Calling Marple Newtown's Chris Kirsch a late bloomer is putting it mildly.

Just two years ago, his pitching wildness had his teammates ducking for cover in batting practice. "Yeah, he was all over the place," said Jim Balk, Marple Newtown's third-year pitching coach and the former 36-year boss at Radnor.

A little more than a year ago, with the assistance of Balk, Kirsch, pretty much a junior varsity outfielder as a sophomore, began what has been a remarkable turnaround.

Taking another step toward cementing himself as one of the area's elite pitchers, Kirsch scattered four hits and struck out eight as the host Tigers pummeled Conestoga, 12-2, Friday in a well-attended Central League showdown that lasted 1 hour, 50 minutes. The game was stopped after five innings because of the 10-run rule.

"Coach Balk did a complete overhaul on my mechanics," the southpaw said. "My delivery is a lot smoother now, and I'm able to throw strikes."

Kirsch, a cleanup hitter, helped his cause by delivering a three-run, inside-the-park homer to center field in the first inning. He went 3 for 4, adding singles in the second and fifth innings.

There were 10 to 12 professional scouts, cross-checkers and college recruiters watching the 6-foot-3, 185-pound senior. The Phillies, Twins, Royals, Giants, Diamondbacks and Mets were among the pro clubs represented.

His coach's name is Balk?

His PITCHING coach's name is Balk?