Joey Duprey (8th seeded Rockledge) dominated Top Seeded American Heritage for 5 innings, in the FHSAA Regional Quarterfinals at American Heritage’s home field and in front of a very lively (and rude) fan base.
Duprey had a shutout into the 6th inning without allowing a walk. He outlasted Miami Recruit 6’4 220 lbs Dylan Dubovik (up to 95mph) who went 4.1 innings allowing 1 hit and 3 runs and also pitched well. Duprey was up to 94 MPH during the game and was even at 92 on his 100th pitch of the game, which is very impressive for a 17 year old.
American Heritage went on to win the 4A Florida High School Athletics Association State Championship and were ranked the 12th best HS team in the Nation. In their last 14 games, they only trailed TWICE in a game, and both of those games were against Rockledge.
It was an unfortunate loss, but it was an incredible performance by Joey Duprey in a huge win or go home game against a very talented number 1 seed, at their home field. American Heritage had at least 10 players committed to play baseball in college including 6 seniors already signed.
There were also allegations that American Heritage was using illegal bats during this game and other games in the postseason. The sound was noticeably different and the pop was definitely different even when others used the identical bat.
It was obvious they were hiding certain bats when bat boys would sprint out to the field to pick up a certain bats or they were thrown far from home and over toward the dugout so it could be hid until they hand it to the next hitter. Those bats were also hidden from the umpires when challenged. It’s unfortunate that no one has looked into the situation.
