NCTB Fall Classic: Through FlightScope's Eyes

Today, we continue our analysis of the NCTB Fall Classic with a look at the top moments through the eyes of FlightScope. FlightScope gives us an unparalleled look into the flight and trajectory of a baseball. Whether it be out of the pitcher’s hand, off the hitter’s bat, or both, we now have access to statistics and metrics never before seen at this level of baseball.   

Previously, instant reaction from Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and a by the numbers look at the showcase portion and in-game pitching velocities can be seen HERE.

1. Villers Fills It Up

When pitching rotations for the weekend were announced last week, RHP Ian Villers’ (Northgate, CA, 2018) name was immediately circled, becoming a must-see for the PBR Staff. There was much hype and excitement over the presence of the 6-foot-5, 235-pound Cal commit, and he did not disappoint. Villers hopped on the mound and sat 86-89 mph, touching an event-high 90.5 mph as the graphic below illustrates.

(Villers Fastball)

2. Benavides Helps Himself

Similar to Villers, RHP Alex Benavides (Gilroy, CA, 2018) was another big time arm that we wanted to get a look at. It was obvious after the showcase portion on Friday morning that the San Diego St. recruit was quite literally head and shoulders above the rest. Standing at 6-foot-4, 175-pounds, Benavides put on a show at the plate, where he showed present strength (95.7 exit velocity) and on the mound, complimenting his 87-89 mph fastball with a sweeping 75-77 mph slider.    

(Benavides Double)

(Benavides Fastball)

(Benavides Slider)

3. Bowling Bash

One of the top uncommitted 2019s at the event, 3B Dalton Bowling (Kennedy, CA) used his 6-foot-4, 214-pound frame to consistently hit for power to the pull side. Saturday evening Bowling put a charge (100.3 mph exit velocity!) in a ball to deep left field. Had he been using an aluminum bat, it would have been a no-doubter, but with wood it was caught on the warning track. The following day at University of the Pacific, Bowling switched to aluminum and took one deep, unfortunately not caught by FlightScope.

(Bowling, F7)

4. Hamchuk Goes Hammer Time

One of the hardest hit balls of the event, OF Robbie Hamchuk (Leigh, CA, 2019) took one to center field that seemingly kept carrying and carrying, with the center fielder hightailing it to the warning track. Hamchuk cruised into second base for a standup double.

(Hamchuk Double)

5. Runyan Runs Wild

Arguably the most impressive single game offensive output seen through FlightScope at the NCTB Fall Classic, 2019 OF Garrett Runyan (Edison, CA) had himself a day versus NCTB Eagles. Runyan squared the ball up on consecutive at-bats, resulting in a triple over the center fielder's head and a double down the left field line that the left fielder had an opportunity to get to, but could not come up with. Runyan came out of the box full-throttle, putting pressure on the defense to make plays.

(Runyan Triple)

(Runyan Double)

6. Zobac in the Zone

Left-handed hitting 2019 C/RHP Steven Zobac (Valley Christian, CA) had an impressive showcase day, and kept the momentum rolling into round-robin play. Zobac is as rock solid and reliable as you can get behind the plate. Offensively, he possesses present bat speed and strength at the plate, as evident by the graphic below (93.5 exit velocity, 300’ carry). On the mound, Zobac will not blow you away with his stuff, but pounds the zone and shows pitchability. Zobac closed out the game for CAB Soldiers on Sunday, working at a fast pace, running his fastball up to 83 mph.  

(Zobac Double)

(Zobac Fastball)

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