By Steve Nielsen

Today’s Player Spotlight is on unsigned senior Alex Ventrella. Ventrella is a Class of 2013 graduate of Lisle HS. Ventrella is showing well in the Prep Baseball Report Fall Prospect Program. Two weeks in a row he has put together solid performances on the mound. Most recently at this weekend's Pastime Tournament Ventrella pitched a 1-hit shutout to propel his team to an 11-0 victory in five innings.

Ventrella is a 6-foot, 180-pound left-handed pitcher that competes hard. Ventrella throws with a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot, he features a 78-80 mph fastball showing solid feel for the pitch. Ventrella’s off-speed pitches consist of a sweeping curveball at 63-64 mph and a 70 mph changeup that flashes occasional sink. Ventrella is extremely tough on left handed hitters, throwing slightly across his body from a high ¾ arm slot, left handed hitters have a tough time picking up the baseball

Ventrella also can be a threat at the plate; his left handed swing is clean and easy. With a short path to the ball he has the ability to square the ball up with consistent, hard contact.

Ventrella continues to turn heads throughout the Fall Prospect Program and is a left-handed pitcher to keep an eye on in the coming months.