Skole sends Rafters past Desert Dogs

Nationals prospect Matthew Skole continued his torrid hitting Monday afternoon, collecting three hits and delivering a two-out, two-run go-ahead single in the 10th inning as Salt River outlasted host Phoenix, 4-2.

Skole, who hit .297/.426/.559 with 27 homers and 104 RBIs for Class A Hagerstown and Class A Advanced Potomac this season, is 7-for-12 with a homer, two doubles and five RBIs in three AFL games.

Fellow Washington prospect Brian Goodwin doubled twice in the game. The left fielder opened the 10th with a two-bagger and moved to third on Carlos Sanchez's sacrifice bunt before being driven in by Skole.

Apart from the two Nationals prospects, the Rafters relied on strong pitching, particularly out of the bullpen. Starter Tyler Chatwood (Rockies) allowed two runs on two hits and three walks while fanning five over 3 2/3 innings before a series of Salt River relievers stifled the Desert Dogs the rest of the way.

Cole Kimball (Nationals) took over from Chatwood in the fourth and retired all four batters he faced, striking out a pair. Evan Marshall (D-backs), Kevin Munson (Diamondbacks), and Cory Riordan (Rockies) tossed one no-hit frame apiece before Rockies prospect Coty Woods (1-0) closed out the two-hitter with two no-hit innings.

Woods put the tying runs on base in the 10th, walking Christian Yelich (Marlins) and plunking Khris Davis (Brewers), but got Phoenix catcher Jake Realmuto (Marlins) to ground into a double play to end the game.

The Desert Dogs bullpen was nearly as effective. After Phoenix starter Shawn Haviland (A's) yielded two runs -- one earned -- on five hits over four innings, the Dogs got hitless frames from Cory Rasmus (Braves), Brett Hunter (A's), James Simmons (A's) and Grant Dayton (Marlins) before Gary Daley (A's) gave up a hit in the ninth.

Marlins right-hander Michael Brady (0-1) took the loss, allowing two runs on two hits and an intentional walk in the 10th .

Salt River improved to 4-2 with the victory.