Winless since October 13th, the Solar Sox seemed poised to capture that elusive victory after shutting out the Scorpions for 7 innings on 1 hit. However it just wasn't meant to be as Scottsdale rallied for a run in the 8th and 3 more in the 9th to pullout a 4 - 3 stunner.
Dodger prospect Andres Santiago had by far the best game in his short AFL career as he needed just 70 pitches to get through 5 shutout innings. The Puerto Rican native allowed just 1 hit and 2 walks, lowering his ERA to 3.27. Nick Struck (Cubs) extended the scoreless string for two more frames, but then after Mike Belfiore (Orioles) gave up a run in the 8th Kevin Rhoderick (Cubs) imploded in the 9th as he allowed a 3-run homer to Chris Dominguez (Giants).
At the plate for Mesa Rafael Ynoa went 2 for 5 with a triple and a RBI, and although he extended his hitting streak to 11 games this was his first multi-hit effort since October 12th. Ynoa also stole his 3rd base of the year, and his 1.041 OPS ranks 6th in the league. No other Dodger prospects played in this game.
Coming up: Luke Putkonen of the Tigers organization will take the mound for Mesa tomorrow, and he'll go up against Tim Crabbe (Reds) and the Javelinas