Royals, Nationals Play To Draw At Area Code Games

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The Royals played to their second 4-4 draw in as many days to open the Monday session of the Area Code Games against the Nationals.

Vanderbilt commit Mason Hickham (Pope John Paul II, Hendersonville, Tenn.) had six strikeouts in three innings for the Nationals, giving up up only one hit.

Hickman said he wanted to fill up the zone and mix up his fastball and breaking balls instead of trying to throw hard. His goal over the summer is to get stronger on his lower half to take stress off his arm.

BA’s Hudson Belinsky said Hickman combined a command of his fastball with a sharp breaking ball he threw for strikes.

Jason Willow (Lambrick Park Secondary, Victoria, British Columbia) added to his RBI total from Sunday with a two-run double in the first inning. Isaiah Smith extended the lead with a double that brought home Willow.

Nick Jennings (Skyview High, Vancouver, Wash.) pitched two scoreless innings with two strikeouts.

Christian Robinson (Viera (Fla.) High) continued his strong showcase performance with two RBIs, including one that tied the game. Kody Gratkowski (Fairhope (Ala.) High) drove in a run for the Nationals.