3/22/2012 1:28:32 AM
Most states have made the switch from BESR aluminum bats to BBCOR bats in 2012. The lone exceptions are California, which made the switch in 2011, and New Mexico, which now requires teams to play with wood bats.
Two-time defending New Mexico 4A state champion Piedra Vista didn't seem to mind playing with a disadvantage. PV knocked off Ironwood Ridge (AZ), traditionally one of the top teams in southern Arizona, 8-6 in the opening game of a doubleheader.
In their second contest they took on then 10-2 Valley Vista (AZ), on Valley Vista's home field. Valley Vista jumped out to a 1-0 lead, thanks in large part to the athleticism and speed of leadoff hitting SS
Caleb Wood, a Gonzaga commit. PV nearly had a run in the top of the second but Valley Vista CF
Jensen Puahi (a primary RHP) gunned down the potential first run of the game with a throw on the money from CF.
But a couple of Valley Vista errors with 2 outs in the third left the door open for Piedra Vista, who seized the opportunity to pull ahead, and eventually break the game open. 2012 OF/LHP
Nelson Benjamin pitched well for Valley Vista in the early going, but Piedra Vista showed polished hitting ability, making good contact against the lefties' tailing 81-83 mph fastball and above average 12-6 curveball.
Kholeton Sanchez showed unusual speed for a primary catcher, posting home-to-first times of 4.35, 4.41 and 4.45 (with a turn) while playing in his second game of the day after having caught in the first game. 2014 LF
Matt Martin showed a highly polished swing for an underclassmen, squaring the ball up to center field for a pair of extra base hits, and while he lacks physicality at his age, his has a fundamentally sound swing and good approach at the plate. RF
Shane Woodson showed off his tools at various points in the game as well, he hit a ball that registered at 88 mph off the bat to lead off the game, he gunned down a runner attempting to take 3B on him and continously showed good all around ability.
The star for Piedra Vista is obviously 2012 CF
Shilo McCall, an Arkansas commit who draws a crowd of scouts. McCall broke the game open with a two-run double to right center field. He has a well round skillset, with a good arm and athleticism in the outfield, his hit tools is very good and he shows flashes of power. He generates good bat speed in spite of a short low effort swing, while it is geared for line drive contact, he has shown the ability to make adjustments to hit the ball out of the ballpark.
Video of McCall: