Clackamas, OR-- With minimal time to get repetitions in the preseason, teams throughout all of Oregon have been trying to play catch-up at the plate, on the mound, and especially in the field throughout the first week of play. The defense was a major storyline in the matchup between Clackamas and Grant as the two teams combined for 11 errors on the evening with Grant narrowly escaping a late rally from Clackamas to come out on top, 8-5. Still early on in the year, expect both teams to quickly continue making progress in all facets of the game, and both have the makings of clubs that could make deep pushes in the state playoffs.

GAME NOTES:

Dylan MacCallum RHP / OF / Grant, OR / 2020 MacCallum, a sturdily-built, 6-foot-4, 205-pound right-hander, got the start for the Generals, and went 2.2 innings on 53 pitches allowing just one unearned run. He struck out five against just one walk and one hit. He was able to create impressive downward plane with the fastball, at times, at 84-87 and the pitch looked firmer as it drove through the zone. Utilizing a compact delivery with a shorter arm stroke, he releases from a high ¾ slot, getting impressive extension towards the plate. Coming back off of injury last season, MacCallum’s breaking ball was a bit inconsistent in shape, showing more downer movement at 66-67 with gradual break for strikes, at times, and shifted to more lateral action at 70-71 in his final frame. He will likely continue finding better feel as the season progresses. Overall, MacCallum’s first outing showed a lot of promise, and given his frame and strong arm, he could make some significant jumps in the future.

Alex Wagstaff 1B / LHP / Grant, OR / 2020 The uncommitted Wagstaff had a strong showing on the day, going 3-for-4 with a walk. The primary first baseman has a durable frame with some room to continue adding strength, and showcased an easy approach from the left side. Not trying to do too much, he comfortably worked his barrel through the zone on a slightly uphill path, and found the barrel each time to the plate while hitting in the 2-hole for the Generals.

Kaden Segel C / Grant, OR / 2021 Uncommitted. Segel is still maturing physically with some natural strength throughout a 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame. He did a nice job receiving behind the plate while also demonstrating the ability to block balls in the dirt. Between innings, his pop times were consistently between 2.05-2.1 with a smooth transfer, and more accurate arm that produces some carry. What stood out most about the sophomore was his approach at the plate where he was confident in tracking pitches before his quick hands drove the barrel through the zone on a flat plane with some strength present. He had a big double in his second at-bat of the game that provided for his lone hit on the day, but squared up multiple balls, and shows signs of getting even better moving forward.

Gavin Kleier LHP / Grant, OR / 2021 Kleier, an uncommitted sophomore, was thrown into the fire in the third inning, and proceeded to strike out eight batters over three-plus innings. Coming out of a tough, lower slot, Kleier was up to 82 mph with his fastball in his first inning of work before settling into the upper-seventies. He also featured a sweeping slider in the upper 60s as well as a changeup that flashed some fade at 68 mph. Though he did give up five hits and two runs before exiting, Kleier’s performance was vital to Grant’s upset of the Clackamas, and should give him even more confidence moving forward.

Alex Claxton SS / 2B / Clackamas, OR / 2019 Claxton, a Lane recruit, showed why he is one of the better players in the state by going 3-for-4 on the day including a triple off the right field wall in his first trip to the plate. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound infielder loads with a reverse toe-tap that triggers his hands down and back before working the barrel directly to the ball driven by quick hands. He exhibits line drive power with the ability to use the whole field. On the infield, Claxton moves well laterally, and utilizes solid hands and a quick release with adequate arm strength across the diamond to potentially stick at shortstop moving forward. His energy was noticeable throughout the game, and he will likely be looked on to help lead the Cavs the rest of the way.

Jackson Jaha 3B / RHP / Clackamas, OR / 2022 Jaha, only a freshman, has cracked the Clackamas lineup early on in the year, and appears determined to succeed. Athletically built with some durable strength, especially in the upper-half, Jaha finished the game going 2-for-4 with a double and a triple. The right-handed hitter sets up crouched and slightly hunched over with his hands held below the back shoulder, nearly in front of his face. From there he shifts them back with a short stride before taking a direct path to the ball. He exhibits some current strength that has a good chance to increase moving forward. Jaha also hopped on the mound, and while his command was sporadic throughout, he showcased three pitches with more velocity likely on the way. Perhaps most importantly, Jaha was definitely not afraid as a freshman on varsity, and his competitiveness stood out.

 

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