PBR Spotlight game: No. 20 Hamilton Badin vs. No. 13 Versailles

D-III
 
XENIA - Behind a nine hit attack and a complete game five hitter by junior Mike Davis, the No. 20 ranked Hamilton Badin Rams  (21-7) defeated the No. 13 ranked Versailles Tigers 5-1 in a Division 3 regional Semi-Final contest played at the Athletes-In-Action facility in Xenia. Leading the Rams offensive attack was junior 2B T.J. Nichting with three hits  along with a pair each from senior shortstop Luke Wurzelbacher (Eastern Kentucky signee) and junior outfielder Nick Browning. Badin will play Fredericktown on Friday 2:30 in Xenia
 
SCOUTING NOTES
 
VERSAILLES
 
Sophomore shortstop DAMIEN RICHARD (R-R, 6-foot-3, 185-pounds, Class of 2014) continues to show athleticism and a sense for the game. Defensively is more of a reaction infielder (corner) than a range type. Squared stance in a crouch, shows batspeed into zone. A three sport athlete, would like to see him drop one sport to concentrate on maturing his baseball abilities.
 
BADIN
 
Was very impressed with 2B T.J. NICHTING (L-R, 5-foot-11, 170-pounds, Class of 2013), shows excellent ability to play baseball. High twitch aggressive player, is a line drive machine as a hitter despite a low chest high hand trigger. Squares barrel on ball and uses field and footspeed. Good feet and hands defensively, has playable 4-5 grade arm and could play leftside on next level in spurts or possibly a CF type. Definite top line 2B.
 
Junior catcher AUSTIN RIEMAN (R-R, 6-foot, 190-pounds, Class of 2013) is a former infielder who is first year of catching but it doesn't show. Has very good defensive qualities; has a low butt and moves well laterally; boxes and frames well. Was back this week after a short bout of tendonitis in his arm so arm strength wasn't 100% but was still aggressive throwing to bases. Slight open stance as a hitter, has a chest high trigger causes flat plane swing, hits ball up with authority.
 
Centerfielder NICK BROWNING (R-R, 6-foot, 165-pounds, Class of 2013) is a fine young projectable talent. Shows good defensive range with footspeed and playable college arm strength. Squared stance as a hitter, has hand load and indexes hip torque through swing. Good pop. Should be top offensive catalyst next year with added physical strength.
 
Junior RHP MIKE DAVIS  (5-foot-11, 190-pounds, Class of 2013) is an aggressive strike thrower. His 81-84 mph fastball shows both heavy arm side run and occasional cut. Throws two types of breaking balls, a two plane downward tilt and very good cut/slider. Can throw both pitches on corners.
 
Although he was hitless in this game, Badin starts a sophomore in the five hole in 1B ZACK GRAY (L-L, 6-foot-2, 210-pounds, Class of 2014). Good glove, he has squared stance with controlled upper cut. Should develop power numbers next two seasons.