The Surprise Saguaros staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Peoria Javelinas 9-4 in the 2025 Arizona Fall League Championship Game at Salt River Fields. Trailing by four runs entering the eighth inning, Surprise erupted for seven runs to secure their fourth title overall and third in four years. Manager Jesus Azuaje praised his team's unity across organizations.
The championship game, held Friday afternoon in Scottsdale, Arizona, featured a matchup between AFL powerhouses Surprise Saguaros and Peoria Javelinas, continuing a streak where one of these teams has appeared in every final since 2009. The Saguaros, composed of prospects from the Brewers, Guardians, Phillies, Rangers, Royals, and one Giants pitcher, overcame an early deficit to claim victory.
Early Action and Peoria's Lead
Peoria jumped ahead, leading 4-0 at one point, with strong pitching from starter Miguelangel Boadas of the Twins, who threw three scoreless innings and recorded 10 whiffs. Key defensive plays included a perfect throw by Reds prospect Alfredo Duno in the fourth inning to escape a jam, and a glove flip save by Brewers prospect Dylan O'Rae in the second to thwart an Orioles prospect's bunt.
Before the game, league award winners were recognized on the field, including Detroit's Kevin McGonigle, named the 2025 Joe Black MVP as the circuit's top prospect.
Comeback in the Eighth
The turning point came in the bottom of the eighth, where Surprise sent 12 batters to the plate and scored seven runs on seven hits. Brewers prospect Josh Adamczewski tied the game with a two-run double, while Guardians prospect Juan Benjamin provided the go-ahead with a two-run single. Royals catching prospect Blake Mitchell contributed a sacrifice fly earlier and scored the tying run after singling.
Phillies outfielder Dylan Campbell scored the eventual go-ahead run after reaching base three times, including a sacrifice fly. Rangers prospects Dylan Dreiling and Chandler Pollard each went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.
On the mound, Giants pitcher Logan Martin, recently traded from the Royals, started and struck out two in his inning despite allowing a run. Brewers reliever Edwin Jimenez closed it out with two strikeouts, including the final out against Mariners prospect Jonny Farmelo on an 84 mph slider.
"I know we're coming from different organizations, but we were one team, and that's the message that I told them from Day 1," Azuaje said. "We got to stick together, play together, pick each other up, and that's what they did all year."
Postgame celebrations included an icy shower for Azuaje as the Saguaros donned championship t-shirts.