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 Monday, Nov. 3, 2025:

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THE FINAL PITCH: PAYTON PRIOR

Uncommitted 2027 RHP/1B Payton Prior recently talked to Line Drive Media about LTG-Henderson/Carda, PGF Nationals, California players, Lady Magic-Munoz, balancing school and softball, athletic family, future college, college camps, English, Kristi Prior, “Red Rising,” “Gonna Fly Now,” “The Office,” “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” and “Madagascar” and baking.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Payton Prior

Hometown: Rocklin, CA

High School: Rocklin High

Club Team: LTG-Henderson/Carda 18U

Graduation Year: 2027

Height: 5-11

Position/s: RHP/1B

Nickname: My nickname is “P.” My teammates have called me that since I was little.

Social Media: @payton.prior.2027 on Instagram and @PaytonPrior2027 on Twitter

Honors: Rocklin Scholar Athlete Award (2023-25), Principal’s Honor Roll (2023-25), 2nd Team All-Northern California (2025), 1st Team All-SFL (2025), PGF All-American Watchlist (2025), Rocklin High MVP (2025), 1st Team All-CIF Sac-Joaquin Section (2025), #11 by Sacramento West Coast Preps, Rocklin High Rookie of the Year (2024), Scholar Athlete Award (2024), SJS All-Tournament Co-MVP (2024), 2nd Team All-SJS Section (2024), 2nd Team All-SFL (2024) and 1st Team All-Freshmen and co-MVP by Sac Bee Freshmen (2024).

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats: Pitching — 2.316 ERA, 60 Ks, 220 BF.

High School Spring 2025 Stats: Hitting — .416 AVG; Pitching — 1.628 ERA, 217 Ks, 686 BF.

Travel Ball Summer 2025 Stats: Hitting — .364 AVG; Pitching — 2.728 ERA, 37 Ks, 238 BF.