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Western PA College Prospect Showcase Preview

January 5, 2014

By Greg Williams
WV Director of Scouting

The new year brings with it the start of the winter schedule of events in Pennsylvania. Penn State Greater Allegheny in McKeesport, PA will be the site of the Western PA College Prospect Showcase on January 12. The event is open to all current high school prospects and registrations will close on January 9. Following is a look at some of the talented prospects scheduled to participate in the inaugural event of 2014.

Class of 2016

SS/2B Corbin Kessler (Seneca Valley HS)

Kessler, ranked No. 29 in the PA Class of 2016, showcased fluid actions and a clean transition with throws of 75 mph across the diamond at the PA Underclass Games in July. The sweet swinging sophomore went 4-for-6 at the plate in game action, including a double and a triple. Kessler displayed an 83 mph bat exit velocity and took home MVP honors for the White Team. He has added two inches and 15 pounds to his frame since July and looks primed for a breakout sophomore season on the diamond.

2B/3B Dominic Peroni (Laurel Highlands HS)

Peroni showed well in all facets of the game during the Fall College Prospect Program at Alderson Broaddus University. The 6-foot-1, 155-pound infielder displayed a flat bat path through the hitting zone and the ability to use all fields with a bat exit velocity of 80 mph. He went 1-for-3 at the plate in game action. Peroni showcased athletic actions in the infield with fundamental actions and a 79 mph throwing arm. He is currently ranked No. 65 in the PA Class of 2016.

OF/RHP Jake Sniegocki (McDowell HS)

Sniegocki is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound OF/RHP from McDowell HS. He played for the Allegheny Pirates this past fall and will be participating in his first PBR event. Sniegocki is ranked No. 43 in the PA Class of 2016.


Class of 2015

RHP/OF Nicholas Jennings (Chartiers Valley HS)

Jennings sat 77-80 out of a high 3/4 arm slot with some arm side run to his fastball during the Fall College Prospect Program. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound righty also displayed a 67 mph 10/4 breaking curveball. He yielded one run on four hits in three innings of work with three strikeouts. Jennings showed command of the strike zone and repeatable mechanics that indicate additional velocity is likely. He is ranked No. 218 in the PA Class of 2015.

Class of 2014

RHP Thomas McCloskey (Meadville HS)

McCloskey is a 6-foot-1, 175-pound RHP/OF from Meadville Area HS. He was the ace of the Bulldogs pitching staff in 2013 and tossed a perfect game against District 10 runner-up Slippery Rock. McCloskey had a 2.98 ERA in 42.1 innings of work.

C/2B Travis Renner (University HS, WV)

Renner is a 6-foot, 185-pound C/2B that hit .411 with four home runs and 26 RBI in 2012. Renner went on to his .523 with 28 RBI and five home runs in 2013. He has showcased pop times of 2.01-2.06 on throws of 73 mph from the crouch and an 89 mph bat exit velocity. Renner has shown his versatility and ability to play multiple defensive positions at two PBR events in the past six months. He is ranked No. 11 in the WV Class of 2014.

OF Kellen Welch (Brooke HS, WV)

Welch is a 5-foot-8, 165-pound OF that was an Honorable Mention TRAC Conference selection in 2013. He runs a 7.10 60-yard dash and will be participating in his first PBR event.

                                             Travis Renner  Kellen Welch
                                                           Renner                            Welch

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