won their sixth straight. They are now just a game back of Colorado Springs in the ML West.

Rollie Flingers (10-11) tossed 7 2/3 innings, allowing one run on five hits as Rio Rancho defeated Colorado Springs 5-2. He struck out nine and walked three.

San Diego scored four times in the top of the ninth to win a wild one in Long Beach 14-13. Matt Mulder went 4 for 5 with a home run and five runs batted in to help pace the Seals. Angle Montes homered in the bottom of the 14th inning as St. George walked it off against San Antonio 7-6 to move into a first place tie with Colorado Springs in the ML West.

Daniel Hudson’s eighth inning home run on Thursday afternoon sent Roswell to a sweep.

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August 19-21: SALT LAKE (57-69) @ FLAGSTAFF (63-63)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 9,486)

August 19: Hops 4, Chukars 3
August 20: Chukars 6, Hops 1
August 21: Chukars 1, Hops 0

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops have cooled off and maybe at the wrong time as they dropped two of three to the Salt Lake Chukars over the weekend and have now lost five of six.

The Hops rallied to take the opener 4-3. A four-run seventh inning was capped off with an Art Mason two-run double as the Hops broke a three game losing streak and snapped a Chukars three game winning streak.

The Chukars would grab a 2-0 lead in the first inning with a couple of runs. One scored on a Skyler Lyons error and the second on a Hills RBI single. The Chukars would get what looked like a big insurance run in the top of the seventh on a Rafael Geronimo solo home run to right center to make it 3-0.

But the Hops rallied in the bottom half. With runners on second and third, Josh Ortega grounded out to score Rodney Millar. Forrest Owen followed that up with an RBI single. After a Skyler Lyons single, Art Mason doubled deep down the left field line to score both runners as the Hops took a 4-3 lead.

Vic Miller would pitch the ninth to pick up his 32nd save. John Benitez (2-4) was credited with the win. He pitched seven innings, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out four.

The Hops hit into three double plays in the game.

On Saturday evening the Chukars got a great pitching performance from Tom Hawk as they defeated the Hops 6-1. Home runs from Pablo Gomes and J.P. Grant helped pace the Chukars to the win.

Salt Lake would grab the lead in the third inning on a three-run home run from J.P. Grant. It was his 21st on the season. The Hops would replay in the bottom half as Art Mason ripped an RBI double that score Arturo Mardones. That would be all the offense that Flagstaff could muster in this one.

The Chukars would put this one away in the eighth as the Hops bullpen fell apart. Peter Gozelski came on and could not get an out. The first batter reached on an error and he gave up a single and walked a batter. Aldo Osuna came on and would strike out the side, but also walked in two runs. Salt Lake would add a Pablo Gomes homer in the ninth to make it 6-1.

Tom Hawk (5-7) pitched seven innings, allowing just three hits and one run as he earned the victory. Angelo Chacin (4-2) took the loss, lasting just five innings and allowing three runs on five hits. He struck out three and walked two. In all, the Hops pitchers issued six walks in the game.

The finale was a pitching duel between Thor Odinson and Shoe-Lace O’Tying as the Chukars won 1-0. A solo home run from Rafael Geronimo in the fifth inning was the difference as Flagstaff slumped back to .500.

Thor Odinson (6-7) went eight plus innings, scattering six hits and striking out eight. Emmett Franco would come on and tightrope out of trouble with the bases loaded to pick up his 33rd save.

Shoe-Lace O’Tying (9-6) pitched a complete game, allowing the single run on just four hits. He struck out 10 and did not issue a walk. It was his league leading sixth complete game. He also took over the Mountain League lead in strikeouts with 164.

The Hops scored just five runs and scored all of those runs in just two innings in the three game weekend series.

The Hops (63-63) will have Monday off before hosting Desert League West leading Long Beach (73-54) for a two game series to end the brief home stand.

Around the League: Rio Rancho rallied from a 5-1 deficit late to defeat El Paso 6-5, sending the Blue Rocks to their seventh straight loss. Red-hot St George blew a great pitching performance from Ryan Holland (8 IP, 4 hits, 0 runs) and lost 6-2 to San Antonio in 10 innings. Kosuke Matsui’s bases clearing triple in the tenth was the difference for the first place Javelinas.

Brett Kimbrek (12-7) tossed a complete game five-hitter, striking out five, as Long Beach took care of Surprise 4-0.

Thor Odinson shut down the Hops on Sunday afternoon as Salt Lake won the weekend series.

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August 23-24: LONG BEACH (74-56) @ FLAGSTAFF (64-64)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 9,486)

August 23: Hops 10, Surf Dawgs 1
August 24: Surf Dawgs 15, Hops 14

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops wrapped up the homestand with a wild two game split with the Long Beach Surf Dawgs. Despite scoring 24 runs in the two games, the Hops only managed a split as they prepare to hit the road for ten games.

The Hops got their offense get in order on Tuesday evening as they pounded the Surf Dawgs 10-1. Art Mason hit for the cycle for the second time this month, going 5 for 5 and driving in three to help pace the Hops to the much needed victory.

This one was never really in doubt from the start with the Hop scoring twice in the second on back-to-back home runs from Robbie Westbrook (22) and Roberto Geronimo (31). An RBI single from Arturo Mardones and RBI double from Art Mason in the fourth made it 4-0.

Rodney Millar broke out of a mini slump with a solo home run in the sixth to make it 7-0. For Millar, it was his 36th home run on the season. Art Mason would homer in the eighth to complete the cycle. He hit for the cycle on August 11th win a win over Roswell also at AutoZone Park.

Ryan Pressley (8-11) pitched 8 1/3 innings, allowing one run on six hits. He struck out seven. Chuck Sanchez (7-4) was saddled with the loss for Long Beach. He lasted just four plus innings, allowing five runs on nine hits.

In Wednesday afternoon’s finale, the Hops dropped a slugfest to the Surf Dawgs 15-14. The teams combined to hit 11 home runs with the big blow being a seventh inning grand slam from light hitting right field Jim Esparza.

The Surf Dawgs led 4-0 after the first half inning and had an 11-4 lead in the fourth before a furious rally from the Hops. They would score seven times in the fifth to take a 13-11 lead. A two-run home run from SKyler Lyons and three-run bomb from Oscar Aleman keyed the rally.

Oliver Benedict came on in the seventh and struggled, loading the bases with none out before serving up the grand slam to Jim Esparza.

Huey Lopez went 4 for 5 with two home runs and five RBIs for the Surf Dawgs. Oscar Aleman homered and doubled, driving in five for the Hops in the loss.

The fifteen runs allowed were a season high against Flagstaff.

Flagstaff (64-64) will now hit the road for their longest road trip of the year, 10 games, as they will play at Fort Worth, West Texas and Santa Fe.

Around the League: Fort Worth’s Alex Pena (10-5) tossed eight innings of shutout baseball, striking out nine, and Randy Klaus (35th) homered as the Kings shutout Mesa 8-0.

Jim Espanz’s grand slam capped off a 15-14 victory for the visiting Surf Dawgs on Wednesday afternoon.

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August 25-28: FLAGSTAFF (67-65) @ FORT WORTH (73-59)
Stadium: Globe Life Field (Capacity: 40,300)

August 25: Hops 6, Kings 3
August 26: Hops 5, Kings 0
August 27: Kings 8, Hops 7 (12)
August 28: Hops 7, Kings 6

Arlington, TX (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops took three of four from the ML East leading Fort Worth Kings to keep their playoff hopes alive. This was a thrilling series with two of the wins coming in the final at bat as the Hops opened up a ten game road trip winning three of four.

The Hops would take the opener 6-3 behind a five-run fourth inning. Robbie Westbrook helped pace the offense, going 1 for 3 with a double, walk, RBI and a stolen base.

The Hops would grab the lea din the third on an Art Mason RBI single. They would then break the game open in the fourth, scoring five times on six base hits. Robbie Westbrook doubled home Oscar Aleman. Roberto Geronimo singled home Rodney Millar. Forrest Owen singled home Westbrook. Art Mason singled home Roberto Geronimo and Isaac Nettles hit a sacrifice fly that scored Forrest Owen.

The Kings would get one back in the bottom half on an RBI ground out from Park. Randy Klaus hit a long solo home run to left in the sixth, it was his 36th on the season to cut the lead to 6-2. Cal Velasco would add an RBI single in the eighth off of reliever Peter Gorzelski to trim the lead to three.

Vic Miller came on to close out the game, picking up his 33rd save as he struck out two.

John Benitez (3-4) earned the win with a strong seven innings of work. He allowed two runs on just six hits. He struck out two and did not issue a walk.

Jose Lema (9-10) took the loss for Fort Worth. He only lasted 3 1/3 innings, allowing six runs on eight hits. He walked two and struck out three.

The Hops hit into three double plays in the game. Robbie Westbrook stole his 38th base on the season and Roberto Geronimo stole his 28th in the win.

The Hops took Friday evenings game 5-0 behind a great pitching performance from Angelo Chacin. Chacin worked five innings, allowing just two hits while striking out three and walking two.

Offensively, the Hops would score four times in the fourth inning. Josh Ortega lined an RBI double to score Shoe-Lace O’Tying to give Flagstaff the lead. Robbie Westbrook then singled home Ortega. After loading the bases with none out, sacrifice flies from Forrest Owen and Arturo Mardones made it 4-0.

Rodney Millar would add an RBI single in the eighth to make it 5-0.

But the story was the Hops pitching. On a rany evening with the roof closed in Arlington, the Hops used three pitchers to silence the Kings bats. Angelo Chacin (5-2) earned the win, but Mark Wirth and Samuel Espinoza pitched the final four innings, allowing just one hit while striking out five.

Alexi Mora (0-1) took the loss for the Kings. He only went 4 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on six hits, while striking out three and walking two in his 2022 debut.

On Saturday evening the Kings rallied from four down to stun the Hops 8-7 in extra innings. ML MVP candidate Randy Klaus homered three times including a walk off home run in the twelfth inning to win it for the Kings.

Randy Klaus went 4 for 6 with three home runs and a double, driving in five runs as Fort Worth moved back into first place in the ML East with the walk off victory.

This was a matchup of two of the best pitchers in the Mountain League with Gabriel Cardona going for Fort Worth and Shoe-Lace O’Tying taking the rubber for Flagstaff, and each was decent in this one. But it came down to the bullpens and they were not great.

The Hops would score two in the top of the sixth thanks to Rodney Millar’s 38th home run on the year. That put the Hops up 3-1. Randy Klaus responded with a solo home run in the bottom half and Woodson would hit a sacrifice fly to tie the ball game.

Flagstaff would score four in the top of the seventh to seemingly put this one away. Forrest Owen had an RBI single. Art Mason grounded out to score Donnie Roland. Emmitt Hampton lined a single to left to score Art Madon and Rodney Millar doubled to center to score Hampton.

But manager Bud Black sent O’Tying back out in the seventh. He gave up a walk and single before getting lifted for Oliver Benedict. Benedict’s first pitch was hit a very long way by Randy Klaus. The three-run home run cut the lead to 7-6.

Closer Vic Miller would then serve up a solo home run to Roy Graham to lead off the bottom of the ninth to tie the game. It was Miller’s fifth blown save on the season.

Then with two-outs in the 12th, Randy Klaus homered off of Adrian Spanos to end it. It was his third of the game and league leading 39th in the season. He also leads the Mountain League with 107 RBIs.

Manager Bud Black after the game admitted that he probably should have pulled O’Tying when up by four in the seventh but the youngster convinced him that he had three more outs left in his arm.

To make matters worse, designated hitter and outfielder Oscar Aleman suffered a fractured hand base running in the game and will likely miss the rest of the season. Aleman was hitting (.303) with 22 home runs and 68 RBIs. Bud Black said that Shoe-Lace O’Tying will likely move into the DH role but the club will make a roster move also.

The finale was another thriller as Isaac Nettles hit a two-out, three-run home run in the ninth to put Flagstaff back in front and they would hold on for a 7-6 victory to take three of four in the Metroplex.

Flagstaff (67-65) led 3-0 in the seventh with Ryan Pressley cruising on the mound. But he would fall apart after recording the first two outs. Harris doubled to center and Newman singled him home to get the Kings on the board. Roy Graham would then hit a two-run home run to tie the game. It was his second huge home run in two games and just his fourth on the season. Mikey Fisher would then hit an opposite field homer to put the Kings up 4-3!

The Hops would respond to tie it as Grant Mitchell grounded into a 6-4-3 double play that allowed Phillip Choi to score.

But in the bottom of the eighth, Randy Klaus singled off of Aldo Osuna with two outs and Chris Carlisle blasted a two-run home run into the seats in right to give Fort Worth a 6-4 lead.

That setup Isaac Nettles to be the hero in the ninth. After Robbie Westbrook doubled and Roberto Geronimo walked, Josh Ortega and Phillip Choi both struck out against closer Gregg Fierro. Isaac Nettles worked the count to 2-2 and then hit a hanging slider into the seats in right. It was his first home run on the season and gave Flagstaff the shocking 7-6 lead.

Vic Miller came on after blowing a ninth inning lead last night. He sent down the Kings in order to earn his 34th save and help Flagstaff win this huge series to open the road trip.

The Hops will have Monday off as they travel to Lubbock for a three game series with West Texas (65-67) beginning on Tuesday.

Around the League: Las Vegas got seven strong innings from Roger Frawley (9-5) as they slipped by Salt River 2-1. Frawley struck out nine and walked one, scattering just four hits and allowing one earned run in the win.

The Phoenix Firebirds remain red hot as they scored three in the bottom of the ninth to defeat Prescott, 6-4. Mason Ortiz blasted a three run homer to walk it off to help the Firebirds to their fifth straight win and move a season high eight games over .500.

Top pick in the IBL draft Matt Campbell (8-11) tossed a complete game two-hitter, striking out six, as the San Diego Seals shutout the Mesa Solar Sox 4-0. Campbell lowered his ERA to 3.61.

Steve Heupel homered and drove in four and Brian Valenzuela hit a grand slam as Gilbert defeated Yuma 9-2. Armando Bermudez (12-4) got the win, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out six as he leads the Desert League with a 2.12 ERA.

Isaac Nettles picked a great time for his first home run on the season.

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August 30 - Sept 1: FLAGSTAFF (68-67) @ WEST TEXAS (67-68)
Stadium: Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (Capacity: 12,976)

August 30: Bison 3, Hops 1
August 31: Bison 5, Hops 2
September 1: Hops 4, Bison 3 (11)

Lubbock, TX (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops dropped two of three in Lubbock but avoided the sweep with an extra innings victory in the finale over the West Texas Bison.

The Bison took the opener 3-1 behind a great pitching performance from starter Douglas Matsui. He pitched seven innings, allowing just the single on and scattering seven hits while striking out five.

West Texas would grab the lead in the third inning on a Ryan RBI single. They would increase the lead to 3-0 in the fourth on back-to-back homers from Ervin Larkin and Grant Gomez.

Flagstaff would get one back on a solo homer from Josh Ortega in the seventh. It was his 23rd on the season. He would go 4 for 4 in the game.

Sam Herzog (9-5) would take the loss. He pitched six innings, allowing the three runs on nine hits. Alex Spanos and Oliver Benedict would each pitch a scoreless inning of relief.

Matthew Ball pitched the ninth to pick up his 39th save in 39 opportunities for the Bison.

On Wednesday evening the Bison won again, defeating the Hops 5-2. Grant Gomez led the Bison with a single, home run and two runs scored as West Texas gets back to .500, while dropping the Hops back down to .500.

Red-hot Josh Ortega doubled home Art Mason in the first inning to give Flagstaff the early lead.

But that would not last long as Bobby Rayburn and Grant Gomez each hit solo home runs in the second to put the Bison in front for good. They would add solo runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings to move in front 5-1.

A Roberto Geronimo solo home run in the top of the ninth gave the Hops some hope. But closer Matthew Ball came on with one out in the ninth and slammed the door shut on his 40th save of the season.

John Benitez (3-5) would take the loss. He pitched 5.1 innings, allowing four runs on six hits. He struck out four and walked one. Alex Farmer (8-8) picked up the win for the Bison. He worked six innings, allowing one run on just four hits. He struck out three and walked two.

In the finale, the Hops blew a 3-0 lead, but pulled the game out in extra innings thanks to some sloppy defense by the Bison, as they won 4-3. Two errors led to an unearned run, but the Hops will take it as they moved back above .500.

The Hops (68-67) would grab a 3-0 lead in the fifth inning on an Art Mason RBI single and Arturo Mardones two-run home run, his 20th on the season.

But West Texas responded with solo home runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. David Razae homered on the first pitch that he saw from rookie Russell Fluty, making his IBL debut. Manny Vega then homered off of Oliver Benedict in the seventh and Chris Rosas hit a two-out blast off of Oliver in the eighth to tie the game at 3-3.

In the eleventh, Robbie Westbrook singled to center with one out. He then stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error. Roberto Geronimo would single him home with a blooper over the drawn in infield.

Vic Miller would come on and pick up the save, his 35th, to secure the victory.

Angelo Chacin worked five shutout innings, striking out three and only allowing three hits. Aldo Osuna (5-5) picked up the win, pitching 2.1 innings.

Around the League: Colorado Springs defeated Forth Worth 4-1 in a battle of division leaders in Arlington. Mike Stoneridge (10-8) picked up the win, tossing eight innings and allowing one run on just five hits. He struck out five and walked three.

Jose Lema (10-10) pitched eight masterful innings, allowing three hits and no runs as Fort Worth crushed Colorado Springs 11-0.

Phoenix’s Fletcher Fluty tossed 6.1 shutout innings and Kenny James won it with a walk off RBI double as the Firebird’s defeated Scottsdale 1-0 to take over first place in the Desert League Central.

Robbie Westbrook steals second in the 11th and ends up being the winning run on Thursday evening.