AFL Update: Nov. 10, 2024
The American League put up five in the 2nd to take a 5-1 lead but needed a 9th-inning HR from Detroit’s Thayron Liranzo to take the Fall Stars Game, 6-5.
Robert Hassell (doing his best imitation of Rickey Henderson) was among the starters for the National League, as he went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI from the No. 6 slot and manned center field. He had one putout and fielded a single and a double.
Chase Solesky (the one on the mound) was among the parade of pitchers that a required of these showcases. He started and finished the 5th inning, working around a pair of singles while not issuing a walk nor striking out a batter. He threw 20 pitches, 14 for strikes.
Hassell has cooled off. Hopefully, he can have a bounce back season in 2025, but not optimistic.
He’s cooled off a bit, maybe? I mean, his line from the Fall Stars Game is a good one, and his .906 OPS has moved him up from #6 to #2 on the Rafters. He led the Rafters with 11 XBH in his 19 games. That’s good!
I’m willing to bank his good run in the AFL as a positive thing without getting carried away about it. I’m encouraged by the return of his power, and will hope that it’s not confined to the warm desert air.