It was a quiet week down in the desert as the Arizona Fall League starts to wind down. There’s only about a week left of games after this, but the biggest news from this week comes with a game that’s coming on Sunday, as Dax Kilby and Chris Veach have been named to the Fall Stars Game for their superb performance thus far. As a reminder, if you want a quick rundown on who’s in the desert this month, check here.
October 31 (Rafters 11, Saguaros 2): On Halloween night down in Surprise, the Rafters started
the week with a blowout win. Core Jackson went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, but Kyle West stayed scorching hot with another home run, this one blasted at 99.6 mph. None of the Yankees pitchers got into the game.
November 2 (Rafters 10, Scorpions 12): Who likes triples? Kilby sure does. As part of a high-scoring loss for Salt River, Kilby ripped a leadoff triple into the gap in the first inning, golfing a 2-2 cutter below the zone ansd speeding around the bases. His leadoff triple was his only production in this game and was thus overshadowed by West’s continued brilliance, as the first baseman went 3-for-5 with his fifth home run, three RBIs, and two stolen bases. The home run was 107.6 off the bat and 407 feet. Only Antonio Gomez pitched, allowing two runs in one inning.
November 3 (Rafters 10, Javelinas 11): Another high-scoring loss, which is what defined the week for Salt River. They led 9-7 in the ninth and 10-9 in the 10th, but were walked off. Jackson went 0-for-5 with a run scored, and West went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. JT Etheridge got the start and struggled, allowing four runs in 2.2 innings. Mack Estrada cleaned the inning up for him, allowing one hit, while Anthony Mena threw two hitless innings later on… while walking six batters and allowing two runs. Yikes.
November 4 (Rafters 9, Scorpions 8): This was a back-and-forth show, as Salt River led 3-0, trailed 5-3, led 7-5, and were tied at seven before eventually pulling out in front for good in the eighth. Jackson had a much better game, going 2-for-3 with a home run, two stolen bases, and a walk. Both hits were over 105 mph. West matched him with his third home run of the week (109.4 mph) and a bullet 114.6 mph double. Chris Veach tossed a scoreless inning, striking out two and walking one.
November 5 (Rafters 3, Javelinas 5): Nothing much happened in a Thursday night loss. Jackson went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and an error, while West got a Golden Sombrero in his four at-bats.
November 6 (Rafters 7, Saguaros 8): A late rally on Friday night came up short for the Rafters, who fell below .500. Kilby returned to the lineup with a 1-for-5 showing, West went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts, and both Estrada and Gomez threw scoreless innings, with the latter striking out two.
AFL totals thus far
Dax Kilby: 19-66 (.288), 2 HR, 8 RBI, 6 2B, 4 3B, 6 BB, 9 K, 6 SB
Core Jackson: 7-57 (.123), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2B, 3B, 16 BB, 20 K, 14 SB
Kyle West: 18-70 (.257), 6 HR, 17 RBI, 2 2B, 7 BB, 22 K, 5 SB
JT Etheridge: 11.2 IP, 12 H, 10 R (9 ER), 10 BB, 14 K
Mack Estrada: 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 9 BB, 2 K
Chris Veach: 10.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 5 BB, 14 K
Anthony Mena: 11.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R (5 ER), 11 BB, 7 K
Antonio Gomez: 7.1 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 8 BB, 7 K
