Under Armour All-America Game Notebook
July 22, 2018
OF Riley Greene (Hagerty HS, FL) continued to cement his status as the top left-handed bat in the 2019 draft class when the 6-foot-2, 185-pound Florida recruit deposited a hanging 83-mph slider by RHP Brennan Malone (IMG Academy, FL) deep into the right field bleachers for a two-run home run in the first inning for the National Team. Prior to the hanging slider, Malone had fed Greene a series of 94-97 mph fastballs. Later in the game, Greene smoked a sharp single to left field on a 91 mph fastball and also walked. Greene is currently ranked No. 4 in the recently updated 2019 overall rankings.
Not to be outdone, SS Bobby Witt Jr. (Colleyville Heritage HS, TX), the No. 1 prospect in the country, punctuated the game in the ninth inning with a taper-blast of his own. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Witt crushed a 72-mph curveball by RHP Derek Diamond (Ramona HS, CA) nearly onto Waveland Avenue in left field to cap the American Team’s 8-2 victory. Witt didn’t get much to hit in his first three plate appearances, walking twice and was hit by a pitch. He also just missed a home run, lofting a sky-high fly-out to deep centerfield.
Greene and Witt weren’t the only standouts. A look at other strong offensive performances:
+ OF Corbin Carroll (Lakeside HS, WA) has been one of the most consistent offensive performers all summer long, and he continued his trend of barreling up premium pitching at Wrigley. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed hitting centerfielder is the quintessential leadoff hitter with advanced barrel control skills and impressive pop for his stature. The UCLA recruit turned on a 93-mph fastball for a double to right field, then proceeded to steal third base. Carroll also singled sharply to right field and walked. He has a compact, balanced swing and rarely chases pitches out of the zone. He’s patient and relaxed and generates easy bat speed with his hands. He also floats around the bases, has a strong, accurate arm from the outfield and plays hard.
+ OF Andre Tarver (Ringgold HS, GA) is a ...