SPARKS, NV – With a number of games on the docket carrying playoff implications, the Reno Huskies visited the Spanish Springs Cougars. Anticipation for the matchup had the Huskies, ’19 RHP August Souza (Santa Clara) pitted against Cougars ace, ’19 Connor Culp (UNLV).  Spanish Springs surprised most onlookers, choosing to start senior right hander, '19 Trevor French (Mesa CC).  The Huskies struck first in the top half of the first. After retiring the first two hitters, French walked ’19 John Kane (College of San Mateo).  Huskies’ first baseman, ’19 Ryan Hess (Univ. of the Sciences) singled home Kane.  ’20 Lane Oliphant (C) followed Hess with another single, then ’20 Coleman Schmidt took French’s next offering over the left field fence just inside the foul pole for a three run homerun. That would be the extent of the Huskies scoring, proving to be enough due to the outstanding performance of starter, August Souza.  French pitched admirably before giving way to Connor Culp in the seventh. Souza was nothing less than dominant.  He pitched a complete game 2-hit shutout, striking out 9.

 '19 August Souza, RHP (Reno)

Athletic, 6-foot1 185, Souza has a good pitchers body.  He pitches from a full windup with loose easy high 3/4 arm action. His fastball ranged 87-89, touching 90. His fastball had run to his arm side and late life to his glove side as well. He threw his breaking ball 74-78. The breaking ball had depth at its lower end velocity, flashing the makings of a slider at the top end. He was frequently on the side of the breaking ball lending more to bigger cut type action. Souza changeup was 77-80 with arm side life in limited looks. He held his velocity and his stuff was consistent for the duration of the outing, pithing comfortably 87-88 in the seventh.