Cristian Hernandez started last night’s game for Surprise against Scottsdale and continues to throw very well. Cristian pitched three scoreless innings allowing just one hit while striking out four batters. He delivered 35 pitches - 23 for strikes. The 22 year old has now appeared in 7 games ( 10 IP ) and has posted a 0.90 ERA and a 0.60 WHIP with 9 K’s and 2 BB - he’s yielded just 4 hits and the only run he has surrendered came on a home run. Cristian told me he credits his success to working hard - I try to text him after every outing - am very happy that he’s ending his 2022 season well.
Francisco Morales also continues to dominate in AFL play - he threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings last night in relief allowing 1 hit while striking out one batter ( 15 pitches - 11 strikes ) - he’s yet to give up a run in 7 appearances ( 8 2/3 IP ) with a 0.92 WHIP and has struck out 12 batters - he’s throwing both his fastball ( 94 to 97 mph ) and wipeout slider consistently for strikes which bodes well for next season - spring training will likely be a big league opportunity for Francisco.
Brett Schulze pitched a scoreless frame ( 0 H, 2 BB, 1 K ) throwing 21 pitches - 9 strikes - he’s posted a 1.23 ERA in 7 appearances ( 7 1/3 IP ) with a 1.09 WHIP. Brett returned this season from prior Tommy John surgery - with his AFL innings he’s now logged 33 innings this season - a steady progression for the big arm reliever who finished the minor league season with Reading.
Carlos De La Cruz went 1 for 4 in last night’s game and played left field, Jhailyn Ortiz played right field ( 0 for 4 ). Johan Rojas is nursing an apparent shoulder injury and hasn’t played since Monday.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Cristian Hernandez
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