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University Ace LHP Logan Allen Continues To Baffle Opponents

April 19, 2016

By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

Logan AllenLeading up to the beginning of the 2016 season was slightly different from the prior year for 2017 LHP Logan Allen. Whether he realized it or not, every opposing team he was going to face knew who he was and how difficult it was going to be to score runs off of him. The buzz around his name arose from his 2015 campaign and leading a University HS team that went from a 12-13 regular season record to reaching the state championship game.

Nobody would expect a player to repeat a season in which he posted a 0.69 ERA, 115 strikeouts, and 11 wins. Even though these numbers include the playoffs, Allen is on pace to have a better season than a year ago … in every single statistical category.

Before we delve into his 2016 statistics, let's take a look at what makes Allen so difficult to hit. Standing at only 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, he is not an imposing figure on the mound, but he utilizes his lower half as well as anyone and he has a very clean arm action. His mechanics are most likely the main reason for him being able to throw so many innings without breaking down or losing control. Besides his mechanics, Allen also possesses "now-stuff," meaning his fastball, curveball, and changeup are all above average or plus pitches. All of his pitches have unique movement and he can throw all three of them for strikes in any count. His fastball sits 87-89 and he touches 90-91 mph, proving that he is not just a soft-throwing lefty who keeps hitters off-balance. His mechanics, control, movement, and track record of dominance have all contributed to him being the fourth-ranked player in Florida and 11th in the overall rankings. 

Now, to get his most impressive feat out of the way first, Allen gave up his first run of the season last week in their regular-season finale. In 46 innings pitched, the Alabama State commit gave up one run and has struck out 88 batters. What is maybe more mind-boggling than him averaging almost two strikeouts per inning, is the fact that he has only walked nine hitters all season, showing off his pinpoint control with all three pitches.

For the final three categories, Allen’s ERA is sitting at 0.15, he is 7-0 on the year, and opponents are hitting .092 against him. To put this in perspective, last year he finished with a 0.69 ERA, an 11-1 record, and opponents hit .169 against him.

Amazingly, not only has Allen improved on the mound, but he is leading University with a .362 batting average and 23 runs scored. These offensive statistics further prove how good of an all-around athlete Allen is.

With the playoffs beginning this week, the target on Allen’s back will only get larger as teams will be looking to spoil his perfect record and University’s chance at repeating a run to the state tournament. Whoever Allen throws against this week, it will likely be at least the second time that team has faced him this season. I’m not sure how much of an advantage that gives the opposition, but we should not be surprised if Allen throws a complete game shutout. This would sound like a lofty prediction for even the most decorated big leaguer, but considering Allen has thrown six complete game shutouts over the past two seasons, including complete game victories in every single playoff game last year, there seems to be no point in expecting anything less than dominance.