February 18, 2022


Florida 7 

Liberty 2

The season opener is in the books.  The night started with the stunning news that starting CF Jaylen Guy would miss the season with an arm injury.  The Flames will miss Guy and will need to re-work the outfield a bit in light of the news.  Derek Orndorff made a big impact in his first game with the Flames including a solo shot, a diving catch and an incredible leaping catch in the the outfield that ended with his arm bloodied.  Hunter Barco looked the part as he dazzled through the first 5 innings before the Flames broke up the perfect game and the no hitter in back to back at bats.  Gray Betts would add an RBI single for the Flames in the 8th but it wasn't enough to overcome the 3 homeruns that the Gators hit.  

Takeaways

Adametz - Joe looked really good on the mound in his first action since March of 2020.  He gave up 1 earned run through 4 on a solo shot.  He worked both sides of the plate and was able to land his breaking ball after the first inning.  Overall, really encouraging start from Joe. 

Keeter - Freshman Nathan Keeter looks like he could help fill the void left by Guy.  He had 2 singles and really didn't look overmatched all night. 

Offense - I think the Flames will be fine.  Barco is probably the best pitcher Liberty will see all year.  Once he tired the AB's got better and the Flames put some good swings on the bullpen.  Orndorff is a difference maker.  I think he, Mathieu & Gulakowski can all hit double digit homeruns.   The Flames will have some serious thunder in the middle of the lineup.  

Defense - The Flames appear to have re-loaded defensively even after losing Guy to injury.  Orndorff and Lazzaro both looked super smooth in their debuts.  Mathieu made an uncharacteristic throwing error that led to the first run of the game.  I don't know that the Flames do what they did last year particularly after losing Guy but it certainly appears defense could be a strength again. 

Pitching - Overall, the pitching was solid.  The longball did hurt the Flames.  Cumming is a key piece to the 22 version of the Flames with that sinkerball and his ability to be the long man or start.  His one vulnerability the last 2 years has been to power lefties.   Garret looked good in his inning of work.  It looks like the Flames could truly go 10 or 12 deep with the pitching staff.  

Injuries - Liberty will need to get Majkowski back healthy with Guy down for the season.  You always need at least 4 good outfielders to play matchups and offense/defense and Majkowski is a guy the Flames will need.  

Liberty will look to get in the win column for the first time in the 22 season behind Trey Gibson tomorrow at 4 pm.  


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