The Mesa Solar Sox won 3-1 today against Phoenix, with the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospects combining for six strong innings. They were led by Gerrit Cole, who made his third start of the season. Cole pitched three innings, allowing one run on three hits, with a walk and three strikeouts. The one run came on a home run to lead off the second inning. Cole was again hitting 99-100 MPH with his fastball, according to Jason Grey.
Nathan Baker followed Cole with a shutout inning, allowing a walk and a hit, and striking out three batters. Jeff Inman followed Baker with a perfect inning, striking out one. It was Inman’s first appearance since giving up a walk-off homer to Bryce Harper last week. Michael Colla pitched the sixth inning, throwing another shutout frame, with no walks or hits allowed.
Robbie Grossman went 0-for-2 today, with two walks and a run scored. Jarek Cunningham started at second base and went 0-for-4.
Mesa plays Surprise tomorrow at 3:35 PM EST. Gerrit Cole’s next appearance will be on Saturday in the AFL Rising Stars game.