We’re halfway through Season 1 of PCL, and the teams continue to evolve and battle. Los Burros, Lumberjacks, and Pharaohs continue to fight for the top spot. An improved Regulators squad and an inconsistent 86ers team are struggling against standings mediocrity, while The Diablos experiment with roster adjustments as they try to find something that works. Can’t wait to see what the second half of the inaugural season has in store!
Morning Series: Los Burros Take Two of Three from Pharaohs
Game 1
In a key midseason matchup of top teams, the Pharaohs (18-9) emerged victorious with a 5-2 win over Los Burros (20-7). The Pharaohs’ potent offense amassed 9 hits and displayed a balanced performance throughout the lineup. Josh Bosnos led the charge with a remarkable performance, going 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Rylee Baxa’s solid pitching also contributed to the Pharaohs’ success, allowing only 1 hit and 1 earned run over 3.2 innings. He struck out 5 batters before walking out, earning him the win. Los Burros were limited to two hits in the game. Alik Castillo went yard for the braying Burros.
Game 2
Los Burros turned the series around in Game 2, securing a narrow 4-3 victory against the Pharaohs, who had a 3 – 0 lead heading into the sixth and final inning. Despite being held to just 1 hit, Los Burros worked the count, getting their baserunners via the walk, and throwing off the Pharaohs pitching plans late to walk it off in the home half of the 6th inning. Jason Walker pitched a complete game for Los Burros, allowing only 3 runs and striking out 9 batters. For the Pharaohs, Josh Bosnos continued his impressive performance with a home run and a couple singles.
Game 3
In the final game of the series, Los Burros secured a 5-2 victory, clinching the series two wins to one. Jason Walker continued to be a standout player for Los Burros, delivering a dominant performance at the plate, reaching base in all 5 plate appearances, including a home run. Not to be outdone, Parker Trask of the Pharaohs was also perfect at the plate, reaching base in all 4 plate appearances and hitting a homer. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Los Burros’ strong showing in both pitching and hitting. Richard Parsons and Matthew Kelly combined their efforts on the mound, limiting the Pharaohs to 4 hits and 2 runs.
Afternoon Series: Diablos Swept by 86ers
Game 1:
In the opening game of the series, the 86ers’ (13 – 14) inconsistent offense clicked into gear as they scored 11 runs on 12 hits in an 11 – 1 victory. Brendan Hite and Jose Ruiz were key performers for the 86ers, each collecting two hits and driving in multiple runs. Jose Ruiz and Cam Steed each had home runs. Pitcher Patrick Greene, who would be traded to The Diablos after the game, delivered a strong final performance as an 86er, allowing only one run on 3 hits before walking out in the 4th and final inning of the mercy-shortened game. Shaun Suller made his 86ers debut in a relief pitching appearance, getting the final two outs of the game. Carlton Franklin of The Diablos (2 – 25) accounted for his team’s only run when he hit one out of the park in the top of the 3rd.
Game 2:
In a three-inning mercy run shortened game, The 86ers continued their offensive onslaught, posting 13 runs on 10 hits to take the game 13 – 0. Brendan Hite, Shaun Suller, and Jose Ruiz stood out at the plate, each recording multi-hit games, while Leonard Quenneville blasted a 3-run home run. Pitchers Leonard Quenneville, Codey Gaylord, and Weston Steed faced only 9 batters, throwing a combined no-hitter. For The Diablos, Aaron Harris faced 21 batters, striking out 2 and walking only 1. Martin Lechner, Eduardo Delatorre, and Trevor Larsen each reached base via the walk.
Game 3:
Despite a valiant effort from the Diablos to avoid a sweep, the 86ers managed to secure the series sweep in a high-scoring third game by a final score of 12 – 8. Jose Ruiz continued his remarkable performance, recording four hits, including two home runs, and driving in four runs. Jameson Steed and Weston Steed also hit homers for the 86ers. For the Diablos, Martin Lechner, Brian Dozer, and Dylan Peterson each stepped up with multi-hit games. The patient Diablos worked 8 walks in the game to keep it interesting, but had their comeback bid stopped short by hitting into a 3rd-to-2nd-base game and series ending double play.
Evening Series: Lumberjacks Take 2 of 3 From Regulators
Game 1:
The Lumberjacks dominated the opening game of the series with a 6 – 0 shutout victory against the Regulators. The Regulators struggled to find their offensive rhythm, managing only two hits. Starting pitcher Gavin Mansell of the Regulators put in a valiant effort on the mound, allowing only one hit in two innings before walking out. On the other side, Jay Kohler paced the Lumberjacks’ offense with a multi-hit game, while James Shorey, Mario Reza, and Esteban Canales all went deep to help secure a comfortable win.
Game 2:
The second game of the series showcased a close battle, with the Regulators edging out The Lumberjacks 3 – 1. Gavin Mansell of the Regulators led the offensive charge with a strong hitting performance, including a home run and 2 RBIs. Brad Ogden also had two hits and drove in a run. Gavin Mansell pitched three scoreless innings, striking out 5. Mario Reza of the Lumberjacks pitched into the 6th inning, striking out 8 in the loss. Reza also had a multi-hit game for the Regulators, along with James Shorey.
Game 3:
The final game of the series was a thrilling back-and-forth contest that extended to extra innings, with the Lumberjacks eking out a 4 – 3 victory in 8 innings. Both teams displayed tenacity and determination, battling through multiple lead changes. Mansell once again stepped up for the Regulators, delivering crucial hits that contributed to their run total, including a home run. On the Lumberjacks’ side, Shorey and Reza led the charge with consistent hitting and solid pitching performances. Reza, Kohler, and Esteban each hit home runs. The game was ultimately decided in the eighth inning when the Lumberjacks managed to secure a walk-off victory, concluding the series in dramatic fashion.
