Beast Of The East – Weekend Report – June 4th – June 7th

Beast of the East – Weekend Report

The Beast of the East once again proved why it’s one of the premier events in the country, and our 5 Star Midsouth 2028 Black squad showed they belonged every step of the way.

The group finished the weekend with a 2-2 record, with both losses coming in heartbreaking walk-off fashion against East Coast Sox. While those games certainly stung, they also provided valuable lessons as we continue to grow and learn how to close out games against some of the top competition in the nation.

The bigger takeaway? Our guys made plenty of noise throughout the week and continued to draw attention from scouts, tournament staff, and national evaluators while competing in East Cobb.

Let’s dive into some of the recognition our players received throughout the event.

Braxton Barnes – 2028 – Friendship Christian School

Barnes was recognized in the Day 1 Notes by Perfect Game scout Tyler Daniels:

“Braxton Barnes (2028, Hermitage, TN) went 2-for-3 with a double, a triple, and two RBI on Thursday. He was one of the most physically impressive hitters of the day that I saw. In a field of players loaded with right-handed bats that could drive the ball gap-to-gap, he stood out. He snaps his barrel through the zone with force, creating backspin and carry on the ball that makes him great at hitting to all parts of the field with power. As he ages, the power should only increase, and his approach will become more polished, and he’ll be in a position to drive in runs on any team he’s on.”

Drew Patterson – 2028 – Providence Christian Academy

Patterson earned recognition in the Day 2 Notes from Perfect Game scout Cam McElwaney after turning in one of the top pitching performances of the event:

“Drew Patterson (2028, Murfreesboro, Tenn.) looked dominant on the mound in the 8 AM slot for 5 Star Midsouth 2028 Black. The 5-foot-11, 155-pound right-hander went the full distance, punching out nine and allowing four hits. The fastball worked in the low-80s throughout, and he just simply pounded the zone, inducing a ton of soft outs and working efficiently. He paired the fastball with a curveball in the low-70s that played well off the fastball too. It was a dominant and efficient performance for Patterson as he led his team to a win on Saturday.”

Perfect Game Top Performer Recognition

Day 1

Brady Schafer

  • 3.1 IP
  • 10 Outs
  • 4 Strikeouts
  • 85 MPH FB
  • 1 Hit Allowed
  • 3 Walks
  • 0 Earned Runs

Braxton Barnes

  • 2 Runs
  • 2 Hits
  • 1 Double
  • 1 Triple
  • 2 RBI
  • 1 Stolen Base

Day 2

Drew Patterson

  • 7.0 IP
  • Complete Game
  • 21 Outs
  • 9 Strikeouts
  • 84 MPH FB
  • 4 Hits Allowed
  • 0 Walks
  • 0 Earned Runs

Day 3

Kingston Sinner

  • 2 Runs
  • 1 Hit
  • 1 Home Run
  • 2 RBI

Bax Hill

  • 6.0 IP
  • 18 Outs
  • 6 Strikeouts
  • 82 MPH FB
  • 6 Hits Allowed
  • 1 Walk
  • 2 Earned Runs

Ty Fleenor

  • 4.2 IP
  • 14 Outs
  • 7 Strikeouts
  • 88 MPH FB
  • 6 Hits Allowed
  • 2 Walks
  • 5 Earned Runs

Other Takeaways

Andrew Perry – Nashville Christian

Perry was one of the hottest hitters in the entire lineup throughout the week. He finished with a .600 batting average, three doubles, three RBI, and a stolen base while consistently delivering quality at-bats in key situations.

Every time the offense seemed to need a spark, Perry found a way to provide one.

Philip Pence V – Green Hill High School

Pence continued to show why he is such an important piece of this roster. While handling the majority of the catching duties throughout the event, he also produced offensively, hitting .400 with a .455 OBP, a double, and an RBI.

His ability to battle through tough two-strike counts and extend at-bats continues to stand out.

Video Coverage

Check out the videos below from the Perfect Game scouting staff throughout the weekend.

Bax Hill – Goodpasture Christian

Andrew Perry – Nashville Christian

Braxton Barnes – Friendship Christian

Xander Jackson – Green Hill High School

Philip Pence V – Green Hill High School

Tyler Reynolds – Green Hill High School

Ty Fleenor – Wilson Central High School

Kingston Sinner – Brophy College Prep

There was plenty to like from this weekend. The results may not have fully reflected just how well this group competed, but the growth, exposure, and recognition certainly did.

This team continues to prove it can compete with some of the best programs in the country. The ceiling remains incredibly high, and this was just another step in the journey.

Next stop: The Ohio Valley Invitational in Columbus.

#MAFSEASON #MidsouthMafia