Early deficits too much for Solar Sox to overcome

Mesa’s struggles continued this weekend, though it wasn’t for a lack of offense. On Friday the Solar Sox were on the losing end of a 10-6 decision to Phoenix and followed that up Saturday with a 16-10 loss to Surprise.

In Friday’s contest, Rubi Silva entered the game in the sixth, and tripled to center in the eighth, scoring Gorman Erickson from second. He was ejected from the game in the ninth inning.

Matt Szczur went 0-for-5 while Baez was 0-for-4.

Nick Struck pitched 2/3 an inning, surrendering three earned runs on two hits and three walks. Kevin Rhoderick pitched a scoreless eighth inning, allowing one hit.

The Mesa bats came alive on Saturday, and despite Baez’s big day offensively, it wasn’t enough. Baez would reach on an error in the third and later score on a Rafael Ynoa single. In the top of the eighth, he hit his third home run of the season, a three-run shot to center field, scoring L.J. Hoes and Jonathan Singleton. Baez did commit two errors defensively however.

Szczur was solid at the plate Saturday also. He forced a bases-loaded walk in the second inning, and would later score on a Hoes ground out. He also drew another walk in the third. In the fifth he scored Jiovanni Mier on a single up the middle.

Tony Zych surrendered his first earned run of the season in the ninth, but also struck out a batter.

Mesa will take on Salt River Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 local time.

How the Cubs have fared: