Have a professional debut, Ryder Helfrick.
Helfrick, the 15th overall pick to the Diamondbacks in this year’s Draft, posted three hits in his first game with Single-A Visalia. That included a late, go-ahead home run en route to a 10-9 win over Fresno at Chukchansi Park.
Entering the top of the eighth inning with a 7-4 deficit, Visalia’s Ivan Luciano knotted things up with a clutch three-run homer. Then came Helfrick out of the on-deck circle, who took the lead after battling to a full count. The 21-year-old lifted the pitch way out to left field, leaving no doubt about his first professional long ball and an 8-7 lead for Visalia.
COMPLETE D-BACKS PROSPECT COVERAGE
Helfrick also recorded a double in the third inning and an infield single in the fourth to give him a 3-for-6 debut overall. The barnburner game, meanwhile, needed 11 innings before Visalia put the finishing touches on a W.
Helfrick was a Golden Spikes Award semifinalist this spring at Arkansas, slashing .283/.417/.562 with 18 home runs and 53 RBIs in 62 games. He’s already off to quite a start in the Minor Leagues.