The Sox performed an offensive attack which resulted in 28 runs for the team and 8 errors for Surprise. Leading the offensive attack was Phillies upcoming star Jason Donald (U of A) with seven at bats, scoring 4 runs with one double and a home run. Right fielder Scott Cousins of the Florida Marlins also contributed with 5 RBIs of his own as he hit one home run. Jesse Estrada of the Chicago Cubs earned the win as he pitched four innings, allowing two hits and one earned run.

The offensive onslaught began in the bottom of the third inning and did not show any signs of letting up. The sox followed with three runs in the fourth and another seven runs in the fifth before scoring eight more in the remainder of the game. Jason Donald performed in the All-Star Futures game this season and had assured his spot in the Future Stars game for this weekend.

John Raynor of the Florida Marlins had an excellent game against the Scottsdale Scorpions going 3-for-3 at the bat. The Scorpions, who looked like they might pull out a second victory for the season, fell to the Solar Sox by a score of 6-5. Chicago Cubs’ prospect Nate Spears hit a triple to bat in the first run for the Mesa Solar Sox, who scored two in the third inning of play. The Sox managed to keep the remainder of the game scoreless while they performed descent at the bat in the bottom of the fifth inning. Multiple pitching mistakes are what ended up plaguing the Scorpions, including a walk to load the bases and allowing a run to score on a wild pitch. More rocky roads for Scottsdale as they drop another game to the Solar Sox.

For Phoenix, the game was just as challenging. The young team of stars trailed through eight innings of play before taking the lead to win the game. Although the Dogs had two RBI doubles in the top of the seventh, it was not enough to take the lead from the Javelinas. It was not until the top of the ninth inning with a home run by Ryan Patterson (Toronto Blue Jays) and a double by Chris Nelson (Colorado Rockies) scored multiple runs to give the Phoenix Desert Dogs the victory.

The Peoria Saguaros lose hold of their winning ways as they are downed by the rafters in, what hoped to be, an encore of yesterday afternoon’s performance. The Saguaros, who have been playing solid baseball throughout the Arizona Fall League prove they can, indeed, be beat as they lose in Surprise by a score of 6-8.

Surprise Stadium is located in the flourishing City of Surprise Arizona. Surprise is located in the far west region of the valley and is west of Sun City West. Both the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals call this their home during spring training. It is also the home to the AFL’s Surprise Rafters.

Although the trip to the stadium is a bit of a trek for locals, it is quite a site that would be appreciated by loyal baseball fans everywhere. The classic design and the faux white picket fencing help to make this a gorgeous stadium. Built in 2002, this is one of the newest additions to the stadiums and is definitely a must on the list of stadiums to visit.

Link to Stadium Seating Map

Surprise Stadium