BISHOP GORMAN HS – As expected, two of the Valley’s premier left-handers squared off yesterday afternoon at Bishop Gorman High School.  The Diamondback’s ’19 Josh Sharman (UNLV) would out last the Gaels’ ‘20 Noah Glaser. Both hurlers pitched well, early but the more experienced Sharman would win out in the end.  Taking advantage of a first inning error, Desert Oasis would parlay a leadoff base hit bunt single by ’19 Parker Schmidt (Oregon) into a run. It was all Glaser and Sharman until the fifth. 

In the top of the fifth, Glaser would walk the leadoff hitter, ’20 Colton Zobrist. Zobrist advanced to second on wild pitch and then to third on a ground out by Jordan Demarce. With his second hit of the day, Schmidt singled home Zobrist.  ’20 Colby Smith (2B) singled, followed by an ’19 Aaron Roberts double, plating two more for the Diamondbacks, making it 3 runs in total and the score 4-0.  Trevor Meisner would enter in relief for the Gaels and hold Desert Oasis scoreless over the final 2.1 innings.  The Gaels best opportunity to get back in the game, came in the bottom of the fifth. Leadoff double to right center by ’20 Noah Gulley followed by a walk to ’19 Cameron Hougham. ’22 Tyler Avery attempted to bunt the runners over, but the crafty Sharman bounced off the mound to retire the lead runner at third base.  Before throwing another pitch, Sharman back-picked Avery at first base for the second out. He then proceeded to pick off Hougham at second base, retiring the side and leaving perhaps the Gael’s best hitter, ’20 Carson Wells (USC) standing at the plate.  That would end the Gael’s threat and feed Sharman the energy he needed to go on to a complete game victory.

In the complete game effort, Sharman would surrender 4 hits, 4 walks, and strikeout 5.  Sharman continues to be the Diamondbacks “big-game” pitcher and has yet to disappoint.  As is with most great efforts, Desert Oasis had some timely hitting on their side as well as someone directing those efforts on the mound.  Beside Sharman, the D’Back that continues to impress the PBR Nevada is his battery mate, Parker Schmidt.  In the wake of the high profiles of some of their teammates, Sharman and Schmidt are the consummate “baseball-players”. Today we take a closer look at the Desert Oasis battery. 

’19 Josh Sharman, LHP (Desert Oasis)

Sturdy, 6-foot 180, Sharman maintains present strength and endurance. He pitches from a high ¾ slot with a fastball that ranged, 83-86. His fastball had late tight action away from right handed hitters.  He will raise his slot ever so slightly to get inside his fastball a bit more and create more run. He threw his breaking ball 74-76 with various action. At times, it showed cut like life, while other instances more of a slider action. He has a truer curveball not seen on this occasion. His changeup was 75-76 with consistent fade on his arm side.  He displayed athleticism fielding bunts and picking guys.  Sharman is a pitcher and to this point pitches in the most competitive game of the week for a team loaded with talented arms. 

‘19 Parker Schmidt, C (Desert Oasis)

Oregon Commit, 5-foot-11 165, Schmidt has an athletic build with room for weight and strength gains.  Behind the plate, his is a reliable receiver with quick block and recovery skills. He will need to settle a bit in his setup, both in respect to his late jump and tendency to forecast pitch location. He throws mostly from a ¾ slot with enough arm strength for the position.  Current slot provides run on throws to second base, but he has good feel for the movement and is able to play the run with accurate throws. He has a solid footwork with a quick release. At the plate, he is a tough out. He will use the whole field and always “shows up”. With sneaky speed and a high baseball IQ, he will lay down a bunt or steal a bag if the opportunity presents itself.  He maintains a contact approach that will provide average over power. His athleticism lends utility as a multiple position type player.