The Marysville Drakes hosted postgame fireworks on Saturday, June 22, for the first time this season. Photo by Bill Ollar

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - The Marysville Drakes had a rough week as they lost three out of their five games during the week from Sunday, June 16, through Saturday, June 22, but managed to stay afloat in the Pacific League standings.

The Marysville road game schedule continued to plummet as they lost two out of the three road games from San Rafael and Martinez.

The fortunate news for the Drakes is that they are .500 on the season with 13 victories and 13 defeats as play entered in the Pecos League on Sunday, June 23.

 Marysville pitcher Earl Johnson Jr. throws a pitch during the Drakes’ 6-0 win against Vallejo on Wednesday, June 19. Photo by Steven Bryla

Marysville did get a win over the Pacific Division leader in San Rafael on Tuesday, June 18, as Drakes’ pitcher Rodrigo Sanchez threw seven stellar innings from the mound as he gave up one earned run off one hit and struck out 10.

Marysville defeated Vallejo in a 6-0 victory on Wednesday, June 19, where Drakes’ pitcher Earl Johnson Jr. pitched seven good innings from the mound, as reliever Garrett Moss pitched the last two innings for the combined shutout.

Marysville found trouble for their final two games of the week as they ran into the Martinez Sturgeon for two straight defeats.

 Marysville infielder Jumpei Ohashi hits a line drive on Wednesday, June 19, during the Drakes’ 6-0 victory against Vallejo. Photo by Steven Bryla

The Drakes are going on their final road trip as they had a four-game road trip this week from Monday, June 24, through Thursday, June 27, as the first three games were in Bakersfield and the game on June 27, Marysville plays at Vallejo.

The Drakes are 3-10 on the road as of June 23; if Marysville is going to make the playoffs, they simply need to win road games.

The emphasis on the road trip is a make or break for the Marysville season, in the opinion of the Dispatch, and is aware they are capable of getting hot at any moment, but they need to be consistent.

The Drakes were 0-4 against Bakersfield prior to the season series on Monday. If Marysville was successful in winning the series this past week against the Train Robbers, they would be able to gain a game in the standings.

The Drakes’ manager, Bill Rogan, told the Dispatch that they just need to flat out play better.

 Marysville infielder Declan Peterson catches a throw from the catcher on Wednesday, June 19, and tags out a Vallejo steal attempt in the Drakes’ 6-0 win. Photo by Steven Bryla