Double feature: Anderson, Sloan spin back-to-back gems in Double-A twin bill
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Rain, rain, go away -- unless it sets up for a top prospect doubleheader day.
Inclement weather rolled through North Little Rock, Ark., on Friday. While postponements can often lead to logistical issues, this one resulted in a special double feature at Dickey-Stephens Park on Saturday. Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan, the Mariners’ No. 2 and No. 3 prospects, respectively, each started a game of the doubleheader.
As the intended Friday night starter, Anderson took the mound in the first game. MLB's No. 6 prospect didn’t seem to mind the extra rest as he continued the historic start to his careee, coming one out short of a shutout as he struck out six over 6 2/3 innings before being lifted in a 1-0 win.
For Anderson, it was his fourth consecutive start with no runs allowed as he improved to 6-0 with a miniscule 1.13 ERA that leads all qualified full-season hurlers in 2026. Not only does the No. 3 pick from the 2025 Draft lead the Texas League in ERA, he also tops the circuit in strikeouts (82) and batting average against (.157). The eye-popping stats don’t stop there.
Anderson's 11.71 K/BB ratio leads all Minor Leaguers with at least 30 innings of work this season. Comparatively, Guardians closer Cade Smith leads the Majors with a 9.4 K/BB rate, while reigning back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal tops all starting pitchers with a 7.5 mark.
The pitching showcase continued in the second game of the doubleheader with Sloan, MLB's No. 2 right-handed pitching prospect. In six innings, he allowed one run (which was unearned) over six innings while racking up seven strikeouts.
Sloan was in a groove for much of the game, including striking out three consecutive batters in the second inning of what went on to be a 6-4 defeat for the Travelers.
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While Anderson has been automatic this year, Sloan has been more up and down with flashes of pure domination. He allowed three home runs in his last start to kick off June, but closed May with arguably the best performance of his career -- six perfect innings and a career-high 11 strikeouts.
Even with a starting staff that leads the Majors in strikeouts (398), the Mariners have no shortage of petrol coming behind them in the form of baseball's premier 1-2 prospect pitching punch.