A few observations:

 

• Trey Smith didn't have his best stuff, and still only allowed two hits. Not taking anything away from Powell, but they looked a bit intimidated at the plate by him. I will allow that the momentum factor of the bad inning may have got the best of them and they got their heads down after that. A UK scout was on hand to watch Trey.

 

• Philpot gets the nod tonight. He's a much different pitcher than Trey in that he pitches to contact and lets the defense work for him. SL's defense has been exceptional in recent weeks, and the muff of an infield popup by Trey in the 7th last night was shocking because of how few and far between the errors have been. I would look for a different Powell team tonight in that they should hit the ball better. The question is how many of those balls will be right at people.

 

• But, Powell will need some runs. Not taking anything away from the Powell pitching staff, but unless the guys they held out of last night's game are dominating, SL will hit them. They've been swinging the bat exceptionally well the past month or so.

 

• Powell's center fielder is outstanding! I saw him make several great catches, including a fantastic diving catch running into the RC gap that stole an extra-base hit from Jantzen O'Neal in the 7th. The CF nearly backed that play up with a diving catch in the LC gap, but he was a half-second late in preventing Philpot's third hit of the game.

 

• If you go, keep an eye on SL 2B Aaron Bray. He's been playing some great defense of late, and had a great diving catch behind 1B to snare a would-be Texas Leaguer. Seems like he gets 1-2 of those per game, and does a fine job setting the table as the SL leadoff guy. Gritty, gutty, scrappy — all those superlatives apply.

There was alot of good catches. In the first inning Powell's second baseman made a good pick and the second baseman for SL made a play that not many high school players can make.:ylsuper: As for the centerfielder for Powell (Daniel Kinser) He is a sophmore who has been doing the same thing all year for Powell.

There was alot of good catches. In the first inning Powell's second baseman made a good pick and the second baseman for SL made a play that not many high school players can make.:ylsuper: As for the centerfielder for Powell (Daniel Kinser) He is a sophmore who has been doing the same thing all year for Powell.

 

Sounds like that kid is a dandy! :thumb:

A few observations:

 

• Trey Smith didn't have his best stuff, and still only allowed two hits. Not taking anything away from Powell, but they looked a bit intimidated at the plate by him. I will allow that the momentum factor of the bad inning may have got the best of them and they got their heads down after that. A UK scout was on hand to watch Trey.

 

• Philpot gets the nod tonight. He's a much different pitcher than Trey in that he pitches to contact and lets the defense work for him. SL's defense has been exceptional in recent weeks, and the muff of an infield popup by Trey in the 7th last night was shocking because of how few and far between the errors have been. I would look for a different Powell team tonight in that they should hit the ball better. The question is how many of those balls will be right at people.

 

• But, Powell will need some runs. Not taking anything away from the Powell pitching staff, but unless the guys they held out of last night's game are dominating, SL will hit them. They've been swinging the bat exceptionally well the past month or so.

 

• Powell's center fielder is outstanding! I saw him make several great catches, including a fantastic diving catch running into the RC gap that stole an extra-base hit from Jantzen O'Neal in the 7th. The CF nearly backed that play up with a diving catch in the LC gap, but he was a half-second late in preventing Philpot's third hit of the game.

 

• If you go, keep an eye on SL 2B Aaron Bray. He's been playing some great defense of late, and had a great diving catch behind 1B to snare a would-be Texas Leaguer. Seems like he gets 1-2 of those per game, and does a fine job setting the table as the SL leadoff guy. Gritty, gutty, scrappy — all those superlatives apply.

Bray is a great player, but he is also a great kid. I think in the Clay County game he reached base everytime. He really does get them going.

South Laurel is SOLID and you have to play to beat them. Regardless of what happened in the second inning last night Powell still has to score. The 2 kids from SL looked good but not 2 hit dominating. Should be a great game tonight with butterflies gone from a young Powell team. There were some dandy web gems last night but I wasn't impressed with either team hitting the ball. I know SL had 13 hits but only one or two stuck out as something other than flares and hole finders. Will be fun in Hazard tonight.