Scorpions Fall Again in AFL Action

The Scottsdale Scorpions simply can’t get it going down the stretch in the Arizona Fall League. Another day has brought yet another loss for the Scorpions in the AFL. They never stood a chance Monday as they fell to the Salt River Rafters 8-4.

Pirates’ left-handed prospect Tom Harlan was shelled again Monday. He made it through three innings, but was lit up for six hits and three runs, which proved to be all the Rafters would need. Harlan has dropped his last four starts, allowing 13 runs over that span. Yankees’ right-handed prospect Kyle Haynes was dinged up for a rare run in his one inning pitched. His AFL ERA stands at 2.53 on the season. Righty Alex Smith continued his AFL struggles allowing four runs (although only three were earned) and five hits in his one inning pitched. His ERA is at an abysmal 11.57 on the AFL season. 

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The Scorpion bats didn’t provide much excitement Monday afternoon, either. Mets’ second base prospect L.J. Mazzilli (and son of former Yankees’ player and coach Lee Mazzilli) provided much of the oomph the Scorpions produced. Mazzilli was 2-for-3 with two RBI on the day. Aaron Judge went 0-for-3 on the day, striking out twice. Greg Bird went belted his fifth double of the AFL season, going 1-for-4 on the day.

The loss, their second in a row, drops the Scorpions to 11-18 on the season and allowed the Rafters to clinch the AFL East Division. Rob Whalen of the Mets takes the mound for Scottsdale Tuesday afternoon against the Glendale Desert Dogs. First pitch is 5:35 PM EST.

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