Hurst is attacking hitters from a new perspective
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The question came his way, so Jett Matthews simply told the truth.
Matthews is one of many decorated Boerne, Texas Little League all-stars who has helped the Southwest champions reach tonight’s winner’s bracket Little League World Series final against Nevada. But he was not holding back when asked about facing teammate and pitcher Julian Hurst.
"It’s kind of scary. I’m not going to lie," Matthews, a defensive wizard at shortstop, said. "He throws super fast and his curveball is nasty."
Matthews simply is grateful Hurst is on his team. So are his teammates, many who faced him during the league’s regular season. All are terrific players but it sure is nice seeing Hurst attack hitters from their new perspective.
Boerne opponents likely wish they could do the same.
Hurst has dominated powerful Pennsylvania and Florida offenses in two outings at the Series, allowing just one run and three hits in 10 brilliant innings. He also has struck out 20, helping Bourne remain undefeated this summer, while moving within a victory of reaching the U.S. Championship.
"He has a good arm slot. If you watch him it’s tough," Boerne manager Justin Newson said following Monday’s 4-1 win against Florida. "All our hitters struggle with him. During the Little League season he was striking everybody out."
Not much has changed during the all-star season. Hurst has dominated at each tournament on the road to South Williamsport and has struck out three batters in each of his last three outings, going back to the Southwest championship against Louisiana.
To put into perspective how impressive that is, only one Major League pitcher has collected 10 or more strikeouts in three straight starts this season. Talk about making a mark.
"It’s great to finally get to Williamsport," Hurst said. "Not many teams get to make it to here and to be one of the 20 is great. This is a kid’s dream."
Boerne opponents feel like it’s more nightmare when facing the tall right-hander. Pennsylvania and Florida both entered their games against Boerne undefeated this season, going a combined 34-0. But Hurst overpowered Pennsylvania, throwing four no-hit innings and fanning 10 in a 9-0 win. Following a first inning hiccup against Florida, he was every bit as masterful against Florida.
The Southeast champions took a 1-0 lead, producing two hits that inning. All that did was make Hurst more determined. Having the arsenal to complement his speed, Hurst stifled Florida from there, allowing just one baserunner over the final five innings. Hurst retired the last 14 batters he faced, threw 56 of 78 pitches for strikes and showed that whether starting or relieving, he can make life miserable for the opposition.
"Obviously, it wasn’t the best inning but I just stayed focused and just did what I always do in the last five innings and that helped out," said Hurst, who also did not walk a batter. "I just keep focusing on throwing strikes. I had 72 % strikes tonight which is an all-time high for me, so that helped out with all the strikeouts."
Hurst is poised on and off the field. He conducts himself like one well beyond his age. That showed against Florida.
Instead of thinking about what was after Florida quickly went ahead, Hurst thought about what could be. He focused on the next pitch and kept owning that pitch while helping Boerne move forward.
"He did a great job out there. We talk all the time about persevering," Newson said. "That first inning we had some things happen and he bounced back and for five straight innings put zeroes up there."
Hurst throws hard but pitching is much more than velocity. He does all the necessary things as well. Hurst mixes pitches, spots them and keeps hitters off-balance.
Everything has been working at the Series and Hurst has 20 strikeouts in 10 innings. He fanned at least two hitters in five of six innings against Florida and showed no fear against a team which overwhelmed a deep and loaded Southeast field before winning its first two Series games. Combine that with a pitcher who enjoys the big moments and who possesses a super work ethic and one has an elite Little League pitcher.
"He really attacks the zone. He really attacks the batters," Newson said. "We don’t try and pitch around too many, if anybody, and I think that shows in the strikes percentage and the strikeouts."
"We ran into a really good kid in Julian Hurst. He did a really good job," Florida manager Jonathan Anderson said. "The curveball got them a little bit. He was sending that curveball to the back foot. He was doing a really good job, and they weren’t seeing it out of his hand."
Hurst is quite effective at the plate, too. He led the team in hitting at regionals and went 3 for 4 with a double against Pennsylvania. Hurst added a walk against Florida and has reached base in four of six plate appearances at the Series.
As well as he has hit, most have focused on Hurst’s pitching. And who can blame them? Hurst put in the time the last few years, building toward this season.
Given one last Little League opportunity, he has made all that work pay off in the biggest way possible. The work is the hard part. Taking the mound now at the Series? That’s nothing but fun.
"I’ve always loved pitching since I started playing baseball," Hurst said. "To do it at this stage is a great experience."
Just not for Boerne’s opponents.