The right-hander struck out seven over four scoreless innings, leading All-Star Futures to a 5-1 victory over the Philly Fightin’ Quakers in Thursday’s Philly Select Collegiate Baseball League game at Delaware Valley University.
Hill, a rising junior who is transferring to Penn State Brandywine after spending his first two college seasons at Delaware County Community College, allowed just two hits and two walks while consistently working ahead of hitters. He struck out the side in the first inning and faced only one significant challenge, escaping a two-on, two-out jam in the fourth to complete his outing.
“Getting ahead in the count with my fastball really opened up options for my changeup and my splitter,” Hill said. “Then later in my outing, the curveball was working really well against the lefties. It kind of all came together.”
Hill also helped his own cause at the plate, delivering an RBI single.
His ability to adjust as the game progressed impressed All-Star Futures head coach Sean Curran.
“When he pounds the zone, he’s awesome,” Curran said. “Throwing strikes and just being low in the zone, that’s his bread and butter. He locked in on staying low in the zone and spinning his curveball for a strike. Knowing Connor can go deep into games like that sets us up well, giving us a good chance to win.”
Those adjustments became more evident as Hill settled into the game. His fastball established the tone early, but his command sharpened as the outing continued, allowing him to lean on his breaking ball in key situations.
“The curveball got me out of a couple deep counts and that jam in the fourth inning,” Hill said.
Behind Hill’s efficient outing, All-Star Futures steadily built its lead.
After scoring in the opening inning, All-Star Futures added one run in both the fifth and sixth before creating separation with two insurance runs in the seventh. The Fightin’ Quakers broke through for their lone run in the bottom of the sixth, but Hill had already turned the game over to the bullpen.
Second baseman Brandon Dunbar said performances like Hill’s make the game easier for everyone in the field.
“He just threw strikes and did his job,” Dunbar said. “The whole team builds off of it and you gain confidence.”
Despite a heavy workload during his spring season at Delaware County Community College, Hill made it a priority to continue pitching against high-level competition this summer.
“I threw a lot in the spring, but I still wanted to throw over the summer, so this was a great opportunity to face a lot of good hitters,” Hill said. “It’s been really good for me.”
Curran believes that continued development will benefit Hill as he prepares for his next collegiate opportunity.
“He’s good at making minor adjustments mid-game, which is really good to see, especially going into his college season,” Curran said.
Hill will enter his first season at Penn State Brandywine believing he has found the right place to continue building on performances like Thursday’s.
“I’m just really excited,” Hill said. “It’s a really good program, I really like the coaches, and I think it will be a great opportunity for me."
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