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It was opening day for MIAA “A” Conference play, as Gilman made the haul to John Carroll for the opening game of the series. The Greyhounds got the scoring started early, as senior Caleb Lawson blooped a one out double into left field and eventually scored on an RBI groundout later in the inning by senior Jake Mohler. The Patriots wasted no time tying the score, as Alabama commit Will Rhine hit a solo home run in the bottom half of the first to tie the score at 1 a piece. Following a leadoff single in the top of the 2nd off the bat of freshman Jack O’Sullivan, Gilman manufactured another run capped off by an RBI single by senior Krish Rangarajan to take an early 2-1 lead. The score remained until the top of the 5th, as the Greyhounds put up three more led by an RBI single by senior Jake Mohler and a two-RBI double off the bat of Jack O’Sullivan. John Carroll would then answer back with a run in the bottom half, as junior Brycen Altland produced a two-out RBI single into left-center field to cut into the Gilman lead. The Patriots would threaten again in the bottom of the sixth, scoring once more courtesy of an RBI single by Frostburg State commit Drew Jourdan, however would stall as senior Dylan Buchalter would induce an infield pop-up with the bases loaded to get out of the jam. Trailing 5-3 in the bottom of the 7th, the Patriots would make some noise once again, as UNC-Wilimington commit Casey Carpenter produced a loud RBI double into right-center field to pull within one, however, Buchalter would work out of another jam and induce a 6-4 put out to end the game, as Gilman survives a tight one with a 5-4 win.

Gilman

 

Krish Rangarajan 2B / SS / GILMAN SCHOOL, MD / 2025 I was extremely impressed with the offensive ability from the Greyhounds leadoff hitter, as Rangarajan tallied three hits including a key RBI single in Monday’s matchup. It’s a high contact makeup with the ability to utilize the whole field, staying consistent with a strong line drive approach. A perfect table-setter for the big bats behind him in the lineup.

Henry Warnack LHP / 1B / GILMAN SCHOOL, MD / 2027 The young southpaw got the start for Gilman and shined on his way to picking up the first win of the season for the Greyhounds. Warnack worked five innings, giving up just two runs on three hits while striking out six. The pace and quiet moxie that Warnack worked with was impressive at such a young age, and the pitchability just added to the likeness. The ability to throw any pitch in any count, mixing the fastball and changeup well off each other kept the John Carroll hitters guessing and off balance for the majority of his outing. The velocity won’t blow by anybody, but the mix of speeds and tempo certainly paid dividends on Monday.

Caleb Lawson OF / OF / GILMAN SCHOOL, MD / 2025 The senior outfielder was on barrel all day long, notching two hits and adding another loud barrel for a lineout to centerfield. It’s an athletic makeup in the box with the ability to use the whole field and create length through the zone. Barrel feel and fluid hands played consistently and this could be a huge impact bat for Gilman down the road.

Jute Taylor SS / OF / GILMAN SCHOOL, MD / 2026 One of the more impact players throughout this lineup, Taylor didn't get on the stat sheet offensively, however, the impact defensively is where he shined on Monday. Quick feet and an accurate, strong arm, Taylor plays with confidence at shortstop and the ability seems to come naturally. At the dish, it’s a smooth whole field approach with some sneaky heaviness to the barrel that should see power numbers rise as the spring rolls on.

Jake Mohler 3B / RHP / Gilman, MD / 2025 Another hitter in this lineup that consistently utilizes the whole field, and does so with strength. Mohler went backside a few times, notching one hit and two RBI on the night and showcased the ability to consistently find the barrel with ease. It’s a controlled, high contact bat in the middle of the order that should find plenty of opportunities to knock in runners, and should be an intriguing hit tool to watch all spring long.

Jack O'Sullivan 3B / GILMAN SCHOOL, MD / 2028 Certainly one to keep eyes on for years to come across this conference. Standing at a physical 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, O’Sullivan does not get cheated at the dish and the eye-opening ability to get on barrel consistently is advanced for his age. Possessing a high power ceiling, look for the freshman to increase power numbers as the spring goes on and be a lethal bat in the middle of this Gilman lineup.

John Carroll

Will Rhine SS / 2B / John Carroll, MD / 2025 The Alabama commit made his presence felt early, unloading on a first-pitch fastball and depositing a no-doubt solo home run in his first at-bat of the night. Coming off an injury-ridden 2024 campaign, Rhine looks healthy as ever and the strength is still eye-opening at the dish. The swing still produces evident bat speed through the zone with quick, loose hands and the timing looks to be back as well. Swing decisions and timing was my worry after missing so much time in 2024, however, everything looked as good as it ever has, and the defense at 3rd base was clean. Look for this to be a big year for Rhine as he leads this John Carroll offense.

Pierce Quinn RHP / OF / John Carroll, MD / 2026 The UVA commit got the start for the Patriots and battled adversity throughout, working three innings, giving up two runs on three hits while striking at 2. The command was scattered, working to a 61% strike percentage, however did show flashes of advanced stuff as usual. The breaking ball when on is one of the top pitches in the conference, spinning it close to 2900 rpm consistently while coupling it with an upper 80s fastball into the 2600s. Struggled to get ahead of hitters that didn't allow the usual usage of the breaking ball early in counts, however, the ability to get whiffs with the fastball in the zone showed intrigue. Quinn is one of the top arms in the conference, and I strongly believe that will be proven time and time again as the spring rolls on.

Dallas Brooks C / 1B / JOHN CARROLL SCHOOL, MD / 2025 One of my favorite backstops in the state, the uncommitted left-handed hitter showed his whole field approach with a late backside single through the 6-hole, finishing the game 1-for-2 with a walk. The thing that stood out was the arm strength and overall defensive ability. Not only is this arguably the top offensive catcher in the state, but the defensive actions are certainly making a statement on the other side of the ball as well. The ability to shutdown a run game is impressive and no runner is safe, as Brooks has a keen ability to back pick any runner with ease.

Brycen Altland 3B / RHP / JOHN CARROLL SCHOOL, MD / 2026 Altland has impressed us as a staff for a few years now, and the hit tool continues to trend in the right direction. It seems like every game I see, the uncommitted junior is on barrel and the strength continues to be added to the frame. Look for a big year and added power numbers as the weather gets warmer.

Joseph Coudon SS / 2B / JOHN CARROLL SCHOOL, MD / 2026 A prototypical leadoff hitter, Coudon battles at the dish and shows the ability to work counts consistently throughout the game. I really like how the hands work and the bat speed continues to increase the more we see him, as this is a really nice table-setter at the top of the lineup in front of the big horses in Rhine, Carpenter, Jourdan and Brooks. Stronger than what the size portrays, this hit tool can surprise people with the power and look for that to be consistent as the spring rolls on.

Casey Carpenter 3B / 1B / John Carroll , MD / 2025 My preseason Player of the Year nominee, Carpenter showcased the power late in Monday’s contest as he laced a bullet RBI double into the right-center field gap. The power upside is through the roof and the barrel awareness is some of the best across the state. If the swing decisions stay positive, look for Carpenter to explode this spring at the dish.