photo: Conner Capel (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

In Wednesday AFL action, Glendale won again behind Conner Capel’s third home run in the last three games and three RBI. Kodi Whitley picked up his fourth AFL save. Cardinals Elehuris Montero and Seth Elledge also appeared.

Wednesday, October 23 – Glendale Desert Dogs 6 at Salt River Rafters 5

Four St. Louis Cardinals took part in Glendale’s Arizona Fall League victory on Wednesday evening. Conner Capel started in left field and batted seventh, Elehuris Montero played third base and hit eighth, Seth Elledge pitched the seventh inning and Kodi Whitley closed the victory with a save.

Capel played an important role in the victory, crushing a home run and a double for three RBI while Montero was 1-for-4 with a single and a strikeout. Elledge pitched a scoreless seventh inning but worked around a pair of hits for his second hold and Whitley recorded his fourth AFL save despite allowing three hits and one earned run.

OF Conner Capel heating up just as the AFL approaches its end with his third HR in the last three games. https://t.co/iPyWFWbkCL

— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) October 24, 2019

Big league quality play by Double-A third baseman Elehuris Montero in the AFL. https://t.co/rBdikm04uk

— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) October 24, 2019

In a game filled with offense, the teams combined for 22 hits and 11 runs.

Reds outfield prospect Stuart Fairchild led Glendale in hits, with three in four at-bats. The 23-year-old hit three singles and walked once as he reached base a game high four times. Fellow Reds prospect Tyler Stephenson also performed well for the Desert Dogs. The catcher batted 2-for-5 with a double and a single as the only other player to tally a multi-hit game.

Brewers right-hander Victor Castaneda started on the mound for Glendale. The 21-year tossed four innings and surrendered just one run on two hits and three walks while fanning seven. Dauri Moreta (CIN) then took the mound to begin the fifth inning. However, he yielded three earned runs on two hits and a walk and was unable to finish the inning. Brewers right-hander Robbie Hitt recorded the final out of the fifth before tossing a scoreless sixth inning as well to maintain Glendale’s lead.

Elledge then pitched the seventh before handing the ball to Quintin Torres-Costa (MIL) who struck out the side in a scoreless eighth inning. Whitley followed with the save to end the game.

With the victory, Glendale improved to 12-15 on the season, but remain in last place in the West Division. The Desert Dogs trail the Surprise Saguaros by four games with just two games remaining.

The Desert Dogs’ next contest will take place on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. MST against the Peoria Javelinas. The probable starters are RHP Gerardo Carillo (LAD) for Glendale and LHP Adrian Morejon (SD) for Peoria.

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Ivan Herrera is both Very Young and Very Good

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photo: Kramer Robertson (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

In Monday AFL action, three Cardinals prospects were busy. 2B Kramer Robertson walked twice and doubled, 3B Elehuris Montero walked and LF Conner Capel singled, walked and scored twice.

Monday, October 21 – Salt River Rafters 11 at Glendale Desert Dogs 7

Three St. Louis Cardinals prospects played a role in Glendale’s AFL loss on Monday. Kramer Robertson played at second base and batted second in the lineup, with a double and two walks in five plate appearances. Elehuris Montero started at third base and hit sixth, walking once and batting 0-for-4 with a strikeout. The final Cardinals prospect to play was Conner Capel, who played left field and hit seventh. The 22-year-old singled and walked in five trips to the plate and crossed home plate both times.

The Desert Dogs plated a run in the first inning and another in the second to jump out to an early 2-0 lead. However, they surrendered the lead in the third by allowing five runs. The Dogs battled back, however, tallying a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth before scoring again in the seventh and eighth innings to retake a two-run lead. However, in the top of the ninth, Salt River rallied for six runs to take the final lead as Glendale was unable to mount another comeback.

The Desert Dogs recorded 11 hits on the night and every player in the lineup reached base at least once. Dodgers middle infield prospect Omar Estevez, White Sox first baseman Gavin Sheets and Brewers catcher and corner infielder David Fry each recorded two hits to lead the team. Estevez and Sheets finished with a single and a double while Fry hit his first home run of the AFL season, as well as a single.

White Sox left-hander Bernardo Flores began the game on the mound for Glendale. The 24-year-old cruised through his first two innings but ran into trouble in the third. He yielded five runs and was only able to record the first two outs before getting relived by Reds right-hander Cory Thompson. Thompson finished the inning and then tossed a scoreless fourth while fanning three and not allowing a single base runner. Bobby Wahl (NYM), Diomar Lopez (CIN), Vince Arobio (CWS), and Brett de Geus (LAD) then tossed the next four innings without conceding a run. These four pitchers combined for six strikeouts and allowed just one hit.

The Desert Dogs ran into trouble when Mitchell White (LAD) entered the game in the ninth inning in a save opportunity. The 24-year-old was unable to do so as he allowed five runs to score off four hits and a walk while collecting just two outs. Tyler Johnson (CWS) entered and allowed a three-run home run before recording the final out (only one run was charged to Johnson).

With the loss, Glendale drops to 11-15 and remains in last place in the AFL West Division. The Desert Dogs are five games behind the division leading Surprise Saguaros.

After taking Tuesday off, Glendale’s next game will be on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. MST when they will once again play the Salt River Rafters. The probable starters are RHP Victor Castaneda (MIL) vs. RHP Dakota Chalmers (MIN).

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Arizona Fall League Door Opened for Conner Capel

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photo: Conner Capel (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

Sunday, October 20 – Scottsdale Scorpions 2 at Glendale Desert Dogs 7

Glendale broke out the bats in the fifth inning to break a one run tie by tallying five runs. The outcome was never in doubt after that as the Desert Dogs rolled to a 7-2 Sunday win.

Ivan Herrera and Conner Capel were the only prospects from the St. Louis Cardinals to appear. Herrera drew the start behind the plate and recorded a single in four at bats. Capel batted seventh in the lineup, one spot behind Herrera, and started in right field. The 22-year-old easily played his best game in the AFL as he crushed two home runs in four trips to the plate. He did make a fielding error in the outfield, but his strong day at the dish more than made up for his mistake.

Besides Capel’s impressive afternoon, Reds outfield prospect Stuart Fairchild recorded a double and a single in his two RBI effort. Another key contributor was Dodgers infielder and 2019 first round pick Michael Busch, who provided production from the top of the lineup with a home run as well as a pair of walks. The team as a whole collected nine hits and four walks while fanning just five times.

On the pitching side, Jordan Johnson (CIN) started and tossed five strong innings. The 26-year-old right-hander yielded just one earned run on two hits and no walks while striking out four. This outing lowered his AFL ERA to 3.32. Marshall Kasowski (LAD) hurled a scoreless sixth inning. He worked around a hit and a walk to keep the score unchanged before handing the ball to Brewers left-hander Clayton Andrews. The 22-year-old Andrews surrendered one earned run on two hits and a walk, but he also demonstrated an impressive ability to generate as he fanned four batters. Andrews seems to be the rare example of a diminutive strikeout pitcher. Despite his 5’6”, 160-pound size, he fanned 11.68 batters in the Brewers organization this season, and he appears to have brought this ability to the AFL. Dauri Moreta (CIN) then entered the game in the ninth and tossed a quick 1-2-3 inning to end the game.

With the victory, Glendale improves to 11-14 on the season. However, they remain in last place in the AFL West Division and have been eliminated from playoff contention.

Glendale plays next on Monday at 6:30 p.m. MST against the Salt River Rafters. The probable starters are Bernardo Flores (CWS) for Glendale and Dakota Chalmers (MIN) for Salt River.

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Arizona Fall League Door Opened for Conner Capel

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photo: Conner Capel (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

Wednesday, October 16 – Surprise Saguaros 4 at Glendale Desert Dogs 8

Conner Capel was the only St. Louis Cardinals prospect to play for Glendale in their home win over the first-place Surprise Saguaros Wednesday night. The 22-year-old was the left fielder and batted seventh in the lineup. He tallied a single, a double, and a walk in four plate appearances while scoring once and recording an RBI.

Glendale collected 12 hits on the night as the lineup helped overcome a leaky bullpen.

The Dodgers 2019 first round pick Michael Busch was one of four players besides Capel to enjoy a multi-hit night. He finished with a pair of singles as well as two walks in five plate appearances. Fellow Dodgers infield prospect Omar Estevez, as well as Stuart Fairchild (CIN), tallied two hits and a walk in five plate appearances. Brewers outfield prospect Pablo Abreu also slapped a double and a single with a run scored and an RBI out of the ninth spot in the lineup.

Glendale starter Victor Castaneda (MIL) worked five strong innings with six strikeouts and no runs allowed. He yielded just three baserunners on two hits and a walk. However, the team ran into trouble after the call to the bullpen. White Sox right-hander Vince Arobio was the first reliever to enter the game and he struggled through the sixth inning. The 24-year-old surrendered two earned runs on two hits and two walks while throwing just 10 of his 25 pitches for strikes.

Diomar Lopez (CIN) entered the game next and did not perform much better. The right-hander conceded two more runs after allowing a pair of hits and a walk. He was unable to finish the seventh inning as he recorded just two outs. Cory Thompson (CIN) and Mitchell White (LAD) then combined to toss the final 2 1/3 innings, allowing no runs while White struck out the side in the ninth to finish the game.

With the victory, Glendale improves to 9-13 and moves to six games behind division-leading Surprise. The Dogs’ elimination number is just two, however, as it appears highly unlikely that they will make the playoffs.

After the league-wide day off Thursday, the Desert Dogs return to action on Friday at 6:30 p.m. MST against the Saguaros once again. Probable starters are TBA.

Cardinal Griffin Roberts had been listed as Wednesday’s starter, with Casteneda pegged to go Friday, so perhaps the two just switched. We will have to see…

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Griffin Roberts Making Strides in the Desert

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photo: Elehuris Montero (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

Tuesday, October 15 – Mesa Solar Sox 3 at Glendale Desert Dogs 4

Elehuris Montero was the only St. Louis Cardinals prospect to play for Glendale in Tuesday afternoon Arizona Fall League action. The 21-year-old third baseman went 2-for-3 with a double and a single and led his team in hits.

The home Desert Dogs jumped out to an early lead, scoring two in the first and one in the second. Mesa briefly tied the game with a pair of runs in the fifth inning, but Glendale countered with one run in the bottom half of the inning before holding Mesa to four consecutive scoreless innings to end the win.

Glendale hitters combined for eight hits, with seven different players tallying at least one. Montero led the team with two hits, but Dodgers outfield prospect Jeren Kendall provided the biggest hit with a home run in bottom of the fifth to retake the lead for the Desert Dogs. Highly touted Reds prospect Jonathan India connected on a triple to right field in the first inning. In total, the Glendale lineup combined for six extra base hits, which helped the team push just enough runs across the plate to come away with the victory despite going just 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

White Sox southpaw Bernardo Flores started on the mound for the Desert Dogs. The 24-year-old completed 4 1/3 innings and allowed three earned runs on seven hits. However, despite these struggles, he collected five strikeouts.

Dodgers right-hander Marshall Kasowski entered in relief of Flores with two runners on base and one out in the fifth. He allowed a hard-hit single to the first batter he faced, which allowed one inherited runner to score, but he managed to escape the inning after that without allowing any more damage. Kasowski (blown save, win) stayed in the game to pitch a scoreless sixth. Bobby Wahl (NYM), Clayton Andrews (MIL), and Dauri Moreta (CIN – save) finished, combining for three scoreless innings and three strikeouts while allowing just one base runner.

With the win, Glendale improves to 8-13 on the season. However, they remain in last place, seven games behind the division leading Surprise Saguaros. The Desert Dogs’ elimination number is three, rendering them highly unlikely to make the playoffs.

Glendale’s next game is Wednesday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m. MST, when they will play the division leading Surprise Saguaros at Glendale’s Camelback Ranch. Probable starters are Cardinals right-hander Griffin Roberts for Glendale and 21-year-old Rangers right-hander A.J. Alexy for Surprise.

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Cardinals 2019 Arizona Fall League Mid-Season Update

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photo: In perfect symmetry, Ivan Herrera (9) and Conner Capel (10) scored on Devin Mann’s (11) eighth-inning home run (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation) 

Monday, October 14 – Glendale Desert Dogs 9 at Mesa Solar Sox 5

Four St. Louis Cardinals prospects participated in the Glendale Desert Dogs’ first game of the second half of the Arizona Fall League season, held on Monday afternoon at the spring home of the Cubs, Sloan Park in Mesa.

Conner Capel played in right field, Ivan Herrera started behind the plate, and Roel Ramirez and Kodi Whitley each tossed one inning in relief. Capel finished 1-for-3 with a single, a walk, a run, and an RBI via a sac fly while Herrera also slapped a single, was hit by a pitch, scored two runs, and tallied two RBI in four at-bats.

On the pitching side, Ramirez allowed an unearned run without being charged with a hit or a walk before Whitley yielded an earned run on a pair of hits, including a solo home run.

Glendale broke a 4-4 tie in the eighth inning by pushing five runs across the plate to start the second half with a win.

White Sox left-fielder Blake Rutherford and Dodgers second base prospect Devin Mann each tallied a pair of hits for the Desert Dogs. Rutherford doubled, singled, and walked while Mann doubled and homered to drive in four runs. White Sox first baseman Gavin Sheets also reached base twice on a pair of walks.

Reds right-hander Jordan Johnson (CIN) started on the mound for Glendale and performed well. The 26-year-old surrendered just one earned run on five hits while fanning two. In the second, Capel made a valiant diving attempt on a hard-hit single by Mesa first baseman Alfonso Rivas (OAK). Rivas scored on a double by second baseman Jahmai Jones (LAA).

Johnson was relieved by Milwaukee right-hander Robbie Hitt, who retired the side in order in the fifth. Quintin Torres-Costa handled pitching duties in the sixth and conceded two runs (1 ER) on a hit and a walk while registering two strikeouts.

Ramirez took over in the seventh and was the victim of an error leading to an unearned run. There was a missed catch at second on a stolen base attempt, but Ramirez was bailed out by a great diving catch by Rutherford in the left-field corner on what became a sacrifice fly.

Whitley gave up his first earned run of the AFL campaign in the eighth when center fielder Brandon Marsh (LAA) took him deep. It was Marsh’s second long ball of the game. After a swinging strikeout, Whitley also yielded a single, which was erased on an inning-ending 4-6-3. Bennett Sousa (CWS) preserved the four-run lead with a scoreless ninth.

The Dogs did not help themselves on defense, with three errors that led to a pair of unearned runs. Reds infield prospect Jonathan India made a pair of throwing miscues while Herrera also committed a throwing error, misfiring to first on a wild strike three offering.

With the victory, Glendale improves to 7-13 (.350), but remains seven games out of first place in the West Division, trailing the Surprise Saguaros.

Glendale’s next game will occur on Tuesday, October 15 at 12:30 p.m. MST at home. They will again take on the Mesa Solar Sox, currently two games out of first place in the East Division. Probable starters are lefty Bernardo Torres (CWS) for the Dogs and righty Aaron Hernandez (LAA) for the Solar Sox.

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Cardinals 2019 Arizona Fall League Mid-Season Update

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