Prep Baseball Report

Wakefield Outlasts Athens Drive in Extras


Prep Baseball
North Carolina

Wakefield HS  6                               Athens Drive HS  3

Wakefield was leading the game 3-1 after three innings, but Athens Drive scored one run in the fourth and one run in the seventh to tie the game. 

As the game headed to extras, Wakefield broke through, scoring three times in the top of the ninth on key hits from Eliott Gross, Dillion McDaniel and Davis Watson. 

Garrett Ransom started the game for Wakefield and allowed two runs in four innings. Blake Waltman and Dillion McDaniel allowed only one run in four innings of relief pitching to secure the win.    

Wakefield HS Stats

+ Caden French, 2-4, SB, BB

+ Dillion McDaniel, 1-3, 1 run.

+ Davis Watson, 2-5, 1 run, 3B, 2B.

+ Holden Cooper, 2-4, 1 run, 1 rbi.

+ Eliott Gross, 2-3, 1 run, 1 rbi.

+ Garrett Ransom, 4 innings, 2 runs,

+ Blake Waltman, 3 innings, 1 run

+ Dillon McDaniel, 2 innings, no runs

Athens Drive HS Stats

+ Austin Matz, 4-5, 2 runs, SB

+ Troy Daniels, 2-4, 1 run, 1 rbi.

+ Will Gilbert 1-3, sac bunt

+ Anderson Hanes, 1-4, 2B

+ Elliott Essic, 3 innings, 3 runs,

+ Anderson Hanes, 5 2/3 innings, 5 k's, 3 runs 

SCOUT BLOG

Austin Matz, OF, Athens Drive, 2026 

Went 4-5 with four line drive hits and was robbed of his fifth hit by a diving play. Lanky, young outfielder, with average to above average arm strength. Run tool passes the eye test as above average. Very aggressive on the bases. Room to his ceiling as he continues to add weight and mature into his frame.

Ben Dudash, 3B/RHP, Wakefield, 2026

Showed a strong and accurate arm during I/O. Arm strength played in game with east. Good athlete with an athletic frame. Strength present in the lower half.  Right handed hitter. Even stance, sitting on the backside. High hands. Vertical bat. Average stride. Swing has intent, looking to get extension. Bat should be a follow and Dudash will give coaches plenty of options on ways to get him in the lineup.

(Video - October 2023)