Brock Ephan went 4 for 5 with five RBIs, Tucson’s bullpen pitched four hitless innings, and the Saguaros inched closer to the Pecos League Pacific Division championship with a 10-2 win over the San Rafael Pacifics Monday night in California.
The teams will play Game 2 of their best-of-three series at 6 p.m. Tuesday in San Rafael. Should Tucson win, it will advance to the Pecos League finals with a chance to win its third consecutive league title. The Mountain Division championships between the Roswell Invaders and Trinidad Triggers begins Tuesday night.
The visiting Saguaros scored one run in the first inning and four in the second. Tyler Rumbaugh pitched five innings, allowing two runs on three hits while striking out since and watching one. John Kea, Jon Ostroff, Jesse Palafox and Brendon Rodriguez combined to pitch four hitless innings in relief.
In three playoff games — a two-game sweep of the Bakersfield Train Robbers and Monday night’s win over the Pacifics — Tucson is outscoring its opponents, 27-10.
People are also reading…
Photos: Tucson Saguaros open Pecos League playoffs with 13-4 win against Train Robbers
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaro's Steve Joyner (12) slides into second as Bakersfield's second baseman Jamie Carey (3) goes sprawling to knock down the errant throw in the first inning of their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022. The Saguaros opened the best of three series with a 13-4 win.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' second baseman Patrick Music (21) flips to first baseman Chris Caffrey (44) to retire Bakersfield's Jamie Carey (3) on a slow roller to the gap in to end the Train Robbers' half of the third inning of their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Kendon Strachan (32) watches his hit clear the right field fence for a two RBI homer, his second homer of the night, for a 7-0 lead against Bakersfield in the fifth inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Mike Hernandez (35) warms up as the sun sets over Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium as the team prepares to face Bakersfield in the first round of the Pecos League playoffs, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' starting catcher Caden Ledbetter (36) stands with his team as the national anthem is played before the first pitch of the opening game of the Pecos League playoffs against Bakersfield at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' shortstop Sadler Goodwin (31) can't quite reach a shot back up the middle from Bakersfield's Joe Riddle (14) in the second inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' second baseman Patrick Music (21) twists his way under the ball after ranging into right field to track down a blooper into no man's land by Bakersfield's Omar Ortiz (7) in the fourth inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' starter Frank Dickson IV (30) throws against Bakersfield in their 113-4 win to open the Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's second baseman Jamie Carey (3) crashes to the turf in front of right fielder Alex Cornell as the two can't get to looping fly ball down the line by Saguaros' Caden Ledbetter (36) for a single in the fifth inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's third baseman Christian Harrington (8) gets the throw a second too late to stop Saguaros' Patrick Music (21) from advancing from first on an RBI single from Clayton Stephens (47) in the sixth inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros’ John Kea (40) pitches in relief against Bakersfield in the seventh inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Aug. 4, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' first baseman Chris Caffrey (44) ranges to his right to snare a grounder and throw out Bakersfield's Adam Mathias (13) to lead off the Train Robber eighth inning of their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Photos: Tucson Saguaros sweep Bakersfield with a 6-4 win in Game 2 of the Pecos League playoffs
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's Jamie Carey (3) heads to the dugout as the Tucson Saguaros celebrate a come from behind 6-4 win to eliminate the Train Robbers two games to none in game two of their Pecos League playoff best of three series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' centerfielder Steve Joyner (12) charges in to snare a sinking liner by Bakersfield's Daryl Donerson (2) in the third inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' catcher Caden Ledbetter (36) slaps a sweeping tag on Bakersfield's Adam Mathias (13) nailing him at the plate in the fifth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022. Bakersfield's Luke Kelley (16) dropped a blooper in the shallow right field gap that centerfielder Steve Joyner couldn't run down to score a run before Mathias was thrown out by right fielder Kendon Strachan.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' left fielder BJ Minarcin (17) has to get low to handle a sinking liner by Bakersfield's Daryl Donerson (2)) in the first inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's centerfielder Daryl Donerson (2), left, and right fielder Alex Cornell (12) narrowly avoid a collision bringing down a long fly ball from Saguaros' BJ Minarcin (17) in the first inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Blake Garrett (48) shatters his bat grounding out to third against Bakersfield in the third inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' centerfielder Steve Joyner (12) just misses grabbing a looping RBI liner into no-man's land by Bakersfield's Luke Kelley (16) in the fifth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Patrick Music (21) just beats the tag from Bakersfield's second baseman Jamie Carey (3) for a stolen base in game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's right fielder Alex Cornell (12) goes sprawling but just misses a Saguaro fly ball that dropped foul in the fifth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's shortstop Joe Curcio (24) can't believe Saguaros' Patrick Music (21) safely stretched a single into a double in the sixth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Brock Ephan (50) shatters his bat fighting off pitch against Bakersfield in the eighth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022. Ephan eventually worked a walk out of his plate appearance.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' third baseman Brock Ephan (50) stretches out to snare a pop-up by Bakersfield's Jamie Carey (3) on a sacrifice bunt attempt that ended up being a double play in the seventh inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's Adam Mathias (13) reacts as he's called out at home trying to score the second run on an RBI hit from Luke Kelley (16) in the fifth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series against the Saguaros at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Photos: Tucson Saguaros minor league baseball team
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
Saguaros catcher Mike Hernandez takes batting practice as the storm clouds roll in over War Memorial Stadium, Nogales, Ariz., July 2, 2022, just before the rains washed out both of the games of a scheduled double header against Wasco. The Saguaros are splitting their home slate this year between Tucson's Veterans Memorial Stadium and War Memorial Stadium in Nogales.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
Wasco's Brody Perkes (19) looks up to the ump as Saguaros catcher Mike Hernandez (35) tags him out on a double steal attempt in the sixth inning of their Pecos League baseball game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2022. The Pecos League is an independent minor league, and one of the lower rungs on the professional ladder, with teams throughout the southwest.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
Saguaros centerfielder Steve Joyner waits outside Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium with his teammates for the gates to be opened after lighting in the area delayed the start of the night's game against Wasco, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2022. The Saguaros, the defending champs, are currently tied for most Pecos League championships with three titles.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
Saguaros starting pitcher Frank Dickson walks past a puddle from the afternoon storms as the team gathers for their game against Wasco at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2022.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
In the stairways of Kino Memorial Stadium, Saguaros players find ways to kill the time waiting out a lightning delay that held up the start of their game against Wasco, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2022. First pitch was delayed by almost two hours due to the weather.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
Saguaros' Richard Ware, left, and Brock Ephan play a game of wallball waiting to get into Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium for their Pecos League game against Wasco, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2022.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
Saguaros' third baseman EJ Taylor writes the names of friends and loved ones on his wrist tape just before first pitch against Wasco in a Pecos League baseball game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2022.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
Saguaros' starter, lefty Franks Dickson, tosses a strike to Wasco's lead off batter for a strike the fifth inning of their Pecos League baseball game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2022.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
Manager Sean McNeil is last man out of the dugout as the lights begin turning off automatically ending the night in the sixth inning and the Saguaros up 9-4 against Wasco in their Pecos League baseball game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2022.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
Saguaros' second baseman Patrick Music (21) can't believe Wasco's Christian Thorpe (15) is safe stealing second in the fifth inning of their Pecos League baseball game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2022.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
A trash can of well-warn balls waits outside Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium for the Saguaros' game against Wasco, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2022.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
Saguaros' catcher Mike Hernandez (35) and the rest of the team get dressed in the dugout hurrying to get ready for the late start against Wasco for a Pecos League baseball game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2022. The players have no access to the clubhouse and have to provide their own transportation to games.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
Saguaros' outfielder Chris Iazzetta, left, his girlfriend Danielle Foye and pitcher Hunter Treece while away a rain delay in the upper reaches of War Memorial Stadium, Nogales, Ariz., July 2, 2022. A constant light rain washed out both of the games of the Saguaros' scheduled double header against Wasco.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
Saguaros' infielder Rod Dobbs tosses a football to himself as the team whiles away a weather delay in the dugout at War Memorial Stadium, Nogales, Ariz., June 30, 2022. The afternoon monsoon storms washed out the Pecos League double header against Wasco.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
June White gets an autograph from Saguaros' outfielder Steve Joyner during a weather delay on the team's first game of a double header against Wasco at War Memorial Stadium, Nogales, Ariz., June 30, 2022.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
The White family has the grandstand practically to themselves as a constant rain holds up the start of the Saguaros' first game against Wasco for a Pecos League double header at War Memorial Stadium, Nogales, Ariz., June 30, 2022. Both games were eventually called off due to the weather.
Tucson Saguaros vs Monterey Amberjacks
Saguaro's shortstop Richard Ware (11) gets in a few tosses to his backhand in the final moments before the he and the rest of the starters head out of the dugout for the start of the game against Monterey for a Pecos League game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., July 14, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Monterey Amberjacks
Saguaros head coach Sean McNeill offers some advice to batter Kendon Strachan (32) after he took a foul ball to a tender area in an at-bat against Monterey at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, July 14, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Monterey Amberjacks
Saguaro's second baseman Chris Caffrey (44) puts the tag on Monterey's Jordan Anderson (3) foiling a steal attempt in the fourth inning of their Pecos League game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., July 14, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Monterey Amberjacks
Saguaro's Brandon Bradshaw (41) turns from the plate after chasing a pitch in the dirt to strike out against Monterey in the fifth inning of their Pecos League game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., July 14, 2022.
080422-tuc-spt-saguaros-p1
Saguaros third baseman Brock Ephan hit 14 home runs and drove in 40 runs during the regular season.
Tucson Saguaros vs Monterey Amberjacks
Monterey's first and second basemen get tangled up chasing a pop fly down the right field line by Saguaro's BJ Minarcin (17) in the sixth inning of their Pecos League game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., July 14, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Monterey Amberjacks
Saguaro's Kendon Strachan (32) takes a second before stepping into the box against Monterey in the sixth inning of their Pecos League game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., July 14, 2022.
Tucson Saguaros vs Monterey Amberjacks
Saguaro's head coach Sean McNeill counts out the cash donated during the game from the fans to be split with the night's outstanding players after a 5-2 win against Monterey in their Pecos League game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, July 14, 2022.
Saguaros vs Wasco Reserve
Players for Wasco Reserve play a round of keepsie-uppsie outside Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium as the weather delays first pitch against the Tucson Saguaros for a Pecos League baseball game, Tucson, Ariz., June 30, 2022. Lightning in the area pushed the start time of the game back almost two hours on the night.
