By Ed Hall

Associate Scout, PBR NC

 

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On a sunny February Saturday with the temperature in the upper 70’s, Orange HS and Leesville Road HS traveled to Fuquay-Varina HS where the three schools met in a set of  scrimmage games in preparation for the 2017 season.  Prep Baseball Report was on hand to get an early glimpse.  Below is a quick look at the scrimmages.  For more in depth scouting you can view the PBR NC High School Scout Blog.

 

Orange High School vs Fuquay-Varina High School Scrimmage 2/25/17

As evidence of what these early season scrimmages are about, Orange sent 15 different batters to the plate while Fuquay-Varina sent 26 different batters to the plate. The starting pitcher for Fuquay-Varina, Austin Johnson (RHP, 2018), looked to be in mid-season form. He threw 2 innings, gave up 1 hit, struck out 3 and allowed no runs. His fast ball touched 86mph and his breaking ball was 72mph.

The defensive play of the game came from Fuquay-Varina short stop Ryan Rizk (2017, Charleston Southern commit). He showed range and athletic ability by fielding a ball hit over the second base bag and making a swirling jump pivot and throwing out the runner at first base.

Orange’s starter on the bump, Derek Lindaman (RHP, 2017), threw 3 innings, gave up 4 hits, 3 runs, and struck out 5. His fast ball topped out at 81 and his changeup was 70.

Orange’s Dalton Brown and Joey Berzne led their offensive attack both recording a double during the game. 

 

Leesville High School vs Fuquay-Varina High School Scrimmage 2/25/17

RHP Jared Leins (2017, Naval Academy commit) started the scrimmage for Leesville. He threw 3 innings, gave up 2 runs, and struck out 2. His fast ball touched 85 and his breaking ball was at 69. A full scouting report on Leins' outing can be see on the HS Scout Blog.

RHP Garret McCraw (2019) started the scrimmage for Fuquay-Varina and threw 3 innings. His fast ball was at 82, breaking ball at 65, and changeup at 70.

Outfielder Brycen Braswell, (2017, UNC Wilmington commit) came in to close the game, on the bump, for Fuquay-Varina. His fast ball touched 81, breaking ball at 69, and changeup at 62. His changeup had significant downward movement.

Fuquay’s catcher Lane Rhodes (2019) showed quickness and athleticism behind the plate with a POP time was 2.19.