Prep Baseball Report

Game Notes: Fellowship Christian at Holy Innocents'


Jacob Gill
Director of Baseball Operations

One hour and forty minutes was all it took for Holy Innocents' to secure a 4-2 win in game one of its best-of-three second round series against Fellowship Christian in the GHSA class A private school tournament. Hitters on both sides took an aggressive approach against two pitchers -- HIES 2019 RHP Guillermo Granier and FCS 2018 RHP Kurtis Royalty -- who were pounding the zone. Ultimately, a three-run second inning, keyed by extra base hits from a pair of 2020 prospects -- first baseman Freddie Reams (who went 3-3 on the day) and shortstop Caleb Ketchup -- was all the Bears would end up needing.

Holy Innocents' advanced to the quarterfinal round with an identical 4-2 win in game two. The Bears will take on the winner of the series between Pinecrest and Hebron Christian, to be determined by a winner-take-all game three today.

Scouting notes

In his complete game effort, Granier worked quickly out of an over-the-top slot, generally standing poised on the rubber waiting for the hitter to dig in. He came out with a fastball at 82-84 to the first couple hitters before settling in at 79-81 for the majority of the game, occasionally reaching back for 84-85 with two strikes. The pitch had a little tailing action to the armside and he pounded the zone with it, locating to both sides of the plate with occasional plane. A change-up at 68-71 came out of the same window as his fastball with a bit of fade. He also flipped in a curveball at 65-67 that generated some swings-and-misses.

Ketchup sports a wiry, athletic frame and showed above average wheels, posting a 4.50 home-to-1B time on a turn with a second gear he kicked into a few yards around first base. Showed solid actions and arm strength prior to the game. Stayed under control and got his body in position to work through a chopper he fielded chest-high on the only ball hit his way during game action. Right-handed hitter starts from an open stance and strides to square with nice hand rhythm in his load. While it ultimately resulted in a fly out, he showed good balance and didn't get out too far ahead of himself when attacking an offspeed pitch.

Fellowship Christian 2019 catcher Cameron Gill exhibited a solid, all-round defensive game, including legit catch-and-throw ability. A quick, high transfer and accurate arm led to consistent 2.01-2.06 pop times in between innings. Every throw was on-line with the bag and when one wasn't directly on target, he missed low where the middle infielder could still make a pick and swipe tag. Calls his own game and we're told he holds a leadership role for both the football and baseball teams. Went 3-3 at the plate out of the three-hole in the line-up without truly squaring the ball up. The solidly built 6-foot, 200-pound right-handed hitter stays loose in his stance and gets good separation in his load.

On the receiving end of many of GIll's throws to second base was 2020 shortstop Preston Joye. Moved well defensively, working through the ball well with good feet and really trusting his glovehand on one-hand and slow roller plays. Only saw the 5-foot-10, 180-pound switch-hitter from the left side, where he has a quiet set-up in the box, while his swing has some length created by a barrel wrap and dropping his hands in his load. Did not get a line time on this day.

2019 third baseman Isaac Bouton held down the left side of the infield with Joye and the leadoff spot for the Paladins. Showed solid actions and arm strength prior to the game. Attacks the ball with a bat in his hands via a swing that incorporates multiple forward movements from a double-tapped stride. Sports a 5-foot-10, 180-pound build and showed average wheels (4.50 home-to-1B and 4.69 on a turn).

 

CURRENT NEWS