Intermountain Baseball League - Presented by BigJdotcom01

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Hops Trade Hubbard

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops made a big move today, trading away starting pitcher Steve Hubbard to the Fort Worth Kings, along with catcher Rafael Perez in exchange for pitching prospect Russell Fluty and reliever Aaron Sanchez.

Hubbard struggled in 2022 for Flagstaff, posting a (1-6) record with an ERA of 5.94 in 63.2 innings of work. He had 57 strikeouts and eight walks, but allowed 15 home runs in 13 starts. The team was anxious to move him and his $17.1M salary that ballooned to $25.7M by 2025.

Switch-hitting catcher Rafael Perez appeared in 32 games for the Hops before suffering a shoulder injury. He hit (.208) with three home runs and 10 RBIs.

The Hops acquired hard throwing 23-year-old Russell Fluty from the Kings. He has not appeared in a game in the IBL this year, but has an impressive repertoire of pitches including a 96 MPH fastball and nasty slider. He has an A potential and comes over with a 76 OVR rating. The team will likely send him to Triple-A Albuquerque upon his arrival.

Also acquired in the deal was right-handed 23-year-old reliever Aaron Sanchez. He appeared in 26 games for Fort Worth this season, pitching 38 innings and posting a 3.79 ERA with a 3-2 record and two saves in three opportunities.

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June 10-12: FLAGSTAFF (33-33) @ ST GEORGE (32-34)
Stadium: Bank of Utah Park (Capacity: 8,877)

June 10: Hops 13, Archers 3
June 11: Hops 8, Archers 7
June 12: Hops 4, Archers 3

St George, UT (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops rebounded from a sweep in Salt Lake to sweep the St George Archers in impressive fashion at the Bank of Utah Park. The Hops scored 25 runs in the three game series to get back to .500 as they end the road trip at (3-3).

In the opener, the Hops took out some anger as they hit four home runs in a 13-3 blowout of the Archers. Josh Ortega had himself a day, going 5 for 5 with two home runs, a double, four runs scored and six RBIs to lead the onslaught.

Ortega got the party started in the first inning, blasting an opposite field, three-run home run. Roberto Geronimo would get in on the fun in the fourth, as he hit a three-run blast to left. It was his 20th on the season and it put the Hops up 6-1. A Josh Ortega RBI double in the fifth made it 7-1. The Hops would put this one away in the sixth as they scored four more runs to open up an 11-1 lead.

Back-to-back home runs from Josh Ortega and Rodney Millar in the eighth made it 13-3 as the Hops broke their four game losing streak.

Robert Francis (5-2) picked up the win, going 5 1/3 innings and allowing two runs on seven hits. He struck out four and was good enough to earn the win.

Four Archers pitchers appeared and none were that good. Casey Pack (1-1) took the loss, allowing six runs on six hits. He did strike out five and walk one. The bullpen wasn’t much better, pitching the final five innings and allowing seven runs on nine hits.

The Hops pulled out a wild 8-7 victory on Saturday evening behind a solo home run from Arturo Mardones in the top of the ninth. This game featured five lead changes and moved the Hops into a tie with St George for second place in the Mountain League West.

St George would take an early lead in the first on a Jamaal McCormick RBI single, scoring Samuels who had opened the game with a double to center.

Flagstaff immediately answered with two runs of their own on a Donnie Roland two-run home run off the scoreboard in right. But the Archers replied with a crooked number of their own as Neal Samuels doubled to right, scoring two. McCormick would add a two-run home run in the third to make it 5-2, as Angelo Chacin struggled in his 2022 debut.

The Hops would score twice in the fourth and twice in the fifth to retake the lead. In the fourth it was Leandro Lugo hitting a two-run home run. It was his 11th on the season, but first with Flagstaff after coming over from Henderson in a trade on May 28th. In the fifth, Art Mason hit a two-run home run to center to give Flagstaff the lead 6-5.

But the Archers had an answer as Steve Marquez homered off of the right field foul pole. The two-run shot put St George back in front 7-6.

In the seventh, Robbie Westbrook doubled to left, scoring Arturo Mardones to tie the game at 7-7. That setup Mardones for his late game heroics as he homered off of Cesar Pulido in the ninth.

Vic Miller came on and recorded the save, his 14th. Miguel Asencio (6-2) picked up the win, pitching two solid innings, walking just one and striking out five. Angelo Chacin had a rough debut for the Hops, allowing five runs on eight hits in only 3 2/3 innings.

The series finale was another close one, but the Hops used the long ball to pull out a 4-3 victory. Skyler Lyon’s seventh inning solo home run proved to be the difference for the Hops in front of a sellout at the Bank of Utah Park.

Flagstaff (33-33) would get on the board first in the top of the second as Roberto Geronimo hit a bases loaded sacrifice fly to score Leandro Lugo. The Archers would get that run back in the bottom half on a solo home run from Percy Sievers, his first on the season. Art Mason would hit a solo shot in the top of the third, his 14th on the season, to make it 2-1 Hops.

Rodney Millar homered in the fifth to make it 3-1. It was his 19th on the season. Sam Robinson responded with a mammoth shot to left in the bottom of the fifth, his 12th, to cut it to 3-2.

Skyler Lyons hit a solo shot to left to open the seventh to provide all the cushion that Flagstaff would need.

The Archers (32-34) would get one back in the bottom of the eighth after Angel Montes tripled to right and Jamaal McCormick doubled him home.

Vic Miller came on and closed things out with a perfect 1-2-3 ninth to earn his 15th save.

Shoe Lace O’Tying (6-2) picked up the win, going 6 2/3 innings and allowing two run son six hits. He only struck out two and walked one. Aldo Osuna finished the seventh and worked the eighth for the Hops.

Flagstaff has tomorrow off before hosting Desert League Central leading Glendale (42-24) to open a six game home stand. The Desert Dogs own the second best record in baseball behind only Long Beach.

Around the League: San Diego’s Gerald Armstrong tosses a four-hit shutout as the Seals defeated Glendale 2-0. Surprise scored five in the bottom of the ninth to tie the Rafters, then wins it 10-9, in the tenth, with a walk off home run from Steve Mihelich. Tucson pounded out 20 hits in a 16-4 victory over Goodyear. Shea Bolosco went 5 for 6 with two doubles and two RBIs to lead the Roadrunner attack. Colorado Springs Jack Withenshaw tossed a two-hit shutout as the Snow Sox defeated Salt Lake 5-0. Glendale rallied from down 7-1 in the eighth to stun the Seals 9-8 in extra innings. Jacob Myers three-run home run with two-out in the ninth sent the game to extra innings, where the Desert Dogs pulled out the unlikely victory.

Amarillo’s Brian Anaya tossed a six-hit complete game shutout of Yuma. He struck out eight and did not walk a batter in the Honey Hunter’s 5-0 victory. Roswell’s Kelly Schwarzfeld belted three home runs and drove in four in the Aliens 7-1 victory over Santa Fe.

Skyler Lyons and the Hops are now (5-0) against St George in 2022.

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This month's power rankings are out with no change at the top or bottom.

1. Long Beach Surf Dawgs (43-23) (NC): This team is good offensively and has great pitching. If they can stay healthy, they will be there in October.

2. Glendale Desert Dogs (42-24) (+1): Pitching, led by Dan Moore, is the reason that this team is running away with the DL Central. Adrian Beltran is abusing the rest of the league with 14 home runs, 46 RBIs and a (.291) average to lead the Desert Dogs.

3. Fort Worth Kings (39-28) (+3): Strong pitching has this team atop the ML East. They lead the IBL in ERA (3.24), complete games (5), and shutouts (7).

4. El Paso Blue Rocks (37-27) (+6): The Blue Rocks are a solid team defensively with decent pitching. 20-year-old Josh Hawk has been a beast with 14 homers and 51 RBIs. By the way, they just stole another base while we were compiling these rankings. They lead the IBL with 118 stolen bases, 35 more than second place Las Vegas.

5. Las Vegas Nuggets (37-30) (-3): The Nuggets are one of the best offensive teams in the IBL, pitching has been average at best. Enrique Lima is having a great season with 10 homers and 39 RBIs to go along with a (.291) average.

6. Henderson Silver Knights (33-33) ( +15): The Silver Knights have rocketed up the power rankings thanks to great month. They are (17-8) over their last 25 games and have a +57 run differential. They are near the top in all the major hitting categories, led by Albert Zambrano who has 17 homers and 48 RBIs. Centerfielder Enos Webb has 15 homer and 13 stolen bases.

7. Colorado Springs Snow Sox (37-29) (+1): The Snow Sox lead the league in runs scored (351) and playing in the thin air they are near the top of the league offensively. Their pitching has been OK, led by ace Sam Gonzalez who is (10-1, 2.68) and has been excellent. They have six players with at least 12 home runs.

8. San Antonio Javelinas (26-31) (-1): The Javelinas starting pitching has been solid and offensively this team has few holes. Brian Gonzalez and Sam Morgan have been the keys to keeping this team near the top of the ML East.

9. Mesa Solar Sox (34-33) (+3): The Solar Sox are led by league MVP candidate John Nichols who has been on a tear. He is hitting (.347) with 15 homers and 47 RBIs to go along with 10 stolen bases.

10. Salt River Rafters (36-30) (-5): The Rafters sit in first, yet fell five spots in our power rankings. A solid club in a tough division that is led by Tuan Santana and his 14 homers and 45 RBIs. Not a lot of weaknesses but nothing that really stands out either on this team.

11. Flagstaff Hops (33-33) (+5): The Hops rely too much on the long ball, but they do lead the league in home runs. Pitching has been very good, but low OBP may hold this team back.

12. St George Archers (32-34) (-1): The Archers offensively are above average and pitching they are below average. That leaves them sitting near (.500) and near the middle of our power rankings.

13. Rio Rancho Owlz (34-33) (+5): The Owlz pitching has them climbing the rankings. Their bullpen has been a strength, and if they get to the seventh inning with a lead, the game is likely over. Their top five bullpen arms all have a sub 1.20 WHIP.

14. Gilbert Barnstormers (35-32) (+10): The Barnstormers have stormed from last place in the DL East into a Wild Card spot over the last month. This is one of the preseason favorites and they are starting to play like it, going (17-10) over their last 27. Right fielder Ryan Rodriguez has come on as of late with 15 homers and 47 RBIs to lead the team. They have started to score runs and that is the main reason why they are moving up.

15. Surprise Saguaros (34-33) (+5): The Saguaros have a positive run differential and have moved into Wild Card contention in the DL.

16. Roswell Aliens (35-31) (-12): Danny Watson (20 HR, 45 RBI) and Blake Pacinelli (18 HR, 48 RBI) are keeping this team in contention. Starting pitcher David Lee has been good, but their bullpen has struggled.

17. Phoenix Firebirds (32-33) (-2): The Firebirds starting pitching is keeping this team afloat. Angelo Velez, Rueben Starr, Mario Escobar and Josh Crutchfield have all been very good and all are over 29 years old on this veteran laden club. Keith Morales leads the club in homers (17) and RBIs (30).

18. Tucson Roadrunners (33-32) (-5): Pitching is keeping the Roadrunners in the Wild Card race as their hitting ranks near the bottom in most major categories. Shortstop Scotty North has been excellent, hitting (.273) with eight homers, 23 RBIs and 15 stolen bases.

19. Austin Fire Frogs (34-32) (-10): The Fire Frogs are sliding down the power rankings and their offense is the main reason. They are second worst in BA (.246) and their pitching is middle of the road. Going to have to pick things up if they want to remain in Wild Card contention in a tough Mountain League.

20. Albuquerque Mariachis (33-32) (+2): a team that will likely hang around most of the year. Nothing special offensively or defensively, but no real holes either.

21. Goodyear Jack Rabbits (31-36) (-4): a tough team to figure out. At times this team has looked spectacular but recently has been slumping. Ionatana Wiliama (5-6, 3.21) has looked great at times and has 82 strikeouts in 84.0 innings.

22. Amarillo Honey Hunters (32-33) (+1): David Petrovski has been fantastic and is currently on a 19 game hitting streak. He leads the team in homers (12) and RBIs (35) and is second in stolen bases (8).

23. West Texas Bison (30-36) (-9): young first baseman Alfonzo Ryan (15 HRs, 41 RBIs) has been a bright spot. 18-year-old starter Lowell Alan Pressley has shown flashes of stardom with 83 strikeouts in 87.0 innings, but at times has looked average.

24. Prescott Hot Shots (29-38) (-5): The Hot Shots look to be one of the big underachieving teams in the IBL. Picked to win the ML West, they are struggling to stay out of last place. The talent is there, but hasn’t lived up to the expectations. Matt Olsen has been a bright spot. The young left fielder has nine homers, 26 RBIs and 13 SBs.

25. Santa Fe Silver Bullets (30-36) (+1): mired in last place in a pretty competitive division. They have shown flashes that they can stay in the Wild Card race, but will need to pick up their pitching as the season moves forward. Five guys have hit at least ten homers in a balanced offensive attack.

26. San Diego Seals (24-43) (+1): this team has the talent with youngsters Matt Mulder and Matt Campbell both showing out. Keep an eye on this team in the second half.

27. Chandler Chiefs (29-37) (-2): Rick Singleton continues to be a bright spot in a dismal year. He has 10 homers, 37 RBIs and 5 stolen bases.

28. Salt Lake Chukars (27-38) (+1): Thor Odinson is still on the IL with a broken arm, so not much to get excited about with this bunch.

29. Scottsdale Scorpions (28-37) (-1): last in hitting (.234), last in runs (238), 27th in homers (66)……rinse, repeat.

30. Yuma Dust Devils (22-44) (NC): pitching is awful, and they don score a lot of runs. A -89 run differential says it all. Last in our rankings by a long way.

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Phoenix, AZ (AP) - With just five weeks until the inaugural IBL All-Star game in Los Angeles, the fan voting has been revealed. So far, Mesa’s John Nichols leads all vote getters with 611K votes for the Desert League.

Flagstaff’s Robbie Westbrook is second in the Mountain League for second basemen with 330K votes, about 35K behind Scottie Hager of St George. No other Hops players are in the top five at their position.

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June 14-16: GLENDALE (43-26) @ FLAGSTAFF (35-34)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 9,486)

June 14: Desert Dogs 4, Hops 0
June 15: Hops 4, Desert Dogs 1
June 16: Hops 8, Desert Dogs 2

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The red-hot Flagstaff Hops took two of three from the Desert Central leading Glendale Desert Dogs to open the home stand. They played before three sellout crowds as the locals are starting to take notice of this team.

The Desert Dogs prevailed 4-0 in the opener in a pitcher’s duel. A pair of two-run home runs were all that Glendale would need to take the opener.

Cristobal Gonzalez (7-6) brought his A game on Tuesday evening, tossing 6 2/3 shutout innings, allowing five hits while striking out four and walking just one. The bullpen tight roped out of trouble in the eighth and ninth to nail down the win. Diego Coronado came in with runners on second and third and just one out in the ninth, but he got Forrest Owen to strike out and got Roberto Geronimo to ground out to end it and pick up his league leading 30th save.

The Desert Dogs would get all the runs that they would need in the second as Edward Hampton hit a two-run home run to left.

Ryan Pressley (3-6) did not have his best stuff, but he wasn’t bad. He went six innings, allowing two runs on six hits. He struck out four and walked two. Pedro Macias worked two perfect innings in relief. Aldo Osuna made one mistake in the ninth and it really was huge. He allowed a two-out, two-run home run to Adrian Beltran in the ninth to make it 4-0.

That gave the Desert Dogs the breathing room that they would need to close it out.

Leandro Lugo went 3 for 4 with three doubles in the loss.

On Wednesday evening the Mountain League’s ERA leader took the bump for the Hops and he was excellent once again as Flagstaff won 4-1. Sam Herzog tossed seven innings, allowing just one run as he lowered his ERA to 2.18.

The Hops would get on the board in the first inning as Art Mason doubled, advanced to third on a fly out and scored on a wild pitch.

Glendale would get that run back in the top of the second as Adrian Beltran grounded out to Josh Ortega with Clinton Lake scoring on the play.

Art Mason would homer in the bottom of the third to put the Hops in front for good. It was his 15th home run on the season.

Mason would score again in the fifth as he singled, stole second and scored on a Robbie Westbrook single to make it 3-1. Mason went 3 for 3 with the double, home run and three runs scored to lead the way for the Hops. Arturo Mardones would double home Josh Ortega in the sixth to make it 4-1.

Sam Herzog (7-2) was on point all night. He allowed just the one run on five hits in seven innings. He struck out three and did not issue a walk. Miguel Asencio worked a scoreless eighth and Vic Miller sent the Desert Dogs down 1-2-3 in the ninth to pick up his 16th save.

Roger Vargas (4-6) took the loss for Glendale, going five innings and allowing three runs on eight hits, while striking out three.

In the finale, the Hops used the long ball, hitting five home runs, in an 8-2 victory to win the series. Arturo Mardones went 2 for 4 with two home runs and three RBIs to help pace the suddenly red-hot Hops.

Flagstaff (35-34) would score runs in each of the first six innings as they were relentless, pounding out 14 hits, including eight extra base hits in the victory. Josh Ortega (9), Forrest Owen (5) and Leandro Lugo (12) also hit home runs for the Hops in the win.

Robert Francis (4-4) picked up the win. He only went five innings, but scattered six hits and allowed just the two runs. He struck out two and did not issue a walk. The only blemish came in the fifth inning as Alex Yabu and Adrian Beltran hit back-to-back solo home runs. Beltran’s shot was estimated at almost 460 feet.

Mark Wirth picked up the save as he threw the final four innings, allowing just on ehit and striking out two. It was his first save of the season.

Will Nixon (2-3) took the loss for the Desert Dogs. He was chased after just 2 2/3 innings after allowing five runs on seven hits.

Up next for Flagstaff will be a three game series with St George (33-37) to close out the home stand.

Around the League: Blake Pacinelli hit a grand slam in the 11th as Roswell walked it off in a 12-8 victory over their rivals from Albuquerque. Jaevan Cooper drove in seven runs in the losing effort for Albuquerque. Tucson’s Alden Hutton tossed a complete game, two-hit shutout in his IBL debut, a 3-0 victory over Gilbert. The 22-year-old struck out seven and walked three. 18-year-old Sean Pressley hit three home runs and drove in four as Henderson crushed their rivals from across town, Las Vegas 10-2.

Art Mason and the Hops are red-hot.

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June 17-19: ST GEORGE (36-37) @ FLAGSTAFF (35-37)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 9,486)

June 17: Archers 4, Hops 0
June 18: Archers 3, Hops 2
June 19: Archers 4, Hops 2


Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - An absolutely embarrassing three game sweep at the hands of the slumping St George Archers has seen the Hops drop to third place in the Mountain League West. They managed a paltry 12 hits and four runs in the series as they finished the home stand a disappointing (2-4).

The Archers won the opener 4-0 behind a one hit pitching performance from four arms. Ryan Holland allowed a two-out single to Skyler Lyons in the sixth for the only base hit allowed all night as the Archers cruised to their first win against the Hops this season.

The Archers would take the lead in the top of the first inning on a Jamaal McCormick RBI single. They would then knock out starter Angelo Chacin in the second inning as he was hit with a line drive in the head. It was a scary few moments, but he was able to walk off under his own power and was still being evaluated.

The Archers would put the game away in the eighth and they just lit up reliever Samuel Espinoza, who came into a 1-0 game. He allowed three runs on four hits with the big blow being a two-run home run from Angel Montes.

The Hops bullpen was once again excellent despite the poor outing from Espinoza. Besides Espinoza, the bullpen tossed 5 1/3 innings of scoreless relief after Angelo Chacin left. Oliver Benedict, Also Osuna and Peter Gorzelski allowed just four hits and struck out five.

Ryan Holland (7-4) picked up the win for St George. He was almost untouchable, but in an odd twist, the Hops had four perfect hits in the game and all of them resulted in outs. Holland went 5 2/3 innings, allowing just the one hit. He struck out four and walked two. Tyler Gordon, Roberto Velasquez and Wendell Hampton did not allow a hit over the final 3 1/3 innings of relief.

On Saturday night, the Hops once again get zero clutch hits in a 3-2 loss to the slumping Archers. Rolando Powers home run in the top of the eighth was the difference as St George set themselves up for the series sweep on Sunday afternoon.

Shoe Lace O’Tying (6-3) went the distance and deserved better. He allowed the three runs on just five hits, while striking out nine and walking one. But he got zero help from an offense that has looked like one of the worst in the league the last few games. If they aren’t hitting a home run, they aren’t scoring.

St. George put the pressure on the struggling Hops with a run in the top of the first inning. A Juan Dias double and a Angle Montes RBI single gave the Archers the lead and it looked like that may be all that they needed again as the Hops looked absolutely clueless at the plate.

Leandro Lugo would hammer about the only mistake that starter Lawrence would make in the third. He blasted a two-run home run to left to put Flagstaff up 2-1. That lead was short lived though as Jamaal McCormick hit an 0-2 slider into the bleachers in right to tie the game at 2-2. O’Tying was great, but he made a couple of mistakes and unlike the Hops, the Archers made him pay.

In the eighth, ninth place hitter Rolando Powers hit an 0-2 sinker that hung a big and he blasted it over the scoreboard in left to put the Archers up 3-2. The Hops had no answer and base running blunders added to their frustration in this one. In the ninth after a leadoff walk from Donnie Roland, Skyler Lyons came into pinch run and was picked off. Emmitt Hampton would draw a two out walk, but Leandro Lugo struck out to end the game. Sam Goodman picked up save number 18 for the Archers.

Manager Bud Black was not real happy after the game. “This team is pressing hard at the plate. We are getting good pitching and we aren’t helping them, so one mistake has been costing us. We need to be better.”

In the finale, the Hops were not better, and they dropped a 4-2 decision to the Archers as they were swept for the second time in two weeks. The Archers carried a no hitter into the eighth inning before Robbie Westbrook’s single broke up the no hitter.

St George would grab the lead in the fifth inning as Sam Robinson hit a long home run over the wall in left center. Scottie Hager would add a two run single with the bases loaded in the sixth to give the Archers a little breathing room. Fred Roberts would add a run scoring single later in the inning to make it 4-0.

St George starter Taylor Austin left the game after only 4 1/3 innings with a no hitter going. He injured a finger on his throwing hand and had to be removed from the game. The Archers turned to their bullpen and they kept it going. Tyler Gordon worked 1 2/3 hitless innings and picked up the win. In the bottom of the eighth, Oscar Aleman broke up the no hit bid with a single to right. The next batter, Forrest Owen blasted one over the wall in left to cut the lead to 4-2. In the ninth, Sam Goodman would get the save, but it was not easy. Art Mason doubled to open the inning. After getting Robbie Westbrook to strike out, he got Leandro Lugo to pop out. Rodney Millar then hit a rocket to left that Mike Gehringer caught up against the wall in left to end the ball game and secure the sweep.

Ryan Pressley (3-7) took the loss, going 5 1/3 innings and allowing four runs on six hits. He struck out six, but walked three. Miguel Asencio was excellent out of the bullpen. He pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing only two hits while striking out five and walking one.

The loss drops Flagstaff back to (35-37) as they head out on a six game road trip to Amarillo and Surprise.

Around the League: Colorado Springs Jack Withenshaw tossed eight shutout innings, allowing three hits and striking out five in a 1-0 victory over Glendale. Chandler’s Rick Singleton hit three home runs and drove in seven in the Chiefs 11-8 victory over Roswell. Austin rallied from a 6-0 deficit in the sixth inning in San Antonio to win 12-6. Ionatana Wiliama tossed five-hit complete game shutout, striking out 11, as Goodyear defeated Long Beach 6-0.

The Archers pitching was lights out in their three game sweep of the Hops.

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June 21-23: FLAGSTAFF (35-40) @ AMARILLO (37-38)
Stadium: Hodgetown Stadium (Capacity: 6,169)

June 21: Honey Hunters 3, Hops 2
June 22: Honey Hunters 5, Hops 4
June 23: Honey Hunters 6, Hops 5

Amarillo, TX (AP) - The struggles continue for Flagstaff, as they were swept in Amarillo by the Honey Hunters, losing each game by only a run. They have now lost six straight and they are starting to lose ground in the race for the playoffs.

The Hops offensive struggles continued on Tuesday evening in Amarillo as they dropped a 3-2 decision to the Honey Hunters. A solo home run from David Petrovski in the bottom of the eighth was the difference as the Hops lost for the fourth straight game.

Art Mason got this one off to a great start hitting the first pitch of the game into the right field bleachers to give Flagstaff the early 1-0 lead. They would increase that lead to 2-0 in the top of the fifth on a solo home run from Forrest Owen, and with Sam Herzog dealing on the mound. It looked like they may break their losing streak.

But the Honey Hunters got back-to-back solo home runs from Kevin Tincher and Leif Radford in the bottom half of the fifth to tie the ball game.

The Hops offense went absolutely silent over the last four innings, managing just one hit and that led to another very frustrating loss. This team has suddenly gone into a funk where they cannot get any hits with runners in scoring position and they cannot hit lefties at all.

Sam Herzog was once again fantastic, except for the fifth inning lapse. He went 6 1/3 innings, scattering nine hits and allowing the two solo home runs. He struck out eight and did not walk a batter. The Mountain League’s ERA leader saw his ERA bump up just a fraction to 2.22.

Oliver Benedict (3-3) took the loss, allowing that eighth inning home run.

Gerry Pines (1-0) got credit for the win as he pitched the eighth and Dane Radatz pitched the ninth to earn his 20th save.

Leandro Lugo had to leave the game in the bottom of the first inning as he pulled his hamstring diving for a baseball. He will be headed to the 10-day Injured List. The club will recall rookie Kiko Pressley from Triple-A Albuquerque to take Lugo’s place on the 26-man roster.

The Hops dropped a 5-4 decision on Wednesday evening to run their losing streak to a season high five games. Daryl Sweet led the Honey Hunters offensively, going 1 for 3 with a homer and two RBIs in the victory.

Flagstaff grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second on a solo home run from Roberto Geronimo, his 22nd on the year.

The Honey Hunters struggled early, but would get to Robert Francis in the fourth, scoring four times. After getting the first batter out, things went downhill for Francis. He gave up a one-out double to Bradley York. Then David Petrovski lined a single to center to score York and tie the ball game. Petrovski would steal second and advance to third on a fly out. Wesley Watson then tripled home Petrovski and scored on a Daryl Sweet two-run homer to make it 4-1.

Flagstaff responded with three of their own to tie it in the top of the fifth. Forrest Owen doubled to center with one-out. Arturo Mardones would reach on an infield single. Newly called up Kiko Pressley then lined a single to right, scoring Owen. Mardones would score on a wild pitch to cut the lead to 4-3. Art Mason then doubled home Pressley to tie the ballgame at 4-4.

The tie was short lived though as the Honey Hunters would score in the bottom half thanks to some very fortunate luck. Jesus Baez doubled to left with two-outs and advanced to third on a ground ball to first that deflected off of Josh Ortega. Pedro Macias came on in relief of Francis and David Petrovski then lined a single off the body of first baseman Josh Ortega, scoring Baez as the Honey Hunters took the lead.

The Honey Hunters bullpen then went to work, getting the final nine outs without allowing a hit. It got a little exciting in the ninth as Rodney Millar opened the inning by reaching on an error. Roberto Geronimo then launched a long foul ball that would have been a home run but it just drifted foul. He then bounced into a 5-4-3 double play and Josh Ortega struck out to end the ball game.

Ryan Walker (1-2) picked up the win for Amarillo, going six innings and allowing four runs on six hits. He struck out six and did not walk a batter. Dane Radatz picked up the save, his 21st.

Robert Francis (4-5) took the loss. He only lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing the five runs on seven hits. He struck out five and did not issue a walk. The bullpen was excellent as usual, not allowing a run over the final 3 1/3 innings, while striking out six. Pedro Macias and Peter Gorzelski were the two relievers used.

In the finale, it was another heartbreaking loss for the Hops as they dropped a 6-5 decision. Todd Hughes came through for the Honey Hunters, going 2 for 3 with a double, home run and two RBIs.

Flagstaff once again grabbed an early lead as solo home runs from Forrest Owen and Art Mason gave them a 2-0 lead in the third. For Mason, it was his 17th on the campaign.

The Honey Hunters would get one back in the fourth on a Floyd sacrifice fly. They would take the lead in the fifth, with all three runs coming with two-outs. Hughes homered to left to tie the game at 2-2. Bradley York then singled back up the middle and Wallace blasted a two-run shot to right to make it 4-2.

But the Hops would chip away. Oscar Aleman knocked in Robbie Westbrook with an RBI single in the sixth, after Westbrook had tripled. Then Emmitt Hampton ripped a solo home run in the seventh to tie the game at 4-4.

But once again, the Hops blew it. Oliver Benedict came on in relief and walked Tincher. Tincher then stole second and score on an RBI double from Hughes to put the Honey Hunters back in front 5-4. They would add a huge insurance run in the bottom of the eighth. David Petrovski drew a walk, stole second and scored on a two-out RBI double from Wallace.

The Hops made things interesting in the ninth against closer Dane Radatz. Roberto Geronimo doubled to open the inning and advanced to third on a Emmitt Hampton single to left. After Josh Ortega struck out, Forrest Owen hit a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Geronimo to cut the lead to one. Radatz then hung a 2-1 curveball to pinch hitter Rodney Millar, but all he could do was pop it up into deep left to end the game.

Oliver Benedict (3-4) took the loss, allowing the run in the seventh that put the Honey Hunters up. Benitez made his first start for Flagstaff, filling in for the injured Angelo Chacin, and he pitched pretty well. He went six innings, allowing the four runs on seven hits, but he struck out nine and did not walk a batter.

The Honey Hunters used six pitchers in the game with reliever Johnnie Delgado picking up the win. Dan Radatz was able to close it out for his 22nd save, and third of the series.

The Hops (35-40) will now head to Surprise for a three game weekend series with the Saguaros (41-35).

Around the League: Yuma scored four times in the bottom of the ninth to walk it off against first place Fort Worth 11-10. The Dust Devils were led by veteran Daniel Tanana, who had a home run and drove in six runs. Fort Worth’s Carmona tossed a complete game three hitter, striking out seven and walking three, while allowing just one run in a Kings 5-1 victory over Yuma.

Mesa’s Palmer tossed a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits and striking out eight in a 3-0 victory over Yuma. Red hot Gilbert scored three times in the twelfth inning to defeat Phoenix 8-6. Tristan Ryan doubled, homered and drove in two for the Barnstormers in the victory.

David Petrovski broke a tie in the opener as Amarillo won 3-2.

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June 24-26: FLAGSTAFF (36-42) @ SURPRISE (43-36)
Stadium: Surprise Stadium (Capacity: 14,517)

June 24: Hops 9, Saguaros 6
June 25: Saguaros 5, Hops 4
June 26: Saguaros 6, Hops 1

Surprise, AZ (AP) - The slumping Flagstaff Hops dropped two of three to the suddenly red-hot Surprise Saguaros. After winning the opener to break a six-game losing streak, the Hops lost the last two as they continue to sink down the standings.

The Hops finally broke their six game losing streak on Friday night with a 9-6 victory over the Surprise Saguaros. The Hops hit four home runs and scored five times in the top of the eighth to end their season high losing streak.

Robbie Westbrook hit a solo home run in the third to kick things off and put the Hops up 1-0. The Saguaros would respond with back-to-back solo homers of their own in the bottom of the fourth by Tim Ferriera and Alberto Ruiz to take the lead 2-1.

Robbie Westbrook would put the Hops back in front in the top of the fifth with a two-out, two-run single that scored Forrest Owens and Arturo Mardones. They would add to their lead in the sixth thanks to a Phillip Choi solo home run, his first on the year.

The Saguaros, who have been playing very well as of late, would not go away. In the bottom half of the seventh, Ferreira would hit his second home run of the game. This one was a two-run shot to tie it up at 4-4.

Flagstaff would immediately respond, scoring five in the top of the eighth. Rodney Millar lined an RBI single, then Emmitt Hampton and Forrest Owen each hit two-run homers to put the Hops up 9-6. The Saguaros would draw closer with a two-run home run of their own from Ken Hollinger, but it wasn’t enough.

Vic Miller came on in the ninth to lock down his 17th save. Miguel Asencio earned the victory out of the bullpen to improve to (7-2). Shoe Lace O-tying lasted six innings, allowing three runs on ten hits. He struck out four and walked three.

On Saturday afternoon, the Saguaros rallied from a 4-0 deficit and came roaring back for a 5-4 victory. The Saguaros hit four home runs, scoring all five runs after the fifth inning.

Flagstaff would grab a 1-0 lead in the first inning, after Skyler Lyons led off the game with a triple. He would score on a Robbie Westbrook sacrifice fly. The Hops would increase their lead to 3-0 in the fourth on a Josh Ortega RBI single and Forrest Owen sacrifice fly. Emmitt Hampton would add a solo home run in the sixth to put the Hops up 4-0 with Ryan Pressley on the mound and in control.

But the Saguaros would strike for four in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game. Harry Justice homered to open the inning. Then Ricardo Rodriguez and Greg Duke would hit back-to-back homers to tie the game at 4-4. Rodriguez’s homer was a two run shot.

Tim Ferriera would then homer in the seventh off of Pressley to put Surprise in front 5-4.

Ray Russell would pick up the win out of the bullpen for the Saguaros, with Maury Keith picking up his 20th save. Ryan Pressley took the loss for Flagstaff, going seven innings and allowing five runs on just six hits. He struck out five and did not issue a walk.

In the finale, Alberto Ruiz homered twice and drove in four runs as Surprise won easily 6-1.

Josh Ortega homered in the second inning to put Flagstaff in front early. But that lead was short lived as the Saguraos struck right back with a run in the bottom half.

The Saguaros would then score four times in the bottom of the fifth off of Sam Herzog, chasing him from the ball game. Edmundo Ramos hit a solo shot and Alberto Ruiz provided the dagger with a three-run shot. Ruiz would add a solo homer in the eighth to make it 6-1.

Sam Herzog (7-3) took the loss, allowing five runs on seven hits in just 4 2/3 innings. He struck out four and walked two. Thomas Salinas (5-4) picked up the win for Surprise. He went seven innings and allowed one run on six hits.

The Hops (36-42) wrapped up the road trip going (1-5) and will now return home to face first place Colorado Springs beginning tomorrow evening. The Hops are just (6-12) in their last 18 games.

Around the League: Chandler’s Singleton hit a solo home run in the eleventh as the Chiefs slipped past Glendale 1-0. Four Chandler pitchers combined to allow just four hits, While striking out eight and walking three. Colorado Springs Sam Gonzalez (12-1) tossed a complete game two-hitter, striking out six in a 9-0 victory over West Texas.

Alberto Ruiz homered twice in the finale as Surprise won the series.