Intermountain Baseball League - Presented by BigJdotcom01

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July 22-25: FLAGSTAFF (50-51) @ RIO RANCHO (48-54)
Stadium: Intel Field (Capacity: 5,796)

July 22: Hops 11, Owlz 10 (17)
July 23: Owlz 8, Hops 5
July 24: Hops 6, Owlz 1
July 25: Hops 10, Owlz 3 (11)

Rio Rancho, NM (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops stayed red-hot coming out of the All-Star break, taking three out of four from the Rio Rancho Owlz and outscoring them 35-19.

The Hops grabbed a win in the opener in a 17-inning marathon, as they edged the Owlz 11-10. Josh Ortega’s solo home run in the top of the 18th sent the Hops to the victory as they picked up right where they left off at the All-Star break.

This one was an offensive show as the teams combined for 44 hits and eight home runs, but most of those happened in the opening nine innings as neither team could muster much in extras.

This one got off to a wild start as the Hops scored three in the top of the first on RBI singles from Oscar Aleman, Robbie Westbrook, and Josh Ortega. Rio Rancho immediately responded with two of their own on a Zack Gallagher RBI single and Merton Bannerman RBI double.

Mackenzie Guzman would blast a three-run home run in the fourth as Rio Rancho grabbed a 5-3 lead.

But in the fifth, the Hops would score three of their own, to retake the lead, 6-5. Oscar Aleman tripled home Leandro Lugo. Rodney Millar grounded out to score Aleman, and Robbie Westbrook hit a 442-foot home run over the bullpens in right.

A three-run homer un from Rodney Millar, his 29th, in the top of the sixth put the Hops up 9-5 and it looked like they may cruise to a victory, but they did not. Odell Hansen homered in the bottom half to cut the lead to 9-6. The Owlz would then score three in the bottom half of the seventh to tie the game at 9-9. Ryan Meger and Zack Gallagher hit back-to-back home runs, and Merton Bannerman doubled home Ferreira to tie it up.

The Hops would take the lead in the top of the tenth as Oscar Aleman grounded out to score Art Mason. Closer Vic Miller came on to close it out, but gave up a leadoff home run to David Dominguez to tie the game at 10-10. It was just his second blown save on the year.

The Owlz would load the bases in the 11th with one out, but Hansen was tagged out at home on a failed suicide squeeze and Pedro Macias got Pressley to strike out with runners on second and third to end it.

Finally in the 17th, Josh Ortega led off with a solo home run to left to put the Hops in front 11-10. Peter Gorzelski (3-3) would get the final three outs to pick up the win. He worked the last two innings, striking out two and not allowing a base runner. The Hops used eight pitchers in the victory.

Isaiah Baker (0-1) took the loss for Rio Rancho. He allowed one run on two hits over two innings of work. The Owlz used seven pitchers.

Zack Gallagher went 6 for 8 with a double, home run and two RBIs in the loss for Rio Rancho. Art Mason, Leandro Lugo and Oscar Aleman went a combined 12 for 27 with four extra base hits and eight runs scored out of the top three spots in the order.

On Saturday evening, the slugfest continued as the Owlz rallied from a 4-0 deficit to win 8-5. Ryan Meger went 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs to help pace the offense as Rio Rancho evened the series.

Flagstaff jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second inning. Rodney Millar doubled home Robbie Westbrook. Forrest Owen singled home Millar, and Art Mason singled home Owen and Skyler Lyons to give the Hops a four run advantage.

But John Benitez could not make that hold up. He gave up a solo home run to Odell Hansen in the third and Rickey Ferriera in the fourth. Then gave up a two-run blast to Ryan Meger in the fourth to tie the game at 4-4.

The Owlz would take the lead in the fifth on RBI doubles from Pressley and Dominguez to make it 6-4.

Robbie Westbrook homered in the sixth, his 15th on the year, to cut it to 6-5. But the Owlz would get a couple of insurance runs in the eighth to pull away 8-5.

John Benitez (0-2) took the loss. He went 4 1/3 giving up six runs on seven hits including the three home runs.

Homer Guevara (4-3) earned the win, working 5 1/3 innings and allowing five runs on seven hits. Dana Hoffman got credit for his 24th save.

Roberto Geronimo went 0 for 4 to end his 12 game hitting streak.

On Sunday afternoon the Hops got a great pitching performance from Angelo Chacin as they defeated the Owlz 6-1. Oscar Aleman provided the offense going 3 for 4 with a double and two home runs as the Hops continue to climb their way back into the Wild Card race.

Oscar Aleman got things going with a solo home run in the first inning to give Flagstaff the lead against Rio Rancho’s ace Ryne Rodriguez. They would extend it to 2-0 on the second on a two-out RBI single from Forrest Owen.

RBI singles from Rodney Millar and Robbie Westbrook extended the lead to 4-0 in the sixth.

Josh Ortega his a solo home run in the seventh, his 18th on the season, and Oscar Aleman hit his second of the game in the eighth to make it 6-0.

The Owlz would get a solo home run from Lincoln Wyatt to open the ninth. It was his first on the season as the Owlz broke the shutout.

Angelo Chacin (1-1) picked up his first win after being recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque. He pitched six shutout innings, allowing just two hits after he sent down the first 13 batters that he faced. Oliver Benedict picked up the three-inning save, his first on the season.

Ryne Rodriguez (7-7) took the loss fro Rio Rancho. He pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on just four hits, while striking out seven.

In the finale, the Hops again went to extra innings, but put up a seven spot in the 11th as they won 10-3 to take three of four in New Mexico. Robbie Westbrook homered twice as the Hops moved to within one game of .500.

This one was a pitcher’s duel between two of the best pitchers in the Mountain League as Shoe- Lace O’Tying went head to head with Rollie Flingers. O’Tying went seven innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out six. The three runs allowed were all solo home runs, including two to Rickey Ferriera Fingers was even better, pitching seven innings and allowing just two runs on five hits, while striking out 12 and walking one. Flagstaff had no answers for his nasty knuckleball.

Zack Gallagher got the Owlz on the board in the first with a solo home run, his fifth on the campaign.

Robbie Westbrook would tie the game in the fourth with a solo home run to right, but Rickey Ferriera would blast a moon shot in the bottom half to put the Owlz back up 2-1.

In the sixth, Oscar Aleman hit a two-out triple to left center and then Rodney Millar came through with a clutch RBI single to tie the game at 2-2. But in the bottom half, Rickey Ferriera did it again, this time hitting one 436 feet over the bullpens in right to put Rio Rancho back on top.

Arturo Mardones would tie it up in the top of the eighth off of Rio Rancho reliever Matt Baker.

The Hops bullpen would then come through with a couple of huge holds. In the eighth, Aldo Osuna came on with runners on the corners and one out, but got Rickey Ferriera to bounce into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning. Then in the bottom of the tenth, Vic Miller came on after the first two batters had reached. He walked a batter to load the bases and then struck out back-to-back batters before getting a fly out to keep the game going.

The Hops then exploded for seven runs in the top of the 11th capped off by a two run home run from Roberto Geronimo and three-run shot from Robbie Westbrook, his second of the game.

The Hops sitting at (50-51) are making it tough on their GM as the trade deadline approaches. Is this team in the hunt and a contender or do they sell off assets on expiring contracts and build for the future.

Up next, the Hops return home to face Phoenix (49-52) in a two game series and then they will host first place Colorado Springs in a four game weekend series leading up to the trade deadline.

Around the League: Mesa’s Garrett Matthews hit two home runs and drove in three as Mesa blanked Gilbert 11-0 to open their second half of the season. Four Mesa pitchers combined on the three-hit shutout. El Paso’s Luis Corella tossed a three hit shutout, striking out five as the Blue Rocks slipped past Austin 1-0. El Paso had just two hits with Phil Colon’s solo home run being the difference.

Long Beach scored 13 runs in the top of the tenth inning as they overcame a ninth inning collapse to defeat the San Diego Seals 18-5. Colorado Springs scored two in the seventh and five in the eighth to rally from an 8-2 deficit and stun Salt Lake 9-8.

Amarillo’s Luke Brady hit three home runs and drove in four, while Clyde Floyd hit two home runs and drove in five in a 15-2 victory over Albuquerque.

Corbin McCarthy (10-6) tossed eight innings of shutout baseball, allowing just two hits and striking out 10 as the Jack Rabbits defeated St George 7-0.

Steve Willis (12-1) pitched 8 1/3 innings, allowing just one run on five hits, while striking out nine as Long Beach destroyed Henderson 17-1.

TRADES: The wheeling and dealing Las Vegas Nuggets have made yet another trade as they have sent 26-year-old centerfielder Mikey Fisher (85 OVR, A) to the Fort Worth Kings in exchange for three prospects in 21-year-old second baseman Gene Garcia (71 OVR, B), 25-year-old shortstop Mariano Pena (69 OVR, B) and 19-year-old right fielder Bayron Lora (54 OVR, C). Vegas has also sent starter Levi Dennis (73 OVR, C) to the Seals for reliever Jim Lyons (75 OVR, C) and right fielder Michael Kendall (69 OVR, C).

Chandler has acquired shortstop Scotty North (87 OVR, A) from Tucson in exchange for third baseman Frank Green (86 OVR, A) and starting pitcher Ken Burkhart (82 OVR, A).

Yuma have traded shortstop Daniel Tanana (82 OVR, B) to the Albuquerque Mariachis in exchange for starting pitcher Tommy Gates (68 OVR, C), second baseman Francis Westbrook (63 OVR, B) and shortstop Omar Zepeda (64 OVR, C). Yuma has also sent starting pitcher Mitchell Long (84, B) to St George for closer Andy Suarez (74 OVR, C) and starting pitcher Henry Silva (68 OVR, C).

Mesa has traded first baseman Rafael Geronimo (81 OVR, B) to Salt Lake for closer Jaime Cabrera (76 OVR, A) and starting pitcher Henry Mori (73 OVR, C).

The Scorpions have traded catcher Kent Mackin (69 OVR, A) to the Saguaros for starting pitcher Cole Ragans (66 OVR, C).

The Barnstormers have acquired left fielder Hideo Yoshida (87 OVR, B) from Salt Lake in exchange for right fielder Mark Hlavac (76 OVR, C) and starting pitcher Mitchel Kilkenny (57 OVR, C)

The Jack Rabbits trade reliever Nate McDermott to the Dust Devils for third baseman Adriel Sotolongo and reliever Jason Bilous.

Austin acquired RF Odell Hansen (OVR 85, B) from Rio Rancho in exchange for second baseman Lincoln Wyatt (OVR 72, C), right fielder Trey Cabbage (OVR 59, B) and starter Grant McMahon (OVR 57, A). The 30-year-old Hansen was hitting just .230 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs in 356 at-bats for the Owlz.

Oscar Aleman went deep in Saturday victory over the Owlz.

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July 27-28: PHOENIX (50-53) @ FLAGSTAFF (51-52)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 9,486)

July 26: Hops 5, Firebirds 0
July 27: Firebirds 9, Hops 7

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops spilt an interleague series with the Phoenix Firebirds, winning the opener and the dropping the second on Wednesday afternoon.

In the opener, Ryan Pressley tossed a complete game shutout, striking out ten and allowing just two singles in the seventh inning as the Hops won 5-0.

Flagstaff got off to a quick start with an RBI double from Robbie Westbrook in the first inning. Shoe-Lace O’Tying would lead off the second with a solo home run to left, his second on the season to make it 2-0. Arturo Mardones would hit a solo home run two batters later and Leandro Lugo would single home Art Mason after he doubled, to make it 4-0.

Rodney Millar would add a solo home run in the eighth, his league leading 30th on the season.

But the story was Ryan Pressley. He carried a no hitter into the seventh before Mason Ortiz broke it up with a bloop single to right. He was dominant, throwing just 105 pitches, 78 for strikes. He struck out 10 and walked two.

Oscar Aleman went 0 for 3 to end his hitting streak at 11 games.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Firebirds rallied for a 9-7 victory as the teams combined for 29 hits on a gorgeous sunny afternoon at AutoZone Park. Catcher Jeff Jankowitsch went 3 for 5 with a double, triple, home run and an RBI in the victory to help lead Phoenix to the come-from-behind victory.

Flagstaff fell down 2-0 in the first on a Juan Chavez two-run home run, but responded with five in the bottom half. It was capped off by a Donnie Roland grand slam, his seventh home run on the year and Flagstaff lead 5-2 after one.

But Sam Herzog did not have his best stuff for a second straight start, and Phoenix took advantage of that. Back-to-back doubles from Jankowitsch and Michael Yancey hit back-to-back doubles in the second to cut the lead to 5-3. Mason Ortiz would lead off the third with a solo home run to left. Then Jeff Jankowitsch homered to right in the fourth to tie the game at 5-5.

Roberto Geronimo would put Flagstaff back up by two with a two-run home run in the fifth, his 28th on the season. But Phoenix would chase Herzog in the sixth as Bobby Gates hit a two-run home run to tie the game at 7-7. Jeff Jankowitsch would triple and scored on a Michael Yancey RBI double to give Phoenix an 8-7 lead.

The Firebirds would add an insurance run in the eighth and Rickey Gilbert cam ein to lock down his 31st save of the season to secure the win.

Flagstaff left runners at second and third in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, but could not squeeze out another run as their three game win streak came to an end.

Emmitt Hampton went 4 for 5 with two doubles and two runs scored in the loss. He is now hitting (.335). He has been tearing up left handed pitching and manager Bid Black said he needs to get more at-bats for Hampton.

Josh Ortega suffered a bruised foot during batting practice and will likely miss a few days, but he will not go on the injured list.

The Hops (51-52) will now host first-place Colorado Springs (57-45) for a four game weekend series.

Around the League: Roswell used four pitchers to toss a six-hit shutout in a 2-0 victory over Tucson. Raymond Lane picked up his ML leading 33rd save for the Aliens. Yuma, in a bullpen game, used six pitchers to toss a four-hit shutout of San Diego as the Dust Devils won 2-0. Yuma has the worst record in the IBL at (38-64).

Trades: San Antonio has sent shortstop Isaac Nettles (78 OVR, C) to Flagstaff in exchange for starting pitcher Robert Francis (83 OVR, B).

Prescott has acquired third baseman Juan Vargas (86 OVR, B) from the Mariachis in exchange for starting pitcher Ethan Norris (81 OVR, B) and third baseman Eduardo Castillo (77 OVR, C). The 27-year-old Vargas was hitting .269 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs with 17 stolen bases in Albuquerque.

Ryan Pressley was dominant on Tuesday evening, striking out ten and allowing just two hits in his complete game shutout.

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July 28-31: COLORADO SPRINGS (59-47) @ FLAGSTAFF (53-54)
Stadium: AutoZone Park (Capacity: 9,486)

July 28: Snow Sox 2, Hops 1
July 29: Hops 7, Snow Sox 5
July 30: Hops 4, Snow Sox 1
July 31: Snow Sox 7, Hops 5 (10)

Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The Hops split a huge four game series with first place Colorado Springs over the weekend. The split leaves them 6 1/2 games back as the calendar turns to August.

In the opener of a huge series, the Snow Sox got a great pitching performance from Mike Stoneridge as they edged the Hops 2-1. Stoneridge pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed just the single run on seven hits while striking out two.

The Snow Sox would grab the lead in the third on a Mike Rock sacrifice fly to center that scored Miguel Gonzalez. They would increase the lead to 2-0 in the sixth on a solo home run from Juan Caceras.

Flagstaff would get one back in the seventh on a Forrest Owen RBI single with two outs that cut the lead to 2-1. But the Colorado Springs bullpen did work with closer Jeff Cabrera striking out the side in the ninth to pick up his 29th save.

John Benitez (0-3) went 5 1/3 innings, allowing the two runs on seven hits. He struck out two and walked one. He pitched well enough to get a better result, but the red-hot Hops bats were cooled off on Thursday evening, managing just eight hits.

On a rainy Friday evening the Hops defeated the Snow Sox 7-5 to even this huge series. Rodney Millar blasted his league leading 31st home run to help pace the offense.

The Hops would jump on Jack Withenshaw immediately in this one, scoring four in the bottom of the first inning. Designated hitter Shoe-Lace O’Tying came up big with a two-run single to get the Hops going. Rodney Millar then blasted his 31st home run on the season. The two-run shot gave the Hops a 4-0 lead.

The Snow Sox would get one back in the top of the second as back-to-back doubles from Primo and Austin would push across their first run. But the Hops responded with two of their own as O’Tying hit an RBI double and Donnie Roland followed with an RBI single to make it 6-1 Hops.

Back-to-back doubles by the Snow Sox to open the third cut the lead to 6-2. Then in the sixth, Mike Rock lead off with a single to chase starter Angelo Chacin. Spanos came on a promptly gave up a two-run home run to Juan Caceras, his 19th on the year, to cut the lead to 6-4.

James Dudeck would open the seventh with a solo home run off of Oliver Benedict to cut it to a one-run game. But Aldo Osuna and Vic Miller locked it down from there to secure the win. It was Miller’s 25th save on the season.

Angleo Chacin (2-1) was credited with the win. He pitched five plus innings, allowing three runs on six hits. He struck out six and did not issue a walk.

On Saturday evening it was the Shoe-Lace O’Tying show…again. He tossed a complete game two-hitter as the Hops defeated the Snow Sox 4-1 to get back to .500.

O’Tying (8-4) gave up a leadoff single to Mike Lowe to start the game, and a solo home run to Donnell Marcus in the fifth inning. He struck out a career high 12 and walked just one. He is truly a duel threat as his bat has been red-hot lately too.

The Hops would grab a 1-0 lead in the second on a Rodney Millar sacrifice fly.

After Marcus tied the game in the fifth, the Hops would retake the lead in the sixth inning when Oscar Aleman grounded into a fielder’s choice to score Robbie Westbrook.

The Hops would manufacture two more runs in the seventh as Forrest Owen walked with the bases loaded and then Rodney Millar scored on a Robbie Westbrook fielder’s choice.

The teams combined for just eight hits in a briskly played game. Randy Wilson (3-3) took the loss for Colorado Springs out of the bullpen after starter Randy Wolf left after five innings in a tie ball game.

In the finale, the Snow Sox rallied with four runs in the top of the tenth, and then held on as they won 7-5. Eric Lowe hit a two-run home run in the tenth, going 2 for 5 with two RBIs to help lead first place Colorado Springs.

Hank Hammond gave the Snow Sox a 2-0 lead in the second with a two-run home run to right. It was his fourth on the year. Robbie Westbrook would hit a three-run shot in the third to put the Hops up 3-2. A sacrifice fly from Jay in the fourth tied the game at 3-3.

This game featured ML Cy Young leader Sam Gonzalez for the Snow Sox and Ryan Pressley for the Hops, two of the best in the Mountain League. Gonzalez (15-3) wasn’t his best, allowing three runs on four hits through six innings of work.. He struck out six and walked three. Pressley worked seven innings for the Hops, allowing three runs on five hits. He struck out nine and walked two.

In the tenth, Mike Lowe hit a two-run hoe run off of Oliver Benedict. Aldo Osuna would come on and gave up two runs on back-to-back-to-back doubles from Sam Conley, Mike Rock and Juan Primo to make it 7-3. The Hops would make it interesting as Arturo Mardones hit a solo home run and then they loaded the bases with one out, but could only manage a fielder’s choice from Robbie Westbrook to cut the lead to 7-5. Roberto Geronimo would fly out to deep right to end the game.

Thad Velazquez picked up the win with Jeff Cabrera picking up his 30th save.

The Hops (53-54) will now hit the road with another big four game series with second place St. George (55-52) beginning tomorrow evening. They will visit Prescott to close out the road trip.

Around the League: Tucson’s Steven Pina tossed a complete game one-hitter as the Roadrunners beat the Jack Rabbits 4-0. Pina (8-7) struck out ten and walked three. Fort Worth’s Jose Lema tossed a complete game two-hit shutout of Amarillo as the Kings stomped the Honey Hunters 10-0. Lema (8-7) struck out five, but walked four as he picked up his eighth win on the season.

Long Beach scored five times in the top of the 11th to win in Las Vegas 6-2. The Surf Dawgs’ Steve Willis went seven innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out seven and walking two. Amarillo hits four home runs as they pounded first-place Fort Worth 11-0. Paul Stanley (7-9) tossed a complete game, four-hitter, striking out seven and walking one for the Honey Hunters.

Salt River’s Aaron Henderson hit two home runs and drove in five as the Rafters outlasted the Desert Dogs 12-10. The teams combined to hit nine home runs in the game.

Long Beach took three of four from Las Vegas to stretch their lead in the DL West to 4 1/2 games.

Fort Worth’s Gabriel Carmona (10-3) tossed a complete game one-hitter as the Kings bested Amarillo 1-0.

Trades: Chandler has acquired third baseman Eduardo Contreras (78 OVR, B) from El Paso for starting pitcher Lee Romero (79 OVR, B).

Tucson traded reliever Ray Howard (84 OVR, B) to the Mariachis in exchange for 24-year-old closer Jose Jaquez (71 OVR, B) 24-year-old and first baseman Connor O’Doul (62 OVR, C).

Shoe-Lace O’Tying tossed a two-hitter and also homered in the series.

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JULY AWARDS:
ML Pitcher of Month: Ryan Pressley (SP, Flagstaff) 4-0, 3.16 ERA, 41 K’s in 6 starts
ML Player of month: J.P. Grant (3B, Salt Lake) .375, 9 HR, 23 RBIs in 104 At-Bats
ML Rookie of month: Luke Jordan (2B, Austin) .367, 6 HR, 23 RBIs in 90 At-Bats
DL Pitcher of Month: Britt Kimberk (SP, Long Beach) 4-1, 1.49 ERA, 36 K’s in 6 starts
DL Player of Month: Juan Chavez (1B, Phoenix) .418, 7 HR, 24 RBIs in 79 At-Bats.
DL Rookie of Month: Ned Little (C, Gilbert) .360, 2 HR, 16 RBIs in 89 At-Bats

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DEADLINE DAY

Phoenix, AZ (AP) – The Intermountain Baseball League trade deadline was Sunday at 3pm.

Here are the deals that were completed on deadline day.

Yuma sent 31-year-old starting pitcher Mark Donnellon to the El Paso Blue Rocks in exchange for two prospects: 24-year-old starting pitcher Hugh Aulert (79 OVR, A) and third baseman Leland Gellman (50 OVR, C). Donnellon had an (8-5) record with 3.58 ERA and 1.13 WHIP on the worst team in baseball. He had 74 K’s and 31 walks in 143.1 innings.

The Prescott Hot Shots moved 24-year-old shortstop Jamie Case (83 OVR, C) to Las Vegas in exchange for 22-year-old starting pitcher Mike Cammarata (66 OVR, A), 25-year-old closer Elvis Paniagua (71 OVR, B), and 22-year-old catcher Reese Olson (60 OVR, C). Case was hitting (.276) with eight home runs and 30 RBIs for the Hot Shots and is a nice utilty player for the Nuggets.

Santa Fe sent 35-year-old catcher Antonio Trejo (84 OVR, A) and his $7.8M salary to Austin in exchange for 29-year-old first baseman Corey Barton (85 OVR, B). The Fire Frogs also got second base prospect Adrian Placencia (70 OVR, B) in the deal.

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Flagstaff, AZ (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops extended the contracts of a couple of players on expiring deals. Josh Ortega agreed to terms on a two-year deal with a club option for $38.95M. Third baseman Leandro Lugo agreed to terms on a five-year deal worth $51.5M. Outfielder Emmitt Hampton agreed to terms on a three-year deal with a player option for $36.77M. Reliever Pedro Macias agreed to terms on a two-year extension for $5.6M, and reliever Adrian Spanos agreed to terms on a one-year deal for $2.0M.

Around the league, here were some of the big deals signed on Monday….

The Snow Sox extended 25-year-old third baseman Donnell Marcus with a four-year, $92M deal.

The Archers made a couple of big signings as they resigned starting pitcher Lamont Lawrence to a five-year, $75M deal and first baseman Jamaal McCormick to a five year, $130M deal.

The Barnstormers resigned starting pitcher Roger Robles to a two-year deal worth $19.4M and centerfielder Anthony Ortiz resigned to a five-year deal worth $117.5M.

Mesa resigned catcher Godfrey De Graff to a 5-year deal worth $75.5M.

The Roadrunners have extended third baseman Frank Green on a three-year deal worth $66M.

Glendale has resigned centerfielder Wade Rowell to a 5-year, $51.5M deal.

Goodyear has extended star shortstop Reid Hoffman to a four-year, $131.2M deal, and starting pitcher Tommy Harmon to a five-year, $53.6M deal.

The Scorpions resigned center fielder Martin Perez to a five-year, $49.7M deal.

The Las Vegas Nuggets have resigned right fielder Junior Lima to a five-year, $57M deal.

Long Beach has resigned right fielder Jack Gonzalez to a two-year deal worth $37.4M, and starting pitcher Chuck Sanchez to a three-year extension worth $29.1M.

The West Texas Bison have resigned catcher Grant Gomez to a four-year deal worth $24M.

The Fort Worth Kings have resigned catcher George Newman to a five-year, $80M deal.

Austin resigned right fielder Odell Hansen to a five-year, $53.7M deal, and newly acquired catcher Antonio Trejo to a three-year deal worth $24.8M.

The Javelinas resigned closer recently acquired Tom Jung to a five-year deal worth $40.9M, and right fielder T.J. Hart to a five-year, $65M deal.

El Paso has resigned reliver Robby Corey to a five-year deal worth $26.9M.

Santa Fe resigned closer Lincoln Graham to a six-year deal worth $107M.

Rio Rancho has extended starting pitcher Richard Kim with a two-year deal worth $22.2M.

Albuquerque has extended 28-year-old left fielder Jeffrey Horner to a five-year deal worth $103.5M, and starting pitcher Alex Sbarbori to a four-year deal worth $38.2M.

Roswell has extended right fielder Blake Pacinelli on a three-year deal worth $105M with a player option.

Prescott has extended right fielder Noah Wilson to a five-year deal worth $36.9M, and reliever Jimmy Campanella for four-years and $12.9M.

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August 1-4: FLAGSTAFF (56-55) @ ST GEORGE (56-55)
Stadium: Bank of Utah Park (Capacity: 8,877)

August 1: Archers 9, Hops 8 (10)
August 2: Hops 5, Archers 4
August 3: Hops 5, Archers 3
August 4: Hops 10, Archers 5

St. George, UT (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops took three of four from St. George in a huge series in southern Utah. The Hops were an inning away from a sweep, but blew a huge ninth inning lead in the opener. Still, taking three of four from the Archers has the Hops right back in the thick of the wild card race and back in a tie for second in the DL West.

In the opener, he Archers rallied with four runs in the bottom of the ninth and won it with a walk off home run in the tenth to stun the Hops 9-8. Scottie Hager’s second home run of the game with two outs in the bottom of the tenth was the winner as the Archers moved four games ahead of the Hops in the ML West.

This one was a game that featured the long ball as each team hit four home runs with the ball just flying out of Bank of Utah Park. Emmitt Hampton hit two home runs for the Hops and rookie pitcher Shoe-Lace O’Tying hit a pinch hit solo home run in the ninth to put the Hops up by four in what looked like a sure win.

Samuel Espinoza came on to pitch the bottom of the ninth and it was a disaster. He gave up a leadoff single to Jamaal McCormick and then hit Sam Robinson. Scottie Hager singled to load the bases. He was able to strike out Marquez, but then gave up a double to Powers to cut the lead to 8-6. They intentionally walked Gehringer to load the bases and manager Bud Black brought in closer Vic Miller. He struck out Reyes and got Dias to bounce to second that looked like it would end the game. But Robbie Westbrook tried to bare hand it and the ball got by him allowing Hager and Powers to score to tie the game at 8-8. It was ruled a base hit but likely a favorable call by the home scorer.

That setup Hager to win it with his second home run of the game in the tenth.

It was a bitter loss for the red-hot Hops as they look to climb back into the wild card chase. To top it off, Leandro Lugo, who just signed an five year contract extension left the game in the fifth inning after an awkward swing. He was taken for x-rays and it was announced that he has a broken arm and will be out 4-8 weeks. The team has promoted Isaac Nettles from Triple-A Albuquerque to take his place on the 26-man roster.

On Tuesday evening, the Hops rallied late to pull out a 5-4 victory over the Archers. Oscar Aleman’s two-run home run in the top of the eighth put the Hops in front for good as they evened the series.

St George would grab the lead in the third inning on solo home runs from Rolando Powers and Harper Reyes. A Rodney Millar two-run home run in the top of the fourth would tie the ball game at 2-2. Millar moved back to the top of the Mountain League in home runs with his 32nd. Rodney Powers would put the Archers back in front in the bottom half with an RBI single.

The Hops would tie it back up in the top of the fifth on a Skyler Lyons solo home run.

A Percy Sievers homer in the bottom of the fifth put the Archers back in front. It was Sievers fifth home run on the year.

That setup Oscar Aleman with the late inning drama as he blasted a two-out, two-run home run off of Taylor Austin in the top of the eighth to put the Hops in front for good. The homer was Aleman’s 17th on the season. Aldo Osuna came on to work the eighth, sending the Archers down in order and he got the first two outs in the ninth before giving up a couple of singles. Vic Miller was called on to get the final out and pick up his 26th save on the year.

On Wednesday evening, the Hops rallied from an early three run hole to defeat the Archers 5-3. A Josh Ortega RBI single with two outs in the eighth gave the Hops their first lead of the ball game as they once again got back to .500 on the season at (55-55).

The Archers would score three runs in the bottom of the first off of starter Angelo Chacin. A Dias RBI single to left and a Rolando Powers two-run double staked the Archers to the early lead.

Flagstaff would respond with a three-run third to tie the ball game up. Art Mason singled home Forrest Owen, who had doubled. Skyler Lyons ripped an RBI double to right, and Oscar Aleman grounded out, scoring Art Mason to tie the game.

It would remain that way until the eighth when Oscar Aleman doubled to center with two outs and then Josh Ortega singled him home. Rookie pitcher Shoe-Lace O’Tying would then homer in the ninth, his fourth on the year to provide some cushion.

Vic Miller came on and sent down the Archers in order to pick up his 27th save in 30 opportunities.

In the finale, the Hops brought their big sticks, hitting four home runs as they powered past the Archers 10-5. Arturo Mardones hit two home runs and added a double as he scored three times and drove in four runs to help pace the victory.

Josh Ortega got things going in the first with an RBI single that score Skyler Lyons. Robbie Westbrook followed that up with a two-out double to score Ortega as the Hops grabbed a quick 2-0 lead.

Steve Marquez would hit a solo home run to left in the third off of Shoe-Lace O’Tying to cut the Hops lead in half.

Arturo Mardones hit his first home run of the game in the top of the fifth to extend the Hops lead to 3-1.

Shoe-Lace O’Tying pitched well again, but got into trouble in the fifth. He walked Sam Robinson and gave up a double to Scottie Hager. After getting two outs, he walked Rodney Powers. That brought up light hitting Percy Sievers. O’Tying hung a slider and Sievers made no mistake hitting it over the wall in left for a grand slam and the Archers grabbed a 5-3 lead.

But this resilient Hops club got all four runs right back. Arturo Mardones hit a three-run home run to left and Art Mason followed with a solo shot, his 20th, as the Hops went back in front 7-5.

Rodney Millar would add a two-run homer in the seventh to put this one away. It was his 33rd on the season.

Show-Lace O’Tying (9-4) picked up the win, pitching seven innings and allowing the five runs on just three hits. He struck out seven and walked two.

The Hops (56-55) are now above .500 for the first time since June 16th and will now travel to last place Prescott (43-66) for a three game weekend series.

Around the League: Tucson scored five times in the top of the ninth to rally and defeat Salt River 10-5. The Roadrunners are now just two games out of a Wild Card spot in the DL.
San Antonio rallied from a 5-0 deficit to defeat Fort Worth 6-5 with a walk off sacrifice fly from Gonzalez. The win moved the Javelinas to with a half game of first place in the ML East.

Dante Coleman hit three home runs and drove in four runs as Gilbert got by Long Beach 7-4 in a battle of division leaders.

San Diego’s Ken Morris carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning before a Fritz Wiggins RBI double broke it up as the Seals defeated the Nuggets 3-1.

Percy Siever hits a grand slam off of Shoe-Lace O’Tying in the finale, won by Flagstaff 10-5.

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August 5-7: FLAGSTAFF (57-57) @ PRESCOTT (45-67)
Stadium: Dignity Health Park (Capacity: 11,444)

August 5: Hot Shots 4, Hops 2
August 6: Hops 5, Hot Shots 2
August 7: Hot Shots 4, Hops 2

Prescott, AZ (AP) - The Flagstaff Hops ended the road trip by losing two of three to last place Prescott. The offense, which had been on fire, cooled off in the series, managing just nine runs in the three games.

The Hops dropped the opener of the three game weekend series 4-2 on Friday evening. The Hot Shots jumped out to an early 4-0 lead and never looked back as they picked up the victory. Matt Olson went 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs scored to help pace the offense.

Prescott got on the board in the first as Harwill O’Kane lined a two-out RBI single to left, scoring Matt Olson. They would make it 2-0 in the second as Darren Gomes hit a solo home run, his 17th on the season. Matt Olson (14th) and Josh Carroll (20th) each hit solo home runs in the fourth to move Prescott out to a 4-0 lead against Ryan Pressley and the Hops.

The Hops would try to get back into the game in the sixth as Arturo Mardones hit a two-run home run, his 17th on the season. Mardones had a chance to tie it up in the seventh but he grounded out to short with runners on second and third.

Ryan Pressley (7-9) pitched seven innings, allowing four runs on ten hits. He struck out five.

On Friday night, the Hops rallied from an early deficit to post a 5-2 victory. Josh Ortega’s huge two-run double in the eighth broke a 2-2 tie and sent the Hops onto victory.

The Hot Shots grabbed a 2-0 lead in the third inning as Josh Carroll hit a two-run, no-doubt home run over the scoreboard in right off of Sam Herzog.

The Hops would get one back in the fifth on doubles from Shoe-Lace O’Tying and Isaac Nettles, and would tie it up in the seventh on a sacrifice from Forrest Owen.

In the eighth, Art Mason doubled to open the inning. Oscar Aleman drew a one-out walk. Josh Ortega then doubled home both runners to put the Hops in front 4-2. Robbie Westbrook would add an RBI single to put the Hops up by three.

Pedro Macias (5-4) earned the win, pitching a scoreless seventh. Aldo Osuna worked a scoreless eight and Vic Miller worked the ninth to pick up his 28th save. Sam Herzog pitched six innings, allowing the two runs on five hits. He struck out five and walked one.

Shoe-Lace O’Tying got the start at DH and went 2 for 4 with a double and run scored. He also hit into a double play. He is now hitting .349 and slugging .767 in 43 at-bats used as a pinch hitter and designated hitter. He has appeared in 10 games at the plate and has four homers and seven RBIs.

In the finale, Noah Wilson was the story as he blasted two home runs for Prescott as the Hot Shots won it 4-2. Wilson went 3 for 3 with a double and two home runs, driving in three runs as Prescott won the weekend series.

Wilson homered to left in the second, then doubled home a run in the fourth before scoring on a Rodriguez RBI single to make it 3-0.

Skyler Lyons had an RBI single and Shoe-Lace O’Tying added a sacrifice fly in the fifth as Flagstaff cut the lead to 3-2. But Noah Wilson’s second home run of the game in the sixth put the Hot Shots back up by two and the Hops could not find an answer.

Matthew Cairo (6-9) picked up the win, pitching a solid seven innings and allowing the two runs on seven hits. He struck out eight and walked two. Xavier Doyle sent down the Hops 1-2-3 in the ninth to pick up his 29th save.

John Benitez (0-4) was saddled with the loss for Flagstaff. He pitched five innings, allowing three runs on six hits. He struck out four, while walking two.

Flagstaff (57-57) returns home to face Roswell (61-52) and Prescott (45-67) and will play 11 of their next 14 at Autozone Park.

Around the League: Surprise’s Alberto Ruiz went 4 for 5 with a double and home run, driving in five as Surprise blasted Tucson 16-3. He leads the Desert League in home runs with 28 and is fifth in RBIs with 71.

A Chris Taylor solo home run in the 11th helped Yuma to defeat Glendale 1-0. Taylor, one of the lone bright spots for Yuma has 22 home runs and has driven in 63 to lead the team in both categories. Blake Pacinelli hit two home runs and drove in seven as Roswell crushed Mesa 12-2. Pacinelli is now second the Mountain League with a .334 average, second in home runs with 32 and first in RBIs with 94.

Clinton Lake hit a walk-off home run for Glendale in a 1-0 victory over Yuma. It was his 22nd on the year.

Las Vegas pounded out 13 hits as they blasted rival Henderson 13-0 to pull back in front of the Silver Knights for an DL Wild Card spot.

Josh Ortega’s two-run double late on Saturday salvaged one game for Flagstaff.