By Mike Maerz
Director of Florida Operations/Area Scout

Tampa, FL—In an early preseason matchup, Alonso HS, FL, took on Osceola HS, FL, Tuesday night in what would feature a standout performance by 2017 LHP Jordan Butler (Alonso HS, FL). The Florida recruit worked quickly and efficiently as he showed good command and control of the zone with his fastball up to 88 mph while mixing in a curveball that seemed to be untouchable to the Osceola batters. Butler would end up leaving after three innings after not allowing a hit, issuing no walks, and striking out 5. He also added a stand-up double from the plate after crushing a ball off the right-field fence.

2017 SS Jose Ciccarello and 2016 OF Ryan Mejia did their damage at the top of the order for Alonso as Ciccarello would score twice and Mejia would end up knocking one of those runs in. 2018 3B Ryan Drumheller made a couple of nice plays in the corner while also making himself known on the basepaths with a couple of stolen bases.

For Osceola, 2016 RHP Corey Ireson started the game and featured a fastball in the mid 80s along with a 68-70 mph curveball with hard break and shape. After Ireson exited the game, 2016 LHP Tyler Malinowski came in and did a nice job of keeping the Alonso hitters quiet by only allowing one hit and striking out two in two innings of work. 2018 RHP Max Raynor would come in after for Osceola and displayed a fastball up to 83 mph with run and a curveball that sat 64-66 mph.

Alonso HS would end up winning 2-0 after holding Osceola to just one hit on the night.