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College  | Rankings | 5/6/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: May 6

Records and rankings tell you who has won. Résumé tells you who can win.

Every season when the final regular season rankings are released the natural instinct is to point at the team sitting at number one and label them the favorite. That instinct is understandable — those programs have earned their place at the top of the table, and none of them should be dismissed.
 
Alas, college baseball has a way of humbling the polls when the bracket opens. The teams that survive the NCAA Tournament and the NAIA World Series are rarely the ones with the prettiest record — they are the ones who have been tested repeatedly by elite competition and passed those tests at the highest rate in the country. Winning streaks built against soft schedules tend to dissolve the moment the opponent is worth a damn.
 
In each of the three small-school divisions, there is a program that has quietly built the most credible postseason résumé in the field — not the best record, not the highest ranking, but the deepest body of work against the best competition. In Division II, that is North Greenville and West Chester. In Division III, that school is Denison, and in the NAIA, that team is Taylor. When the bracket is set and the games begin to matter, these are the programs that history and data say you should not want to face.
With the updated rankings, is a look at teams which aren’t at the top of the rankings, but have positioned themselves as the team to beat for the national title.
 
NCAA DII

Rk. NCAA  State Record
1 Colorado Mesa Mavericks CO 45-4
2 Tampa Spartans FL 37-8
3 North Greenville Trailblazers SC 47-10
4 Catawba Indians NC 43-9
5 Texas Tyler Patriots TX 40-10
6 Pittsburg State Gorillas KS 40-9
7 Point Loma Sea Lions CA 41-10
8 Seton Hill Griffins PA 41-8
9 Grand Valley State Lakers MI 41-8
10 West Chester Golden Rams PA 39-9
11 Francis Marion Patriots SC 42-12
12 Angelo State Rams TX 38-15
13 Young Harris Mountain Lions GA 39-16
14 East Stroudsburg Warriors PA 37-13
15 North Georgia Nighthawks GA 41-12
16 Minnesota State Mavericks MN 36-11
17 Rollins Tars FL 32-13
18 Belmont Abbey Crusaders NC 38-14
19 Lenoir-Rhyne Bears NC 37-13-1
20 Central Missouri Mules MO 34-14
21 Augustana Vikings SD 37-13
22 Wingate Bulldogs NC 37-16
23 Cal State Monterey Bay Otters CA 36-14
24 Rogers State Hillcats OK 38-12
25* Wayne State Warriors MI 35-12
25* West Florida Argos FL 38-13

 
When the final out was recorded at CaroMont Health Park last week, North Greenville found itself on the wrong end of a lopsided 13-0 run-rule loss to Young Harris in the Conference Carolinas Tournament championship — a result that dropped the Trailblazers from the top of the DII national rankings. Nevertheless, before anyone writes off the Trailblazers, it is worth stepping back and looking at what this program has built across the full season of play. The Trailblazers carry a 47-10 record into the postseason, and more importantly, they own the most impressive resume against elite competition of any team in Division II baseball. While they may not be the top team in the rankings, NGU should still be considered the team to beat in the postseason.
 
North Greenville's 17-5 record against Top 50 RPI opponents is the best mark in the country — and it is not particularly close. The Trailblazers went 10-3 against Top 25 RPI programs, a body of work that includes wins over programs ranked among the best in the nation all season long. Compare that to Colorado Mesa, the current consensus number one team nationally. While the Mavs have the best record in DII (45-4) built on the backs of 17 and 24-game winning streaks, CMU has only played four games against Top 25 competition (each a home win over Augustana) and 9-3 combined against the Top 50. The team-formerly-known-as-the-Crusaders have simply played — and beaten — a far more demanding slate of opponents.
 
One bad week does not erase what this program accomplished from January through April. Young Harris beat North Greenville twice in the conference tournament, but the Trailblazers also notably swept the Mountain Lions earlier in Apil. They also won four elimination games, including one against Young Harris, to earn the opportunity to play for the conference championship after winning the regular season title.
 
Then there is the championship pedigree. North Greenville won the Division II National Championship in 2022, and their head coach Landon Powell knows what it takes to survive the NCAA Tournament and peak when it matters most. This is not a team that stumbled into a good record. This is a battle-tested, championship-caliber program with a coaching staff that has been here before.
 
The Trailblazers hit .326 as a team — an extraordinary number — led by a lineup that can hurt you in multiple ways. CJ Dean (.404, 16 HR, 72 RBI) has been one of the best hitters in all of Division II, combining elite contact with genuine power. Josh Foulks (.403, 21 HR, 80 RBI) has been even more productive in the middle of the order, slugging .771 and providing the kind of protection that makes this lineup nearly impossible to neutralize. Together, Dean and Foulks form the most dangerous 1-2 punch in the country.
 
Thomas Powell (.333, 73 runs scored, 16 stolen bases) sets the table at the top of the order with outstanding on-base skills and baserunning instincts, while Lane McGaha (.338, 14 HR) gives the Trailblazers a reliable presence at first base. The depth of this lineup — seven regulars with at least 100 at bats, hitting .314 or better — means there are no easy outs anywhere in the order.
 
The rotation is anchored by Bennett Roemer (7-0, 3.12 ERA), who has been dominant all season, and Matty Brown (8-3, 2.79 ERA). Both starters go deep into games and give the Trailblazers a chance to win every time they take the mound. Out of the bullpen, Thomas Skipper (4-1, 0.94 ERA) has been nearly untouchable in 26 appearances, and Caleb Cox (2-0, 2.36 ERA) provides a reliable second option. The staff has held opponents to a .256 batting average on the season.
 
Another team with a winning pedigree to watch out for is West Chester. WCU was unranked to start the season but recently entered the Top 10 after winning three of four against Millersville last week. The Golden Rams will certainly be one of the most dangerous teams in the postseason. Carrying a 37-9 record and the number two RPI in the country at 0.619, West Chester has quietly built one of the most complete resumes in Division II baseball — one highlighted by a 15-3 combined record against Top-50 RPI opponents, including a sterling 6-2 mark against some of the very best programs in the country as in addition to taking three games from the Marauders, they won three of four against East Stroudsburg back in late March.
 
Like North Greenville, West Chester's credentials against elite competition set them apart from the field. While other programs have padded their records against lesser opponents, the Golden Rams have consistently risen to the occasion when facing the toughest competition. A 9-1 record against Top-26-to-50 RPI programs demonstrates depth of schedule performance that simply does not show up when you only look at the final standings.
 
Most importantly, West Chester has done this before – twice in fact. The Golden Rams claimed the Division II National Championship in 2017, going 44-11 that season. They also won the title in 2012. That is a program with two national championships, an experienced coaching staff with deep postseason experience, and players who understand what it takes to win in the NCAA Tournament. When the lights get brightest, West Chester knows how to perform.
 
The Golden Rams are built on balanced offensive production from top to bottom. Hunter Smith (.379, 6 HR, 48 RBI) has been the engine of the offense, posting a .481 on-base percentage while providing run-producing punch. Austin Stalker (.353, 10 HR, 48 RBI) provides power from the corner infield, and Caleb Strawhecker (.336, 8 HR) has been one of the most consistent performers in the PSAC all season. Carter Rust (.346, 21 stolen bases) brings speed and on-base ability at the top of the order, giving West Chester a dynamic leadoff presence that creates havoc on the basepaths.
 
West Chester hits .307 as a team — a strong mark — and draws walks at an impressive rate, with 207 base on balls as a team. The Golden Rams also committed just 39 errors on the season, reflecting a defense that takes care of the baseball and does not beat itself.
 
Julian Costa (9-2, 2.45 ERA) has been one of the best starting pitchers in Division II, completing four games and posting three shutouts in 11 starts. His ability to pitch deep into games — 66 innings in 11 starts — gives West Chester a genuine ace who can shut down any lineup in the country. Kyle Lazer (5-1, 3.78 ERA) has been a reliable number two option, and Luke Raho (4-2, 4.83 ERA) rounds out a rotation that has held opponents to a .268 batting average. Landen Rozich (3-1, 1.93 ERA) anchors a bullpen that has contributed 3 saves.
 
Colorado Mesa's 24-game winning streak and 45-4 record are genuinely impressive — but the Mavericks have done it largely against weaker competition, going just 4-0 against Top-25 opponents and 9-3 against the Top 50. Point Loma's 20-game winning streak tells a similar story. Winning streaks built against soft schedules tend to have a short shelf life in the NCAA Tournament.
 
NAIA



Rk. School State Record
1 Georgia Gwinnett Grizzlies GA 46-6
2 Taylor Trojans IN 49-5
3 Cumberlands Patriots KY 46-8
4 Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes KS 48-7
5 Bellevue Bruins NE 48-4
6 Johnson Royals TN 36-12
7 Hope International Royals CA 37-13
8 Tennessee Wesleyan Bulldogs TN 40-14
9 LSU Shreveport Pilots LA 39-12
10 Southeastern Fire FL 39-15
11 Missouri Baptist Spartans MO 39-10
12 Doane Tigers NE 44-9
13 Lewis-Clark State Warriors ID 41-7
14 Milligan Buffaloes TN 40-13
15 Webber International Warriors FL 37-17
16 Texas Wesleyan Rams TX 41-10
17 Abraham Baldwin Stallions GA 39-15
18 Loyola Wolf Pack LA 35-17
19 Louisiana Christian Wildcats LA 35-13
20 Concordia Bulldogs NE 37-16
21 William Carey Crusaders MS 35-16
22 Indiana Southeast Grenadiers IN 39-14
23 Keiser Seahawks FL 35-17
24 A&M Victoria Jaguars TX 33-14
25 Mid-America Christian Evangels OK 36-13

 
Forty-nine wins. A run differential of +419. A 12-4 record against Top-25 RPI opponents and an 18-5 combined mark against the Top 50 — the best in all of NAIA baseball. By every meaningful measure of quality competition performance, Taylor University is the most battle-tested team in the country this spring, and the case for the Trojans as the outright favorite to cut down the nets at Harris Field in Lewiston comes down to one simple fact: no one has beaten better teams more often.
 
The Trojans carry the second highest RPI of 0.6229 into the postseason, just behind Bellevue who is boosted by their .922 winning percentage — but where Taylor separates itself is in the sheer volume and quality of elite wins. Their 12-4 record against Top-25 RPI programs is the most wins against top-tier competition of any NAIA team in the country – that mark would be even more impressive when it is noted that went 6-1 against St. Thomas and Madonna – teams that are #28 and #29 in NAIA RPI . Georgia Gwinnett is 6-3 against the same bracket. Southeastern Florida is 6-3. Lewis-Clark State is 7-3. None of them match the body of work Taylor has assembled.
 
The schedule sheet tells the full story. From the opening weekend in Arizona through the Crossroads League Tournament in May, Taylor has played — and beaten — the best competition the NAIA has to offer. Each of their five losses all came against opponents ranked in the top 30 of RPI, and three of those were decided by a single run. This is not a team that has built its record on a soft schedule. The Trojans have earned every win the hard way.
 
Taylor also enters the postseason with fresh momentum. In the Crossroads League Tournament, the Trojans beat Marian 3-2, throttled Huntington 12-2 in seven innings to set a new program record with 48 wins, then dropped a wild 10-9 game to Indiana Wesleyan before bouncing back immediately with a 12-11 comeback win in the same day. That kind of resilience — losing a one-run game and winning the next one just hours later — is the hallmark of a championship-caliber program.
 
Taylor hits .353 as a team and has scored 598 runs in 54 games — nearly 11 runs per contest. The offense starts with Jordan Malott (.389, 15 HR, 81 RBI), who has been the most productive run-producer on the roster, driving in 81 runs while posting a .531 on-base percentage. His combination of power, patience, and clutch production has made him the heart of this lineup all season. Brayden Manning (.426, 12 HR, 72 RBI) has been just as good if not better with a .510 on-base percentage and .708 slugging mark that ranks among the elite at any level. Fletcher Roemmich (.371, 79 runs scored) sets the table and gets on base at a .478 clip, while Luke Sutter (.361, 77 runs scored) provides a patient, disciplined presence in the middle of the order. Brennan Frickel (.388, 54 RBI) and Ben Kennedy (.373, 9 HR) add more thump, giving the Trojans a deep, balanced lineup with no obvious weak spots. Opponents have held Taylor's team batting average below .300 exactly once this season.
 
The rotation has been a collective strength rather than a one-man show, with four starters posting competitive ERAs and the staff limiting opponents to a .242 batting average across 54 games. Brody Fine (8-0, 4.42 ERA) leads the staff in wins with a perfect record, going 15 starts deep into games all season. JT Tabor (8-1, 3.68 ERA) matches him in wins and has been the most consistent arm start-to-start. Wes Hunt (6-0, 3.42 ERA) has struck out 64 batters in 50 innings while going undefeated in 14 appearances including 13 starts.
 
Out of the bullpen, Jake Boyer (6-1, 5.82 ERA) has been the closer with 5 saves, while Nathan Frady (4-1, 3.27 ERA) provides a dependable long-relief option. The staff has limited opponents to zero extra-base hits in multiple games this season and has not allowed ten or more runs on the mound in any of the five losses — a sign that even the bad days have been manageable.
 
Taylor is not the only program entering the postseason with championship aspirations and a résumé built on elite competition wins. Top ranked Georgia Gwinnett (46-6, No. 3 RPI, 0.6077) and Southeastern Florida (39-15, No. 9 RPI) are both programs with recent national championship pedigree that have spent this spring beating the best the NAIA has to offer.
 
Georgia Gwinnett claimed the NAIA National Championship in 2021 and has been a World Series fixture ever since forever — the Grizzlies made their seventh consecutive appearance in Lewiston in 2025, reaching the semifinal round before falling to Southeastern. Their 17-3 combined record against Top-50 RPI opponents this season is the second best in the NAIA, and their 11-0 mark against the 26-50 bracket is simply remarkable. Georgia Gwinnett does not lose to teams in the middle tier of the NAIA, and that consistency across a long season is exactly what championship programs are built on.
 
Southeastern Florida won the national championship in 2018 and reached the title game in 2025 before falling to the historic LSU Shreveport squad that completed a 59-0 season. This year's Fire squad is 39-15 — a more modest record — but their 22-10 combined mark against Top-50 opponents is the most games played against elite competition of any NAIA team in the report, and they are 6-3 against the Top 25. Southeastern has proven time and again that regular-season records do not define them in Lewiston.
 
Both Georgia Gwinnett and Southeastern represent genuine threats to Taylor at the NAIA World Series, but the Trojans have the better RPI, the deeper résumé against Top-25 programs, and a program that has spent all spring answering every question put in front of them. If Taylor earns a ticket back to Lewiston, the Trojans will arrive not as a hopefuls — but as the team everyone else has to beat.
 
NCAA DIII

Rk. School State Record
1 Lynchburg Hornets VA 33-4-1
2 Denison Big Red OH 39-1
3 UW-Whitewater Warhawks WI 35-3
4 Endicott Gulls MA 32-8
5 Salisbury Seagulls MD 31-9
6 Salve Regina Seahawks RI 34-5
7 Rowan Profs NJ 33-5
8 Johns Hopkins Blue Jays MD 33-9
9 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Stags CA 29-11
10 Kean Cougars NJ 29-12-1
11 Cortland State Red Dragons NY 27-9-1
12 Shenandoah Hornets VA 32-9
13 Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets OH 29-9
14 East Texas Baptist Tigers TX 35-10
15 Tufts Jumbos MA 27-9
16 Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens CA 29-13
17 Belhaven Blazers MS 31-13
18 Rhodes Lynx TN 27-13
19 Bridgewater Eagles VA 32-11
20 University of Chicago  IL 27-13
21 Adrian Bulldogs MI 28-10
22 Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets VA 27-12
23 Russell Sage Gators NY 33-5
24 Washington Bears MO 28-11
25 Transylvania Pioneers KY 26-12

 
Perfect Game has listed Denison as the number two team in Division III baseball for much of the spring, but the numbers tell a story that is hard to argue with: the Big Red deserve to be considered number one — and if anyone wants to put them there ahead of Lynchburg, it’s hard to argue against it. Denison is 39-1, haven’t lost since their second game of the season way back on February 21st and have earned the top RPI in all of D3 at 0.6674. They have not just beaten teams on their schedule — they have overwhelmed them, scoring 424 runs while allowing just 106 in 40 games, a run differential of +350 that works out to nearly nine runs per game.
 
Their one loss? A 4-1 defeat to Salisbury in the D3 Showcase in Greensboro — the second game of the season, before Denison had fully hit its stride. Since that day, the Big Red have won 38 consecutive games. They have not lost at home. They have not lost on the road. They have not lost in midweek games. They have simply won, over and over, against everyone placed in front of them.
 
What separates Denison from the field is not just the winning streak — it is who they have beaten along the way. The Big Red carry a 12-1 combined record against Top-50 RPI opponents, the best mark in all of Division III. They went 4-1 against Top-25 programs and a perfect 8-0 against teams ranked 26 through 50. That breadth of dominance against elite competition is what makes the case that Denison is not merely unbeaten — they are genuinely the best team in the country. Currently ranked teams who have suffered defeat to head coach Mike Deegan’s team include Baldwin Wallace, Transylvania and Adrian, as well as quality wins against Christopher Newport, Ohio Northern and Wittenberg.
 
The Big Red can win the close ones just as convincingly as the blowouts. In 38 wins, Denison has won 10 games by four runs or fewer — they are not just a team that piles on weaker opponents, they are a team that competes and finds ways to win when games are tight.
 
Denison hits .362 as a team — a staggering number — and they do it with genuine top-to-bottom depth. Jack Lutte (.477, 10 HR, 52 RBI) has been the best hitter in Division III baseball this spring, posting a .562 on-base percentage and an .883 slugging percentage that borders on historic. His ability to make consistent contact (only nine strikeouts in 111 at bats) while generating elite power production has made him the anchor of one of the most feared lineups in the country.
 
Erik Sundgren (.400, 7 HR, 43 RBI, 27 stolen bases) provides the engine at the top of the order — a true table-setter who gets on base at a .532 clip and causes havoc on the basepaths. Eron Vega (.406, 7 HR) hits for both average and power while handling the shortstop position with aplomb. Kelly Crittenberger (.382, 40 RBI) is a run-producer in the middle of the order, and Cade Nowik (.350, 35 RBI) rounds out a lineup where the nine-spot is more dangerous than the cleanup hitter on many D3 rosters.
 
Denison's pitching staff has been equally dominant, posting a 2.38 team ERA and limiting opponents to a .228 batting average. Will Rettig (10-0, 2.30 ERA) has been the ace of the staff, going undefeated in 11 starts while striking out 56 batters in 62.2 innings. His 10-0 record with zero losses is the kind of performance that defines a championship rotation.
 
Robbie Lee (7-0, 1.76 ERA) is equally dominant as the number two starter, with 63 strikeouts in 51 innings. Andrew Montero (5-0, 1.77 ERA) has struck out 72 batters — the most on the staff — in just 40.2 innings, a pace that has opposing hitters completely lost. Cooper Marrs (4-0, 1.87 ERA) provides a formidable fourth option, and out of the bullpen, Devin Parker (3-1, 1.57 ERA, 4 saves) has shut the door in close games all season. This rotation has four pitchers with ERAs under 2.00. It is, simply, the best pitching staff in Division III.
 
Perfect Game’s top D3 team Lynchburg sits second in RPI at 0.6343 with a 33-4-1. The Hornets are 9-3 against Top-50 opponents and have not allowed 10 or more runs in a single game all season — a testament to their pitching depth. By any reasonable measure, these two programs stand above the rest of Division III baseball, and there is no wrong answer in debating which one deserves the top line.
 
But consider this: Denison's RPI of 0.6674 is 33 points above Lynchburg's 0.6343. The Big Red have played more games, beaten more Top-50 opponents (12-1 vs. 9-3), and their run differential per game (+8.75) is comparable to Lynchburg's (+8.89) despite playing significantly more contests. Denison is 39-1. They have the top RPI in all of Division III. They have the best combined record against Top-50 competition in the country.

College | Story | 5/29/2026

Cali Mid-Major Draft Notes

Joey Cohen
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California annually produces its share of high-profile prep and college draft talent, but this spring also offered quality depth especially on the mid-major side. I wanted to highlight a group of semi under-the-radar prospects who have quietly put together strong seasons and caught the attention of our staff whether it was with in-person looks or just by some performance/data metrics that popped. The bulk of this group comes out of the Big West, with additional names from the WCC, WAC, and Mountain West mixed in. Matthew Thomas - OF - CSUN  Few hitters in the Big West have matched Thomas’ offensive impact this spring, as he slashed a strong .335/.411/.679 with 15 home runs. Long and still mostly viewed as a power-first profile, he’s taken a meaningful step forward in the hit tool, cutting down a bit on significant swing-and-miss concerns while increasing his on-base...
Tournaments | Story | 6/6/2026

13/14u PG Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
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2031 King James (Cincinnati, Ohio) got the start on the bump for Team Elite against, coincidentally enough, his hometown Cincinnati Angels and delivered a 5 inning, run rule shortened complete game effort. Not overly physical at just 5-foot-8, 140 pounds, James came out showing quickness to his arm as he opened up in the 75-77 mph while working around the zone, mixing a bigger curveball with depth to help keep hitters off balance. Ultimately he struck out 6 on the game and walked just one while scattering four hits and even helped his own cause, picking up a double on the offensive side of things.  While he went 0-1 at the dish with a pair of walks, it's still worth talking about the performance from catcher Michael Wedgeworth (Flomaton, Ala.) as his catch-and-throw skills from behind the dish were on full display throughout the game, delivering a couple of strikes down to second...
Tournaments | Story | 6/6/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 1 Another good swing later in the day from ‘28 Derek Vazquez, this one lifted down the LF line for a 2B. So much to like about the profile & projects in every aspect. #BeastOfTheEast @PG_Coastal @PG_Uncommitted https://t.co/EDA8xhgK9G pic.twitter.com/kZDw8tPC5O — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 5, 2026 Derek Vazquez (2028, Charlotte, N.C.) has put together a big showing through two games for the SBA Bolts National 2028. The 6-foot-2, 183-pound shortstop/outfielder has showed defensive versatility throughout the event and does so with ease. He has all the actions at shortstop but also showed good range, tracking a flyball down the left field line on Friday. In the box, he’s uber-projectable in every phase and is already doing a great job of controlling the zone. The power should continue to trend up in the coming years and...
Tournaments | Story | 6/3/2026

Beast of the East Heads to Georgia

Will Dembo
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Marietta, Georgia will welcome some of the nation’s top teams this weekend as the Perfect Game Beast of the East Invitational takes place June 4-8. The invite only 15-17u tournament will showcase a plethora of nationally ranked teams and top talent looking to make a statement early into the summer and take home the championship in what promises to be a highly competitive weekend of baseball. The 15u division will shine a spotlight on several of the top ranked programs in the country as 9 out of the 32 total squads competing are T100. 11 states will be represented in the age bracket, proving how prestigious this event has become. Headlining the field are Wow Factor National who comes in at No. 8 in the national rankings, as well as Canes National who enters the weekend trailing just one spot behind Wow Factor. Canes National has an absolutely loaded roster with 9 players who rank in...
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

"Houston, We Nave a Problem"

Kinley Kitchens
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Some moments set the tone for an entire game. For Jackson Nave, it happened in his very first trip to the plate. The Sevierville, Tennessee native stepped into the batter’s box looking for a pitch he could drive. A few moments later, the ball was flying over the fence, giving FTB Phillies 13U an early boost and igniting what would become a dominant offensive performance. “I was feeling good,” Nave said. “I was just trying to find a pitch I could hammer. I kept my eye on it, took it down the middle and that felt good.” That swing was only the beginning. Nave finished the game with a home run, four runs scored, and four RBI as FTB Phillies 13U rolled to a 27-4 victory on the opening day of the 2026 PG 13U National Elite Championship. For Nave, getting the offense started early is an important part of helping his team succeed. “I think it is really...
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Reed Continues to Prove He Belongs

Kinley Kitchens
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For many young players, competing alongside some of the top talent in the country can be intimidating. For Chris Reed, it is simply another opportunity to prove he belongs. The Conyers, Georgia native has established himself as one of the premier players in the 2030 class, currently ranking No. 24 nationally and No. 7 among shortstops according to Perfect Game. Reed’s game has consistently stood out against elite competition thanks to his athleticism, instincts, and all-around skill set. That ability was on full display during the 2025 Perfect Game 13U National Showcase, where Reed earned his invitation to the PG Select Festival, one of the most prestigious events available to players his age. “It showed that I can play with the best of the best, and that I belong,” Reed said of the experience. The event provided more than just exposure. It also reinforced an important...
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
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‘29 SS Chase Hallett (NJ) drops the bat head on this one & lifts it out to the PS for a solo HR. Free and easy LH swing w/ present strength & more to dream on. #BeastOfTheEast @PGMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/Ym9LFg05tx — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 4, 2026 Chase Hallett (2029, Pennington, N.J.) came up with a loud swing on Thursday morning, dropping the barrel on one and lifting it out to the pull-side. It’s an intriguing profile overall with the young left-handed hitting middle infielder and the power projects in a big way. The swing is short and simple, he finds the barrel at a high clip, and is a sure handed defender up the middle. This has all the makings of a high-end prospect in a few years and is certainly a name of note in the ‘29 class. Canon Day (2028, Germantown, Tenn.) put together a great day on the offensive side of things,...
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Arizona Desert Classic Gets Underway

Emily Hicks
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After another busy week of baseball, attention now turns to the 2026 PG 14u Arizona Desert Classic tournament as teams prepare for a weekend of competition on the Perfect Game circuit. ATB 13U enters the event looking to continue building on its season so far. The team comes into the weekend with a record of 5-4 and has shown strengths in their offense and defense. As the schedule gets tougher, this tournament presents another opportunity to test themselves against quality opponents. The field features teams from across Arizona, setting up several intriguing matchups throughout pool play. Key games against AZ Premier Prospects and Maverix could provide an early look at where the team stands heading into bracket play. A few players to keep an eye on this weekend include Reece Neely and Gavyn Jupp from Maverix and Jakob Couto from USA Scout Team AZ 14u. Whether it's producing at the plate,...
Tournaments | Story | 6/4/2026

California Kickoff Scout Notes

Joey Cohen
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Jayce Dejong (‘27, CA) finished 6-for-14 on the weekend which included a big HR in the championship game. Intriguing @PG_Uncommitted player to monitor this summer. #CAKickoff https://t.co/UbuSQxNalf pic.twitter.com/kjVcyiG8km — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) June 1, 2026 Jayce Dejong (2027, Yorba Linda, Calif). Really strong weekend at the plate, going 6-for-14 with multiple line-drive barrels, including a no-doubt pull-side HR. Medium, lean, athletic frame with room to add. Hits from a wider base from the left side, starts early and consistently gets to launch on time. Loose barrel turn with adjustability and length through the middle, showing the ability to create lift and impact out front. Coming off a strong junior season at Crean Lutheran and should be a priority uncommitted follow this summer. Evan Stroner (2027, Huntington Beach, Calif). Impressive...
Showcase | Story | 6/4/2026

Soph. & Junior National Arrive in Georgia

Hannah Jo Groves
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This weekend will kick off the 2026 PG Junior National Showcase with the Sophomore National Showcase following close behind. Both in Marietta, Georgia, these showcases will feature lots of top-50 talent along with the ever-present potential for lesser-known players to turn heads.  For the Junior National Showcase, starting on June 6, 7 of the top 10-ranked players will attend - No. 2 Colin Anderson, No. 3 Cullen Scott, No. 4 Carter Shouse, No. 6 Aiden Kearney, No. 8 Keelan Zumwalt, No. 8 Landon Bonner and No. 9 Theo Swafford.  Anderson won’t have to travel far to attend, coming from Acworth, Georgia. At last year’s Sophomore National Showcase, he impressed scouts with his calm approach and explosive bat speed. Scott, a right-handed pitcher and third baseman from Melissa, Texas, has shown his arm strength getting up in the 90-mph zone....
Draft | Story | 6/4/2026

Pence Makes the Jump to 2027

Perfect Game Staff
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    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME STANDOUT STRIKER PENCE RECLASSIFIES TO CLASS OF 2027, ACCELERATING PATH TO MLB DRAFT   Corona, California (Thursday, June 4, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that Perfect Game prospect Striker Pence, one of the most watched young prospects in amateur baseball, has officially reclassified from the Class of 2028 to the Class of 2027, making the 17-year-old eligible for the 2027 Major League Baseball Draft. Pence is currently the #2 ranked player on Perfect Game’s national rankings and the top-ranked right-handed pitcher. Pence, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound right-handed pitcher and left-handed hitting first...
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