The Cleveland Guardians prospects pulled out a close one in their Spring Breakout game against the Seattle Mariners prospects on Friday night. With two outs in the top of the 9th inning and runners on first and third, Guardians pitcher Magnus Ellerts entered the game and got the final out to seal the victory, 8 to 7.
It was an unseasonably chilly night in Goodyear, but the Guardians bats still managed to heat up to the tune of 12 hits. Jaison Chourio (MLB #3 Guardians prospect) led the way with 3 hits; Angel Genao (#4 prospect) and Cooper Ingle (#7 prospect) each had 2 hits of their own. In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Welbyn Francisca (#6 prospect) golfed a double to right field driving in the first two runs of the game. The Guardians scored two more runs in the inning to take a 4-0 lead and they never looked back – leading the entire way.
Lefty Parker Messick (#14 prospect) was the starting pitcher for the Guardians, and he impressed, particularly with his wipeout changeup. He went 3 innings, had 5 strikeouts, and allowed zero runs. Matt Wilkinson added 4 strikeouts over 2.1 innings and Austin Peterson (#30 prospect) had 3 Ks in 1.2 innings of work. Four other pitchers appeared for the Guardians – Jack Leftwich, Zane Morehouse, Jackson Humphries (#18 prospect), and Ellerts.
Some other items of note from the game:
- Petey Halpin (#28 prospect) was the DH (Designated Hitter) and leadoff batter.
- Top prospect, Travis Bazzana, did not record a hit, but he drew a walk and scored a run.
- Genao showed his cannon arm at shortstop. He has the potential to be a true 5-tool player for the Guardians.
- Ralphy Velazquez (#5 prospect) had an RBI single and scored a run. He started in left field but switched to play first base in the 6th inning.
- Alex Mooney replaced Francisca and played third base. His elite speed netted him a triple and a stolen base.
- Joe Lampe entered the game in the 6th and contributed a hit, stolen base, and a run scored.
- Alfonsin Rosario (#26 prospect) added a double and scored a run as well.
All 14 position players on the roster got into the game, but not all 12 of the pitchers did. Since it’s nearly impossible to get that many pitchers into a 9-inning game, I’m sure that was the plan all along.
This was the second year for the Spring Breakout series, which gives many of the top prospects in the game a chance to show their talent on a bigger stage. It’s a really fun idea and something I hope Major League Baseball continues in the years ahead.
As for the Guardians prospects, they have a couple more weeks of Spring Training and then it’s off for the start of the MiLB regular season. Below are the dates of the first games and home openers for each of the Guardians minor league affiliates.
- Triple-A: Columbus Clippers
- First Game: Friday, March 28th at Toledo
- Home Opener: Tuesday, April 1st versus St. Paul
- Double-A: Akron RubberDucks
- First Game: Friday, April 4th at Richmond
- Home Opener: Tuesday, April 8th versus Altoona
- High-A: Lake County Captains
- First Game: Friday, April 4th at Great Lakes
- Home Opener: Tuesday, April 8th versus West Michigan
- Single-A: Lynchburg Hillcats
- First Game: Friday, April 4th at Fayetteville
- Home Opener: Tuesday, April 8th versus Kannapolis
Play ball!
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