The final score was 13-4, and truthfully, it wasn’t even that close, as all the Scorpions’ runs scored in the final two innings after they had already allowed 13 runs. Maybe they should’ve played more Giants prospects? Oh well…with this, the Scorpions’ incredible 7-game winning streak at the end of the season while on the verge of playoff elimination comes to an end, and Salt River wins this 1-game semifinal and will move on to face Surprise for the title.
AFL: Salt River Rafters 13, Scottsdale Scorpions 4
Giants Prospects to Spotlight:
- 3B Charlie Szykowny: 2-4, 1 R, 1 E – Szykowny got the playoff start, and was one of three Scorpions to collect two hits. While these hits don’t count to his regular season fall stats, Szykowny finished the AFL with a batting line of ,274/.297/.419.
- RP Marques Johnson: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K – Marques Johnson was the only Scottsdale pitcher to not allow any runs in this game, although he came into the game with four outs left to gift and the Rafters already way ahead. Still, striking out three of the five batters he faced was a nice finish. Johnson had a 6.00 ERA in 6.0 innings (over seven games), with six walks against 11 strikeouts.
Other Scottsdale Top Prospect Lines:
- 1B Josue Briceño (DET, #9 Team): 1-3, 1 R, 1 2B, 2 BB, 1 K
- LF Jacob Reimer (NYM, #20 Team): 1-5, 1 2B
- CF Drew Gilbert (NYM, #74 Overall): 0-2, 2 BB
Top Salt River Prospect Lines:
- 2B Tommy Troy (AZ, #5 Team): 3-4, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2 2B, 1 BB
- RF Kala’i Rosario (MIN, #20 Team): 1-4, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K, 1 SB (1)
- DH Ryan Ritter (COL, #12 Team): 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 1 2B, 1 HR
- CF Robert Hassell III (WSH, #13 Team): 1-5, 1 R, 2 RBI
- 1B-3B Gino Groover (AZ, #9 Team): 1-5, 1 R, 3 K
- RP Michael Prosecky (COL, #17 Team): 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
So, What Now?
I’m going to enjoy my winter vacation, that’s what!!!
Okay, I won’t be gone for good. After the weekend, I’ll do a write-up of all the AFL performances by Giants players, and what we saw, and what’s next for them. Sure, there were only two bona-fide Top 30 prospects, and the most exciting one left the league early, but the non-prospect-listed guys can sometimes be guys about to come up and make an impact, like Spencer Bivens in last year’s AFL.
Other than that, I’m taking this winter to re-focus on the video content I was doing that fell off at the end of last year. I’m going to be working on setting myself up better for success for next year. But I’ll be doing some videos throughout the fall, including a setup for the Rule 5 Draft protections, results of the MLB Draft Lottery, updates on trades and signings that affect the farm system, and some thoughts on the changes for the Giants this offseason.
Otherwise…that’s the last of my daily write ups for 2024. I know I did this at the end of the regular season, but I’ll say it again: Thank you all for reading these, upvoting, commenting, asking questions, and especially thank you for those who have said kind things about me throughout the season. It’s cliche, but knowing how much people like these keeps me doing them, knowing that it’s appreciated. I’ll be back for next year, with some of the suggestions that have been made.
Until then, Go Giants!