NASHVILLE – With summer ball coming to a close, a pair of Vanderbilt players received high praise for their efforts on the diamond.
Relief pitcher Justin Willis was named to the 2018 All-New England Collegiate Baseball League Second Team on Tuesday. On Thursday, outfielder JJ Bleday was recognized as part of the 2018 Cape Cod Baseball League Year-End All-League Team.
Willis, who suited up for the Keene Swamp Bats, made 13 appearances, limiting opponents to 13 hits across 22.1 innings. The right-hander’s 1.61 ERA was the lowest among pitchers with at least five innings. He added a team-high three saves alongside 39 strikeouts.
Bleday’s outstanding spring carried over into the summer as the Panama City, Fla., native was named the Cape’s top pro prospect by Major League Baseball scouts in early August. Bleday (Orleans Firebirds) batted .311 across 36 games – ranking 10thin the CCBL – and finished third in the league in runs (29), fourth in triples (2) and sixth in hits (46).
Elsewhere, Kiambu Fentress remains in action as the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders clinched their first playoff berth in franchise history and find themselves one victory away from capturing the Summer Collegiate World Series following Wednesday’s 3-0 victory.
Ty Duvall was named an all-star in the Northwoods League in addition to receiving an invite to participate in the Major League Dream Showcase. Duvall was one of 100 of the league’s top prospects who were chosen to showcase their skills in front of Major League scouts.
In 49 games with the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, Duvall hit .268 in 164 at bats. His 46 walks were tied for first in the league.
NEWCOMERS SHINE
Several incoming freshmen played key roles for their teams this summer including Sterling Hayes, who helped lift the Jamestown Jammers to a Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League title with a three-run home run in the clinching victory.
Meanwhile, four players had a hand in the Worcester Bravehearts and Martha’s Vineyard Sharks being crowned Futures Collegiate Baseball League of New England co-champions. Mackenzie Stills went 4-1 with a 1.42 ERA in 38 innings for the Bravehearts.
Chance Huff was electric on the mound for the Sharks, recording a 1.15 ERA in 13 regular-season games including one start while fanning 25 batters in 23.1 innings. For his efforts, the righty was named the FCBL’s best pitching prospect award winner.
Teammate Tate Kolwyck ranked second on the Sharks in the regular season with 10 doubles and was tied for second with six homers. Matt Hogan hit .270 in 12 games while totaling 11 RBIs.
Isaiah Thomas produced a monster summer for the Alexandria Aces (Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League). The North Palm Beach, Fla., native batted a team-best .370 across 28 games while finishing second in hits (34) and tied for second in runs (18).
Justyn-Henry Malloy was a key cog for the Bristol Blues, helping lead the club to the playoffs. For the summer, he hit .301 with eight doubles and three homers while drawing 27 walks in 26 games played.
Meanwhile, Dominic Keegan gained valuable experience catching college arms for the North Shore Navigators. He hit .286 in 91 at-bats including driving in 21 runs.
Dores recognized among summer league success
