The Mesa Solar Sox lost to Phoenix 8-2 today. Gerrit Cole made his first start since his poor outing in the AFL Rising Stars game one week ago today. Cole got back on track, allowing one run on two hits in three innings, with a walk and four strikeouts. The lone run came in the first inning. Cole gave up a leadoff walk to Anthony Gose, then allowed Gose to steal second in the next at-bat. Gose scored on a ground out to third base in the next at-bat.
Cole also gave up a two out double in the first inning, but finished the frame with just one run allowed, striking out two in the inning. From there, Cole got in a groove. He retired the side in order in the second, striking out two batters. In the third he started off with a line out, followed by a ground out. Brodie Greene hit a two out single and stole second, but Cole escaped the inning with a fly out. Cole threw 56 pitches, with 37 going for strikes.
Brock Holt was the only Pirates hitting prospect who played today. Holt went 1-for-4.
