AFL/Offseason Update: Nov. 5, 2024

The Rafters scored in each of their first five “ups” as they outslugged the Desert Dogs, 13-11.

Dustin Saenz (pictured above) got the start but reverted to the mean as Glendale lit him up for three runs on three hits and two walks over an inning and 2/3rds. He threw 45 pitches, 26 for strikes and had zero whiffs.

Robert Hassell (right or above, depending on your device) started in centerfield and went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a strikeout. Defensively, he had two putouts and fielded a triple.

Matt Cronin was the penultimate reliever, getting three outs in the 8th and one in the 9th. He was charged with an unearned run on one hit and two walks, but was credited with the hold. He threw 27 pitches, 13 for strikes.

Salt River (13-10) visits Mesa (12-11) tonight in the second of four games this week with the Fall Stars game on Saturday.

A few tidbits to get caught up on while we await the election results…

● Dylan Crews was named a 2024 MiLB Gold Glove Award winner, which may or may not take the sting off Jacob Young being passed over for the MLB Gold Glove.

● Jake Lowery will shift to Wilmington for the 2025, according to his LinkedIn profile and confirmed by the Free Lance Star. A comprehensive profile by the Blue Rocks media team is expected on November 31.

● Minor-league free agency began yesterday, though the official list has yet to be released. The pandemic makes things tricky Forrest Gump pause again, but a rule of thumb is players drafted in 2018 are now free to leave. More to come when we get the official list.