Get on board with Line Drive Media’s regular feature, The Final Pitch!

We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.

To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at carlos.arias@linedrivemedia.com, DM at @los_stuff on Twitter or text (949) 606-3602.

Here’s our TFP for Thursday, June 26, 2025:

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THE FINAL PITCH: AVERY GEHRKE

Uncommitted 2026 OF/MIF Avery Gehrke recently talked to Line Drive Media about Athletics Mercado-Smith, PGF/Alliance Nationals, winning a Tier 2 Alliance national championship, recovering from ACL injury, helping her team win a recent 16U title at the Triple Crown Brashear Summer Invitational, Arizona players, strengthening her knee, tough opposition, recovering from ACL injury, Jay Gehrke, future college, college camps, medicine and nutrition, sports medicine, Mo Mercado, “The Great Gatsby,” BigXthaPlug, “Outer Banks,” “Twisters” and soccer.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Avery Gehrke

Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ

High School: Desert Mountain High

Club Team: Athletics Mercado-Smith 18U

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 5-6

Position/s: OF/MIF

Nickname: “Gerk” and “Aves” are the two most common that have just come around over time.

Social Media: @AveryGehrke on Twitter and @avery_gehrke on Instagram

Honors: 5A State Champion (2025), 1st team All-Conference (2025) and 1st team All-Region (2025).

High School Spring 2025 Stats: .457 AVG, .532 OBP, 43 hits, 23 RBIs, 9 doubles, 2 HRs and 35 runs.

Travel Ball Summer 2025 Stats (So Far): .370 AVG, .485 OBP, 10 hits and 5 SBs.