Buccaneers Hang On with a 5-4 Victory Against McKeel Academy Wildcats
The McKeel Academy Wildcats took a trip to Tampa, Florida to face the Berkeley Preparatory Buccaneers. The Buccaneers striked first, putting up 2 runs in the first, and a run in the 3rd and 4th inning respectively. The lead started to shrink after the Wildcats made some noise late in the Bottom of the 5th, putting up 2 runs in spite of a single by 2023 Laith Lineberger that drove in 2023 Joshua Quezada, who started off the rally with a single earlier in the inning. That would be followed by a groundout from 2021 Breton Cusic (Polk State Commit) that drove in 2022 Mason Smith.
The Wildcats were not done yet. Mason Smith started the top of the 7th Inning reaching on base with an error, followed with a Single from 2021 Matthew Arce. An error on a pick-off play at first base made this game close as Smith scored, followed by a groundout from Cusic that drove in Arce. But that rally came to an end after 2021 Andrew DiMisa (Uncommitted) shut the door on a 73 MPH hook that sealed the win for the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers started 2021 Evan Parmer, who flashed a fastball that sat 86-88 mph while showing a 74-76 mph sharp slider. The Virginia Military Institute recruit produced weak contact through his strong 4 innings of work on the mound, surrendering 3 hits on 2 runs along with 6 K’s. 2022 OF/RHP Owen McElfatrick came in relief flashing a FB sitting 87-88 mph and delivered a strong outing in relief and a huge save from 2021 OF/RHP Andrew DiMisa, who flashed fastball sitting 83-85 mph, touching 86 mph.
The Wildcats brought out 2021 RHP Sawyer Hawks (Air Force commit) who delivered a strong relief performance with 2 strong innings along with 6 K’s.
Offensively, the Buccaneers got some big hits delivered by 2023 James Hankerson (2 for 3, RBI), Andrew DiMisa (2 for 3, RBI, Double), Anthony Castillo (1 for 2, 2 BB). The Wildcats, 2021 Breton Cusic delivered 2 RBI’s, Matthew Arce (1 for 3, R) and Laith Lineberger (1 for 3, RBI).
Below are several of the top performers along with a few notes on their impact during the game. Please make sure you are following several of our social media platforms as well as we post highlights and announcements on past and upcoming events.
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2021 RHP Evan Parmer (Berkeley Prep)
6’0 170 RHP, showed late action on his 86-88 MPH fastball. His slider had a sharp bite, generating weak contact along with swing and misses. Efficient command throughout his pitch arsenal. Committed to Virginia Military Institute, Parmer has a very high ceiling with a lot of room to fill.
2021 RHP Sawyer Hawks (McKeel Wildcats)
The Air Force commit struck out the side in both innings of work. FB had a ton of life, sitting 88-90, also with a sharp bite on a 12/6 CV. Worked mostly downhill, was extremely effective with both pitches he showed. 6’4 200 ILB frame had a ton of upside and will be a strong follow into college.
2022 OF/RHP Owen McElfatrick (Berkeley Prep)
The Northwestern Recruit was able to do it both at the plate and on the mound, going 1-2 and a strong 2 innings on the mound with a total of 3 K’s. Heavy fastball that sat between 87-88, has been up to 89. Has a ton of room to fill and a very high ceiling. Will be a high follow.
2023 1B James Hankerson (Berkeley Prep)
Lots to like about Hankerson. Effortless pop off the bat. Delivered a huge RBI Double into the left-center gap and was 2-3 at the plate. He currently remains uncommitted, but he won’t be for much longer. Tremendous upside.
2023 SS Joshua Quezada (McKeel Wildcats)
The speedy shortstop was very impressive out on the field and at the plate. Fast runner, and quick hands at the plate, shooting a line drive out to right field to start off a rally for the Wildcats. At 5’10 160 Ilb, he will be a strong follow this season. He was 1-3 at the plate as well.
2022 C Gunnett Carlson (Berkeley Prep)
FSU Commit was smart behind the dish yesterday. He had a huge back-pick down to second base, which led to an out. He had a deep fly ball out to center field which drove in the 2nd run of the game in the 1st inning. The Wildcats also did not attempt to steal on Carlson as well. The 5’11 200 ILB frame has strong upside and will be a close watch this season.
2021 OF/RHP Andrew DiMisa (Berkeley Prep)
Uncommitted Senior. DiMisa delivered a huge double off the left field wall along with a single later in the game. Good plate discipline as well. On the mound, he flashed an 83-85 mph FB, up to 86 with a 12/6 hook that secured the victory for the Buccaneers.
