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Washington HS Scout Blog (3.18.22)

March 28, 2022
Dan Jurik
Scouting Director - Pacific Northwest

Last week we were treated to one of the best pitching battles we’ve had the chance to ever witness. Hits and runs were at a premium with top ranked ‘22 RHP JR Ritchie taking the hill for Bainbridge against the tandem of talented hurlers ‘23 LHP Bjorn Johnson and ‘24 RHP/SS Nick Saelens from Lincoln.

Ultimately Bainbridge would add an unearned run in the 4th and that would provide the narrow margin of victory that they needed. 

In all, there was 2 total hits in the game with 30 strikeouts accounting for the 42 total outs. Here’s more on what we saw from the arms…

washington HS Scout Blog

3.18.22 - Bainbridge, Lincoln, Kentridge & Puyallup

JR Ritchie, RHP, Bainbridge, 2022, UCLA commit. Ritchie started off his senior year on the bump by firing 6 perfect innings with 15 strikeouts on Friday. In the opening frame he sat 95-96 with his FB and bumped a 97. He recorded his 3rd strikeout of the inning on a sharp 85 mph slider with hard, late bite. In innings 2-4, Ritchie attacked primarily with FB, settling in at the 92-94 range while reaching back for an occasional 95. His glove side command is exceptional and he can routinely work down-and-away to both RHH and LHH. His ability to elevate the FB above the barrel on hitters helps him generate strikeouts without having to use his secondary offerings early on. Rarely went to his SL/CH in the middle frames due to the success he was having moving his FB around the zone. Pitched 90-92 in the 5th and 6th while starting to work in the SL more consistently at 81-84. Showed feel for getting the breaker over early for strikes but also had the feel to expand the zone with it when ahead. Only needed 65 pitches and landed 50 of them for strikes. 

Owen Browning, RHP/INF, Bainbridge, 2024. Locked down the save in the bottom of the 7th for Bainbridge and showed poise/maturity in handling the high pressure situation. After striking out his 1st batter, Browning put the tying run on base with a 1 out BB but then recorded an F9 and punchout to secure the win. Browning worked 83-85 with his FB from a low ¾ slot and used an occasional sweeping SL in the low 70’s. Creates a different look with his release point that allows the velocity to play up and makes him a tough match-up, especially on RHH. Uncommitted. 

Bjorn Johnson, LHP, Lincoln, 2023 One of the many looks we’ve had at the highly touted southpaw in the last few months. Johnson was his usual self in this outing, reaching back for 89 with his FB early on and pitching 85-87 throughout his 4 innings of work. Saw the CB a bit more this time out, coming in at 74-78. Finished with 4 IP, 2 H, 2, BB and 8 K. Uncommitted

Nick Saelens, RHP/SS, Lincoln, 2024 Continue to flash upside and potential on the mound. Feels like each time out he continues to learn about what his arm is capable of. We saw the best bolt we’ve ever captured from Saelens as he touched 87 mph with the FB while working in his usual 83-86 mph range. The command was a bit more scattered than usual with 4 BB in 3 IP but he countered that by not allowing any hits and punching out 5. Uncommitted.

Max Uste, INF/RHP, Kentridge, 2022 Helped kickstart the offense in the 1st inning with a big RBI triple and would eventually come around to score on a RBI groundout. Also tossed a scoreless inning on the bump recording 1 K. Confident defender at SS who handles the position like an experienced senior. Uncommitted

Andrew Moberly, SS, Kentridge, 2022 Smooth swinging INF prospect who got the offense started in the 6th for Kentridge with a leadoff single on a sharp line-drive up the middle that was nearly snagged by the SS on a diving effort but he wasn’t able to make a play on the hard hit ball. Came around to score the go-ahead run on a 6-3 groundout that would give the Charger a temporary 3-2 lead. 

Dayton Byrne, C, Kentridge, 2022, Green River College commit One of the more physical offense performers in the game. Byrne has a strong, stocky frame with a compact swing capable of doing damage when he connects his barrel to the ball. Drove in a run early with a 4-3 groundout, then looked as if he was going to add to his RBI total on the game with a deep line drive to RF but it was tracked down on the run by the defender. Defensively did a solid job handling a multitude of arms in what was a ‘staff day’ approach from Kentridge on the bump.

Donte Grant, OF, Puyallup, 2023, Washington State commit A game wrecker every time we get the chance to see him play. Grant went 2-4 on the day and finished with 1 run scored. Continues to show a quick, whippy barrel at the plate that can spray contact to all fields. Plays above average defense in CF with terrific closing speed. 

Mason Pike, INF/RHP, Puyallup, 2025, Oregon State commit Came up big in the bottom of the 7th with his first hit of the game on a roped line drive up the middle. A switch hitter, Pike has an advanced offensive skill-set and is going to be a name to know over the next few years of HS ball in Washington. Also flashed arm talent when he got on the bump and tossed a scoreless 7th for Puyallup before they secured a win. 

Noah Fields, OF, Puyallup, 2022, Tacoma CC commit Fields was outstanding on defense in RF and his overall athleticism is really starting to shine on a regular basis now. At the plate, he brings a mature presence with a disciplined approach and gap-to-gap power. Went 2-4 on the game with 2 runs scored. 

Kai Halstead, C, Puyallup, 2024, Stanford commit One of the top 2024 prospects in the state. Halstead showed the best pop on the night with a deep drive to LF that nearly left the yard. Strong at the plate with a tight, compact swing. He has the chance to change the game with 1 swing whenever he is at-bat. Defensively he does a great job handling a staff and it’s risky for the opposing squad to test his arm strength behind the plate. 


Tristan Ringrose, INF, Puyallup, 2024 One of the breakout performers from our Preseason All-State event in early February. Ringrose came up in the bottom of the 7th for Puyallup when it looked like the game was in doubt for them. Down by 1 with 2 strikes, Ringrose shot a ball to RF that found grass and brought home 2 runners to give Puyallup a 4-3 walk-off win. Uncommitted