10/26 Winter League Results: Lagares on the Mend

Arizona Fall League (AFL)

Glendale Desert Dogs 9 – 8 Mesa Solar Sox
Salt River Rafters 9 – 2 Peoria Javelinas
Surprise Saguaros 3 – 1 Scottsdale Scorpions

1B Peter Alonso: 0-for-3
2B Andres Gimenez: 0-for-4, 2 K
RHP Stephen Nogosek: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Blackham: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Gerson Bautista: 1.2 IP, 2 K, 2 Wild Pitches

The Scorpion bats were held quiet in this one as the Saguaros pitchers held them to only two hits and two walks in the entire game. On the pitching side, control problems continue to plague Mets pitchers as Nogosek, Blackham, and Bautista combined for four free passes and two wild pitches. While the trio of Mets relievers got themselves into trouble, they also got themselves out of it on multiple occasions too.

In the top of the fifth inning, with runners on first and second with only one out, Nogosek was able to induce a pop-out to third base that turned into a double play as the runner strayed too far off second base and was doubled off.

In the top of the sixth inning, with bases loaded and two outs, Blackham allowed a sharp ground ball to the left of first base that should have been a base hit. Instead, Alonso made an excellent snag and tossed over to Blackham, who was covering first base, to bail him out of the inning.

In the top of the seventh inning, after Blackham allowed a double, a walk, and struck out one, Gerson Bautista came into the game and uncorked two wild pitches to allow one of the inherited runners to score. After getting his mechanics in order though, Bautista would get out of the inning with a pop-up and a fly out. He would pitch the next inning too, tossing a clean 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts.

Mexican Pacific League (LMP)

Charros de Jalisco 17 – 0 Aguilas de Mexicali
Tomateros de Culiacan 10 – 7 Mayos de Navojoa
Naranjeros de Hermosillo 6 – 2 Yaquis de Obregon

Venezuelan Winter League (LVBP)

Bravos de Margarita 8 – 2 Tiburones de La Guaira
Caribes de Anzoategui 6 – 5 Leones del Caracas
Aguilas del Zulia 7 – 3 Navegantes del Magallanes
Tigres de Aragua 10 – 4 Cardenales de Lara

C Jose Garcia: 2-for-4

A second straight start for Garcia which is something he hasn’t done since May 27th and 28th due to injury and his eventual release from the team in August.

Dominican Winter League (LIDOM)

Estrellas de Oriente 2 – 0 Tigres del Licey
Leones del Escogido 9 – 0 Toros del Este

Dom Smith’s agent, Kyle Thousand, released a statement today indicating that his client’s release from the Toros del Este was mutually agreed upon. According to Thousand, it was Smith’s understanding that the Toros were going to use him in the outfield in order to help him develop the versatility he needs in order to potentially remain on the Mets roster. After two weeks with the club though, Smith had not made any appearances in the outfield and decided that it would be best for him to return to the states to train elsewhere. From the Toros perspective, there was no chance they could play Smith over their other options due to the excellent play of Ruben Sosa (.353 AVG/.822 OPS) and Jordany Valdespin (.324 AVG/.896 OPS) in the corner outfield spots.

Aguilas Cibaenas 2 – 1 Gigantes del Cibao

1B Joey Terdoslavich: 0-for-4, K

Nothing much to talk about in the game, but there was some important developments that occurred in Aguilas camp as outfielder Juan Lagares participated in pre-game drills and batting practice. The Cibaenas are hoping that he will be ready to play in LIDOM games in relatively short order so that they can have a solid 1-2 punch at the top of the lineup with him and Nationals top prospect Victor Robles.