July 18 (Queens, NY) – All eyes are on the New York Nine Scout Team as they prepare to depart for Charleston, SC to claim the CABA Wood Bat World Series crown. The team has recently cooled off after winning 10 of their first 12 games. With players on the roster from Connecticut and New York State Champions, The Brunswick School and Mamaroneck High School, as well as PSAL Champion George Washington High School, this summer saw Coach Millman navigate the heavier than normal workload those players saw by going deep into their respective seasons. Coach Millman explained, “It’s difficult when you have young players who have been heavily taxed both mentally and physically in such a short period of time. Our job as summer coaches is to keep the athletes healthy, while expanding their knowledge and skills in the game of baseball. At the same time, properly showcasing them in front of the scouting community in the proper light.”
Leading the offense for the Scout Team is Dartmouth commit, Trevor Johnson, whom is currently hitting .373 with a .500 OBP and has swiped 11 bags while only getting caught once. Southern Connecticut State commit, Connor Redahan is hitting a solid .283/.478/.457 (AVG/OBP/SLG) with a team leading 12 walks and is 3 HBP away from the organizational record. Sporting a .353/.450/.510 line, Wayne Roberts, Jr. has hit 2 home runs and added 11 steals, showing his blend of speed and power.
Newcomer Danny Alfonzo, has shown his ability to hit for power as over 61% of his hits have gone for extra bases, including 2 home runs. Not to be outdone, OF Chris Campbell has shown broad base of skills by stealing 6 bags, having nearly 50% of his hits go for extra bases and getting on base over 40% of the time. Utility man Jose De La Cruz is 4th on the team in OBP with a .413 mark and has provided stellar defense at multiple positions. In limited action, Ted Sabato, Jr. has an impressive .552 OBP and will be relied upon as a key member of the bullpen in Charleston. Starting 1B Ryan Popp will be looked upon to provide middle of the lineup power and build on his .290/.405/.452 line. Jack of all trades Quincy Tunstall has shown solid defense all year and a good eye at the plate. Catcher Andy Karlan has used his speed and intelligence to swipe 8 bags without getting caught while hovering around the .300 mark. As the weather gets hotter in Charleston, The Nine are counting on the bats of Leandy Castro, Frankie Giuliano and Anthony Torribio to heat up.
Hard throwing right hander, Moises Robles will bring his team leading 3 wins and .7 ERA into Charleston. The teams strikeout leader, Josh Azon, will also bring his 3 wins into South Carolina. Right hander Yanmanuel Infante will look to regain his PSAL Championship game form when he shutdown Tottenville. Left hander Frank Giuliano and his strikeout an inning and his 1.12 WHIP will be an important part of the bullpen and Marcus Mari will be called upon to provide quality innings as he has done all year. Will O’Brien has shown solid control with only 4 walks and has a 1.05 ERA and a 1 WHIP while inducing an eye-popping 74% ground ball rate.
