By Roger Janeway

TIPP CITY - Offense was the name of the game for the Versailles Tigers as they easily handed the Middletown Fenwick Falcons in five innings with a 14-1 run-rule. The Versailles hit attack was led several players with multiple hits, including Damian Richard, Zack Niekamp and Dominic Richard. The latter added a double with that cleared the bases and broke the game open. Senior right-handed pitcher Ethan Bruns earned the complete game victory while fanning six batters. Versailles (23-6) advances to play Badin in a Division III regional semi-final on Thursday, May 24 at Xenia Athletes in Action facility. Game time will be 2 pm. Fenwick finishes the season at 15-13.

VERSAILLES SCOUTING NOTES

Sophomore third baseman Damien Richard (R-R, 6'3, 185) is a very athletic player with solid raw skills. Shows good footspeed and solid arm strength from all angles. Displays baseball sense. Compact swing, hits from crouch; has good hand trigger and very good batspeed. Should be solid Division I recruit with enhancement of baseball maturity and hitting approach.

Power hitting junior first baseman Dominic Richard (R-R, 6'3, 210) is a mid Division I to solid Division II prospect. Has good body strength and cut well. Squares barrel on ball, power is more line drive than loft but hits ball hard. Will need to mature his hitting approach. Will chase balls out of the zone at times. Did not not pitch in this game, but have seen his fastball 83-85 mph earlier this season. 

Senior shortstop Zack Niekamp (R-R, 6'1, 180) is a Ohio Northern signee who shows good baseball sense. Has infield skills, good hands and average throw. Squares barrel on ball well offensively with line drive pop. Below average footspeed will likely limit his defense to third base, second base, or possibly left field.

Senior right-handed Ethan Bruns (6'1, 190) is a Sinclair CC signee who displayed a 78-82 mph fastball on the mound. Displayed good command. Also showed good feel of downward tilt curve with some depth.

FENWICK SCOUTING NOTES

Senior outfielder Will Holman (L-R, 5'11, 175) showed good hitting skills, squaring the barrel in three successful at bats. Shows approach and line drive bat. Good speed. 

Junior catcher Chad Goubeaux (R-R, 6'0, 175) has good catching skills, blocked laterally well and boxed & frames. Arm is good, but no opportunity to time any game throws. Hits clean up and makes solid contact but will need to further enhance approach.