By Doug Freeman
Florida Scouting Director

Fort Lauderdale, FL- In a big district matchup between Pompano Beach and Pine Crest, Pompano’s offense would get off to a hot start and hold off multiple threats from Pine Crest to win 10-7 and clinch first place in their district tournament.  

Pompano would jump out to an early 2-0 lead in the first, in big part to the uncommitted 2017 OF Austin Carney who would record an RBI double and score a run. The athletic outfielder with a strong lower half finished the day 3-3 with two doubles, two runs and three RBIs. Pine Crest would answer in the bottom of the first thanks to a solo home run from starting pitcher and Richmond recruit Jordan Schulefand.

Uncommitted 2018 RHP Chase Costello would get the start for Pompano and was impressive in his 4+ innings of work.  Costello would finish 4+ innings allowing three runs on three hits with four walks while striking out three.  Costello has a lean, high-waist and projectable frame. He worked a fastball from 88-91 mph from a high 3/4 slot with a somewhat short arm action.  The arm action was clean in the back, but he landed closed with a somewhat short stride that led to an inconsistent release point and inconsistent command at times. The fastball showed late life with tilt, especially when he got extended and worked down in the zone. He also showed a curveball with slurvy action at 75-79 mph. Also a bit inconsistent, it showed sharp downward action when he was on top of the baseball. He also showed an occasional changeup at 80 mph. Overall, there is a ton of upside with Costello and could make a big jump as he continues to refine the delivery and just use from the athletic lower half.

Pompano would take an 8-4 lead into the sixth. Led by leadoff hitter and uncommitted 2018 center fielder Mike Schuler who would record three hits in his last three at bats, including two doubles and two RBIs. Schuler has a short, level swing with some quick twitch and showed as an above average runner with 4.44 and 4.47 on his turn in two of his three hits.  

Pine Crest would answer back with three in the bottom of the sixth to bring the score to 8-7. Pine Crest was led offensively by the impressive Duke recruit 2017 catcher Mike Rothenberg. Rothenberg was 2-5 on the day with doubles from both the right and left hand sides. He is tall, lean upper half with a strong lower half with room to fill out. Offensively, he is very similar from both sides. He is balanced with good use from the lower half, feel for the barrel and above average power especially from the left side. He was extremely impressive behind the plate as well. With a flexible lower half, he consistently got into a quality position to receive with soft hands and strong wrists. He also showed good footwork with a clean quick transfer and an above average arm, showing it off with a 1.82 pop on an in game caught stealing.

Pompano would add two more in the top of the seventh and Schuler would come into close. The athleticism transferred to the mound with a clean, quick arm and fastball with some late life.  Schuler would strike out the final two hitters for the save and clinch first place for Pompano.