By Frank Cooney
Eastern PA Area Scout

Solid pitching was on display from both sides in a PAC-10 showdown between #22 Boyertown and Phoenixville. Despite temperatures in the mid 40's and a light rain falling, both Boyertown's A.J. Bogucki (RHP - 2013) and Phoenixville's RHP Mike Anthony (2015) dazzled under the lights at Boyertown Bear Stadium.

With both starting pitchers working effectively, the game remained scoreless until the top of the 6th inning, when a leadoff walk and a Boyertown error led to a clutch two-out single to right off the bat of 2013 Phoenixville OF Brett Sommers (1-3, 2 RBI), pushing Phoenixville ahead 2-0. The Phantoms would tack on what would prove to be an important insurance run as Bogucki let a fastball get away from on a wild pitch, plating a run and putting Phoenixville up 3-0. 

Down to their final out, Boyertown received a two-run single from 2014 LF Brandon Griesemer (1-3, 2 RBI) to bring the Bears to within one run. Following the two run single, Phoenixville's Anthony issued a walk to the next batter, moving the potential tying run into scoring position before getting a strikeout on three consecutive curveballs to end the Boyertown rally.  

• 2015 RHP Mike Anthony of Phoenixville showed exceptional poise throughout the contest. The 6-foot-1 sophomore worked at a quick pace and changed speeds effectively throughout all seven innings. Throwing from a high 3/4 arm slot, his fastball sat 79-82 and his out pitch was an 11/5 curveball at 67-70. He was able to locate his breaking ball with outstanding consistency, inducing 14 swings and misses and recording six of his seven strikeouts via the breaking ball. Anthony went seven innings, allowing just four singles while walking three and giving up one earned run. 

• A.J. Bogucki, a 2013 RHP and UNC recruit from Boyertown is a lean 6-foot-3, RHP who throws from a high 3/4 arm slot with an extended arm action. His fastball sat 86-90 and he mixed in a 77-81 MPH slider that showed hard bite, to go along with a tumbling, 11/5 breaking ball between 68-72 MPH. He releases the ball effortlessly and was able to locate both his fastball and slider with regularity. Bogucki's pace slows way down with runners on base (1.57-1.60) which allowed Phoenixville base runners to get great jumps with ease -- this proved costly when Phoenixville executed a double steal in the 6th inning, with both runners eventually scoring. Bogucki went six innings, fanning seven and allowing just one earned run on three hits.

• 2013 Boyertown CF Chris Reigner displayed exceptional athleticism while patrolling the outfield. The 6-foot senior showed tremendous range, making two diving plays on sinking line drives to rob Phoenixville of would be base hits. He also showed off an above average and accurate arm as he doubled off a runner at second base. Reigner read the ball well off the bat, enabling him to get a good jump on balls hit to the outfield. Offensively he was 1-for-3 on the night, registering an 87 MPH exit velo on a line drive single to right field.

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