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AFL Pitching Duel in Rising Stars Game

AFL West Stars� 3,� AFL East Stars� 2

The AFL's Rising Stars Game turned into a pitching duel in the desert on Saturday night.� The hitting stars managed only 13 runs total --� 6 for the East and 7 for the West.� The most important of those hits came in to bottom of the 9th, when the West's lead-off batter RF Leslie Anderson (Saguaros/Rays) ended the game with a walk-off home run.

Nine members of the Mesa Solar Sox were named to the East team.� C Tony Sanchez was the only representative from the Pirates' group.� Infielders Andrew Romine (Angels),� Jordany Valdespin (Mets), and Josh Vitters (Cubs) were on the team, as well as pitchers Chris Carpenter (Cubs), Robert Carson (Mets), Justin De Fratus (Phillies), Brad Holt (Mets), Eddie McKiernan (Angels), and Josh Zeid (Phillies).

The East team got the game started with a run in the top of the 1st, on two walks, a wild pitch by West starter Mike Montgomery (Rafters/Royals), and an RBI ground out by LF Brandon Laird (Desert Dogs/Yankees).� The West answered with a run in the bottom of the 2nd.� Three consecutive singles, including one by Anderson, had a West runner racing for home, but he was cut down at the plate by a throw in from East's RF Marc Krauss (Scorpions/Diamondbacks) to C Austin Romine (Desert Dogs/Yankees).� The East was almost out of the inning unscathed, but a fielding error by 3B Ryan Adams (Scorpions/Orioles) let Anderson score from third base to tie the score at 1-1.

The East took the lead again in the top of the 3rd.� Two walks and a single by Austin Romine� (at least the brothers were on the same All-Star team) gave the East a short-lived 2-1 lead.� Sure enough, the West tied it up again in the bottom of the inning, again taking advantage of the East team's miscues. A single, a throwing error by 3B Adams, and a passed ball by Austin Romine tied the game again.

The tie lasted for the next 5.5 innings.� East starter Manuel Banuelos (Desert Dogs/Yankees) pitched 2 innings and was responsible for the first unearned run.� Solar Sox' Robert Carson pitched the 3rd inning and was charged with a Blown Save, giving up the second unearned run.� Solar Sox' Josh Zeid pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the 4th, and Chris Carpenter pitched a scoreless 7th, allowing just a double.� Justin De Fratus pitched to one batter in the 8th inning, and got a fly out.

Tony Sanchez, Jordany Valdespin, Andrew Romine, and Josh Vitters entered the game in the 6th inning.� Andrew Romine walked and Valdespin singled in the 7th inning, but did not score.� Sanchez flied out in the 8th inning, and that was his only plate appearance.�� The East team made one last attempt at a rally in the top of the 9th.� Andrew Romine singled and stole second base, then CF Trayvon Robinson (Desert Dogs/Dodgers) also singled, moving Romine to third base.� Valdespin grounded to second base, and a fielder's choice had Romine out at the plate.� 1B Brandon Belt (Scorpions/Giants) walked to load the bases, but a strikeout by Brandon Laird ended the threat.

The AFL takes Sunday off, as usual, then gets back to work on Monday.

Three Hits For Harrison In Solar Sox Win

Mesa Solar Sox� 13,� Surprise Rafters� 5

The Solar Sox started and ended the game with a bang on Friday afternoon in Arizona.� They plated 5 runs in the top of the 1st, and 4 in the top of the 9th, with 2 more in both the 2nd and 5th innings, as they recorded 16 hits.� The Sox' pitchers held the Rafters to 7 hits.

The top of the 1st began with a double by 2B Jordany Valdespin (Mets) and a single by 3B Josh Harrison, which moved Valdespin to third base.� CF Jeremy Moore's (Angels) sacrifice fly brought in Valdespin.� DH Brandon Wood (Angels) lined a single into right field, where the Rafters' right fielder made a throwing error.� That let Harrison score and put Wood on second base.� C Tony Sanchez walked, and RF/CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis (Mets) doubled, scoring Wood.� SS Jordy Mercer bounced back to the mound, and the runners had to hold.� Then 1B Josh Satin (Mets) lined another single into right field, and both Sanchez and Nieuwenhuis scored, though Satin was thrown out trying to reach second base on the throw in to the plate.

The Rafters scored one run in the bottom of the inning on a double, a ground out, and a sacrifice fly, making the score 5-1.� Mesa came right back to add 2 runs in the 2nd, again sparked by Valedspin and Harrison.� This time it was Valdespin who singled and Harrison who doubled (ground rule).� A fielder's choice and a throwing error by Surprise 1B Eric Hosmer (Team USA and Royals) allowed both runners to score.

Surprise continued to battle, scoring a run in the 3rd on a walk, a stolen base, and an RBI single.� A walk, a triple, and a single gave them 2 more runs in the 4th, and the score was 7 - 4 with the Solar Sox still ahead.� The Solar Sox got 2 runs back in the 5th.� Sanchez and Nieuwenhuisled off the inning with a pair of doubles, and Mercer followed with a single, then stole second base.� LF Tim Kennelly's ground out drove in Nieuwenhuis, to give the Sox a 9-4 lead.

Pitchers took over for the next several innings.� Aaron Pribanic pitched the 6th and 7th innings for Mesa, and he allowed the only two base runners over 4 innings for Surprise.� A single in the 6th was erased by a double play, and a walk in the 7th was left on base.� Harrison had the only hit for the Solar Sox, a single to lead off the 6th.

Lambo and Mercer Double As Solar Sox Get Back On Track

Mesa Solar Sox� 7,� Peoria Javelinas� 4

The Solar Sox got back on track this afternoon in the Arizona Fall League, beating the Javelinas with two 3-run innings.� The Javelinas out-hit the Solar Sox 12 - 7, with 3B Cord Phelps (Cleveland Indians and Team USA) missing only a triple from hitting for the cycle.

The Solar Sox jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st.� SS Andrew Romine (Angels) and LF Jeremy Moore (Angels) got the inning started with back-to-back walks, and 3B Brandon Wood (Angels) loaded the bases with a single lined into center field.� A sacrifice fly by 1B Matt Rizzotti (Phillies) brought in Romine, and RF Andrew Lambo plated Moore with an RBI ground out.� DH Jordy Mercer doubled into left field, bringing in� Wood for the third run of the inning.

The Javelinas got one run back in the top of the 2nd.� Cubs' Jake Muyco made the start for the Solar Sox.� He gave up that run on a walk,a� single, and a double by DH Koby Clemens (Astros, naturally).�� Muyco also gave up Phelps' double in the 1st and his single in the 3rd.

Lambo doubled in another run for the Solar Sox in the bottom of the 3rd, to give them a 4-1 lead.� Again the Javelinas answered right away, with a 2-run homer off Muyco in the top of the 4th.� Muyco finished his afternoon with 3 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks over 4 innings.

Chris Carpenter (Cubs) relieved Muyco to begin the 5th inning.� He retired the side in the 5th, then gave up a double and a walk in the 6th.� Chris Kissock (Phillies) finished the inning for Carpenter without allowing a run to score.

Peoria tied the score in the top of the 7th when Kyle Smit (Cubs) gave up Phelps' home run.� This time it was the Solar Sox who returned fire.� In the bottom of the frame, CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis (Mets) led off with a walk, and Romine dropped a sacrifice bunt then beat it out to put two runners on base.� Moore cleared the bases with a triple to give the Solar Sox a 6-4 lead, then Rizzotti brought Moore in from third base with an RBI single to provide an insurance run.

The Javelinas threatened in the 8th, when they worked a walk and a single off Mesa reliever David Cales (Cubs).� But Cales got a strikeout and two ground outs to keep a run from scoring.� Justin De Fratus (Phillies) earned the save with a scoreless 9th inning, working around a double and a walk.� The blown save, and then the win went to Smit -- it was his third win for the Solar Sox.

Don't forget the AFL Rising Stars Game on Saturday... Tony Sanchez will represent the Pirates and the Solar Sox.

Wilson Has Another Tough Start For Mesa

Peoria Javelinas� 11,� Mesa Solar Sox� 2

The Mesa Solar Sox were still dealing with the karma rebound from their blow-out win a few days ago, losing to the Javelinas by 9 runs today.� The Sox had three players who recorded two hits each:� 3B Josh Harrison, 1B Josh Satin (Mets), and C Kai Gronauer (Mets).� 2B Jordany Valdespin (Mets) and RF Andrew Lambo added one hit each to the total.� Of those hits, only one (by Satin) was for extra bases -- a double.

Justin Wilson made the start for the Solar Sox, and he struggled right away in the bottom of the 1st.� The first batter for Peoria reached base on an error by Sox 1B Satin.� The next two batters hit back-to-back singles, bringing in the first run of the game.� A wild pitch allowed the second run to score, and a stolen base and another single drove in the third run of the inning.� Wilson pitched two more innings, retiring the side in order in the 2nd, and allowing 2 walks but no runs in the 3rd.

Bradley Holt (Mets) took over for Wilson to begin the 4th inning.� He gave up another run on a double and a single, extending the Javelina's lead to 4-0.� Brian Leach pitched a scoreless 5th inning, but he was very wild -- he walked 4 batters.� The only reason no runs scored was that a double play (2B Valdespin to SS Jordy Mercer to 1B Satin) followed the first walk and erased that base runner.� Three consecutive walks on 15 pitches loaded the bases, but Leach struck out the next batter to end the inning.

The 6th inning sealed the Solar Sox' fate.� With Jacob Diekman (Phillies) on the mound for the Sox for the first time, the first 7 batters of the inning reached base safely.� A double, a single, a fielding error (1 run), two more singles (2 more runs), a triple (2 runs), and a single (1 run) gave the Javelinas a 10- 0 lead and sent Diekman to the showers.� Eric Niesen came on in relief, and got three outs to end the inning.� Peoria tacked on one more run in the 7th, with Nicholas Carr (Mets) on the mound for Mesa.� Carr also had a wild day, giving up a single then three consecutive walks to force in a run.� Ryan Brasier (Angels) pitched the final inning for Mesa, allowing one walk, but no runs.

The Solar Sox had at least one base runner on in every inning but the 4th.� They only scored in the 8th, when Gronauer singled and Valdespin walked, then Harrison loaded the bases with his second single of the game.� Mercer's sacrifice fly brought in Gonauer.� Lambo followed with a single, plating Valdespin, and that was all the Solar Sox would get.

Other Sox notes:

OF Brett Jackson (Cubs) has had to leave the Solar Sox, due to an infection in his right lower leg.� He will not be able to participate in the rest of the AFL schedule, but is expected to be healed up and ready to go in time for spring training.

The AFL's version of the All-Star game, the Rising Stars Game, will be played on Saturday evening.� It will be the East Division (the Solar Sox, the Phoenix Desert Dogs, and the Scottsdale Scorpions) against the West Division (the Peoria Javelinas, the Peoria Saguaros, and the Surprise Rafters).�� Mesa's C Tony Sanchez is the only Pirates' representative on the Rising Star team.� The game will begin at 9 pm (Eastern time), and will be broadcast on MLB tv and MLB.com.

Harrison Continues To Rock In The AFL

Peoria Javelinas� 6,� Mesa Solar Sox� 4

Josh Harrison has put his slow start in Arizona well behind him.� He continued his hitting tear with 3 more hits today (a double and two singles) with an RBI.� He now has 13 hits over his last 4 games (.684) and 16 in his last 7 games (.500).� The Solar Sox lost to the Javelinas today, but it wasn't because Harrison wasn't doing his part.

SS Jordy Mercer, who had 2 hits today, was the only Mesa batter to reach base in the first two innings, when he walked.� Justin Wilson, getting the start for the Solar Sox, worked around a single in the top of the 1st and around a fielding error in the 2nd inning, but kept Peoria from scoring in those innings.� Each team scored one run in the 3rd.� Javelina's Cord Phelps (Team USA and Cleveland Indians) singled and stole second base in the top of the 3rd, then scored on Nate Tenbrink's (Mariners) RBI single.� In the bottom of the inning, 3B Josh Vitters (Cubs) led off with a walk and stole second base.� DH Andrew Romine's (Angels) single moved Vitters to third, and he scored on 2B Jordany Valdespin's ground out.� Harrison doubled in the inning, but did not score.

Aaron Pribanic took over for Wilson to begin the 4th. Wilson had allowed just that one run on 3 hits, no walks, with 3 strikeouts.� Pribanic pitched 2 scoreless innings, allowing two singles in the 5th, but getting out of that jam with a double play.� Both Romine and Harrison singled in the 5th inning for Mesa, but both were left on base.� Mercer also singled in the 6th, and C Tony Sanchez walked, but both were left stranded.

But big trouble came in the top of the 6th, when BJ Rosenberg (Phillies) relieved Pribanic.� Rosenberg gave up a walk, then a 2-run homer.� Then with two outs, he gave up back-to-back solo homers to 1B Kody Clemens (Astros) and SS Matt Lawson (Mariners), and the Javelinas had a 5-1 lead.� Tyson Brummett (Phillies) pitched the 7th and kept the Javelinas from scoring.� Ryan Brasier (Angels) gave up another run in the 8th, on a double, a walk, and two wild pitches.� Robert Fish (Angels) pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the 9th.

The Solar Sox went into the bottom of the 9th with a 6-1 lead, but they hadn't given up.� Romine led off with a ball to short, which was misplayed, allowing him to reach first safely.� Valdespin singled, and Romine made it to third.� Valdespin stole second, and when Harrison singled, Romine scored and Valdespin advanced to third.� CF Jeremy Moore's (Angels) sacrifice fly brought in Valdespin.� Singles by 1B Matt Rizzotti (Phillies) and Mercer drove in Harrison with the third run o fthe inning.� After a strikeout (out #2), Sanchez walked to load the bases.� Andrew Lambo came in to pinch-run for Sanchez, but Vitters grounded to short, and Lambo was forced out to end the game with the Solar Sox coming in a little short.

Sanchez walked twice but had no hits in 3 other at-bats (average .267).� Harrison went 3-for-5 (average at .360) and Mercer went 2-for-4 with a walk (average at .308).� Lambo is hitting .314, though he did not have an at-bat tonight.

Sanchez and Pribanic Can’t Bail Out Solar Sox

Phoenix Desert Dogs� 8,� Mesa Solar Sox� 6

A 5-run inning by Phoenix overcame an early Solar Sox lead this afternoon in the Arizona Fall League.� Each member of the Solar Sox' lineup except one had at least one hit in the game, including a single by C Tony Sanchez.

Mesa jumped out to a 3-run lead in the top of the 1st.� 2B Jordany Valdespin (Mets) opened the game by beating out an infield single.� CF Brett Jackson (Cubs) walked, and LF Jeremy Moore (Angels) drove them both in with a triple lined into right field.� A single by 3B Brandon Wood (Angels) brought in Moore.� Sanchez also singled in the inning, but he was left on base.

The Solar Sox added another run in the 2nd, on a single by SS Andrew Romine (Angels), who then stole second base.� Jackson singled, and Romine scored from second base.� They picked up an unearned run in the 3rd, when RF kirk Nieuwenhuis (Mets) singled, moved to second when DH Josh Vitters (Cubs) reached on a fielding error at short (it should have been the third out), and scored on 1B Ryan Flaherty's(Cubs) RBI single.

Cubs' Jake Muyco made the start for Mesa.� He zipped through the first inning, but gave up a double and a 2-run homer in the 2nd inning.� Muyco and the Solar Sox were still leading 5-2 going into the bottom of the 3rd. That's when the trouble started.� A double, a walk, and a 3-run homer tied the score at 5-5.� Muyco got a ground out, then gave up another double.� A second grounder gave him the second out of the inning, but an RBI single followed.� That was all for Muyco.� He was relieved by Ryan Brasier (Angels), who was greeted by the third double of the inning, which brought in the 5th run for the Desert Dogs.� Dogs 7, Sox 5.

Andrew Romine started another Solar Sox rally in the 6th with a single up the middle.� Valdespin added a single into right, moving Romine to third base.� Jackson's sacrifice fly brought him home, and Valdespin stole second base, but couldn't come around to score.

After Brasier finished the 3rd inning, he retired the side in order in the 4th.� BJ Rosenberg (Phillies) worked around a walk and a single to keep Phoenix from scoring in the 5th.� Aaron Pribanic took care of the 6th, allowing a walk, but erasing the runner with a double play.

The Desert Dogs scored one more time in the 7th.� With Robert Fish (Angels) on the mound in relief of Pribanic, Andrew Romine's brother Austin (Yankees) doubled, then moved to third base on a passed ball by Sanchez.�� A single scored the run from third base.� Chris Kissock (Phillies) pitched the final inning for the Solar Sox and retired the side in order.

***

The only winter league game tonight was in the Puerto Rican League, where Los Gigantes de Carolina beat Los Indios de Mayaguez 6-2.� Carolina made use of a 4-run 3rd inning, which was started by former Indy Indian RF Luis Matos, who hit the first of four consecutive singles.� A walk and a fifth single finished the inning.

Wilson’s Tough Start For Solar Sox

Peoria Saguaros� 6,� Mesa Solar Sox� 2

A tough first inning for starter Justin Wilson put the Solar Sox into an early hole in Arizona Fall League play this afternoon.� The Saguaros began the game with three straight hits.� The first batter of the game, 2B Eduardo Escobar (White Sox), took Wilson's first pitch over the left field wall for a solo home run.� The second batter, CF Dave Sappelt (Reds), doubled, and the third batter, LF Leslie Anderson (Rays), singled through the hole into right field moving Sappelt to third base.� Then Wilson caught a break, when C Devin Mesoraco (Reds) flied out to center field.� Mesa CF Jeremy Moore (Angels) made the unexpected catch, then quickly threw the ball back to the infield, relayed from 1B Josh Vitters (Cubs) to 3B Brandon Wood (Angels), who was able to double off Sappelt.� A strikeout ended the inning for Wilson.� Wilson had a better second inning, retiring the side in order, with another strikeout.

Tyson Brummett (Phillies) relieved Wilson to begin the 3rd inning.� He also gave up one run, on a pair of doubles.� SS Andrew Parrino glanced a grounder off the glove of 1B Vitters and into right field, then Anderson drove him in with another double.� Brummett also went on to retire the side in order in his second inning on the mound.

The Solar Sox threatened in both the 2nd and 3rd innings.� RF Andrew Lambo opened the 2nd inning with a double into left field, then advanced to third on a ground out.� C Tony Sanchez made it Pirates on the corners when he was hit by a pitch (not in the face), but both were left on base when 2B Josh Harrison popped out.� The Sox loaded the bases in the 3rd on walks to DH Jordany Valdespin (Mets) and Moore, then after a double steal, Wood walked.� But Lambo struck out and Vitters popped up to end the inning with all three runners stranded.

Finally, the Solar Sox got going in the 5th inning, taking advantage of two errors to tie the score. WIth two outs, Moore singled and stole second base.� A throwing error by C Mesoraco on the stolen base let Moore advance to third base.� Wood Doubled, driving in Moore easily.� A passed ball put Wood on third base.� When Lambo grounded to first and the Peoria 1B Chris Parmelee (Twins) made a throwing error, Wood also scored.

The tie did not last long.� Nicholas Carr (Mets) pitched a scoreless 5th, but gave up a 2-run homer to 3B Henry Wrigley (Rays) in the 6th.� Eric Niesen took over for the 7th, and he also surrendered 2 runs, on two singles and a 2-RBI double.� Eddie McKiernan (Angels) pitched his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the 8th -- a single, two strikeouts, two walks, and a fly out.

The Solar Sox had lone singles in three of their last four innings:� by Sanchez in the 6th, by LF Ryan Flaherty (Cubs) in the 8th, and by SS Andrew Romine (Angels) in the 9th.� All three were left on base.

Josh Harrison was hitless in 4 at-bats (.161 average).� Lambo went 1-for-4 with a double (.263) and Sanchez went 1-for-3 (.318).

Sanchez and Solar Sox Beat Harper-less Scorpions

Mesa Solar Sox� 4,� Scottsdale Scorpions� 2

Without hot prospect Bryce Harper on the field, the Scottsdale Scorpions could not stand up to the Solar Sox.� Despite out-hitting the Solar Sox 8-7, the Scorpions managed only 2 runs as the Solar Sox took the win this afternoon in the Arizona Fall League.

The Solar Sox went down in order int he first two innings, but C Tony Sanchez got things going in the bottom of the third.� SS Jordy Mercer led off the inning with a single lined into left field, and Sanchez followed by depositing a fly ball over the left center field wall for a 2-run homer.

They added another run in the 4th inning.� With one out, 1B Josh Vitters (Cubs) walked, and a wild pitch pushed him to second base.� LF Ryan Flaherty (Cubs) singled into right field, scoring Vitters.� Mercer walked, but was out when Sanchez bounced back to the mound to begin a double play.� A solo home run by 2B Jordany Valdespin (Mets) gave the Solar Sox another insurance run with a solo home run in the 5th.

Robert Carson earned the win for the Solar Sox, despite only going 3 innings in his start.� He gave up 3 hits, no walks, and struck out 2 batters.� One of the hits was a single in the 2nd inning, followed immediately by a ground out started by Mercer at shortstop.� In the 3rd, Carson gave up a single and a double to open the inning, then got out of the jam with a strikeout and a double play -- a fly out to right field, and a stellar throw in from RF Andrew Lambo to Sanchez, who tagged out the lead runner at the plate.

Ryan Brasier pitched the next two innings, and he gave up the first Scorpions' run in the 5th.� It was an unearned run, courtesy of two missed catch errors.� 2B Charlie Culberson singled with one out, then moved to third base when 1B Vitters missed the catch on a pickoff attempt.� The next batter grounded to first, but this time Brasier missed the catch on Vitters' toss to first -- the batter was safe at first and Culberson scored.

BJ Rosenberg and Chris Kissock (both of the Phillies) each pitched a scoreless inning with each gving up a single.� Aaron Pribanic took the top of the 8th, and he walked the first batter he faced, then struck out the next two.� He ended the inning with a grounder to third, forcing out the runner at second base.

Robert Fish gave up the Scorpions' second run in the top of the 9th.� A walk and a double put two runners into scoring position, then an RBI single brought in the runner from third base.

The Solar Sox put runners on base in each of their last three at-bats.� Twice (6th and 8th) it was due to errors, and the runners did not advance.� In the 7th, DH Andrew Romine (Angels) and CF Jeremy Moore (also Angels) both singled) but two fly outs ended the inning.

Andrew Lambo went 0-for-4 in the game; his average stands at .265.� Jordy Mercer was 1-for-3 with a walk, and his average is .292.� Tony Sanchez has a .316 average and went 1-for-3 with his 2-run homer.� Pribanic has pitched a total of 5.1 innings for Mesa in 3 games and has not allowed an earned run.� Opponents are hitting .111 against him.

10th Inning Rally Defeats Solar Sox

Both the Venezuelan League and the Mexican Pacific League are off today.

Peoria Javelinas� 4,� Mesa Solar Sox� 2

The Javelinas rallied for 2 runs in the top of the 10th, and the Solar Sox could not respond in this afternoon's Arizona Fall League action.

The Solar Sox had a 2-1 lead going into the top of the 9th.� Steven Geltz (Angels) had just taken the mound in relief for the Sox.� He got one out, then gave up a single to 3BLF Nate Tenbrink (Mariners).� The next batter, CF Jay Austin (Astros), grounded to first, but a fielding error by Mesa 1B Matt Rizzotti (Phillies) put Austin safely at first and sent Tenbrink to third.� Another grounder to first by 3B Matt Lawson (Mariners) let Tenbrink score the tying run (unearned).

The Solar Sox went down in order in the bottom of the 9th, including two strikeouts.� Rizzotti was one of the strikeouts, and he must have said the wrong words to the umpire, because he was ejected in the middle of the frame.

The 10th inning began with Robert Fish (Angels) on the mound for Mesa and Ryan Flaherty (Cubs) taking over for Rizzotti at first base.� Fish began the inning by giving up a single and hitting a batter with a pitch.� A double play, fielded by SS Jordy Mercer, who stepped on second and threw on to Flaherty at first, gave Fish two outs, but put the lead runner on third.� Fish could not take advantage of that good fortune, though.� He walked the next batter, then gave up an RBI single to SS Jose Iglesias (Red Sox), driving in the go-ahead run from third.� Another walk, to Tenbrink, loaded the bases, and a second run scored when Fish threw a wild pitch.� A ground out to first ended the inning.� Once again, the Solar Sox could not respond, going down in order in the bottom of the 10th.

Brad Holt (Mets) made the start for Mesa.� He pitched 3 innings, and allowed the Javelina's first run (also unearned) in the 3rd inning� Holt worked around a single and a walk in the 1st inning, and another single by Tenbrink in the 2nd.� (Tenbrink had 3 hits in the game.)� The run in the 3rd scored when Holt walked LF JB Shuck (Astros), then made a throwing error on a pick-off attempt, allowing Shuck to advance to third base.� A sacrifice fly drove in Shuck to give Peoria a 1-0 lead.

The Solar Sox had only two base runners over the first five innings -- CF Jeremy Moore (Angels) singled in the 1st inning and stole second base, then RF Kirk Nieuwenhuis (Mets) singed in the 5th, but was thrown out trying to steal second.

C Tony Sanchez finally got the Solar Sox' bats going in the 6th, when he led off with a single bounced off the Peoria third baseman's glove and into left field.� 2B Jordany Valdespin (Mets) followed with a double into right, putting Sanchez on third base.� LF Josh Harrison's sacrifice fly drove in Sanchez, and Moore's sacrifice fly brought in Valdespin.� The Solar Sox had a 2-1 lead.

But the Solar Sox couldn't keep the momentum going.� Rizzotti singled in the 7th and Valdespin singled in the 8th, but neither could come around to score.

Aaron Pribanic relieved the starter Holt for the 4th inning.� Pribanic pitched 2 scoreless innings, allowing only a walk in the 5th.� BJ Rosenberg (Phillies) also contributed 2 scoreless innings, giving up only a double to Tenbrink in the 7th.� Eric Niesen (Mets) pitched a scoreless 8th, though he had to work out of a jam that was not entirely his own fault.� He gave up a single, then had a runner reach on a fielding error by Mercer, then walked a batter, loading the bases with one out.� The next batter bounced right back to the mound, and Niesen flipped the ball back to Sanchez for the force out at the plate.� A fly out ended the inning, leaving the bases loaded.

Geltz was charged with the Blown Save, and Fish was charged with the loss.� Harrison went 0-for-3 with the sacrifice fly.� Mercer went 0-for-4, and Sanchez had the one hit and scored in 4 trips to the plate.

Quiet Day in the Winter Leagues

The Arizona Fall League takes Sundays off, but you can check out the latest post on Tony Sanchez's AFL Blog.

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE

Caribes de Anzoategui� 5,� Bravos de Margarita� 0 -- Los Bravos were held to just 5 hits, and Los Caribes scored 4 of their runs in the 2nd inning on back-to-back lead-off homers plus two triples.� But, 3B Andy LaRoche had the day off.

Tiburones de La Guaira� 3,� Tigres de Aragua� 0� -- Los Tigres out-hit Los Tiburones 6-4, but Aragua's pitchers helped out by throwing wild pitches that contributed to two of the runs.�� Aragua's 1B Alex Nunez went 3-for-3, but never came around to score.� DH Hector Gimenez singled and C Raul Chavez tripled for Aragua.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Algodoneros de Guasave 4,� Venados de Mazatlan 1� -- RF Rogelios Noris lifted his average to .308 with two singles tonight for Los Venados.� Guasave starter Daniel Guerrero retired the first 13 Mazatlan batters of the game, then hit LF Matt Clark with a pitch, but retired the next two batters to get out of the inning.� Guerrero also retired the first two batters of the 6th, then gave up a solo home run to 3B Elliot Johnson for Mazatlan's only run of the game.� After a walk, Guerrero was relieved, and while they didn't score again, Los Venados did post some hits in the last three innings.� Mazatlan loaded the bases in the 7th on two singles, one by Noris, and a walk, but a double play ended the inning.� They had one single in the 8th, then a pair of two-out singles in the 9th, including Noris' second hit of the game.� Guasave scored one run in each of the 3rd and 5th innings, then two more in the 7th.

Solar Sox Outshine Saguaros

Mesa Solar Sox� 10,� Peoria Saguaros 1

RF Andrew Lambo singled and doubled for the Solar Sox, who used a 6-run 4th inning to overwhelm the Saguaros in Arizona Fall League play this evening.

After 3.5 scoreless innings, the Solar Sox opened the bottom of the 4th with a single by DH Brandon Wood (Angels), a walk to 1B Matt Rizzotti (Phillies), and a 3-run homer by 3B Josh Vitters (Cubs).� Andrew Lambo followed the homer with a double, and C Tony Sanchez walked.� A grounder to first forced Sanchez out at second base, but left Lambo on third and LF Ryan Flaherty (Cubs) on first base.� 2B Jordany Valdespin's (Mets) single drove in Lambo, and a wild pitch put the runners on second and third.� SS Andrew Romine (Angels) walked to load the bases, and Peoria changed pitchers.� CF Jeremy Moore (Angels) greeted the new pitcher with an RBI single, and a walk to Wood forced in the 6th run of the inning.� A double play ended the inning, with Mesa on top 6-0.

Justin Wilson made the start for the Solar Sox.� He pitched 2 scoreless inning, working around a single in each inning and a walk in the 1st.� Kyle Smit (Cubs) added two more scoreless innings.� Chris Carpenter (Cubs) gave up Peoria's only run in the 5th, on a single, a walk, a passed ball by Sanchez, and an RBI ground out.� Carpenter gave up a lone single in the 6th inning, but kept the Saguaros from scoring again.� Brian Leach pitched the 7th, working around a double.� Chris Kissock (Phillies) and Eddie McKiernan (Angels) each threw a scoreless inning to finish up for the Solar Sox.

The Solar Sox just kept going.� In the 5th, Lambo singled, then moved to third base on a fielding error, and scored on Valdespin's RBI single through the hole into right field.� Singles by Romine and Moore, combined with another fielding error added another run in the 6th.� Valdespin walked to open the 8th inning.� Romine reached on a fielder's choice, with Valedspin safely at second base. Moore singled again, driving in Valdespin.� Pinch hitter Tim Kennelly (Phillies) singled to give the Sox bases loaded.� Rizzotti flied out to center field, but too short for Romine to tag up.� Vitters came through, though, with a fly ball long enough for Romine to score.

Wilson did not pitch long enough to qualify for the win -- that went to Smit.� Lambo was 2-for-5, and Sanchez was 0-for-3 with a walk.

The Arizona Fall League takes Sundays off.� The Solar Sox will be back at it again on Monday.

Solar Sox Break Out For 19 Hits

Mesa Solar Sox� 11,� Surprise Rafters� 6

The Mesa Solar Sox busted out with 9 runs in the 4th inning and posted a total of 19 hits in their Arizona Fall League win this afternoon.� SS Jordy Mercer, C Tony Sanchez, and 3B Josh Vitters (Cubs) had 3 hits each, and 2B Josh Harrison and RF Andrew Lambo contributed a hit apiece.

Each team scored one run in the 1st inning.� Mesa's LF/CF Jeremy Moore (Angels) singled and stole second base, then scored on 1B Matt Rizzotti's (Phillies) RBI single.� Tony Sanchez also singled in the inning, but was left on base.� The Rafters scored on a single, a wild pitch by starter Josh Zeid (Phillies) and an RBI single.

Things were quiet for the next two innings, other than a single by Vitters in the top of the 3rd.� The quiet ended in the top of the 4th, when 14 Solar Sox came to the plate.� Tony Sanchez started the fun with a single to second.� A fielding error by the Surprise first baseman allowed Andrew Lambo to reach first base.� CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis doubled, scoring both Sanchez and Lambo with the first two runs of the inning (1,2).� Jordy Mercer's double plated Nieuwenhuis (3), and Mercer advanced to third on a ground out.� After a line out and a change in pitchers, Moore and Vitters both doubled, driving in Mercer and Moore (4, 5).� Rizzotti walked, then Sanchez singled for the second time in the inning, to score Vitters (6).� A throwing error by the left fielder let Sanchez advance to second base and Rizzotti to third base.� Three more singles followed -- Lambo's brought in both Rizzotti and Sanchez (7, 8), Nieuwenhuis' moved Lambo to second base, and Mercer's scored Lambo (9).� A ground out finally ended the inning.

Zeid pitched 3 innings and allowed the one run in the 1st inning on two hits, and he struck out 3 batters.� BJ Rosenberg (Phillies) took over for Zied to begin the 4th.� He gave up a run on two doubles.� He also gave up three singles in the bottom of the 5th, bringing in one run.� A wild pitch and two walks loaded the bases.� Rosenberg was relieved by Aaron Pribanic, who threw a wild pitch to the first batter he faced, allowing another run to score.� Pribanic finished the inning with a strikeout, and the Solar Sox still led 10-4.� Pribanic came back out for the 6th inning, and another run scored on a single and a throwing error.

The Solar Sox continued to put runners on base.� Harrison and Vitters both singled in the 5th, but did not come around to score.� LF Ryan Flaherty (Cubs), who had entered the game as a defensive replacement, and Harrison both walked and Valdespin singled to load the bases in the 6th, but all three were left on base when Moore struck out.� Rizzotti also walked in the 7th, but was left on base.� He also singled in the 9th, but was eliminated in a double play.� The Solar Sox added one last run when Flaherty doubled to open the 8th inning.� He moved up to third base on a wild pitch.� Jordy Mercer drove him in with an RBI single, to increase the lead to 11 - 5.

Aaron Pribanic worked around a single in the 7th inning, but kept him from scoring.� Brian Leach came on to pitch the 8th, and he also worked around a single for a scoreless inning.� Surprise managed one last run in the bottom of the 9th.� With Eddie McKiernan (Angels) on the mound, a walk, a double, and a sacrifice fly drove in the run.� It was not nearly enough, though, and Mesa and Josh Zeid had the win.

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