Surprise Saguaros and Peoria Javelinas set for Arizona Fall League title game

The Arizona Fall League championship game is set for Saturday in Peoria, with the Surprise Saguaros taking on the Peoria Javelinas. Both clubs finished the regular season with the league’s two best records, with Surprise at 18-10 and Peoria at 17-11, according to MLB’s league preview.

Surprise reached the title game for the seventh straight season and will look to extend its postseason streak against the same opponent it beat last year. MLB reported that the Saguaros defeated Peoria in the 2025 championship, setting up a rematch for this fall’s crown.

In the semifinal round, MLB said first baseman Cole Mathis (New York Mets No. 13) powered Surprise in a 10-4 win over the Glendale Desert Dogs. The release also noted Mathis drove in an Arizona Fall League playoff-record seven runs in that victory.

Peoria earned its spot by beating the Salt River Rafters 6-5. MLB reported that the Javelinas got three RBI from right fielder Ike Irish and a decisive fourth-inning sacrifice fly from Irish to turn the semifinal into a close win.

MLB listed projected starting lineups for the championship: Surprise’s order includes Zion Rose in left field, Welbyn Francisca at shortstop, Mathis at first base, and Brooks Bryan as the designated hitter. Peoria counters with Tai Peete in center field, Irish in right field, and Ike Irish’s fellow infield and bench pieces featuring Carlos Sanchez at shortstop and Carter Graham at first base, among others.