SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Pirates Minor League Hitter of the Year Josh Bell remained red-hot, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs on Wednesday, but the Scottsdale Scorpions (10-15) couldn’t weather a 13-hit assault en route to an 8-4 loss to the Salt River Rafters (16-6) at Scottsdale Stadium.

The Scorpions jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, riding a streak of four consecutive batters – including Bell – to reach base safely. Daniel Carbonell (SF) and Tyler Austin (NYY) singled, Greg Bird (NYY) coaxed a walk and Bell singled up the middle to plate the first two Scottsdale runs. The Bucco farmhand also later came around to score on a double by Matt Reynolds (NYM) to cap the frame.

Scorpions starter Rob Whelan (NYM) kept Scottsdale close by working his third straight start in which he allowed one run or less over three or more innings of action. Whelan’s Wednesday outing included a lone score on Evan Marzilli’s (ARI) solo shot during his three-frame no-decision.

The Rafters then tagged Scottsdale’s bullpen for five runs in the fifth to take a 6-4 lead. Brandon Drury (ARI) capped the uprising with a two-run triple just before his Salt River bullpen clamped down to complete their scoreless effort.

Indianapolis Indians starter Adrian Sampson closed out his third game of the AFL season by navigating around a one-out single and two-out walk during his shutout ninth frame.

Author’s Note:
This content was originally published on the Indianapolis Indians’ official blog, “The Inside Pitch.”