By Mike Maerz
Director of Florida Operations/Area Scout

On Tuesday night, the Tampa Catholic pitching staff was able to hold visiting Largo HS to just three hits in a strong performance that would end up resulting in an 8-0 win for the Crusaders.

For Tampa Catholic, 2016 RHP Jared Cenal would start the game and go two innings, giving up no hits and featuring a fastball that sat 84-86 mph, a curveball at 66-70 mph, and a changeup at 76-78 mph. Following Cenal for two innings would be 2017 RHP Conor Grady, who was able to strike out three using his 86-89 mph fastball along with a 71-73 mph curveball with good break. After Grady would be 2016 LHP AJ Chacon, who would strike out four using his fastball 82-84 mph and a curveball 73-75 mph in his two innings of work.

On the offensive side, 2017 MIF Mitchell Carter would lead the way, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored. 2016 SS Garrett Back and 2018 1B/DH  Julian Pichardo would combine for three RBIs on a night that would end with the home Crusaders putting together 12 hits. 2017 C Tyler Lala went 2-for-3 on the night and stood out behind the plate by throwing out a base stealer and showed the ability to block some tough pitches in the dirt.