STUDIO CITY, CA. - The CIF Southern Section Baseball season is now underway and opening day seems like a distant memory at this point. I took in an early-season, highly anticipated, non-league contest between two highly touted LA County programs; each featuring multiple MLB Draft prospects to boast about. 

Pete Crow-Armstrong (Harvard-Westlake) and Petey Halpin (Mira Costa) were headlining with MLB decision makers swarming in abundance at O’Malley Family Field; but it was Drew Bowser (Harvard-Westlake) who stole the show. 

We saw a stellar defensive performance from 2020 3B Kyle Karros (Mira Costa) a UCLA signee, solid pitching performances from 2020 Tyler Ganus (Harvard-Westlake) an Oregon commit, and 2020 Jack Hassett (Harvard-Westlake) a NYU recruit who came in relief of Ganus hurling three and two-thirds innings, allowing one hit and slamming the door shut on Mira Costa.   

The game was called in the six inning on account of darkness, and at the end of the day the Mustangs fell 11-3 to the Wolverines despite out-hitting them six to five.

Let’s take a look at the players that stood out.

+ 2020 OF Pete Crow-Armstrong (Harvard-Westlake) The Vandy signee continues to terrorize any pitcher who toes the rubber against him. Armstrong’s draft stock is rising and no doubt will be hearing his name called on day one of the MLB Amateur Draft.  He logged two doubles, going two-for-three on the afternoon. 

+ 2020 OF Petey Halpin (Mira Costa) The Texas recruit hasn't slowed down since his arrival on campus in Manhattan Beach. What really stands out to me is the joy he exudes playing the game. It's not easy playing in front of 30-60 MLB scouts every game; and scrutinizing your every move. In my mind there is no question if Halpin will be taken high in the draft; the question is #1 How high? #2 First day? or #3 Early day two?  Went one-for-three on the afternoon, with a run scored and a stolen base seen here (13-steps & clocked a 3.33)

+ 2020 SS Drew Bowser (Harvard-Westlake) The Stanford signee stole the show and is rising up draft boards quickly. Bowser's play can be described in one word…”ProForming”. He looks like a seventeen year old Alex Rodriguez and stands on an athletic, six-foot-four, 210lbs frame. Bowser was one-for-two, with a three-run homerun, four RBI’s, two runs scored and a walk. MLB organizations will have to back up the proverbial “truck” to take Bowser away from “The Farm” at Stanford University. Will it happen? To be continued….

+ 2021 C Nick Bacura (Mira Costa) The Santa Clara recruits game has taken the next step and he’s tapping into his power at the plate. Here he is hitting his first homerun of the season, a two-run shot in the first inning to give the Mustangs an early lead.

+ 2021 OF/RHP Jonah Storey (Mira Costa) The uncommitted junior has impressed each viewing and solidifies the Mira Costa lineup in every way. Storey does everything, and he does it well. Hits in the middle of the lineup, can control the bat, hit behind runners, and has an advanced understanding of the strike zone; by the way he pitches too, and will be counted on to log important innings on the mound this season. He has a unique opportunity all season to display his skills in front of evaluators. College coaches need to pay attention to Storey. 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
Norcal Underclass Games (INVITE-ONLY)	CA	06/06	Islanders Field - Lathrop
Northern California ProCase (INVITE ONLY)	CA	06/13	Folsom Lake College
SoCal Underclass Games (INVITE ONLY)	CA	06/13	Hart Park
SoCal ProCase (INVITE ONLY)	CA	06/14	Hart Park
2020 PBR Future Games (California Invite)	CA	07/29	LakePoint Sports

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