SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Josh Bell (PIT) singled and scored as one of just four total base hits from the Scottsdale Scorpions (1-1) and Adrian Sampson (PIT) served as the stopper with a scoreless ninth, but the efforts weren’t enough in a 6-3 loss to the Salt River Rafters (1-1) on Wednesday night at Scottsdale Stadium.

Former No. 1 draft pick Mark Appel (HOU) limited the Scorpions to just one hit and a lone walk and two strikeouts through three shutout innings. The right-hander out dueled opposing Buccos southpaw Joely Rodriguez, who was nicked for his lone run over 2 1/3 frames with a  wild pitch allowed Taylor Featherson (COL) to cross home and give the Rafters a 1-0 edge in the second.

Greg Bird (NYY), Bell and Tyler Austin (NYY) each singled to open the fourth, tying the score 1-1. After a wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position, Bell and Austin scored on a misplayed ball at second to put the Scorpions ahead 3-1.

Three Salt River relievers ten combined for five no-hit innings, while its offense, including solo homers from Brandon Drury (ARI) and Peter O’Brien (ARI), scored in four straight frames with five total runs.

Sampson halted the streak with a scoreless ninth during his AFL debut.

Jake Reed (MIN) whiffed four in two shutout innings to earn the win for Salt River.

Author’s Note:
This content was originally published on “The Inside Pitch” blog.