Ferraro Powers Patriots to 12-2 Win Over Dwyer
Last night the American Heritage Plantation Patriots visited the Dwyer Panthers which was a back and forth affair until the Patriots lineup exploded for 10 runs in the top of the 5th inning, lead by 2020 IF Gio Ferraro who drove in 8 runs on the night which included a grand slam. The Miami commit seemed to barrel everything up on Wednesday night and after the Patriots went ahead 12-2 in the top of the 5th, they recorded the final three outs in the bottom of the 5th and the game ended on a mercy rule.
While the Patriots received big production from Ferraro, they also had other key contributors throughout the night as well. Highly touted 2020 OF Enrique Bradfield went 2-for-2 on the night with 2 runs scored and an RBI single to his credit. The Vanderbilt commit made his presence felt on the base paths as well, stealing two bases on the night. 2020 IF Hunter D’Amato also chipped in offensively as the the Fairleigh Dickinson commit drove a ball deep to the right-center field gap for a two-run double which was a part of the Patriots 10 run 5th inning.
For Dwyer, they received a solid start from 2022 RHP Drake Flowers as he ran his fastball up to 90 mph and didn’t seem fazed by the Patriots lineup early on. In three innings of work he struck out five and allowed two runs.
For the Patriots, they move to 4-0 on the year while the Panthers fell to 2-3.
Standouts of the Game
2020 IF Gio Ferraro (American Heritage Plantation HS, FL)
Miami commit. Physical frame, especially his upper body and forearms. Present strength throughout. Had a huge night at the plate, going 3-for-4 with 8 RBIs and a grand slam that he took the other way over the right field wall. Stays balanced throughout with big power potential. Shows plenty of confidence in the box and is ready to jump on the fastball when its in the zone. Ball really jumps off the bat and will be a strong follow throughout the spring.
2020 OF Enrique Bradfield (American Heritage Plantation HS, FL)
Vanderbilt commit. Loose, easy, athletic actions all over the field. Offensively he displayed quick hands and easy bat speed from the left side. Patient hitter who stays locked in at the plate and looks for the pitch to drive. Laced a ball down the left field line for an RBI single late in the game. Plus runner who creates lots of pressure on the base paths. Gets good jumps and reads on the pitcher, aggressive runner who is always looking to take the next base. High baseball IQ and a very high follow this spring.
2020 IF Hunter D’Amato (American Heritage Plantation HS, FL)
Fairleigh Dickinson commit. Showed above average bat speed from the left side with a balanced approach, looking to drive the ball into right and the right-center field gap. Added to the Patriots big inning by roping a ball to the right-center field wall for a two-run double.
2022 RHP Drake Flowers (Dwyer HS, FL)
Uncommitted. Tall, projectable frame standing at 6-foot-4, 185 pounds. Some moving parts throughout his windup but the arm strength is there. Fastball mostly sat in the 88-89 mph range touching 90 a couple times while mixing in a 74-75 mph curveball that showed depth and an 83-84 mph changeup he threw occasionally. There’s more velocity to come and as his mechanics become more refined, he should see a jump.
