Texas Three Step

Three Lone Star State prospects broke out at Area Code Games in Long Beach.

- Carlos Collazo

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.