Strasburg to start in AFL Championship Game
The Phoenix Desert Dogs routed the Mesa Solar Sox 11-1 to clinch the AFL East Division Monday.
Nats prospect Danny Espinosa, the talented shortstop from Long Beach State, had 4 RBI as the Dogs scored 11 unanswered runs to put away any chance Mesa would have of overtaking Phoenix in the final week.
The Nationals announced that number one overall selection Stephen Strasburg will start for the Desert Dogs in the Championship Game.
George Washington's Josh Wilkie pitched the fifth inning masterfully, getting 3 outs with no runs and one strikeout.
The Arizona Fall League Championship game between the Phoenix Desert Dogs and Peoria Javelinas is set for 2:35 p.m. eastern on Saturday, November 21 in Scottsdale Stadium.
The Desert Dogs notch the regular season title with 3 games left on the schedule.
Espinosa went 3-for-4 with an RBI triple to raise his AFL average to .329 in 22 games.
I have learned there is a realistic possibility we could see three, maybe all four Nats prospects pitch in the championship game: Strasburg, Drew Storen, Jeff Mandel and Wilkie. What a huge statement that would make for this young franchise!
I also have been told that Nats 1B Chris Marrero is under the weather, and that is why we have not seen him play for awhile. Hope you feel better very soon, Chris!
 |
Categories (click for archive)Byron Kerr | Nationals News |
Appreciate the updates. I love that Wilkie is doing his thing sort of under the radar. I'm hoping he turns out to be the sleeper that surprises everyone.
Speaking of local boys, as a DC resident and adorer of the city, knowing Lannan and Stammen are staying here in the offseason REALLY endears me to them. I'd love all the players to really get to know this town.
-------
NN, I am impressed with Josh as well. I hope he gets a shot and they certainly like him to put him in the AFL. He also has to be happy with GW's 69-59 over BU last night in basketball, but I digress ;). Lannan and Stammen are working very hard with John Philbin and wanted to stay close to DC to get lots of off season work in. It already is paying off and more dividends will show in those dog days of summer next season. Thanks for the comments!