Intermountain Baseball League - Presented by BigJdotcom01

[bigjdotcom01]

May 3-5: SAN ANTONIO (18-14) @ FLAGSTAFF (14-17)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 9,486)

May 3: Hops 5, Javelinas 4
May 4: Javelinas 6, Hops 3
May 5: Hops 5, Javelinas 3

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops took two of three from the red hot San Antonio Javelinas to end the home stand. The offense appears to be awakening from their slumber and the big bats are coming to life as the season heats up.

In the opener, the Hops jumped out to a big lead then held on for a 5-4 victory over the Javelinas. Rodney Millar and Roberto Geronimo each homered for the Hops in the series opener.

Flagstaff would grab a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a Roberto Geronimo home run to left that snuck just inside the foul pole. San Antonio would respond in the top of the third with back-to-back home runs off of Sam Herzog to take the lead 2-1. It was Greg Hunter with his third and Brian Gonzalez with his sixth.

The Hops immediately retook the lead in the bottom half with RBI singles from Grant Mitchell and Donnie Roland. They would extend the lead to 5-2 in the fourth on a solo home run from Rodney Millar and a sacrifice fly from Arturo Mardones.

A T.J. Hart RBI double would cut the lead to 5-3 in the fifth inning and that would spell the end for starter Sam Herzog, who would pick up the win. Herzog (2-2) pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits. He struck out three and walked one.

The Javelinas would cut into the deficit even further in the top of the eighth, but they could have tied the game. Kosuki Matsui doubled after a Sam Morgan single, but Morgan was thrown out at the plate (8-6-2). Zach Lamb would score Matsui on an RBI double with two outs, but Peter Gorzelski would get Greg Hunter to line out to center to end the inning.

In the ninth, the Javelinas were setup to tie the game or even take the lead off of Aldo Osuna. Gonzalez opened the inning with an infield single. Palmeiro tried to sacrifice him to second but he reached and they had runners at first and second with no outs. T.J. Hart would line out to left center, and Grant Mitchell then threw out Gonzalez attempting to tag up and get to third. Palmiero was then thrown out trying to steal second to end the ballgame. Osuna would pick up his first save.

The loss ended San Antonio’s season high six game winning streak.

On a cold and snowy Wednesday evening, the Javelinas rallied for a 6-3 victory to even the series. San Antonio scored runs in the final five innings to rally from an early deficit and pick up the win.

Flagstaff would grab a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning thanks to a two-run home run from Robbie Westbrook, his fifth on the season. They would make it 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth thanks to a solo shot from Rafael Perez.

But the bullpen could not make that lead hold up. The Javelinas got a Sam Morgan home run in the sixth and a Brian Gonzalez two-out RBI single in the seventh to tie the ball game.

Miguel Ascencio came on to pitch in the eight for Flagstaff and proceeded to give up three straight singles that produced the go ahead run and then a Kiko Pressley throwing error led to an additional run as San Antonio took a 5-3 lead. T.J. Hart would add a solo home run in the ninth for the Javelinas as they evened the series.

Oliver Benedict was charged with a blown save, allowing two runs, and Ascencio (2-1) took the loss after a strong start from Robert Francis. He went five innings, allowing one run on seven hits while striking out four.

San Antonio ace, Sam Woodson went 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits. He struck out eight and walked one, but was not involved in the decision. John Smith worked the ninth to pick up his eighth save.

In the finale, the Hops rallied for a 5-3 victory behind a nice pitching performance from rookie Shoe-Lace O’Tying. Roberto Geronimo homered and tripled, driving in two runs and scoring twice to help lead the offense.

Flagstaff (14-17) would grab a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a Roberto Geronimo bomb to left center that landed on top of the warehouse just past the trees.

The Javelinas (18-14) would grab the lead in the top of the third on back-to-back RBI doubles from T.J. Hart and Emil Palmiero.

In the bottom of the fourth, Flagstaff would retake the lead for good. Donnie Roland doubled down the right field line with one out. Roberto Geronimo then tripled into the right field corner to score Roland and tie the ballgame at 2-2. Rodney Millar would hit a line drive single to center, scoring Geronimo, and giving Flagstaff the lead.

They would add a run in the seventh when Rodney Miller crushed one over the wall in left to make it 4-2. After T.J. Hart homered to right in the top of the eighth to cut the Hops lead to one, Robbie Westbrook laced an RBI single in the bottom half to give the Hops a two run cushion heading into the ninth.

Vic Miller came on and he didn’t make things easy. After getting the first out, he gave up a singled and walked a batter, moving the tying run to second. But Miller would get Hunter to fly out to center and Gonzalez to ground out to end the ball game.

Flagstaff will now hit the road to face a pair of Western Division rivals. They will travel to Prescott (15-17) and Salt Lake (11-20) for a six game road trip.

Around the League: Centerfielder Josh Carroll hit two home runs and drove in six as Prescott destroyed Amarillo 16-0. Javy Gonzalez homered in the 13th inning as Salt River outlasted the San Diego Seals 11-10. Prescott scored four times in the ninth to rally past Amarillo 8-7. Albuquerque’s Alex Sbarbori struck out 11 and allowed just four hits in a 2-0 victory over Goodyear.

Roberto Geronimo homered in both wins in the series.

[bigjdotcom01]

May 6-8: FLAGSTAFF (16-18) @ PRESCOTT (16-19)
Stadium: Dignity Health Park (Capacity: 11,598)

May 6: Hot Shots 2, Hops 0
May 7: Hops 8, Hot Shots 5
May 8: Hops 3, Hot Shots 1

Prescott, AZ (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops opened up their road trip by taking two of three from division rival Prescott at Dignity Health Park. After a tough 2-0 loss in the opener, the Hops were able to take the last two to move ahead of Prescott in the Mountain League Western division standings.

In the opener, the Hot Shots got a great pitching performance from Dave Powers and some timely offense from Matt Olson in a 2-0 victory over the Hops.

Matt Olson hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth, to score Darren Gomes. He then added a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth to add some insurance.

Ryan Pressley (1-3) was the hard luck loser in this one, tossing six innings and 116 pitches, allowing just one run on three hits. He struck out six and walked three.

The Hops outhit the Hot Shots 6-5 in a swiftly played game in Prescott. Dave Powers (4-2) picked up the win, tossing seven innings, allowing five hits and striking out five while not issuing any walks. Xavier Doyle picked up his 11th save, working the ninth.

On Saturday evening the teams combined for two grand slams, but it was Flagstaff that came away with the 8-5 victory. Robbie Westbrook’s grand slam in the seventh proved to be the difference for the Hops as they pulled out a much needed win.

Flagstaff would grabbed a 2-0 lead in the third inning on a two-run double from Rafael Perez.

A Matt Olson RBI single in the bottom of the third would get Prescott on the board.

Oscar Aleman would homer in the sixth to put the Hops up by two, and then Robbie Westbrook had the big blow, a grand slam in the seventh to extend the Flagstaff lead to 7-1. They would add a run in the eighth on a Josh Ortega RBI double.

The bullpen was solid until the ninth as normally reliable Pedro Macias, who has struggled lately, came on and gave up a lead off single and two walks. Then dished up a grand slam to Noah Wilson to cut the Flagstaff lead to 8-5. Manager Bud Black would leave in Macias to get the final two outs, but he had a rocky inning.

Steve Hubbard (1-3) picked up his first win on the year, going six innings and allowing one run on five hits. He struck out seven and walked two. Jimmy Campenella (0-4) was saddled with the loss for Prescott. He went 4 1/3 innings, allowing just two earned runs on six hits. He struck out eight and walked one.

In the Sunday afternoon finale, the Hops got a huge two-out, two-run home run from Rodney Millar in the top of the ninth inning to pull out a 3-1 victory.

Sam Herzog was excellent again on the bump for Flagstaff, but he would not get a decision as he left in a tie ball game. He went 7 1/3 innings, allowing one run on six hits. He struck out four and did not issue any walks. Miguel Ascencio would get the last two outs in the eighth to pick up the win, as he improved to (3-1). Vic Miller worked the ninth, and allowed a two-out double, but struck out the side to earn his sixth save.

Flagstaff (16-18) will now head to Salt Lake City to take on the last place Chukars (13-21) for a three game series beginning on Monday evening.

Around the League: Centerfielder Josh Carroll hit two home runs and drove in six as Prescott destroyed Amarillo 16-0. Blake Pacinelli hit three home runs and drove in all six runs for the Aliens as Roswell beat Salt Lake, 6-5. West Texas’ Manny Vega hit two home runs and drove in seven in a victory over Rio Rancho, 13-0. Glendale’s John Clarkson tossed a one-hit shutout as the Desert Dogs defeated Tucson 7-0. Austin’s Richie Chappell throws a complete game three-hit shutout, striking out 11, as the Fire Frogs beat Fort Worth 3-0.

Rodney Millar was the hero again on Sunday, hitting a huge home run in the ninth to win it for the Hops.

[bigjdotcom01]

May 9-11: FLAGSTAFF (18-19) @ SALT LAKE (14-23)
Stadium: Deseret Field (Capacity: 6,860)

May 9: Chukars 5, Hops 4
May 10: Hops 4, Chukars 0
May 11: Hops 13, Chukars 1

Salt Lake City, UT (AP) - The suddenly hot Flagstaff Hops took two of three from last place Salt Lake to move closer to first place in the ML West. They outscored the Chukars 21-6 in the three game series to end the road trip at (4-2).

On Monday evening, the Chukars took the opener 5-4 thanks to some late inning heroics as Salt Lake scored twice in the bottom of the eighth to take the lead.

Both teams got off to a quick start with the wind blowing out at Deseret Field in downtown Salt Lake City. Robbie Westbrook would homer in the top of the first to put the Hops up 1-0. Pablo Gomes would double and score in the bottom half to tie the ballgame for the Chukars.

A Forrest Owen RBI single in the second, drove home Rodney Millar to put Flagstaff back in front in the second. But in the bottom half, Salt Lake responded. This time it was a Derek Hills solo home run. The Chukars would take the lead in the bottom of the third inning on a Hideo Yoshida solo home run to left.

Forrest Owen would come through again for the Hops in the fourth as he lined a two-run single down into the left field corner to help Flagstaff retake the lead at 4-3. It would stay that way all the way into the eighth.

David Rosas homered to right center to open the inning, off of reliever Oliver Benedict. Adolfo Villarreal would then triple and score on a Pablo Gomes RBI single to put Salt Lake in front.

Flagstaff opened the ninth with a leadoff single from Donnie Roland. Arturo Mardones came on to run, but was thrown out trying to steal second, pretty much ending the Hops hopes of a comeback.

Emmett Franco would get the save for the Chukars. Jay Huseby (1-0) picked up the win, pitching the eighth. Oliver Benedict (1-1) took the loss for the Hops. Robert Francis went the first six innings, leaving with the lead. He allowed three runs on six hits, striking out two.

On Tuesday evening, rookie Shoe-Lace O’Tying tossed a complete game three-hit shutout as the Hops defeated the Chukars 4-0. A Roberto Geronimo home run to open the fifth was the only run that O’Tying would need in a swiftly played game on a cold night in Salt Lake City.

Geronimo broke a scoreless tie to open the fifth inning with a long home run to left off of Virgil Wray. Kiko Pressly would add a two-run single and Arturo Mardones followed with an RBI double as Flagstaff built a 4-0 lead.

That was all that O’Tying would need as he had his best start of the season. He allowed three hits and struck out two, while walking one. He also got Salt Lake to bounce into two double plays. He efficiently threw only 94 pitches in tossing his first complete game.

Larry Butler had two of the three hits for the Chukars in the loss.

In the finale, the Hops scored runs in six of the nine innings on their way to an easy 13-1 victory. Ryan Pressley tossed a complete game, allowing just one run on three hits to pick up his second win on the season.

Flagstaff (18-19) hit four home runs and had nine extra base hits, including three triples on Wednesday afternoon. Arturo Mardones went 3 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs to lead the offense.

The 13 runs and 18 hits were both season highs for Flagstaff.

The lone blemish on Ryan Pressley’s afternoon was a seventh inning solo home run from Larry Butler, who had two of the Chukars three hits last night. They only had six hits over the final two games of the series.

Flagstaff will return home for a nine game home stand that starts on Friday night against the DL Central’s Scottsdale Scorpions.

Around the League: St. George blew a 6-0 lead at home against El Paso, but rallied for a 7-6 victory in extra innings thanks to an Angle Montes walk off home run in the 11th inning.

Shoe-Lace O’Tying tossed a complete game shut on Tuesday evening for the Hops.

[bigjdotcom01]

May 13-15: SCOTTSDALE (17-22) @ FLAGSTAFF (19-21)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 9,486)

May 13: Scorpions 4, Hops 2
May 14: Hops 9, Scorpions 2
May 15: Scorpions 4, Hops 2 (12)

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops lost two of three to the last place Scottsdale Scorpions in a weekend series at AutoZone Park. The Scorpions won the opener with a late rally and won the finale with a home run in extra innings as Flagstaff failed to get back to .500 again.

The Scorpions opened the weekend series with a 4-2 victory over the Hops. Justin Gellman was the main reason that Scottsdale pulled out the opener as he homered in the sixth and then broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run double in the top of the eighth to put the Scorpions ahead for good.

Scottsdale starter Arellano was bringing the heat, hitting over 100 mph several times as he went 6 1/3 innings. He had a shutout going until Rodney Millar hit a two-run blast off of him in the seventh to tie the ballgame. Arellano struck out ten and did not issue a walk.

Justin Gellman homered in the sixth to put the Scorpions up 2-0, then hit a two-run double in the eighth with two-outs that was inches from being caught by Rodney Millar in right.

Charles Sato came on in the ninth and walked Oscar Aleman to open the inning, but would get three straight fly outs to earn his 11th save.

Oliver Benedict (1-2) took the loss in relief of Steve Hubbard. Hubbard pitched six innings, allowing two run son seven hits while striking out six and walking one. Benedict worked a perfect seventh, but gave up a leadoff single and walk in the eighth before surrendering Gellman’s two-run double.

Millar’s seventh inning home run was his 12th on the season.

On Saturday evening the Hops brought out the big sticks, smacking three home runs in a 9-2 victory. Roberto Geronimo hit two home runs and drove in three to help lead the way as Flagstaff is now to within one game of .500.

The Hops would break this one open early on with a five run third inning capped off by a bases clearing double from Oscar Aleman. Roberto Geronimo would add a two-run home run in the fifth to extend the lead to 7-2. He would add a solo shot in the seventh to move to the top of the Mountain League with his 14th home run. Rodney Millar would get in on the fun with a solo shot in the eighth, his 13th on the season, as Flagstaff cruised to the win.

Sam Herzog (3-2) was excellent again, allowing just two runs on three hits in six innings of work. All three hits came in a two-run fifth inning for Scottsdale. He struck out six and walked just one. Samuel Espinoza and Mark Wirth were perfect in three innings of relief.

Jaime Pacheco (3-2) took the loss for Scottsdale, lasting just 2 1/3 innings and surrendering five runs on six hits. He struck out three and walked one.

In the Sunday afternoon matinee, the Scorpions overcame a late Hops rally and won it 4-2 in twelve innings. Ray Landry’s two run home run off of Peter Gorzelski in the 12th was the difference as Scottsdale took two of three from Flagstaff.

Antonio Pena hit a two-run home run in the second inning to give Scottsdale the early lead.

Robert Francis once again pitched good enough to keep Flagstaff in the game, as he went six innings, allowing the two runs on six hits. He struck out just one and did not walk a batter. The bullpen would pitch the final six innings, allowing only one hit, the Landry home run in the twelfth.

Flagstaff (19-21) picked a run in the seventh on a Rodney Millar sacrifice fly. Oscar Aleman came through with a huge two-out RBI single in the eighth to tie the ball game at 2-2. They had a great chance to win it in the tenth, loading the bases, but Oscar Aleman grounded into a fielder’s choice to get the Scorpions out of trouble.

In the bottom of the twelfth, Robbie Westbrook came to the plate with two on and two out with a chance to tie or win the ball game, but he flew out to deep right center to end it.

Flagstaff will host Salt Lake (15-25) in a three game series starting tomorrow evening with ace Shoe-Lace O’Tying taking the bump.

Around the League: Salt River’s Rafael Ortiz tossed a complete game four-hitter with six strikeouts in a 4-0 victory over Tucson. Long Beach’s Jack Gonzalez hit two home runs and drove in five in an 8-6 victory over the San Diego Seals. Austin scored seven times in the top of the 14th inning in a wild victory over Colorado Springs 10-8. The teams combined for 12 runs in the 14th inning and there were 15 pitchers used in the game. Corey Barton and Sean McKenzie each hit three-run home runs in the 14th innings to help the Fire Frogs pull out the win over the Snow Sox.

Roberto Geronimo hits two home run son Saturday evening to take over the league lead.

[bigjdotcom01]

The first power rankings of the regular season are out. We will be doing these once a month around mid-month through the end of the regular season.

1. Long Beach Surf Dawgs (27-13): The best record in the league through the first six weeks of the regular season. They have a three game lead over the league favorites (Las Vegas) in the DL West. They are second in the league in home runs hit with 71 and second in batting average at (.367).

2. Las Vegas Nuggets (25-17): The Nuggets have arguably the deepest organization in the IBL. The lead in almost all offensive categories

3. Glendale Desert Dogs (27-14): Pitching has Glendale atop the DL Central division with the biggest lead in the league. Dan Moore has been great and is off to a (5-2) start with an ERA of 2.65. Leandro Benitez, James Park and Diego Coronado has been absolutely shut down guys out of the bullpen.

4. Roswell Aliens (25-15: The Aliens are led by slugger Blake Pacinelli who is tied for the league lead with 14 home runs and has driven in 30 runs to help pace the offense.

5. Salt River Rafters (24-17): The Rafters have a solid squad that has surprised everyone with their hot start.

6. Fort Worth Kings (23-18): This team has great starting pitching and is solid offensively. Randy Klaus and Pablo Feliz are tearing it up early on. Veteran pitchers Alex Pena and Gabriel Carmona have this team in position to contend.

7. San Antonio Javelinas (23-18): The Javelinas are led by starter Gus Woodson, who has been great early on with a (3-1) record and 2.05 ERA with 54 K’s in 66 innings of work. The bullpen could be an issue. 21-year-old shortstop Brian Gonzalez has shown flashes that he may be a superstar.

8. Colorado Springs Snow Sox (23-17): The Snow Sox got off to a hot start and have cooled off recently. They are second in runs scored, second in triples and first in home runs (73). Offense is not the issue with this club. They already have six players with at least 20 RBIs. Pitching is the problem, as they are second worst in the league with an ERA of almost five runs per game.

9. Austin Fire Frogs (22-19): The Fire Frogs are here because of their great defense and pitching. Connor Hart has been great out of the bullpen, with an ERA of 1.17 and a WHIP under one in 23.0 innings of work.

10. El Paso Blue Rocks (23-16): this team loves to run, leading the lead by an impressive margin stolen bases (79). They have three players with at least 13 stolen bases in Brandon Gayle, Shuheii Takahashi and Tommie Bennett. No other team in the Mountain League has a player with more than 11.

11. St George Archers (22-19): this team is built on offense and they have six players with at least seven home runs and eight players with at least 18 RBIs. A solid lineup that has few holes in it. Look for this team to be playing in October.

12. Mesa Solar Sox (21-20): This team maybe should be ranked a bit higher, but they are just (2-8) in their last ten. Right fielder Garrett Matthews is going to be a problem for Desert League pitchers. He is hitting (.316) with nine home runs, 23 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.

13. Tucson Roadrunners (22-19): Next to the Rafters, this is probably the most surprising team in all of the IBL. Veteran starter Steven Pena (5-1, 2.36 ERA) has been fantastic for Tucson early on. The bullpen is a strength and closer Freddie Crawford has been almost unhittable with 14 saves in 15 chances.

14. West Texas Bison (19-21): this team has a great offense and it is the pitching that may hold them back. A team ERA of 4.68 leaves them in the bottom five. If they can figure out their pitching, this tem could be a force to reckon with.

15. Phoenix Firebirds (21-20): this team is built on veteran pitching with their top four starters all over the age of 29. But their combined record is (14-6) with 172 strikeouts. Veteran centerfielder Keith Morales is having quite a season, hitting (.281) with 14 home runs and 24 RBIs

16. Flagstaff Hops (19-21): The Hops have a very good pitching staff and they are a team that hits for power. Their problems are getting men on base as they are last in walks and close to the bottom on OBP. If they can improve on the latter, they may hang around in the Wild Card chase.

17. Goodyear Jack Rabbits (19-22): This team has a positive run differential and has a balanced offensive team. The starting pitching is good enough but their bullpen is below average and that is keeping them out of the playoff race.

18. Rio Rancho Owlz (19-22): Rio Rancho are led by superstar third baseman Phil Riebow, who leads the team in home runs (10) and RBIs (28). Rookie starter Rollie Flingers has fit nicely in the rotation. This may be a team to watch out for as they don’t have many weaknesses.

19. Prescott Hot Shots (18-23): The Hot Shots have struggled despite some lofty expectations coming into the season. Pitching has been a big problem, mainly allowing walks, as they are last in the league, allowing 168 walks in 41 games. They have also committed the third most errors with 22. They are 23rd in hitting which hasn’t helped.

20. Surprise Saguaros (19-22): After a hot start the Saguaros have cooled off, sliding down the DL Central standings. Pitching has been the main issue with their starters struggling and the bullpen not much better.

21. Henderson Silver Knights (16-25): Despite a poor record, Henderson may be better than people think. They have a positive run differential through 41 games and are led by veteran third baseman Leandro Lugo, who is on the trading block. Lugo has hit 10 home runs and riven in 23 runs, mainly playing DH. Rumors are that they want to move him for prospects with Flagstaff coming up as a logical choice.

22. Albuquerque Mariachis (20-21): After an (0-8) start, the Mariachis have been very good. This is a team that doesn’t have much star power, but stays in most games with steady pitching.

23. Amarillo Honey Hunters (19-22): This may be a bit low for a team that has been hot as of late, winning seven of ten. Their pitching has been bad, sitting at 27th in ERA and they have given up 60 home runs, 4th worst. They are middle of the road in batting stats which has kept them afloat in the ML Wild Card race.

24. Gilbert Barnstormers (18-22): a preseason favorite, things have not gone well in Gilbert so far, and this is mainly due to a putrid offense that has scored only 142 runs (4th worst). The talent is there so we will see if they can turn things around.

25. Chandler Chiefs (18-22): The Chiefs have struggled both hitting and pitching. An ERA of 4.64 leaves them near the league bottom and an on base percentage of only .322 leaves them in a tough spot. Rick Singleton has been a bright spot, hitting over .300 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs.

26. Santa Fe Silver Bullets (17-24): stuck in a tough division, they don’t do much well. Could be a long season in the high desert.

27. San Diego Seals (17-25): a rough start, but this team was young stars in Matt Mulder and first overall pick, 18-year-old superstar Matt Campbell. The future is bright despite a slow start to 2022.

28. Scottsdale Scorpions (17-22): Last in hitting with a (.226) average, last in runs (130), last in home runs (36)…..last in the DL Central.

29. Salt Lake Chukars (15-25): Pitching is lousy, despite Thor Odinson, who has been great. But he just went on the Injured List with a broken forearm. This team may challenge Yuma for worst in the league.

30. Yuma Dust Devils (12-29): Not much has gone right for Yuma. They are in a tough division and their best player, David Silva, is on the injured list. They may stay down in this spot for awhile.

[bigjdotcom01]

May 16-18: SALT LAKE (15-28) @ FLAGSTAFF (22-21)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 9,486)

May 16: Hops 5, Chukars 2
May 17: Hops 1, Chukars 0
May 18: Hops 8, Chukars 6

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - Flagstaff swept Salt Lake in a three game series at AutoZone Park to move back above .500 for the first time since April 19th when they were (9-8). They rallied from a four run deficit in the finale to win and stretch their winning streak to three games.

In the opener, the Hops used a five-run third inning to defeat Salt Lake 5-2. Three home runs in the inning were the difference as the Hops once again have gotten to within a game of .500.

Back-to-back home runs from Emmitt Hampton and Roberto Geronimo got the Hops going in the third. Josh Ortega then blasted a three-run bomb to extend the lead to 5-0 and that was all that Shoe Lace O’Tying would need.

O’Tying (4-1) went seven innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. He struck out eight and did not walk a batter. Miguel Asencio worked the eighth and Vic Miller pitched a perfect ninth, striking out two, to earn his seventh save.

The Chukars only offense came on a two-run double from Adolfo Villarreal in the top of the fifth inning. Virgil Wray (0-5) took the loss, pitching four innings and allowing five runs, only two earned, on eight hits.

On a cold and rainy Tuesday evening the Hops withstood a 90 minute rain/snow delay to defat Salt Lake 1-0. Art Mason’s third inning home run after the delay was the only run of the game as Flagstaff finally got back to .500.

Ryan Pressley started and got through 2 2/3 innings before the game was stopped by the umpires. He had only allowed a walk, but was lifted for reliever Oliver Benedict. Benedict (2-2) tossed 2 1/3 innings, allowing just two hits, but he picked up the win. Aldo Osuna, Mike Gorzelski and Vic Miller finished out the shutout. For Miller, it was his eighth save on the season.

Miller had walked Gomes with one out in the ninth, but he struck out Chavez and then Gomes was thrown out trying to steal second to end the ball game.

In the finale, the Hops scored six times in the bottom of the sixth inning to erase a four run deficit and then won it 8-6 to sweep their division rivals. The Hops hit five home runs in the game including career firsts for both Skyler Lyons and Taylor Snyder.

Salt Lake (15-28) looked like they may avoid the sweep in this one as they scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning to grab a 4-0 lead. Three RBI singles from Hewitt, Hills and Butler helped the Chukars grab a lead that looked great with Matsui tossing a gem on the mound.

But things fell apart in the bottom half. Skyler Lyons led off the inning with his first career home run, a solo shot to left. Oscar Aleman followed that up with a double and Roberto Geronimo reached on an excuse me infield single. Emmitt Hampton then singled home Aleman to cut the Salt Lake lead to 4-2. Donnie Roland singled to center, scoring Geronimo, but Hampton was thrown out at third. Rafael Perez then homered to left to make it 5-4 Hops. Taylor Snyder then stepped up and hit a solo home run to right, his first career home run and the Hops plated their sixth run of the inning.

Art Mason and Roberto Geronimo would hit solo home runs in the seventh to extend the Flagstaff lead to 8-4.

The Chukars would get a couple back in the eighth. J.P. Grant hit a long home run off of Miguel Asencio, and Freddie Hewitt would add an RBI double off of Pedro Macias to cut the Hops lead to 8-6.

Vic Miller came on to work the ninth for the third straight day, and he picked up his third consecutive save. The save was his ninth on the season.

Flagstaff (22-21) will have tomorrow off before hosting the ML East leading Fort Worth Kings (26-19) for a three game weekend series to end the home stand.

Around the League: Chandler gets healthy in a big way as they destroy Yuma 19-5, knocking out 24 hits in the victory. Ervin Cordero went 2 for 5 with a double, home run and five RBIs. El Paso scored four in the bottom of the ninth to tie Albuquerque, but it wasn’t enough as the Mariachis scored three times in the 13th to pull out a 9-6 victory. Colorado Springs defeated Prescott 10-2 on only six base hits as the Hot Shots issued 14 walks. Santa Fe outlasted Glendale in a slugfest, 18-11 as the teams combined for 29 runs on 34 hits. Tommie Bennett hit two home runs including a walk off grand slam, and drove in six, in El Paso’s 7-6 win over Albuquerque.

The Mesa Solar Sox have acquired LF Willy Geronimo from the Scottsdale Scorpions in exchange for starting pitcher Billy Cooper.

The Roswell Aliens have traded reliever David Enriquez to Las Vegas in exchange for starting pitcher Tanner Tully.

Taylor Snyder recorded his first hit, and it was also his first career home run.

[bigjdotcom01]

May 20-22: FORT WORTH (27-21) @ FLAGSTAFF (24-22)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 9,486)

May 20: Hops 7, Kings 1
May 21: Kings 6, Hops 3
May 22: Hops 6, Kings 5

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops closed out their home stand by taking two of three from the ML East leading Fort Worth Kings. This was a matchup of the two best pitching staffs in the IBL, but the offenses and the long ball were the story in this series.

The Hops continued their red-hot baseball in Friday night’s opener as they cruised to a 7-1 victory over the Kings. Oscar Aleman went 4 for 4 with two doubles, and a home run to help pace Flagstaff to their season high fourth consecutive victory.

Fort Worth got out to an early lead in this one, scoring in the top of the first inning off of Sam Herzog. Pablo Feliz led off with a single, stole second and advanced to third on a single to left by Freddie Dominguez. He would score on a Klaus sac fly to make it 1-0.

That lead was short lived as Rodney Millar hit a towering three-run blast in the bottom half of the first off of Fort Worth’s ace Gabriel Carmona. Skyler Lyons would single home Josh Ortega in the fourth to make it 4-1.

Rodney Millar would pick up another RBI in the sixth, hitting a sacrifice fly to right center, scoring Oscar Aleman to make it 5-1. An Art Mason RBI single in the seventh would add another run. Oscar Aleman would homer to left in the eighth to make it 7-1. It was his seventh on the season.

Millar and Aleman would go 6 for 6 in the game with three doubles and two home runs, driving in five of the seven Flagstaff runs.

Sam Herzog (4-2) went seven strong innings, allowing one run on just four hits. He struck out three and walked one. Also Osuna worked the eighth and Pedro Macias pitched the ninth. Macias has struggled lately, but struck out two and did allow a single.

Fort Worth’s ace Gabriel Carmona (5-2) took the loss, lasting just five innings and surrendering four runs on five hits. He struck out four and walked two.

On Saturday evening, the Fort Worth Kings rallied twice late to pull out a 6-3 victory over Flagstaff to snap their four game winning streak. Eddie Francisco’s three run home run in the top of the eighth was the difference for the visitors.

Flagstaff would take a 1-0 lead in the first inning thanks to an Oscar Aleman home run, his eighth on the season. They would extend that lead to 2-0 in the fourth on a Rodney Millar RBI single that scored Roberto Geronimo.

A Randy Klaus solo home run, his 15th, would get Fort Worth on the board in the sixth.

Flagstaff would go to their bullpen to start the seventh with Oliver Benedict coming on in relief of Robert Francis. He gave up a one-out double to Carlisle and then a two-out RBI double to Newman that tied the game at 2-2. It was his third blown save on the season.

Donnie Roland would get that run back in the bottom of the seventh with an opposite field solo shot to put Flagstaff back out in front, 3-2.

But in the eighth, Benedict gave up a leadoff double before being pulled. Cal Velasco then lined a one-out single to left off of Aldo Osuna, allowing Freddie Dominguez to score to tie the ballgame at 3-3. Moran reached on an infield single and then it was Eddie Francisco that unloaded on a hanging slider, hitting it 420 feet to left to put Fort Worth out in front 6-3.

Noah Smallwood would work the ninth for the Kings to pick up his 13th save.

Osuna (1-1) would take the loss out of the bullpen for Flagstaff, giving up three run son three hits in 1/3 of an inning. Neither starter figured in the decision, but both pitched well. Pena went 6 1/3 for Fort Worth, allowing three runs on six hits, while Francis went six innings for the Hops, allowing one run on four hits.

In Sunday afternoon’s finale, the Hops used home runs from Emmitt Hampton and Skyler Lyons to hold off a late Fort Worth rally, 6-5. The win enabled the Hops to finish (6-3) in the nine game home stand, and moved them into second place in the ML West.

The Hops would grab an early lead on a Roberto Geronimo sac fly in the first inning.

A Randy Kraus two-run blast put Fort Worth in front 2-1 in the top of the fourth. It was his 16th on the year, tying him for the league lead. But Skyler Lyons had an answer in the bottom half, hitting a two-out, three-run home run to help Flagstaff retake the lead 4-2.

Emmitt Hampton would add a long home run in the fifth to make it 5-3. The ball was estimated at 458 feet.

An Eddie Francisco RBI double in the top of the sixth would cut into the Hops lead. Francisco had been red hot this series. But once again, the Hops had an answer in the bottom half. This time Kiko Pressley lined an RBI single to center, scoring Josh Ortega to make it 6-3.

Catcher Devin Rivera would hit a home run in the seventh off of Shoe-Lace O’Tying to cut the lead to two. That would be O’Tying’s last batter. He picked up the win to improve to (5-1). He went 7 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits. He struck out five and walked two.

Vic Miller would come on in the ninth and he made it exciting. He served up a lead off solo home run to P.J. Woodson to cut the lead to 6-5. After getting the next two guys out, Pablo Feliz singled to center and stole second. But Miller got Dominguez to fly out to center to end it as he earned his 10th save.

Flagstaff (24-22) will hit the road for seven games, travelling to Albuquerque (24-23) for three and San Antonio (26-21) for four.

Around the League: El Paso drew seven walks and scored eight runs in the first inning as the Blue Rocks defeated Prescott 9-3.

Oscar Aleman continues to play well as the Hops rise up the standings.

[bigjdotcom01]

May 23-25: FLAGSTAFF (25-24) @ ALBUQUERQUE (26-24)
Stadium: Isotopes Park (Capacity: 11,684)

May 23: Hops 10, Mariachis 8
May 24: Mariachis 4, Hop 3 (10)
May 25: Mariachis 3, Hops 2

Albuquerque, NM (AP) - The Albuquerque Mariachis took two of three from Flagstaff in a series in which every game was decided in the last at bat. The Hops scored five in the ninth in the opener to win, but the Mariachis would walk off the last two games to win the series.

The Hops rallied with five run sin the top of the ninth to take a wild opener 10-8 in Albuquerque. Art Mason laced a two-out, two run double in to the right field corner to cap off a huge night as he went 3 for 6 with the double, home run and three RBIs.

Flagstaff scored seven runs after the seventh inning to pull out the improbable victory.

This one was a wild one from the start as Oscar Aleman hit a two-run home run in the first to get things going. Jaevan Cooper then blasted a three run shot in the bottom half to give the Mariachis a 3-2 lead.

Rodney Millar hit a solo home run to left in the third to tie the game at 3-3. But Juan Vargas lined a two-run double into the left centerfield gap to put the Mariachis back in front. He would then score on a sacrifice fly as Albuquerque extended their lead to 6-3 in the third.

It would stay that way until the eighth when Art Mason and Robbie Westbrook hit back-to-back home runs to cut the Mariachi lead to 6-5.

Jaevan Cooper answered with a solo shot down the line in the bottom half off of Miguel Asencio as Albuquerque went up 7-5.

The ninth was a wild one. Roberto Geronimo struck out to open the inning and Rodney Millar flew out to center. Donnie Roland then doubled and Emmitt Hampton hit a pinch-hit single to right. Taylor Snyder reached on a fielding error to score Roland to cut it to 7-6. Josh Ortega pinch hit for Kiko Pressley and was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Avalos came on in relief of the Mariachi’s closer Kubek and the first pitch he threw, he served up a two-run double to Art Mason to put Flagstaff up 8-7. Robbie Westbrook then lined a single to score both Ortega and Mason to make it 10-7.

Vic Miller came on to try and close it out and once again he turned it into an adventure. Beckman doubled to right and Reyes lined a two out single to score him. But Miller would get Juan Vargas to fly out to left to end it and he picked up his 11th save.

Miguel Asencio (5-1) was credited with the win, working the eighth and allowing the solo home run.

Robbie Westbrook went 2-4 in the game to break an 0 for 23 slump.

On Tuesday evening the Mariachis got some late inning heroics from Hunter Hamilton and then a Flagstaff error that allowed the winning run to score in the tenth inning in a 4-3 victory. Hunter Hamilton went 2 for 4 with a double and eighth inning solo home run to tie the ball game.

Flagstaff got off to a fast start as Roberto Geronimo homered to left in the first inning. The two-run shot was his 17th on the season, leading the Mountain League. Forrest Owen would hit a solo home run in the second to give the Hops a 3-0 lead.

Rocco Reyes would get the Mariachis on the board in the fifth inning, with a two-run shot off of Steve Hubbard.

That setup Hamilton for his late inning heroics, hitting a two-out, solo home run to left in the bottom of the eighth to tie the ball game.

In the tenth, Juan Vargas walked to open the inning. Hamilton tried to sacrifice home over, but Josh Ortega couldn’t get the ball out of his glove and everyone was safe. Jaevan Cooper then tried a sacrifice bunt to third, but Donnie Roland threw the ball into center field allowing Vargas to score easily and the Mariachis walked it off with a ball leaving the infield.

Also Osuna (1-2) took the loss for Flagstaff. He worked the ninth and tenth. Felipe Lugo (1-1) was credited with the win for the Mariachis.

In the finale, Janis Jung’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth won it for Albuquerque 3-2 as they took two of three from red-hot Flagstaff.

An RBI double from Emmitt Hampton got things started for Flagstaff in the second as they took an early 1-0 lead. Jaevan Cooper would tie it up in the bottom half with a solo shot off of Sam Herzog. It was his third home run of the series and 10th on the season.

The Hops would retake the lead in the fifth thanks to a solo home run from Forrest Owen. It was his second of the series and third this season.

Also Osuna came on in relief of Sam Herzog in the seventh and gave up two doubles that allowed Albuquerque to tie the game at 2-2. Alexi Raimo had the second one with two-outs that scored Jaevan Cooper.

In the ninth, Thomas Estrado led off with a triple to deep center off of Peter Gorzelski. Gorzelski would then walk the next two batters to setup a force out anywhere. But Janis Jung wit a sacrifice fly deep to right off of Pedro Macias to allow Estrado to easily score and the Mariachis had their second consecutive walk off victory.

Sam Herzog was good once again, tossing six inning and allowing just one run on four hits. He struck out five and walked one but did not figure in the decision.

Flagstaff will head to San Antonio (27-23) for a four game weekend series to end the seven game road trip.

Around the League: Santa Fe’s Ron Sposato (1-7) picked up his first win on the season as he tossed a complete game shutout in a 2-0 win over El Paso. The Gilbert Barnstormers hit six home runs in a 14-7 victory over Mesa. Albert Zambrano hit two home runs and rove in seven, including a walk off grand slam as Henderson defeated San Diego 15-12. Long Beach scored four times in the top of the ninth to defeat Las Vegas 7-5 and extend their winning streak to seven games.

The Gilbert Barnstormers have acquired reliever Hubert Coronado from Las Vegas in exchange for shortstop prospect, 20-year-old Alex De Jesus.

The Mariachis walked it off twice in the series.