Springer, Borchering lead Mesa to victory

Astros prospects George Springer and Bobby Borchering helped the Mesa Solar Sox to a 12-6 win over the Surprise Saguaros Friday in Arizona Fall League action. Springer went 2 for 3 with a homer and four RBIs. He also walked twice and scored three runs. Borchering’s first hit of the AFL season also left the yard.

Springer, one of the top prospects in the Astros organization and heralded as a five-tool player, found himself in the unfamiliar role of designated hitter in Friday’s game. Rather than complaining about not being on the field to play defense, the University of Connecticut product took advantage of the opportunity to study the opposing pitchers. Astros.com quoted Springer as saying:

"The guys here in the AFL that are in the ‘pen and starting games are really talented, so not being on field allows you to focus in on mistakes made in your first at-bat and make adjustments, especially against these guys, who are top notch."

Springer continues to impress as he works his way up through the Astros minor league system. The centerfielder will most likely start the 2013 regular season at AA Corpus Christi.

George Springer (Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE)

Other Astros prospects to see action in last night’s win were first-baseman Jonathan Singleton and reliever Chia-Jen Lo. Singleton batted cleanup for the Solar Sox, going 1 for 4 with a walk and a run scored. Lo finished out the game by pitching a scoreless ninth inning that included a strikeout and a walk.

The Solar Sox are now 2-2 on the young AFL season and will play host to the Phoenix Desert Dogs on Saturday afternoon.