Game Notes - Reno at Galena
April 10, 2019
Game Notes:
RENO, NV – Two teams remained unbeaten in Northern Nevada divisional play and they locked horns on Tuesday at Galena High School. The Reno Huskies visited the Galena Grizzlies with 1st place waiting in the balance. The Huskies struck first with a leadoff double to ’20 Gunner Gouldsmith off Grizzlies’ starter ’19 Brian Baker (RHP). Gouldsmith advanced to third on ’19 Garret Damico’s bunt and then later scored on a double steal. The Grizzlies answered in the bottom of the first on two-run homerun by LF, ’19 Cole Demosthenes. Reno catcher, ’20 Lane Oliphant hit a 3-run homer in the third to put Reno ahead by three, but the big blow was a 5-run 5th for the Huskies. ’19 John Kane (RF) leadoff the inning with a single, followed by a Grizzlies’ error and hit batsman loaded the bases. A sacrifice fly and fielder’s choice looked to minimize the damage until first baseman, ’19 Ryan Hess doubled over the head of centerfielder, ’19 Aidan Elliott to clear the bases and five the Huskies an 11-3 lead. The Grizzlies would not go quietly, striking for three runs in the bottom of the sixth on five consecutive hits. Elliott tripled to lead off the inning, followed by a Demosthenes double, Baker single, ’20 Sean Pauly single, and catcher ’19 Nick Meyers double. Reno closer, Ryan Hess would enter the game, earning the final two outs of the inning with back to back strikeouts.
The Grizzlies offense was formidable, pounding out 14 hits, led by Aidan Elliott and Sean Pauly who had 4 hits each, Elliott was a homerun shy of the cycle. Demosthenes and Meyers had a pair of hits.
Reno continued its winning ways with their offense paced by seniors, John Kane and Ryan Hess who each collected three hits. Leadoff hitter Gunner Gouldsmith chipped in a pair of hits. It appeared that Reno starter, ’20 Caedon Kottinger (RHP) was off to another rocky start, but he settled in, surrendering 4 runs while scattering 10 hits and punching out 10 in 5.1 innings of work.
Scouting Notes:
In spite of some gaudy numbers on Tuesday afternoon, Grizzlies starter Brian Baker showed some next level stuff. In addition, The Grizzlies’ outfielders made their presence known. PBR Nevada takes a closer look at the Galena starter and his outfield.
’19 Bryan Baker, RHP, (Galena)
Uncommitted, 6-foot-3, 210, Baker is a big body righthander with a loose arm. Baker throws from a ¾ slot with a fastball that ranged 84-87 and touched 88 early in this contest. He threw a slider 74-78 and showed feel for a change at 75-78. The fastball had occasional arm side life while the breaking ball displayed spin, flashing depth. Limited looks at the changeup, showed feel and occasional life. With development and delivery adjustments, it is easy to see Baker pitching with more velocity as well as consistent movement and pitch definition.
’19 Aidan Elliott, CF (Elliott)
Uncommitted, 6-foot 170, Elliot has an athletic build. He mad consistent hard contact with a flat swing and strength in his barrel. He adjusted with two strikes, singling to right field. In the outfield, he moved around well, catching what he could get to. In limited looks, he threw accurately and had a feel for using the long hop. He ran well underway, making efficient turns around the bases. Elliott’s athleticism provides a higher ceiling and his style of play indicates a hard-nosed competitor willing to do the work to get to it.
Sturdy, 6-foot-3 200, Pauly has present physical strength. Likely a fringe runner that is better underway, he continuously squared balls up. He showed the ability to use the whole field and adjusted with 2 strikes. He made the catches he was supposed to and made on target throws. Look for this multi-sport athlete’s best days in baseball to be ahead of him.
