West Forsyth (GA) Blanks Escambia (FL)
April 4, 2019
PENSACOLA, FL - West Forsyth (GA) made a quick detour from the 2019 Adidas Beach Blast to take on Escambia (FL) on Wednesday afternoon. The Wolverines of West Forsyth used three pitchers to shut down Escambia’s offense and come away with a 3-0 victory.
West Forsyth struck in the first inning. Florida State commit OF Wyatt Crowell led the game off with a single to right field. SS Luke Cartenuto then put a ball into the gap, driving in Crowell. The Wolverines were able to load the bases with two outs, but Escambia LHP Jojo Blackmon (2021) escaped the inning allowing only one run
Wolverine starting pitcher Matt Strzelecki (2019) cruised for five innings, only allowing only one base runner to reach second base. The left-hander worked in the low 80s from a high ¾ ad side arm slot, locating his fastball effectively around the zone. Strzelecki’s breaking ball played in the low 70s and featured tight break. Working off the two pitches, he allowed two hits, white walking two, hitting one batter and striking out five.
2019 LHP Matt Strzelecki (@WestFoCoBball) tossing a gem. Holding Escambia to 2 hits and 0 runs thru 5.0 IP, 5 Ks, 3 BB/HBP. FB in the low 80s with run, mostly out of high 3/4 slot, drops down to side occ. Feel for a tight breaking ball at 71-73 @PBRGeorgia @PBR_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/RlchHWXlBd
— Phil Kerber (@PhilKerberPBR) April 3, 2019
Escambia was one out away from taking the game into the bottom of the sixth only down 2-0 when Miller Jones roped a double down the left field line. Tyler Shea followed up with a single, driving in Jones.
Strzelecki was relieved by Crowell who presented the Gators with an entirely new challenge. Faced with a fastball up to 87 mph from the left-side, Escambia were able to get the first three batters of the inning on safely. However, Crowell buckled down getting a strikeout with a wipeout slider and a pop up to end the inning.
LHP/OF Wyatt Crowell (@WestFoCoBball, 2020) on for the 6th. Arm works long, showing low on back-side, 3/4 slot, above average arm speed. FB up to 86/87. Tight SL with depth, 76-78. @PBRGeorgia pic.twitter.com/e20Ez6bA8Q
— Phil Kerber (@PhilKerberPBR) April 3, 2019
Leading 3-0 in the bottom of the seventh, West Forsyth made the call to the bullpen. RHP Luke Fernandez (2022) entered the game. Fernandez showed composure and confidence beyond his age, working a clean seventh inning. The freshman worked with quick pace, using a short, compact delivery to attack hitters. Using a three pitch mix, his fastball sat 82-84 with an 11/5 curveball that flashed late break and a straight changeup.
RHP Luke Fernandez (@WestFoCoBball, 2022) comes on for the 7th and works a clean 1-2-3 inning for the save. Physical frame for age, short compact delivery out of a high 3/4 slot. FB sat 82-84.CB with 11/5 shape, flashed late break, 66-67. CH at 72. Feel for off speed @PBRGeorgia pic.twitter.com/Ta5ZLvJq7n
— Phil Kerber (@PhilKerberPBR) April 3, 2019
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