3/14/2016 5:46:16 PM
3/14/16
The Iowa Hawkeyes returned on Monday to play the fourth and final game of their weekend set against the NAIA Point University. The Hawkeyes came into the game intending to have a Johnny Wholestaff game and let some of the younger arms log some innings.
The starter was freshman right-hander Cole McDonald from New Hampton, Iowa. The 6-foot-1, 185 pound starter has good athleticism in his frame and room to continue to fill out and add strength. He threw easy from a three-quarter arm slot with a long, fluid arm action. He was balanced throughout his delivery and did well to get downhill while landing on-line with sound lower-half drive. McDonald showed good arm speed on the mound and threw strikes with his fastball that ranged from 88-90 mph and showed slight arm side life. McDonald also incorporated a curveball that had good bite and 11-5 shape that he used in any count. The confidence in his fastball and curveball allowed him to throw either pitch at any point and play them off of each other, showing strong levels of pitchibility.
For video of McDonald, please follow this link.
Following McDonald on the bump was fellow freshman Sam Lizarraga. Lizarraga had a much taller and physical frame than his teammate standing at 6-foot-6, 220 pounds with lots of strength. He utilized a much shorter arm action though, despite his long limbs. His delivery was short and compact with some effort and sharp downhill drive. His fastball worked 87-89 mph with slight life arm-side. He really did well to work both sides of the plate, leading to lots of contact, but consistently right at his defenders. He showed some feel for a 10-4 shaped slider that flashed tilt when he used it as a weapon against right-handers, leaving it low and outside.
Easily the most athletic player on the field at any given time was Iowa's centerfielder Joel Booker. The speedy centerfielder posted another home to first time of 4.15 showing his plus speed from the right side. He also uses it exceptionally well in the game, stealing a base early on and gliding with ease to balls hit deep to the gap. His range and ability to get good reads off the bat help him profile as a centerfielder at higher levels. At the plate, Booker collected a pair of hits including a roped double that left the bat at 101.2 mph, following a ground ball that left the bat at 104.7 mph. His plus bat speed should allow his hit tool to play up, but the senior does have a slightly difficult time matching his plane through the zone. When he does though, he drives the ball consistently in the air using a pull oriented approach.