Scottsdale Scorpions 4, Mesa Solar Sox 7
- Robby Hefflinger, DH: 1-3, BB, R, 2 K, .200
- Aaron Northcraft, SP: 2.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R (3 ER), 3 BB, 2 K, 9.00 ERA
- Juan Jaime, RP: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 2.45 ERA
Aaron Northcraft drew the start last night for Scottsdale and turned in a second straight dud. Northcraft was hammered for 5 hits and 5 runs (though 2 were unearned) in 2.2 innings of work. He walked three men as well, while only striking out two, and his ERA sits at 9.00 (FIP of ~6.20) after 5 innings pitched across two starts. I wouldn't make too much of Northcraft's rough start - the AFL is a notorious hitter's league. Basically, he's constantly facing an All-Star lineup, and pitching in parks that aren't incredibly friendly to pitchers. On top of that, it's only a 5 inning sample, so I see no need to worry too much.
On the positive side, Juan Jaime had his best relief appearance of the AFL to date, whiffing two men across two scoreless innings while only allowing one hit.
Robby Hefflinger was the only Braves prospect to crack the lineup last night, hitting fifth as the designated hitter. He went 1-3 with a walk and a run scored.