Game 93 Recap, Sept. 3: A Rainy, Record-Setting Night
Ren Abe-Arias and Jeter Ybarra make B’s history, but B’s fall to the Freebirds after forcing knockout round at 3-3
by Chris Drue, B’s Beat Writer
Under cloudy, rainy skies in the Sacramento Valley, B’s pitcher Ren Abe-Arias didn’t let a little precipitation get in the way of another dominating performance. For the first time in Oakland Ballers history, Abe-Arias secured a second complete game of the season, also marking the first back-to-back complete games ever for the club.
“I focus on putting my soul into every single pitch and execute the pitch that the catcher calls,” Abe-Arias reflected on his approach to pitching deep into games. He immediately shared the praise with his starting catcher, Ethan Crawford, for his performance against their Northern California rivals: “Honestly, [Crawford] was the MVP for me.”
It makes it tough to believe the Yamagata, Japan native has only been with Oakland for a little over a month, posting a 3.82 ERA, 1.12 WHIP with 28 strikeouts in 5 starts. Oakland also has made a big impression on the starter: “I love the energy at the park every day, and it was so fun to play around the fans in Oakland. I pitched twice as a visitor and twice as a Baller. But I remember all the games I pitched in that field and I enjoyed it.”
“A real warrior” is how B’s broadcaster Gareth Kwok described Abe-Arias as he struck out Andrew Kirchner in the bottom of the 9th to force the game into the knockout round. Kirchner was recently named the Pioneer League’s RedPocket Mobile Hitter of the Week, collecting a video game-like .517 average, 1.617 OBP, 1.172 SLG, with 5 home runs and 13 RBIs. Abe-Arias also capped off his night with another accolade in his pocket—setting a season high for strikeouts in a game by an Oakland pitcher in 2026 with 12 (along with a just as impressive stat: no walks).
Recognizing that tonight was his last start of the 2026 season, Abe-Arias was asked whether he plans to pursue baseball in the United States again next year: “I’m still making up my mind so I can’t answer, but If I’m playing next season [in Oakland] I’ll give my everything to the team.”
The Freebirds pitching staff, led by recent addition Daylan Bower, put up an equally impressive display in response, holding the lead into the top of the 9th and forcing the B’s to strand 10 runners on base.
Oakland would force a knockout round in the top of the 9th off of a game-tying sacrifice fly by Jeter Ybarra. “The only thing I try to change when it’s raining out is my focus shifts to hitting hard low line drives,” he noted about his approach at the plate when the weather isn’t cooperating. “But this at-bat was an exception since we needed to get that runner in, I was looking for a pitcher I could elevate enough and get it out to the outfield far enough so we could tie the game.”
That RBI would also be meaningful for the B’s third baseman. Ybarra’s RBI tied him with Christian Almanza’s single season record at 105 RBI with a chance to break that record with 3 games left to play. Ybarra recently also broke Almanza’s single season home run record of 31 home runs, currently sitting at 33 home runs.
When told that fans are recognizing his season as the greatest offensive display in B’s history, he admitted that the recognition holds special meaning. “It honestly feels great!” he messaged with Dispatches. “Looking back on the season, I’m honestly very proud of myself for making all that work I did this past offseason worth it by getting to produce for the team and fan base.”
Despite the record-setting numbers, Ybarra quickly shifted the spotlight. “This season wasn’t just for me, but for my family and friends who sacrificed their time to help me get better for this season, especially my parents,” he emphasized. “My mom is my biggest fan, and without her support to help me mentally get through this season, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today.”
His father played an equally crucial role. “As for my dad, I couldn’t thank him enough for the countless hours of work he did with me,” Jeter added, “and the thousands if not more BP pitches I had him throw to me to make sure my swing was at its best.”
After the grit displayed by the B’s starter and offense in their late-game rally, the B’s would ultimately fall to the Freebirds in the knockout round. Tristan Moore and Cooper Hext exchanged goose eggs and, after Ybarra could also not clear the outfield wall under the heavy Marysville sky, the hot bat of Andrew Kirchner secured the win for the Freebirds with a single homer.
The rainy weather is expected to turn into sunny and clear skies tomorrow in Marysville for the last game under the Friday night lights in 2026 at 6:35 PM.
ODDS & ENDS
Watch Party @ Athletic Club. The Oakland 68’s are holding one last watch party at the Athletic Club in Oakland for tonight’s 6:35 PM game. Swing by to join other B’s fans for food, drinks, and a celebration of another fun season of Oakland baseball at one of the best sports bars in Oakland.
Reddit Fan Awards! The Oakland Ballers’ fan group on Reddit is holding their annual vote to recognize exceptional play and leadership through the awards of “The Rickey” (MVP position player),“The Smoke” (MVP pitcher), and “The Heart and Soul” (a “fan favorite, leadership, hustle” award). Last year, Christian Almanza, Noah Millikan, and Tyler Lozano won, respectively. Fans can join in on the voting for 5 more days.
Chewy wins MVP. Conner “Chewy” Richardson, who was a key late-inning reliever on Oakland’s 2025 championship squad, took home the Cleburne Railroader’s MVP as selected by manager Peter Incaviglia. In 56.1 innings pitched over 33 appearances in the American Association, Chewy secured a 2.24 ERA and 1.314 WHIP, collecting 53 strikeouts and 1 save. It would not be a surprise to anyone to see Richardson in affiliated baseball next season after another exceptional campaign.
This story was updated with Abe-Arias’s quotes after the game.
Video recap by Ben Verhoek.
Chris Drue is an East Bay native who has loved baseball since visiting the Coliseum with his dad as a kid. His favorite combo at Raimondi Park is a Fieldwork Day Money and a veggie dog (in a helmet!). His favorite pitch is the eephus, with a Barry Zito 12-6 curveball (circa 2002) a very close second. Find him on Instagram.
