AFL Update: Oct. 23, 2024
Salt River erased a 4-0 deficit with a five-run 5th, then took a 6-4 lead before giving it back on a pair of two-run HRs in the 7th and 9th innings to fall, 6-4.
Robert Hassell started in center field and batted third. He reached base three times on a single and two walks, scoring once, stealing a base, and plating one on a base-loaded walk. Defensively, he had two put outs and fielded a single.
Micahel Cuevas was the first Rafter reliever and retired four of six batters without allowing a run. He walked none, gave up two hits, and struck out two.
Matt Cronin surrendered the tying runs in the 7th on the first aforementioned HR, and gave up three hits total without a walk or a whiff in the 7th.
Luke Young took the loss, giving up the game-winning HR after allowing a leadoff single. He walked one and struck out two in the 9th, his only inning pitched.
The loss drops Salt River back to .500 at 6-6. The Rafters host the Saguaros (8-4) tonight.
Not a good showing from the pitching, but it’s not unexpected given the rather weak profile of pitchers we sent. Cronin, however, has been a disappointment. I’d hoped his dominance during the regular season would have carried into the AFL.
Yeah Cronin has been bad, but I’m also really reluctant to scout the statline after 3 appearances.
Is anyone watching the games? How have his velocity and movement been? (Clearly his location has been awful given the 15 BB/9…)
Cronin’s velocity has dropped since he had back surgery. They are clocking him at 91 mph last I read. He was 94-95 prior to his surgery. Honestly, I just don’t think Cronin see enough innings, whether it’s the fall league or back in the Nats system. I think it’s time they consider him a middle reliever and give him more innings. I think his days as a closer are past.
It’s not surprising that pitchers are running on fumes after nine months of throwing hard. Hard to make a case for any of them being added to the 40-man, though. I’m not sure what Cronin’s situation would be regarding minor-league free agency. Considering his head-scratching lack of opportunities in the Nats’ system, one would think that he might look elsewhere.
I’m sure Cronin will have the opportunity to start the season in Rochester. I can’t see him getting anything better anywhere else.
There should be numerous departures coupled with new arrivals as HAaS and B.C. Bring in more changes