Mirowski, Benincasa get in, but Mesa falls 8-2 to Salt River

Mesa hung in its game Saturday night until the ninth inning, before surrendering seven runs in an 8-2 loss to Salt River in Arizona Fall League play. Leading 2-1 heading into the top of the ninth, Salt River tallied seven runs on R.J. Alvarez, who blew the save. It was not all of his fault as four of the runs were unearned. Nationals prospects Richie Mirowski and Robert Benincasa got in before the onslaught. Mirowski went one inning, allowing two hits, a run and struck out one batter. Benincasa got credit for a hold, going one frame and giving up one hit and striking out one. The Solar Sox did give up 10 hits, but walked only three batters all night. Offensively, Brian Goodwin and Steven Souza Jr. started. Goodwin went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts, raising his average to .346. He led off and played center field. Souza got a chance to play left field, going 1-for-2, inducing a pair of walks, but striking out twice. Still, Souza is batting .308. Souza stole a base, he already has six in Fall play, which seems a little unbelievable since he can only play twice a week on the taxi squad. He has played in four total games and had six thefts. Goodwin also stole a base and has two on the season. Mesa (7-2-1) managed only three hits and lost for the second straight game. Left-hander Sammy Solis (2-0, 1.17 ERA) seeks his third straight win as he gets the ball at home today versus Surprise (6-4) at 3:35 p.m. eastern. The Solar Sox have a 3 1/2 game lead in the East Division over Salt River and Scottsdale.