In its efforts to hold a High School National Baseball Championship, the MVP Foundation hosted its inaugural tournament June 23-27 in Houston, Texas. The tournament was comprised of teams representing eight states: California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. The five-day event included 2 pools of 4 teams, whereby the winner of each pool would advance to the Championship.

The concept of a National High School Championship has been among many discussions over the years, but the feasibility has always been questioned. Costs are always at the forefront of the concern for such a tournament and the MVP Foundation has addressed that.  The non-profit organization charged itself with covering the expenses associates with travel and accommodations for the players to ensure the best possible participants. The event was “top knotch” and its growth is sure to provide one of the best amateur baseball experiences in years to come.

Team Nevada represented the state well, going 2-1 in its pool. Below is a game by game recap of the event for team Nevada.

Game 1

Nevada (7) vs. New York (1)

Nevada struck early and often, taking advantage of an excellent mound performance by ’21 Sam Simon (Centennial). Simon threw 4.2 innings with a fastball that ranged 84-88. He surrendered just two hits, while striking out five. He was aided by a two-hit performance by ’20 John Howard Bobo (Basic). The big hits of the day came off the bats of ’20 Paul Shawn Pasqualatto (Palo Verde) and ’21 Garrett Cutting (Arbor View) who both homered in the contest. Pasqualatto had 3 RBI in the affair.

Game 2

Florida (4) vs. Nevada (1)

Nevada struck first to start the game in what would be the team’s only run of the game.  After a leadoff double by ’20 John Howard Bobo, shortstop ’20 Gunner Gouldsmith delivered an RBI single to right field. Florida answered Nevada’s run in the bottom of the first and scored in the bottom of the second inning as well. ’21 Tyler Whitaker (Bishop Gorman) pitched well in a starting role, going 4.2 before giving way to ’20 Joshua Johnson (Coronado). Johnson’s fastball touched 90 as he struck out 2 in 1.1 innings work. Florida added insurance with two in the fifth when a flyball to right field eluding Pasqualatto, plating two runs.

Game 3

Nevada (6) vs. Louisiana (3)

Nevada rebounded from a difficult loss to Florida, riding the right arm of ’20 Ethan O’Neal (Liberty). The uncommitted O’Neal pitched 5 strong innings with his fastball touching 92. He struck out six before handing off to ’20 Paul Shawn Pasqualatto (Palo Verde). Pasqualatto threw the final two frames striking out 3. His fastball ranged 89-94. He threw a hard curve ball with good down action and flashed a good changeup with deception.  Offensively, ’21 Santino Panaro captured Player of the Game honors, going 2 for 2 with 2 RBI as well as a diving catch toward the left field line to thwart a Louisiana scoring opportunity. ’20 Kade Higgins (Spring Valley) came on to deliver a pinch hit double, finishing 2 for 2 with 2 RBI as well.