The 2012 Under Armour Midwest Future Games began this morning with a 5-5 tie between Team Pennsylvania and Team Michigan on the campus of the University of Illinois.

After a scoreless first inning, Team Pennsylvania jumped out to a 4-0 lead bolstered by a two run triple by Brendan McKay (Blackhawk), the No. 2 ranked player in the Class of 2014. A sacrifice fly by Shane Connahan (Midd-West) and a single followed by a throwing error off the bat of Scott Pierce (Austintown Fitch, OH) accounted for the other Team Pennsylvania runs.

Team Michigan battled back scoring twice in the bottom of the fourth inning and two more times in the bottom of the 6th inning to tie the game at four.

Team Pennsylvania immediately responded in the top of the 7th inning. Shane Connahan doubled to lead off the inning. Scott Pierce followed with a seeing eye single that hit the 3rd base bag to put runners at first and second. After a walk to load the bases, Ryan Megyesi (Cardinal Mooney, OH) hit into a fielder's choice to drive in the go ahead run.

Team Pennsylvania took the 5-4 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning, but were not able to hold on for the victory as Team Michigan rallied for a run on back to back doubles to tie the game at five.

Offensively, Team Pennsylvania was led by Aaron Fritz (Minersville) who went 2-for-3 on the day. Fritz is ranked No. 14 in the Class of 2014.

On the hill, Brendan McKay got the start and was dominant in his starting role. McKay went the first two innings facing just six batters. He struck out five and retired the final batter on a routine ground ball. McKay used an 86mph fastball effectively with a 76mph change up and a 74mph curve ball.

Dominic Cuoci (LaSalle College), the No. 5 ranked player  in the class of 2014 was also impressive in his one inning on the mound. Cuoci faced just three hitters, topping out at 85mph with his fastball.

The event being run by Prep Baseball Report continues with two more games today. Team Indiana and Team Missouri will play at 1:00pm, followed by Team Ohio taking on Team Illinois at 5:30pm.