By Doug Freeman
Florida Scouting Director

Bolles High School would jump out to an early 1-0 lead over American Heritage Delray in the first inning from a double from 2018 Tennessee recruit Austin Knight followed by an RBI single from 2017 UNC recruit Clemente Inclan. That is all that 2019 Virginia recruit Hunter Barco would need as the impressive lefty would nearly finish with a complete game shutout, going 6.2 innings allowing only two hits and striking out four for the win. The Bulldogs would add three more in the fourth and two more in the fifth to win 6-0 and move on to the championship game.

Hunter Barco, LHP/1B. Bolles HS (2018)
The big, lean, strong Virginia recruit looks every bit the part on the mound. Barco stared out the first inning with a fastball that worked 88-91 mph, before settling in and pitching at 86-88 occasionally running it up a little better when need. The lefty has a clean, somewhat short arm action coupled with a drop-and-drive type delivery. He tends to be somewhat weak with his front side as well, but overall the ball jumps out of his hand with life. As he continues to log innings and stay over the rubber a bit longer while becoming stronger with the front side, the sky's the limit and the velocity will make a big jump from an already impressive fastball. Barco also showed a feel for both a changeup at 78-82 mph that he would throw to both right and left handed hitter as well as a slider at 75-77 mph with a quality shape. Barco also showcased his power the day before, driving a ball deep over the right field wall. He is young, with a great frame and a lot of tools. He is nowhere near maxed out and has big upside both on the mound and at the plate.