Don Ketchum
Former Staff Writer, AZPreps365.com

When Frost heats up, Greenway baseball team at its best

April 19, 2013 by Don Ketchum, AZPreps365


Phoenix Greenway coach Matt Denny talks about his team maintaining its edge entering the final week of the regular season and the state tournament that follows.

With junior Tyler Frost on the mound, there is little chance that the Demons will lose that focus.

“He has been incredible this year,’’ Denny said. “Every time out, he gives us a lot of energy. He’s been doing that all year long. He’s a fiery guy. He loves to win.’’

The right-hander was near the top of his game on Friday night (April 19), when he tossed a three-hitter and struck out 12 in a 7-0 victory over visiting Cave Creek Cactus Shadows in a Division II contest.

Greenway, the No. 2 team in the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s power seedings, won its 26th in a row and now stands at 28-1. Cactus Shadows, the No. 12 team, is at .500 at 13-13.

Greenway took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run home run by Payton Squier and never looked back.

The Demons scored three more in the second, one on a bases-loaded walk and two more on a single by Alejo Lopez.

At 5-feet-10 and 155 pounds, Frost seems to generate power on his pitches that usually is reserved for bigger guys.

“He’s always in the weight room. That’s what does it. There’s not an ounce of fat on him,’’ Denny said.

Frost also swings a potent bat. He hits leadoff and doubled to lead off the sixth, leading to Greenway’s final run.

Greenway has two games to wrap up the regular season next week.

“We just need to stay consistent, stay hungry,’’ Denny said.

“There were some people at the beginning of the season who may not have thought that we were among the best teams in the state, but now we are.’’