Kannapolis, N.C. -- Colorado Rockies pitching prospect Antonio Senzatela (PuRP No. 20) sparkled on Tuesday night in Kannapolis, leading Asheville to a 6-1 win over the White Sox' Low-A affiliate. The 19-year-old right-hander was efficient through the first four innings, allowing just one hit on 61 pitches and finished the night having surrendered just one earned run on five hits in seven innings. He struck out six batters and walked only one.
Senzatela was helped by a defense that turned in several dazzling plays. After Senzatela gave up his first hit in the bottom of the third, Kannapolis DH Christian Stringer roped a line-drive that was run down by Raimel Tapia (PuRP No. 5) in front of the right-centerfield wall to end the threat. The next inning, Ryan McMahon (PuRP No. 6) made an incredible play, diving towards the foul line to rob Jacob Morris of extra bases. The third baseman leaped to his feet and threw a strike to Correlle Prime (PuRP No. 23) at first base for the out. McMahon displayed not only quick reflexes, but also a strong and accurate throwing arm on the play.
Asheville's offense jumped on Kannapolis starter Chris Freudenberg early, nearly batting around in the first inning while scoring four runs. Tapia singled and later scored on McMahon's 44th double of the season. Not to be outdone, Prime, the cleanup hitter, drove in a pair of runs with his 45th two-bagger of the year. After advancing to third on a ground out from Jordan Patterson (PuRP No. 29), Prime motored home thanks to a sacrifice fly off the bat of Jose Briceno. Briceno was hit by a pitch in the ninth and received treatment from the training staff, but ended up finishing the game.
All around it was a strong performance from the Asheville offense, which had several players finish with two or more hits. That includes Tapia, who went 3-for-5 with a double and run scored. The 20-year-old outfielder raised his average to .334 on the season. McMahon had two hits, scoring a pair of runs on two doubles from Prime.