Matt
Piento

4.25.18 - Lewis University commit. Started on the mound for the Lions and is currently ranked No. 23 at position in the Illinois’ 2019 class. 6-foot-1, 175-pound wiry, athletic frame, room for continued physical development. Threw four innings against Hinsdale Central giving up four earned with five Ks, three walks and two HBP. Spotty control at times, but fastball/slider mix kept hitters in check majority of game. Utilized a slight side-winder delivery, crunch balance point, some athleticism in finish, firm front leg. Spun off at times, short, quick arm action, low ¾ to ¾ arm slot. Fastball ran, sat 82-84 mph. Advanced slider, used it often with feel, 1/7 shape, depth with arm speed, 73-76 mph. Leadoff for the Lions and finished 1-for-4 with a run scored. Showed feel for the barrel, middle of the field approach, level stroke with present bat speed, smooth on the basepaths.

6.11.17 - Verbally committed to Lewis University.

10.16.16 - 6-foot, 160-pound, lean, athletically built, two-way prospect. Left-handed pitcher, delivery works with rhythm, slightly across body, hides ball, creating deception and easy effort throughout. Arm works short and from a ¾ slot. Fastball sat 79-81 mph, touching 82. Curveball, flashed sharp, late action, 1/7 shape and ranged between 70-73 mph. Changeup maintains arm speed, flashed sinking action and feel, 75-77 mph. Offensively, balanced setup, short stride and average balance; exit velocity clocked at 72 mph. Defensively, quick feet in the outfield. Short arm from and over-the-top to high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 80 mph. Also, ran a 7.22 laser-timed 60.

6.8.16 - 6-foot, 160-pound left-handed two-way player, lanky frame with some projectability, best on the mound. On the mound arm action is short with some quickness, high ¾ slot. Tall and fall approach, regular effort, open toe landing, works slightly across body. Fastball showed arm side run and sinking action, 77-78 mph, topped at 79 mph. Curveball flashed bite on 12/6 plane, showed feel for the pitch, 68-70 mph. Changeup had well above average fading action, thrown with comparable arm speed, feel for the zone, 72-74 mph. Left-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short stride, average balance. Showed ability to work the middle of the field, short path with rigid finish. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed average actions, occasionally worked uphill through the baseball, short high ¾ arm action, 76 from the outfield. 7.47 runner in the 60.