Three Lone Star State prospects broke out at Area Code Games in Long Beach.
In years past, hitters have shown up and conquered Long Beach’s Blair Field, home of the Area Code Games and known for its pitcher-friendly environs. However, the 2017 edition of the event continued to be a showcase for the strength of the 2018 high school class: pitching. One scout in attendance said pitching depth lent the event more balance than last year’s Area Codes, even without an arm like 2017 No. 2 pick Hunter Greene.
Perhaps moreso than East Coast Pro, Area Codes allowed several under-the-radar prospects to make a name for themselves—and make this top 10 performers list.
1. SIMEON WOODS-RICHARDSON, RHP
Kempner High, Sugar Land, Texas
Woods-Richardson pitched on the event’s first day and made an immediate impression, striking out the side in his first inning on just 10 pitches. The Texas commit worked quickly, throwing a 90-92 mph fastball and mixing in a sharp 12-to-6 curve that was mostly 77-78 mph.
His second inning wasn’t as easy, and his breaking ball wasn’t quite as sharp, but he made another appearance three days later and touched 95 mph with his fastball.
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