By Mike Maerz
Director of Florida Operations/Area Scout

Last night, the IMG Academy Ascenders took on the Berkeley Prep Buccaneers in a non-conference game, which featured both lineups having several Division I recruits and highly ranked players in an exciting matchup that would end with the home Buccaneers coming out on top.

The IMG Academy lineup, filled with recruits for the SEC, ACC, Big 12, and more is never an easy task to deal with when you are the opposing pitcher on the mound. However, for Berkeley Prep, 2018 LHP/OF Julian Bosnic was not only up to the task, but would put together a gutsy performance and finish one out away from the complete game.

All night, Bosnic attacked hitters as he continually pounded the strike zone, working quickly and efficiently. He featured a fastball that sat 85-87 mph with run, touching 88 a few times, along with a 66-71 mph curveball with good depth and a changeup that kept hitters off balance. He was a bulldog on the mound and refused to give in to any hitter all night as inning after inning he put away the talented IMG Academy lineup. Not only did he to put pressure on batters at the plate, but the few runners that got on had to deal with a deceptive pick-off move which included an IMG base runner being picked off at second base after hitting a double in the sixth. Bosnic would leave the game after 6 2/3 innings with 14 strikeouts, three hits and two walks allowed and no runs. 2016 RHP Casey Keller, team captain for the Buccaneers, came in to get the one-out save.

The lone run of the night came on an infield single by Bosnic after 2017 SS Spencer Myers, a Notre Dame recruit, got on with a walk and was able to steal second and third to get himself into scoring position for Bosnic to bring him in. 2019 C Jakob Hines from Berkeley Prep also stood out throughout the night as he received well, blocked some touch pitches in the dirt, showed athleticism, and displayed a quick bat with a strong upper body.

From IMG Academy, 2016 SS Michael Feliz, also a Notre Dame recruit, stood out in the field with good actions, quick feet, and a live, athletic body. At the plate, he showcased a quick, compact swing with the ability to drive the ball as he had a deep line drive double over the right fielder’s head during the game.