Mesa (16-13-1), which beat the Surprise Saguaros for the 2016 title, is trying to become the first team to successfully defend its AFL championship since the 2004-2008 Phoenix Desert Dogs. Peoria (18-12) is playing for its first championship since 2012 and making its first appearance in the final since 2014. The teams will square off at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, with MLB Network and MLB.com broadcasting the game live.
"Anytime you can get a ring, it's a special occasion," Peoria third baseman Michael Chavis (Red Sox No. 2) said. "Knowing the history of the Fall League also makes it special.