By Central Florida Area Scout 

The standout 2017 SS Chris Seise played solid defense up the middle all night showcasing a quick first step, soft hands, and a strong arm across the diamond. Offensively Siese’s tools impressed the half a dozen scouts in attendance running a 4.01 down the line on a swinging bunt, hitting a first inning single, and a deep opposite field two-run home run that ended the game in a mercy rule in walk-off fashion for the Warriors as they defeated the First Academy 11-0.

2018 LHP Doug Nikhazy kept the Royals bats at bay in his five innings of work striking out one, giving up no runs, and scattering five hits. The Mississippi recruit used mainly a fastball and curveball combo, keeping right handed hitters off balance with an occasional change-up. His fastball sat in the mid 80’s touching 88 mph while the breaking ball was 66-70 mph and change up at 71-72 mph. On paper, the matchup looked as if it would be a pitchers duel with The First Academy starting North Carolina recruit 2019 RHP Joseph Charles opposite Nikhazy, but early command issues plagued the sophomore. Three walks coupled with some untimely errors allowed West Orange to jump out to a comfortable lead. Charles' fastball sat 90-92 mph and touched 93 mph early on along with a slider showed some late bite at 80-81 mph generating swings and misses. There is no question that the 6-2 righthander has some of the best stuff in the 2019 class.

There was not much offensive production from The First Academy hitters, though Notre Dame recruit 2017 MIF Cash Case recorded a single to right in his final at bat displaying a very quick, short swing. West Orange, led by head coach Jesse Marlo are a talented and baseball savvy bunch who will be a tough play for anyone going forward as they will look to make a push for a state championship in late May.

Stats

West Orange
D. Nikhazy: (W) 5 IP, 1 K, 5 Hs, 0 R and 2-3, RBI, R
C. Seise: 2-3, HR, 3 RBIs, 3 Rs
G. Brown: 2-3, RBI, 2 Rs
A. Delgado: 1-3, 2B, RBI, 2 Rs
D. Shelton: 1-2, RBI, R
J. Holmes: 1-3, R

The First Academy
J. Charles: (L) 3.1 IP, 6 Ks, 4 Hs, 5 Rs, 3 ERs and 1-3, 2B
K. Calilao: 1-3
C. Case: 1-3

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