Week 3 is in the books in Arizona, and even as temperatures cool across the country, things are heating up. Salt River entered the Friday offday with a 9-7 record at the halfway point of the season, sitting just a half-game back of a first-round bye in the postseason. In their 3-2 week, no star shined brighter than Yankees’ top prospect Dax Kilby, who crushed a home run and four extra-base hits as he continued to level up his power. As a reminder, if you want a quick rundown on who’s in the desert
this month, check here.
October 17 (Rafters 5, Solar Sox 0): It was a very quiet shutout victory for Salt River to start the week last Saturday, as only one Yankee got into a game. Core Jackson, who had struggled mightily through two weeks, went 1-for-3 with a walk, stolen base, and a booming home run that traveled 421 feet and was 105.4 mph off the bat. By far the best swing he’s had all fall.
October 19 (Rafters 7, Desert Dogs 1): In another strong win for the Rafters, the other two Yankees’ hitters got into the game. Kyle West made another start at first base and went 1-f0r-3 with a walk, with his single registering at 104.9 mph. Monday was more known for the start of the Kilby show. The top prospect went 2-for-4 with a walk, two stolen bases, a double, and a triple. His triple was hit just 95.4 mph down the right-field line, but the double went off the top of the wall in center field, 420 feet away at 103.5 mph.
October 20 (Rafters 10, Javelinas 11): Six different Yankees played on Tuesday and were very involved in the outcome. Jackson (playing second base this time) went 0-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base, and two strikeouts. West went 1-for-3 with a strikeout and a stolen base; Chris Veach allowed a run in 1.2 innings with two strikeouts; Anthony Mena pitched around some command woes to only allow one run in 2.2 innings, and Antonio Gomez threw a scoreless eighth. The main attraction was Kilby once again, who blasted an early home run a staggering 107.1 mph and 410 feet before tying the game at 10 in the ninth on a 109.8 mph RBI double. He also contributed to the walk-off loss, unfortunately, as he was thrown out at third on a fielder’s choice to end the inning.
October 21 (Rafters 7, Scorpions 5): After seemingly everyone got into the game on Tuesday, it was calmer on Wednesday. West went 0-for-3 with a walk, Jackson walked thrice in four plate appearances (and stole his ninth bag), and Mack Estrada took the win by getting the last two outs of the fourth.
October 22 (Rafters 8, Scorpions 15): Salt River ended a solid week on a bad note by allowing 15 runs on 18 hits and eight walks, but none of the five pitchers on the roster appeared in the game. Kilby went 1-for-5 with a strikeout and a 104 mph flyout, while Jackson ripped a long triple to center field and stole his 10th base in a solid day for him.
AFL totals thus far
Dax Kilby: 12-38, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 6 2B, 3B, 3 BB, 4 K, 4 SB
Core Jackson: 5-33, HR, 2 RBI, 2B, 3B, 12 BB, 11 K, 9 SB
Kyle West: 7-32, 5 RBI, 6 BB, 7 K, 3 SB
JT Etheridge: 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R (2 ER), 3 BB, 9 K
Mack Estrada: 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 2 K
Chris Veach: 7.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 10 K
Anthony Mena: 7.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R (3 ER), 4 BB, 6 K
Antonio Gomez: 3.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 3 K
