As the season gets underway, the Monterey Amberjacks host their home opener on Sunday.

Monterey’s prodigal minor league baseball team, the Amberjacks, return to Sollecito Ballpark on Sunday for the 2025 home opener.

Before then, manager Manny Corpas’ squad must survive two more games at Bakersfield. The first—opening night for Pecos League play—did not go so well.

The Train Robbers pounded Monterey 17-5 at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield on Thursday night. The hosts pounded out 17 hits and were aided by 4 Amberjack miscues in the field.

After allowing 3 runs in the bottom of the first, Monterey starter Brayden Harper settled down, blanking the Robbers in the second and third innings. After a scoreless first, meanwhile, the Amberjacks were able to close the gap to 3-2 heading into the fourth.

That’s when all hell broke loose. Bakersfield exploded for 6 runs in the inning, knocking Harper from the mound. But the Monterey bullpen was unable to stem the tide.

The Amberjacks might have made the game closer. But despite a 3 for 4 night at the plate by second baseman Oswaldo Calderon and 2 RBIs from left fielder Trenton Avitia, Monterey stumbled in the clutch, leaving 10 men stranded on the night.

Bakersfield pitching fanned 11—5 strikeouts by reliever Kyle Langston in just 2 innings of work.

Sunday’s home opener will be the Amberjack’s first game at Sollecito Ballpark in downtown Monterey since 2023. The team was dropped from the 2024 Pecos League schedule when the league and city failed to reach an agreement for the field, which is also used heavily by Monterey recreational leagues.

For the 2025 season, Monterey is stocked with prospects from the Mexican team Charros de Jalisco.

The Amberjacks host San Rafael at 1pm Sunday, May 25. Tickets are $10.