RENO, NV – Two Northern Nevada Power 25 teams matched up on Tuesday at Zunini Field on the campus of Reno High School.  The visiting Manogue Miners took it to the Huskies early with two runs in the first and three in the second. Miners' starter, ’20 Jack Weise had his way with Huskies’ hitters, holding them scoreless for the first four innings.  The top of the order for Manogue was nearly unstoppable. Leadoff hitter, ’19 Paul Vossen (Utah) was 4-5 on the day with 2 doubles. Cleanup man, ‘19 Josh Rolling (UNLV) was equal to the task with four hits as well.  Huskies starter, ’20 Caedon Kottinger took the brunt of the Miners attack, surrendering five runs in less than 2 innings of work. Huskies skipper, Pete Savage lifted Kottinger for '19 John Barry (LHP), but the leash was short.  After just a few hitters, Reno turned to ’20 Skylar Hales (RHP). Hales held the Miners in check before giving way to ’19 Emmett Harvey (RHP). 

The Huskies looked to scratch their way back in a game dominated by the Miners until the fifth when they received a leadoff double by ’20 Lane Oliphant (C).  Reno would plate two and cut the lead to three, only to have the Miners answer with two off Harvey in the top of the sixth.   The lead seemed safe at 5 headed to the final frame, but the Huskies would not go quietly.  They loaded the bases off Miners’ reliever ’19 TJ Czyz (RHP), taking over for '19 Noah Columbo (LHP) who had relieved Weise in the fifth.  With no out, Hales singled through the left side, scoring two. Czyz would proceed to load the bases yet again and walk in run. Miner Coach, Charles Oppio would look to ’21 Seth McGrath to earn the final two outs and preserve the victory.  McGrath induced a groundball, resulting in the lead out at 2B, leaving runners at the corners.  In an 0-1 count to ’19 Ryan Hess (University of the Sciences), McGrath threw a breaking ball wide of catcher ’19 Anthony Lynch, allowing the tying run to cross. McGrath would later strikeout Hess, forcing extra innings.  Rolling led off the Manogue 8^th with a double but the Huskies closer, Hess would strand him at third.  Reno put the first two runners on to start their half of the eighth. Reno reserve, ’20 Drue Worthen (OF) failed in his sacrifice bunt attempts, grounding out to third allowing the Miners to force the lead runner.  ’19 Cade Grogan would follow with a groundout to second base, advancing the runners to second and third with two outs and bring leadoff hitter, ’20 Gunner Gouldsmith to the plate.  Gouldsmith would line McGrath’s initial offering into centerfield to earn the victory for the Huskies. 

The game was emotional as many would expect and possessed opportunities for a number of players to showcase their abilities. PBR Nevada was most intrigued by Manogue starter, Jack Weise and Reno backstop, Lane Oliphant.  More on Weise and Oliphant below.

'20 Jack Weise, RHP/IF (Bishop Manogue)

Projectable, 6-foot 150, Weise is a three pitch mix with the ability to spot his fastball. The fastball ranged 79-83 mph, relying on plane over life.  He pitched comfortably with his fastball 81-82. HIs curveball was 67-72 with loose depth but he maintained solid area control with the feel to get ahead and a harder put away type pitch.  He showed a sinking changeup with consistent arm speed and he located well down in the zone.  He pitched from a high 3/4 slot with solid rhythm to his delivery and good pitchability. HIs arm works with a short arm swing indicative of his play in the infield.  Weise is likely a next level infielder but his feel to pitch is intriguing and with work it is easy to see a velocity jump with weight and strength gains.  His athleticism will carry and provide for his future in the game.

 

’20 Lane Oliphant C (Reno)

Sturdy, 5-10 170, Oliphant has a strong compact body with durability for the position.  He is a reliable receiver with solid instincts and block/recovery skills. He consistently demonstrates leadership characteristics, verbalizing instructions to the defense as well as making timely mound visits. He handled a variety of pitchers with varying degrees of control and stuff easily.  He has a quick throwing exchange, developing arm strength and the confidence to back pick at any time. He was consistently 2.0-2.2 on throws down between innings.  At the plate, Oliphant is balanced and maintains a manageable length to a flat swing. He establishes good separation with his bat almost straight up at foot strike. He has a right centerfield approach relying on strength over bat speed. With increased arm strength, Oliphant projects to be a solid next level receiver whose intangibles carry huge value.