Baseball Announces Incoming Class for 2017 Season

CINCINNATI – Xavier baseball announced a talented four-man recruiting class today as head coach Scott Googins officially welcomed Conor Grammes, Andrew Sexton, Greyson Harmon and Natale Monastra to the program.

ANDREW SEXTON

A local product from La Salle High School, Sexton adds a burst of speed to the Xavier outfield. The two-time Cincinnati Enquirer Honorable Mention All-City pick has hit .314 with a .413 on-base percentage and 16 steals in his first two varsity seasons. He was also one of just two juniors on the Greater Catholic League South division first team this past spring.

Sexton has helped the Lancers to back-to-back appearances in the OHSAA State Regionals and was a part of the winningest season in school history.

Googins on Sexton:
"Andrew has game-changing speed that plays out both offensively and defensively. He handles the bat very well already, and with increased physicality, we expect him to become even more of an extra-base hit threat. Andrew is still getting bigger and stronger, and we have seen him really improve over the past few years, so we have high expectations for his all–around game as he continues to get more physical."

NATALE MONASTRA

A catcher, Monastra arrives at Xavier from the Columbus-area. The 2016 Olentangy grad has helped his high school team to consecutive 20-win seasons and hit .340 during his junior season – earning First Team All-OCC honors.

Outside of baseball, Monastra is also involved with National Honor Society, student mentorship and service club. Perfect Game/Prep Baseball Report rates Monastra as the second-best catching prospect in the state of Ohio.

Googins on Monastra:
"Nate is a tough, blue-collar kid that loves to work. He is very strong defensively already, and as he continues to refine his swing we expect him to be a plus offensive catcher as well. His leadership qualities and toughness are qualities that we look for in catchers."

GREYSON HARMON

Harmon joins the Musketeers from Columbus Academy. XU's lone pitching recruit during the early signing period is a polished lefty. A four-year varsity letterwinner, Harmon has a 13-1 career record on the mound. Grey really came in to his own during the summer and has shot up recruiting rankings. He's now the fifth-ranked LHP in the state.

Googins on Harmon:
"We have had a good run of lefties over the last few years and we expect Grey to keep that going. He is a good athlete with the ability to throw three pitches for a strike. Because of where he is already at in regards to competitiveness and work ethic, I look forward to seeing the jumps he makes as his body matures."

CONOR GRAMMES

A middle infielder from McLean, Va., Grammes carries a slick glove and a solid bat. Playing primarily shortstop the past two seasons, Grammes has put up consecutive seasons with at least a .982 fielding percentage. In 49 games over the past two seasons, he has made just three errors between shortstop and second base. Grammes has also improved at the plate during his career, raising his batting average every season he's played varsity – from .305 as a freshman to .395 as a junior.

A two-time all-conference selection, Grammes was selected to the Virginia Futures Prospect Game in 2015 and was named McLean High School's Most Outstanding Male Athlete. Outside of baseball, Grammes was a state champion wrestler in 2015 and holds McLean's all-time record for wins as a grappler.

Googins on Grammes:
"Conor is an athletic, switch-hitting, middle infielder with a really high upside. He provides the consistent defense you want from an infielder, and offensively he's got some pop in his bat that will only continue to get better as he becomes more physical. As a state champion wrestler as well, you know he's got the tough mentality that we look for in recruits."

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