Prep Baseball Illinois Pitcher of the Week: Dodger Friedrich
April 28, 2026
Sophomore RHP Dodger Friedrich led the charge on the mound for No. 8 Lane Tech this week, with two scoreless outings against Maine South and Taft. Friedrich helped extend Lane Tech's win streak to 15 games after a perfect 5-0 week. For this reason, the sophomore has been named this week's pitcher of the week.
Overall, this week, the right-hander tossed 10 innings, allowing only one hit, two walks, and zero runs with 14 strikeouts. Against Maine South, Friedrich tossed six scoreless, striking out six, allowing one hit and one walk. While against Taft, he tossed four shutout and hitless innings with eight strikeouts. After taking home two wins, Friedrich lowered his season ERA to 1.75.
Sitting ranked No. 2 in the Illinois sophomore class and No. 43 nationally in the class. The massive 6-foot-2, 242-pound right-hander has done nothing but dominate this spring. Stringing together a number of head-turning outings, proving why he is one of the more electric arms within the state and country.
We're thankful for the POTW submissions we received from the coaches across the state. The players who garnered POTW consideration will earn a place within tomorrow's Diamond Notes story, so be on the lookout for that.
Scouting Report
Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 43 nationally. Strong, durable 6-foot-4, 242-pound frame. Got the ball to start and tossed a complete game shutout for the Champions. His fastball sat 92 mph in the first inning before settling into the 86-89 mph range throughout the outing with armside run, consistently playing up at the top of the zone. His slider worked 81-83 mph and showed the ability to earn whiffs when needed. He has easy arm strength from a compact arm action and ¾ slot. Friedrich threw strikes at a high clip, working at 70% overall and attacking hitters early, throwing first-pitch strikes to 21 of 26 batters faced. Line: W, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 0 R, 9 K. A high-follow sophomore arm and one of the top names in the state to watch as August 1st approaches.