Game 69 Recap: A Bittersweet Sweep
Cobb’s season-ending injury brings bittersweetness to the B’s 6th straight win, 18-6, and Ybarra’s historic night
“Tre has meant a lot to this city, this team. He’s a leader. He’s left his mark and we’re all better for it.”
By Chris Drue, B’s Beat Writer
WEST OAKLAND—Independent baseball can be described as the purest form of ephemera.
In the Pioneer League, rosters churn, prospects arrive, stars move up to affiliated ball, and injuries pause careers. That’s baseball. That’s life.
Ballers fans experienced the full spectrum of those emotions in the series finale at Raimondi Park against the RedPocket Mobiles. Before Oakland secured its sixth consecutive win, star shortstop Tremayne Cobb Jr. stepped onto the field alongside manager Aaron Miles to address the crowd.
“It’s been a fun two years. I’ve met a lot of new people, new friends. It feels like Aaron, James, Jim, and all of my teammates are part of my family now,” Cobb shared, announcing he would miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury sustained last month in Long Beach. “I feel like I’ve been able to show everybody the brand of baseball that I play. I can’t appreciate the fans enough. You all brought me in and showed me love… It’s all love. And never forget: birds fly, fish swim, and Ballers win baseball games, baby.”
Cobb embraced coaches, staff, and teammates as he walked off the field.
“It meant a lot to address the fans before the game. The fans are a big part of the Baller family,” Cobb reflected postgame. “The plan right now is just to focus on rehab and get back to 100%.”
The mood at Raimondi felt like a quiet goodbye to the community Cobb has anchored for two seasons. When asked by Dispatches about a potential return in 2027, Cobb stayed grounded. “I don’t know. I mean, it’s in God’s hands. I’m going to talk to my family, see what we want to do going forward… I'm just focusing on my rehab right now.”
If this was his farewell, Cobb made sure to note what mattered most about his time with Oakland—the community. “The fans, my teammates, my coaches, Aaron, James, and Jim, trainer Matt, the fun memories we’ve had, doing right in the community. It’s all love out here.” After the game, fans rushed to take photos with and get signatures from Cobb in case this was the last opportunity to do so.
After the game, manager Miles reflected on what it was like to coach a player like Cobb and what he has meant to this organization. “Tre has probably been the best Baller that we’ve ever had in our short existence,” Miles shared, pausing as he looked out into the field. “He held it down last year and took us to the championship. We don’t win it without him. This year he was well on his way to be the league MVP or at least one of the top players. For him it’s not a lost year because he’s proved he’s one of the best players in this league. He will likely be able to move on to a higher level. Tre has meant a lot to this city, this team. He’s a leader. He’s left his mark and we’re all better for it.”
In what felt telling as to what the future holds for Cobb and his return to Oakland, Miles heartily wished Cobb the very best. “I wish him the best in life and in baseball in the future. We’re going to miss him. From the front office, to everyone who works here, Tre would always take time to talk with them and make them feel like family.”
If the B’s and their faithful were in their feelings after Cobb’s pre-game announcement, that emotion translated into pure offensive energy the moment the first pitch was thrown.
Oakland exploded for 12 runs in the first two innings, never looking back on the way to a decisive 18-6 win to complete the sweep of RedPocket. Griffin Smith kept the visitors at bay, pitching six strong innings and allowing just four runs with three strikeouts to earn his second win of the year (2-5).
Among the new faces making an immediate impact is 23-year-old Los Gatos native Logan Johnstone, who signed just days ago. Batting leadoff in his second start, Johnstone collected six hits and two RBIs over his short tenure. “I’m just trying to put together good at-bats, keep it simple. For me, it’s literally ‘see the ball, hit the ball.’ No expectations,” said Johnstone, a Hungary-born Vanderbilt grad who grew up playing hockey before moving to California in 2012. “It has meant a lot to join the team… I’m hoping to help bring a little discipline and consistency.”
Cam Bufford, meanwhile, kept his bat red-hot, going 2-for-5 with three RBIs during the early 12-run barrage. “My approach has been the same, but I’ve been more aggressive. Not trying to get behind in counts, sitting on the fastball, and having fun,” Bufford noted.
Jeter Ybarra, who had already launched five home runs in the series, launched his sixth against position player Josiah Chavez in the 9th inning. The shot tied the franchise single-season record of 31 set by Christian Almanza in 2025. “It’s pretty surreal. I mean, it was off a position player, so it feels in-between,” Ybarra laughed postgame. “I’m glad to be up there with Almanza. Hopefully, I can keep it going.” With 27 games remaining in the regular season, Ybarra is 15 homers shy of the all-time Pioneer League single-season record set by Roberto Peña (Missoula, 2025).
Miles pointed out that the sweep—which pulled the B’s to 11-10 in the second half—was a result of Oakland finding its stride while capitalizing on a road-weary Red Pocket club.
“Our offense is clicking with more left-handed hitters in the lineup,” Miles said. Over the last three weeks, Oakland’s front office has aggressively reconfigured the roster, adding Mitchell Sanford, Logan Johnstone, TJ Rogers, Julio Rosario, David Thomas, Tristan Moore, Tyler Bates, and Christian Diaz. “They’ve made us more athletic,” Miles added, hinting that a new starting pitcher is also en route. “Hungry ballplayers that want to show they belong. Some of the guys we let go of are pretty good ballplayers, but these guys are showing that they can do it. It’s exciting… If we keep winning, there’s always a chance.”
As Cobb steps aside to focus on his rehab, a new chapter begins for the Oakland Ballers. With new faces in the dugout and more on the way, the B’s now look to see who will be the next man up to lead their second-half charge.
The B’s next take on the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds in Marysville tonight at 6:25PM at historic Bryant Field.
ODDS & ENDS
The Sandwich Series. As has become tradition with Ybarra, he offered his latest favorite sandwich breakdown: “Canned tuna with mayonnaise on whole wheat or white bread. Super simple. Toasted, of course. I’m picky, so it can’t have too much on it.”
Moonshots. When asked how he felt about fans commenting that his home runs look like the longest home runs ever hit, Cam smiled. “Oh yeah, when I get one, I really get one!”
Maritime Celebration. It was Cargo and Curveballs at Raimondi, presented by the Port of Oakland. Port Commission President Stephanie Dominguez Walton opened the night with a stunning performance of the National Anthem.
Happy Birthday, Coach Harris. Fans and family celebrated Coach James Harris’ upcoming birthday (August 7) in style, and the Oakland 24s fan group handed out Harris’ MLB baseball cards in the right-field bleachers in celebration.
Community Wins. The B’s raised over $2,000 through their authentic jersey auction for their alternate Oakland Blazers uniforms. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Oaksterdam, supporting social equity and career education in the cannabis industry.
All images and video used with permission from the Oakland Ballers and Alex Espinoza.
With photos from Kyle Robinson.
Video recap from 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 onInstagram.
