The Solar Sox scored five in the 9th on Thursday night to float away from the Rafters for an 8-1 victory.
Matt Purke allowed an unearned run on two hits and a walk while striking out two. He threw 46 pitches (30 for strikes) and was awarded the win after his teammates scored twice in the top of the 4th to take a 2-1 lead.
Matt Skole made his first appearance on defense as he played first base, handling all 12 chances without an error. At the plate, he batted eighth and went 0-for-4 with a walk and a run scored.
Brian Goodwin drove in two on fielder’s choice in the 5th and an RBI single in the 9th, finishing at 1-for-5 with a run scored. He made two putouts as the Mesa centerfielder.
The Solar Sox visit the Saguaros tonight in Surprise to finish their first week of AFL action, as the league will hold the Inaugural Bowman Hitting Challenge on Saturday night in Salt River. Steve Souza is scheduled to take part in the “zany home run derby,” details for which can be found here.