Prep Baseball Report

VA/DC Scout Blog: John Battle


Jason Burton
Scouting Director PBR Virginia/DC

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We take a look at some video and notes on three players from the John Battle Trojans. 

John Battle 

Porter Gobble RHP / SS / John Battle , VA / 2025

The sophomore two-way player had a strong day for the Trojans. At the plate Gobble had their only extra base hit on the day with a double in the first inning. He got into a two strike count and got a fastball on the outer edge that he went with down the left field line for a double. The stance starts and finishes square, hands load in rhythm, and the swing has slight uphill path to the swing. Slight crouch in posture during the swing and weight shifts slightly over the front side. Showed solid bat to ball versus some good arms that LCA sent to the mound. 

On the mound Gobble is a strike thrower. In his one inning of relief he showed three pitches that he threw for strikes. The fastball was 83-85 mph, 73-74 mph curveball with bigger gradual shape, and some feel for a 72-74 mph changeup. Got two strikeouts during his one inning of work and was efficient in the zone. 




 

 

 

 

 

Evan Hankins LHP / 1B / John Battle, VA / 2025

Hankins had a quality start for John Battle. This is my first time seeing Hankins start on the mound and get extended into the start. I thought he was strong early on. The fastball sat 85-87 mph during his first three innings and touched 88 and handful of times. Hankins showed three secondary pitches, with a slider, changeup, and curveball to accompany the mid-upper 80's fastball. The slider was probably his best secondary in terms of shape and velo. The changeup was also a solid secondary pitch. The 77-78 mph offering got a few swings and misses and he showed the ability to throw it to hitters from both sides. The curveball was the fourth best pitch on the day with bigger, more gradual break at 69-72 mph. 

At the plate, Hankins was pretty patient in his first few at bats. There were not many pitches that were over the plate, especially not inner half and he did a good job staying in his approach. As the game progressed he did seem to get more anxious at the plate and expanded just a bit. Had a groundout to second base in his first at bat and then plate on turned on one foul that was hit hard, but otherwise did not do much offensively. 

 

 

 

 

 

Caden Sturgill C / RHP / John S. Battle , VA / 2026

Sturgill was a Junior Future Games player for Team Mid-Atlantic this past summer. Compact 5-foot-10, 155-pound frame. Started for Battle behind the plate and showed some solid composure for a freshman. Handled velo well behind the plate and made some solid blocks. Did not have any real chances to throw in game, but between innings his pops were on line and showed solid arm strength for a freshman. Slightly open stance in the box, small lift to stride, and does a solid job keeping hands inside through contact. Will be one to follow for the next few years.