Pirates Prospect Watch: Henry Davis On Base Three Times In AFL Opener

The 2022 Arizona Fall League began its season on Monday. The Surprise Saguaros, the team rostering the eight Pittsburgh Pirates’ prospects participating in the league, defeated the Salt River Rafters 11-6.

Among the Pirates’ prospects who made their AFL debuts for the Saguaros on Monday was the 2021 first overall pick, catcher Henry Davis.

Davis had a strong day at the plate, reaching base three times and scoring three runs for Surprise in the win.

In his first plate appearance, Davis was hit by a pitch. Davis of course was hit by pitches at a high rate in the minor leagues this season (20 in 255 plate appearances).

In addition to getting hit by a pitch, Davis stroked a ground-rule double and drew a walk.

A handful of other Pirates’ prospects also made their season debuts in the game.

Right-hander Quinn Priester got the start and allowed three runs in three innings while picking up three strikeouts.

Left-hander Omar Cruz earned the win after tossing a pair of scoreless innings in relief.

Tahnaj Thomas was tagged for three runs in 1.2 innings, while Colin Selby finished off the win with a pair of punch outs in a scoreless ninth inning.

Infielders Nick Gonzales and Jacob Gonzalez, as well as catcher/outfielder Blake Sabol were the Pirates’ farmhands who did not appear in the game.

The Saguaros will be back in action on Tuesday night against the Peoria Javelins.