NORTHWESTERN vs. BROOME - 2/5/19

Northwestern and Broome squared off in what was the first scrimmage action for both clubs. Shaking the dust off, there were both positives and negatives for each team. All and all both groups should feel good about their first action of 2019. The teams took turns working on live bunt coverages and gave their pitchers a chance to throw an inning or two each, some runs were scored, some defensive plays were made, and at the end of the game both teams came away with some valuable direction. 

Kyle Perdue (RHP, Northwestern, 2019) was the first arm to go for the Trojans, he was efficient in his two innings of work. FBs showed some heavy tendencies and arm side life. Favored the CH and threw it effectively in any count. Lost touch with the control at times during his second inning but was able to work through it. Look for Purdue to throw some quality innings for the Trojans this year. 

Ryan Brown (C/RHP, Northwestern, 2019) The Newberry College recruit can be expected to be a staple in the middle of the order this year for Northwestern. Brown is a primary catcher with the skills to play several other positions on the field. With the limitations regarding the pitcher/catcher rules, and Browns ability to throw some innings for the Trojans, it will be interesting to see if he works primarily behind the plate or at another position that gives him the flexibility to pitch if necessary.  

 

Will Rushing (RHP/OF, Northwestern, 2019) USC-Lancaster signee is an intriguing utility man on this team. Rushing took several good swings and reached base multiple times when we saw him. He started the game in CF and then threw two innings later on in the game, the stuff was good on the mound but the control was inconsistent. He looks the part and possesses the athleticism to have some upside. He will have to have a great year in order for the Trojans to make that playoff push that people around this program have come to expect.

On the Centurion side of the ball, Dakota Carver (OF, Broome, 2019) will look to build on his Herald Journal/Go Upstate 2nd team All Area selection in 2018. Carver hit leadoff for Broome in this one in an EH role. Look for him to be a catalyst for this offense and a driving force for their success. Ethan Crump (1B/OF, Broome, 2019) was probably the most impressive player in a Broome uniform. Crump had multiple quality ABs and hard hit balls. 

WESTWOOD vs. BATESBURG-LEESVILLE - 2.6.19

The PBR scouts made the trip out to Blythewood to take in the Westwood Redhawks and Batesburg-Leesville Panthers in our second scrimmage game of the week. The Redhawks may be one of the most underrated groups out there. There is length and athleticism across the board. A line up of guys who can swing it and a few quality arms will give any Westwood fan high hopes for the 2019 campaign. 

Josh Wise (OF, Westwood, 2019) The Florence-Darlington Tech recruit flashed good athleticism and a quality hit tool. His awareness of the zone and timing are confident and he gives the Redhawks a consistent presence at the top of the order they have been missing in years past. Expect him to see some innings on the mound this year also.

BJ Williams (OF/RHP. Westwood, 2020) the 6 foot 3 frame has tremendous upside. There is whip in the barrel and he took some aggressive swings in advantage counts. He showed the ability to evolve his approach as the at bat progressed by cutting down the swing with two strikes. He is a rangy outfielder who tracks the ball well off the bat. He will also be a staple on the mound for the Redhawks, showing a loose arm action with occasional ability to spin an above average breaking ball. 

 

John Janco (RHP, Westwood, 2022) strike throwing RHP. Controlled the baseball in the lower half of the zone and changed speeds effectively. Showed the ability to pitch backwards at times and pick his spots for breaking balls. Showed two breaking balls, a "get me over" pitch and a two strike "put away" pitch.

Payton Dawkins (RHP, Batesburg-Leesville, 2019) Newberry recruit worked two innings with a fastball between 82-84. The pitch showed some arm side run at times. Dawkins complimented his fast ball with a 10/4 shaped breaking ball. The arm action is clean an the fastball velocity could jump when he gets some more innings under his belt this spring. 

FORT MILL vs. INDIAN LAND - 2.7.19

Game three of the week saw Indian Land make the short trip over to Fort Mill on Thursday night. Both teams enter the 2019 season with high expectations. The Fort Mill attack will be paced by ace Mikey Tepper (RHP, 2020) the UNC Charlotte recruit saw one inning of action on Thursday and was sharp to say the least. His only pitch under the 90 mph mark was an 88 mph bolt. He only needed one power breaking ball to complete his clean inning. The 11/5 shape has late action and good depth, if it can land consistently for strikes it will be a dominating secondary pitch.

JT Marr (C, Fort Mill, 2019) The Flagler Recruit did not disappoint. The loose left handed swing was on time for everything. A line out to second, triple to center field, and fly out to right and his night was over. He is the type of player who fans love to watch hit and opposing coaches lose sleep over. 

 

 

Kyle Kolas (3B, Fort Mill, 2020) A noticeably athletic frame at 3B would fit just as easily at 2B. Compact load and quiet rhythm put him on time for multiple offerings. Two line drive singles and a walk ended his night during this early season scrimmage action with a job well done. 

Kyle Raynor (SS, Indian Land, 2020) Built like a middle infielder with smooth actions. Could easily slide over to 2B down the line. Pitched the first two innings for the Warriors with a FB that was around the zone at 77 and a 64 mph breaking ball.