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Confidence is high as the Dublin Leprechauns enter their fourth Pecos League season aiming for a championship run. After playoff victories and rising attendance, momentum is strong for the East Bay franchise.
“The playoff wins against Bakersfield raised our profile across the country,” general manager Tim Sbranti said. “This offseason we’ve had dozens of players from across the U.S. wanting to try out for the Leprechauns.”
The Pecos League of Professional Baseball Clubs is an independent professional baseball league that features 16 teams across the western United States. Dublin will face Martinez, San Rafael, Bakersfield and Vallejo, while also hosting opponents from Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and the 2025 champion Tucson Saguaros out of Arizona.
Fans can expect both competitive baseball and lively entertainment. Traditions include kids running the bases, 50-50 raffles, sponsor giveaways and the popular “Beer Batter” promotion, where beer is half-price if the chosen opposing hitter strikes out.
The Leprechauns’ home schedule expands to 34 games, beginning May 23 against the Vallejo Seaweed at Fallon Sports Complex. The season spans 54 games in 67 days, plus playoffs.
“Pitching is the priority,” said Guy Houston, director of baseball operations. “We are emphasizing the need to recruit and sign quality pitching; we need three lockdown starters and strong relievers to reach the finals.”
League Commissioner Andrew Dunn praised the franchise’s rapid rise: “What Tim and Guy have built is remarkable. Guy Houston being named Executive of the Year in 2025, shows the strength of this organization. With city and business support, Dublin makes the Pecos League stronger.”
The city of Dublin is also going the extra mile to make Leprechaun Field at Fallon Sports Park a quality facility for the team as well as the other major tenant, Emerald High School. A new scoreboard and expanded bleacher seating is scheduled to be in place by the season-opener. Last season a flagpole and new PA system were installed along with improvements to the actual playing surface.
“The City Council has been very supportive; the goal is to have the best stadium in the Pecos League.” Houston said. “Quality facilities make it easier to attract quality players and improve the fan experience.”
The season runs through June and July, with free parking at Fallon Sports Complex (Central Parkway and Fallon Road). Sponsorship and ticket details are available at www.dublinleprechauns.com.
Amador girls’ soccer
The Dons fell 2-1 to Carondelet in a big showdown.
After falling behind by two goals midway through the first half, the Dons kept fighting and pulled one back through a Hayden Moe strike from 20-yds out.
The second half saw the Dons piling on the pressure to equalize, but the Cougars backline held on for the win.
Amador boys’ soccer
After a 3-0 loss to De La Salle to open the week, the Dons rebounded with a big 2-1 win over Dublin to end a four-game losing streak.
Nadar Hanna and Diogo Tempero scored early goals, with assists to Ethan Hernandez and Avi Gorrepati.
The junior varsity team tied De La Salle 1-1, then fell 3-2 to Dublin.
Dyllan Perez Gallego scored against De La Salle off an assist from Kingston Smith.
In the loss to Dublin, the goals were scored by Gallego off a free kick, and A’Rayyan Faris off an assist by Matias Tempero.
The freshmen tied DLS 1-1 and beat Dublin 4-0, then beat Freedom 3-0. Calvin Sharma scored a brace Friday, with Lucas Huang following with another brace Saturday.
Amador boys’ basketball
The Dons saw the lows and the highs last week, as they lost to De La Salle 62-46 and then came back later in the week to beat Dublin 45-40.
In the loss to the Spartans, Jaylen Smith scored 30 points for Amador, with Cade Krueger adding nine.
In the win over Dublin, Elijah Stanley had 14 points and Krueger added 10 points. Eli Pace had six rebounds and added three points.
Editor’s note: Dennis Miller is a contributing sports writer for Embarcadero Media Foundation’s East Bay Division. To contact him about his Pleasanton Preps column, email acesmag@aol.com.
