Parkview over Brookwood for the Region Title

The Parkview Panthers secured the Region 7-AAAAAAA championship behind the stellar senior play of left-handed pitcher/first baseman, Robert Bennett (Chipola signee), and center fielder/right-handed pitcher, Logan Cerny (Troy signee), as they defeated Brookwood 9-6.

Parkview’s offense came in spurts but wasted no time getting going, starting in the bottom of the 1st with an RBI double by Cerny. Two batters later, Bennett added some personal run support by launching a two-run home run. Brookwood, however, would answer immediately with a two-run home run of their own from right-fielder Tyler Williams (uncommitted 2019).  Williams had two hits on the day, adding a line-drive single to the opposite field in the 6th. Throughout the day, the junior, Williams, showed off a strong arm and great speed to go along with his lanky, athletic frame, not to mention some serious leverage.

The Panthers extended their lead in the 5th when second baseman, Allan Del Castillo (uncommitted 2019), got things going with a two-strike line drive single. Del Castillo proceeded to steal second and come all the way around to score on a wild overthrow. Del Castillo showed extremely well in the electric atmosphere, going 2-4 at the plate, adding in a clean defensive performance. The 5’8”, scrappy, middle infielder plays with great energy and savvy, seeming to always know where he needs to be, grinding out at-bats and playing quick and low to the dirt while on defense. 

After Brookwood cut the Parkview lead to 8-4, with runners on and two outs in the top of the 6th, Cerny came in to relieve Bennett. Cerny had a challenge on his hand as he faced Will Banfield, the #21 prospect on the 2018 PBR HS Draft 100 and a top 50 prospect on the overall 2018 PBR Draft Board. Cerny retired Banfield on three pitches, following a 90 MPH fastball with a 70 MPH, sharp curveball. Cerny proceeded to add on to the Parkview lead in the following half-inning with a moonshot solo home run.

Kameron Guidry (2019 South Carolina commit) blasted a two-run home run in the top of the seventh, but it was not enough as Cerny retired the next two batters to close out the 9-6 championship win.Cerny went an inning and a third, showcasing a fastball that was primarily 87-89 MPH, touching 90 MPH and a breaking ball of 68-71 MPH. This of course, was after relieving Bennett who went 5 ⅔ , consistently spotting up on the outer half of the plate, displaying great downward plane to go along with three different pitches he could throw for strikes. His fastball being 84-85, curveball and changeup both in the low to mid 70s.

Additional Player info:

Wesley Franklin (uncommitted 2020 RHP/IF) -singled to center, doubled down left field line. Tracked pitches well, attacked early in the count, had a smooth, simple swing. Good contact hitter with room to add power.

Lucas Brieske (uncommitted 2019 LHP)- despite only throwing one inning, showed an upside with a fastball ranging from 80-85, and a 72-74 MPH breaking ball.