Team Kentucky took the field against Missouri last night in a game that was scheduled for 6:30 PM but began closer to 8PM due to a few lightning delays throughout the day at Lakepoint. Team Kentucky certainly didn’t play its best baseball in an 11-4 loss, but there were some highlights and a few stand out players. Here are some quick hits from last night’s game.

Bryce Saylor (North Bullitt HS, 2021) fired two scoreless innings against a good Missouri lineup. The 6-foot, 190 pound RHP pitched with intent and attacked hitters with a 87-89 mph fastball, and 73-75 mph power curveball that produced several swings and misses. That was the most velocity we have seen to date from Saylor as he struck out three Missouri batters in his 2 innings of work.

Justin Lauersdorf (St. Xavier HS, 2021) showed well both offensively and defensively. The 5-foot-11, 175 pound catcher singled sharply twice in his two plate appearances, handled the Team Kentucky pitchers well, and threw out a runner attempting to steal second base.

John Orberson (2021, Campbellsville HS) singled twice in his two at bats, the second coming on a hard line drive to CF where he squared up a 90 mph fastball. At 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, the left-handed hitting outfielder is unfazed by velocity and has plenty of power in the bat. He projects as a corner outfielder at the next level.

Cole McMichael (Butler HS, 2021) pitched well in his two inning outing allowing one earned run. The 6-foot-6, 210 pound RHP is just scratching the surface of his frame potential and has huge upside. His velocity dipped a few ticks in his second inning of work, but he sat 85-87 in the first and showed the ability to get some swings and misses on a late-breaking 79-81 mph slider.

Gage Griggs (2022, Marshall County HS) was relatively quiet in his two plate appearances (0-for-1 with a walk and stolen base), but the 5-foot-9, 160 pound SS makes plays look easy defensively. Griggs has quick hands and is able to throw easily from multiple arm angles.