Solar Sox capitalize on errors to win fourth straight

The two-day weekend break did nothing to slow down the Solar Sox. Mesa defeated Scottsdale, 7-6, on Monday at Scottsdale Stadium to remain the Arizona Fall League's only unbeaten team.

The Solar Sox jumped out to an early lead with four runs in the third inning. Their offense kept adding runs and the pitching staff made sure the lead would stand for their fourth straight victory.

"Our team is awesome," designated hitter Taylor Lindsey said. "We've got a great team on our hands here."

Lindsey, the Angels' No. 3 prospect, punctuated the third-inning rally with a three-run home run off right-hander Vidal Nuno. Lindsey said he was looking for a pitch up in the zone he could drive.

"He threw me a pitch inside and I hit it on the barrel and it happened to go out," Lindsey said. "It was awesome to do for the team and to help us win."

The Solar Sox again got contributions from throughout their lineup. Center fielder Brian Goodwin, the Nationals' No. 1 prospect, went 2-for-4 with two doubles and a run. Third baseman Kris Bryant, the Cubs' No. 4 prospect, went 1-for-4 with a stolen base, a run and an RBI.

Through five games, Mesa is averaging 8.6 runs per game. Lindsey said the success of the Solar Sox lineup is no accident.

"Every guy goes out there and works hard in the cage," Lindsey said. "We just go out there and swing it. Everyone can swing it pretty good."

Despite committing six errors, Scottsdale was able to keep the game close. The Scorpions scored three runs in the bottom of the third, thanks in part to an error on second baseman Devon Travis and two wild pitches by left-hander Michael Roth.

The Scorpions kept chipping away at the lead and cut the deficit to one run in the eighth inning when first baseman Tyler Austin hit a two-out RBI triple. But right-hander Ryan Dull retired catcher Andrew Susac to end the threat and pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning for the save.

Austin, the Yankees' No. 3 prospect, finished the game 2-for-4 for the Scorpions. Left fielder Robby Hefflinger also went 2-for-4 with a double, a run and an RBI.

While the Scorpions have now lost four games in a row, the Solar Sox are enjoying their winning streak. Lindsey said he wants to keep playing loose throughout the fall.

"My goals are to come out and play hard every day and show what I can do," Lindsey said. "Just have fun and prove myself."