Kubitza provides Scorpions' late spark

Braves prospect Kyle Kubitza went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored and Yankees No. 3 prospect Tyler Austin (Yankees) chipped in two hits, two runs scored and an RBI on Tuesday night as Scottsdale rallied for a 6-5 win over Salt River in the AFL opener for both teams.

With the Scorpions trailing, 5-3, Kubitza led off the ninth inning with a double, moved up on a wild pitch and scored on a single by Yankees No. 2 prospect Mason Williams. After a balk, Pirates No. 3 prospect Alen Hanson singled home the tying run, stole second and scored on a double by Braves No. 14 prospect Tommy La Stella.

Yankees farmhand James Pazos (1-0) worked around a pair of eighth-inning walks for the victory. Pirates top prospect Jameson Taillon started for the Scorpions and allowed an unearned run on a hit and a walk while striking out two batters over two innings.

Rockies No. 9 prospect Kyle Parker slugged a three-run homer off Giants left-hander Adalberto Mejia in the third inning and Blue Jays outfield prospect Kenny Wilson contributed in three hits and a run scored at the top of the order for the Rafters.

Salt River starter Bo Schultz (D-backs) yielded two runs on three hits and three walks while fanning six over 3 1/3 innings.