5/25/2014
Kevin LaRosa (2015, Nathan B. Forrest HS, FL) and Ricky Miranda (2015, Coral Springs Christian Academy, FL) faced off in a great pitcher's duel between Coastal Prospects National and PBC PAL 17U in a second round playoff match. Miranda and the PBC PAL 17U squad came out on top with a go ahead bases loaded walk in the top of the seventh inning.
Miranda worked six innings with one unearned run allowed on two its and two walks. He struck out eight and worked his fastball in the 84-87 mph range with life, topping out at 88 mph. He also threw a good curve in the 70-74 mph range from a high 3/4 arm angle. Miranda showed good command with a deceptive, smooth delivery with sound mechanics. He pitched down hill and uses his lower half well with good hip rotation. Kyle Farjad (2016, Seminole Ridge Community HS, FL) closed it out with a scoreless seventh, earning the save while not allowing a hit with a walk and strike out. Farjad went almost exclusively fastball, only throwing one breaking ball, a 71 mph curve ball. His heater was 87-89 mph, peaking at 89.
Pemron Burrows (2015, Coral Springs Christian Academy, FL) worked the walk that gave them the lead, striking out twice and also getting hit by a pitch earlier in the game. Chris Canavan (2015, American Heritage HS, FL) had the other RBI on a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, part of his 0-2 day. Jared Schwait (2015, North Broward Prep HS) worked two walks and stole a pair of bases while Bowling walked, struck out and was hit by a pitch. Edmond Americaan (2016, Trinity Christian Academy, FL) was 0-3 with two strike outs, but was also hit by a pitch, stole a base and made an error.
LaRosa worked 5.2 frames for Coastal Prospects National, allowing one unearned run on four hits, one walk, two hit batters, and eight punch outs. He also uncorked a wild pitch. The 5'9 170 pound lefty maintained the velocity on his 76-81 mph fastball from a high 3/4 arm slot, peaking at 84 mph. He showcased a good delivery, getting good hip rotation, extension out from and a good follow through. LaRosa also fields his position well, knows how to control the running game with a quick pace, and is a prototpyical crafty lefty. His two off speed pitches were a 66-72 mph curve and a 69-74 mph change up. Skylar Arias (2015, Oakleaf HS, LF), another southpaw, was called on in relief and was wild, walking three batters and hitting one with a strike out in 1.1 innings. He took the loss but was bringing his fastball 77-83 mph, topping out at 85 with one 76 mph curve and one 77 mph change up mixed in.
Dillon Reed (2015, Creekside HS, FL) walked, singled, and was caught stealing. Jordan Voiro (2015, Nathan B. Forrest HS, FL) singled and was also nabbed stealing. Those two accounted for all the hits while Jacob Schmidt (2015, Oakleaf HS, FL) and Josh Avlarado (2015, Creekside HS, FL) walked once, rounding out all who reached base in the game.