Dinelson Lamet’s backfield start lured Darren Balsley to Field No. 3 at the Peoria Sports complex on Saturday morning. Between watching Lamet’s work on his curve and change-up the Padres’ long-time pitching coach was treated to a few innings from MacKenzie Gore, the organization’s top pitching prospect.

Balsley was as impressed as the large crowd that gathered around the backstop.

“The real deal,” Balsley said. “Every time I’ve seen him he’s been lights out. He’s what you want to see.”

Balsley, in particular, noted Gore’s athleticism, command and arm action after observing the intra-squad game. In the first inning, the 19-year-old Gore needed just nine pitches to retire low Single-A shortstop Gabriel Arias (groundout) and Double-A prospects Auston Bousfield and Josh Naylor (strikeouts). His fastball sat 94-96 mph that frame.


Click the picture to see all nine pitches.

The No. 3 overall pick last year, the 6-foot-3, 180-pound Gore struck out 34 batters, walked just seven and posted a 1.27 ERA in 21 1/3 innings in rookie ball.

Gore could start 2018 at low Single-A Fort Wayne.


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jeff.sanders@sduniontribune.com; Twitter: @sdutSanders