Top stories: Janz intruder in court; baseball player of year; Bulldogs’ scandal

The Fresno Bee’s top stories Tuesday spanned a widening college sports scandal, a standout high school pitcher earning top honors and a court update in a home invasion case involving a city official.

Here are The Fresno Bee’s top stories from Friday to catch you up

• Former Bulldogs basketball manager charged. How Fresno State gambling scandal unfolded — Former Fresno State basketball manager Samuel Silverman and DraftKings employee Matthew J. Martin were arrested on felony charges tied to a scheme in which former Bulldogs guard Mykell Robinson intentionally underperformed to win proposition bets. In a Jan. 7, 2025, game at Colorado State, $2,200 in wagers turned into a $15,950 payout as Robinson took just four shots and scored three points. The NCAA in September 2025 permanently declared Robinson, Jalen Weaver and Stephen Vazquez ineligible. Silverman pleaded not guilty, and Nevada regulators say additional suspects remain outstanding.
• Kingsburg’s Jensen Hirschkorn is Fresno Bee baseball Player of the Year — Kingsburg High senior pitcher Jensen Hirschkorn posted a 9-1 record with 112 strikeouts in 10 appearances, powering the Vikings to a 23-8 mark and a Tri-County Kings Division title. The 6-foot-7 right-hander, who can reach the 90s with his fastball, delivered eight strikeouts over six innings in a 10-2 playoff win over Tehachapi. Hirschkorn is now weighing the MLB draft against his commitment to LSU.
• Alleged invader at Fresno City Hall official’s home appears in court. Will case continue? — Larry Torrez, 56, was found competent to stand trial during a two-minute hearing Monday before Fresno County Superior Court Judge Geoffrey Wilson. Torrez is accused of appearing at Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz’s home around 3:30 a.m. on May 17 with a knife and hopping a fence into the backyard. Court records show at least 21 felony and misdemeanor convictions dating to 1988. He returns to court July 10 for a pre-preliminary hearing and July 17 for the preliminary examination.

Original stories by Robert Kuwada, Anthony Galaviz and David Taub

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