Sanchez And Mercer Collect Three Hits in AFL Action

Pirates catching prospect Tony Sanchez took three games to show he is back from his broken jaw.  In just his third game since June 22, Sanchez collected three hits, scored two runs and drove in a run as his Mesa Solar Sox got another victory.

It’s exciting to think that if Sanchez can continue to show his ability with the bat,

in the Arizona Fall League that his time in Altoona next season might be short.  If Sanchez continues to hit, he could make a jump to Indianapolis next year and could be ready for prime time out of spring training in 2012.  Obviously, a solid, fast tracking Sanchez can make a considerable difference for the Pirates.  He was a draft pick that was criticized by many in baseball, thus far he’s making Neal Huntington and his team look like smart fellas.  But I still want to see him dominate defensively including showing an ability to improve at throwing out runners before I am buying it that he can make it in 2012.

Jordy Mercer got back in the lineup after going hitless and having two errors at shortstop on Tuesday.  Hitting in the eight spot, Mercer raked.  He collected three hits including a double.  Mercer drove in four of his Solar Sox teammates and also scored.

Pirates pitchers also saw their first AFL action.  Aaron Pribanic came in for the Sox with the bases juiced.  He allowed one unearned run in going 2.1 innings.   He gave up two hits and recorded three strikeouts.  Brian Leach went one inning with a hit and a strikeout.

Andrew Lambo had a hit in five at-bats, scored a pair of runs and drove in a pair. Josh Harrison was at DH on Tuesday, but got his first start at second base yesterday.  He responded with a hit and a walk in five at bats from his spot at the top of the Mesa order.

The Solar Sox take on the Surprise Rafters tomorrow afternoon at 3:35 EST.   Recap of yesterdays game  on MLB.

Tony Sanchez had this to say on his blog   yeh, he is blogging and the guy can write too…

"“Our staff is full of guys with power fastballs and wipe out sliders, not any arms on this team throwing anything less then low 90’s, which is always impressive”—Tony Sanchez"

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We voted on some awards at the Baseball Bloggers Alliance this week.  Raise the Jolly Roger does a nice job at recapping his picks.  Be sure to check out what he says about Neil Walker.

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The town of Surprise took some time to put this video together to promote their AFL team?   Wow.

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Listening to Maz, never gets old