Eli
Copenhaver

Got a “surprise” start in Game 3 to the people sitting outside the fence as his competitiveness was on full display. Not having started for several weeks, Copenhaver gave the Jags everything he had and it was ultimately 6 innings of 5 hit baseball. We have seen Copenhaver throw much harder but his pitchability allowed him to consistently live on the outer half of the zone, causing numerous hitters to chase. He showed easy, clean mechanics and consistently repeated the delivery and seemed to always be in control. Really liked the late breaking curveball that is a definite swing and miss pitch. Quick worker on the mound and worked very quick between pitches. Allowed 5 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 5 hitters.

LHP Eli Copenhaver (2021, South Alabama) is undoubtedly known as the ace for a talented 7A Spain Park ballclub. He was handed the ball and tasked with going up against a gritty Spanish Fort lineup for seven innings. Working 83-85 mph with the fastball, Copenhaver showed that he was an elite competitor on the mound. He pounded the zone to both sides and multiple quadrants throughout his outing and wasn’t afraid to work inside to LHH’s & RHH”s. His slider was extremely tough on left-handed hitters with hard, sweeping action to it that came out of the hand looking like a fastball. Maintained his velocity well in the seven innings he worked with his last pitch of the game hitting 85 mph. Yielded four hits, one earned run, one walk with six strikeouts. Not overpowering, but the competitiveness and ability to pitch makes Copenhaver a tough matchup for any lineup.