By Mike Maerz
Director of Florida Operations/Area Scout

Last night, the Brandon Eagles visited the Armwood Hawks in what would turn into a one-sided affair favoring the visiting Eagles. 2016 LHP Antonio Velez (Brandon HS, FL) was dialed in all night and went the distance in a shutout for a 12-0 Eagles victory.

Velez sat 85-86 mph with his fastball early in the game and mixed in a 68-70 mph curveball with 12/6 break, along with a 74-76 mph changeup with similar fastball arm action. Velez threw first-pitch strikes early and often as he established himself on the mound that would eventually lead him to 12 strikeouts on the night along with scattering five hits. He possesses an athletic, live body and showed a good mix of his offspeed pitches. Later on in the game, Velez seemed to put a little bit more on his breaking ball and it turned into a 3/4 breaker with some tight spin. The South Florida recruit showed good mound presence and kept the Armwood lineup guessing all night.

From the Brandon lineup, 2016 C Jerry Biller was able to go 2-for-5 on the night which included two RBIs. He showed the ability to make some hard contact with both RBI singles going into the gaps. 2017 OF Tyrek Ball showed good awareness and quickness on the base paths, as well as some aggressiveness as he would steal two bases on the night and score twice.