Prep Baseball Report

Scouting Notes: Franklin at Oakwood



By Roger Janeway

DAYTON - Scoring in every inning but the first, the Oakwood Lumberjacks pounded out 15 hits on "Senior Day" to defeat visiting Franklin by the score of 13-8. Leading the Oakwood attack was sophomore Max Banke who went 3 for 4 including a pair of doubles and 4 RBI. Also contributing with three hits was senior Pete McMillan. Sophomore lefthander Patrick Ireland went six innings for the victory, allowing 6 hits while fanning 5. Franklin's offense was led by junior infielder Travis Lakins, who had a pair of doubles. 


Scout Notes:

  • Oakwood sophomore shortstop Max Banke shows good baseball sense and should be a future D-1 recruit. Shows a good hitting approach from the right side while squaring the barrel of the bat on the ball. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound prospects will surely increase power production with as he matures physically. Does not have great speed, but isn't a base clogger and runs good base routes. Defensively, he is best suited for third base or as an offensive second baseman. Shows good feet and hands with arm strength. 
  • Oakwood 6-foot-6, 200-pound sophomore southpaw Patrick Ireland shows potential with an arm that works well from an upper 3/4 slot. Fastball topped out at 82 mph. His future velo should enhance once he gets a consistent lower body in delivery. Shows some life up in zone and shows a feel for his curve ball. Uses upright finish in delivery and will occasionally cut short his backside arm which hinders off speed. Intriguing prospect.
  • Oakwood's Marcus Neff, a highly ranked 2014 prospect, went hitless in a couple at bats (including a walk). Has strong body and shows some plate patience. Will improve his stock with recruiters once he develops the ability to drive the ball with power to opposite gap when needed (two strike approach). Defensively, he fields to what he gets to.
  • Franklin junior Travis Lakins played shortstop in this game and showed good baseball skills. Has good hands defensively with strong arm strength from all angles. Ran 4.47 to 1st. Short compact hitting stroke and squares barrel well and uses the whole field. Good D-2 middle infield guy, but best projects as a solid D-1 pitcher. In a start last week, he showed a 85-88 mph fastball with spin on his curve and run on changeup.
  • Franklin junior catcher Ben Kirby showed good defensive skills receiving; boxing & framing well and decent release combining with playable college arm. Offensively, he was 2 for 3 that including a home run. Right-handed bat with a projectable 6-foot, 170-pound physical frame. Currently projects as a good small college receiver.
  • Oakwood junior center fielder Eric Anloague (5-foot-10, 170-pound) is an athletic player who would fit in most any college programs. 4.38 to first and possesses playable right-handed college arm. Offensively, the right-handed hitter hits from crouch and has bat speed into the zone with some pop (was 2 for 3 in game with a 2-run homerun). Should further improve when he increases maturity in hitting approach. 
  • Franklin junior third baseman Jared Mullins (6-foot, 185-pounds) shows some physical strength and skills in his game. Currently a good D-2 prospect who could project into more. Offensively, he went 1 for 4 in game but hit the ball hard. His lone hit was a homerun crushed to center field. Overally, he collected 3 RBI on the day. Defensively, shows adequate range with arm strength.