Prep Baseball Report

Mile High Crosscheck: April 26-30


Eddie Williams/Tad Reida/Mike Anderson
PBR Colorado Scouting

The Mile High Crosscheck provides insider information and scouting notes from our PBR Colorado Scouting Staff during the season. This running crosscheck will feature information on underclass prospects, unsigned seniors, draft prospects and highlight notable performances and performers.  We will provide a wide range of information, including player evaluations and game notes. We strive to bring state and national recognition for our Colorado players.

CASTLE VIEW 5, DOUGLAS COUNTY 4

The Battle for the Rock did not disappoint this year. As typical, 2022 RHP/OF TJ Newman (Castle View, Garden City CC) kept CV in the game with his arm, and showcased his legs to help CV win. Douglas County got a good start out of 2023 RHP Max Stanley (Douglas County, Wichita State) who finished with 10 punch-outs in 4IP, but continued to struggle offensively, amplified by the loss of Finley Bastes and Luke Bard. CV took the lead late on a base hit by 2022 MIF/RHP Carter Swan (Castle View, Mesa CC) and shut it down in the top of the 7th.  

2022 RHP TJ Newman, Castle View, Garden City CC - TJ Sat 85-87 topping out at 88mph. Although he struggled with the CB all game, he was able to mix enough to keep DC’s timing at bay. TJ settled in after the first inning and finished with 109 pitches. 

Final line - 5.1IP 8H 4ER 10K’s

2022 OF Brandon Hancock, Castle View, Uncommitted - Had a huge bases-clearing double in the first off of Max Stanley that kept CV in the game. Brandon showed an athletic set-up at the plate, with the ability to drive the baseball with power. Brandon does not get cheated at the plate.

PALMER RIDGE 11, PINE CREEK 0

Tate Gargasz (2024 PR uncommitted) threw a gem in a 5 IP CG shutout of Pine Creek. Gargasz was 83-85 touching 86. He showed a sharp 74 CB and used his changeup sparingly at 68. In the top of the 1st, he got out of a bases loaded jam on a change-up which resulted in an inning ending double play. In 5 IP, Gargasz gave up 3 hits and had 4 k's with 0 BB's. Gargasz is a physical kid who should continue to add velocity over the next two years.

Jonah Ward (2023 PR uncommitted SS) showed good footwork and hands at SS while hitting a bomb to left center. Ward has hit 3 home runs in his last 4 games.

DOUGLAS COUNTY 15, CHAPARRAL 7

Gusting winds of 20-30mph played a major role in the match up between Douglas County (12-4)  and Chaparral (13-5). Pitching and defensive challenges made for early action and momentum shifts.

2022, Jackson Kendall, RHP, Douglas County (Iowa Central commit), flashed his potential starting for DC. Big framed, 6’4” 225lb, Jackson’s FB ranged from 86-89 and touched 90. Easy delivery with ¾ arm slot. He creates slight arm side run. Located FB in and out. SL 72-73. Excited to see Jackson’s continued development and refinement on the mound. 

2022, Andrew Isdale, RHP, Chaparral, (Northern Colorado commit). Andrew got the loss, but was highly competitive through 5 innings of work in the tough conditions. FB 87-90, with quick arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Repeatable attacking delivery. CB 71-74, continues to develop into great pitch.  Isdale threw CB in all counts. Showed cutter. Isdale’s 22 innings pitched, with only 13H and 39K show a great signs as he continues his development.   

The first Inning of the game started with both teams putting a 4 spot. Douglas County’s big hit came from 2023, Hunter Gotschall, RHP, Uncommitted. Gotschall’s bases loaded double cleared the bases as he drove the ball to dead center field. Gotschall shows his athleticism at the plate with quick hands and Plus strength. However, Gotschall’s 88-90mph FB and variety of OS pitches draw your attention to him on the mound. Hunter finished his day on the mound pitching 3⅔ giving up just 2 hits Gotschall is considering one of the top uncommitted 2023s in the state. 

2022, James Harbison, DH, Chaparral, (CSU-Pueblo commit) added a big Home Run in the 1st to even the score and then added another no-doubter in the 3rd. Harbison went 2-4 with 3RBI’s, showed quick twitch hands and strong lower half rotation. Harbison is now leading Chap with a .524 avg. with 14 RBI.

2022, Tucker Moore, RHP/C, Douglas County (Missouri commit) continues to contribute on the mound and at the plate. Moore with 2-for-4 day with 4RBI, contributing with a 3-run bomb! Moore now has 4 HR's on the year and is hitting .354. His plus arm gets used behind the plate and on the mound.  Moore currently with 19 innings pitched with 6BB and 27K’s.

EATON 4, UNIVERSITY 3

Two of the Top 3A teams in the state squared off for Game 2 of a Patriot Conference at University High School.  Eaton won game 1 on April 28 with a 5 run 7th inning to walk off the Bulldogs at home.  

2022, Kanon Padilla , RHP/Util, University HS (Gallaudet University commit) was great on the mound and left after 4 ⅓ innings after only giving up 1H 1ER with a lead. FB range 79-83. He used both sides of the plate and created a lot of ground balls. CB/SL was 71-73 CH 70. Steady mix kept hitters off balance. The football/baseball recruit showed high level of competitiveness. 

2023, Tate Smith, RHP (Oklahoma State commit) showed why is one of the top prospects in the 2023 Colorado class. Smith threw a 7 inning CG on 113 pitches. He collected 14K’s and gave 3 hits and 3 runs. FB 88-91 had a natural cutter action that kept barrels off ball all day. In addition, SL 79-82 was used as effective strike out pitch. Slider shows 2 planes with velocity and shows great improvement in location.  Smith, located his FB in and out. Refined simple delivery with High ¾ arm slot, he continues to show composure and leadership on the mound.

PUEBLO WEST 10, PUEBLO CENTRAL 0

2022 Jeremiah Sanchez (Pueblo West-CSU Pueblo) is a prototypical leadoff type player and should have a great college career. He has the ability to get on base in many different ways with his speed. He also showed great baserunning capabilities and was constantly putting pressure on the defense once he reached 1st base.

2024 Ethan Ayala (Pueblo Central, Uncommitted) showed a consistent, flat swing. He has the ability to consistently square baseballs up. His gap to gap power will increase as his size and strength develop with age.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
Colorado Springs/Pueblo Rising Stars ID CO 05/09 The Farm - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Dugout Club Scout Day CO 06/07 Horizon High School
PBR Junior Future Games NATIONAL 07/26 LakePoint
2022 PBR Future Games (Colorado Invite) CO 07/27 LakePoint Sports Complex - Emerson, GA
Colorado State Games (Invite-Only) CO 08/08 Cherry Creek High School