Arizona Fall League Update: October 14

After having Saturday and Sunday off the Arizona Fall League resumed on Monday. There were three games played with each being close. Highlights from Monday’s action were Mesa moving to a perfect 4-0, while Glendale stayed right with them at 3-1 for best record. Mesa has all the potential players that can change a franchise. Scottsdale let Mesa off the hook, committing six errors in their contest. Defense and Pitching has really hurt Scottsdale tremendously, as they fell to 1-4. Twins prospects shined for Glendale as they wrapped up a win as well.

Salt River 3, Surprise 2

In a tightly contested matchup between Salt River and Surprise, Salt River lucked out on a win, even with committing three errors. Kenny Wilson (Blue Jays) had yet another great day at the plate going 3-5 and adding a RBI. Wilson also stole two bases moving his total to four on the season. Stephen Piscotty (Cardinals) was 4-4 for Salt River as he also added a RBI. Surprise didn’t get much out of their offense except for Travis Shaw (Red Sox), as he was 1-5 with two RBI.

Surprise starting pitcher Taylor Jungmann (Brewers) pitched 3 innings, 2 Hits, 1 BB, 4 Strikeouts. This was his first appearance of the fall and he didn’t disappoint. It is always a good thing to come out and the first time on the mound, have a good outing. This will give Jungmann confidence going into his next appearance for Surprise.

Mesa 7, Scottsdale 6

Help from six Scottsdale errors, gave Mesa their fourth win in four tries on Monday. Oakland A’s number one prospect Addison Russell continues to struggle at the plate hitting just .231. Oakland has a lot of hope in this young kid to be a star for their major league club but his offense needs a little work. Cubs first overall pick in 2013 Kris Bryant  was 1-4 with a RBI. Taylor Lindsey (Angels) had a home run and 3 RBI to also help Mesa to a win. Tommy La Stella (Braves) had a hit and two RBI to bump his average to .400.

Scottsdale pitchers had trouble getting outs, as they didn’t get help from their defense. They used seven pitchers with six giving up at least one hit along the way. Scottsdale falls to 1-4 on the season and have a uphill climb ahead of them to get out of the hole they have dug themselves.

Glendale 5, Peoria 1

A big day from two Minnesota Twin prospects paved the way for a solid victory for Glendale. The 33rd best prospect in all of baseball Alex Meyer pitched two no-hit innings while striking out three, after a very rocky first start. The Twins are relying on Meyer to hopefully make the big league club out of Spring Training and be a front line starter on their pitching staff. The other Twin to finally breakthrough, was Byron Buxton. Buxton, the number one overall prospect hit a two run homer in the 7th to seal the deal for Glendale.

Peoria had trouble stringing hits together, as they put six on the board but only recording one run. Kyle Hunter (Mariners) pitched three innings, 8 Hits, 1 BB, and 2 earned runs. He did a good job of getting out of jams, but he does need to limit the hits given up in his next appearance. He might be able to get out a jam in one start but in the next it could turn ugly, rather quickly.