Still searching for his team’s first win since early August and with it playing on short rest, Lights FC coach Isidro Sanchez opted to shake up his lineup Saturday as he promised after Wednesday’s loss.
Betsy Helfand
Former reporter: Las Vegas 51s, General Assignment
Betsy Helfand worked for the Las Vegas Review-Journal between March 2016 and November 2018. She previously made stops at the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, Minnesota Daily and MLB.com in Minnesota. She was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in journalism.
Midfielder Raul Mendiola scored an equalizer in the 90th minute and the Lights FC drew 3-3 at Reno 1868 FC to avoid a fourth straight loss.
This will be the Lights’ first game without technical director, Jose Luis Sanchez Sola, who quit earlier this week amid a winless streak for the Lights that has lasted since early August.
Pitcher Jesus Luzardo, the team’s No. 1 prospect, could be in Las Vegas to start the year.
As of Monday, the Athletics and 51s have a Player Development Contract that will run through 2020.
Coach Isidro Sanchez will remain and lead the Lights through the remainder of the season.
The Las Vegas 51s will now be affiliated with the Oakland Athletics, the 51s announced Monday.
The Lights have lost five of their past six games, the other being a draw.
Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. combined to win 17 of 26 regular-season races but only Truex Jr. finished in the top three in Las Vegas.
The Lights host the Portland Timbers 2 at 6 p.m. Sunday at Cashman Field.
Team USA ousted Uruguay 114-57 on Friday night at Cox Pavilion, moving to 6-1 in the second round of the qualifiers with a dominating effort.
The Ultimate Vegas Sports Weekend will feature the Golden Knights, USA Rugby Sevens, NASCAR, UFC and the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour.
It’s been nearly a year since the New York Mets signaled their intent to leave Las Vegas, buying the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs.
Team USA will play Uruguay on Friday night at Cox Pavilion.
The soccer team dropped $5,000 from a helicopter over 200 fans on Saturday night at Cashman Field.