The Surprise Saguaros secured the Arizona Fall League Championship on Friday, defeating the Peoria Javelinas 9-4 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Saguaros, a team composed of prospects from the Brewers, Guardians, Phillies, Rangers, Royals and one Giants pitcher, overcame a four-run deficit in the sixth inning to claim their third title in four years and fourth overall.
Manager Jesus Azuaje highlighted the unity among players from different organizations. “I know we’re coming from different organizations, but we were one team, and that’s the message that I told them from Day 1,” Azuaje said. “We got to stick together, play together, pick each other up, and that’s what they did all year.”
The turning point came when the Saguaros scored seven runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to secure their victory.
Philadelphia Phillies prospects contributed to this win. Dylan Campbell (ranked No. 28 by the Phillies) scored the go-ahead run after singling and walking twice; he also hit a sacrifice fly earlier in the game. Dante Nori (Phillies No. 6) had an eight-pitch strikeout and made hard contact before being replaced for a pinch-hitter in the fifth inning. Daniel Harper pitched out of relief using his cutter effectively to record two strikeouts without allowing a hit over one inning. Jaydenn Estanista added another scoreless frame with one walk and one strikeout.
Other notable performances included Milwaukee’s Josh Adamczewski delivering a two-run double that tied the game in the eighth inning and several strong pitching efforts from both Brewers and Giants prospects.
The championship featured contributions across all participating organizations as players worked together despite their varied affiliations.
