Mike Vasil, Sal Frelick get together one last time at the Heights

Mike Vasil has taken the mound on fields draped in maroon and gold many times in the past. For the first time Friday, he did it as a visiting pitcher.

Vasil, who spent four years as a standout at BC High, threw six innings of two run ball in front of a bevy of friends of family to lead the University of Virginia past Boston College, 7-2, on Friday afternoon in Brighton.

The day was filled with buzz as Vasil and former Lexington superstar Sal Frelick faced off in a matchup between two of the top local stars to come through Massachusetts in recent memory.

Vasil, through the help of his teammates, gave out 24 tickets to the game to friends and family while other former teammates and classmates found their way into the park to support the Wellesley native. The three-time Boston Herald All-Scholastic could be seen smiling in appreciation as he left to an enthusiastic ovation when he was pulled in the seventh inning from those in attendance who had made the drive over.

“Today was just an awesome day in so many ways,” Vasil said. “First it was a terrific team win to clinch a big series so we can keep this run going. Next, it was in front of friends and family, and even teachers and coaches from my days at BC High. It was truly a special day. It really felt like I was just right at home and that made it that more special.”

Frelick has skyrocketed up Major League Baseball draft boards this spring as his athleticism, speed, arm strength, and ability to consistently put the ball in play has analysts around the league predicting he could wind up in the top 10 come July. The Eagles centerfielder is currently ranked No. 11 on MLB Draft Pipeline while Vasil is slotted at No. 78.

Frelick finished the day 1-for-3 off Vasil with the hit coming on a line drive single on the right-handers first offering in the bottom of the first. Vasil got Frelick to line out and ground out on a changeup in the final matchups between the two.

“I couldn’t have been more excited to face Mike,” Frelick said. “I was happy I was able to find a couple barrels off him early but he showed why he is one of the best pitchers in the country with how he controlled the game. I will be rooting for him every time he is out there, and I know he will be doing the same for me…except when I am in the box.”

Vasil sat between 91-93 miles per hour for most of the afternoon while showcasing a two-seam fastball, slider, and changeup. After letting up a run in the first on a Luke Gold single that scored Frelick, the six-foot-five 235 pound hurler threw up four consecutive zeros before surrendering a run in the sixth. Virginia has now won five consecutive games and is above .500 in ACC play (18-17). Boston College will finish its season on Saturday when the two sides complete their three game series.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3f7zrqo