Boca Raton, FL - After two games in which pitching dominated the day, Prospectwire 18U used a bit of long ball to get out to an early lead. From there, it was the pitching of an unlikely source that sealed a 2-0-1 record, and 4 seed in the Florida Bombers Showdown at FAU. Indian River bound Marc Monroe laced a 2 run HR that took no time at all to leave the yard. Before the buzz could settle, shortstop K'Shawn Smith (2011) added a 2 run opposite field shot that gave PW a nice cusion. Monroe would add another RBI single to give him 3 for the game and 4 for the tournament. Brandon Meadows (2011) continued his steller play, adding an RBI single, while swiping 2 more bases to give him 4 for the tournament. The versatile Meadows has been used in a variety of roles, and has thrived in each othem thus far.
"The kid is scrappy. I love his intensity. He just plays hard all the time. Doesn't matter where we put him, he just gets the job done. He gets great reads on the bases, makes the plays in the field and can get you an inning or two to close out a game. What more can you ask for," remarked PW Coach Paul Giambalvo.
The win put PW 18U in the Championship Bracket as the #4 seed where they will take on the #5 seed (yet to be determined). When asked about his plan here on out, Giambalvo replied with a chuckle, "well, it takes 3 wins tomorrow to win the tournament. So my plans go out the window. You just have to see how the guys feel and play it by ear. The way we are playing, any of these guys is capable of stepping up and getting the job done. Jacob Elszasz (2010) will probably get the nod and we will go from there!"
Catcher Matt Bowers (2011) continued his hot play behind the dish, throwing out a few more runners. He has yet to yeild a stolen base, while handling an unfamilar staff. "He is tough to run on. He has a good release, takes charge. He's a good catch and throw guy. Teams have really stayed away from running when he's back there," said Giambalvo.
Dakota Wilson got the win for PW 18U, going 3 1/3, scattering 4 hits while giving up only 2 runs. But the pitching story for PW 18U continues to come from a least likely of source...at least by first site! Rising senior Devin Lee (or D-Lee as he is known by his teammates) continued his mastery of hitters this summer, tossing the final 3 2/3 innings. Lee only gave up 1 hit, getting out of a jam in the 4th, and cruising the rest of the way.
"It's amazing to see the reactions players have after facing D-Lee," joked Giambalvo. "Hitters watch him warm up, see his FB, and think it's time to hit. By the time the inning is over, you have 3 guys scratching their heads as they take the field." Lee, who uses location and change of pace to keep hitters off balance, has yet to yeild a run over his two events this summer. Lee, who stands about 5'6, mesmorizes hitters with his looping CB and heavy FB. "I can't tell you much fun it is to have D-Lee," laughed Giambalvo. "The kid just gets outs. He doesn't throw hard at all. They just can't wait on him. He accepts who he is, what his role is, and relishes the opportunities. There is no situation I would not trust him to go into."
Prospectwire 18U will be on the field tomorrow morning at 9 am for the Quarterfinal Matchup...stay tuned for highlights.
Comments (0)
Started in 2004, Prospect Wire has become one of the fastest growing organizers of elite level high school baseball events across the country. As a result, Prospect Wire's player database has grown to over 25,000 current prospects, making it one of the largest scouting services for high school baseball in America.
Tweet
