Adam bounces back for Javelinas

Jason Adam might not have had the kind of numbers that reflect a successful season, but the skills he acquired in the Texas League are starting to translate in the Arizona Fall League.

The Royals' No. 18 prospect yielded two hits and struck out two over four scoreless innings Tuesday night as Peoria held on for a 5-4 victory over Glendale.

Adam gave up doubles in the first and third innings, but did not allow a runner to reach third base. He faced two batters over the minimum in his second AFL start.

"I was working on just being a little more fluid and relaxed," Adam said, "throwing the ball like I have my whole life and keeping the ball down like I usually do. It's something I try to do, but it doesn't always go as planned."

The 22-year-old right-hander was hit hard in his Fall League debut, surrendering three runs on six hits over three innings at Surprise a week ago. Adam noted the difference involved more than the location of his pitches.

"Somewhat, but at the same time I felt like my arm was more relaxed and I'm getting more late life, which makes the ball miss the bats," he explained. "The defense is making plays, which is helping a lot."

Adam was 8-11 with a 5.19 ERA in 26 starts for Double-A Northwest Arkansas but said he's trying to expand on the positives from his first season in the Texas League.

"Despite the numbers, which were not what I wanted, I felt like I made a lot of improvements in reading hitters," Adam said. "I hope to continue getting better at reading hitters, throwing the right pitches in the right place. Just consistency with all my pitches. The slider, I added late in the year, so that's a pitch I'm going to be working on this fall."

Alex Sogard (1-0) was credited with the win, despite giving up a run on two hits and two walks over two innings. Fellow Astros prospect Andrew Robinson pitched a perfect ninth for his first AFL save.

Astros farmhand Japhet Amador slugged a solo homer and Orlando Calixte, Kansas City's eighth-ranked prospect, singled home a pair of runs for Peoria.

Twins No. 5 prospect Eddie Rosario was 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI for the Desert Dogs.