AFL Update: Oct. 9, 2019
Sterling Sharp led a quintet of Saguaros pitchers with five strong innings as Surprise stopped a three-game slide with a 6-1 win over the Mesa Solar Sox.
Sharp, “holding the glove high, and hiding the ball low, like a young Strasburg,” per Lee, tossed five shutout innings for his longest (and best) outing since he was sidelined in May. He gave up two hits and two walks and struck out three, with 40 of his 62 pitches going for strikes.
Luis Garcia led the contingent of three Nats position players, returning to his “early Fall form” with three hits and three RBI in five trips to the plate. In the field, Garcia had three assists and two putouts, including a tag-team with Sharp on a pickoff in the 2nd inning to kill a Solar Sox rally.
Nick Banks was the DH and went 1-for-4 with an RBI to improve to .219/.212/.438 in 32 at-bats.
Cole Freeman manned center field but continues to struggle at the plate (3-for-26), going 0-for-2 though he came around to score after getting hit by a pitch and drove in a run. He fielded two singles and caught two flyballs.
The two teams rematch today in Mesa.
GARCIA, LEE NAMED AFL FALL STARS GAME
Yesterday, the rosters for the Fall Stars Game were revealed with Luis Garcia and Andrew Lee making the cut. The game will be streamed online. No word on whether you’ll have to suffer Tom Verducci.
Garcia was not the only National player named to the Fall Stars game. Andrew Lee RHP was also named.
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Nothing like a Nats pitcher to break up a winless streak for Surprise!
I wonder if Garcia’s short stint in the AFL will largely re-write the narrative about his this season. His season in Harrisburg was a disappointment in just about every way. His power, patience, and average all declined, and he did little to assuage concerns about his defense being good enough to stick at SS. But man, his AFL appearances so far have been a real throwback to his 2018 season- displaying good gap power, patience, and a great hit tool. This should probably do enough to keep him in the middle of the top 100 prospects lists coming out this winter.
Luis Garcia was born May 2000.
Lee you are correct . Sharp mimics the man of the hour tonight. SS
I am drinking out of my Corbin heating mug Luke for good luck because Corbin will be on call..
Now that the FredNats are a moniker reality … off season imagining possible opening day roster. Numerous repeats and 18 Suns advancing . Curious to see in 5 months where Antuna is.
I’ve had season tickets in HBG for 24 seasons. I’ve seen many players struggle when they get to AA and Garcia is no different. He did start to figure things out in the second half and he played much better to end the season. I’m glad to see him playing well in the AFL! Since he’s still just 19, I would not be surprised to see him back in AA to start 2020. Hoping the Nats don’t rush him through the system!!
Sens Fan, who else were you impressed with this year from the players coming from single A ball?
Hey AR,
I think both Banks and Istler did well after their promotions to AA. I assume Banks will be back in HBG to start the season. Not sure about Istler. He may be on the plane to Fresno. I also enjoyed watching Fuentes but he may have to work his way back to AA after his suspension is over. I’m looking forward to seeing more of those 5 (Bartow, Teel, Freeman, Reetz, Corredor) who made their AA debuts during our playoffs. I wish they would have been promoted earlier but the 40 man players in HBG just took up too many roster spots. I’m expecting to see more 40 man players in HBG next season due to the Fresno farce!
Yep looking forward to see how Teel, Bartow, Fuentes do. I hope Reetz finally got it together this year. Not too sure about Freeman upside but could be future bench guy. Corredor is just ok I guess.. Good run producer but just hit for average. Itself did really well. I would laso think Corbin will be in AA next summer.