October has been a great month for baseball in New York. The Yankees just advanced to the World Series for the first time in 15 years, the Mets made a run to the NLCS, and Wake Forest and St. John’s played a fall ball game against each other! These are all of the same magnitude, in my opinion, although some may disagree with me. Wake Forest coaches Corey Muscara and Matt Wesinger are both very familiar with St. John's since Muscara used to coach there and Wessinger played there and is the all time hits leader. I’m sure it was nice for them to see some familiar faces. Nonetheless, two nine inning games were scheduled on the picture perfect fall day in Queens, and we’re going to break down the action from game one. The game was highlighted by some talented arms on both sides as well as some loud barrels at the plate. Let’s break down players from both clubs and our pick for players to watch in the upcoming 2025 season.
Wake Forest
The offense was clicking for the Demon Deacons as they put up 13 runs on the day. The offense up and down seemed to share the same approach of controlling the strike zone by swinging at only strikes and spraying line drives gap to gap. They were able to put up 13 runs without a single home run. They were awarded 12 free bases on 8 walks and 4 HBP’s and were able to capitalize with runners in scoring position.
Marek Houston
The returning starting SS for the Deacs looked every part of a first rounder, which he is projected to be in the upcoming 2025 draft. He made plenty of dazzling plays at short throwing on the run, off balance, and turning a couple double plays. At the plate, he reached base four times out of five plate appearances, collecting a pair of hits, one being a double in his first at bat, and driving in multiple runs. The returning all ACC player is going to be must watch TV this year.
Ethan Conrad
Wake landed one of the biggest names in the transfer portal this past season in Ethan Conrad, coming from Marist, and after he lit the Cape Cod league on fire this past summer, they also now have a projected first round pick in their hands. Although he did not have his best game ever against the Johnnies, he flashed a lot of impressive tools in this first game. The Johnnies were certainly pitching around Conrad at times, but he maintained a patient approach at the plate, not expanding the strike zone, and he saw a lot of pitches throughout the game. The physical 6'3 outfielder flashed plus speed on the bases for his size and finished the game with a double and a pair of runs driven in. Conrad has a presence about him that you really do pay extra attention to when he’s up to the plate. Should be a big part of the success Wake Forest will have this upcoming season.
Matt Conte
I was a bit surprised halfway through the game to learn Conte was only a freshman because he certainly did not look like one. A very physical catcher that did a good job behind the plate all game for the Deacs. His lone hit at the plate was a double that was clocked at 110 mph off the bat and he scored 2 runs. It will be interesting to see how Conte is used this year with a crowded catching room for Wake. But I think the first year student can make an impact for Wake when he’s on the field.
The pitching lab was on full display for Coach Corey Muscara’s (Moose) squad, rolling out arm after arm sitting in the low to mid 90’s with impressive stuff. Although the whole staff wasn’t lights out, surrendering 6 runs on the day, there were a few that grabbed my attention, and I’m sure they grabbed the attention of the 20ish scouts in attendance as well.
Logan Lunceford
The Deacs found themselves in trouble in the first inning after the first five Johnnies reached safely. Mizzou transfer Logan Lunceford was called upon with the bases loaded and proceeded to strike out the next 3 batters he faced. The righty worked a three pitch mix with a fastball ranging 91-93 mph, and it was whiff city with his four seam, which had 22 inches of induced vertical break. His offspeed featured a low 80’s breaking ball and changeup. He relied on the changeup more, but both were quality pitches. He finished with five strikeouts and surrendered one run over two innings of work. Lunceford will be a big part of the rotation for the Deacs and is featured in Baseball America's top 100 college baseball draft prospects. Rightfully so! Another great addition from the portal for the Deacs.
Wake Forest Baseball
Blake Morningstar
The 6'4 righty threw the hardest pitch of the first game, which was his fastball at 96 mph, and it proved to be an effective pitch for him. He featured a pair of breaking balls, which I believed to be a sweeper, along with a gyro slider. The gyro was thrown in the upper 80’s, and the sweeper was in the high 70’s. Morningstar induced a lot of ground ball contact, and it seems he is primed to improve from his 2024 campaign.
Matt Bedford
Another notable addition from the portal for the Deacs is Notre Dame transfer Matt Bedford. The NYC native looked right at home during his two innings of work, picking up two strikeouts. He worked four different pitches, which all proved to be effective for him. He mainly relied on his sinker, which ranged 93-95 mph and flashed 22 inches of horizontal break, and he paired that with a four seam fastball as well. He mixed in two offspeed pitches, which were a nasty mid-80’s changeup and low-80’s slider. Bedford is seeing a tick up in velo compared to last year, where he already had great success in ACC play, pitching to a 4.65 ERA. Bedford can be a game changing arm for Wake's rotation as he continues to flourish under Coach Muscara.
Players to Watch: Matt Bedford and Logan Lunceford
St. John's
The reigning Big East champs are coming off a fantastic 2024 campaign and were certainly making things difficult for Wake Forest throughout this game. The Johnnies seemed to rely on their speed on the offensive side, swiping multiple bags and having some impressive arms take the mound for them.
Jackson Tucker
The speedy center fielder batted leadoff and proved to be a key part of the Johnnies lineup. Tucker collected two hits, including a double, while driving in a run and swiping two bags. Tucker put the ball in play every at bat and consistently hit the ball hard. It’s no secret the returning three year starter will play a big part in the St. John's lineup but had a very good day against a talented Wake Forest team.
St. Johns Athletics
Jon Legrande
St. John's picked up a very impressive former JUCO player in Jon Legrande. The former Wabash Valley College player can flat out ball. He collected two hits on the day and flashed plus speed on the bases. I think it’s safe to say Legrande and Tucker will combine for a lot of the Johnnies runs scored this year. The 5'8 lefty is going to shine in the 9 hole if Coach Hampton decides to keep him there and will act as a terrific double leadoff in the lineup.
It wasn’t the day the Johnnies pitching staff hoped for in game one going against the talented Wake lineup, but there were definitely some bright spots on the pitching staff.
Dylan Johnson
The redshirt junior is entering this season after recovering from Tommy John surgery last season, so this may have been the first game action he has seen in quite some time. He would run into trouble early but flashed plus stuff and threw the ball well. His fastball ranged 88-91 mph, and he mixed in mid to high 70’s breaking ball and a low 80’s changeup. Johnson's line from the game wasn’t great, but he certainly projects as a key part of the Johnnies rotation this upcoming season.
Sam Mettert
The senior righty appeared later in the game and came out with an eye opening fastball topping out at 95 mph. He mainly sat 94 with the fastball and paired that with a high 80’s slider and a low 80’s changeup. Mettert gave up no runs in his outing and looked like he will be a key piece out of the bullpen for St. Johns.
Player to Watch: Jon Legrande
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-DOGPILE SZN
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