The competitive part of the El Paso Chihuahuas’ first half in the Pacific Coast League has mostly come to an end after they lost four of six at Albuquerque, dropping them nine games back of East Division leader Oklahoma City as they prepare to host the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.
This, though, will be a big promotional week that includes the ever-popular Star Wars night as well as an appearance from actor Christopher McDonald, who played the villain Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore.
Between the lines, El Paso has now lost three consecutive series and now has six more six-game sets before the break and the standings reset (no baseball from June 13-16).
Streaking Chihuahuas
El Paso gave themselves a chance to tie the series at Albuquerque when they rallied to tie Sunday’s, May 31, game 7-7 after scoring three runs with two outs in the ninth inning, highlighted by a pinch-hit two-run home run by Will Wagner. The Chihuahuas then gave up a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth.
Wagner’s home run was El Paso’s first pinch-hit homer since Marcos Castañon’s on April 10, also against Albuquerque. Jase Bowen also had a home run in the game, his 13th of the season, which is tied for the second-most in the Pacific Coast League.
Nick Solak hit three homers in the series and has five in his last eight games. Solak batted .352 in 23 games in May.
In Saturday’s, May 30, 13-7 victory over Albuquerque, El Paso leadoff hitter Pablo Reyes went 3-for-4 with three doubles. It was the first three-double game by an El Paso batter since Ripken Reyes on Aug. 30, 2025, in a home game against Tacoma.
In Thursday’s May 28, 12-7 loss, El Paso third baseman Clay Dungan hit a two-run home run in the top of the sixth inning that had an estimated distance of 458 feet. It was the second-longest homer hit by a Chihuahuas player this season (Jase Bowen, 462 feet).
El Paso Chihuahuas promotions
The Chihuahuas are back in Southwest University Park this week for a six-game set with the Houston Astros’ affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. The highlights are an appearance by actor Christopher McDonald on Thursday and Star Wars night on Saturday.
Wednesday, June 3: Mature Munchies. Each guest over 60 years old will receive a free hot dog meal from the promotions booth. Each guest over 50 years old will receive a voucher for $1 popcorn. It is also Bark at the Park, so fans can bring their dog.
Thursday, June 4: Christopher McDonald appearance. The actor played movie villain Shooter McGavin in the Happy Gilmore movies.
Friday, June 5: Retro Hat Giveaway. Per the Chihuahuas: “Step back in time with our Retro Hat Giveaway at Southwest University Park! Grab this throwback collectible and top off your game day look with classic style and ballpark flair.”
Saturday, June 6: Star Wars night, fireworks spectacular. Players will wear special Star Wars jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game.
Sunday, June 7: Kids run the bases, Bluey night. Bluey and Bingo, animated children’s show characters, will be at the game.
El Paso Chihuahuas tickets
Tickets range in price from $14 for outfield green seats to $64. They are available online or at the stadium.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached, bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Happy Gilmore villain Christopher McDonald to visit Chihuahuas
Reporting by Bret Bloomquist, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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