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Scouting Notes: Friends Central vs. Shipley (4/16)

April 19, 2013

By Frank Cooney
Eastern PA Area Scout

Friends' Central used an impressive offensive display from their entire lineup and a great performance from 2013 RHP Aaron Ross who tossed a complete game two-hitter with five strikeouts to beat Friends' League rival Shipley in a five inning game. 

The FC offense blew the game wide open in the second inning when Jerome Allen Jr. (son of former NBA player and current UPenn men's basketball coach, Jerome Allen) led off with a towering home run to straight-away centerfield. Allen, a 6-foot-2 junior, was 3-for-4 on the day with a home run, two doubles and three RBI. Back to back doubles from 2013 Danny Rogers (3-for-3, 3 runs) and 2016 Joey Lawall (2-for-2, BB, 2 RBI) plated another run for the Phoenix, who went on to score five in the frame. 

The offensive onslaught would continue in the third inning, as Friends' Central put up another five spot, including home runs from 2015 Ardon Fryer (3-for-3, 4 RBI) and 2014 Hayden Gruber. 

The Phoenix would pile on, scoring another 10 runs, winning 19-0 in a five inning contest. 

+ 2014 Friends' Central OF Nicolas Harris had an outstanding day, going 4-for-5 with two triples and five RBI. Harris, who hits from right side, was able to drive the ball to both outfield gaps, using a solid approach at the plate and good bat speed (85 mph exit velo) on the day. Harris had a home to first time of 4.28. Defensively, Harris showed both the ability to recognize the ball off the bat early and also to consistently be in position to make a play. He has the speed to play center, and with some improvements to arm strength he could play a corner OF spot as well. 

+ 2014 Friends' Central OF Hayden Gruber showed very well at the plate. The 6-foot-3 prospect hits with an open stance, using a toe tap trigger to launch his swing. Gruber twice had an exit speed velo above 90 on the day (91, 92) and drove the ball with plus power. He launched a deep drive over the wall in centerfield. Defensively, Gruber has a strong arm from his corner outfield position and although he will need to improve his speed, he showed the ability to cover ground using good reads and a quick first step. 

Bryan Rubin+ 2014 Friends' Central SS Bryan Rubin was impressive in the contest, going 2-for-4 with a BB and two RBI. The switch-hitting infielder registered an exit velo of 88 mph and showed patience at the plate, seeing 31 pitches on the day. Rubin has quick hands and keeps his bat through the zone for an extended time. Defensively, the 6-foot-2 Rubin used solid footwork and a good first step to man the six hole. He was able to make plays moving well laterally to either side to compliment a strong arm.

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