WHIV 2035.24- Sim #9 in Review

[recte44]

2035 Las Vegas Hustlers- Sim #9 in Review

Whew...finally caught up. I need to get these done the day after the sim if I can keep this up.

5/26- Hustlers Get Win, Extend Streak to 4
The Las Vegas Hustlers did just enough to sneak past the Nashville Goats, 3-2, at The Casino by Moe Fugger. Las Vegas pitcher Jimmy Greenwood (4 - 4, 5.05 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 29 K) earned player of the game honors, going 6 2/3 strong innings, though he didn't factor in the decision. Augute Balun earned his sixth win of the year in relief. Tully Crow), summoned from the bullpen, notched his 1st save. Las Vegas now has a 4-game win streak. Las Vegas took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. With one out, right fielder Hector Gomez (.268/.362/.561, 3 HR, 10 RBI) hit a solo home run (3) that set the crowd abuzz. Gomez called the win the result of "everyone being in sync." Brian Bender (.260/.330/.531, 8 HR, 16 RBI) continues to just produce, hitting his seventh homer of the season. "We're encouraged by Tully's outing today, and hope it's a sign of good things to come," said pitching coach Christopher Stoller.

5/27- Hurricanes Prevail, 4-2, Over Las Vegas
Fidelity Financial Park was the site of a competitive game between the Las Vegas Hustlers and Jacksonville Hurricanes. Jacksonville Hurricanes starter Manuel Ramirez was in a rhythm all game. He led his team to a win over the Las Vegas Hustlers, 4-2. Ramirez, now 1-1, was the winner. In 7 innings, he gave up 6 hits, while striking out 6, walking 0, and allowing 2 earned runs. The Hurricanes got a big at-bat from second baseman Luzvimindo Arbizo. For the game, Arbizo was 1-3 with a double. He drove in 2 runs. In the bottom of the fourth, with runners on 1st and 3rd, he stroked a 2-run double. His 7th double of the season gave Jacksonville a 3-2 lead. "I made some pitches when I had to," said Ramirez. The Hurricanes bumped their record to 26-25 with this latest triumph. Hyun-sik Chang (1 - 3, 3.58 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 52 K) dropped to 1-3 on the year, he gave up 4 runs in five plus innings of work. Balun pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings in relief for the Hustlers. Gervasio Ridder (.341/.402/.673, 18 HR, 46 RBI) was 2-4 with a run scored and a run batted in for Vegas.

5/28- Hatcher Delivers Clutch At-Bat for Jacksonville in Walk-Off Win
Jacksonville shortstop Max Hatcher played a vital role in his team's 5-4 triumph over Las Vegas. He was 2 for 3 with a home run and a walk. He drove in 2 runs and scored once for Jacksonville. Jacksonville reliever Rob Fuller picked up the win, upping his record to 2-2. Maximo Trevino (1 - 2, 5.40 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 16 K) absorbed the loss. Jacksonville has now won 3 in a row. Late-game drama came in the bottom of the ninth inning. With no one out and runners on 1st and 2nd, the batter, David Noboru, hit a single. It helped Jacksonville seize the win. "Honestly, I'm not frustrated," said Las Vegas manager Matthew Barnard. "The effort was great." The loss erased a fine start by Hustlers lefty Chin Kim (3 - 2, 3.80 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 52 K) who gave up two runs in 6 2/3 today. Gomez was the offensive star for the Hustlers today, going 1-3 with a triple and two RBI.

5/29- Multi-HR Game for Racist in 6-3 Win
Jacksonville and Las Vegas duked it out at Fidelity Financial Park and the Hurricanes came out victorious. The Jacksonville Hurricanes trumped the Las Vegas Hustlers, 6-3, at Fidelity Financial Park. Jacksonville left fielder Albie Racist was named player of the game for his performance. He went 2-3 with 2 home runs and a walk. He drove in 5 runs and scored twice. Jose Cavazos picked up the win with 7.2 innings of work. He allowed 3 earned runs on 7 hits, while walking 3 and striking out 3. On the season, he is now 4-2. Racist had a big at-bat with runners on 2nd and 3rd in the bottom of the fourth inning, when he hit a 3-run home run. The Hurricanes went on to win. "We take it day by day here," said Racist, "and today was a good one for us." The second-place Hurricanes have won 4 in a row. Sam Romero (2 - 5, 4.85 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 50 K) started for Vegas and was chased in the fifth inning, allowing five runs (four earned). Ridder was 2-3 with another RBI. Crow pitched 1 1/3 innings of shutout ball against his former team to continue his string of productive outings for the Hustlers.

5/30- Hustlers Bang Out 10-3 Win Versus Jacksonville
The Las Vegas Hustlers picked up a win at Fidelity Financial Park, knocking off the Jacksonville Hurricanes, 10-3. On the mound for Las Vegas was right-hander Hirotada Miura (5 - 2, 4.75 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 46 K), who played a pivotal role in the win. The Hustlers bumped their record to 28-25 with this latest triumph. Brian Bender (.260/.330/.531, 8 HR, 16 RBI) chipped in for Las Vegas with a 2-run home run (his eighth) in the top of the fourth. For the game, the left fielder had 2 hits in 5 at-bats with 1 home run, 1 single, 1 run scored, and 2 RBI. "We took advantage of our opportunities," Bender told the Las Vegas Citizen. "It's as simple as that." Hirotada Miura (5 - 2, 4.75 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 46 K) reversed his recent slump with an outstanding start: 7 innings, 2 runs, 8 strikeouts, earning Player of the Game honors. Antonio Baca (.229/.278/.458, 5 HR, 12 RBI) (4) and Elroy Hinson (.231/.306/.346, 3 HR, 11 RBI) (3) also homered for the Hustlers.

5/31- Aztecs Get Close Win Over Hustlers
The Mexico City Aztecs overcame a good performance by Las Vegas first baseman Gervasio Ridder (.341/.402/.673, 18 HR, 46 RBI) to knock off Las Vegas, 8-7, at Ullamaliztli Field. Ridder was 3 for 4 with a home run (17), a double, and a walk. He scored 2 times and drove in 3. Mexico City, now 32-22, holds second place in the Johnson League Sun Belt Division. Mexico City center fielder Willard Gagne delivered a 2-run home run in the bottom of the ninth. Overall, he went 3 for 5, including 1 home run, 1 single, and 1 double. He scored 2 runs and batted in 2. "It wasn't a pretty victory," said Gagne, "but we got it done." Mario Murillo (.245/.330/.521, 7 HR, 13 RBI) (7) and Baca (5) added homers for Las Vegas. Jimmy Greenwood (4 - 4, 5.05 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 29 K) allowed an incredible 15 hits in seven innings, but only 4 runs. Balun lost the game for the Hustlers to drop to 6-4 on the year.

6/1- Aztecs Come Back Late to Clip Hustlers
The Mexico City Aztecs trumped the Las Vegas Hustlers, 5-4, at Ullamaliztli Field. Mexico City third baseman Jose Rivera was named player of the game for his performance. He went 2 for 4 with a home run. He scored 2 runs and drove in 3. The Aztecs bumped their record to 33-22 with this latest triumph. Augie Plascencia was the walk-off hero for Mexico City. With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Aztecs designated hitter hit a dramatic run-scoring single to send the teams home. "You can't get too high when things go well, or too low when things go bad. Right now, I'm just happy we got the win," Rivera told the Mexico City Herald. So much for Tully Crow) shaping up, as he took the loss with a blown save. Ridder continues to just mash, hitting his 18th homer of the year in the loss.

News and Notes:
- Vegas inked several notable veterans to minor league deals.
Signed free agent RP Gary Estes) to a minor league contract with a $30,000 signing bonus.
Signed free agent RP Mingo Boone) to a minor league contract with a $20,000 signing bonus.
Signed free agent 1B Juan Pablo) to a minor league contract with a $20,000 signing bonus.
Signed free agent RP Roberto Ramos) to a minor league contract with a $20,000 signing bonus.
Signed free agent RP Eddy de Greef) to a minor league contract with a $20,000 signing bonus.
Signed free agent 3B Francisco Camacho) to a minor league contract with a $20,000 signing bonus.
Signed free agent 3B Jorge Castellanos) to a minor league contract with a $20,000 signing bonus.
Signed free agent SP Germao Traado) to a minor league contract with a $20,000 signing bonus.
***It's expected that Pablo is going to be dealt to the Aztecs to close out his career.
- Following the sim, Las Vegas optioned catcher Jeff Melton (.136/.136/.182, 0 HR, 0 RBI) to Milwaukee (AAA) and purchased the contract of veteran Brian Whitten) from the same club. This means that Hinson will be the backup catcher for now and Whitten will serve as the primary pinch hitter.
- Failing to attract any attention on the waiver wire, veteran righty Bailey Attoehow was given his unconditional release and is now free to sign with any club.
- Marvin Slater (.200/.250/.200, 0 HR, 1 RBI) was designated for assignment, in favor of young utilityman Michel Lambert) who will offer more positional versatility. Slater did clear waivers and was assigned to Milwaukee following the sim.
- Second baseman Antonio Cruz (.188/.257/.298, 3 HR, 20 RBI) continues his struggles into June, but appears no closer to losing his starting job than he has in the past.
- What a difference a month has made for Lloyd Braun (.267/.335/.442, 6 HR, 33 RBI) as he was scraping the Mendoza line going into May. He had 6 homers, 24 RBI and a sweet slash line in May: .286/.361/.562/.923

On The Farm:
- Milwaukee righty Jesus Lopez) was 3-1 with a 2.27 ERA in the month of May, and can't be far from a callup at this point.
- Hao Kun) also has bounced back nicely from a rough stretch for Milwaukee, but scouts say he still needs to improve his control and command of his circle change or he might be destined for a relief role in the majors.
- Brian Whitten) earned his way back to the majors. Playing at the minor league level for the first time since 2020 (not a typo), he hit .313/.380/.555/.935 with 8 homers and 28 RBI in 128 at-bats. "I know I can still help a team," Whitten said.
- Yoriyuki Kawashima) is a bit of a forgotten man among Hustlers prospects. Now 24 years old, he's performing well in his opportunities and there is still hope within the organization that he could be a useful major league bench piece.
- The Hustlers' top pitching prospect, Alvin Chartrand) , struggled in his first three starts of the year for Class A Pahrump but the Hustlers promoted him to AA Reno anyway. There, he was lit up like a pinball machine in his first few starts but has settled in nicely (2-1, 1.44 ERA in 4 May starts). "It's not every day you find an arm like this who can throw six different pitches at you," Hustlers pitching coach Christopher Stoller said.
- Catching prospect Benjamin Clark) continues to mash for Reno (.317/.404/.599/1.002, 8 HR, 30 RBI in 142 AB's). He'll start seeing some time at first base moving forward in order to increase his versatility for a projected future major league bench role.
- Another prospect acquired from Yellow Springs this spring is struggling. Ines Cloots) has been ok offensively but has struggled in trying to learn second base. The Hustlers are pulling the plug on the experiment and temporarily sending him to Pahrump (A) to play left field and restart his bat and confidence.
- Several teams showed interest in Alfredo Cuellar) in the past year, and the Hustlers are happy they kept the sneaky prospect. In 50 2/3 innings for Pahrump, he's allowed just one homer.
- Vegas has been thrilled with what they've seen from lefty Wayne Jackson) at Pahrump. Just 18 years old, their sixth round draft pick last year has been producing all year (16 G, 6 GS, 45.2 IP, 4 BB, 35 K, 1.01 WHIP). While his long term role is likely relief, the Hustlers are starting him in an effort to give him regular work and experience.

Batter of the Sim:
Gervasio Ridder (.341/.402/.673, 18 HR, 46 RBI) (SIM: .393/.433/.714/1.147, 3 doubles, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 20 Total Bases)

Year to Date: Ridder (3), Brewer (2), Sweetworld (1), Young (1), Rectenberg (1), Braun (1)

Pitcher of the Sim:
Can we say none? No? Well.....in that case, let's go with:

Hirotada Miura (5 - 2, 4.75 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 46 K) (SIM: 1 GS, 1-0, 7 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K)

Year to Date: Velasco (2), Huber (2), Kim (1), Romero (1), Trevino (1), Chang (1), Miura (1)

Next Sim:
1 at Mexico City, 3 vs Phoenix, 2 vs Rockville

Four huge divisional games and the first 2 of 3 versus the Rockville Powerhouse. This could be a season altering sim, folks.

Season To Date Recaps:
STANDINGS
Sun Belt Division W L PCT GB
Phoenix Talons 34 22 .607 -
Mexico City Aztecs 33 22 .600 .5
Las Vegas Hustlers 28 27 .509 5.5
Wichita Aviators 24 30 .444 9.0
San Antonio Outlaws 21 34 .382 12.5

TEAM INFORMATION
Record overall 28-27, .509 PCT
Position in Division 3rd, 5½ GB
Record at home 17-8, .680 PCT
Record on the road 11-19, .367 PCT
Record in X-inning games 6-3, .667 PCT
Record in one-run games 9-8, .529 PCT
Record versus LHP 10-11, .476 PCT
Record versus RHP 18-16, .529 PCT
Record last 10 games 5-5, .500 PCT
Record in April 11-15, .423 PCT
Record in May 17-11, .607 PCT
Record in June 0-1, .000 PCT

BATTING STATS & RANKINGS
Batting Average .249 - 10th in JL
On-Base Percentage .322 - 10th in JL
Slugging Percentage .430 - 10th in JL
On-Base + Slugging .751 - 12th in JL
Runs Scored 259 - 9th in JL
Hits 470 - 9th in JL
Extra-Base Hits 178 - tied for 5th in JL
Home Runs 76 - 8th in JL
Bases On Balls 180 - 6th in JL
Strikeouts 399 - 11th in JL
Stolen Bases 70 - 8th in JL

PITCHING STATS & RANKINGS
Earned Run Average 4.52 - 10th in JL
Starters' ERA 4.61 - 10th in JL
Bullpen ERA 4.29 - 10th in JL
Runs allowed 269 - 11th in JL
Hits allowed 497 - tied for 11th in JL
Opponents AVG .259 - 7th in JL
BABIP .280 - 2nd in JL
Home Runs allowed 86 - 13th in JL
Bases On Balls 131 - 1st in JL
Strikeouts 378 - 8th in JL

MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
Milwaukee Choppers (AAA) Milwaukee Choppers (AAA)
27-28, .491, 7 GB
Reno Aces (AA) Reno Aces (AA)
29-26, .527, 6 GB
Pahrump Ranchers (A) Pahrump Ranchers (A)
20-31, .392, 11 GB