Game Recap: Canyon View vs Desert Vista
February 26, 2022
Your #1 source for high school baseball coverage is back to work, as PBR Arizona staff continues its "boots on the ground" efforts to bring you the most credible and up to date information on the spring season. PBR Arizona will be covering multiple games a week, bringing to you: game recaps, player spotlights, and updated power rankings.
As we cover the season, we appreciate any and all stats/video recorded, and may be shared to [email protected] to expand our avenues of information consumed. Our ultimate goal is to bring as much exposure to Arizona players and teams possible, any info will be appreciated.
GAME RECAP
#10 Canyon View (1-0) VS Desert Vista (0-2)
Final Score: 7-4 Canyon View
WP: Austin Kalsek 4 IP, 4 R, 4 H, 7 K, 1 BB
Player of the Game: Liam Whalen 3-4 3 1B, 2 R
PBR Arizona staff was in attendance for the matchup between Canyon View and Desert Vista at Desert Vista High School. This was a high energy and emotional game played by both sides. This being Canyon View's opening game of the 2022 spring season, they came into Desert Vista with their hair on fire. In the top of the first inning, Canyon View scratched 3 runs on SP Michael Caruso. CV took multiple quality at bats in this first inning, starting with a line out to 2B off the bat of Noah Madas, and three consecutive line drive base hits to the middle by Connor Mattison, Jacob Heppner, and Liam Whalen. Desert Vista got punched early, but punched back in the bottom half of the first. Brady Thomas struck first with a lead off double into the right center gap, followed by a James Warren BB, and a Joey Gentile bunt single. Caden Thiele drove in the first Thunder run with a SAC fly, followed by another run scored on a passed ball. Both starters settled in nicely after a rocky start, and the score stayed where it was until the 3rd inning. Brady Thomas started the 3rd with another lead off double, scoring his second run of the game after a Jaguars error and Gentile RBI double. The Thunder gained control of the lead in the 3rd, and that lead was shortly taken back by Canyon View. Canyon View rallied to take a 7-4 lead where the score remained as the final. A scoreless 2 inning relief appearance was delivered from RHP Diego Garcia, and the 3 up, 3 down save recorded by Matthew Hart.
Key Take-Aways
- Canyon View Quality at-bats/approach
- Canyon View relief pitching
- Desert Vista athleticism
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
 |
Liam Whalen 1B / Canyon View, AZ / 2023Rankings StateRank: 66 / POS: 2
6-foot-3 180 pounds, Northern Colorado commit, Liam Whalen was a bright spot for the Canyon View lineup in their season opener. Whalen is a first basemen that has a large build with strength and a good approach at the plate. With Whalen's size, approach, and swing mechanics, he should to be an impact bat in the 4-hole for the Jaguars in 2022. With some power potential, Whalen showed he has a middle of the field approach, and can take those pitches on the outer half up the middle for a knock. Look for Whalen to be driving in runs and hitting the gaps for Canyon View this spring. 3-4 3 1B, 2 R |
 |
Ashton Zacher C / 3B / Canyon View, AZ / 2023Rankings StateRank: 19 / POS: 1
6-foot 195 pounds, uncommitted #1 ranked catcher in AZ's 2023 class. Zacher has size, strength and athleticism. His mobility behind the plate is above average with good catch and throw skills. Zacher's receiving is strong and simple with some room to clean up his blocking technique. As a switch hitting catcher with gap-to-gap/power potential, Zacher should be driving in a good amount of runs in the middle of CV's lineup. He pounded two balls hard through the 4-hole in Friday's matchup vs Desert Vista, and showed a bat path that create some loft and drive balls to the gaps. 2-3 2 1B, BB
|
 |
Matthew Hart OF / RHP / Canyon View , AZ / 2023Rankings StateRank: 37 / POS: 8
6-foot-2 190 pounds, uncommitted 2-way prospect in the 2023 class, Matthew Hart drove in a run with a base hit to right center, and got his first save of 2022 in CV's first game of the season. Hart will have an important role with the Jaguars this season as a junior, driving in runs and closing games. On the mound, Hart has a 3 pitch mix with + action to his pitches. He'll sink it and slide it in the low 80's with the FB, with much more in the tank. Offensively, Hart has a simple bat path that will produce line drive contact to the gaps. He has a middle of the field approach with the ability to drive the off side with true ball flight. 1-3 RBI, R, 1 IP, 0 H, 1 K, S |
 |
Keegan Landis 3B / 2B / Canyon View , AZ / 2023Rankings StateRank: 93 / POS: 13
6-foot-1 190 pounds, Keegan Landis is another uncommitted prospect for Canyon View, 2-sport athlete with speed and athleticism. Hitting in the 8-hole for Canyon View, Landis was on base twice for the Jaguars to turn over the lineup for the top of the order. He showed is ability to use the off side with 2 extra base hits, one down the right field line, and a line drive driven in the right center gap. If Landis can provide this kind of production for Canyon View at the bottom of their order, CV's offense will benefit largely. 2-4 2B, 3B, RBI |
| |
Brady Thomas SS / 2B / Desert Vista, AZ / 2022Rankings StateRank: 94 / POS: 16
Brady Thomas turned in a great performance on Friday, with 2 doubles to the right center gap in his first two plate appearances. Thomas has the ability to play any spot in the infield and has a smooth swing from the left handed batters box. High energy player at the top of the order for Desert Vista that will play a big role in the Thunder's offensive success. 2-4 2 2B |
| |
Joey Gentile SS / 2B / Desert Vista, AZ / 2022Rankings StateRank: 147 / POS: 23
Joey Gentile is an uncommitted prospect in the infield for Desert Vista who will play a large role to their teams success this spring. With some athleticism and wiry strength, Gentile plays a clean 2B and has some offensive ability. Gentile has some versatility offensively, with the understanding of team baseball. He recorded a bunt single, and showed some pop in the bat with a line drive double that beat the CF over his head. If Gentile can get on base consistently, and turn in the type of at-bats he did Friday, his role for DV will have much importance with his ability to run the bases. 2-3 2B, RBI
|