Uncategorized – Page 10 – Diamond Prospects

CABA National Championship

July 30, 2011 S.C. Diamond Devils win CABA 18U National Championship Mt. Pleasant — Brandon Hester pitched a complete-game six-hitter with seven strikeouts that helped the S.C. Diamond Devils 17U Black squad to a 4-2 win over the New York Scout 18U Team in the national championship game of the CABA 18U Wooden Bat World Series at Patriots Point Stadium on Saturday. The Diamond Devils, who went 9-0 in the week-long tournament, knocked off Team Georgia, 8-0, in a semifinal matchup Saturday morning. Josh Escoffier pitched a complete-game five-hitter and Nick Ciuffo went 4-for-4 to pace the Devils. Ryan Mason added three hits for the Devils. Ciuffo was named the tournament’s MVP after going 16-for-27 (.593) with four doubles, three triples and 10 RBI. Devils’ shortstop Austin Hill earned the tournament’s Golden Glove award. In the title game, Jake McBreairty and Korey Dunbar had two hits each to pace the Devils. "The kids played great," said Diamond Devils coach John Rhodes. "I was delighted how they responded this week. I knew they had it in them to play this well, it was just a matter of getting it done." Semifinal S.C. Diamond Devils 8, Team Georgia 0 Team GA — 000 00 — 0 Devils — 014 21 — 8 Championship S.C. Diamond Devils 4, NY Scout Team 2 NY — 010 001 0 — 2 Devils — 110 020 x — 4

DP Fall League: 2011

Diamond Prospects Developmental Fall League – 2011 Competitive, Developmental, Affordable, Exposure Diamond Prospects is proud to announce our return of a weekday fall league in the Upstate and Coastal region during September and October of 2011. The league will provide a local and affordable option for up-and-coming talent, plus established baseball players looking to get in some extra work during the school week. As always, DP will provide players with opportunities for exposure. Team rosters, schedules, standings and game recaps will be posted on the website for easy access for college coaches and scouts looking to follow players during the ‘off-season’. Something to play for… League standings will be kept and updated after each game providing a competitive atmosphere among the schools. Also, at the close of the season, DP will name an All-League Team. High Schools that have confirmed to field a team (Updated August 29): Upstate: Hillcrest, JL Mann (2), Byrnes (2), Dorman, Mauldin (2), Spartanburg, Wade Hampton, Greenville (2), Blue Ridge (2), Chapman (2), Easley, Woodmont, Travelers Rest, Boiling Springs Coastal Region: Carolina Forest, Waccamaw, Conway, St. James, Loris, Aynor, North Myrtle Beach, Georgetown General Info: -Games will be played on weekday nights only – no weekends. The aim is to shoot for Monday-Wednesdays and some Thursdays, rainouts and field availablity will determine much of our schedule. –Opening week will be September 6-8, the league will end during the week of October 17-20. -Teams will play a minimum of 10-12 games, max of 15. The exact number depends on the eventual amount of clubs in a given league, plus rainouts -Teams are allowed to have players from multiple high schools -Rainouts will be made up to the best of our ability -Teams or individual players that want to be placed much contact your nearest league commissioner ASAP… -Upstate League commissioner: Barry Mabry – [email protected] –Coastal League commissioner: Joey Haug – [email protected] DP will: -Post on TheDiamondProspects.com team rosters, schedules and updated standings of the league -Publish stats of the peak performers at the conclusion of the season -Handle all scheduling of games, sites and umpires -Handle payment of jersey tops, sites, umpires and game balls -Be on hand to cover as much as possible to provide prospect info on TheDiamondProspects.com Teams will: -Provide own insurance -Be responsible for ordering jerseys from Uniform Work & Sport at [email protected] -Be responsible for collecting checks and player applications -Please mail only one team check to Diamond Prospects, PO Box 1262, Conway SC 29528. This check should account for 100% of your player fees. -Teams will not be included into the master schedule until all checks/applications are received. -Provide DP commissioner with two contact names/numbers for your team -Post final scores on DP Scoreboard -Provide own equipment (BP balls, helmets, catching gear, etc) -Chase foul balls on your half of the field Sites will: -Make sure the field is cut, dragged and lined off -Have option of running concession stand and keeping 100% of the profit -Make ruling as to whether a field is playable or not. If a game must be cancelled, contact the DP commissioner for that league. Rules: -Pitchers will throw no more than 3 innings per week -Each team will have a 15 player roster limit and a 12 player minimum. Forfeits are not accecptable. -10 run rule after 5 innings, 12 run rule after 4 innings… -If game is tied after 7 innings of play, 1 extra inning will be played if agreed upon by both head coaches -2 hour 15 minute time limit, no new inning past that point; 2 hour time limit on Doubleheaders at a site -Hitters will swing BBCOR bats -Pre-game coin flip between coaches will determine home/visiting team -Lineups can have up to 12 hitters -Free substitution is allowed, provided it does not compromise the order of the lineup -Mandatory courtesy runner for catchers with 2 outs -Teams are allowed 10 minute pre-game INF/OF if your game is the only game that night at a site. Games must begin on time. Poor planning and mis-management of time will not be permitted. .

Same Faces: New Places

Coaching Changes: The Summer of 2011 has brought about change at some very successful programs… and it involves some household names on the prep-front. A lot of shifting took place with head coaches and assistants too. Below are some of the skippers that will don new uniforms and/or roles in 2011: (L-R, Brian Hucks, Brooks Shumake, Joel Vaughn, Tim Perry) High School 2011 Coach 2012 Coach Airport John Johnson Tim Perry Barnwell Joel Vaughn Don Mims Brookland-Cayce Brian Hucks Bo Bowers Byrnes Dwayne Haun Michael Maus Garrett Dirk Thomas – Greenwood Brad Richardson Joel Vaughn Greer Middle College Rob Dobbins Roe Coleman Lakewood Tommie Jones Scooter Prince Lexington Tommy Mishoe Brian Hucks Ridge View Robbie Hardy – Riverside Mark Kish Travis Pittman Rock Hill Chris Bates Keith Cottrell Spring Valley Charlie Wentzky Collin Liggitt Sumter Brooks Shumake Joe Norris Walhalla Jamie Garland Josh Harrison Wando Banks Faulkner Dirk Thomas White Knoll Jonny Thompson Brooks Shumake Woodland Rusty Charpia Charles Assey

Confirmed-Pal Gms

Invitees: Please see very important notes at bottom of page. UPDATED August 4 -Pitchers- App Con Name High School Committed + + Grant Holmes Conway – XX INJ Tripp Rollings Andrew Jackson – + + Akeem Bostick West Florence – XX under armour Jamie Callahan Dillon South Carolina + + Wales Toney TL Hanna Clemson + + Brandon Hester Stratford South Carolina + + Austin Livingston Ashley Ridge Citadel + + Austin Mason Eastside – + + Tyler Jackson Wren South Carolina + + Nathan Helvey Fort Mill C of C INJ XX Erich Knab Carolina Forest – + + Zach Sightler Brookland-Cayce Winthrop + + Nick Jobst Lexington – + + Dylan Miller Boiling Springs – + + Alex Rhodes Greenwood Erskine + + Hamilton Heatly TBD – + + Josh Simpson Union – + + Player Loving AC Flora – + + Andrew Tomasovich Fort Mill – + + Robert Gray Carolina Forest – + + Chris Orlando Carolina Forest Citadel + + JD Waite Pinewood Prep – XX FB Zach Lavary Goose Creek Citadel + + Zach Wimmer Cane Bay Citadel ++ INJ still attending Tucker Burgess Easley Clemson + + Michael Wright Gaffney – + + John Leopard South Aiken – + + Garrett Gallagher Berkeley – + + Mike Morrison Gilbert – + + Zach Bridgeman Byrnes – + + Dylan Rogers Union – + + Matthew Quarles Emerald – + + David Sauer Dutch Fork – + + Keith Davis York – + + Colin Brady Pendleton – + + Trevor Hutto North Augusta – XX XX Billy Ferguson North Myrtle Beach Citadel + + Layton Meachem Mauldin – + + Colie Bowers Lexington C of C + + Drew Moyer Gilbert – + + Garrett Lovorn Pendleton – + + Kyle Dyson Hanahan Charleston Southern + Chris Washington Marion – xx xx Tyler Thornton Wade Hampton – + + Josh Escoffier James Island – Forrest Arnold Airport – + + Korbin Causey Loris – -Catchers- App Conf Name High School Committed XX team usa Nick Ciuffo Lexington South Carolina + + David Houser AC Flora – + OF only Ray Murphy White Knoll C of C + + Skyler Hunter Hanahan Citadel XX INJ Robbie Morris Irmo USC Upstate ++XX hospital Devin Walker Lugoff-Elgin Winthrop + + Stephen Windham Summerville Citadel + + Zach Haralambis Chapin Charleston Southern + + Tyler Romanik Blythewood – + + Corey Brown Laurence-Manning Flo-Dar Tech + + Drew Fisher Chesnee – + + Chris Stewart Boiling Springs – + + Erven Roper Wren C of C + Josh Mata Gaffney – + + Nick Bell Ashley Ridge Coastal Carolina + + Ryan Stone James Island C of C + + Austin Luttrell Riverside – + + Manny Berdayes Socastee – -Infielders- App Con Name High School Committed + + GK Young Conway Coastal Carolina XX basketball Chase Tidwell Stratford Presbyterian + + Connor Owings Gilbert – + + Bret Hines Hanahan – + + Weston Jackson Eastside – + + Brooks Yeager Wade Hampton Citadel + + Cory Thompson Mauldin – + + Jordan Gore Conway South Carolina + + Thomas Bessinger Blythewood C of C + + Alex Cunningham Byrnes Coastal Carolina Carl Wise White Knoll C of C + + Austin Hill Spring Valley – + + Kyle Edwards Seneca – + + Donald Gillespie AC Flora – + + Matt Williams Belton-Honea Path – XX FB Glenn Batson Greenville Clemson + + Bradley Jones Travelers Rest C of C + + Austin LaBounty Gilbert South Carolina + + Drew Cole Pendleton – + + Matt White Summerville – + + Weber Pike Beaufort South Carolina + + Kyle Whitman Nation Ford Clemson + + Andrew Reardon Sumter – + + Taylor McCuen Greenville – + + Sammy Taormina Northwestern Liberty + + Jake Walton Union – + + Christian Dorothy James Island – + + Philip Watcher Sumter – + + Seth Lancaster Hanahan – + + Nick Pappas Dutch Fork – + + Cody Smith Lexington – + + Jared Parnell Mid Carolina – + + Augustus Cothran Blue Ridge – + + Eli White Wren Clemson + + Justin Allen Wren – XX FB Ben Boulware TL Hanna – + + Ryan Perkins Woodruff – + Casey Parker Airport – + + Kevin Hickey Hilton Head – + + Trevor Bradley White Knoll – + + Will Thompson Dorman – + + Jared Williams Gilbert – + + Garrett Chapman West Florence – KiJana Madden Hillcrest – + + Bryan Dye Ashley Ridge + + Corey Cremonese Boiling Springs + + Adam Renwick Dorman Clemson -Outfielders- App Conf Name High School Committed + + Clark Scolamiero Greenville – + + Reed Rohlman Byrnes Clemson + + Tray Roberts Aiken – + + Gene Cone Spring Valley South Carolina + + Steven Duggar Byrnes Clemson XX XX Lorenzo Wright Ashley Ridge C of C + + Andrew Cox Belton-Honea Path Clemson + + Jason Smith Gilbert Citadel + + Brandon Burris Blythewood – + + Maleeke Gibson Thomas Sumter Clemson + + John Mulkey Emerald Clemson + + Anthony Paulsen Spring Valley – + + Blue Sanderson South Aiken – + + Michael Patrick Northwestern Winthrop + + Jackson Vause Lower Richland – + + Wesley Rodgers JL Mann Furman + + Trey Hayes Palmetto Presbyterian + + Taylor Widener South Aiken – XX team usa Kevin Woods Fort Mill – + + Jake McBreairity Wando – + + Taylor Kellner Boiling Springs – + + Bobby Delly Andrew Jackson – + + Jae Roberts Hammond – + + Jamal Keels Manning – + + Drew Joiner Riverside Citadel -Honorary Managers- Hotel # bio Fungo BP Team Name High School Color Th/Sat-fam 55 + Y/N Y/N Northwest Steve Scolamiero Greenville Orange Fri/Sat-fam 2 + + X Northeast Tom Myers Spartanburg Blue xx – + X + Midwest Barry Fogle Pelion Black xx 21 + …

2011 Prep Draftees

MLB Draft, Day 1 – Guerrieri to Tampa Bay: With the MLB Draft’s 24th selection in the 1st Round, Spring Valley High RHP Taylor Guerrieri (right) was taken by the Tampa Bay Rays. USC OF Jackie Bradley Jr. was the only in-state college player chosen on Day 1 (Red Sox, 40th pick). ———————————————— MLB Draft, Day 2 – Whitley, English, Faulkner, Dorton, Gossett drafted: North Augusta 1B Jackson Whitley (R1) was taken in the 13th round by the Atlanta Braves… St. James OF Tanner English (L1) was picked by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 13th round… South Aiken LHP Andrew Faulkner (R2) was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 14th round… Lugoff-Elgin RHP Will Dorton (left) was picked by the Cincinnati Reds in the 15th round… Byrnes RHP Daniel Gossett (L2) was chosen by the Boston Red Sox in the 16th Round… College Selections: Sumter native and USC RHP Matt Price (left) was selected in the 6th Round. Other in-state collegians that were preps in the Palmetto State taken on Wednesday were: Scott Wingo (R-Mauldin, USC, Dodgers-11th), John Cornely (Bishop England, Wofford, Braves-15th), JR Black (Easley, SMC, Kentucky, Phillies-16th), Jarett Miller (Easley, USC-Lancaster, UNC-Greensboro, Braves-21st), John Taylor (Wilson, FDTC, USC, Mariners-22nd), Rhett Stafford (R-Cheraw, Marshall, A’s-22nd), Adam Matthews (White Knoll, USC, Orioles-23rd), Kyle Deese (Chapman, Western Carolina, Cardinals-23rd), Travis Burnside (Laurens, SMC, Dodgers-25th), Joseph Moorefield (Byrnes, Clemson, Royals-26th), Matt Talley (Wilson Hall, Citadel, Braves-28th) … ————————————————————— MLB, Day 3 – Boulware, Pankake, Carson, McPhail, Edwards, Cole selected: TL Hanna C Garrett Boulware was taken in the 42nd round by the San Diego Padres… Easley RHP Joey Pankake was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 42nd round… Lake City OF Shon Carson was picked by the Cincinnati Reds in the 44th round… Dutch Fork C Ryan McPhail was chosen by the Detroit Tigers in the 47th round… Mid-Carolina RHP CJ Edwards was picked by the Texas Rangers in the 48th round… Dorman OF Hunter Cole was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 49th round… —————————————————————

All-Star Teams: Class of 2011

-SC Select Team- Class Name School 4A Grayson Greiner Blythewood 3A Michael Gilroy Brookland Cayce 4A Daniel Gossett Byrnes 3A Cole Lee Chapin 4A Hunter Cole Dorman 4A Joey Pankake Easley 2A Shon Carson Lake City 1A Will Robbins Lewisville 4A Andrew Faulkner South Aiken 3A Tanner English St. James 4A Bruce Caldwell Sumter 4A Jordan Montgomery Sumter 4A Garrett Boulware T L Hanna 3A Kyle Martin Wade Hampton (G) 4A Connor Bright Wando 4A Robbie Streett White Knoll Coaches: Scott McLeod Chapin Barry Fogle Pelion David Skelly Pendleton -North 1A/4A- Class Name School 1A Tyler Boyles Abbeville 1A Kaleb Earls Blacksburg 1A Kelley Butler Chesterfield 4A Ryan McPhail Dutch Fork 4A Hunter Dilworth Easley 1A Daniel Jones Great Falls 4A Jacob Watson Hillcrest 4A Hiller Huggins Irmo 4A Reid Moman J L Mann 4A J. R. Black J L Mann 4A Ethan Adair Laurens 1A Kody Kirkland Lewisville 4A Will Dorton Lugoff Elgin 4A Stewart Hunt Northwestern 4A Taylor Norris Northwestern 4A Brandon Landrie Spartanburg Coaches: Head Brad Richardson Greenwood Asst. Mark Kish Riverside -North 2A/3A- 3A Austin Gambrell Belton-Honea Path 3A Jarad Jennings Belton-Honea Path 2A Colt Ellis Buford 2A Mardu Smith Central 2A Johnathan Stokes Cheraw 3A Austin Kerr Chester 3A Matt Bridges Clinton 3A Kody Hartley Fort Mill 3A Evan Rollison Greenville 2A CJ Edwards Mid-Carolina 2A Samuel Thomas Cothran Palmetto 2A Michael Skelly Pendleton 3A Ricky Rice Union 3A Antonio Wallace Union 3A Jake Wolff Walhalla 2A Taylor Burriss Gilbert Coaches: Head Lee Atkinson Clinton Asst. Tom Petty Union -South 2A/3A- Class Name School 3A Aaron Poole A C Flora 3A Jordan Williams Airport 2A Peyton Hill Aynor 2A Jamie Strock Barnwell 2A Jimmy Lindberg Bishop England 3A Kal Davis Camden 3A Taylor Alvarez Chapin 3A Cam McRae Darlington 3A Cole Norwood Darlington 3A Cody Mincey Hartsville 2A Ross White Marion 3A Alex Roberts Myrtle Beach 2A Wesley Camp Pelion 3A Anthony Cossentino St. James 3A Gunnar Heidt St. James 2A Dylan Lee Waccamaw Coaches: Head Denny Beckley Camden Asst. Brian Hucks Brookland Cayce -South 1A/4A- Class Name School 4A James Reeves Ashley Ridge 1A Randon Sandifer Bamberg Ehrhardt 1A Douglas Ard East Clarendon 4A Terrell Jordan Fort Dorchester 4A Bo Patterson James Island 4A Austin Weekley James Island 1A Wes McCutcheon Johnsonville 1A Jordan Miller Lake View 4A Evan Still North Augusta 4A Bobby Ison Stratford 4A Billy Montroni Stratford 4A Gabe Craven Summerville 4A Michael Blackmon Sumter 4A Joshua Kisamore Sumter 4A Jordan Eysen Wando 4A Chris Harrison White Knoll Coaches: Head Jack Radcliffe Fort Dorchester Asst. Scott Cook Johnsonville

MLB: Inner City Tryout Info

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL INNER CITY TRYOUT CAMP WHEN: Monday, June 18, 2012. Registration begins at 9:00-9:45 a.m. Tool evaluation will start at 10:00 a.m. There is no charge for the camp. WHERE: USA Baseball National Training Complex, 200 Brooks Park Lane, Cary, N.C., 27519 WHO: High school students who attend inner city schools ("Inner City Youth") EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Participants will need to wear suitable footwear and bring a baseball glove. Baseballs, wood bats, batting helmets and one set of catcher’s gear will be on hand for camp use. IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE: Campers will NOT be allowed to participate without a properly completed MLB Waiver/Release Form. These forms will be available at the camp registration desk the day of the event. If you won’t have a parent or legal guardian to sign the form at registration, you may request one in advance through Gary Randall – [email protected] and one will be e-mailed to you. Please be sure to bring the completed form with you to the camp. CONTACT PERSON: Should you have any questions, contact Gary Randall – [email protected]. If weather is an issue the day of the event, text or call 803-984-2927. Liability Waiver and Release In consideration of being allowed to participate in any tryout, workout or other activity ("Tryout") organized by the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball, a Major League Club or any other Major League Baseball individual or entity (collectively, the "Baseball Parties"), the undersigned prospective player ("Player") agrees to assume all risks incidental to such participation (including, without limitation, injury or loss to person or property). Each of the undersigned hereby agrees to release and forever discharge each of the Baseball Parties from any and all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any nature whatsoever, whether in law or equity, known or unknown, that any of the undersigned ever had, now has or hereafter can, shall or may have against any of the Baseball Parties arising out of or in any way related, directly or indirectly, to Player’s participation in such Tryout. Each of the undersigned parent(s) or guardian(s) of Player hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each of the Baseball Parties from and against any and all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any nature whatsoever, whether in law or equity, known or unknown, incurred by any of the Baseball Parties and arising out of or in any way related, directly or indirectly, to Player’s participation in such tryout, workout or other activity. Each of the undersigned parent(s) or guardian(s) of Player hereby ratifies Player’s execution of this waiver and release form. At least one parent or guardian of Player must sign this form if Player is under the age of 21, in order for Player to participate in any Tryout. Player Signature Name (printed): Date: Player’s date of birth: Parent / Guardian Signature Name (printed): Date: Parent / Guardian Signature Name (printed): Date:

AAAA State Championship: Byrnes Rebels at Sumter Gamecocks, Game 3

By: Will Cheatham – May 20, 2011 -Diamond Prospects on hand for AAAA Championship Game- This was the final game of the season. With the series tied at 1 win apiece, Gilbert High school was kind enough to be the neutral site for the game tonight and this park is a perfect venue for this game. I got to the game an hour before game time, and the press box was already filled with TV, radio, and newspaper press; but DP made some adjustments and got the Verizon hotspot working right behind home plate to get the blog going, and we had a great seat for what played out to be an unbelievable game. Well, we had the same matchup on the mound tonight that we did in the opening game Monday. This, however, was a different story. Tonight’s game was what we thought we would see in game one, and really was a testament to the pitching ability of both Jordan Montgomery (left) and Daniel Gossett (right) in the first inning. Both teams put runners in scoring position, but were unable to drive in the run. To start things off for the Rebels, Reed Rohlman drove a double into left-center the first at-bat of the game. This did nothing but make the crowd even louder than it already was. He advanced to third on a fielder’s choice, but was stranded at third after back-to-back strikeouts from Montgomery. It was more of the same in the bottom half, with Michael Blackmon reaching on a walk to start the inning. He was replaced on the base paths by Jeremy Buckner. Gossett struck out the next batter, and Buckner moved to second with a stolen base. Bruce Caldwell rolled over a spiltty for an unassisted out by the first baseman Wade Metcalf, moving Buckner to third. Andrew Reardon then came to the plate, but on the squeeze attempt Gossett pitched out and they were able to get Buckner in a rundown to record the final out of the inning. Montgomery cruised again through the next frame, recording two more strikeouts to end the inning. Sumter again got the leadoff hitter on base after an error. Gossett struck out the next batter looking. Phillip Watcher came to the plate for his first at-bat on the night Monday. He was 2-for-2 against Gossett with 3 RBI’s on Tuesday. He again singled up the middle, but shortstop Alex Cunningham was able to cut the ball off behind the bag at second, where he wheeled and threw a bullet to third and got Reardon out…who had made his turn a little too long at the bag. Josh Kisamore followed that up with a single into right, but Gossett was able to get another big strikeout to end the threat again for the Gamecocks. We had more of the same in the third inning. This time Montgomery recorded three strikeouts, with a single from Rohlman and a walk sandwiched in between. John Campbell got the ball rolling for the Gamecocks with a single into center to start the inning. Blackmon then dropped down a sacrifice bunt and Gossett attempted to get the lead runner. The runner was able to beat the throw. Taylor McFadden was able to get down a sacrifice bunt down the first base line, moving both runners into scoring position. The Rebels then intentionally put Caldwell on first base to load the bases, and Gossett did it again with a one out strike out, then got a fly out to right from Will Smith. Montgomery showed signs of slowing some in the fourth (insert sarcasm) as he only recorded one strikeout this inning and let his defense work a little behind him. Here we also saw Gossett begin to loosen up, and things worked very well for him as he recorded two strikeouts and a ground out to end the inning. Rohlman continued to have a red-hot bat as he recorded his second double, and third hit of the game, putting him on second with one out. After a come-backer fielded for the out by Montgomery, and an intentional walk to Gossett, Bridgeman flew out to right to end the inning for the Rebels. The bottom of the fifth was the difference-maker in tonight’s game. All night long both coaches were making pinch-running changes, and really pulling out all the stops to try and scratch one run across, as they knew that is all it might take with the way the arms were throwing for both sides. Blackmon doubled with one out in the inning to get things going for Sumter. The next batter was McFadden, who drew a walk. This at-bat was the difference-maker for a few reasons, and the main one was that now Gossett had to face off with Caldwell. Caldwell won the battle in this at-bat, driving a line drive into the gap in left center. Steven Duggar made a fantastic stop with a diving grab to cut the ball off in the gap, and he popped up to throw a dart to third, but McFadden was able to reach third and Caldwell strolled into second for a stand-up double and the first RBI of the game. The following pitch was a hard fastball in the dirt that got by the catcher for a wild pitch, scoring McFadden from third. Reardon then reached on a bunt back to Gossett, but was able to get around the tag from the first baseman who was going back to the bag after charging on the bunt. The Rebels were able to turn a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning, but the damage had already been done with the Gamecocks scoring two runs. Cunningham singled to start the sixth for the Rebels but he was forced out on a fielder’s choice. It was more of the same for Andrew Cleveland, and then Montgomery did it again with another strikeout looking with two outs. Gossett still had the fastball working, sitting 93 in the …

AAAA State Championship: Sumter Gamecocks at Byrnes Rebels, Game 2

By: Barry Mabry – May 18, 2011 The AAAA State Championship continued tonight and it was crunch time for the Byrnes Rebels. After dropping Game One of the series Monday in Sumter 11-0, they turned to junior Zach Bridgeman to get the job done and tie this series up to send it to the rubber match on Friday. Sumter brought the sticks to the yard in the opener against Rebels Ace Daniel Gossett and looked to carry things over here in the Upstate tonight. A packed house was on hand (estimated over 2,000 fans) and both teams were ready to face off. With fans surrounding the entire field and both student sections in full effect, there was no time to waste. It was game time. -Bridgeman dominates; Byrnes forces game three- Bridgeman knew his team needed a quality outing from him tonight to send his Rebels to a third and final game on Friday. It is not as if this was uncharted territory for the junior, as he has done it the entire latter part of the season. To have a quality outing is one thing, but to do what Bridgeman did tonight was something special. Sumter’s starter and SMC signee Josh Kisamore got the nod for the Gamecocks and threw very well, hurling 5 2/3 innings allowing five hits and fanning four. Both teams went scoreless in the first inning. The bottom half of Byrnes lineup produced a run in the second to take an early lead. Andrew Cleveland singled with one out and after a stolen base, Matthew Teal smoked an RBI double to put Byrnes ahead 1-0. Bridgeman surrendered his first hit in the top of the third to freshman Phillip Watcher (who is a stud) but Sumter failed to manufacture anything from it due to a failed bunt and Bridgeman snapping sliders off left and right to keep them off-balance. Kisamore went 1-2-3 in the bottom half. Bridgeman bounced right back and matched Kisamore with his own 1-2-3 inning in the fourth as both pitchers breezed through each other’s lineups. An uncommon error from the Gamecocks’ Bruce Caldwell to lead off the fifth presented another opportunity for the Rebels to tack on another run. With a runner on second and two outs, Clemson commit Steven Duggar busted a singled to left that brought Wade Metcalf home. 2-0 Byrnes. The Rebels added another run in the sixth on a wild pitch from a tiring Kisamore, making it 3-0. This ended his night which brought Caldwell in to get out of the jam. With momentum on his side and a one-hitter in his back pocket, Bridgeman went out to close this one up in the seventh. After retiring the first two hitters, well-deserved fatigue set in. With two outs, Kisamore singled bringing the freshman Watcher back to the plate. Watcher laced an opposite-field line shot (that was deflected off Byrnes’ leftfielder Reed Rohlman’s glove) and went over the fence for a two-run homerun, making it a 3-2 game. Bridgeman walked the next batter and Byrnes knew it was time to make a change. Alex Cunningham came straight from shortstop to close things out. Cunningham blew the next batter away with 92-93 MPH bolts to end this game forcing a Game 3 on Friday. *Game 3 will be Friday night at Gilbert High School, first pitch will be at 7:30. Future college rivals will face off once again when Sumter’s Jordan Montgomery (USC) toes it up against Byrnes’ Daniel Gossett (Clemson). Final Score: Byrnes 3 Sumter 2 WP: Zach Bridgeman LP: Josh Kisamore SV: Alex Cunningham 2B: Teal (B) HR: Watcher (S) Check out this link for more coverage: Sumter/Byrnes -Prospect Info: Byrnes Rebels- Zach Bridgeman-Junior, Uncommitted, RHP/3B: What can you say? Bridgeman threw a gem tonight and did it in his usual way, snapping 73-75 MPH sliders off like it was his job. He allowed three hits, two walks, and struck out five in his 6 2/3 innings of work. There is no question about this guy being a legit competitor and I have to give it to him, his benders were consistent all night long. They never flattened out nor did they lose velocity. I did see him take a different approach during the third and fourth innings however which was a good sign for things to come. He started using his fastball and change up to his advantage and mixed things up very well. Fastball sat 82-85 MPH, Changeup 73-75 MPH. If he can transfer the confidence he has in his slider over to his changeup and turns 82-84 MPH into 87-89 MPH, a year from now he will be heading off to a major DI school. He has the size (6-5/200), the attitude, the slider, the experience of pitching in big games, and most of all, the inner desire to win already. Good things lie ahead. Very nice job tonight! Andrew Cleveland-Senior, Uncommitted, C: Got to give this guy a shout out. Not only did he square some baseballs up tonight (1-for-2 with a single, a line shot to the leftfielder, and a walk) but also he called a great game behind the plate. I only saw Bridgeman shake him off once and it was a fastball off the plate. Cleveland is tough as nails, does a nice job keeping balls in front of him, and looks to have a feel for the mental side of catching and reading hitters. Tonight was the best pop time I have seen from him (2.03 and 2.09 in game). A great catcher can be a pitcher’s best asset and tonight I thought he and Bridgeman did an excellent job working together. Alex Cunningham-Junior, Coastal Carolina commit, SS/RHP: Cunningham had a chance to display himself in many different areas of the game tonight flashing his versatility. Even though he committed an error, Cunningham plays his position very well. He made a solid backhanded play where he showed off his rifle across the infield in the third inning. Swift is the best words to describe him in the field. At the …

AAA State Championship: Union Yellow Jackets at St. James Sharks, Game 2

By: Joey Haug – May 18, 2011 -Sharks’ Huge Fifth Inning Forces Game Three in AAA Championship- Wednesday gave us a beautiful evening for baseball in the Grand Strand, and there was definitely a championship atmosphere at St. James High School as the host Sharks looked to stave off elimination against the visiting Union Yellow Jackets. There was great energy on the field, and some chippiness in the stands between the zealous fans. St. James sent ace Gunnar Kines to the hill, while Dylan Rogers toed the rubber for Union. The game featured four lead changes, and a big inning that extends the AAA baseball season one more game. Union struck first, going up 1-0 in the top of the first when leadoff man Jake Walton homered to dead centerfield, bringing the Jackets’ fans (who traveled in full force) to their feet. After allowing a single and a walk, Kines got out of the jam and avoided further damage to end the top half. St. James would answer right back in the bottom of the frame. Anthony Cossentino got things rolling with a double to right-centerfield. Gunnar Heidt then lined a single back through the box, almost hitting Cossentino on its way through and forcing the second baseman to stop at third. Heidt stole second putting two in scoring position for Robert Troiano who grounded a ball to second base. The ball took a squirrely hop for Walton and skipped off the heel of his glove into rightfield, allowing both runners to come around to score and making it 2-1 St. James after one inning. Both pitchers appeared to settle in after the rocky first, exchanging scoreless innings in the second and third before Union re-took the lead in the top of the fourth. Antonio Wallace singled to open the frame, and Adam Lawson followed with a walk to put two on with nobody out for the Jackets. A double steal with an errant throw to third allowed Wallace to come in to score and brought Lawson into scoring position. Cal Arnold gave Union the lead when he followed with an RBI single, making it 3-2. A big shutdown inning by Rogers followed, and Union took momentum going into the top of the fifth looking to extend their lead. Walton singled to start things off, then stole second. After two quick outs, Wallace grounded a ball to the six-hole that Heidt was able to get a glove on. After bobbling the ball with no play at first, Heidt flipped to third looking to catch Walton rounding the bag too hard. The throw got past Preston Lane, allowing Wallace to reach second and putting two men in scoring position for Lawson. Lawson smoked a short-hopped line drive right back at Kines, he was able to make a great play on and snagged the would-be two-run single, flipping to first for the final out. After making the nifty play to end the top half, Kines led off the bottom of the fifth with a backside double. Marshall McClary then laid down a textbook push bunt, reaching to put runners on the corners for Tanner English. English got his hands inside a fastball and deposited it over the left-centerfield fence, bringing the Sharks fans to their feet and giving St. James a 5-3 lead. Cossentino followed with a walk, and with one away, he and Troiano executed a hit-and-run, putting runners on first and third for Lane, who doinked a check-swing infield hit to score Cossentino. With runners on first and second, Carl Buddin came in to pinch-hit and reached on an error, plating a run and putting runners on second and third for Hugh Benton, who rounded out the scoring in the inning with a two-run single. By the time the final out in the fifth was recorded, St. James had taken a commanding 9-3 lead. After a shutdown inning by Kines, St. James tacked on another run in the bottom of the sixth when English walked, moved to third on another perfect hit-and-run (with Cossentino), and scored on an RBI fielder’s choice by Heidt. Final: St. James 10, Union 3 WP: Gunnar Kines LP: Dylan Rogers HR: Jake Walton (U), Tanner English (STJ) *With each team winning their home game, they will play the third and deciding game on Saturday at 2PM at Riley Park in Sumter. Probable starters are Josh Simpson and Anthony Cossentino, with everyone else who can lift their respective arms available in the pen in this winner-take-all showdown.* -Prospect Info: St. James Sharks- Anthony Cossentino-Senior, INF/P, USC Sumter signee: Cossentino was his usual sparkplug self tonight, getting the Sharks’ first hit (a double) and plating their first run. He was on base all four times he came to the plate, collecting two hits, a walk, and reaching on an error. Cossentino also scored two runs. He is a scrappy player who finds ways to put his team in position to win in tangible and intangible ways. Though he didn’t get much action defensively tonight, he is solid there as well. Tanner English-Senior, OF, USC signee: DP’s Barry Mabry wrote in his last write-up about English’s propensity to come up big in big-time situations. He did just that tonight. With his team down a run in the bottom of the fifth inning, English got a fastball in, pulled his hands inside the ball, and drove it out of the park to give St. James a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. He roamed all over centerfield and almost brought back Walton’s homer in the first. English uses his speed well defensively and on the basepaths, scoring runs both times he reached base. He’s got plus bat speed as well and will have a tough decision ahead of him in a few weeks. Gunnar Heidt-Senior, SS, College of Charleston signee: Heidt collected two hits, an RBI, and a run scored tonight for St. James out his customary three-hole slot. Like his middle infield mate Cossentino, it was a relatively quiet night …