Drew Ellis, the D-backs' No. 9 prospect, looked very comfortable at the plate during the Salt River Rafters' 14-3 victory over the Glendale Desert Dogs on Thursday.
The third basemen got the scoring started early for the Rafters with a two-RBI double that lined down the left-field line in the top of second inning. Then, in the fifth, he launched a two-run home run deep over the left-field wall. The Louisville product was 3-for-4 on the day with four RBIs and three runs scored.
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"To get some barrels on the ball it feels good, that's for sure," Ellis said.
Ellis hasn't swung the bat the way he has wanted to during the Fall League, and was hitting just .229 entering the game, but perhaps the big day is a sign of things to come for the 2017 second-round pick.
"It was definitely a confidence booster," Ellis said. "It was a rough couple of first weeks for me. It's a grind, these guys are good, playing against the best of the best in the Minors, so it has been an adjustment, but I am enjoying it."  
Ellis spent 2018 with Class A Advanced Visalia, where he hit .246, while slugging .429 with 15 home runs, 71 RBIs and 34 doubles.
In addition to Ellis, several D-backs' prospects came through for the Rafters.
D-backs' No. 3 prospect Jazz Chisholm, also had an impressive day going 3-for-6 with a homer, double, four RBIs and three runs scored out of the leadoff spot.
"I felt great," Chisholm said. "I have family in town so I'm super excited they got to see a great game," Chisholm said.
Daulton Varsho (No. 5) stayed hot and is hitting .381 after going 2-for-6 with three RBIs.
The D-backs No. 30 prospect, Dominic Miroglio, handled the catching duties and went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. First baseman Pavin Smith (No. 4) was quiet at the plate, going 0-for-5, but he walked and scored a run.
Right-hander Kevin Ginkel also contributed with an immaculate ninth inning, striking out the side on nine pitches.
"I mean, it's a family of guys," Chisholm said. "Just being around them again is the same thing as during the season. Just come out and play with your brothers, you know?"
A core group of young players with a growing relationship is something D-backs' fans should definitely be looking forward to and the players are excited as well.
"We are all excited to play together," Ellis said. "All those guys are fun to be around. They are great baseball players and even better people, so it is good to have those guys on your team."