MD/DE Scout Blog: Calvert Hall at Archbishop Curley
March 21, 2024
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Wednesday evening saw Calvert Hall travel to Archbishop Curley in the middle game of the three-game series. The Cardinals defeated the Friars 6-2 on Monday and looked to wrap up a series win on Wednesday. Two explosive offenses that feature deep and rich talent made for a back-and-forth, high-scoring affair that saw Calvert Hall defeat Curley 13-6, as they head to Friday's game looking for the series sweep.
Calvert Hall opened the scoring in the 1st, as junior Brayden Wolf grounded into a fielder's choice for an RBI, followed by a two-out RBI single off the bat of junior Will Haacke. Curley cut into the deficit in the 3rd, as senior Derek Poole (Harford CC) lined a two-out RBI single into right field to make it 2-1. A three-up, three-down top of the fourth created some momentum for the Friars, as senior Elijah Ritter hit a huge three-run home run in the bottom half to put Curley up 4-2. The Cardinals wasted no time responding, as junior Travis Peitz (George Washington) hit a one-out solo home run, followed by a two-run home run off the bat of senior Michael Copenspire (Rider), as the Cardinals jumped back in front 5-4. The back and forth didn't end, as Curley responded right back in the 5th with a solo home run off the bat of Derek Poole (Harford CC) to tie the game and a double play that scored another to take a 6-5 lead heading to the 6th. Junior Nate Rodriguez (Mount St. Mary's) and Michael Copenspire (Rider) combined for back-to-back RBI singles in the top half of the 6th to take a 7-6 lead, and the Cardinals never looked back. Sophomore Luke Kreiner added an RBI single in the 7th, followed by a two-RBI double off the bat of Kaden Barmer and an RBI single from Travis Peitz (George Washington). Calvert Hall would tack on a few more, and take this one 13-6.
Archbishop Curley
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Derek Poole C / Archbishop Curley, MD / 2024Physicality and strength are at the forefront when seeing Poole in game. Possessing an imposing frame at the dish, the hands show some rhythm with a smooth and consistent backload. Some whip through the zone, the barrel awareness is evident and the ability to spray line drives to all fields is consistent and strong. Power is more to the pull side and as the strength continues to develop, we anticipate true gap-to-gap pop to become more evident and consistent. Went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI and a run scored. |
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Elijah Ritter OF / Archbishop Curley, MD / 2024The senior produced one of, if not the biggest swings of the game for the Friars, as he launched a go-ahead three-run home run to deep left-center field in the 4th inning. A high-octane player with present strength in the barrel, Ritter certainly does not get cheated at the dish, showcasing some whip and bat speed through the zone. It's a controlled, simple operation with an occasional toe-tap load and the ability to cut the swing down with two strikes without losing much power. Athletic makeup. |
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Nathaniel Welkos RHP / ARCHBISHOP CURLEY, MD / 2025The long, lean junior righty got the start for the Friars and battled his way through four-plus innings, giving up three earned while striking out five. Working with shorter arm action and controlled intent, Welkos showed the ability to mix the secondary in any count for strikes with a consistent feel for the changeup to left-handed hitters. The fastball worked in and out at 81-83 with some late sink and plenty left in the tank. The slider is still developing at 69-71, however, the changeup is certainly a pitch to dream on, showcasing late fade action and the ability to kill spin, hovering around 1200 rpm. As the frame fills and the athleticism continues to be added, look for this to be an arm to circle as we look over the uncommitted class of 2025. |
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Austin Sealing SS / Archbishop Curley, MD / 2024A table-setter for the Friars a the top of the lineup, the contact rate and line drive approach are what stick out to me every time I see him. The hands work quick, staying inside the ball well with a strong gap-to-gap approach, and strength in the barrel continues to increase. Defensively, the footwork is active and the hands are soft.
Sealing came out of the 'pen for the Friars and showed a slight velo jump since my last look, running the fastball at 85-87 with feel to the top of the zone. Featured a bigger 11/5 curveball at 73-74 and a tighter 10/4 slider at 77-78. Pitches to contact, attacks hitters, and showcases the ability to spin for strikes fairly consistently. As the frame fills, look for this to be a big-time arm as he makes his way to McDaniel College next Fall. |
Calvert Hall
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Kaden Barmer OF / Calvert Hall College, MD / 2025The speedy outfielder has impressed immensely early on this spring and has made it known as being a table-setter and game-changer at the top of the Cardinals lineup. A now leader on the roster, Barmer has shown the ability to come up clutch in big moments at the dish and his defensive ability certainly hasn't wavered. Showcasing an uphill path at the plate, Barmer has added strength to the frame and the power is starting to surface, showcasing the ability to backspin to both gaps with authority. With some twitch in the hands and a consistent approach, look for this uncommitted bat to continue his torrid start this spring. Defensively, Barmer is the definition of a ball-hawk, as the range into the gaps is advanced. Above-average foot speed impacts on both sides, boding well for this to be a top-of-the-order bat at the next level as the contact rate increases. |
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Will Haacke OF / Calvert Hall, MD / 2025The tools jump off the page when you see Haacke in action, as the impact on both sides of the ball is impressive each time I see him. Featuring an above-average arm with solid footspeed should see Haacke remain in right field at the next level, as the bat continues to make strikes at the dish. The hands work quickly with some whip in the barrel, consistently spraying line drives to the middle. As the power continues to develop, this is a big time prospect at the next level. |
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Travis Peitz SS / Calvert Hall, MD / 2025Yet another highly athletic, projectable position player at Calvert Hall, Peitz brings a high contact rate and developing power to the middle of this order. The plate presence and barrel awareness are what strikes me, as the hands are strong and quick through contact. With a smooth, controlled approach with plenty of loud strength to the pull side gap, Peitz is a game-changer at the dish. |
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Thomas Pilarski SS / Calvert Hall , MD / 2025Still uncommitted, Thomas Pilarski is one of the more special bats in the class, and a strong, consistent start to the spring at the dish has only increased his stock. The ability to spray line drives to the middle and pull side is consistent, with strength continuing to be added to the athletic frame. It's a smooth operation with a more level path, and look for power numbers to increase as the frame fills. |