17U Perfect Game World Series

7/28/2012 1:55:47 PM

The South Florida Elite are the 2012 Perfect Game 17U World Series Champions, defeating the East Cobb Braves 7-5.

South Florida catcher and Perfect Game All-American Zach Collins was named the event Most Valuable Player.  Collins went 7-20 with 8 walks during the week, with 5 extra base hits and 10 Rbi's.  He went 2-3 with 3 Rbi's in the championship game.

South Florida RHP Shaun Anderson was named the Most Valuable Pitcher.  Anderson threw a complete game 4 hitter in pool play against the Marucci Elite, then came back with 5 2/3 shutout innings in the semifinals against Team Northwest.  He struck out 15 hitters in 12 2/3 total innings while allowing only 1 earned run.

Complete game story to follow.

7/28/2012 12:56:19 PM

South Florida Elite has moved it's lead up to 7-3 after four innings of the championship game, scoring 2 runs in the top of the fourth after threatening to break the game completely open by loading the bases with no outs.

East Cobb IF Michael Chavis slammed his second home run of the game, a solo shot, in the bottom of the 4th inning.

7/28/2012 12:19:23 PM

The South Florida Elite pulled out to a 5-2 lead after the top of the third inning.  PG All-American catcher Zach Collins had the big blow, knocking a double deep up the left centerfield alley to drive in two runs.  Collins later scored on a ground ball by OF William Abreu.

7/28/2012 11:57:51 AM

East Cobb 2014 infielder Michael Chavis has continued his impressive tournament run by blasting a huge 2-run home run to left centerfield to tie the championship game 2-2 in the bottom of the 2nd inning.  Baserunners haven't been in short supply for either team and it looks we could be in for a high scoring game.

7/28/2012 11:34:25 AM

I've seen Kevin Davis pitch four times thus far this summer, totaling about 15 innings.  His dominant performance against the ABD Bulldogs this morning (7 innings, 3 hits, 2 BB's, 11 K's, 99 pitches) was the best I've seen him throw but it certainly wasn't outside of his envelope at all.

First, Davis is a better game pitcher than a showcase pitcher.  He tends to muscle up in a showcase environment and while that produces some good velocity numbers, Davis doesn't have to muscle up to produce the same velocity.  He's a much more impressive pitcher when he's mixing pitches and attacking hitters instead of attacking the radar gun.

Davis threw 63 fastballs out of his 99 total pitches and only very rarely dropped below 90 mph.  His fastball is very heavy when down in the zone and he can bust hitters above the hands as well.  His horizontal command from side to side is better than his vertical command.

He mixed in his curveball 15 total) and change up (11) very effectively and both are quality pitches.  His curveball is hard and deep at 76-79 mph with good 11/5 shape.  Davis doesn't command his curveball as well as his fastball and change up but it has the spin and depth to be a potential plus pitch with more consistency.  Davis' change up was outstanding this outing at 80-82 mph, he has very good feel for it and ideal arm speed and release.  He could throw it more often and it wouldn't hurt his chances at all.

The question that scouts will have about Davis next spring will probably center around his delivery.  He has lots of moving parts and effort and regularly knocks his hat off on release.  He doesn't seem to have any problem repeating and throwing strikes and he certainly creates deception for the hitter, though.  Plus, he's a bulldog and maintains his velocity throughout outings, including hitting 92 on the last pitch today.

7/28/2012 10:50:00 AM

The South Florida Elite Squad has impressed many crowds throughout the 17U PG World Series, so their 8-0 shut out victory over Team Northwest, which lands them a spot in the championship, isn't quite a surprise but a huge accomplishment at that. Competition at our World Series events is the best of the best, and to be able to pull out a 6-1-1 record is something to be a proud of. They move on to face the East Cobb Braves in the championship game later today. 

Florida State commit, 2013 Derek Fritz (Coral Springs, FL, American Heritage HS) stunned Team Northwest by going 2-3 with a 2-run home run and a double for South Florida. Fritz showed good bat speed, good extension, aggressive hitting, power potential, a live bat and is a middle of order run producer. He also makes very hard contact when stepping up to bat. Campbell commit, 2013 Danny Pardo (Pembroke Pines, FL, West Broward HS) batted a perfect 3-3 with an RBI and a double. Pardo showed a fluid stroke, good bat speed, good extension, aggressive hitting, a confident approach, gap to gap hitting with some pop and the ability to hit to all fields. 

Also putting on a show for South Florida was Louisiana State commit, 2013 Nick Longhi (Venice, FL, Venice HS), who went 2-2 with an RBI. Florida Atlantic commit, 2013 Stephen Kerr (Margate, FL, Coral Springs Charter HS) went 1-1 with an RBI. Kerr showed a quick bat, good plate coverage, aggressive hitting and is a solid runner. Finally, Louisiana State commit 2013 Danny Zardon (Pembroke Pines, FL, American Heritage HS) tallied 2 RBI's as well.

University of Florida commit, 2013 Shaun Anderson (Coral Springs, FL, American Heritage HS) proved he was ready to be a Gator by throwing 5 2/3 innings for South Florida, allowing 5 hits and no runs with 7 strikeouts. His fastball peaked at 89mph. Anderson is athletic with a strong, large, projectable frame. He showed good command, short arm action, balanced delivery, and a good FB. He throws strikes, throws easy, changes speeds, has mound presence, and controls the running game well. 

7/28/2012 10:43:49 AM

The East Cobb Braves have dominated all tournament long and have now clinched their spot in the 17U PG World Series final later today with a 3-1 triumph over the ABD Bulldogs.

Kevin Davis (2013, T.R. Miller HS, Brewton, AL) started on the mound for the Braves and tossed a complete game. Davis, who has verbally committed to Auburn University, gave up just one run (unearned) on three hits. The RHP was a bulldog on the mound and attacked hitters all game with an overpowering FB, a deceptive CH, and a 12/6 breaking CB. He displayed an online delivery and threw 66.7% of his pitches as strikes. Davis threw an impressive 90-93mph fastball to go along with a 78-81mph changeup and a curveball that topped out at 79mph. To top it off, he finished with 11 strikeouts.

Dalton Ewing (2014, Milton HS, Alpharetta, GA) doubled and drove in two of the three runs for East Cobb.  Skye Overton (2013, John's Creek HS, John's Creek, GA) went 1-1 at the plate and finished with 1 RBI in the win. 

Andrew Church (2013, Palo Verde HS, Las Vegas, NV) started on the mound for the opposing Bulldogs. Church also gave a complete game effort. The 6'3" 199 pound RHP gave up three runs, all unearned, on five hits and walked two while fanning just one Braves batter. He worked fast, threw strikes, and showed a balanced delivery. His fastball topped out at an impressive 91mph while also throwing a good SL that reached 82mph. 

Codi Santana (2013, St. Bonaventure HS, Oxnard, CA) drove in the lone run for ABD. 

7/28/2012 10:35:15 AM

The South Florida Elite have advanced to the finals with an 8-0 run rule victory over Team Northwest in 6 innings.  They'll face off against the East Cobb Braves at the Peoria Complex main stadium.

RHP Shaun Anderson threw 5 2/3's shutout innings to get the win for the Elite.  Derek Fritz had a 2 run home run and a run scoring double to place the offense.

7/28/2012 10:20:34 AM

East Cobb Braves RHP Kevin Davis threw a complete game 3-hitter, striking out 11 hitters, to lead the East Cobb Braves to a 3-1 win over the ABD Bulldogs and a place in the finals.  The PG All-American needed only 99 pitches in his masterpiece.

The South Florida Elite currently lead Team Northwest 7-0 in the 6th inning of the other semi-final.

7/28/2012 9:40:07 AM

It's a testament to the level of overall pitching talent at this event that there is only one regular hitter on the four teams still playing that boasts a batting average over .400.  IF Nate Mondou is hitting .455 (10-22) with two doubles, a triple and 6 Rbi's and those type of numbers really stand out.

Taking a look at some top hitters across the rest of the field, here are some that stood out as well:

OF Justin Williams (Marucci Elite):   10-20, 3 2B's, 6 Rbi's, 7 runs
SS Sevi Romo (San Gabriel Valley):  10-20, 3 2B's
1B Ryan Kirby (Nor Cal):  8-20, 2 2B's, 2 3B's, HR, 8 runs, 8 Rbi's
OF Walker Pennington (Houston Banditos):  8-19, 2 2B's, HR, 8 Rbi's
IF Brantley Bell (Arizona Elite):  8-19, 4 2B's, 6 Rbi's, 6 runs
1B/LHP A.J. Puk (Evoshield Canes):  7-15, 3 2B's, HR

7/28/2012 9:33:07 AM

The two semi-final games are underway under cloudy ski's at the Peoria Complex.

The East Cobb Braves have edged out to a 2-1 lead over the AbD Bulldogs in the bottom of the third inning.  Kevin Davis for the Braves and Joe Church for the Bulldogs, both right handers, have been pitching very well, with Davis topping out at 93 and showing a plus change up, while Church has been topping out at 91 mph.

The South Florida Elite currently have a 3-0 lead over Team Northwest, also in the bottom of the third inning.  The big blow in that game was a 2-run home run by Elite catcher Derek Fritz with teammate Nick Longhi on first base.  RHP Shaun Anderson is on the mound for South Florida.

7/28/2012 1:45:50 PM

RHP Jordan Gore (2013, Conway, SC) and RHP Jeff Harding Jr. (2014, Cambridge-South, MD) were both on fire from the mound today for the Evoshield Canes, combining for 5 strikeouts through the final 3 innings to secure the 6-3 victory for their team over Baseball U.  Gore closed out the final inning of the game, striking out 1 batter and not allowing a single run or a single hit.  His fastball averaged 89 mph and topped out at an impressive 91 mph.  Harding Jr. was equally impressive, striking out 4 batters through 2 innings and allowed 1 hit and no runs.  Harding Jr. had a quick arm with short arm action to help his fastball top out at 90 mph while averaging 87 mph.  He also showed a few curveballs that hung around the lower 70s.  

Offensively, Jordan Gore scored 2 of their 6 runs off a double thanks to his aggressiveness at the plate and gap to gap power.  Matt Rowland also helped out Gore, finishing 2-2 and driving in 2 RBI's.  

Andy McGuire (2013, James Madison, VA) had a perfect day at the plate as well after finishing 1-1 and scoring 1 run while driving in 3 RBI's off a triple thanks to his good coverage of the plate and ability to hit the ball to the gaps.  AJ Puk (2013, Washington, IA) went yard in the top of the 1st inning to start things off for the Canes and lead them to victory.  Puk went 1-3 with 1 RBI and scored 1 run off his solo-HR.

7/28/2012 1:26:06 PM

Thanks to the efforts of Tyler Williams (2015, Kellis, AZ) and Jamie Westbrook (2013, Basha, AZ) the Arizona Elite squad managed to score 5 of their 8 runs in the 5th inning and take the come-from-behind victory over Marucci Elite.  Williams had a solid day at the plate, scoring 1 run and driving in 2 RBI's off of 1 double in the game thanks to quick, live bat and power potential.  Westbrook finished the day 1-2 with 1 triple and scored 1 run and added 1 RBI to carry Arizona Elite to their 8-4 victory over Marucci Elite.

For Marucci Elite, Justin Williams (2013, Terrebonne, LA) led his team after having an impressive day offensively, finishing 3-4 and scoring 1 of their 4 runs while also driving in 1 RBI off a double thanks to his short, compact swing and ability to drive the ball with regular contact.  Jared Poche (2013, Lutcher, LA) and Andrew Dunlap (2013, Westbury Christian, TX) also tried to get some momentum going for their team after combining for 4 hits, but they were unable to drive in any runs for their team.  Poche ended the day 2-4 while Dunlap went 2-3 on the day.

7/28/2012 12:46:48 PM

Jimmy Doyle (2013, CA) led the NorCal Baseball squad to a 10-2 rout over the Indiana Prospects thanks to his strong presence from the mound.  Doyle pitched 4 solid innings, striking out 5 batters and giving up only 2 runs off 6 hits.  He controlled the game from the mound, holding off the Prospects and allowing the NorCal offense to take over and grab the W.  His fastball averaged 78-81 mph and topped out at 83 mph, while he snuck in a few curveballs that hung around the lower 70s.

Ryan Kirby (2013, Grenada, CA) and Kort Peterson (2013, St. Francis, CA) led the NorCal offense after they combined for 4 of their 10 runs and drove in 3 RBI's off 3 hits.  Kirby had a perfect day at the plate, finishing 2-2 with a double and scoring 3 of their 10 runs while Peterson added 3 RBI's and scored 1 run off 1 hit.

For the Indiana Prospects, Adam Dressler (2013, Hinsdale Central, IL) added 1 run off 1 hit while Zac Ryan (2013, Andrean, IN) chipped in with 2 RBI's and stole 1 base off 1 hit and Austin Stout (2013, Yorktown, IN) finished the day 1-3 and scored 1 of their 2 runs.

7/28/2012 9:08:22 AM

Aaron Soto (2014, Monsignor Pace, Miami Lakes, FL) pitched a complete game to help the South Florida Elite Squad tie 2-2 with the ABD Bulldogs. Soto pitched all seven innings while striking out seven hitters. He showed control on both sides of the plate and the ability to compete on the mound. He also threw a fastball that ranges from 76-82 and peaked at 84 mph.

Louisiana State commit Nick Longhi (2013, Venice, Venice, FL) went 1-3 for the South Florida Elite Squad. He also knocked in the game tying run in the 4th inning.

Oregon State commit Mason Fishback (2013, Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Cucamonga, CA) pitched a complete game for the ABD Bulldogs. Fishback struck out five hitters and did not allow a single earned run to score. He throws easy and his arm works well and he throws a fastball which ranges from 78-81 and peaks at 83 mph.

Jonah Arenado (2013, El Toro, Lake Forrest, CA) went 2-3 to provide the ABD Bulldogs with some offense. Arenado was able to score a run.

7/28/2012 8:46:53 AM

Brock Taylor (2013, Sunnyvale, Sunnyvale, TX) and Skyler Bean (2013, Rockwall, Rockwall, TX) both had good days at the plate for the Dallas Patriots as they went on to win 8-3 over the San Diego Show. Taylor went 3-4, tripled, drove in a run, and scored twice. He has a live bat and is a line drive contact hitter. Bean went 2-3 and doubled while knocking in two runs.

Holden Grounds (2013, Corsicana, Corsicana, TX) pitched three solid innings for the Dallas Patriots. Grounds was able to strike out five batters while on the mound. He has outstanding arm speed and a balanced delivery. He also throws a good fastball, which ranges from 85-88 and peaks at 89 mph.

Carter Johnson (2013, La Costa Canyon, Eninitas, CA) pitched three effective innings for the San Diego Show. He struck out four batters while only giving up one walk. Johnson threw 67.4% of his pitches for strikes and threw a fastball which ranged from 82-84 and peaked at 86 mph.

7/27/2012 8:26:46 PM

Fueled by a five-run third inning, the Houston Banditos beat Tri-State Arsenal 8-2 Friday night. Darryn Sheppard (2013, Dulles HS, TX) went 3-for-3 with a double and a triple. He displayed a fluid stroke with lift while making hard contact. Teammates Ryne Birk (2013, Seven Lakes HS, TX) and Stone Garrett (2014, George Ranch HS, TX) each had two hits; one of Birk's was a home run. Birk showed a polished approach and a live bat with the ability to hit to all fields. 

Kacy Clemens (2013, Memorial HS, TX) pitched 2.2 no-hit innings in relief, striking out five. He pitched downhill with pinpoint command, firing strikes at 87-91 mph with life. Clemens also threw 75 mph curve with good depth, and a mid-70s change-up with good sink. Teammate Thaddius Lowry (2013, Spring HS, TX) started and pitched 3.2 perfect innings for the Banditos, striking out four. He threw strikes to both sides of the plate at 86-88 mph. With a smooth delivery, he worked in a few mid-70s sliders and mid-70s change-ups. The only hit the Banditos allowed was a single off the bat of Tri-State's Matthew Orstein (2013, Bergen Catholic HS, NJ) in the fifth.

7/27/2012 8:15:34 PM

Erik Gonzalez (2013, Nogales, CA) had a great day at the plate for SGV Arsenal's 9-1 win over Mountain West '13.  We went 2 for 3 with a home run and three RBI's.  David Banuelos (2014, Damien, CA) pitched in with a triple and single and came around to score twice.  Anthony Mizrahi (2013, La Canada, CA) joined in on the action with two triples and three RBI's.  Kevin Lillicrop (2013, Cypress, CA) pitched the first innings for SGV. He struck out two and allowed two hits. Adrian De Horta (2013, South Hills, CA) followed Lillcrop and pitched an inning.  He struck out two and allowed just one hit. His fastball was between 84-88 mph and topped out at 89.  Chris Iriart (2012, Chino Hills, CA) came in the end to pitch the last two innings.  He did not allow a hit, walked two, and struck out three. His fastball reached 87 mph.


Lincoln Rivera (2013, Spanish Fork, UT) went 1 for 2 with a double.  Tyler Thorne (2013, Coronado, TX) had a single and came around to score once. Connor Beck (2013, Midland, TX) pitched two innings.  He allowed two hits and struck out two. His fastball touched 84 mph. Tanner Draper (2013, Riverton, UT) pitched an inning for the West.  He struck out two and his fastball reached 87 mph.

7/27/2012 8:09:33 PM

Team Northwest scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to win 8-7, handing the East Cobb Braves their first lost of the PG 17u World Series. After two singles and an error, Brendan Illies (2015, Puyallup HS, WA) drew a walk, scoring the game-tying run. The next batter, Kaden Tomlinson (2013, Bremerton HS, WA) singled to drive home the game-winning run, making Team Northwest 5-1-1 in pool play.

Tomlinson also pitched 4.1 innings in relief for Team Northwest, yielding just two hits.  He fired strikes at 80-85 mph, peaking at 87. Tomlinson also worked in a mid-70s change-up. Teammate Ian Hamilton (2013, Skyview HS, WA) started and pitched 2.2 innings, fanning three. He worked 83-86 mph, peaking at 88. Hamilton also flashed a few upper-60s curve balls with 1/7 break.

Nate Mondou (2013, Charles Wright Academy HS, WA) and Logan Ice (2013, Rogers HS, WA) each went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI for Team Northwest. Mondou displayed a quick bat, an aggressive plate approach and power to all fields. 

Travis Demeritte (2013, Winder Barrow HS, GA) led the Braves' offensive attack, going 3-for-3 with a walk, two doubles, a run and two RBI. He showed good bat speed and a fluid stroke with power potential. Teammate Forrest Bramlett (2013, Winder Barrow HS, GA) went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI. He made hard, consistent contact and showed the ability to hit to all fields.

Tyler Haswell (2013, Peachtree Ridge HS, GA) struck out five in as many innings for the Braves. His heater was 85-88 mph from a balanced delivery. Haswell also featured a low-70s curve with late, 1/7 break and an upper-70s change-up with armside run.

7/27/2012 8:01:37 PM

PG All-American Kacy Clemens has been playing first base all tournament and has hit very well for the Houston Banditos.  But naturally there was plenty of interest in seeing him on the mound as well.

Clemens threw 1 1/3 innings in tonight's final pool play game and looked very good.  One can see some similarities with his delivery mechanics with his father's, with a bit taller delivery and higher release point.  He worked downhill very well and commanded all three pitches while repeating his delivery and release point.  Clemens fastball topped out at 91 mph and was consistently in the 89-90 mph area.  He picked up two strikeouts with big breaking 75 mph curveballs that had nice spin and threw a couple of 76 mph change ups that had lots of late fade but with a slower arm action.  He's a prospect that pro scouts are definitely going to need to see on the mound next spring.

7/27/2012 4:46:35 PM

Wanted to give a shout out to our Perfect Game field scouts for this event.  They are the ones who make sure the field is set up, interact with the college coaches and scouts, work with the umpires and team coaches and often get to know the parents pretty well, too.  Oh, and they also take all the scout notes and score the game on Gamechanger so the folks back home can follow along as well. 

The four scouts that have been doing it out in the 105+ degree heat for every game at the PG 17U World Series are the best that PG puts out there:  Ben Collman, Kenny Gardner, Todd Gold and Jason Piddington.

Great work, guys.

7/27/2012 4:35:23 PM

The Arizona Elite got off to a hot start with five runs in the first inning and followed it up with three more in the fifth and four more in the 7th. The Elite went on to defeat the Evoshield Canes 12-5 and recorded their third win of the tournament.

Brantley Bell (2013, Mountain Pointe HS, Phoenix, AZ) went 2-4 at the plate for Arizona and scored twice as well.  Bell doubled once and racked up 3 RBI in the win. Riley Unroe (2013, Desert Ridge HS, Mesa, AZ) & Antonio Diggs (2013, Millennium HS, Goodyear, AZ) each had two hits as well for the Elite. Unroe was perfect at the plate and also crossed home plate two times. He was disruptive on the base paths in stealing four bases in the game. Diggs showed excellent bat speed with a live bat and finished with one run driven in. Jose Moore (2013, Gilbert HS, Gilbert, AZ) also had excellent bat speed and put on display some power potential as he doubled and drove in two runs. 

Cody Erickson (2013, Desert Mountain HS, Queen Creek, AZ) started on the mound and was credited with the win. Erickson showed control on both sides of the plate, kept hitters off balance with a deceptive delivery, and had sound mechaincs. His fastball topped out at 87mph and he fanned three during his five innings of duty. Alejandro Robles (2013, Tucson HS, Tucson, AZ) pitched two innings of relief for Arizona. Robles allowed one run on two hits while striking out two as well. The SS/RHP knew how to pitch as he set up hitters, changed speeds, and showed solid arm action. His fastball was explosive and ranged between 84-87mph.

AJ Puk (2013, Washington HS, Cedar Rapids, IA), who has verbally committed to play baseball at the University of Florida, batted 3-4 with a double and 1 RBI for Evoshield. Justin Bellinger (2014, St. Sebastian's HS, Weston, MA) & Robbie Thorburn (2013, Cardinal Gibbons HS, Raleigh, NC) both racked up two hits for the Canes. Thorburn, a UNC-Wilmington commit, tripled and drove in one run while also scoring one himself.

Jordan Gore (2013, Conway HS, Conway, SC) pitched the final 2/3 inning for the Canes. Gore, a South Carolina commitment, gave up just one hit in the process. He had a short arm action and threw 86-87mph on his fastball. Jesse Roth (2013, Horace Mann HS, Oradell, NJ), who is committed to Virginia, started on the mound and was throwing 86-90mph on his fastball. Roth had a slow start and was replaced during the 1st inning, but his arm worked well and he flashed CH potential. Zach Rice (2013, Nansemound River HS, Suffolk, VA) also pitched in the game for Evoshield. Rice, a North Carolina commit, kept hitters off balance and topped out at 88mph on his fastball. Matt Smith (2013, Jamestown HS, Williamsburg, VA) was a fourth pitcher in the loss. Smith touched 85mph on his fastball and struck out six. 

 

7/27/2012 4:04:12 PM

Greg Minier (2013, Channel Islands, CA) pitched five innings and struck out four in ABD Bulldogs 9-1 win over Dallas Patriots.  He allowed just three hits and walked five. His fastball touched 85 mph. Elliott Barzilli (2013, Palisades Charter, CA) led the offense with a home run and two RBI's.  Codi Santana (2013, ST. Bonaventure, CA) pitched in with two hits and three RBI's.  Jonah Arenado (2013, El Toro, CA)) went a perfect 3 for 3 with two doubles and two RBI's.  

Justin Sanchez (2013, Corpus Christi King, TX) went 2 for 2 for the Patriots. Trent Armstrong (2013, Waxahachie, TX) pitched three innings and struck out three. He allowed five hits and walked three.

7/27/2012 4:00:17 PM

Five runs headlined the first inning between the San Diego Show and Marucci Elite, but it was the Show who grabbed a 7-2 lead heading into the bottom of the 5th inning. Marucci didn't go away as they answered with five runs of their own between the next two innings and this hard-fought match-up ended in a 7-7 draw. 

Hayden Grant (2013, Cathedral Catholic HS, Solana Beach, CA) & Andrew Wright (2013, Cathedral Catholic HS, San Diego, CA) each recorded two hits for the Show. Grant doubled and crossed home plate twice.  Wright finished with 1 RBI and one run scored in the tie ballgame. 

Anthony Balderas (2013, La Costa Canyon HS, Carlsbad, CA) batted 1-3 with a double and 1 RBI for San Diego. He also touched home two times. Balderas also pitched the final inning of relief and gave up two hits, no runs, and struck out two. The San Diego State commitment flashed curveball potential and threw an 80-84mph FB.

Anfernee Grier (2013, Russell county HS, Phoenix City, AL) blasted a 2-run HR in the bottom of the 1st inning for Marucci. The Auburn commit finished the game 2-3 and proved to have raw power with excellent bat speed at the plate. Justin Williams (2013, Terrebonne HS, Houma, LA), ranked 3rd in the class of 2013, batted a perfect 3-3 with a double, 2 RBI, and two runs scored. Williams, a verbal commit to Louisiana State, showcased excellent bat speed as well with lighttower power. Jeff Carter Jr. also racked up three hits in the game. He scored one run and had a quick bat with a linedrive swing plane at the plate. 

Joel Kuhnel tossed two scoreless innings for Marucci Elite. Kuhnel also allowed no hits and reached 85mph on his fastball. 

7/27/2012 3:54:36 PM

South Florida Elite Squad pounded out 10 hits and score 14 runs in their 14-6 win over Baseball U.  Danny Pardo (2013, West Broward, FL) led the offense with two hits including a double and an RBI.  CJ Chatham (2013, American Heritage, FL) had a solo home run in the win.  Benito Santiago (2014, Flanagan, FL) went 2 for 3 with an RBI and two doubles. Zack Collins (2013, American Heritage, FL) joined in on the action with a double and three RBI's. Steven Goldberg (2013, Pine Crest, FL) pitched 3 1/3 innings.  He struck out two and allowed only three hits.

Neil Kozikowski (2013, Avon Old Farms, CT) pitched four innings for Baseball U.  He struck out four and allowed five walks. His fastball was between 84-87 mph and topped out at 88. Tyler Kirkpatrick (2013, Methacton, PA) led offense with two hits including a triple and an RBI.  Kyle Simmons (2013, McDonogh, MD) pitched in with a single and two RBI's.

7/27/2012 3:35:28 PM

The Indiana Prospects started off strong with five runs in the first two innings, but it was Team Northwest could clawed back and tied it 5-5 after five innings.  The score would remain the same and the game ended in a draw as neither team could quite pull out the victory.  Team Northwest however clinched their birth into the semifinal round with the tie.

Garrett Anderson (2013, Emerald Ridge HS, Puyallup, WA) was perfect at the plate for Northwest. The University of Washington commit batted 3-3 and also drove in one run. Anderson has an athletic, projectable frame and showed a quick bat with a fluid stroke. In the infield, he displayed solid defensive tools, read the hop well, and proved he could throw from all angles. Nate Mondou (2013, Charles Wright Academy, Lake Tapps, WA) showed off an impact type bat as he tripled in the top of the 5th inning. Mondou had good plate coverage and a balanced swing with good bat speed.  He also scored one run in the tie. 

Kyle Rossman (2013, Emerald Ridge HS, Puyallup, WA) had a solid game at the plate and on the mound for Team Northwest. Rossman finished 1-2 with 2 RBI. The 6'2" 200 pound right-hander tossed the final four innings and surrendered just one hit, no runs, and fanned five. His delivery was smooth and deceptive and he showcased solid arm action with a fastball topping out at 85mph. 

For the Prospects, Joe Dudek (2013, Christian Brothers Academy, Wall Township, NJ) & Zac Ryan (2013, Andrean HS, Valparaiso, IN), both ACC commits, finished with 1 RBI and 1 run scored each. Dudek, who has verbally committed to the University of North Carolina, stayed inside the ball well, displayed excellent bat speed, and had raw power at the plate. Ryan, verbally committed to Georgia Tech, had a projectable frame with room to fill. He was good in the infield with a loose, easy arm action and good arm strength. 

Nick Kanavas (2013, Brookfield East HS, Brookfield, WI) doubled and drove in one run for Indiana. Kanavas had a fluid stroke with leverage in his swing and showed raw power with good bat speed. He also pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief. The right-hander also did not allow a hit and struck out two. He had good hip rotation and a good FB off the mound. His fastball ranged between 85-87mph and touched 88mph. 

7/27/2012 3:30:23 PM

NorCal Baseball didn't get on the board until the 4th inning of their game against Mountain West '13, but when they did they scored 4 runs, and totaled back-to-back 3 run innings after that. NorCal took the game 10-4.

San Diego commit, 2013 Ryan Kirby (Livermore, CA, Granada HS) went 2-3 with 4 RBI's, including a 3-run home run for NorCal. 2013 Willie Lamont Calhoun (Benicia, CA, Benicia HS) went 2-3 with an RBI and 2 doubles and 2013 Brett Binning (Danville, CA, Monte Vista HS) went 2-2 with an RBI as well. Calhoun showed a quick bat, good bat speed, aggressive hitting, gap to gap hitting with some pop and hits to all fields. Binning showed a fluid stroke, good plate coverage, good bat speed, a confident approach and is a linedrive contact hitter. 

UCLA commit, 2013 Steven Farinaro (Hayward, CA, Head-Royce HS) threw 5 1/3 innings for NorCal, recording 8 strikeouts and peaking his fastball at 90mph. Farinaro is a gamer with a good makeup. He's athletic with a large, projectable frame and showed a quick arm, short arm action, smooth delivery, and a good FB. He throws strikes, competes on the mound, changes speeds, works fast and attacks hitters. 

2013 Michael Strem (Burlingame, CA, St. Francis HS) pitched the other 1 2/3 innings for NorCal, allowing 2 hits and no runs with 1 strikeout. His fastball peaked at 86mph. Strem showed short arm action, competed on the mound, changed speeds and showed smooth delivery. 


 

7/27/2012 3:14:25 PM

East Cobb Braves scored 7 runs in the 3rd inning en route to a big 14-6 victory over Tri-State Arsenal. The Braves improved to 6-0 in the tournament with the win.

University of South Carolina commit, 2013 Travis Demeritte (Statham, GA, Winder Barrow HS) went 2-4 with an RBI and 2 doubles for the Braves. Demeritte showed excellent bat speed, a linedrive swing plane, a power approach at the plate, a live bat and gap power. University of Tennessee commit, 2013 Nathaniel Maggio (Alpharetta, GA, Blessed Trinity Catholic HS) went 2-2 with 2 RBI's as well.

Clemson commit, 2013 Eli White (Easley, SC, Wren HS) went 2-3 with 3 RBI's and 2013 Forrest Bramlett (Ellijay, GA, Gilmer County HS) went 1-3 with 2 RBI's as well for the Braves. 

Ohio commit, 2012 John Adryan (Delran, NJ) went 2-3 with 2 RBI's for Arsenal. Adryan showed excellent bat speed, a short, compact swing, a live bat, and is a linedrive contact hitter. 

7/27/2012 11:00:05 AM

Team Northwest's come from behind 5-5 tie with the Indiana Prospects gives them a 4-1-1 record with one game to play and sets the two Pool A teams for the playoffs tomorrow.  The East Cobb Braves have a perfect 6-0 record after a 14-6 win over the Tri-State Arsenal this morning.  All the other teams in Pool A have at least three loses, so the result of the Braves/Team Northwest final game this evening will be anti-climatic.

The situation in Pool B is exactly the opposite.  All eight teams literally have a chance to reach the playoffs with two games remaining.  The South Florida Elite, with a 4-1 record, and the ABD Bulldogs, with a 3-1-1 mark, are in position to determine their own destiny.

7/27/2012 10:30:36 AM

Houston Banditos came out swinging the 2nd inning to score 8 runs in the 2nd inning and shut out SGV Arsenal 12-0, something we rind rare here at the PG World Series.

Texas A&M commit, 2013 Nicholas Banks (Tomball, TX, Tomball HS) definitely stole the show on the mound and up to bat for the Banditos. He threw for all 4 innings, allowing 3 hits and no runs with 4 strikeouts. His fastball peaked at 89mph. Banks is athletic with a large frame and showed long arm action, a quick arm, and a good FB. He was around the plate with all pitches, threw strikes, and stayed tall on the backside. While batting, he went 1-2 with 4 RBI's and a triple. Banks showed a fluid stroke, excellent bat speed, leverage in his swing, raw power and a live bat. 

TCU commit, 2013 Walker Pennington (Houston, TX, Memorial HS) went 1-3 with 2 RBI's and a double for the Banditos. Pennington showed a fluid stroke, good bat speed, power potential, and a live bat. 2013 Robie Rojas (Houston, TX, Jersey Village HS) went 1-1 with an RBI and 2013 Tres Barrera (McAllen, TX, Sharyland HS), a University of Texas commit, went 1-2 with an RBI as well.  

7/27/2012 9:13:17 AM

--  Marucci Elite RHP Andy Honiotes, a Miami commit from Geneva, Illinois, was extremely impressive last night against an ABD Bulldogs team that has been playing very well.  The 6-3/175 right hander pitched in the upper 80's, touching 90 mph, with very good life and downhill angle.  He has an ability to throw both a curveball and slider, a rare trait on a teenage pitcher, and his 80 mph slider was downright nasty at times.  After Honiotes stuck out an ABD left handed hitter with a nasty slider under the hands and showed some anger at himself, Marucci assistant coach Terry Shumpert walked past the backstop and commented "I couldn't hit that pitch in the big leagues and neither could most big league hitters, the kid shouldn't be angry at himself."

--  Evoshield Canes RHP Zach Littel is a 6-4 righty from North Carolina who pitches at 86-88 mph from a drop and drive delivery style and gets outstanding late boring action on his fastball.  The first two San Diego Show hitters last night ended up with the barrels of their bats shattered and out in the middle of the infield, something that is probably pretty common for Littel, who doesn't have a college commitment yet.

--  South Florida Elite SS Luis Guillorme is listed at a generous 5-11/165 but he sure can play.  He is one of the better pure shortstops in the 2013 class with a knack for making the spectacular play and he shows some gap power you wouldn't expect from looking at him and squares the ball up consistently.

-- Arizona Elite 1B/LHP Cody Bellinger, the son of former ML infielder Clay Bellinger, is one of the most projectable hitters in the country and has the speed and athletic ability to move to the outfield, perhaps even centerfield, at the next level.  But he was really impressive on the mound last night, topping out at 88 with a good curveball and even posting a rare 9 pitch, 3 strikeout inning against Baseball U.

--  I've been trying to get a read on 2015 ABD catcher Chris Betts all week but every time I catch an at bat while wandering fields he walks or is hit by a pitch.  He finally got to swing the bat yesterday and whacked a clean single to centerfield against Andy Honiotes after getting ahead in the count 2-0.  He's big and strong for a 2015 with plus raw arm strength.  He compares with 2013 PG All-American Jeremy Martinez, except Betts is a left handed hitter with a grade better present arm strength.

-- Evoshield Canes LHP Zach Rice is definitely an arm to watch.  He threw in the upper 80's last night and the ball leaves his hand very easily.  At 6-3/175 he's very projectable.

--  Cathederal Catholic HS in San Diego might have the best pitching staff in the country spring.  I've seen 90 mph RHP Alex Schickk (see earlier blog) earlier in the week and saw upper 80's 6-4 left Andrew Wright last night for the San Diego Show.  They are Cathederal's 4th and 5th pitchers after PG All-American LHP Stephen Gonzalves, 90+ RHP Michael Martin and top 2014 prospect Brady Aiken.  That's awfully impressive.

7/27/2012 6:54:29 AM

I wrote a very sophomoric blog earlier about the citizens of Peoria and Glendale based on some license plates I saw while driving between the hotel and the Complex.  I need to retract that a bit.  Yesterday I spotted the following plates on the drive during the afternoon break:  "SEXYIST", "BIGGOLF" and "JOG".   All were on late model expensive sports cars as well.  So there are some hip and cool people up in this corner of The Valley as well.  Still wondering about "JUSTAVG" and her Ford Fusion, though.....

7/27/2012 6:49:34 AM

East Cobb Braves RHP and PG All American RHP Clinton Hollon threw 5 very effective innings yesterday in a win over the previously undefeated Team Northwest.  He was a little shaky at the beginning, working out of a bases loaded no out jam in the first inning, but settled down and only threw 55 pitches in those 5 innings.

Hollon's fastball was steady at 92-94 mph, with lots of 94's.  He had very good boring life on his fastball when he worked it to the bottom half of the strike zone and will break plenty of bats when he learns to power the ball downhill and inside to right handed hitters more often.  He threw a power curveball in the 75-78 mph range that was very good at times and hung up in the zone at others, probably about a 60/40 split.  He also threw a couple of 85 mph change ups with very good late life that is a very promising pitch.  All in all he showed a maturity on the mound that was very impressive and was worthy of his ranking of the top right handed pitching prospect in the country.

I asked a American League cross checker after the game who he liked better, Hollon or Kohl Stewart, as he had seen Stewart, also for the first time, the previous day.  He went with Stewart by the slimmest of margins, noting that the 6-3/200 Stewart (who was also 92-94 with a slider that graded out pretty much the same as Hollon's curveball) had the more projectable body and the ball left his hand a bit easier.  I went with Hollon by the same slim margin, giving him the edge based on his dramatically improved pitchability over the last year and the better life on his fastball and change up (although this put Hollon at the advantage of having my having seen Hollon pitch 4-5 times previously but not Stewart).

So it was a toss up.  Both young men have outstanding arms and big futures and are very deserving of their PG rankings and All-American status.


DR

7/27/2012 6:36:02 AM

There was a surprise visitor to the tower yesterday afternoon that provided a very pleasant moment.   2012 PG All-American outfielder Josh Henderson stopped by while catching an Evoshield Canes game (his former team) to express his thanks for everything that Perfect Game had done for him over the past year.  Henderson, a Virginia native, signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers at the signing deadline after being their 16th round draft pick this June and had just got out to Arizona the previous week.  He said the first game he dressed out for was against the Oakland A's and he got to hook up with fellow All-Americans SS Addison Russell and 3B Daniel Robertson after the game.  Henderson also went out of his way to thank the school he had signed with, Liberty, and their staff led by head coach Jim Toman, saying playing pro baseball was his life long dream but he would have loved to have gone to school and played ball at Liberty as well.  Henderson is an extremely well spoken and gracious young man and he has big fans who will follow his pro career closely in the Perfect Game staff.

7/27/2012 12:48:15 AM

The South Florida Elite Squad won 4-1 against the Dallas Patriots using both solid hitting and pitching. The South Florida Elite Squad improved to 4-1 in the Perfect Game 17u World Series, while the Dallas Patriots fell to 2-3.

Luis Guillorme (2013, Hollywood Chaminade, Miami, FL) led the way for the South Florida Elite Squad on offense, going 2-3 at the plate. Guillorme tripled, doubled, drove in a run, and scored a run. He used a slightly open, crouched stance to help him be a spray hitter that goes with the pitch.

In addition, Miami commit William Abreu (2013, Mater Academy, Hialeah, FL) and Louisiana State commit Danny Zardon (2013, American Heritage, Pembroke Pines, FL) each played well offensively. Abreu went 2-2 and Zardon went 1-3 at the plate. Abreu also drove in a run and stole a base and used a slightly open stance while batting. He also threw 0.1 inning on the mound and picked up the save while throwing an 80-82 mph fastball. Zardon also scored twice and his tournament batting average is now .400.

Michael White (2013, University School of NSU, Pembroke Pines, FL) pitched five solid innings for the South Florida Elite Squad. White struck out two batters and did not give up a single run while on the mound. White threw a 1/7 curveball and also had a good straight changeup. He also threw a fastball that ranged from 79-83 and peaked at 84 mph.

Trent Armstrong (2013, Waxahachie, Waxahachie, TX) went 2-2 to lead the Dallas Patriots on offense. Armstrong was the only player for the Dallas Patriots to have a multi-hit game. He raised his tournament batting average to .625.

7/26/2012 11:05:57 PM

The ABD Bulldogs scored a run in the top of the seventh to tie 1-1 with Marucci Elite in the Perfect Game 17u World Series. The ABD Bulldogs record is now 3-1-1 for the tournament, while Marucci Elite's record is now 2-2-1.

Bailey Falter (2015, Chino Hills, Chino Hills, CA) pitched 5.1 solid innings on the mound for the ABD Bulldogs. Falter struck out five batters and did not allow a single earned run. The crafty lefty throws easy with loose arm action and a good follow through. He is around the plate with all his pitches and he throws a fastball that ranges from 78-80 and peaks at 81 mph.

San Diego commit Derek Rustich (2013, Grossmont, El Cajon, CA) and Chris Betts (2015, LB Wilson, Long Beach, CA) each had solid days at the plate for the ABD Bulldogs. Rustich went 1-2 and Betts went 1-3, giving the ABD Bulldogs their only hits on the day. Betts' batting average for the tournament is now at .500.

Miami commit Andy Honiotes (2013, Geneva Community, Geneva, IL) pitched 5.2 strong innings for Marucci Elite. Honiotes struck out three hitters and only allowed one hit without allowing a run. He has a loose, solid arm action and is able to pitch downhill. Because of this, he is able to set up hitters and keep them off balance with his good curveball and his plus slider. Honiotes is a polished pitcher and has dominant, projectable stuff. His fastball can be used as an out pitch and ranges from 85-91 mph.

Henry Hernandez (2013, Gulliver Prep, Miami, FL) and Lucas Jacobbi () each had good days at the plate. Hernandez went 1-2 with a triple. He has a fluid stroke, short, compact, and balanced swing, and good bat speed, which resulted in good bat speed. In addition, Jacobbi went 1-3 and also was able to score a run.

7/26/2012 10:44:43 PM

Perfect Game All-American and Florida commit AJ Puk (2013, Washington HS, IA) lead the way at the plate in the Evoshield Canes 8-4 victory over the San Diego Show Thursday night. Puk showed good plate coverage and power potential going 2-2 with a double, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored. UNC-Wilmington commit Robbie Thorburn (2013, Cardinal Gibbons HS, NC) was aggressive at the plate going 2-3 with 2 runs scored and a stolen base. 

On the mound for the Canes uncommitted starter Zack Littell (2013, Eastern Alamance HS, NC) worked 4.2 innings striking out 3 while featuring a good fastball that topped out at 88 mph. North Carolina commit Zach Rice (2013, Nansemond River HS, VA) came in to work the last inning while striking out 2. Rice worked mostly with a fastball that topped out at 89 mph. 

For the Show AJ Gerick (2013, St. Augustine HS, CA) went 2-2 at the plat with a walk. Show starter Andrew Wright (2013, Cathedral Catholic HS, CA) pitched 5 innings striking out 4 while featuring a sinking fastball that topped out at 88 mph. 

7/26/2012 10:16:36 PM

Cody Bellinger (2013, Hamilton, AZ) pitched five innings and struck out eight in Arizona Elite's 11-0 win over Baseball U. He allowed just three hits and walked only one batter.  His pitches were around the strike zone 68% of the time. His fastball was between 85-87 mph and topped out at 88. Brantley Bell (2013, Mountain Pointe, AZ) led Arizona's offense with a single and two RBI's.  He also came around to score twice.  Kyle Pechloff (2013, Hamilton, AZ) went 1 for 1 with two RBI's. Trey Stine (2013, Ironwood Ridge) joined in on the action with a single and came around to score once.

Robert Calabrese (2014, Poly Prep, NY) had a single in the loss.

7/26/2012 8:26:18 PM

As the 17U Perfect Game World Series presses on, Mountain West '13 and the Indiana Prospects have finished in 5-5 tie.

For Mountain West, standout Pitcher Tyler Buffett (2013, Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque, NM) threw six innings and struck out five en route to a no decision. Buffett, the Oklahoma State commit, showed an array of pitches, throwing a fastball that got up to 90 MPH (85-89 consistently), a tight slider in the high 70's, as well as a nice change-up with good movement that sat in the upper 70's as well. Buffett was relieved by Scotland Church (2013, Lubbock-Cooper, Lubbock, TX) who came in to pitch the last frame. The athletic Church was able to get his fastball up to 87 MPH and had good armside run on that pitch.

Church contributed offensively as well. Though he was held hitless, he was able to get on base and score two runs and drive in a run himself. Tyler Thorne (2013, Coronado, Lubbock, TX), the Stanford commit, had a pair of hits on the day for Mountain West, finishing 2-3. Both Jake Druce (2013, Bingham, South Jordan, UT) and Ryan Moseley (2013, Lubbock-Cooper, Lubbock, TX), a Texas Tech commit, had a RBI to add for Mountain West.

Christian Bokich (2013, Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, IL) started on the bump for the Indiana Pospects struck out 10 hitters over his 5 1/3 innings. Bokich had his fastball up to 89 MPH while sitting between 84-88 MPH. He displayed a craftiness in the way pitched, setting up hitters and finishing them off himself. He gave way to Kasey Ralston (2012, Chaska, MN), an Indiana commit, who came in for the final five outs. The athletic build of Ralston stood out as he fanned two of his five outs recorded with his fastball that ranged from 87-89 MPH.

Nick Gobert (2013, Jasper, Jasper, IN) had a 2-3 day at the plate which included a RBI. Eric Garza (2013, San Antonio Reagan, San Antonio, TX), a TCU commit, and Cody Hobbs (2013, James Island Charter, Charleston, SC) each contributed with a RBI and a hit as well for the Prospects.

7/26/2012 8:24:56 PM

NorCal Baseball scored 6 runs in the 2nd inning to break open a big lead over the Houston Banditos. They added 2 more in the 4th and 4 in the 6th on their way to defeating the Banditos 12-3.

Willie Lamont Calhoun (2013, Benicia, Benicia, CA) was 1-4 with a double, 3 RBI's, and 1 run scored for NorCal Baseball. He is an opposite field hitter with a quick bat and a line drive swing plane. Michael Tinsley (2013, Junipero Serra, Menlo Park, CA) was 2-3 with 2 RBI's, 1 run scored, and 1 walk. He drives the ball with regular contact and hits to all fields. Tinsley has solid defensive tools behind the plate and he gets in good position to throw the ball. Aaron Knapp (2012, Granite Bay, Granite Bay, CA) was 1-3 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 walk. Michael Strem (2013, St. Francis, Burlingame, CA) was 1-3 with a double, 2 RBI's, and 1 run scored. Strem has good fielding actions and has an accurate arm. Brett Binning (2013, Monte Vista, Danville, CA) was 1-3 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored. Jack Klein (2013, St. Ignatius College Prep, San Francisco, CA) was 1-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. Klein has good extension and power potential.

Orlando Razo (2013, Serra, San Mateo, CA) was the winning pitcher for NorCal. He pitched 6 innings and struck out 7 batters. He was around the plate with all of his pitches and showed control on both sides of the plate. He has a deceptive delivery with solid arm action. Razo can sink his fastball that ranged from 81-86 mph and topped out at 88 mph. He keeps hitters off balance with an upper-60's curveball and a low-70's changeup.

Walker Pennington (2013, Memorial, Houston, TX) was 2-3 with a double and 2 RBI's for the Houston Banditos. Darryn Sheppard (2013, Dulles, Sugar Land, TX) was 2-2 with 1 run scored.  Thaddius Lowry (2013, Spring, Spring, TX) was 1-1 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. Dylan Ebbs (2013, Santa Fe, Santa Fe, TX) was 2-2 with a double and 1 run scored.

Tres Barrera (2013, Sharyland, McAllen, TX) was 1-2. Barrera also pitched 2 innings and struck out 2 batters. He has a deceptive delivery with solid arm action. His fastball ranged from 86-90 mph. He also threw an upper-70's slider and low-70's curveball.

Jake Jarvis (2014, Klein Collins, Spring, TX) pitched 1.1 inning and struck out 1 batter. He has an online delivery with projectable stuff. His fastball ranged from 87-90 mph. He kept hitters off balance with a low-70's curveball.

Braeden Holub (2014, Tomball, Tomball, TX) pitched 2.1 innings of relief and threw 62.5% of his pitches for strikes. He has a balanced delivery and stays tall on his backside. His fastball ranged from 84-88 mph. He changed speeds using a low-70's curveball and a mid-70's changeup.

7/26/2012 8:19:08 PM

Uncommitted, national ranked prospect Nate Mondou (2013, Charles Wright Academy, WA) lead Team Northwest at the plate in there 5-3 victory over the Tri-State Arsenal Thursday at the Peoria Sports Complex. Mondou used a short, compact swing and good bat speed to go 2-3 with 2 singles and 2 RBIs. Young catcher Brandon Illies (2015, Puyallup HS, WA) showed lots of tools going 1-2 with 2 RBIs and a run scored. Illies has a large, athletic frame and showed solid defensive tools, and power potential at the plate. 

Gabe Padukiewicz (2013, Olympia HS, WA) came in relief to earn the win for the Northwest. Padukiewicz worked mostly with a fastball that sat 83-85 throughout his outing. 

For the Arsenal leadoff hitter Spencer Bayless (2013, Centennial HS, AZ) went 2-3 with 2 singles, 2 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases. Richard Slenker (2013, Fox Lane HS, NY) went 1-3 with a double and 2 RBIs. Zachary Gallen (2013, Bishop Eustance Prep, NJ) started and went the first 4.2 innings working with a fastball that sat 85-88 topping out at 90 mph.    

7/26/2012 7:52:15 PM

The East Cobb Braves got an early 3-run lead on SGV Arsenal leading to their 5-2 win. Chad Mabini (2012, St. Pius HS, GA) was on at the plate going 2 for 2 with a triple, scored 1 run, and got 1 RBI. Michael Chavis (2014, Sprayberry HS, GA) hit a line drive triple to center field, scored 1 run, and got 1 RBI. Josh Hart (2013, Parkview HS, GA) got  a hit scored 1 run and had 1 RBI. 

Top Prospect and Kentucky commit Clinton Hollon (2013, Woodford County HS, KY) pitched 4 innings showing off his aggressive fastball that averages 92mph and hit 94mph. Hollon showed good depth on his curve ball that averaged in the upper 70's.

7/26/2012 4:48:24 PM

I have already seen PG All-American RF Justin Williams (PG's #3 ranked player in the country) play on 12 different days this year.  I'm not sure if he's on the East Coast Pro and Area Code Games rosters but I think he is.  I'll also of course see him play for two days out in San Diego at the PG All-American Classic.  And I'll probably see him play in Jupiter as well, which will put him well over the 20 day mark.  It's fair to say that not only do I know Justin Williams pretty well as a player already, but that I'll know him really, really well in a few more months.

So I wanted to do a little scout talk for those who might not see Justin play nearly as much.

First things first, for a player that has not had as many repetitions as most of his peers, he is an outstanding fundamental player.  He has opened my eyes repeatedly with how accurate his throws are from right field and he is already a plus baserunner with 6.7 speed.  He is a high motor player who busts it out of the batter's box and has turned a number of probable singles into doubles with his hustle.

Secondly, he can hit the ball as far as anyone in the 2013 class in batting practice.  The ball he hit 6-8 rows deep into the upper deck in the Metrodome was impressive, as was the BP home run over the centerfield batting eye at the Tournament of Stars in Cary, North Carolina.  As scouts say, once you've seen it, you know it's there.

But this is the most important thing to remember if you are watching Williams play in games this summer.  It's very unlikely that you will see him launch some monster bomb to right field or knock one off the hitter's eye in centerfield.  He's not capable of that yet against quality pitching and by watching him over and over, one senses that he's very aware of that.  He probably sees more curveballs than any player in the country right now (he reputation precedes him) and while he'll look bad on breaking balls occasionally, I've also seen him get at least a half dozen hits on curveballs this summer, mostly line drives to left centerfield.  He's had a couple of at bats where he's been fooled badly by curveballs and then lined hits off upper 80's/low 90's fastballs on the next pitch.  He has that rare ability to forget bad swings within seconds and bring a good swing and approach back on the next pitch.  Whenever I've seen him get pull happy, which is rare, the result has been a long and stiff swing and no result except one more strike.

How to hit for power is often the last skill that hitters learn.  If you watch Williams hit and games and don't see it, don't be disappointed.  It's there.  Be patient.  Appreciate what you are seeing now.

DR

7/26/2012 4:27:59 PM

I'm going to write something about David Denson for a couple of reasons.  The first thing that comes to mind is during the National Showcase when I was broadcasting the Showcase games on the iHigh.com network we received a number of very gracious and enthusiastic emails from the extended Denson Family, who were obviously enjoying the chance to see David play at the Metrodome in this biggest of showcases.

The second thing is that Denson is really having a great tournament.  He went 2-2 with 2 walks, a triple, a big home run that tied the game up and 5 total Rbi's in ABD's 10-7 win over the San Diego Show.  He was the winning pitcher and had a big triple in ABD's first game as well, as ABD is now 3-1 and definitely in the middle of playoff hunt.

Denson also played in the PG Evoshield National Championship (Underclass) at Peoria last fall and crushed the ball at that event, including one bomb to right centerfield that I remember getting out of the park in a hurry.  He seems to really like this complex....maybe he'll get to play here as a member of the Mariners or Padres one day!

And talking about ABD wouldn't seem right without mentioning SS Elliott Barzilli.  Barzilli is one of those players who is going to be right on the cusp of being a professional draft pick out of high school or being a great college player (he's committed to Georgia Tech, an unusual decision for a SoCal player).  He isn't especially toolsy in his run/throw/strength areas, which scouts love to see, but he's such a good ball player that you know he's going to be successful right away regardless of whether that is the ACC or the lower minor leagues.

And once you perform in the minor leagues at a young age, all bets on tools are off.

DR

7/26/2012 4:15:57 PM

There was a bunch of very good pitching on display during the first two rounds of games Thursday morning and I was able to get at least a short look at most of it.  The pitcher I was most impressed with was Evoshield Canes RHP Aaron McGarity from Richmond, Virginia.  McGarity went 5 2/3 innings as the Canes starter in their win over the Dallas Patriots.

I had seen McGarity pitch at the Perfect Game National Showcase about 5-6 weeks ago and gave him a 9.5 on that report.  If I had to re-grade him based on what I saw today I would move that up to a 10.  There are two things that he did much better this outing.  He repeated his release point much better on all his pitches, which improved his consistency and command.  The second thing he did was he threw a different breaking ball and I like this one better.  His breaking ball in Minneapolis was a 73-75 mph curveball that had good spin but which he got under frequently.  Today he threw a 79-81 mph slider that had a power break and occasionally was big and deep as well.  It flashed plus potential and was an eye opener. 

The velocity was fine, 87-89, touch 91 with good life.  McGarity is 6-3/175 and he's going to get bigger and throw harder.  I'm not as worried about that right now as I am the delivery and ability to spin the ball and it's nice to see those improve on a young high ceiling pitcher.

DR

7/26/2012 2:38:31 PM

Marucci Elite's offense erupted en route to a 20-7 victory over Baseball U in the Perfect Game 17u World Series. Marucci Elite improved their record to 2-2 and Baseball U fell to 2-2. Marucci Elite used an eight-run third and a 10-run fourth to help take control of the game.

Henry Hernandez (2013, Gulliver Prep, Miami, FL) went a perfect 3-3 at the plate for Marucci Elite. Hernandez doubled twice, drove in four runs, and scored two runs. He raised his batting average to .400 for the tournament.

Auburn commit Anfernee Grier (2013, Russell County, Phoenix City, AL) and Louisiana State commit Justin Williams (2013, Terrebonne, Houma, LA) both had solid days at the plate. Grier displayed his lighttower power and his quick bat when he hit a two-run homer to left field, and drove in three total runs, and scored twice. He showed that he has the ability to hit to all fields and that the ball jumps off his bat. Williams also had a good day, going 1-2 with a double. He drove in two runs, stole a base, and scored twice. Williams has excellent bat speed and is able to drive the ball with regular contact.

Nicholas Shumpert (2015, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, CO) had a good day offensively as well for Marucci Elite. Shumpert went 2-4 with two RBIs, a stolen base, and four runs scored. He has a short, compact swing and uses loose, strong wrists with flick to get a quick bat. Shumpert also had solid defensive tools and made easy, fluid defensive actions.

Jack Morello (2013, Notre Dame, Los Angeles, CA) pitched an effective 1.2 innings for Marucci Elite. Morello struck out one batter and used his projectable frame to stay tall on his backside and get good hip rotation. He gets good extension out front and has a loose, long arm action and a good follow through, which helps him get good command of his change up. He also threw a fastball which ranged from 84-88 mph.

Tyler Kirkpatrick (2013, Methacton, Eagleville, PA) led the way offensively for Baseball U. Kirkpatrick went 1-2 with a double, drove in two runs and scored twice. He displayed his impact speed and showed that he can move well down the line.

Grant Lamberton (2013, Salesianum, Newark, DE) also contributed offensively for Baseball U. Lamberton went 1-2 and drove in a run and scored a run. He raised his tournament batting average to .364.

7/26/2012 2:20:55 PM

Starting pitcher Dean Pelman (2013, Nova, Weston, FL) went 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven, walking two and surrendering only one hit. Pelman displayed a strong mound presence by attacking hitters and commanding all pitches. He changed speeds well, ramping his fastball up to 90 MPH (sitting between 85-88 MPH for the majority of the game) and adding in both a curveball and change-up which he threw for strikes. Working fast and being aggressive with his fastball were key for the 2013 RHP today.

RHP CJ Chatham (2013, American Heritage, Fort Lauderdale, FL), a Florida Atlantic commit, came in relief to compete and get the final four outs, one via strikeout. With primary use of his hard fastball, he was able to get through his 1 1/3 innings unscathed. His fastball hovered between 86-88 MPH.

Offensively, South Florida Elite Squad had multiple contributors as eight players finished the game with at least one base hit. The athletic Brandon Diaz (2013, American Heritage, Coral Springs, FL), Florida International commit, went 2-2 on the day and drove in a run with a smooth stroke to all fields. Nick Longhi (2013, Venice, Venice, FL), future Louisiana State Tiger, showed good bat speed and power potential and finished the day 2-3 with a double. 

Both William Abreu (2013, Mater Academy, Hialeah, FL), a Miami Hurricane commit, and Derek Fritz (2013, American Heritage, Coral Springs, FL), Florida State commit, had a RBI each as well.

For Arizona Elite, Tyler Williams (2013, Kellis, Peoria, AZ) showed a quick bat and had the lone hit and run scored for AZ Elite. Williams was brought home by Jack Zoellner (2013, Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ). On the mound for Arizona Elite were two hard throwing RHP's: Graham Spraker (2013, Mountain View, Tucson, AZ) who threw 82-85, touching 87 MPH and Benjamin Rodriguez (2013, Desert Mountain, Scottsdale, AZ) who touched 87 as well, while ranging between 83-86 MPH

7/26/2012 1:55:00 PM

The EvoShield Canes took a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning against the Dallas Patriots. They scored at least 1 run in innings 4-7 and won with a final score of 6-1.

Aaron McGarity (2013, Mills Godwin, Richmond, VA) earned the win on the mound for the Canes. He pitched 5.2 innings and struck out 8 batters. He is around the plate with all of his pitches and he threw 67% of his pitches for strikes. His fastball ranged from 84-89 mph and topped out at 91 mph. He kept hitters off balance with a late breaking slider that was in the upper-70's. He also threw mid-70's 12/6 curveball and an upper-70's changeup.

Kevin Trader (2013, Delmar, Delmar, MD) pitched 1.1 innings of relief and struck out all 4 batters faced. He threw 70% of his pitches for strikes and showed an online delivery. He is aggressive with his fastball that ranged from 90-92 mph. He changed speeds using a 12/6 curveball that was in the low-70's.

A.J. Puk (2013, Washington, Cedar Rapids, IA) was 1-2 with a double and 1 RBI for the Canes. Brandon Lowe (2012, Nansemond River, Suffolk, VA) was 1-1 with 1 run scored. Jake Fraley (2013, Red Lion Christian, Middletown, DE) was 1-3 with 1 walk. Justin Bellinger (2014, St. Sebastian's, Weston, MA) was 1-2 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 walk. Andy McGuire (2013, James Madison, Oakton, VA) was 1-3 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, 1 walk, and 2 stolen bases. Jordan Gore (2013, Conway, Conway, SC) was 1-3.

Nicholas Ramos (2013, Plano East, Plano, TX) was 1-4 for the Patriots. Ramos is a sollid runner who moves well down the line. James Rudkin (2014, Plano East, Murphy, TX) was 1-3 with 1 run scored. Brock Taylor (2013, Sunnyvale, Sunnyvale, TX) was 1-2 with 1 walk. Taylor has a line drive swing plane with a live bat. Jared Thompson (2013, Mesquite Horn, Mesquite, TX) was 1-3. Trent Armstrong (2013, Waxahachie, Waxahachie, TX) was 1-3 with a double.

Alec Vice (2013, Rockwall, Rowlett, TX) pitched 4.1 innings and struck out 7 batters for the Patriots. He showed cut action on his fastball that ranged from 80-83 mph and topped out at 84 mph. He kept hitters off balance with a 12/6 curveball that was in the low-70's.

7/26/2012 1:37:38 PM

David Denson (2013, South Hills, CA) had a big day the plate in ABD Bulldog's 10-7 win over San Diego Show.  He went 2 for 2 with a home run and a triple.  He also got walked twice and had five RBI's.  Colvin pitched in with three hits including a double and an RBI.  Codi Santana (2013, St. Bonaventure, CA) joined in on the action with two hits and an RBI.  Chris Betts (2015, LB Wilson, CA) went 2 for 3 with an RBI.  Alex Homick (2014, Rancho Bernardo, CA) pitched three innings and struck out four.  He allowed three hits and walked three hitters.

Mario Perez (2013, Montgomery, CA) led San Diego's offense with three hits including a double and an RBI.  David Hensley (2014, Patick Henry, CA) had a single which scored two.  Andrew Wright (2013, Cathedral Catholic, CA) pitched in with two singles and came around to score once.

7/26/2012 11:25:53 AM

As the World Series presses on in Peoria, AZ the Tri-State Arsenal defeated the Indiana Prospects by a score of 3-0.

Starting Pitcher Manny Lopez led Tri-State Arsenal by hurling a complete game shutout. Pounding the strike zone, Lopez attacked hitters, striking out six and only walking one. Lopez scattered four hits over his seven innings pitched by keeping hitters off balance and changing speeds. The athletic right-hander sat in the low 80's with his fastball.

Offensively, the Arsenal was led by Willie Burger (2014, New Canaan HS, New Canaan, CT) who had a 1-3 day at the plate with triple and a RBI. He was helped by Malik Horton (2013, Xavier, New York, NY) who had a hit and a RBI. 

Richard Slenker (2013, Fox Lane, Pound Ridge, NY), John Adryan (2012, Ohio University), and Drew Fopeano (2013, Fox Lane, Pound Ridge, NY) all contributed with a hit as well.

For the Indiana Prospects, starting pitcher Adam Dressler (2013, Hinsdale Central, Clarendon Hills, IL) went 5 1/3 innings, showing good command and attacking hitters. He struck out three with his velocity running up to 88 MPH, while sitting 84-87. In relief, pitcher Nick Gobert (2013, Jasper, Jasper, IN) sat 82-84 MPH, touching 85 MPH. 

7/26/2012 11:16:48 AM

East Cobb Braves dominated Mountain West '13 11-0. Dalton Ewing (2014, Milton HS, GA)had a line drive double to left field, scored 1 run, and got 1 RBI. Tennessee commit Nathaniel Maggio (2013, Blessed Trinity Catholic HS, GA) hit a line drive double to right field and scored 2 run. Keenan Innis (2013, Blessed Trinity HS, GA) and Travis Demeritte (2013, Winder Barrow HS, GA) each had a hit, scored 1 run, and got 1 RBI. Chad Mabini (2012, St. Pius HS, GA) went 2 for 3 and had 2 RBI for the Braves. 

South Carolina commit Jackson Smith (2013, Hartselle HS, AL) pitched 5 innings with 8 strikeouts, allowed 1 hit, and 0 walks for the Braves. He packs an aggressive fastball that averaged 86mph and touched 88mph. Smith also showed that he has a late break on his slider that averaged in the upper 70's. 

7/26/2012 11:09:05 AM

San Diego State commit Erik Gonzalez (2013, Nogales HS, CA) went the distance for the SGV Arsenal in their 7-0 victory over NorCal Baseball. 

Gonzalez pitched all 7 innings allowing only 6 hits and 3 walks while striking out 8. Gonzalez was around the plate with all of his pitches working with a fastball that topped out at 87 mph, mixing in a late breaking slider that topped at 80 mph, and a changeup that topped at 75 mph. 

At the plate lead off hitter Edgar Morales (2013, Gahr HS, CA) went 1-2 with 2 RBIs, a run scored, and a walk. 

For NorCal Baseball Michael Tinsley (2013, Junipero Serra HS, CA) went 2-2 at the plate from the 2 hole. Cal commit Trevin Haseltine (2013, Will C Wood HS, CA) started and was aggressive with his explosive fastball that topped out at 90 mph. 

7/26/2012 11:02:39 AM

The Houston Banditos trailed 3-0 after 5 innings against Team Northwest. The Banditos rallied for 2 runs in both the 6th and 7th innings to take a 4-3 win over Team Northwest.

Walker Pennington (2013, Memorial, Houston, TX) was 1-3 with a Home Run, 2 RBI's, and 1 run scored for the Banditos. He has a sound hitting approach and makes very hard contact. Pennington stays inside the ball well, drives the ball with regular contact, and has raw power.

Stone Garrett (2014, George Ranch, Sugarland, TX) was 1-2 with a Home Run, 2 RBI's, and 1 run scored. Zane Gurwitz (2013, San Antonio Church, San Antonio, TX) was 1-3 with a double and 1 run scored. Gurwitz is a line drive contact hitter who has a quick bat and good plate coverage. Tres Barrera (2013, Sharyland, McAllen, TX) was 1-2.

Francisco Pena (2013, Klein Collins, Richmond, TX) earned the win on the mound for the Banditos. He pitched 6.1 innings and struck out 8 batters. He is around the plate with all of his pitches and effectively pitches inside. He has a balanced delivery with sound mechanics. His fastball ranged from 82-86 mph and topped out at 88 mph. He had good armside run on his mid-70's changeup. He also mixed in an upper-70's slider.

Bryce Welborn (2013, Northland Christian, The Woodlands, TX) pitched .2 innings of relief for the Banditos. He threw a fastball that ranged from 88-90 mph.

Cameron Frost (2013, Olympia, Tumwater, WA) was 2-4 with a solo Home Run for Team Northwest. Frost is an aggressive hitter who drives the ball with regular contact and has power potential. Garrett Anderson (2013, Emerald Ridge, Puyallup, WA) was 1-4 with 1 stolen base. Alyx Weymiller (2013, Penunsula, Gig Harbor, WA) was 2-2 with a double, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 walk. Weymiller has a balanced swing and hits to all fields.

Brendan Illies (2015, Puyallup, Edgewood, WA) pitched 7 innings and struck out 5 batters. He was around the plate with all of his pitches and threw 75.4% of his pitches for strikes. He attacks hitters with his fastball that ranged from 84-86 mph. He changed speeds using a low-70's curveball and a mid-70's changeup.

7/26/2012 9:39:45 AM

There is some nice prospect action already taking place this morning out at the Mariners Complex.

OF-1B Ryan Kirby continues to be an extra base machine for NorCal.  He slammed a line drive double into the right field corner leading off the second inning against the San Gabriel Valley Arsenal.  Kirby is a left handed hitter with a sweet left handed swing and will just continue to hit the ball harder as he fills out his 6-2/185 frame.  He already has two triples this week.

Kirby's teammate, RHP Trevin Haseltine is throwing very well through a couple of innings.  The 6-3/200 Haseltine is sitting at 89-90 mph with excellent running and sinking life at times and showing a good change up and slider as well.  His delivery is a bit on the busy side, which causes some inconsistency, but his arm really works well and he has hard downhill angle on his fastball.

East Cobb Braves RHP Jackson Smith is making easy work of the Mountain West hitters thus far, as the Braves have moved out to a 4-0 lead in looking to move their record to a perfect 4-0.  Smith is a big and mature 6-3/215 right hander from Alabama with a low effort delivery and a steady upper 80's fastball with good life that he pounds the bottom of the zone with.

The Indiana Prospects have RHP Adam Dressler on the mound against Tri-State and it's more of the same, upper 80's fastball to the bottom of the zone and lots of strikes from a easy repeatable delivery.

Lots of good pitching right now.......

7/26/2012 8:45:50 AM

There are only two undefeated teams remaining at the PG 17U World Series after only three games.  Both of them are in Pool A and both play at 8 am this morning in tough early morning matchups.

The 3-0 East Cobb Braves will put RHP Jackson Smith on the mound against 2-1 Mountain West.  The 3-0 Team Nortwest will face off against the 1-2 Houston Banditos, who will be hungry for a victory after a tough day Wednesday.

The other 2-1 team in Pool A, the San Gabriel Valley Arsenal, plays against 1-2 NorCal in an inter-Californian match up that will be sure to have both teams at their best.

7/26/2012 8:34:55 AM

Two pitchers who "only" topped out 87 mph were very impressive yesterday.

Dallas Patriots RHP Zach Flanagan threw a complete game win over Marucci Elite in a 7:30 pm game, allowing 6 hits and 3 runs.  Flanagan is a very loose and projectable 6-2/175 right hander who pitched in the 85-87 mph range with very good downhill angle to the plate.  His curveball was really sharp and even in the 6th/7th inning the Marucci hitters were swing at breaking balls out of the zone, always a good indicator that a pitcher's release point and arm action/speed is consistent with their fastball release.

South Florida Elite RHP Matt Hardy isn't as physically projectable as Flanagan at 6-0/160 but threw 3 shutout innings against the Evoshield Canes, striking out 6 hitters.  What Hardy did exceptionally well with his 85-87 mph fastball was bust it inside consistently to the Canes hitters.  PG All-American catcher Zach Collins did a nice job setting up both right and left handers hands and putting up a good target for Hardy's fastball.  Canes 1B Justin Bellinger made the only solid contact off Hardy, lining an inside fastball up the middle, recording 100 mph off the barrel.

Both pitchers have very good college futures.

7/26/2012 8:27:17 AM

We have an isolated "rain out" at the Mariners Complex this morning that will force the two morning games scheduled at Field 3 to be shifted to Field 2.  A Sprinkler malfunction overnight on Field 3 has left it underwater, although the Arizona sun will quickly solve that problem in short time.

7/26/2012 7:28:10 AM

The ABD Bulldogs cruised to a win by defeating Baseball U by a final score of 11-1. Baseball U got the scoring the started in the top of the 1st in when they plated a run on a fielders choice. The Bulldogs responded by scoring a run of their own in the bottom portion of the 1st inning to tie the score at 1. From the 1st inning on it was all Bulldogs as they scored 11 unanswered runs, which included a 5 run 4th inning. Both teams were extremely patient at the plate as there was a total of 17 walks in the game. 

The Bulldogs tallied 6 hits in the contest. All 6 hits came from the bat of a different player. Chris Betts (2015, LB Wilson, CA) was 1-1 with a double and 2 RBI for the Bulldogs. Ethan Cohen (2013, Keystone Academy, CA) came across the plate 3 times in the game and David Denson (2013, South Hills, CA) showed patience at the plate as he drew 3 walks in the game. Trevor Fisher (2013, Glendora, CA) led the way on the mound for the Bulldogs. Fisher went 4 innings and allowed just 1 earned run. Fisher give up just 1 hit and struck out 2 during his work from the mound. 

Baseball U's lone hit of the contest came off the bat of Karl Ellison (2013, Barron Collier, FL) and went for a double.  

7/25/2012 11:54:02 PM

The South Florida Elite Squad used a mixture of strong pitching and hitting to win 6-0 against the Evoshield Canes. The South Florida Elite Squad have improved to 2-1 in the Perfect Game World Series and with the loss, the Evoshield Canes fell to 0-3.

Matt Hardy (2013, West Broward, Pembroke Pines, FL) threw three strong shutout innings for the South Florida Elite Squad. Hardy struck out six batters and didn't allow a run to score. He used a quick arm and loose arm action to throw strikes and flash slider potential. He also threw a fastball that ranged from 83-86 and peaked at 87 mph.

The South Florida Elite Squad's relievers were also dominant on the mound and allowed only one hit in four total innings. Steven Goldberg (2013, Pine Crest, Fort Lauderdale, FL) and Aaron Soto (2014, Monsignor Pace, Miami Lakes, FL) each struck out three batters in two innings of work.

Danny Zardon (2013, American Heritage, Pembroke Pines, FL), Danny Pardo (2013, West Broward, Pembroke Pines, FL), and Brandon Vicens (2014, American Heritage, Miami Lakes, FL) each got two hits for the South Florida Elite Squad. Zardon displayed his quick bat, balanced swing, and power potential when he tripled. In addition, Pardo displayed his ability to be a lead off type hitter when he showed off his quick bat and his ability to be a slap style hitter. Also, Vicens used a quiet hitting approach at the plate and was able to steal a base.

Canaan Cropper (2013, James M. Bennett, Salisbury, MD) and Jeff Harding Jr. (2014, Cambridge-South, Cambridge, MD) led the way on the mound for the Evoshield Canes. Cropper struck out three batters in six innings. He has a deceptive delivery and gets good armside run on his fastball, which ranged from 85-90 and peaked at 91 mph. Harding Jr. pitched one inning in relief and struck out two batters. He has a quick arm and a late breaking slider. He also has a fastball which ranges from 89-91 and tops out at 92 mph.

Justin Bellinger (2014, St. Sebastian's, Weston, MA) led the way offensively for the Evoshield Canes. Bellinger went 2-2 at the plate and showed off his raw, lighttower power and his good bat speed.

7/25/2012 10:38:15 PM

With the scored tied 1-1 heading to the bottom of the second the Dallas Patriots scored twice to jump out to a 3-1 lead, and never looked back in defeating Marucci Elite 4-3 Wednesday night at the Peoria Sports Complex. 

The Patriots managed only 3 hits off of Marucci pitching including a double by Jared Thompson (2013, Mesquite Horn HS, TX) Thompson showed a fluid stroke and good bat speed, and as a result made very hard contact. Despite not recording a hit Nicholas Ramos (2013, Plano East HS, TX) impacted the game with his speed by stealing 2 bases and scoring 2 runs. Ramos is one of the top 500 players in the class of 2013, as ranked by Perfect Game. 

On the mound for the Patriots Zach Flanagan (2013, Tyler Lee HS, TX) went the distance allowing only 6 hits while striking out 6. Flanagan showed good command with all his pitches including a fastball that topped out at 87 to go along with a good late breaking curve at 75 mph. He has very projectable stuff and knows how to pitch. 

For Marucci Elite LSU bound OF Justin Williams (2013, Terrebonne HS, LA) went 2-3 with a pair of singles, an RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base. Williams is currently the #3 ranked prospect in the class of 2013 as ranked by Perfect Game. Uncommitted Cather Andrew Dunlap (2013, Westbury Christian HS, TX) added a triple and an RBI in 3 trips to the plate. Dunlap currently ranks as the 67th best prospect in the class of 2013 as ranked by Perfect Game. 

7/25/2012 10:28:46 PM

San Diego Show just slipped by Arizona Elite 3-2 in the 17u PC World Series. Andrew Wright (2013, Cathedral Catholic HS, CA) nailed a line drive triple to center field and scored 1 run. Anthony Balderas (2013, La Costa Canyon HS, CA) went 2 for 3 at the plate with a double, scored 1 run, and got 1 RBI. Mario Perez (2013, Montgomery HS, CA) also went 2 for 3 and hit a fly ball double to left field for the Show. 

Arizona Elite showed off some heat on the mound with LHP Austin Knolles (2013, Chandler HS, AZ) pitching 4 innings with 5 strikeouts and his fastball averaging 82mph. RHP Alejandro Robles (2013, Tuscon HS, AZ) pitched 2 innings and showed off his fastball at 86mph and topped out at 88mph for Elite. 

7/25/2012 9:04:47 PM

SGV Arsenal racks up 11 hits in their 12-3 victory over Indiana Prospects.  Edgar Morales (2013, Gahr, CA) led the offense with three hits including a double and an RBI.  Erik Gonzalez (2013, Nogales, CA) pitched in with two hits.  Chris Iriart (2012, Chino Hills, CA) had an single and four RBI's.  Timmy Richards joined in on the actions with a hit and two RBI's.  Jonathan Reid (2013, Bonita, CA) went 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI.  Jacob Weston (2013, Corona Centennial, CA) hit a triple. Kevin Lillicrop (2013, CYpress, CA) pitched seven strong innings for SGV. He struck out four and walked only two.  His pitches were around the plate 70% of the time. His fastball was between 84-87 mph.

Court Mac Gregor (2013, Bishop Heelan Catholic, IA) went a perfect 3 for 3 for Indiana with an RBI.  Joe Dudek (2013, Christian Brothers, NJ) pitched in with a double. Brennen Milby (2013, Green County, KY) pitched 4 1/4 innings.  He struck out five and allowed just five hits. His fastball was between 86-88 mph and topped out at 91. Dudek came in after finished the game.  He struck out two and walked two.  His fastball touched 87 mph.

7/25/2012 8:57:42 PM

The East Cobb Braves have defeated the Houston Banditos 10-7 led by MIF Michael Chavis' (2014, Sprayberry HS, Marietta, GA) 2 for 2 day at the plate.  Chavis drove in a pair, stole a base, and scored 2 runs on his own to lead the attack.  He displayed a fluid stroke and a quick bat with a sound hitting approach and some raw power potential to all fields. 

SS/RHP Chad Mabini (2012, St. Pius X HS, Alpharetta, GA) finished 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs, a walk, and a run scored.  1B/RHP/C Nathaniel Maggio (2013, Blessed Trinity Christian HS, Alpharetta, GA) chipped in going 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 run scored.

On the mound, starter LHP Sal Mendez (2013, Weehawken HS, Weehawken, NJ) threw 3 2/3 innings allowing 7 runs (just 1 earned) on 7 hits with a walk and 2 strikeouts while reaching 90 MPH on the radar gun.  RHP Tyler Haswell (2013, Peachtree Ridge HS, Lawrenceville, GA) then came on and threw 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief allowing no hits with a walk and 2 strikeouts.  He showed good command of his pitches and competed well featuring a 91 MPH fastball.

For the Banditos, MIF/RHP Zane Gurwitz (2013, San Antonio HS, San Antonio, TX) led the way going 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored.  OF Walker Pennington (2013, Memorial HS, Houston, TX) finished 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs.  MIF Ryne Birk (2013, Seven Lakes HS, Katy, TX) chipped in going 1 for 3 with a walk and 3 runs scored.  OF Nicholas Banks (2013, Tomball HS, Tomball, TX) completed the attack going 1 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored. 

On the mound, starter RHP Kohl Stewart (2013, St. Pius X HS, Tomball, TX) went 3 1/3 innings hitting 94 MPH on his fastball.

7/25/2012 8:33:13 PM

As the 17U PG World Series continues from Peoria, AZ, NorCal Baseball defeated Tri-State Arsenal by a final score of 12-5.

NorCal was led by University of San Diego commit Ryan Kirby (2013, Granada HS, Livermore, CA) who went 2-3 on the day with 3 RBI. Kirby displayed a live bat, especially on the line drive he laced to left field for a triple, which scored a pair of runs. He later added a sacrifice fly.

Michael Tinsley (2013, Junipero Serra HS, Menlo Park, CA) also had a 2-2 day at the plate, including a double and two RBI. Hitting out of the two-hole, Tinsley helped to pace the offense by reaching base in all four plate appearances and scoring three runs.

Willie Lamont Calhoun (2013, Benicia HS, Benicia, CA), Aaron Knapp (2013, Granite Bay HS, Granite Bay, CA), and AJ Welsch (2013, Acalanes, Pleasant Hill, CA) each contributed with two hits and a RBI to their credit. 

On the mound for NorCal was Zach Stone, who threw five innings, striking out eight and surrendering only three earned runs. His fastball velocity sat between 84-88 MPH. Stone displayed an ability to pitch out of trouble by keeping hitters off balance and attacking the strike zone. He also flashed a slider at 76-79 MPH, which he showed good command for.

Stone was relieved by Zachary Pergui (2013, John C. Kimball HS, Tracy, CA) who pitched one inning, touching 83 MPH with his fastball. 

For Tri-State Arsenal, while it will be a game to forget, there were some bright spots.

Both Jake Caron (2013, Huntington Beach HS, Huntington Beach, CA) and Michael Tinucci contributed with a double to each of their credit. Spencer Bayless (2013, Centennial HS, Peoria, AZ) had two hits on the day and also drove in a run.

7/25/2012 8:29:06 PM

Tyler Ridgeway (2013, North Thurston, Olympia, WA) threw a complete game for Team Northwest, allowing only one run in seven innings of work and guiding Team Northwest to a 5-1 victory over Mountain West '13.  Ridgeway, a 5'10", 175 pound right hander, surrendered just two hits while striking out four batters to earn the victory.  Ridgeway has a quick arm, a short arm action and he competes on the mound.  His FB was 81-85 MPH with good life and armside run.  He also showed a late breaking CB, which was consistently 69-74 MPH.  He attacked hitters, and kept them off balance.

At the plate, Team Northwest was led by Nate Moudou (2013, Charles Wright Academy, Lake Tapps, WA) and Kaden Tomlinson (2013, Bremerton, WA).  Mondou showed why he is ranked the 240th prospect in the nation, going 2-4 with a stolen base and a run scored.  He is an aggressive hitter with power potential and a quick bat.

Tomlinson was 2-3 on the night, delivering clutch hits in big situations.  His two RBI single in the bottom of the fifth inning put the game out of reach, and he ended the night with three runs batted in.  Tomlinson's swing has good plate coverage, and he hits to all fields.  Cameron Frost (2013, Olympia, Tumwater, WA) was solid in the leadoff spot for Team Northwest, going 2-4 with a run scored.

Despite being tagged with the loss, Tanner Draper (2013, Riverton, West Jordan, UT) was impressive on the mound for Mountain West '13.  The Oregon State commit allowed only one earned run in five innings on the mound while striking out six.  Draper has a balanced delivery and good mound presence.  His FB was 84-88, peaking at 89, with armside run.  He also showed an 11/7 curveball and a change-up in the high 70's.

Lincoln Rivera (2013, Spanish Fork, Springville, UT) led Mountain West '13 at the plate, going 1-3 with a run scored.  Rivera makes very hard contact and is able to get good extension in his swing.  New Mexico commit Cody Bower (2013, St. Pius, Albuquerque, NM) also collected a hit in the loss, showing good bat speed and the ability to hit to all fields.

7/25/2012 7:16:14 PM

Kohl Stewart threw 3 1/3 innings for the Houston Banditos early this evening against the East Cobb Braves, leaving with a 5-3 lead in an inning that continued to unravel after he left.

Stewart started off in the first two innings throwing 93-94 mph with his 4-seam fastball and was mostly up in the zone.  His 85 mph slider was his out pitch and was sharp and late at times.  With the Banditos up 5-0, Stewart went to a 90-91 mph 2-seam fastball increasingly with initial good results.  However, his Bandito defense let him down in the 4th inning and East Cobb, after their usual fashion, took advantage of walks and errors, aggressive base running and a few timely hits to score 8 runs.

One of the more interesting parts of Stewart's performance was that he significantly changed his mechanics during his performance, perhaps in relation to issues he was having with the mound.  He started off throwing about 4-6" cross body from the middle of the rubber both during warm ups and in the first inning, but then at some point became more directional but was throwing from the far first base side of the rubber.  The change in direction seemed to affect the consistency of Stewart's slider more than anything.

2014 3B Michael Chavis had two impressive at bats against Stewart and his two run single up the middle off a slider was the most important hit in the inning.

7/25/2012 5:25:03 PM

The fields that each of the 16 teams play on during the 17U PG World Series are randomly assigned during each time slot.  But because of the luck of the draw some fields seem to promise more "scouting potential" than other fields.  Two of the Perfect Game scouts noticed when looking at the schedule that Field 3 seemed to have the most promising match ups (the fields are numbered 3, 4, 5 and 6 at both the Mariners and Padres sides of the Peoria Sports Complex). 

So when they both good naturedly (and quickly) claimed Field 3 prior to the event they looked at each other and knew what was up.  They decided to determine who got the field for the entire event in a fair and reasonable manner.....they held a 9 round "Paper, Rock, Scissors" competition with the winner getting the field.

"It was no contest," reported Todd Gold.  "I got routed, it might have gone 6 rounds.....just was dominated.  I'm on Field 6."

7/25/2012 4:24:35 PM

The Arizona Elite recorded their first win of the 17U PG World Series today with a 5-2 victory over the ABD Bulldogs. The Bulldogs led early 1-0, but Arizona got things going with 3 runs in the 5th inning and tacked on 2 more in the 6th.  ABD was able to get one run back in the final frame, but that was all that could muster as the Elite hung on for the "W".

Preston Ryan (2013, McClintock HS, Tempe, AZ) got the start for Arizona Elite. Ryan was impressive during his 6 2/3 innings of duty. Preston allowed two runs on five hits.  He had a large, projectable frame and competed on the mound. The 6'1" 185 pound right-hander worked fast, attacked hitters all game, and threw strikes. He threw 90 fastballs and was consistent between 84-87mph while topping out at 88mph. Ryan kept the lineup off balance by running his 2 seam FB in on the hands constantly and wasn't afraid to go inside on the California powerhouse.  To top it off, he struck out six and was credited with the win.

David Greer (2013, Desert Mountain HS, Scottsdale, AZ) relieved Ryan and recorded the final out of the game.  Greer had a quick arm and hit 89mph on his fastball. 

On the offensive end for the Elite, Dustin Peterson (2013, Gilbert HS, Gilbert, AZ) doubled and drove in two runs. Peterson had a good eye and showed power potential at the plate. Josh Moore (2013, Gilbert HS, Gilbert, AZ) added a double and 1 RBI in the win. Moore is a gamer and proved to be an aggressive hitter with good bat speed and power potential. Riley Unroe (2013, Desert Ridge HS, Mesa, AZ) batted 1-1 and was walked once as well. Unroe had impact type speed on the bases as he stole one base and also scored a run. 

SS Tyler Brown (2013, Coronado HS, Henderson, NV) for the Bulldogs, went 2-3 at the plate. In the infield, Brown showed an accurate arm with good strength and a quick release. Kesean Neighbors (2013, Santiago HS, Corona, CA) had good instincts on the bases and displayed impact type speed as he scored both runs for ABD.

Cory Peterson (2013, Etiwanda HS, Fontana, CA) started and tossed 4 1/3 innings for the Bulldogs. Peterson allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits and struck out five. The RHP had a balanced, online delivery and competed on the mound. He threw 78-81mph on his fastball and peaked at 82mph.  

7/25/2012 4:21:01 PM

San Diego definitely put on a show for those watching their game today against the South Florida Elite Squad. They scored both of their runs in the 4th inning and were able to hold the Elite Squad to only 1 run late in the 6th inning to win 2-1.

RHP 2013 Alex Schick (San Diego, CA, Cathedral Catholic HS) was the difference for the Show today as he pitched a complete game, allowing just 2 hits and 1 run while striking out 9 batters. His fastball ranged between 85-88mph while peaking at 90. Schick is a gamer with a high ceiling and a large, projectable frame. He throws strikes and was around the plate with all pitches. He showed good extension out front, long arm action, good hip rotation and balanced delivery. 

2013 Mario Perez (Chula Vista, CA, Montgomery HS) went 1-2 with an RBI for the Show and 2013 Andrew Wright (San Diego, CA, Cathedral Catholic HS) went 1-3 with an RBI as well. 

LHP 2013 Christian Pelaez (Miami, FL, Florida Christian HS) threw 4 innings for the Elite Squad, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs with 5 strikeouts. His fastball peaked at 87mph. Pelaez throws strikes, stayed tall on the backside and showed balanced delivery and a good FB. RHP 2013 Shane Wise (Miramar, FL, University School of Nova SE) pitched the remaining 3 innings, allowing no hits and no runs while striking out 4. His fastball peaked at 83mph. Wise hides the ball well and showed long arm action.

7/25/2012 4:17:30 PM

Houston Banditos RHP Kohl Stewart will be pitching at 5 pm against the 2-0 East Cobb Braves.  This will probably the most watched matchup of the tournament thus far, both because the Banditos and Braves are perhaps the top two present teams in the country, having come off WWBA 17U and BCS 18U National Championships last week, but also because it is really the first chance for the scouting community to really see Stewart throw this summer on a national stage.

Stewart was warming up in the bullpen at the PG National Showcase in mid June when he tweaked a back muscle and was unable to throw.  That and his football schedule (he has committed to Texas A&M to play quarterback) have prevented him from any other "big stage" outings.  I saw a video taken by a scout of his pitching for the Banditos in early June when he was 92-96  mph with an 85-88 mph slider and it was pretty filthy.  If Stewart pitches like that later this afternoon, his present #11 spot in the PG class rankings is going to seem a little conservative.

Be sure to check back later for the full report.

7/25/2012 3:57:37 PM

There were two reminders today about how this large group of talented and nationally recognized high school age baseball players are bonding themselves into a peer group that will in some cases last out the rest of their professional careers in baseball.

We were standing up on the tower while the first round of games was winding down and one of the PG staff looked down and saw three players from three different teams just standing off to the side talking.  He said "I bet all three of those guys were on the same team at the PG National (he had looked at who they were, they were at all National) and are talking about what they've been doing since Minneapolis."  I have no doubt he was probably right.

The other situation was when I was watching one of the 8:00 am games and Zach Collins and William Abreu of the South Florida Elite were standing around the backstop with a U. Miami coach and a few parents (both Collins and Abreu are UM commits).  You could overhear the two players saying.  "You know, that guy that can really fly, he ran a 6.22 up in Minnesota."  "Dang, that guy!, he's the fastest kid player I've ever seen!" .....or something to that effect.  They were talking about OF Matt McPhearson, who just recently committed to Miami and had obviously just found out that he might be a future teammate.

7/25/2012 3:30:59 PM

It may be a sign that we aren't in the hip and trendy parts of town, such as Scottsdale or Tempe, by looking at the license plates driving between the Peoria Sports Complex and my hotel in Glendale.  The two I pulled up behind proudly stated "JUSTAVG" and "FLOSSU".  I was looking for "RICETST" and "VANILLA" but couldn't find them.  Maybe next trip.

7/25/2012 3:27:12 PM

I was extremely impressed this morning with San Diego Show RHP Alex Schick, a 2013 from Cathedral Catholic HS in San Diego.  I had never seen Schick pitch before but got a very good look after he threw a complete game in a 2-1 win over the South Florida Elite.  Schick is listed at 6-7/175 and that looks to be pretty accurate; he's very tall and thin, although he has some width in his hips to start the growth process with.  He pitched in the 87-90 mph range and his best velocity fastballs were in the 6th and 7th inning, there was absolutely no loss of velo after 80+ pitches.  He wasn't always consistent with it but he flashed an 81 mph slider that was sharp and deep and one senses that he probably has thrown a curveball in the recent past because he'd revert to more of a curveball release at times at 77-79 mph and hang the pitch.  The most impressive thing about Schick's performance, though, was that he faced off against one of the most talented hitting clubs in the country (Zach Collins, Danny Zardon, William Abreu, Nick Longhi, etc) and just kept challenging them hitter after hitter with no back down at all.  Longhi was the only S. Florida hitter who seemed to have him figured out at all and lined the Elite's first hit in the 6th inning after crushing a ball to centerfield that was caught his first time up.  Interestingly, Schick is not committed to a school at this point but based on what I saw, he could pitch for anyone in the country.  He could gain some velo over the next 10 months, no doubt, but I see him as more of a college guy first who could become a very, very good prospect over the next 4-5 years.

7/25/2012 3:16:13 PM

Tyler Kirkpatrick (2013, Methacton, PA) led the Baseball U squad to a 10-4 victory over the Dallas Patriots thanks to his live bat and good bat speed with power potential at the plate.  Kirkpatrick finished with 3 RBI's and scored 2 of their 10 runs off 1 hits and also stole 2 bases on the day.  Kirkpatrick was helped out by teammates Eli Kashi (2013, Montclair, NJ) and Kyle Simmons (2013, McDonogh, MD) who combined for 7 RBI's and scored 2 more runs for Baseball U to lead them to victory.  Kashi was perfect at the plate, finishing 1-1 and driving in 3 RBI's and scoring 1 run while Simmons added 4 RBI's and scored 1 more run off 1 double to secure the victory over the Patriots.

For the Dallas Patriots, Justin Sanchez (2013, Corpus Christi King, TX) and James Rudkin (2014, Plano East, TX) led their team after combining for 2 of their 4 runs in the game and driving in 2 RBI's.  Sanchez was impressive from the plate, finishing 3-4 with 1 RBI and scoring 1 run with 2 stolen bases while Rudkin ended the day with 1 RBI and scored 1 more run off a double thanks to their ability to stay inside the ball well with the ability to drive the ball with regular contact.  Rudkin and Sanchez's efforts weren't enough to lead their team to victory past the strong Baseball U squad.

7/25/2012 1:04:33 PM

The scoreboard might not show it at the end of the game but I've seen PG All-American LHP A.J. Puk throw about 10 times and this morning was easily the best he's thrown.  He just left the game after down 3-2 to Marucci in the bottom of the 5th inning but all three of those runs are unearned.  Puk started off steady at 90 mph in the first inning and was still 88-89 in the 5th.  His fastball was consistently live and down in the strike zone.  His breaking ball has really, really improved and shows some real tightness and depth at times.  He also threw his change up for strikes.  He made one bad pitch that I saw, a hanging curveball that fellow All-American Justin Williams lined into left centerfield for an Rbi single.  Puk had struck Williams out the previously 2 at bats with nice hard curveballs that the Louisiana left handed hitter had no chance at but as a talented hitter, made the adjustment when he didn't get Puk's best offering.

7/25/2012 12:49:40 PM

Team Northwest held off a late rally by NorCal Baseball to take home the win by the narrow margin of 5-3.

Leading the charge for the Northwest was leadoff hitter OF Cameron Frost (2013, Olympia HS, WA) who racked up a team-high 2 hits, including a triple, while displaying his impact speed on the basepaths to score 2 runs as well. The productive pair of Washington commit MIF Garrett Anderson (2013, Emerald Ridge HS, WA) and 2B Nate Mondou (2013, Charles Wright Academy, WA) who tallied 1 hit, 1 run, and 1 run scored each in the winning effort.

Pitching effectively on the mound for Northwest was starter RHP Reza Aleaziz (2013, Southridge HS, OR) and middle reliever RHP Clayton Gelfand (2013, West Linn HS, OR) who got it done in 6.1 innings combined. Aleaziz threw 4 innings giving up 4 hits and 2 ER while showing control on both sides of the plate and attacking the hitters from the outset in hurling his 85-89 FB reaching 90, 77-78 SL, and 74-76 CH. Gelfand would follow it up by allowing just 1 hit and 1 ER in 2.1 innings of relief. Gelfand displayed good command and some solid arm action in tossing his 84-87 FB touching 88, 68-71 CB, and 72 CH.

SS Brett Binning (2013, Monte Vista HS, CA) flashed his skills at the plate by accumulating 1 hit while knocking in 2 of his team's 3 RBIs. He'd have help from San Diego commit OF Ryan Kirby (2013, Granada HS, CA) who demonstrated a fluid stroke and some power potential in raking a triple while touching home to score 1 run.

NorCal starter RHP Jackson Berumen (2013, Enochs HS, CA) countered the Northwest bats to the tune of 4 innings thrown while ceding 2 hits and 1 ER in the effort. Berumen took advantage of his 82-86 FB hitting 87, 71-73 CB, and 75-77 CH in the start.

7/25/2012 12:30:44 PM

Mountain West '13 held off a late rally from the Houston Banditos to win the game 5-4.  Mountain West fell behind early but a four-run fourth inning propelled them to the win.  2013 Jake Marvos (West Jordan, UT, Cottonwood) had a pair of hits, including a double, in the middle of the Mountain West lineup.  Marvos is a linedrive hitter that showed he can hit to all fields.  He also has sound defensive tools behind the plate.  2013 Cody Bower (Albuqurque, NM, St. Pius) added a double and drove in a run.
 
2013 Brett Snyder (Sandy, UT, Alta) was the starting pitcher for Mountain West '13 and went six strong innings to earn the victory.  Snyder scattered four hits and struck out three hitters.  The 6'7'' right-hander throws an81-85mph fastball with a big breaking curveball.  

Banditos lead-off man 2013 Ryne Birk (Katy, TX, Seven Lakes) went 2-4 with a double and a run scored.  Birk is a lead-off type hitter with a quick bat and linedrive approach.  2013 Kacy Clemens (Houston, TX, Memorial) added a pair of hits and scored twice in the game.  Clemons is an aggressive hitter with power potential.  2013 Zane Gurwitz (San Antonio, TX, San Antonio Churchill) had two hits and stole a base for the Banditos.  The Texas recruit has excellent speed on the bases and is very sound defensively in the infield.  

7/25/2012 11:35:01 AM

The Indiana Prospects took a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning against the East Cobb Braves. They extended that lead to 4-0 in the 2nd. They held a 4-1 lead until the 6th inning when the Braves offense rallied for 10 runs. The Braves were error-less on defense and out hit the Prospects 8-6.

Dalton Ewing (2014, Milton, Alpharetta, GA) was 2-3 with 2 RBI's, 1 run scored, and 1 walk for the Braves. Nathaniel Maggio (2013, Blessed Trinity Catholic, Alpharetta, GA) was 2-2 with 2 RBI's, 1 run scored, and 1 walk. Travis Demeritte (2013, Winder Barrow, Statham, GA) was 1-3 with 2 RBI's and 1 run scored. Michael Chavis (2014, Sprayberry, Marietta, GA) was 1-3 with 1 RBI and 1 stolen base. Skye Overton (2013, Johns Creek, Johns Creek, GA) was 1-2 with 1 run scored and 1 stolen base. Chad Mabini (2012, St. Pius X, Alpharetta, GA) was 1-3 with a double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored. Mabini showed good bat speed with a line drive swing plane.

Brian Kehner (2013, Blessed Trinity Catholic, Marietta, GA) pitched 6 innings and struck out 9 batters for the Braves. He hides the ball well and pitches downhill. He has armside run on his fastball that ranged from 77-81 mph. He changes speeds with a 10/4 upper-60's curveball.

Zac Ryan (2013, Andrean, Valparaiso, IN) pitched 5 innings and struck out 6 batters. He has good command and shows control on both sides of the plate. His fastball ranged from 85-88 mph and topped out at 89 mph. He changed speeds with a 1/7 curveball that was in the low-70's. Ryan also threw a short breaking slider that was in the upper-70's and an upper-70's changeup. He showed good command of his off speed pitches.

Eric Garza (2013, San Antonio, San Antonio, TX) was 1-2 with 1 run scored for the Prospects. Garza also pitched .1 innings of relief. His fastball was 84-85 mph.

Kasey Ralston (2012, Holy Family Catholic, Chaska, MN) pitched .1 innings of relief. His fastball ranged from 86-88 mph and topped out at 90 mph. He kept hitters off balance with a mid-70's curveball.

Nolan Rogers (2013, Bloomington South, Bloomington, IN) was 2-3 with 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, and 1 stolen base. He is a line drive contact hitter with a sound hitting approach and a live bat. Joe Dudek (2013, Christian Brother, Wall Township, NJ) was 2-3 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI's. He is an aggressive hitter with good bat speed and raw power. Nick Kanavas (2013, Brookfield East, Brookfield, WI) was 1-3.

7/25/2012 11:27:54 AM

Team Northwest moved their record to 2-0 with a 5-3 win over NorCal.

One player who has really impressed PG scouts so far is C Logan Ice.  Ice has a very smooth and quick swing from the left side of the plate and squares the ball up hard.

Big 6-4/225 RHP Reza Aleaziz threw well  for Team Northwest, topping out at 90  mph with an upper 70's slider.

7/25/2012 11:22:11 AM

I've been watching the East Cobb Braves play for 10 years and their style of play rarely changes even as the names do.  Their 11-4 win over the Indiana Prospects today was typical.  The Braves led 4-1 going into the bottom of the 6th inning and seemed to have the game under control with RHP Zach Ryan on the mound.  Ryan got a bit tired in the Arizona morning heat, however, and once the Braves pushed down the gas pedal it was a free for all on the bases.  A couple of walks, an error or two, a couple of ground ball singles and it was on.  Coach Kevin Baldwin always has fast players who run the bases hyper-aggressively and sooner or later most teams at this level fold under the pressure.

The Braves are now 2-0 and have got route going performances from Keenan Innis and now LHP Brandon Kehner.  They haven't used any of their quartette of PG All-Americans Clinton Hollom, Robert Tyler, Kevin Davis or Travis DeMerritte.

7/25/2012 11:21:29 AM

SGV Arsenal defeated Tri-State Arsenal 12-5 on Wednesday afternoon. Severiano Romo (2013, El Dorado HS, CA) led the offensive charge, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and a pair of runs scored. He displayed good plate coverage and bat speed in his line drive swing.

Jacob Weston (2013, Corona Centenni HS, CA) and Timmy Richards (2013, Wilson HS, CA) each doubled for SGV.  Richards knocked in two and stole a base. Teammate Chris Iriart (2012, Chino Hills HS, CA) displayed a fluid stroke and power potential, going 1-for-3 with a home run, a walk, two runs scored and three RBI.  Anthony Mizrahi (2013, La Canada HS, CA) added a triple in the contest.

Adrian De Horta (2013, South Hills HS, CA) struck out four in 3.1 innings for SGV. He threw his 85-90 mph heater for strikes while mixing in a few mid-70s curve balls. Teammate Jonathan Reid (2013, Charter Oak HS, CA) pitched 2.2 scoreless innings in relief. The left-hander changed speeds well, working 80-86 mph while flashing several upper-60s curve balls with 11/5 break.

John Adryan (2012, Holy Cross HS, NJ) led Tri-State with two hits, one of them a double. He also scored, drove in a run and stole a base. Adryan showed a fluid stroke, good bat speed and the ability to hit to all fields.

7/25/2012 11:08:27 AM

Mountain West edged the Houston Banditos 5-4 to move their record to 2-0 but the Banditos impressive list of top prospects played well in spite of that.

No player probably exemplified that than Banditos C Tres Berrera.  Berrara crushed the ball in three of his four at bats but posted an 0-4 with a GIDP to show for it.  His two out bases loaded drive to deep right centerfield was run down by Mountain West CF Connor Beck to end the game.

Banditos MIF Ryne Birk had a very nice game at the plate and showed a really nice swing with some bat speed.  He had a double and a single.  2014 OF Stone Garrett had a good game, crushing a triple over Beck's head and one bouncing the centerfield fence.  1B Kacy Clemens also had two hits for the Banditos.

Reliever RHP Matt Vogel was up to 91 mph in a brief appearance for the Banditos

6-7 Mountain West RHP Brett Snyder, the MVPitcher of the 2011 WWBA Evoshield Championship at the same Peoria Sports Complex, settled down after a rough start to get the win.  Snyder was up to 86 mph and does a good job mixing pitches and keeping the ball down in the strike zone.

7/25/2012 9:53:57 AM

Something you don't see everyday.

Team Northwest had the bases loaded and one out in the top of the 4th inning, holding a 1-0 lead.  They squeezed on two consecutive pitches.  The first one resulted in a run when NorCal pitcher Jackson Berumen bounced a fastball back to the backstop.  When Team Northwest duplicated the play on the next pitch, Beruman bounced it as well but the NorCal catcher made the pick on the unbuntable pitch and tagged the sliding runner out.

7/25/2012 9:31:10 AM

I've seen SoCal RHP Adrian de Horta twice already this summer at the PG National and at the USA Baseball Tournament of Stars and his stuff looks a bit crisper this morning for the San Gabriel Valley Arsenal against the Tri-State Arsenal.  De Horta has been pitching at 89-91 mph and shows good feel for both his curveball and change up.  The Cal State Fullerton commit is a loose 6-4/175 athlete and very projectable.

7/25/2012 9:28:23 AM

The Indiana Prospects have the East Cobb Braves down 4-0 in early action on Field 4. 

RHP Zac Ryan is on the mound for the Prospects and has been been outstanding the first 2 innings, pitching at 88-89 mph down in the zone and throwing an 81 mph slider that is really a good pitch when spotted away from right handed hitters.  Top EC Braves hitters 3B Travis DeMerritte and SS Eli White wanted no part of Ryan's slider.

1B Joe Dudek has been equally impressive at the plate.  The left handed hitting UNC commit (with two UNC coaches behind the backstop watching) put a ball off the 410 foot batter's eye in the first inning, then came back in his second at bat and crushed a top spin line drive double over the right fielder's head.  He has some serious strength and bat speed.

7/25/2012 6:33:06 AM

Just looking at the morning schedule over at the Mariners' side of the Complex and see we have a huge game in the 10:30 time slot.  Marucci Elite and the Evoshield Canes are both considered potential favorites to win the World Series but both dropped their opening games last night.  Now they are facing each other with one of those talented teams marked to start their WS with an 0-2 record.  There is a very good chance that a 5-2 overall mark gets a team into the playoffs but that would mean winning 5 straight games for one of these teams.

Both have top level pitchers scheduled to throw; All-American LHP A.J. Puk for Evoshield and Oklahoma RHP Trey Cobb for Marucci.

7/25/2012 8:18:21 AM

Keyed by a three-run third inning, East Cobb Braves beat NorCal Baseball 3-1 Tuesday night. Keenan Innis (2013, Blessed Trinity HS, GA) led the way for the Braves, going 1-for-2 with an RBI single on a hard hit ground ball that scored Skye Overton (2013, Johns Creekk HS, GA). 

On the mound, Innis pitched all seven innings, allowing just two hits while striking out four. He showed good command and attacked hitters with an 83-86 mph heater with arm side run. Innis also displayed a low-70s breaking pitch and a mid-70s change-up with arm side run. 

Matt Ball (2013, Bonita Vista HS, CA) pitched four innings for NorCal, yielding just three hits. He threw 79-83 mph, changing speeds and attacking hitters. He also flashed a few upper-60s curves with 1/7 late break. Left-hander Jimmy Doyle (2012, Amador Valley HS, CA) pitched two scoreless innings in relief. He pounded the strike zone with a 79-82 mph fastball, while mixing in a few low-70s breaking pitches. 

7/25/2012 6:08:24 AM

The level of play was very the first night of play at the Padres side of the Peoria Sports Complex.  And once the sun went down and the 104 degree temperatures quickly went down it was extremely pleasant as well.  The PG staff joked about the best way to actually schedule this event would be to start games at 6, 8, 10 and midnight, as the players and fans would surely rather be at the fields at night, even if it was late, than any other time of the day.

On to some impressions.

The Houston Heat brought out some big arms in their 4-3 win over the Indiana Prospects.  RHP Mark Ecker was outstanding for 6 shutout innings before tiring, pitching in the 88-92 mph range for most if it and showing a nice hard breaking ball.  The Banditos will be able to bring power out of the bullpen as well, with RHP Jesse Nelson and RHP Bryce Wellborn coming out of the pen to close it out while touching 92 and 94 mph respectively.

BCS 18U MVP RHP Keegan Innis of the East Cobb Braves kept up his high level of play, pitching a complete game 2-hitter on only 77 pitches in the Braves 3-1 win over NorCal.  Innis has a very simple and repeatable pitching style, throwing in the 84-87 mph range from a low 3/4's to sidearm release point and pounding the strike zone with sinkers and 75 mph sliders.  Having PG All-American Travis Demerritte at third base doesn't hurt when you're throwing sinkers, as Demerritte is simple outstanding defensively and made one play charging to his left that was strictly big league quality.

Perhaps the most watched game of the night pitted the South Florida Elite with Marucci Elite.  The middle of the South Florida line was imposing, as 3B Danny Zardon, C Zach Collins and 1B Nick Longhi hit for the cycle between them along with picking up 4 walks and an HBP.  Zardon's 3 run homer was a the big blast, a monster 400+ foot shot over the LCF fence, while Collins added a run scoring triple and Longhi a single and a doulble that plated three more runs.  RHP Zach Anderson was very impressive in throwing a complete game.  He was very aggressive with his fastball, throwing in the 88-91 mph range with lots of downhill and throwing just enough sliders and change ups to keep the Marucci hitters honest.

ABD 1B-RHP David Denson was definitely the star of ABD's 4-0 win over the Evoshield Canes.  Denson threw six shutout innings on the mound, pitching in the mid 80's and topping out at 88 mph and blasted an RBI double up the LCF gap that was 98 mph off the bat.  SS Elliott Barzilli from ABD continues to be one of my favorite players to watch in this class, he's just an outstanding baseball player.  Canes RHP Connor Jones was very impressive in throwing a complete game 4-hitter.  Jones started off in the 90-93 mph range before settling into the upper 80's with good late life at times.  He has an unusual hunched over, drop and drive pitching style that doesn't create much plane on his pitches but his arm is very fast and loose and he keeps the ball down in the zone well.

SS Riley Unroe was able to prevent Arizona Elite's 8-5 loss to the Dallas Patriots but he's going to be a guy that gets lots of attention from the scouting community between now and next June.  Unroe is a 6.4 runner and really showed well with the bat, going 3-3, including a blast of a triple up the RCF game that showed his power from the left side.  Unroe is a switch-hitter to go with all his other tools, but is better from the left side.

As predicted in my preview article on the 17U World Series, 2B Nate Mondou will be the driving force for Team Northwest, as he was in their surprisingly easy 7-1 win over the San Gabriel Valley Arsenal.  Mondou went 2-3 and his only out was a bomb to right field that was caught on the warning track.  The next prediction is that Mondou clears the fences at least once in this event, if not more.

RHP's Tyler Thorne of Mountain West and John McCarren of Baseball U are very similar pitchers and showed it, striking out 13 and 12 hitters respectively in their team's opening game wins.  Thorne, who is committed to Stanford, and McCarren, who hasn't made a commitment yet, both pitched in the 85-87 mph range and have outstanding command of sharp breaking balls and a good feel how to pitch.  Both are going to be top level college pitchers and probably have an impact as freshman.

7/24/2012 11:05:32 PM

Baseball U scored 5 runs in the 3rd and piled it on with a run in the last 4 innings to down the San Diego Show by the score of 9-1.

Leading the charge on the mound for the U was starter RHP John McCarren (2013, Christian Brother HS, NJ) who allowed just 3 hits and 0 ER in 6.2 innings of work. McCarren got the job done while demonstrating pinpoint command and the ability to change speeds effectively with his 83-87 FB hitting 87, 77-80 CB, and 74-78 CH. McCarren was unhittable from the outset in fanning 12 Show bats in the dominant performance.  

The U got a big effort at the plate by the foursome of OF Tyler Kirkpatrick (2013, Methacton HS, PA), OF Kyle Simmons (2013, McDonogh HS, MD), SS Grant Lamberton (2013, Salesianum HS, DE), and OF Christopher Gaetano (2013, Scranton Prep, PA) who each racked up 2 hits a piece. The productive pair of Simmons and Gaetano tallied an additional 2 RBIs each while Kirkpatrick and Lamberton who added the team's only XBH in the form of a double) each attained 1 RBI respectively.

Effective in the closing role for the Show was 3B David Hensley (2014, Patrick Henry, HS, CA) who allowed 2 hits and 1 ER in 2 innings of relief. Hensley utilized his short, loose arm action in tossing his 76-80 FB reaching 82, 66-70 CB, and 68-72 CH while putting down 3 of his 6 outs via the strikeout.

7/24/2012 10:51:52 PM

It sure was a battle between two top-notch programs tonight. The South Florida Elite Squad and Marucci Elite met in this match-up which proved to be not quite as close as one would think. Both teams have a long list of players with big time college commitments and took full advantage of being a part of the first ever Perfect Game World Series event. The Elite squad scored 3 runs in the 7th inning to top off their victory and beat Marucci 7-3. 

Louisiana State commit, 2013 Danny Zardon (Pembroke Pines, FL, American Heritage HS) had a stellar performance while batting. He hit a perfect 2-2 with a 3-run home run in the 7th inning to put the game away for good for South Florida. Zardon is athletic and strong with a large frame. He demonstrated soft, sure hands and good fielding actions during his time in the infield. While batting, Zardon proved to have a fluid stroke, a quick bat, good plate coverage, a short, compact swing, good bat speed and a sound hitting approach. He stayed inside the ball well, is an aggressive hitting and has a confident approach. He showed power potential and solid running. 

Another Louisiana State commit, 2013 Nick Longhi (Venice, FL, Venice HS), went 2-4 with 3 RBI's for South Florida. Longhi is athletic and strong with a medium frame. He's a polished hitter, hits to all fields and makes very hard contact. He demonstrated gap power, a fluid stroke, a quick bat, good plate coverage, aggressive hitting, a good eye and a quiet hitting approach. Longhi's bat is his best tool and stepping up to bat he shows gap to gap hitting with some pop. University of Miami commit, 2013 Zack Collins (Pembroke Pines, FL, American Heritage HS) went 1-1 with an RBI and a triple as well. Collins has a strong lower half, broad shoulders and is athletic, much like his teammates. He showed a fluid stroke, balanced swing, excellent bat speed, a power approach at the plate, and a confident approach. 

Pitching a complete game for South Florida was 2013 Shaun Anderson (Coral Springs, FL, American Heritage HS), a University of Florida commit. Anderson allowed 4 hits and 3 runs with an impressive 8 strikeouts. He stunned fans as his fastball ranged between 87-90mph the entire game while peaked at 91. Anderson is athletic with broad shoulders and a strong, projectable frame. He demonstrated good command, solid arm action, good extension out front, good follow through, and an aggressive fastball. He was around the plate with all pitches, showed control on both sides of the plate, set up hitters, kept hitters off balance, showed mound presence and was a complete bulldog on the mound. All this and more as Anderson just gets warmed up at the World Series. 

Marucci Elite pitcher 2013 Jared Poche (Lutcher, LA, Lutcher HS) will become teammates with Zardon and Longhi at LSU in fall of 2013. For now though, he is focusing on pitching Marucci to victory, although tonight slipped away. Poche pitched 5 innings, allowing 6 hits and 4 runs with 6 strikeouts. His fastball peaked at 90mph. He is athletic and strong with a large, projectable frame. Poche showed short arm action, quick arm, sound mechanics, online delivery, and good command of his FB. He threw strikes, knows how to pitch, competes on the mound, attacks hitters and his arm works well. 

The competition here at the 17U PG World Series is unlike any other and things are just getting started!

7/24/2012 10:51:46 PM

The Dallas Patriots got off to a good start at the 17U PG World Series with an 8-5 victory over Arizona Elite. The Patriots and Elite combined for 24 hits in the game with each team recording double digit hits respectively. Dallas scored five runs through the first three innings to take an early lead, but Arizona responded quickly with five of their own to tie it up in the top of the 5th. In the bottom of the 5th, Dallas answered and racked up three more runs and held on at the end for the win.

Kendall Kerns (2013, The Brook Hill School, Tyler, TX) led the way on offense for the Patriots. Kerns doubled twice and walked once in his three plate appearances. Each double drove in two runs as he finished with 4 RBI. Brock Taylor (2013, Sunnyvale HS, Sunnyvale, TX) added good support from the plate as he batted 2-3 and hit one of the six doubles for Dallas. Taylor had a live bat with a balanced swing and showed power potential. He also scored one run in the win. Mason Arasoto (2013, Frisco Heritage HS, Frisco, TX) crossed home plate three times. Arasota also finished 1-2 at the plate showing off a quick bat with a fluid stroke.

Holden Grounds (2013, Corsicana HS, Corsicana, TX) got the start for Dallas. Grounds gave a solid effort in his four innings of work allowing just one run on six hits. His arm worked well and he displayed an online delivery off the mound. The RHP used a combination of four pitches to strikeout seven. His fastball ranged between 83-88mph and topped out at 89mph. While throwing mostly fastballs, he did effectively throw a 12/6 breaking curve with a good slider and a mid-70s changeup.

Brantley Bell (2013, Moutain Pointe HS, Phoenix, AZ) & Riley Unroe (2013, Desert Ridge HS, Mesa, AZ) did all they could for Arizona Elite as each batted a perfect 3-3 with a triple and 1 RBI, respectively. Bell had a sound hitting approach and showed good bat speed with raw power. Unroe was a high energy player with a confident approach at the plate. He was a polished hitter with a fluid stroke and leverage in his swing. Jack Zoellner (2013, Gilbert HS, Gilbert, AZ) & Alejandro Robles (2013, Tuscon HS, Tuscon, AZ) both finished the game 2-3 with 1 RBI. Zoellner had good plate coverage and showed power potential. Robles had a strong, medium frame and displayed good bat speed. 

Benjamin Rodriguez (2013, Desert Mountain HS, Scottsdale, AZ) pitched the final frame in relief for Arizona. Rodriguez surrendered just one hit.  The right-hander hid the ball well, had a quick arm, and threw the ball easy. His fastball was consistent between 84-87mph.  

7/24/2012 10:44:17 PM

RHP David Denson (2013, South Hills, CA) led the ABD Bulldogs to a 4-0 shutout victory over the Evoshield Canes thanks to his impressive performances from both the plate and the mound.  Denson pitched 5 solid innings for the Bulldogs, striking out 5 batters and giving up only 2 hits and allowing no runs.  He was a competitor on the mound that attacked batters with his pitches.  He also showed a balanced, online delivery to help him throw strikes.  His fastball averaged 83-86 mph and topped out at 88 mph while his curveball hung around the mid 70s and his changeup hit 83 mph.

Denson also had a strong day at the plate for the Bulldogs, driving in 1 RBI thanks to his 1 triple in the game.  He received some help offensively from teammate Codi Santana (2013, St. Bonaventure, CA) who had a perfect day at the plate, finishing 1-1 and driving in another RBI to lead the Bulldogs to victory.

For the Evoshield Canes, RHP Connor Jones (2013, Great Bridge, VA) showed some heat from the mound after pitching a complete game for the Canes but was unable to hold off the Bulldogs.  Jones struck out 5 batters through all 7 innings and gave up 4 runs off 4 hits.  From the mound, he showed a smooth delivery with good follow through and short arm action.  His fastball topped out at an outstanding 93 mph while averaging 87-91 mph and he also snuck in a few curveballs that hung around the upper 70s and lower 80s, but his high heat proved no match for the strong Bulldogs' offense.  

7/24/2012 9:30:59 PM

Mountain West '13 scored early and held off Tri-State Arsenal to win 7-3.  Mountain West was led by 2013 Conner Beck (Midland, TX, Midland) who went 2-3 with a triple, double, and had 2 RBIs.  Beck is an aggressive, gap hitter with a live bat.  The TCU recruit showed power potential and good bat speed.  2013 Cody Bower (Albequerque, NM, St. Pius) went 2-3 with two doubles and 3 RBIs.  Bower showed a sound approach at the plate and stayed inside the ball very well.  Bower has committed to play at the University of New Mexico.  

2013 Tyler Thorne (Lubbock, TX, Coronado) took the mound for Mountain West '13 and went the distance to earn the win.  Thorne struck out 13 batters and allowed just four hits.  All three runs allowed by the 6'4'' 200 lb right-hander were unearned.  Thorne has a sinking fastball that he throws 84-87mph which he compliments with a late breaking slider and curveball.  Thorne will play at Stanford after he completes high school.  

2013 Sean Sack (Barrington, NJ, Haddon Heights) pitched four innings in relief for Tri-State Arsenal.  Sack did not allow a hit in his appearance and struck out four hitters.  Sack has a large, strong frame and uses a 72-75mph fastball that topped out at 79mph.  

2013 Spencer Bayless (Peoria, AZ, Centennial High) was the only Tri-State player to record multiple hits, going 2-3 in the game.  

7/24/2012 9:08:29 PM

Team Northwest defeated the SGV Arsenal today in the Perfect Game World Series by a score of 7-1. Leading the way for the Team Northwest win today was the clutch hits that were able to drive in key runs for them today. Nate Mondou (2013, Charles Wright, WA) was 2-3 in the game with one RBI. Mondou had good bat speed and was able to stay inside of the ball and drive the ball into the gap today. He came to the plate with a power approach and drove the ball into the gap for a double. Clutch hitting also came from Logan Ice (2013, Rogers, WA) and Luke Christianson (2013, Lynden, WA). Ice the Oregon State Beaver commit drove in two runs with a double today displaying a sound hitting approach and Christianson drove in three runs today coming up in the clutch with his quick bat. 

For the SGV Arsenal Severiano Romo (2013, El Dorado, CA) was 3-4 in the game coming up with the majority of his team's hits today. Romo showed good bat speed and in the infield he had good fielding actions showing that he can make all of the plays. Romo is a University of San Diego commit. 

Getting the win for Team Northwest on the mound was Kyle Rossman (2013, Emerald Ridge, WA) who pitched 6 1/3 innings allowing one earned run off of four hits. Rossman threw effortlessly off the mound and had a good heater and curve today. Rossman threw 80-83 with his good fastball and was able to keep this pitch down in the zone. He also changed speeds well using his good 11/5 breaking curve, which helped him keep hitters off balance leading to two strikeouts in the game for Rossman.

7/24/2012 8:48:13 PM

The Houston Banditos held the Indiana Prospects scoreless through 6 innings. The Prospects rallied in the 6th for 3 runs, falling just short of tying the game. The Banditos escaped with a 4-3 win.

Nicholas Banks (2013, Tomball, Tomball, TX) was 1-3 with a double and 1 RBI for the Banditos. Banks played well on defense. He takes good routes in the outfield and covers a lot of ground. His double was the only extra base hit of the day for either team. Robie Rojas (2013, Jersey Village, Houston, TX) was 1-2. Zane Gurwitz (2013, San Antonio Church, San Antonio, TX) was 1-2 with 2 runs scored and 1 stolen base. Gurwitz showed quick feet on defense, and he also put himself in good position to throw. Ryne Birk (2013, Seven Lakes, Katy, TX) was 1-2 with 1 run scored and 1 stolen base. Birk is an agressive hitter who drives the ball with regular contact and hits to all fields. On defense Birk makes all plays and gets in good position to throw.

Mark Ecker (2013, Sandra Day O'Conner, Helotes, TX) pitched 6.1 innings and struck out 9 batters for the Banditos. He has outstanding arm speed and pitches downhill. His fastball ranged from 86-91 mph and topped out at 92 mph. He kept hitters off balance with a low-70's curveball and a mid-70's slider.

Bryce Welborn (2013, Northern Christian, The Woodlands, TX) pitched .1 innings of relief. His fastball was 93-94 mph and he threw a upper-70's curveball. Jesse Nelson (2013, Russell County, Phenix City, AL) also pitched .1 innings, and he struck out 1 batter. His fastball was 91-92 mph, and he threw a low-70's slider.

Joe Dudek (2013, Christian Brother, Wall Township, NJ) was 1-2 with 2 RBI's and 2 walks for the Prospects. Dudek stays inside the ball well, has good bat speed, and has power potential. Nick Kanavas (2013, Brookfield East, Brookfield, WI) was 1-4 with 1 RBI. Kanavas has solid defensive tools with good arm strength. Nick Gobert (2013, Jasper, Jasper, IN) was 1-1 with 1 run scored.

Josh Rogers (2013, New Albany, Sellersburg, IN) pitched all 6 innings for the Prospects, and he struck out 5 batters. He has a smooth delivery with solid arm action. His fastball ranged from 81-85 mph and topped out at 87 mph. He threw a slider, changeup, and cutter that were all in the upper-70's.