 |
| Photo is credited to Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke |
In one of the most anticipated games in recent memory, Ward Melville’s ace Anthony Kay tossed the first no-hitter in school history since 1991.
Four years ago, two aces matched up against each other in arguably the most anticipated high school baseball game in Long Island history. Steve Matz and Marcus Stroman were clearly the two best pitchers that season. Every Major League club had a representative in attendance. The pitchers did not disappoint as the game finished 1-0 in favor of Ward Melville on an RBI groundout in the seventh. Both pitchers recorded double-digit strikeouts.
Today the same two teams matched up and sent pitchers to the hill who have already committed to well-respected Division-I schools. Matt Vogel of Pat-Med has committed to South Carolina while Anthony Kay of Ward Melville is headed to UConn. That could change if they have dominant seasons and get drafted like Matz did in 2009.
Kay was the one with the dominant outing today.
The match up was more lopsided than everyone expected. Ward Melville won 7-0. Despite walking the first two hitters and struggling with his command at times (6 BBs), Kay did not allow a hit and continued his scoreless streak which includes last seasons 53 IP without an ER.
He was consistently in the upper 80s with his fastball, and touched 91. He also displayed great feel for his change up.
Vogel, on the other hand, was touched up for five runs in the first inning. There were a couple of plays that could’ve been made by the defense that would’ve ended the inning much sooner, notably one by the center fielder and second basemen.
He did show a power fastball that reached 93 at times. He did appear to be overthrowing, certainly amped up by the scouts behind home plate. That was evident by his beaning of one hitter that he just missed on the previous pitch. His cutter was sharp and reached 88 MPH which is on par with Major League velocity.
I was a bit concerned about his body language. He appeared to be showing up his second basemen after failing to make that play by staring in his direction for several moments. Also, he seemed to mouth something at a batter who attempted to bunt but fouled it off.
They are both standout players but Kay was definitely more poised and will be a very successful collegiate pitcher. Vogel may be a two-way player at the collegiate level but should be limited to relief duties on the mound. Hopefully they meet in the playoffs because that would be another greatly anticipated matchup.
