Team Italy and Milwaukee Brewers pitching prospect Michele Vassalotti named Brisbane Bandits Player of the Game
Hitting 94 mph on the radar gun in his second Australian Baseball League (ABL) appearance on January 14, 2021, Brisbane Bandits starting pitcher Michele Vassalotti was unhittable and named Player of the Game on January 14, 2021 after striking out four highly-prized MLB prospects on the Adelaide Giants during his two innings of work. Only 20 years old and full of potential, Michele Vassalotti looked like a seasoned professional on the mound at Adelaide's Active Displays Stadium when striking out the first three hitters he faced in the bottom of the first inning.
Adelaide leadoff hitter and San Diego Padres prospect Grant Little lived up to his last name by striking out trying to catch up with the big six-foot-two hurler's heat at the plate. Next up was Kendall Simmons, a top 25 prospect in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He was caught looking for out number two. Cornelius Randolph, a #1 draft pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2015, could not fare any better than the other prospects as he was the third strikeout victim.
Returning to pitch in the bottom of the second inning, Michele Vassalotti issued a walk to Philadelphia Phillies prospect Curtis Mead, who worked a three-two count for a free pass to first base. Six-foot-five, 260 pound slugger and Phillies prospect Rixon Wingrove grounded out sharply and advanced the runner to second base. With a man in scoring position, Michele Vassalotti dug down deep and struck out Phillies prospect Luke Williams on three pitches. Then recently released Phillies prospect Jordan McArdle flew out to left field to end the inning and preserve Michele Vassalotti's pristine 0.00 ERA in ABL action.
The Brisbane Bandits eventually lost the contest 2-1 when the Adelaide Giants walked off to victory after scoring twice in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Adelaide Giants improved their record to 4-1, while the Brisbane Bandits dropped to 1-4. Follow Team Italy pitcher Michele Vassalotti in the ABL by clicking . Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
