SCOTTSDALE - GAME RECAP

The final game of the trip featured the Grand Canyon Rafters, perhaps the most powerful team in the league. Leading the West Division with just over a week to go, they were playing last-place Maryvale. The Rafters took an early lead when Joe Jester (Giants) led off with a double, advanced to third on a deep fly ball, and scored on a Marlon Byrd groundout. But Maryvale surprised with 3 runs off Franklin Nunez in the second, on a walk and 3 singles, including one by Tim Raines, Jr.

Grand Canyon tied the game in the bottom of the third, when Austin Kearns (Reds) and Michael Cuddyer (Twins) hit back-to-back RBI doubles. In the fourth, the Rafters took the lead when Corky Miller (Reds) smashed a solo shot deep to left. A walk and two singles plated one more run to make it 5-3. 

In the 5th, Matt Parker (Brewers) relieved and promptly gave up 3 singles and a sacrifice fly as Grand Canyon put the game away with 3 runs. Although Maryvale got one run back in the 6th, the Rafters won easily 8-4. Jester was the star of the game, getting 2 singles, 2 walks and scoring 3 runs. This game gets an 8/10 rating.