A seven-run fourth inning, with everything happening after the first two batters were retired, clinched the AFL East for Phoenix, as the Devil Dogs trounced Mesa 11-1 Monday.
Danny Espinoza (Washington) went 3-for-4 with four RBIs for Phoenix. Josh Bell (Dodgers) was 2-for-4 with a double and a three-run homer that capped off the big fourth inning. Mitch Talbot (Tampa Bay) pitched four innings to get the win for Phoenix.
Luis Esposito (Boston) was the only Mesa player with two hits, going 2-for-3. Chris Parmelee was 1-for-2 with two walks and drove in the only Mesa run. Rene Tosoni was 0-for-2 with two walks. Randor Bierd (Boston) was the losing pitcher, giving up four runs on seven hits in 3.2 innings. Tim Kiely (Angels) had an awful game, giving up seven runs on seven hits and a walk in one-third of an inning.
Mesa hosts Surprise this afternoon.
better luck next year