Prep Baseball Report

Scouting Notes: Somerset vs. Forest Hills



By Jacob Oswalt
Central PA Area Scout

Somerset showed signs of a letdown after an impressive 5-3 victory over AAAA State College on Saturday but came alive in the fourth inning to win a mercy-rule shortened game 10-0 over AAA conference member Forest Hills.

Drew HemmingerSomerset senior RHP Drew Hemminger went three innings, giving up one hit and striking out one before giving way to Randy Brewer. The senior lefty pitched the last three innings, inducing three double play balls for the win.

Eight hitter Bryce Mostoller (3-for-3 with 2 RBI’s) started the scoring with an RBI single in the second inning. Somerset trailed 3-2 before Hemminger lined a sacrifice fly out to right field and Brent Barron added an RBI single in the fourth inning.

Somerset (7-2) broke the game open in the bottom of the sixth inning, sending ten batters to the plate and scoring five runs. Sophomore Michael Vanlenten doubled in two runs. Mostoller, Tanner Stull, and Ross Dirienzo each had RBI singles in the inning.

Forest Hills (1-2) is a young team that started three freshmen and two sophomores. Senior catcher Spencer Ivock led the offense going 2-for-2 as the Rangers were held to just three hits on the day.

  • Hemminger had trouble with his control early in the game by walking two in the first inning. He showed a fast, loose arm and routinely lived at the knees on hitters. Hemminger primarily used the late life on his fastball to induce six groundball outs. He also showcased a tight 11/5 curveball and changeup in his repertoire. Hemminger went 2-for-4 at the plate that included three at-bats in which he squared the ball up. Using an upright, slightly open stance, Hemminger showcased strong hands that got through the zone quick on a sacrifice line out to right field.
  • Ross DirienzoRoss Dirienzo showcased his quick feet and hands at second base by being the pivot man in double plays in the fifth and sixth innings. He used a slightly open stance and stayed back well in going 2-for-4. The lefty lined a solid single to right field in the sixth for an RBI. He showcased a short and compact swing and an ability to handle the bat in the two-hole.
  • Stull is a junior catcher and also a standout quarterback on the football team. He displayed good blocking skills when going to his right to block three balls in the dirt to keep runners where they were. The leadoff hitter stole two bases and added 2 RBI at the plate. Stull has a slightly open stance and high hands. He is a patient hitter who worked a six-pitch walk in his first at-bat.
  • Brent Barron showcased his power in the sixth inning with a long foul ball over the left field fence. He stayed back nice on a curveball in the second inning and squared it up between the third baseman and shortstop. Barron also lined a single past the second baseman on an outside fastball
    for an RBI. He finished 2-for-3 with two runs, showcasing a solid, compact swing with some pop.
  • Mostoller went 3-for-3 with two RBI. He used his big frame as leverage to hit a rope into left field for an RBI single in the second inning. Mostoller finished with a single to left, center, and right field on the day, showcasing his ability to spray the ball to all fields. 
  • Alex DirienzoAlex Dirienzo looked comfortable as the nine-hitter in a deep, talented lineup. With a runner on second with no one out, Dirienzo grounded out to second base to move the runner over. In the field, he stays square to the ball at shortstop and really comes through the ball well to gain momentum toward first base with a quick release.

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