AFL Update: Oct. 10, 2025

The Desert Dogs lifted their leg twice in the 1st and four times in the 2nd to take a 6-0 lead and held off a late charge to sting the Scorpions, 13-7 yesterday in Glendale.

Just two Nationals appeared in the game:

● Sam Petersen started in right field and drew a walk but otherwise did his best Elijah Green imitation with three strikeouts. He made three putouts and fielded five hits.

● Austin Amaral got the last out of the 3rd and the first in the 4th on strikeouts, but walked three and gave up three hits. He was charged with four runs with an “assist” from Houston’s Nate Wohlgemuth, who allowed two of three inherited runners to score.

The Scorpions (1-2) return to Scottsdale this afternoon to host the Mesa Solar Sox (1-2).

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Paul Toboni’s housecleaning continued with the purge of more than 15 player development staff, according to the Washington Post. Notables to not be let go include managers Matthew LeCroy, Delino DeShields Sr., and Jake Lowery. Four international scouts were also let go, including Modesto Ulloa, who is credited for spotting Juan Soto in the mid-2010s.

The WaPo article also goes over Will’s greatest gripes familiar territory as to the shortcomings of the Nats minors… poor drafting… underinvestment by ownership… outdated PD practices. Very little to argue against, really. And we all know it’s been this way for quite some time.

I wish I could end this with something pithy, but I’ve never been the type to go after the white whale and bring the tartar sauce with me. I just hope that there will be fewer seasons like the past one to cover and comment on.