A brutal day for the Scorpions as they lose another game on the division leading Desert Dogs.

The Saguaros pitching was solid and shut down the Scorpions offense to the tune of 2R on 5H. 3H’s and the 2ER’s were off the same relief pitcher, Lo of the Astros.

The game was a welcome change of pace as it was a day game @ Scottsdale Stadium. Since the Scorpions also have DBacks prospects on their roster, the AFL decides they should have the night game almost everyday to get fans to come. First off it’s tough to shoot at night in Scottsdale because the lighting sucks. Secondly, it’s about a 45 minute drive for me, which makes getting home at 11pm the norm.

Here are the diamond notes:

* Brandon Crawford did a lot of sliding today. While on second there was a passed ball, Crawford kind of got hung up in limbo not knowing exactly how far the ball got away and hesitated advancing to third. Luckily, Jason Castro also had a little problem getting it, Rivero couldn’t get the tag down, and Brandon beat the throw to 3rd with a head first slide. See pic (Richmond Flying Squirrels?).

He then had the chance to score on a potential sacfly, however he got gunned down at the plate by a perfect throw that was there in plenty of time by Chris Heisey. See pic.

* Steve Edlefsen came in for a scoreless inning of relief with 1K. He walked the first batter but then got a DP, allowing him to face the minimum.

* Daniel Turpen also saw some action in this game, however he only lasted .1IP. He gave up a HR to Heisey to start the inning and then proceeded to load the bases on three walks. He ended up getting tagged for 4ER’s because Schwimmer came in and gave up a Granny to Jonathan Gaston. 3 of those runners were Turpen’s.

* Thomas Neal got beaned twice, but only got one base. Bottom of the 9th, nobody on, losing 10-2. He gets buzzed on the hands by Scribner, actually the ball rolled foul down the RF line. Apparently, he went around and was not allowed to take first. The very next pitch Scribner comes right back in and tags Neal on the back. I don’t know if Scribner had some command issues to start the inning (22pitches 14 for strikes) or if this was in some way retaliation for the nuttiness that was opening day (5 HBP, 3 Saguaros, 2 Scorpions).

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