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Airport Vs Gilbert Scout Blog

April 4, 2025
Sean Smith
PB of SC

Airport  3     Gilbert 1

Under the bright lights of a pivotal region matchup, Airport and Gilbert locked horns in a tightly contested pitchers' duel. With both teams jostling for position in the standings, every pitch mattered, and the competitive fire was evident from the first inning. A packed crowd looked on, anticipating a battle between two playoff-caliber programs with plenty on the line.

Elite pitching performances took center stage, with both staffs commanding the zone, missing barrels, and stifling scoring chances. Every plate appearance felt like a chess match, and the defense behind the arms came up big time and time again. Rising underclassmen held their own under pressure, while experienced hurlers showed why they’re trusted in big moments.

From first pitch to final out, this one was all about execution, toughness, and next-level baseball.

Scroll down for notes and video highlights featuring the top performers from this unforgettable matchup!

Landon Jeffcoat, 2026, IF, Airport

Uncommitted. Athletic 5-8, 170-pound frame with good strength throughout, right-handed hitter.. In the box, stands upright and slightly open, hands even with ear height and a diagonal back elbow. Strong and controlled sink into back hip triggers load with a higher leg kick, good rhythm in upper half creates ideal hand stretch, before violently releasing hips. Forceful turn of the barrel with big time quickness in hands thru zone with a good level path. Picked on a first pitch FB and homered, good pitch recognition seeing the elevated location and adjusting. Good athlete and packs a punch, like the upside here.


Cash Epps, 2027, RHP, Airport

Tall, lanky frame with plenty of room to add. Some flexibility in motion with raw lower half mechanics but moves athletically. Short AA with above-average arm speed and a L3Q slot, creates a tough angle. Good command of FB at 80-83, staying in zone consistently with heavy sink that runs in on RHH effectively. Generated several ground balls all game with pitch, including a few well-timed double play balls. Executed his best pitch wite relative ease. Also flipped in a SL at 70-71 with good sweep that will play well off sinking FB. Flashed a CH that had intriguing shape as well. Good arm to follow as he adds on with strong traits on each offering.


Kitt McLauchlin, 2026, RHP, Gilbert

Uncommitted. Lean frame with good present strength at 6-3, 185-pounds. Solid mobility down the mound creating strong extension. Long arm swing with a ¾ slot, good arm speed with a low release ht. Big carry on FB at 83-85 that will miss bats in zone. Strong SL as well that flashed big sweep at 75-76 with solid spin metrics at previous events. Has been up to 89 in past, like the chance for velo to keep ticking up.


Dalton Taylor, 2025, OF/LHP, Gilbert

Uncommitted. Slightly open stance with weight preset on back leg and some bend in the knees, simple operation with a quick load and short stride achieving hitting position quickly before releasing quick hands and barrel in zone with a good level path. Good approach as well with ability to shoot liners gap to gap and has more power to be tapped into.


Braden Gross, 2027, C, Airport

Smaller frame with some strength, plenty of more room to add. In the box, has a wider base with weight slight preset on back leg. Hands are between shoulder and ear height with a diagonal back elbow. Good sink into back hip and shows feel for lower half mechanically with strong balance and good bat speed in zone. LD approach for now but will begin to tap into more power as more strength is added.