Prep Baseball Report

Central Illinois Open: Pitcher Analysis


By: Illinois Scouting Staff

On Wednesday, Aug. 4, the PBR Illinois staff hosted the Central Illinois Open at the Corn Crib Stadium in Normal. The event featured over 60 players from all high school classes spanning the state, including a handful of prospects from the central and southern Illinois area. 

Shortly after the event's conclusion our staff published several post-event content pieces, highlighting the day’s top performers, statistical standouts, and all of the advanced analytics captured through our tech partners. You can find all of those by clicking HERE.

We began rolling out our position-by-position analysis early in the week, working our way around the position players with the catchers, outfielders, and infielders. We’ll finish out our event analysis today by heading to the mound and rolling out all the pitcher reports from this day. 

Before we dive deeper, here are a few names that stood out: 

+ 2024 two-way prospect Charlie Vercruysse (Normal University; Notre Dame commit) is a high-level athlete and showed it on the mound with an advanced fastball for his age sitting 83-85 mph, topping at 86 mph to go along with a tight late breaking curveball. Vercruysse was arguably the highest ceiling arm of the day. Vercruysse also topped at 89 mph across the diamond on the infield where his athleticism stands out as well. 

+ 2025 RHP Jaxson Tresenriter (Dunlap) is a wiry 5-foot-10, 135-pounds and hasn’t even suited up in an Eagle uniform yet, but has all the stuff to play right away. He sat 80-83 mph with a lively upside arm that plays clean out of a high ¾ slot. He showed well above average feel for his breaking ball at his age to go with a sinking changeup.

+ RHP/OF Blake Roundtree (LeRoy, 2022; McHenry JC commit) showed the highest fastball velocity of the day. Roundtree is an athletically strong 6-foot-3, 220-pounds and used it well to generate a top fastball velocity of 88 mph. Roundtreee sat 84-87 mph, with equally firm secondary stuff that is still developing feel. 

+ 2022 RHP Quincy Hougas (Normal University; McHenry JC commit) was one of the more interesting 2022 prospects in attendance. The wiry 5-foot-10 155-pound right hander put up some elite spin numbers in his pen, throwing both a curveball and slider averaging more than 2800 RPM, and a fastball that averaged 2569 RPM despite topping at 83 mph. Indicators that you will likely see a velocity spike with increased strength down the road. 

Read below for all of the individual pitching analysis from this day. 

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Charlie Vercruysse, Normal University (IL), 2024; Notre Dame commit.
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-2, 175-pounds. Long, athletic frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with smooth rhythm, ability to mess with timing, level shoulders, works in line with home.
Arm Action: RH. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T86.03, 83.3-85.1 mph. Late two seam action, thrown for strikes. T1918, 1742 average rpm.
CB: 68.1-70.6 mph. Gradual 11/5 movement, flashes tight spin. T2048, 1943 average rpm.
CH: 73.76-75.17 mph. Arm side run, flashed sinking action at times. T1612, 1555 average rpm.

2. Jaxson Tresenriter, Dunlap (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 5-10, 135-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Delivery: Starts wide, uptempo tall and fall delivery, shoulders stay open, works in line with home.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T83.05, 79.8-82.9 mph. Hard, late arm side run. T2149, 2035 average rpm.
CB: 62.5-65.9 mph. Gradual 12/6 breaker, flashed sharp action at times. T1892, 1841 average rpm.
CH: 67.42-69.27 mph. Arm side run with sinking action. T1544, 1453 average rpm.

3. Blake Roundtree, LeRoy (IL), 2022; McHenry County JC commit.
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-3, 220-pounds. Broad shouldered build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with smooth rhythm, hands go over the head, high balance point, lands squared with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Loose, quick arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T88.14, 84.1-86.9 mph. Easy, clean four seam type. T2136, 1934 average rpm.
CB: 71.4-73.9 mph. Sharp, 11/5 break. T1898, 1787 average rpm.
SL: 75.85-79.09 mph. Gradual movement, 10/4 action. T1965, 1841 average rpm.

4. Quincy Hougas, Normal University (IL), 2022; McHenry County JC commit.
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-10, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Uptempo tilt and topple with effort, lands square to home with an upright finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83.29, 79.8-83.3 mph. Four-seam type, clean out of the hand. T2694, 2569 average rpm.
CB: 70.0-72.1 mph. Gradual 11/5 break, showed depth at time. T2944, 2866 average rpm.
SL: 73.51-75.85 mph. Slurve type of action, arm side command. T2968, 2858 average rpm.

5. Jaden Fauske, Nazareth Academy (IL), 2025; Louisville commit.
Positional Profile: C/INF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 155-pounds. Lean, athletic frame.
Delivery: Quick tempo, repeatable, simple delivery, easy effort, balanced finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T81.28, 79.6-81.1 mph. 4-seam type, mostly straight, thrown up in zone. T2109, 2004 average rpm.
CB: 66.2-67.5 mph. Big 11/5 shape, feel for spin. T2088, 1967 average rpm.
CH: 69.89-71.94 mph. Advanced fading action, thrown arm-side of plate. T1696, 1566 average rpm.

5. Tanner Spangler, Morton (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/INF
Body: 6-3, 190-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, full wind up, long stride, lands closed.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.5, 78.6-80.4 mph. Four seam type. T1987, 1893 average rpm.
CB: 60.7-62.4 mph. 12/6 downer, throws to the bottom of the zone. T2084, 2042 average rpm.
CH: 70.21-72.98 mph. Mostly straight, flashes fading action. T1947, 1869 average rpm.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Tyler Adkins, Metamora (IL), 2022; Lincoln Land CC commit.
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-1, 218-pounds. Strong build.
Delivery: Stretch only with effort, shoulder close off, lands in line with home, finishes athletically.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83.71, 82.0-83.4 mph. Mostly straight, clean out of the hand. T1835, 1661 average rpm.
SL: 68.10-70.24 mph. Slurve type action, down in the zone. T1766, 1697 average rpm.
CH: 76.87-78.37 mph. Plays straight. T1925, 1773 average rpm.

Kayden Althoff, Teutopolis (IL), 2022; Lake Land JC commit.
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-3, 175-pounds. Athletic build, proportional frame.
Delivery: Segmented tall and fall delivery, strong balance point, high front side, front toe lands closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T84.53, 80.8-83.5 mph. Four seam type, gets downhill. T2047, 2008 average rpm.
CB: 61.7-64.5 mph. 12/6 break, works down in the zone. T1940, 1800 average rpm.
SL: 65.78-69.62 mph. Gradual slurve movement. T1924, 1872 average rpm.

William Applegate, Charleston (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds. Athletic, high-waisted frame.
Delivery: Drop and drive delivery with easy effort, shoulders remain level, lands closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long, winged arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T77.66, 75.4-77.4 mph. Plays straight, up in the zone. T1765, 1684 average rpm.
CB: 57.2-59.5 mph. 11/5 action, maintains arm speed.  T1770, 1705 average rpm.
CH: 62.76-64.24 mph. Arm side action, feel for the zone. T1589, 1525 average rpm.

Aric Beaman, Burlington Central (IL), 2022 Mount Mercy commit.
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-2, 280-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with some rhythm, shoulders get uphill and close, lands in line with home.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78.75, 75.4-78.1 mph. Plays straight and down in the zone command. T1835, 1752 average rpm.
CB: 63.1-64.7 mph. 11/5 breaker, around the zone command. T2055, 2015 average rpm.

Landen Bell, Pekin (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Deliberate drop and drive delivery, high point of balance, lands open with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short, winged arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77.01, 74.4-76.4 mph. Four seam type, around the zone command. T1815, 1679 average rpm.
CB: 57.3-60.6 mph. 12/6 breaker, flashed depth, down in the zone command. T1792, 1756 average rpm.
CH: 63.86-65.48 mph. Plays straight, maintains arm speed. T1129, 1060 average rpm.

Joe Brummer, St. Teresa (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-1, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Drop and drive delivery with some rhythm, level shoulders, high point of balance, closed landing spot with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.32, 76.2-78.7 mph. Four seam type, feel for the strike zone. T1905, 1773 average rpm.
CB: 64.0-65.1 mph. Gradual 11/5 break, flashed 12/6 at times. T1991, 1864 average rpm.
CH: 69.49-71.13 mph. Mostly straight, flashed run at times. T1654, 1477 average rpm.

Matt Brummer, St. Teresa (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-1, 195-pounds. Strong, durable lower half.
Delivery: Uptempo tall and fall delivery with some effort, shoulder stay level, lands squared to home, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.6, 78.4-80.4 mph. Easy, four seam type, around the zone command. T1992, 1850 average rpm.
CB: 65.9-71.3 mph. Slow breaking 11/5 action. T2060, 1741 average rpm.
CH: 70.22-73.38 mph. Late arm side movement. T1724, 1663 average rpm.

Nathan Burdin, Rochelle (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-11, 156-pounds.
Delivery: Uptempo tall and fall delivery with effort, shoulders get uphill, lands in line with home, athletic finish.
Arm Action: LH. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T74.8, 71.9-74.2 mph. Plays straight, clean out of the hand. T2034, 1878 average rpm.
CB: 57.9-58.9 mph. Sharp break, 1/7 break with tight spin. T2387, 2322 average rpm.
SL: 57.80-60.45 mph. Gradual 2/8 action. T2564, 2407 average rpm.
CH: 61.76-63.36 mph. Arm side movement with some sink. T1214, 1160 average rpm.

Tynan Chamberlin, Lincoln-Way East (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-1, 190-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only with effort, starts closed, lands squared to home.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.86, 79.0-79.8 mph. Mostly straight, arm side run at times, around the zone command. T1846, 1745 average rpm.
CB: 63.3-67.5 mph. Gradual 11/5 break, maintains arm speed. T1973, 1837 average rpm.
SL: 67.22-68.88 mph. 10/4 movement with sharp break. T1820, 1798 average rpm.

Mitchell Crompton, Champaign Central (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-9, 160-pounds.
Delivery: Drive and drive delivery, lead knee turns to second, shoulders close off, lands close.
Arm Action: LH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T70.79, 68.9-70.6 mph. Plays straight, command to the arm side. T1641, 1428 average rpm.
CB: 55.8-59.3 mph. Gradual 1/7 break. T1813, 1787 average rpm.
CH: 59.84-61.17 mph. Late arm side run at times. T1119, 1060 average rpm.

Colin DeLaere, Pekin (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-6, 230-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, level shoulders, lands squared with an upright finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, low 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.42, 73.7-79.0 mph. Late two seam action. T2164, 1958 average rpm.
CB: 61.3-63.7 mph. 11/5 movement, maintains arm speed. T1880, 1809 average rpm.
SL: 64.60-67.61 mph. Gradual 10/4 movement.  T2055, 1971 average rpm.

Donovan Dykas, Lincoln-Way Central (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-5, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with some rhythm, high point of balance, shoulders remain level, works directionally with home.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.93, 78.3-79.8 mph. Two seam type with sink at times, arm-side command. T2010, 1917 average rpm.
CB: 62.6-66.5 mph. 12/6 break with depth. T1412, 1318 average rpm.
CH: 71.71-72.75 mph. Mostly straight, down in the zone command. T1479, 1408 average rpm.

Braiden Elliott, Tri-Valley (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 6-0, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, shoulder slightly close off, lands open with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: LH. Long, wing arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T78.47, 73.7-77.4 mph. Mostly straight, flashed late arm side movement. T2059, 1984 average rpm.
CB: 58.2-65.4 mph. Gradual 12/6 break. T1799, 1771 average rpm.
SL: 65.03-66.00 mph. 2/8 movement. T2010, 1884 average rpm.

Payton Evans, Bloomington (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-9, 160-pounds.
Delivery: Deliberate drop and drive delivery with some effort, level shoulders, works directionally to home, falling off finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.19, 76.0-78.4 mph. Clean out of the hands, plays straight. T2051, 1940 average rpm.
CB: 53.0-59.2 mph. 11/5 movement with early break, down in the zone command. T1815, 1699 average rpm.
SL: 62.41-66.02 mph. 10/4 action, arm side command. T2209, 2123 average rpm.

Reed Frazier, Pontiac (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-3, 225-pounds. Strong upper body.
Delivery: Deliberate tall and fall delivery, shoulders get slightly uphill, lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T74.68, 71.1-73.6 mph. Arm side run with arm side command. T1799, 1709 average rpm.
CB: 61.9-63.7 mph. Slow breaking 11/5 action, maintains arm speed. T1859, 1815 average rpm.
CH: 62.83-64.72 mph. Late arm side movement. T1655, 1572 average rpm.

Kaileb Hackman, Normal Community (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 205-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only with some effort, starts open, level shoulders, works in line with home.
Arm Action: RH. Clean, long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.63, 78.5-80.4 mph. Mostly straight, cuts at times. T1863, 1768 average rpm.
CB: 62.7-63.9 mph. 12/6 break with depth at times. T2148, 2109 average rpm.
CH: 69.82-73.22 mph. Late sinking action, maintains arm speed. T1378, 1335 average rpm.

Nick Krueger, Pontiac (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-4, 157-pounds. Long limbed build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, slight bend to the knee, long stride, level shoulders, lands open with a tall finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T65.34, 57.4-63.0 mph. Late two seam action. T1500, 1300 average rpm.
CB: 50.3-51.7 mph. Gradual 11/5 break. T1477, 1438 average rpm.
CH: 49.79-53.26 mph. Plays straight. T1241, 1155 average rpm.

Dane Lohman, Pekin (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-2, 175-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, body closes off, shoulders get uphill, lands square with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short, clean arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.31, 77.8-79.5 mph. Throws four seam and two seam for strikes. T2217, 2087 average rpm.
CB: 70.0-71.5 mph. 11/5 action. T2059, 1970 average rpm.
CH: 73.70-74.65 mph. Plays straight, flashed arm-side run. T1570, 1469 average rpm.

Mason Marshall, Glenwood (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-9, 145-pounds.
Delivery: Compact tall and fall delivery with smooth rhythm, shoulders slightly close off, lands closed to home.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T75.33, 74.5-75.3 mph. Mostly straight, flashes late arm side action. T2015, 1977 average rpm.
CB: 58.3-59.4 mph. Sharp acting, 11/5 break. T2006, 1933 average rpm.
CH: 64.57-65.13 mph. Arm side run, flashed sink at times. T1661, 1619 average rpm.

Riley Mohr, Pinckneyville (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP 
Body: 5-11, 152-pounds.
Delivery: Segmented tall and fall delivery with easy effort, high point of balance, level shoulders, lands closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T74.48, 71.9-74.2 mph. Plays straight, around the zone command. T1773, 1691 average rpm.
CB: 56.3-60.4 mph. 11/5 break thrown down in the zone. T1738, 1652 average rpm.
SL: 60.79-65.05 mph. Gradual movement with 10/4 action. T1970, 1906 average rpm.
CH: 59.04-61.32 mph. Arm-side run with sinking action.

Jack Piper, Dunlap (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-1, 140-pounds. Long levered frame.
Delivery: Uptempo tall and fall delivery with some rhythm, long stride, level shoulders, lands squared.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T76.16, 75.3-76.0 mph. Clean, four seam fastball. T1952, 1851 average rpm.
CB: 62.9-63.7 mph. Sharp, 12/6 action, down in the zone command. T2082, 1999 average rpm.
CH: 68.96-70.27 mph. Late, minimal arm side run. T1630, 1426 average rpm.

Evan Ruzich, Mahomet Seymour (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-9, 145-pounds.
Delivery: Easy delivery, slow, smooth tempo, high leg kick, lands slightly closed, balanced finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T78.78, 76.6-78.3 mph. Mostly straight, intent to play up in zone. T1993, 1914 average rpm.
CB: 64.7-65.1 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual action, flashes feel. T2170, 2123 average rpm.
SL: 65.15-66.83 mph. Small 10/4 shape, gradual action. T2112, 2077 average rpm.

Charlie Severino, Pleasant Plains (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 5-8, 145-pounds.
Delivery: Segmented tall and fall delivery, high point of balance, works directionally to home, lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78.77, 76.3-78.6 mph. Mostly straight, sight arm side run at times. T1576, 1426 average rpm.
CB: 61.9-62.9 mph. Sharp, 11/5 breaker, around the zone command. T1894, 1740 average rpm.

Zach Spidle, Bloomington (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-11, 150-pounds. Lean build.
Delivery: Deliberate tall and fall, shoulder stay open, lands closed, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T76.02, 74.6-75.9 mph. Plays mostly straight. T1935, 1770 average rpm.
CB: 59.5-61.6 mph. Gradual 12/6 break. T1611, 1443 average rpm.
CH: 65.86-67.37 mph. Arm side movement with some sink. T1297, 1192 average rpm.

Haiden Stocks, Decatur Lutheran (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: INF/LHP
Body: 5-11, 145-pounds.
Delivery: Sidesaddle tall and fall delivery, brings the hands over his head, high balance point, lands open.
Arm Action: LH. Long, stabbing arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T72.82, 71.9-72.8 mph. Four seam type. T1796, 1760 average rpm.
CB: 59.8-62.0 mph. 1/7 break with sharp action, keeps the ball down. T1851, 1786 average rpm.
CH: 61.63-64.35 mph. Arm side run, flashed sinking action, arm side command. T1637, 1495 average rpm.

Gavin Thompson, Pekin (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-4, 260-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with some effort, high point of balance, lands in line with home, tall finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82.22, 79.6-81.9 mph. Four seam type, glove side command. T2314, 2211 average rpm.
CB: 63.8-67.3 mph. Gradual 11/5 break. T2236, 2156 average rpm.
CH: 65.59-66.36 mph. Mostly straight with some fading action. T1939, 1842 average rpm.

Renner Thompson, Roanoke-Benson (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-1, 152-pounds. Lean, long-levered frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, long stride, lands squared to home, falling off finish.
Arm Action: LH. Long, winged arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T72.29, 68.2-71.1 mph. Plays straight, flashed arm-side run. T1933, 1855 average rpm.
CB: 56.7-58.2 mph. Early breaking 1/7 action, lower half of the zone command. T1660, 1622 average rpm.

Chase Wiese, Normal Community (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds.
Delivery: Compact tilt and topple delivery with easy effort, smooth rhythm, lands open with a tall finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82.71, 79.9-82.1 mph. Clean, straight action, around the zone command. T2047, 1980 average rpm.
CB: 64.8-67.3 mph. Gradual breaking, 11/5 movement. T1948, 1793 average rpm.
CH: 69.82-72.70 mph. Arm side run, feel pitch, thrown for strikes. T1551, 1478 average rpm.

Melvin Worley, St. Joseph-Ogden (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-2, 185-pounds.
Delivery: Deliberate tall and fall delivery with effort, shoulders coil, lands closed to home, falls off.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.07, 76.4-78.6 mph. Clean, easy four seam type, thrown for strikes. T2057, 1816 average rpm.
CB: 59.3-63.1 mph. 11/5 breaker, 12/6 action at times. T2023, 1948 average rpm.
SL: 64.54-66.23 mph. Sharp movement, 10/4 action. T1942, 1903 average rpm.
CH: 69.12-71.52 mph. Arm side run with sink. T1619, 1419 average rpm.

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