AFL Update: Nov. 10, 2023
Robert Hassell led off with a walk, stole second, and scored on a one-out single by Jimmy Crooks to give the Scorpions a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st.
It was all downhill from there as Mesa tied it in the bottom of the 1st, added two in the 2nd, and one more in the 4th to hand Scottsdale a 4-1 loss to end the regular season.
Hassell, who started in center field, rounded out the Scorpions’ three-hit barrage with a two-out single in the 8th. He was the only Scottsdale batter to reach base twice.
Trey Lipscomb was the only other National to appear in the game. He was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts while batting cleanup and playing third base.
Tonight, it’s a rematch of the season opener as the Javelinas (15-14-1) visit the Scorpions (15-14-1) to determine who will play the Saguaros for the AFL title. Starting pitchers have not been named, but it’s worth noting that DJ Herz last pitched on Sunday and Thad Ward a week ago today.
good to see the possibility of the Nats’ young arms pitching meaningful innings.
We haven’t really talked about Ward’s AFL performance that much. I’m looking at the stats and didn’t really realize how excellent he’s been. Admittedly, he has been facing major-league hitters much of the year, but nothing is a given. Anyway, in AZ, 17 IP, 2.12 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, .153 average against, 20 Ks/6 BBs.
I guess the assumption is that Ward will start 2024 at Rochester stretched out as a starter, although it will be interesting to see if they have a true open competition in the spring for one or two rotation spots. All of that will be complicated by the fact that Adon is out of options.
Coles philosophy just was re enforced with the Chris Johnson hire .
Thaddeus will be fine and will come in real handy in the mix for sure .
I’m curious as what people think on this board of Coles.
From listening to him ( through Martinez) the hitting approach sounds pretty basic and old school and behind the new norm of using technology and data analytics