It was during the summer of 2018 when University of San Diego pitching coach Matt Florer was urged by the program’s former head coach Rich Hill to scout a left-hander throwing a bullpen at nearby Westview High School in San Diego.
Florer, who is also the program’s recruiting coordinator, took Hill’s advice. He saw the lefty. He thought it was good. Then was told a second left-hander — one who was described as an academic fit for the private USD — would be throwing next.
Florer stayed. That was when he saw Brycen Mautz, the Cardinals’ second-round pick in the 2022 MLB draft, throw for the first time.