Perfect Game WWBA Underclass Championship

He did not pitch and I heard it was because of tendonitis. They started a lefty (Thomas) throwing mid to upper 70s but came back with a couple righties throwing mid-80s. This was probably the best game the Dirtbags played all weekend. I believe they ended up with 4 guys who registered 90mph+ (Rothlin, Bullman, Holt and Runion). Defensive let-down on Monday keeping them out of the final game.

Repeating some of what Deacon07 has already stated, Austin's bunch had the talent to win it all. I don't know all the final stats, but overall, their pitching was among the deepest and most effective of any team there. Ben Bunting definitely had a tourney. Quincy Lattimore has some things to work on but showed his power. Justin Jackson has the potential to be one of those top picks. He had a couple hick-ups in the field towards the end of the tourney but his glove skills are obvious. Ryan Leach was a hitting machine showing power. Actually, the Dirtbags had so many guys who contributed and were able to bring guys off the bench every game to get big hits or fill in defensively to save pitcher's arms. The last game could be characterized as an ugly ending to a really good tourney for the Dirtbags 17U.

 

Excellent tournament. The NC teams really made their mark IMO.

On Deck O's '07's - got timely hitting from top to bottom of their lineup. Defense played very well - and pitching was phenomenal. Double plays when needed - pegged at the plate when needed - very impressive defense.

Two losses - both by 1 run - to Richmond (2-1) and East Cobb (6-5).
East Cobb was a tough one - as O's had lead 5-3 into the 6th inning.

Highlights IMO:

Ryan Overcash - pitches to minimum 21 batters in O's 4th win. Best pitching performance from a youngster I have ever seen in all the years following the game.

Hamilton Bennet - vs. Richmond - 13 K's - and turned PG heads upside down.

Jason Coker - on fire the entire weekend with glove and bat.

Just great seeing these guys play so well - and congrats to all the NC teams - who definitely kicked some butt down there. PG most definitely took note.

 

I love it. It just goes to show how much talent is found here in NC. P...I don't know too much about Overcash. Can you give me some info?

I stll look back at the On Deck '04 team and marvel at a record they set at PG's Jupiter tournament. 25 straight scoreless innings..that was amazing considering the talent that was there,

 

T,

Overcash - Tall skinny righthander. About 6'2 - Just turned 15.

Razor sharp pitcher. I do not have the exact statistics - but I believe he got ahead in the count on about 18 of the 21 batters he faced.

Almost machine like.

When they set up for the fastball - he changed or deuced them.
When he missed - he missed by a hair with a purpose.
When they got up on the plate - he made sure they got off the plate.

I have never seen a 15 year old pitcher pitch like that ever.

First time I had seen him.

 

I had the privelege of coaching Hamilton for a few years. I watched him strike out 14 against Puerto Rico in the opening game for us at the AAU National tournament as a 14 yr. old. Matt Butler (Myers Park) was catching that day, his comment after the game was "I had no idea a 14 yr. old kid could pitch that well". Hamilton does a pretty good job in the outfield as well. Glad to hear he's playing well.

 

I love it. It just goes to show how much talent is found here in NC. P...I don't know too much about Overcash. Can you give me some info?

Braves, Ryan Overcash plays school ball for Northwest Cabarrus and summer/fall ball for the "OnDeck 08's"....he was asked to travel with the older boys to pitch down at Ft. Myers and now you know why. He is a good athlete, has that long, lean pitching build and has that all important "pitcher's temperament" - doesn't show emotion or get rattled very easily. Look for good things out of him the next couple of years!