In Wednesday night’s Arizona Fall League action a pair of Pittsburgh Pirates prospects hit home runs in a 7-5 victory for the Surprise Saguaros
As the Arizona Fall League season carries on the Surprise Saguaros continue to win baseball games. Following a 7-5 victory over the Peoria Javelinas on Wednesday, the Saguaros are now 9-5 on the season. Wednesday’s victory was led by a pair of home runs from Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.
Blake Sabol started at catcher for the Saguaros and had a huge game. Sabol was 1-for-3 with a walk, with his one hit being a grand slam. This was part of a five RBI performance for the left-handed hitting Sabol.
Sabol now has 24 plate appearances in the AFL. In these 24 PAs Sabol has hit for a .250/.375/.450 slash line with a double and a home run. With Sabol being Rule 5 Draft eligible it would not be a surprise to see him added to the 40-man roster this offseason.
The other home run that was hit by a Pittsburgh Pirates prospect came off the bat of Jacob Gonzalez. Serving as the team’s designated hitter, Gonzalez was 1-for-4 with a solo home run. This was a hit that Gonzalez was in dire need of as it was his first of the AFL season. Hopefully, this hit will help to jumpstart Gonzalez.
Highly touted infield prospect Nick Gonzales was also in the lineup for Surprise. Batting leadoff and playing at third base, Gonzales went 1-for-4 with a run scored. Gonzales is now hitting for a .270/.333/.541 slash lines in 42 AFL PAs.
With the Saguaros leading by a pair of runs, they handed the ball for Colin Selby in the 9th inning. The righty would slam the door shut on the Javelinas. Selby issued a walk, but retired the other three batters he faced which included a strikeout.
Thus far in the AFL season Selby has pitched 5 innings. In these 5 innings pitched Selby has allowed 2 earned runs on six hits, three walks, and six strikeouts. Following a strong minor league season in 2022, Selby is an intriguing relief pitching prospect arm.