8/13/2014 8:37:35 AM
The Navy team sent out two of the top pitching prospects at the event for their 9 AM game against the Black team Tuesday morning and it wasn't surprising that LHP Jeff Belge (Syracuse, NY) and RHP Max Kranick (Jessup, PA) combined on a five-inning two-hitter.
The 6-foot-5, 215 pound Belge is one of the most interesting pitching prospects in the 2016 class. He has the prototype frame for a pitcher to go with a fluid arm action and sound mechanics, although he is still working on consistency in his delivery and feel for his secondary pitches. He topped out at 93 mph Tuesday while working in the 88-90 mph range. His hard breaking ball varied between a deeper 75 mph offering and a sharp, sweeping upper 70's version, with the key element being Belge can spin the ball hard. His changeup showed flashes as well.
Kranick has a more slender 6-foot-3, 180 pound build and a high energy delivery to the plate that he repeats well. He topped out at 90 mph and pitched aggressively with a running upper 80's fastball for three innings. Kranick, like Belge, shows the ability to impart good spin on the ball but his breaking ball also varies between shapes and velo's due to a young feel for the release point.
OF Cody Campbell (Cumming, GA) continued to show a very advanced hit tool, as the left handed hitter lined a pair of singles in that 9 AM game. RHP/1B Zach Hess ((Forest, VA) also had a pair of hits on the day. 1B Alex Kirillof had a nice line drive single to the right centerfield gap and continued to show his overall athleticism, running a 4.26 home to first on a ground ball out and displaying plus defensive tools and skills at first base.