By Mike Maerz
Director of Florida Operations/Area Scout

In a 5A semifinal match-up, the Bolles Bulldogs took on the Melbourne Central Catholic Hustlers in a game that saw both pitchers keep the opposing lineup off the scoreboard until the bottom of the fifth inning when the Bulldogs would finally strike with two runs. The Bulldogs scored three more runs the following inning and along with a stellar pitching performance from their starter, held off the Hustlers and advanced to the 5A State Championship Game with a 5-0 victory.

2019 LHP Hunter Barco (Bolles HS, FL) went the distance as he threw a complete game shutout and allowed only five hits during his time on the mound. The Virginia recruit pitched with confidence and poise as he was locked in the entire game and attacked the Hustlers lineup inning after inning. He featured a fastball that sat 85-88 mph along with a 74-75 mph change up which he used to continually pound the strike zone and rack up eight strikeouts on the day.

2016 OF Bryce Newman (Bolles HS, FL) led the offensive charge for the Bulldogs as he would go 3-for-4 at the plate with an RBI. 2016 OF Hamp Skinner (Bolles HS, FL) doubled and 2018 MIF Max Ferguson (Bolles HS, FL) would also double with an RBI. 2017 3B Clemente Inclan (Bolles HS, FL) also continually stood out in the field as he made a couple of tough plays including a barehanded play on a slow roller down the 3B line.

For the Hustlers, 2016 RHP Mark Potter (Melbourne Central Catholic HS, FL) sat 88-90 mph with his fastball and 74-76 mph with his curveball during his time on the mound. The Jacksonville recruit would get credited for the loss after giving up four runs on four hits with two strikeouts. 2016 OF Will Erdman (Melbourne Central Catholic HS, FL) went 2-for-2 on the day.

With the victory, the Bolles Bulldogs will take on Monsignor Pace HS for a chance to be crowned 5A State Title Champs.