Salt River wins first game, Nats rank high in ESPN fan voting

Salt River beat Scottsdale 5-3 in its Arizona Fall League opener Tuesday night.

The Rafters pitching was the story here, allowing the Scorpions only five hits in their first game in AFL play. Chris Bostick went 0-for-4, but scored a run thanks in part to his two stolen bases. Dakota Bacus came on in relief and pitched a scoreless frame late in the game, striking out two. Former Nationals prospect Danny Rosenbaum went 1 1/3 innings for Scottsdale, allowing two hits, no runs, one walk and struck out one.

Today, Drew Ward will be at third base and Spencer Kieboom will start at catcher. John Simms will pitch three innings Thursday.

Salt River is alone at the top of the East Division as play gets under way. The Rafters play tonight at 9:35 p.m. Eastern time at Scottsdale.

* ESPN has published its Ultimate Standings for pro franchises across all four major sports in North America, based on fan voting in categories such as affordability, title track, coaching, players, stadium experience and fan relations.

The Nationals came in eighth in Major League Baseball rankings. The Pirates came in No. 1. No other National League East team was in the top 10. Atlanta was ranked No. 20.

Fans appreciated the 10th anniversary celebration, especially the bobblehead and nesting dolls giveaways. ESPN also praised the Nationals for their roster, including Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer. Voters did give Nats lower marks for ticket prices and their manager, but with Matt Williams let go at season's end, that number is sure to rise.

Overall, the Nationals moved up 10 spots in the rankings to No. 41, out of 122 teams over the four major sports.