Nats' Robles wins Fall Stars Game MVP
Baseball's No. 2 prospect displays impressive skills, scores twice in showcase
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Victor Robles is the highest rated prospect in the Arizona Fall League, and it was easy to see why as he put the bulk of his toolset on display in the annual Fall Stars Game.
The No. 2 overall prospect (Nationals' No. 1) stuffed the box score, going 1-for-3 with a walk, an RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored en route to winning MVP honors in the East's 4-2 win over the West on Saturday night at Salt River Fields.
:: 2017 Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game ::
"[I'm] taking advantage of it," Robles said through interpreter Jacob Cruz when asked about his experience in the AFL. "[I'm] coming out here and really trying to do [my] best, so the team, the Nationals, take a look and see [I'm] trying to do better."
Robles, batting atop the East lineup, put his 70-grade speed on display right away as he drew a walk to open the game and stole second four pitches later.
The 20-year-old outfielder posted a 30.2 feet-per-second maximum sprint speed, according to Statcast™, and got to second base in 3.79 seconds. The stolen base paid off as Robles later scored the first run of the game on an RBI groundout from Orioles No. 3 prospect Ryan Mountcastle.
Robles was held in check in his next two at-bats, but he came through in the eighth when his team needed a hit.
Down 2-1 in the eighth, Robles came to the plate with one out and a runner on second and brought home the tying run with a base hit to right field.
"Absolutely," Robles said, when asked if it was extra special to come through in the clutch and win the game's MVP award. "[I'm] working hard and it's paying off."
While baseball is work for the athletes, it's also a game that is meant to be enjoyed, and Robles was certainly having fun after his game-tying single.
The Nationals prospect could be seen joking around with Josh Naylor (Padres' No. 10) and placed a handful of dirt in the first baseman's pocket.
"It's a game," Robles said. "I go out and approach it as a game, have fun and appreciate the experience."
However, as is often the case, Robles wasn't on first base with Naylor very long. Corey Ray (Brewers' No. 2, MLB No. 58) drew a walk, which pushed Robles to second and Sheldon Neuse (Athletics' No. 14) followed up with an RBI single, plating Robles as the go-ahead run.