The opening salvo in the 2009 War on 74 -- the annual Missouri Valley Conference series between Bradley and Illinois State -- was fired on Friday night at the visiting Redbirds claimed an 8-5 win in 11 innings at O'Brien Field in downtown Peoria.
While the position prospects are slim for both clubs, both have some pitching that is worth keeping an eye, both now and in the future.
In terms of the present, Bradley ace Rob Scahill continues to elevate his draft status. After being drafted in the 48th round of the 2008 draft, Scahill has vaulted into the top-10 rounds in the eyes some scouts. It's easy to see why.
On Friday night, Schahill worked consistently between 92-94 with his fastball and showed an increasing feel for his changeup. His slider was also sharp at 79-82. He finished the night with two earned runs on eight hits, nine strikeouts and three walks in eight innings of work.
As for the future, ISU freshman Ryan Camp continued his impressive rise. Camp was the last recruit to sign in the Redbirds' Class of 2008 as he was a late bloomer. After two impressive winter showings, the ISU staff decided to take a chance and has been rewarded handsomely.
After just a month on campus, Camp earned the coveted Friday night spot and has since gone 4-3 with a 4.90 ERA in 11 starts for the Redbirds. After pitching consistently at 85-87 in high school at Bartonville Limestone, Camp's velocity has steadily increased this year.
Against Bradley, Camp was consistently 90-92 and has been as high as 94 this season. Making it even more difficult on hitters is the life on that fastball. Camp, a right-hander, gets a great amount of arm-side run, so much so that he leads the MVC in hit batsmen. He also possesses a decent 11-to-5 curveball that he can throw inside and he's still feeeling his way to a consistent changeup.
But the ISU staff, in particular newly hired head coach Mark Kingston, is very high on Camp's future prospects.
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