Astros prospects help Salt River earn victory

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The Salt River Rafters beat the Mesa Solar Sox 7-6 tonight in Arizona Fall League action. Salt River increased their lead over Mesa to 3.5 games in the AFL’s Eastern Division. Tonight’s game was broadcast live on MLB Network. The Rafters team is comprised of players from five different MLB organizations, including the Astros. If Salt River can hold off the Solar Sox and win the division, they will meet the Surprise Saguaros in the AFL Championship Game. The Championship Game will also be broadcast live on MLB Network next Saturday November 19.

Astros outfield prospect Jake Goebbert had a big game for the Rafters. Goebbert went 3 for 4 and scored twice. His 3-run double in the sixth inning gave the Rafters their first lead of the night. Goebbert, 24, is a left-handed hitter who ascended all the way to AAA in 2011 after starting the season in A-ball. Goebbert was originally drafted by Houston in the 13th round of the 2009 June Draft.

Josh Zeid, acquired in the Hunter Pence trade, pitched a perfect sixth inning that included a strikeout. Zeid (2-0) was in line for another win until Mesa erupted for five runs in the seventh against Tyler Stohr and Rob Scahill. Zeid features a mid-nineties heater along with a slider and a change-up. After being utilized as a starter earlier in his career, the Astros have opted to turn the right-hander into a relief pitcher.