Washington School sophomore Patrick Spencer has been named the Planters Bank Player of the Week after going six for ten at the plate with two triples, a double and nine RBI.
But despite Spencer’s prowess at the plate, it is not where his true talent lies. Spencer, a sophomore, is first and foremost a pitcher. He has one of the best and strongest young arms that has come through Washington County in recent memory.
The ball comes out of Spencer’s right hand like a bullet. His pitching velocity has been clocked at 92 miles per hour, the fastest speed General coach Hunter Pasasini has seen from any of his players.
“It is a huge deal for a pitcher to be able to throw that hard at his young age,” Coach Palasini said. “He is what a potential big time Division 1 college athlete looks like. He has a gifted arm, but he has a gotten this good because of his hard work.”
Spencer’s father, also named Patrick Spencer, played baseball at Delta State in college, and he introduced his son to baseball at a young age.
The younger Spencer said baseball was always his favorite sport, and the better he got the more he loved it.
“I have always had a drive in my heart to be the best baseball player that I can be,” Spencer said. “My dream is to play baseball in college just like my father.”
While Spencer has the talent and drive to reach the next level, there is still plenty of work to do.
“We are now fine tuning his craft,” Coach Palasini said. “It is one thing to throw the ball 92 miles per hour, but it another thing to locate it consistently and get batters out. His velocity is going to get even stronger with time, and he is going to become an even more complete pitcher.”
Generals fall to Cleveland Central
The Washington School baseball team scored four runs in the top of the first inning on the road against Cleveland Central Monday, but the Generals were unable to hold on as they fell 6-5.
Cleveland Central scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning.
“It was a disappointing game, and we made too many mistakes,” Coach Palasini said. “When you have a lead like we had, you need to be able to hang on and win.”
Washington’s John Chandler Lyles went two for three with two RBI to lead the Generals. Joseph Smith scored a run and drove in a run. Brayden Harmon, Peyton McPherson, Patrick Spencer and JD Bennett all scored runs for WS, and Ty Signa also had an RBI.
Trey Birge led Cleveland Central at the plate by going three for four.
