PBR Florida Preseason Classic Day 2

George Jenkins 9 Vero Beach 8
Finding themselves down 8-3 in top of the 7th and struggling to put together anything offensively throughout the game, the George Jenkins Eagles needed a spark to get things going. After a quick first out to start the seventh, the next two batters walked and singled to set up 2018 3B Brandon Howlett for an RBI opportunity. The Florida State recruit then doubled into left field to bring in a run and suddenly the Eagles had life, trailing 8-4. After another two more runs came across to make it 8-6 and with two runners still on base, 2018 1B Brandt Sundean stepped to the plate. The Florida Gulf Coast recruit had doubled earlier in the game, but this time he delivered a clutch three-run no-doubter home run over the right-center field wall to give them the lead at 9-8 in the top of the 7th. The Vero Beach Indians went down in order in the bottom of the seventh to end the game as the George Jenkins Eagles completed the comeback.

For the Indians, 2018 LHP Hunter Cooley took the no-decision in the loss but pitched efficiently in his four innings on the hill, striking out six. 2018s Gage Brackett and Peter Holden combined for a pair of RBIs for the Indians as well.

2018 3B Brandon Howlett (George Jenkins HS, FL)
+ The Florida State recruit went 3-for-4 on the day, which included a pair of singles to go along with the key RBI double in the top of the seventh. Howlett has an athletic, physical frame with above average bat speed and present power, looking to drive the ball with intent. He also stood out in the field with a strong arm across the diamond, along with a tough off-balance throw late in the game for a big out.

2018 1B Brandt Sundean (George Jenkins HS, FL)
+ The Florida Gulf Coast recruit had a huge day at the plate, going 2-for-4 including a double and the game-winning three-run home run. He has a tall, strong frame and showed some juice in his bat from the left side. Also has been in the mid to high 80s on the mound.

2019 OF Taylor Buffington (George Jenkins HS, FL)
+ Went 1-for-4 on the day, including an RBI single and stolen base. He has a lean, athletic frame and showed some quick hands in the box.

2018 LHP Hunter Cooley (Vero Beach HS, FL)
+ Florida Atlantic recruit. Had a strong outing on the mound where he struck out six and really mixed it up, featuring an 81-84 mph fastball, 69-70 mph change up with some fade, and a 73-74 mph curveball. Loose arm from the left side with some projection. Pounds the zone and looks to attack hitters.

2019 LHP Daniel Batcher (George Jenkins HS, FL)
+ West Virginia recruit. Tall, lean frame standing at 6-foot-4, 180 pounds with room to fill out. Mostly featured a fastball that was 81-83 mph along with a 66-67 mph curveball that showed some shape.

Merritt Island 10 Jensen Beach 5
The Merritt Island Mustangs seemed unfazed to start the game against the hard throwing 2018 RHP Lyon Richardson as 2018 RHP/C Mason Denaburg and 2018 IF Ryan Diaz both delivered an RBI double and single respectively off the 90+ mph fastballs in the first inning to give themselves an early 2-0 lead. In the top of the second, the Jensen Beach Falcons answered back with three of their own to take a 3-2 lead and out came Richardson for his second inning of the night. The Florida recruit showed how dominant he can be as he sat 91-94 mph with his fastball, touching 95 along with a mid 80s changeup with fade to strike out the side quickly. He has an extremely quick arm and the ball jumps out of his hand. He also flashed a 77-78 mph slider. The Falcons then added two more runs in the top of the fourth after Richardson smoked a double to deep centerfield from the left side to take a 5-2 lead. That would be it though for the Falcons offensively. The Mustangs then put together a five run inning in the bottom of the fourth with key hits coming from 2018 OF/LHP Nick Avdellas and 2020 OF Ian Farrow to push their lead to 7-5. The Falcons threatened with the bases loaded in the top of the fifth, but 2018 RHP Adam Metcalf came out of the pen for a big strikeout to leave the runners stranded. The Mustangs added to their lead again in the bottom of the sixth as 2018 IF Ryan Diaz delivered again on a two-run single to push it to 10-5. 2019 RHP Marc Stutts would close things out for the Mustangs to preserve the 10-5 victory.

2018 RHP Lyon Richardson (Jensen Beach HS, FL)
+ Florida recruit. Lean, athletic frame with an extremely quick arm. The ball jumps out of his hand. Fastball mostly sat in the 90-94 mph range, touching 95 a couple times with life along with a 77-78 mph slider. During his second inning he also flashed an 84-86 mph changeup with fade which was impressive as he was able to throw it for strikes and produce some swings and misses on it. Gave up two early runs, but settled in during his second inning where he struck out the side. Struck out six in his two innings on the mound. Richardson looks to have added to his frame over the winter months and will be a high-follow this spring on draft boards.

2018 RHP/C Mason Denaburg (Merritt Island HS, FL)
+ Florida recruit. Went 1-for-3 on the night which included the RBI double off Richardson in the first inning on a 90 mph fastball.

2020 OF Ian Farrow (Merritt Island HS, FL)
+ Uncommitted. Continued to impress offensively where he showed quick hands, above average bat speed, and athleticism in the box. Farrow went 2-for-4 on the night with a pair of singles. As he continues to add to his frame, look for a jump in power. Very interesting uncommitted 2020 bat with athleticism to keep an eye on this spring.

2018 IF RJ Diaz (Merritt Island HS, FL)
+ Stand out night at the plate which had him go 2-for-4 with some key hits. In the first, he roped an RBI single off a 94 mph Richardson fastball to drive in the second run of the game. Also drove in two more runs in the bottom of the sixth on a single into right field. He has a strong lower half and looks to be aggressive in the box.

2018 LHP Chase Victor (Merritt Island HS, FL)
+ Florida Gulf Coast recruit. Struggled with some command during his time on the mound but was able to mix up his pitches well and keep hitters off-balance. Fastball mostly sat in the 84-86 mph range, touching 87 along with a 76-78 mph changeup and a 70-73 mph curveball that showed some depth.