Cubs' Szczur embracing leadoff role

Matt Szczur, the Cubs' No. 6 prospect, went 2-for-3 with a triple, two RBIs, a stolen base and a run scored as the Solar Sox edged the Scorpions. Rubi Silva (Cubs) and Tigers' top prospect Nick Castellanos drove in the other runs for Mesa. Tigers right-hander Luke Putkonen improved to 1-1 after scattering three hits and striking out four over four scoreless innings. Ricky Oropesa (Giants) went 3-for-4 with a solo homer, his second of the fall, and Angels outfielder Randal Grichuk also went deep for Scottsdale. T.J. House fell to 2-1, yielding four runs on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts in five innings. Recap | Gameday box score

Peoria 8, Phoenix 0

Twins southpaw Logan Darnell fanned five over four innings of one-hit ball as four Javelinas combined to blank the Desert Dogs. Michael Tonkin (Twins), Logan Bawcom (Mariners) and Jay Johnson (Phillies) each allowed one hit over the final five frames. Billy Hamilton, MLB.com's No. 14 prospect, went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, his ninth stolen base and two runs scored from the top of the lineup and Nate Roberts (Twins) reached base three times and drove in two runs from the No. 9 spot for Peoria. Desert Dogs starter Jimmy Nelson (Brewers) fell to 2-2 after surrendering five runs -- three earned -- on five hits and four walks over 3 1/3 innings. Recap | Gameday box score

Salt River 8, Surprise 3

Deck McGuire, the Bkue Jays' No. 12 prospect, tossed 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief to earn his second fall win for the Rafters. The 11th overall pick in the 2010 Draft worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the second before facing above the minimum over the next two innings. The Rafters were supported by Nationals prospect Matthew Skole, who slugged his third AFL homer as part of a four-RBI night. Andy Wilkins reached base four times and scored twice and fellow White Sox prospect Trayce Thompson was 1-for-3 with two walks, an RBI and a run scored for Salt River. Dustin Lawley (Mets) was 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs for the Saguaros. Recap | Gameday box score