Scorpions Fizzle in Wednesday’s AFL Action

Wednesday’s Arizona Fall League game had excitement in the making. The Yankees’ prospects made up the three through seven hitters in the Scottsdale Scorpions’ line-up. A one-run lead and solid pitching performance was all for naught when the Scorpion pitching imploded in the sixth inning as the Scorpions lost to the Mesa Solar Sox 7-5 in Wednesday’s AFL action.

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Mets’ pitching prospect Rob Whalen pitched masterfully over his four innings of work. Whalen allowed no runs while striking out two and allowing just four batters to reach base (two via hit and two via walks). His fellow Mets’ counterpart, Julian Hilario was not as successful. Hilario threw a scoreless fifth but was then lit up for five runs in the top of the sixth inning. Two more unearned runs would come across, and after the seven run inning, the Solar Sox were in control.

The Scorpions made a game out of it, scoring three in the eighth. The charge was led by Yankees’ outfield/third base prospect Tyler Austin who drove in two that inning. Austin finished 3-for-4 on the day with three RBI altogether. Aaron Judge would go 1-for-3 on the day and score a run of his own. Greg Bird was held hitless, but still scored after reaching base on a walk. Catcher Kyle Higashioka belted a double and finished 1-for-3 while scoring a run. Dante Bichette, Jr. was 1-for-4 on the game. So while the Scorpions loss, the Yankees’ prospects were all on base and all but one scored.

The loss drops Scottsdale to 9-11 on the season. They head to Mesa for a rematch Thursday afternoon. The Pirates’ Tyler Glasnow takes the hill. First pitch is slated for 3:35 PM EST.

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