Casteel Colts 6 vs. NDP 1

In a highly anticipated AIA playoff matchup between two powerhouse teams, the Casteel Colts clashed with the Notre Dame Prep Saints in a showdown that lived up to its billing. The game, held in last night's Quarterfinals, showcased a pitching duel between two of the top arms in the state of Arizona: Casteel's University of Arizona commit, left-handed pitcher Mason Russell, and Notre Dame Prep's UCLA commit, right-handed pitcher CJ Bott.

 

24’ LHP Mason Russell
(Casteel)@ArizonaBaseball commit with a great outing in last nights big quarter final game. Maintained velo throughout with a low 90s fastball in the back half of the game with secondary stuff working on all cylinders.

6.2/4H/1ER/4bb/10k

FB 89-92 T.93… pic.twitter.com/bwRKrpt2i2

— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) May 3, 2024

As expected, the game kicked off with both pitchers displaying their dominance, hurling low to mid-90s fastballs and keeping opposing hitters at bay. However, in the bottom half of the 4th inning, the Colts seized the opportunity, capitalizing on some free bases and timely hitting to take control of the game. While hits were scarce throughout the night, the defining moment came when Ryan Harwood, the #1 prospect in the 2026 class and currently uncommitted, delivered a clutch bases-loaded shot into the left-center field gap, clearing the bases and propelling Casteel to a 3-1 lead in the inning. Freshman Baylor Denny then added to the Colts' lead with an RBI single, putting them up 4-1.

 

26’ OF Ryan Harwood
(Casteel)@PBR_Uncommitted with the big shot of the night thus far. Driving a bases clearing double into the LCF gap to give Casteel a 3-1 lead in the middle of the 4th. @ryanharwoodd ll @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/WtQdO7buP3

— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) May 3, 2024

The Colts maintained their momentum, ultimately securing a 6-1 victory over the Saints and punching their ticket to the Semi-Finals. With their stellar performance, Casteel advances to the next round with confidence and determination.

Mason Russell, who dazzled on the mound throughout the game, finished his outing in the top half of the 7th inning with an impressive line of 6.2 innings pitched, allowing just one earned run while tallying an impressive 10 strikeouts.

With their eyes set on the championship, the Colts will now prepare for their Semi-Finals matchup, scheduled to take place on the 8th at HoHoKam Stadium. As the journey through the playoffs continues, Casteel remains a formidable force to be reckoned with, and are looking to be back to back state title winners.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
Mesa Summer ID	AZ	05/29	Desert Ridge High School - Mesa, AZ
2024 ProCase - West	AZ	06/02	Pepperdine University
Top Prospect Games: Upperclass (Invite-Only)	AZ	06/03	Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ
Top Prospect Games: Underclass (Invite-Only)	AZ	06/10	American Family Fields of Phoenix
West Side Summer ID	AZ	06/18	Canyon View High School - Waddell, AZ
Glendale Summer ID	AZ	07/16	Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ
Future Games (Class of 2026/27)	NATIONAL	07/24	LakePoint Sports
Junior Future Games (Class of 2028/29)	NATIONAL	07/24	LakePoint Sports
Senior Future Games (Class of 2025)	NATIONAL	07/24	LakePoint Sports

RECENT NEWS