VA/DC Scout Blog: Independence at Lightridge

March 31, 2022
John Nolan
VA/DC Managing Editor, NOVA Scouting Coordinator

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Wednesday night saw a south Loudoun showdown of newer schools as Independence traveled on the road to take on Lightridge. Indy went with senior lefty Bradley Gagen (Tennessee) for the start and Lightridge went with junior righty Liam Moriarty.

Independence jumped out quickly with four runs in the top of the first and the Tigers added four more in the third to open up an 8-0 lead. Lightridge answered with one in the bottom of the third, but Independence added two in the fourth and one in the sixth to ultimately win the shortened game, 11-1.

Gagen went 5 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits with 7 strikeouts. Maddox Jordan was 2-3 with a BB, a 2B, and 2 RBIs. Tyler Fetterman was 2-4 with a 2B and 2 RBIs. Donovan Newell was 2-3 with an RBI for Lightridge.

independence

Bradley Gagen LHP / Independence, VA / 2022

Gagen is a Tennessee commit. Strong athletic frame, long free quick arm action, throws with normal to some effort. Strides out on line and lands open with a hard fall off finish. Fastball was 85-88, touching 89 a few times. The pitch has some late armside run that also gets a bit of depth, movement plays up a bit more when thrown to his armside. Showed two breaking balls, a curveball with gradual 1/7 break that was 68-71. His slider was the better pitch with more 2/8 shape and sharper break, running 73-74. Showed control of his pitches for most of his outing. Was able to throw fastballs to both halves of the plate and showed the ability to throw both breaking balls for strikes and to draw swings. Fastball was 86-88 with all of his 89s early, settled into 85-86 range in innings 3-5.

David Mendez SS / 2B / Independence, VA / 2023

2023 SS David Mendez (@indytigers/@DaytonBaseball)

At it again, rocket to very deep center that goes for a 2-base error. Short fast swing, ball jumps off bat#PBRIsThere @PBRVirginiaDC pic.twitter.com/bAuNiOb1Mz
— John Nolan (@PBRVADC_Nolan) March 30, 2022

Lightridge

Liam Moriarty RHP / Lightridge, VA / 2023

2023 RHP Liam Moriarty (@LightridgeBB)

Athletic frame with projection left, breaks long before a short quick arm action from a higher slot

FB 79-82
CB 66-68#PBRIsThere @PBRVirginiaDC pic.twitter.com/CUjbXHlg4x
— John Nolan (@PBRVADC_Nolan) March 30, 2022

Donovan Newell OF / RHP / Lightridge, VA / 2024

2024 CF @DonovanNewell2 (@LightridgeBB)

Lanky frame, range in the OF, short swing, line drive hitter and uses his speed. Base hit up the middle on this swing#PBRIsThere @PBRVirginiaDC pic.twitter.com/ij6ovRQI1N
— John Nolan (@PBRVADC_Nolan) March 30, 2022

Jimmy Nunnallee SS / Lightridge, VA / 2024

Nunnallee is a Virginia commit. Lankier athletic frame with projection left. In the infield, shows smooth actions and good lateral range and quickness. Arm is average at best now with potential to improve as he adds strength, action is loose. Soft hands and a good exchange. At the plate, hits from the left side, taller open stance, very short path and quick to contact, extension at contact and works uphill through his finish. Line drive hitter now with an all fields approach and some gap power present, plenty of potential to add power as he adds strength. Shows some feel for the barrel.