LakePoint Fall Invite: Indiana commit ‘21 RHP Luke Hayden works down in zone with good tilt on the fastball. Tight slider for a strike and swing and miss pitch. FB: 90-93, T94 in first SL: 78-81. Struck out the side. 

Hayden scuffled a bit with his command working deep into count across two innings, but still managed to record every out via strikeout. The right-hander possesses a physical, 6-foot, 195-pound frame with strength throughout, and utilizes maximum effort with each pitch. He worked predominantly 90-92 (2288-2549RPM) with the fastball while going to his usual 78-80 slider early and often. With a “bulldog” mentality and competitive nature, Hayden refuses to give into hitters, and looks to overpower them with a quick, strong arm. This being the first outing of the fall, the sharpness of his stuff and ability to tunnel the breaking ball, which took more slurve shape that the usual slider, will likely return in coming weeks, albeit with continued relieverish look.

+ RHP Luke Hayden (Edgewood HS, IN) started for Team Indiana in their night game, tossing three innings and striking out seven. He was up to 93, sitting 89-92 and repeatedly spun a nasty slider with hard, wipeout break. At its best, it was 78-81. He made one mistake, allowing a two-run home run in his first inning.

PBR Midwest Select: Indiana recruit, currently ranked No. 3 in Indiana’s 2021 class, No. 195 nationally. 6-foot, 190-pound right-hander with proportional strength throughout. Delivered an impressive performance, throwing an eight-inning complete game in which he allowed only three hits, one run while striking out nine with no walks and one hit batsman. Pounded the strike zone with a fastball that ranged between 87-90, touching 91. He also shuffled in an aggressive 77-80 mph slider that he regularly landed for strikes. Slider had sharp late bite, averaged around 2,500 spin rate per Trackman. He finished off his 102-pitch masterpiece with a strikeout on an 89-mph fastball. Athletic delivery, repeats well. Arm swing is clean and compact, high-3/4 slot, aggressive, high-intensity finish with substantial head-whack. Quiet, competitive demeanor on the mound, attacks hitters, moves off the mound well, making a few athletic defensive plays.