By Nathan Rode
National Supervisor

CHICAGO—It’s easy for arms to dominate all-star games, as a new one each inning makes it tough for hitters to get a rhythm. Sometimes a pitcher or two won’t have his best stuff, leading to a big inning for the opposing team, but the offense was quiet at the 2017 Under Armour All-America Game. There were 18 arms in the game and just six dipped below 90 mph. National struck out 10 while American fanned 11 in 11 innings. American won 2-1 in walk-off fashion.

After giving up a 1-0 lead late, American saw its first three baserunners reach in the 11th. OF Jarred Kelenic (Waukesha West HS, WI) walked and stole second, advancing to third on a wild pitch. 3B Nolan Gorman (Sandra Day O’Connor HS, AZ) walked and OF Jordyn Adams (Green Hope HS, NC) tapped a single back up the middle with the infield drawn in. While it made for an exciting finish, pitching was the story of the night.

LHP Matthew Liberatore (Mountain Ridge HS, AZ) earned MVP honors with five strikeouts in three innings while allowing just one hit. His fastball ranged from 89-93 with arm-side life and he pitched with an easy delivery. He showed 1/7 shape and depth to his curveball at 70-72 while mixing in a changeup at 81-84.

Here are some other highlights from the game…