Video: Jason Groome highlightsPotential top pick returns after eligibility snafu.The much-anticipated return of
Jason Groome to the mound for
Barnegat (N.J.) didn't disappoint as the nation's No. 1 high school baseball prospect allowed just three hits and struck out 13 in a 2-0 win over Pinelands at the Ocean City Tournament on Saturday.
Groome, the No. 1 high school baseball prospect who is expected to be drafted No. 1 by the Philadelphia Phillies in the MLB draft in June, consistently threw over 90 miles per hour in Saturday's outing, including a high of 94, according to the Asbury Park Press.
"My command felt pretty good. I walked a few,'' Groome told the Press. "But, overall, I thought I
had a pretty good day. I'm happy with my performance.''
Groome had to sit out two weeks after he was ruled ineligible on April 13 by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association after it was determined that he did not have a "bona fide change of address" after transferring from IMG Academy (Bradeton, Fla.) back to his home town of Barnegat (N.J.). Groome had pitched at Barnegat as a sophomore before playing one year in Florida.
The ruling called for Barnegat to forfeit both games Groome had pitched, including a 19-strikeout no-hitter against Central Regional. Groome's statistics for the two games were also erased. Groome was not able to return until Barnegat had played at least half of its games.
The Press also reported up to 50 Major League scouts in attendance at Saturday's game to watch Groome's return to the mound.
Groome's next start could be Thursday against Lakewood or possibly the Ocean City Tournament semifinals on Saturday.
