October 23, 2011 at 5:30 AM
Linares makes AFL debut in Scottsdale victory
10/23 Cup of Coffee: Thanks to another balanced offensive attack and a tremendous showing by the bullpen, the Scottsdale Scorpions defeated the Phoenix Desert Dogs 9-4.
The Desert Dogs went up 4-0 after 4 innings thanks to home runs by Michael Choice (OAK) and Kevin Ahrens (TOR) off of Scottsdale starter Tyler Cloyd (PHI). While it looked like another long night for Scottsdale pitching, the bullpen stepped up and threw 4.0 scoreless innings to keep the Scorpions in the game.
The Scorpions tied the game up in the 6th after a home run by Brandon Crawford (SFG) and 2 run single by Ryan Dent. The game was tied until the 8th when a Zach Walters (WAS) home run put the Scorpions up for good.
Every Scottsdale starter except for Juan Carlos Linares had at least 1 hit in the game. Linares, who tore ligaments in his ankle on May 2nd, finally returned to game action on Saturday. He went 0 for 5 as he is still working his way back into game shape. To read more about Linares and the recovery from his injury, the great Alex Speier recently published an informative piece about him.
Ryan Dent was the only other Sox prospect to see game action on Saturday as he went 1 for 2 with 2 walks. The Scorpions have an off-day tomorrow before returning to action on Monday at 3:35 EST at Peoria.