Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

MD/DE Scout Blog: Southern-AA at Century

May 16, 2022
Jamie Naill Jr
Maryland Scouting Director

a

Follow @PBRMaryland
Facebook & Instagram

Two powerhouse 2A schools locked horns in what was a back and forth affair to decide who was going to move on to the 2A West Region I Championship. In what looked to be a strong pitching battle, turned into an offensive onslaught from both sides early on. Uncommitted Junior righty Churchill Bridgman got the ball for Southern-AA, while Senior righty Bryson Prietz (CCBC Catonsville) toed the rubber for the Knights.

The Bulldogs wasted no time in the first, scoring three runs to take an early 3-0 lead, led by RBI singles from Senior catcher Justin Knapp and Senior first baseman Quinn Waters. The Knights didn't waste any time in their half of the first, putting up a four spot to take a 4-3 lead heading into the second inning. Big blows in the inning came from a solo home run from Senior catcher RJ Branch and a two RBI double off the bat of Junior outfielder Owen Roach. In the second, Southern-AA would strike again, led by a two RBI single off the ball of Senior first baseman Quinn Waters, eventually taking a 6-4 lead into the bottom of the second. Again, Century would answer with another solo home run in the bottom of the second from RJ Branch, cutting the score to 6-5. The Bulldogs would strike yet again in the third, scoring two runs on a fielders choice to take an 8-5 lead. The would be all the Bulldogs would score, as Century continued to chip away at the lead, scoring one in the bottom of the third, before a huge bottom of the sixth. A bases loaded hit by pitch, making the score 8-7, would set the stage for Senior Kyle Grimsley, as he demolished a 2-1 fastball for a go ahead grand slam to take an 11-8 lead. The Knights would tack on two more, and win the game 13-8.

Next up for the Knights will be a matchup with Carroll County rival, Liberty in the 2A West Region I Championship on Tuesday, May 17th. 

 

 

Southern-AA

 

Justin Knapp C / 2B / Southern-AA, MD / 2022

 

Quinn Waters C / 1B / Southern-AA, MD / 2022

Really liked the at bats and plate presence from Waters throughout the game against Century. Hits with plenty of rhythm at the dish with a slightly open stance and some bend in the knees. Showcases some twitch, creating solid hand separation and strong line drive tendencies to the pull side. Possesses the ability to consistently manipulate the barrel in the zone. Finished the game 2-for-4 with three RBI.

 

 

Century

 

R.J. Branch C / 3B / Century, MD / 2022

One of the more physical backstops that I've seen this year, Branch has a keen ability to get the barrel to the ball and do damage at any moment at the dish. The power and strength to the pull side is evident, utilizing quick, explosive hands with some whip in the barrel. Strong torque in the lower half and hips, Branch utilizes strong line drive tendencies to both gaps, creating lift through contact with solid extension. Finished the game 2-for-3 with two solo homeruns for the Knights.

 

Brody Comer 3B / RHP / Century, MD / 2023

Other than the homeruns from Branch and Grimsley, the story of the game was the work out of the bullpen from Junior righty Brody Comer. Came in relief in the third inning for the Knights, keeping a stout Bulldogs lineup mostly at bay through his five innings of work, giving up no hits with two earned runs while striking out three. Works out of a side-step delivery with a slight turn into a taller balance point. Gets over the front side well with solid leg drive down the bump, working with quick arm speed through release and intent for the zone. Showcased solid feel for the fastball, especially to the arm side at 83-84, topping out at 85, mixing in a tighter 10/4 breaking ball for strikes at 71-73. Kept the Bulldog hitters off balance, inducing a ton of weak contact.

 

Kyle Grimsley 1B / LHP / Century, MD / 2022

Another dangerous bat in the Century lineup is the Senior first baseman. Has been a mainstay in the Knights lineup, hitting cleanup and continuously coming through in big spots at the dish. Hits from a taller, balanced stance, with a slightly open set-up and gets the foot down early with a shorter stride. Creates some hand separation, keeping the hands inside the ball well with a slightly uphill path through contact. The hands work quick, staying behind the ball well and creating lift, showcasing excellent bat to ball skills on inside pitches with awareness for the barrel. Hit a huge go-ahead grand slam for the Knights in the bottom of the sixth, finishing the game 2-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI.

 

Owen Roach RHP / Century, MD / 2023