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AFL Update: Oct. 5, 2023

The Scorpions erased a 2-1 deficit with a four-run 7th and barely avoided going into extras for a third straight game as Robert Hassell (pictured above) lost the ball in the sun but recovered to notch the third out in the bottom of the 9th to seal the 5-4 win.

Hassell, who went 1-for-5 with a stolen base and four strikeouts, had two putouts total while batting leadoff for Scottsdale. He was joined in the lineup by Israel Pineda at DH. The 23-y.o. Venezuelan was hitless in five trips to the plate.

DJ Herz (pictured below) made his first start and dominated for three shutout innings, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out five. The win went to Jack Sinclair with a run let in on four hits over an inning and 2/3rds.

The unbeaten (2-0-1) Scorpions remain on the road and rematch against the Desert Dogs tonight in Glendale.

14 Commments

  2. A really good outing for Herz in the hitter friendly AFL.

    Meanwhile, not a good start for Hassell. 2 for 10 with 5 Ks. But it’s good to see both see and Lipscomb will seemingly get ample playing time. There’s always a few players who for whatever reason get like 10 ABs through the whole competition.

    Ward hasn’t appeared yet. I’m curious to see if he’ll be used as a starter or in relief. It’s looking like it may be the former.

  3. At the time of the trade, Herz had a 3.97 ERA/3.83 FIP/1.42 WHIP at AA for the Cubs, with a 5.64 BB/9. I was not impressed. Most things that had been written about him were that he was destined to be a reliever. However, at Harrisburg he posted 2.55 ERA/2.60 FIP/1.13 WHIP and now looks like one of the best starter prospects in the organization . . . if he can keep a handle on the walks. It’s a relatively small sample size of eight AA starts with the Nats, but he had similarly good numbers in 17 starts at A+ last season. Good to see him keep it going in the AFL.

    We’ve all been concerned about Hassell but should be about Pineda as well. Both have gone from looking like premium prospect to, um, not. Both have had injury issues, and both are still young. But they’re lost right now. Here’s hoping that some coaching from some different folks in AZ will help them figure some things out, like Millas did there last year.

  4. All will be fine with everyone especially the pride of Franklin TN.!!!

  6. Thanks for the updates Luke…and great pics Lee. Sorry we aren’t out there this season…

    1. Thank you Jane.
      We will definitely miss seeing you and Kevin this season but you know you’re both with us every day.
      If not for you I never have the pleasure of meeting Luke and the gang.

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