Christian Arroyo ends AFL championship game with incredible sliding catch

The Arizona Fall League reached a dramatic conclusion on Saturday as the Scottsdale Scorpions defeated the Surprise Saguaros 6-4 in the league championship.

Dramatic not because of a walkoff home run, basehit, steal of home, balk or some type of offensive happening. Dramatic because the game ended on an almost impossible sliding catch by San Francisco Giants prospect Christian Arroyo.

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With two strikes and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Cardinals infield prospect Aledmys Diaz popped up a ball foul down the third-base line seemingly headed for no mans land. Three players chased after it, but it was Arroyo who emerged from the pack at full speed and took charge. As he neared the warning track along the wall, Arroyo went into a slide, reached back over his head and snagged the ball from the air.

The catch itself was awesome. Arroyo’s reaction was even better. After making the play, he hopped right to his feet and raced in to start the celebration with his teammates.

There was plenty to celebrate for all members of the Scorpions, but especially for Arroyo. In addition to that defensive gem, he was 2-for-5 in the game with two runs scored. He also added another excellent defensive play in a game that was filled with web gems.

The AFL championship game will be the final organized game played in the Continental United States during the calendar year, and these prospects sent it out in style.

Way to go, guys.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813