Five 2028 Pitchers Who Show Advanced Command

The 2028 class is already producing arms that look years ahead of their age group.   Across the biggest stages of the summer ball season, these pitchers stood out not only for their velocity and movement, but also for their ability to command the zone, mix pitches, and take control of games. From national championships to showcase tournaments, they proved they can rise to the occasion against elite competition.   Below, Prep Softball highlights five 2028 pitchers who separated themselves with advanced command this summer.    This summer, few pitchers showcased the level of poise and precision that Mackenzie Sease brought to the field. Matching up against some of the nation's toughest competition, Sease consistently delivered standout performances that elevated her game to another level. Known as a versatile athlete who can impact the game on both sides of the ball, her growth in the circle has become impossible to ignore. Her dominance was on full display at the PGF Summer Grand Cash-ionals in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where she was instrumental in helping LLG Futures secure a co-championship finish. Sease struck out 43 batters in just 20.1 innings of work, refused to allow a run, and limited opponents to three hits total, while holding them to a minuscule .045 average. Those numbers highlight more than just talent, as they reveal her advanced command, sharp execution, and ability to rise against elite hitters. With her combination of competitiveness and polish, Sease has established herself as one of the most reliable arms in the 2028 class and a pitcher to watch closely in the years ahead.     When it comes to advanced command, Summer Pence has all the tools to stand out. Already working in the mid to upper 60s, she pairs her velocity with a sharp rise ball and a devastating changeup that keeps hitters constantly off balance. Her ability to spot pitches in any count gives her an edge over even the toughest competition. What separates Pence from many in her class is not just her arsenal, but the way she uses it. She shows maturity in mixing speeds and locations, demonstrating confidence to attack both sides of the plate. Her rise ball jumps late, her changeup disappears, and together they make for one of the most difficult one-two punches in the 2028 class. Off the field, Pence holds herself to the same standard of excellence. She sets ambitious goals and puts in the work to reach them, showing the kind of drive that elevates her performance year after year. With her mix of power, command, and work ethic, Pence has firmly established herself as one of the most polished young pitchers to watch moving forward.     Few pitchers in the 2028 class combine velocity, movement, and precision quite like Sierra Murray. With elite-level control and a full arsenal of pitches, Murray consistently works ahead in counts and forces hitters to adjust to her game, which is a task that often proves to be too difficult for them. Her command allows her to maximize her velocity, making every pitch a challenge for opposing lineups. That dominance translated directly into team success this summer. Murray played a major role in leading her 16U Hornback/Muir (Dawson/Muir) squad to a championship run at the PGF June Premier, where they claimed first place and a $5,000 prize. She carried that momentum into the 16U IDT, helping guide her team to yet another championship finish against elite national competition. Murray's blend of power and precision makes her one of the most advanced pitchers in her class. With her ability to shine in high-stakes moments and lift her team to titles, she has firmly established herself as a 2028 arm to watch.     Maddie Reed is the definition of a triple threat. Not only does she bring value in the circle, but she's also a force at the plate and a reliable defender in the field. Her all-around skill set makes her one of the most complete players in the 2028 class, and her summer performance proved she can shine on the biggest stages. Reed was a cornerstone for her Unity team during their run to the 14U AFCS National Championship, where they finished as runners-up. In the circle, she showcased a mid-60s fastball from the left side, pairing her velocity with a dynamic curveball that consistently baffled hitters. Her ability to command both pitches allowed her to set the tone against some of the nation's toughest lineups. With her versatility, high-level command, and left-handed power in the circle, Reed has all the tools to continue standing out as one of the premier pitchers in the 2028 class.     Ava Lastovka put together one of the most impressive summer résumés in her class, proving she has both the velocity and command to overpower hitters at the highest level. Known for her competitiveness and consistency, Lastovka racked up strikeouts on some of the nation's top stages while continuing to raise her game. At the Atlanta Legacy tournament, she led all pitchers in both ERA and strikeouts, collecting 23 in just 9.2 innings of work. She followed that up at Scenic City, where she ranked third overall in strikeouts with 22 in 13 innings pitched. And her dominance didn't stop there. At the Show Me the Money tournament, she logged 13 innings over six games and fanned 27 batters. To cap off her freshman season, she reached a personal best velocity of 68 mph, a mark that puts her among the hardest throwers in the 2028 class. With her combination of power, precision, and the ability to miss bats at a high rate, Lastovka has quickly emerged as one of the most advanced pitchers in her age group and a name to watch as she continues to rise.

The 2028 class is already producing arms that look years ahead of their age group.