With the weather playing a huge factor last weekend in Wisconsin we were forced to move inside to the Hitter's indoor facility. It's truly a great indoor facility and I'd like to thank RJ and the Hitter's organization for hosting. Here's some observations and assessments from Nick Klein who made the trip to Wisconsin.
Team 1
Dalton Steere (2016 – Waverly, IA) – Big aggressive swing, doesn’t get cheated. Hit some balls hard, and showed that as a 2nd baseman is capable of hitting with some pop
Brayden Frazier (2018 – CR Jefferson) – Consistently barreled balls up. Hit 3 that were considered “outs” in the building, but all 3 may have been homeruns outdoors. Showed a great knack for hitting and has been looking better every weekend. Wasn’t overmatched by anything all weekend.
Max Steffens (2016 – Central Dewitt, IA) – Pitched 5 innings. Pounded the strike zone keeping the ball at the knees consistently. Threw a ton of strikes, showed a good feel for breaking ball, and didn't give up any hard hit balls.
Drew Schmit (2016 – Ames, IA) – Threw 4 1/3. Showed a lot of sink and run on his fastball, kept hitters off balance the whole time. Consistent and efficient in the strike zone.
Bryce Ball (2016 – Mason City, IA – Newman Catholic) – Starting to show a good eye at the plate and put together quality at bats. Got off good swings in good counts, and showed a good understanding for the strike zone.
Team 2
Grant Judkins (2016 – Pella, IA) – Made it look easy, drilling 3 hard doubles outdoors. Also continued hitting balls hard inside and made it look easy. On the mound, was aggressive going after hitters and showed easy arm strength.
John Swanda (2017 – Des Moines, Roosevelt) – Threw 4 clean innings. Was in the strike zone consistently and threw an effective breaking ball.
Tyler Roeder (2016 – CR Jefferson) – Uses the whole field when hitting. Able to get the barrel to the ball and find hits all over.
Tyler Hillman (2017 – Pella, IA) – Had a great situational approach at the plate. Able to hit the ball the other way when needed to move runners, or lift a sac fly. Struck two would-be opposite field doubles inside.
Spencer Van Scoyoc (2016 – CR Jefferson) – Showed his usual hammer breaking ball, and used it as his out pitch.
Cole Hassman (2017 – Southeast Polk) – Hit balls hard consistently all weekend. Showed a good solid base with good extension in his swing.