Pirates Prospect Watch: Bowen Registers 25th Hit in AFL

Saturday, Oct. 28, the Salt River Rafters traveled to Glendale to face the Desert Dogs. Pittsburgh Pirates prospects Jase Bowen (RF) and Jack Brannigan (SS) were in Salt River’s starting lineup. 

In addition, Pirates prospect Cameron Junker (RHP) appeared in relief for the Rafters. 

Salt River found themselves in a 4-0 deficit through the first four innings. In the fifth, Salt River got a run back thanks to a sac fly from Brannigan. 

In addition, Salt River scored four unanswered runs in the sixth inning. 

The game was only a seven-inning game, so Salt River’s 5-4 lead proved to be enough. Salt River improved their record to 12-11. 

Bowen

Bowen picked up his 25th hit of the Arizona Fall League season with a single in the fourth inning off Fraser Ellard. Ellard is a 25-year-old lefty in the Chicago White Sox system. In addition, Ellard most recently pitched in Double-A.

Bowen’s single was a line drive to right field. Unfortunately, there were no advanced numbers on Bowen’s hit, but a line drive is a good indicator of high exit velocity. 

In addition, Bowen drew a walk, scored a run, and struck out once. Bowen finished the night going 1-3.

Brannigan

Out of the two Pittsburgh Pirates position players for Salt River, Brannigan was the one who picked up an RBI Saturday night. In the fifth inning, Brannigan hit a sac-fly to center field, scoring Tyler Tolve. 

Brannigan’s RBI cut Glendale’s lead to 4-1. In addition, Brannigan flew out once and struck out, going 0-2 with an RBI.

Junker 

Junker came into the game in the sixth inning, which was like this game’s eighth inning since it was only a seven-inning game. 

Junker allowed a leadoff single to Bryan Ramos but got JT Schwartz to ground into a 5-4-3 double play. Junker left the pitch on the outer third, and Schwartz rolled over to the third baseman. 

Kala’i Rosario singled up the middle but was caught stealing shortly after, which saved Bowen from having to throw any more pitches that inning. 

Junker’s final line read 1.0 innings pitched, two hits, no runs, no walks, and no strikeouts.