THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,414 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,414 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 7/1/2016

Roadrunners race to 14u title

Vincent Cervino
Photo: Perfect Game


EMERSON, Ga. – The Roadrunners defeated Banditos Elite 4-2 in a tightly contested championship game. Both teams came into this game hot after semifinal victories prior to the championship game. Dalton Pearson had no words to describe the way he felt after Roadrunners Baseball captured the 14u WWBA National Championship.

“I’m just happy to be on the Roadrunners,” said Pearson.

Kyle Hilton started on the mound for the Roadrunners and he was a calm and focused presence the entire game. Hilton worked at his own pace, pounded the strike zone and forced opposing hitters to swing at bad pitches. His final line for the day was a seven inning complete game and only allowed two runs to score along with four strikeouts.

Aaron Nixon started on the mound for the Banditos and he had his fastball working early in the game. Nixon sat 84-86 mph with his fastball and mixed in a curveball to keep hitters off balance. Nixon was able to keep the Roadrunner offense at bay early on but they struck first in the bottom of the second inning.

With two outs and runners on first and second, the Roadrunners pushed their first run across after a throwing error by the shortstop. Evan Hurst came up next and brought in another run with an RBI single. The Roadrunners held the 2-0 advantage heading into the middle innings.

Dalton Pearson led off the bottom of the fourth inning with a triple over the head of the center fielder. He came into score after an RBI groundout to bring the lead to three. The Roadrunners were able to add their fourth run later in the inning thanks to a wild pitch. After four innings, the Roadrunners were in a good position with a 4-0 lead.

The Banditos would spark a rally in the top of the fifth. After loading the bases with only one out, Zane Keener brought home two runs with a single through the right side of the infield. A strong throw by the catcher was able to get Keener out trying to advance to second for the big second out of the inning. Hilton was able to induce a groundout to keep the lead at 4-2.

The score would remain the same as the top of the seventh approached and a championship was on the line. The Banditos had their leadoff man reach after a single but that was quickly erased as the Roadrunners turned a double play on a strike-him-out-throw-him-out at second base. Hilton induced a fly out to left and the celebration was on.

This win was very special for manager Todd Howard as this was the Roadrunners’ first WWBA National Championship as a program. An emotional Howard discussed his emotions during the final inning.

“I told the team that I’ve been a Roadrunner since 1979 and this is probably my favorite moment ever,” said Howard. “Garrett Hodges, one of our older players who’s going to Kennesaw State, found out we were playing and came in the dugout. He told the team before they went out for the seventh, ‘Remember what that Roadrunner name means.’ He also talked to the team after the game and it shows that we’re a big family. All the guys in college summer leagues texted me today and they’ll be fired up to learn that we did it.”

The Roadrunners were involved in many close ballgames during this tournament but they persevered and finished with an undefeated 11-0 record. Howard credits his team’s ability to their heart and their mentality of never giving up.

“They didn’t give up,” said Howard. “Yesterday we were down two runs and a lot of fourteen year olds would’ve given up but we scored three runs to win. Earlier today we were tied 2-2 and Dalton (Pearson) came up with a big two-out hit and threw a runner out at the plate, definitely MVP. Our pitchers came in and did an incredible job.”

Going forward, this is a landmark championship for the Roadrunners program. Their creation of a family atmosphere and track record of success shows that they are an elite program that can compete with anyone.

“When people come to visit and come to the Roadrunner House we’ll be able to show them that first place trophy, which is nice because Perfect Game is huge,” said Howard. “It helps with our recruiting because it shows that when you play for the Roadrunners a player very rarely leaves and the college kids come down and stay with us. It’s a family.”

The MVP of the tournament was Dalton Pearson of the Roadrunners. Pearson finished the tournament with a .581 batting average and 18 hits in only 11 games. He also had 10 RBI and 10 runs scored. The MV-Pitcher of the tournament also went to the Roadrunners and Patrick Holloman. He finished the tournament with a 1-0 record and a team-high 12 innings pitched while striking out 14 and only allowing one run to score.

The Banditos advanced after knocking out the defending champion East Coast Sox Elite 8-3 in the semifinals. The Banditos pushed four runs across in the first inning to give them some momentum heading into the rest of the game. After adding two more in the third inning it looked as if the rout was on. The Sox mounted a comeback, scoring three runs in the bottom of the fifth to cut the lead to only three. But after putting three runs up in response, the game was decided and the Banditos headed to the championship game.

The Roadrunners defeated the 643 DP Cougars 3-2 in an exciting finish to clinch their spot in the championship game. A one-run game for the majority of the afternoon, the score was tied at two heading to the bottom of the seventh inning. With two outs and nobody on, it looked as if the game was heading to extra innings. Three batters later, two singles and an error, the bases were loaded and tournament MVP Dalton Pearson hit a walk-off single to secure the Roadrunners spot in the championship game.


2016 14u WWBA National Championship runner-up: Banditos Elite



2016 14u WWBA National Championship MVP: Dalton Pearson



2016 14u WWBA National Championship MV-Pitcher: Patrick Hollomon
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 4/9/2026

Don't Boot the Loot Scout Notes
Cam McElwaney
Article Image
‘30 UTL Chase Jelks (GA) lifts this one deep into the gap & rolls around the bags for a triple. Loose LH swing w/ feel to lift. #DontBootTheLoot @PG_Georgia pic.twitter.com/leF4GMTawJ — Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) April 4, 2026 Chase Jelks (2030, Atlanta, Ga.) put together a great weekend for The Dream 14u Black in their run to a championship game appearance, hitting .444 with two triples and a double along with three RBI. He controlled the zone throughout the event in the box and finished with a 6:1 BB:K ratio because of it while also swiping five bags as well. It was a strong showing for Jelks, something that’s becoming common this spring in PG events.    ‘30 MIF Cohen Carter (TN) hits this one on the screws into the gap for a triple. Functional & compact swing. #DontBootTheLoot @PG_Tennessee pic.twitter.com/YVUfxbHBxx — Perfect Game...
Read More
College | Story | 4/21/2026

College Players of the Week: April 21

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
April 21st Perfect Game/Player of the Week:  Tague Davis, IF, Louisville  The Louisville Cardinals (22-18) haven’t been able to get themselves in much of a groove this spring, their longest winning streak is 5-games, and they are (4-6) in their last 10-games.  The issue has not been the offense as the Cardinals are averaging over 8-runs per game and Tague Davis is leading the club in virtually every offensive category.  His calling card is his 70-grade power and that was on display last weekend in their series against Cal.  In the three-game series, Davis went 7 for 12, scoring 4 runs, launching 5 home runs and collected 7 RBIs.  The 6-4/220 lefthanded hitter from West Chester, PA has a pure stroke, is one of the premier power hitters in the nation and has significantly improved his plate discipline from a year ago.  After his big weekend, he is...
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 4/20/2026

PG & EventConnect Extend Collaboration

Article Image
    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923  www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    PERFECT GAME AND EVENTCONNECT EXTEND COLLABORATION FOCUSED ON SCALE, SERVICE AND EXPERIENCE    Sanford, Florida (Monday, April 20, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the renewal and expansion of its long-standing housing and technology partnership with EventConnect, reaffirming a shared commitment to innovation, scale and best-in-class experiences for athletes, families and event operators across North America.    The renewed multi-year agreement extends a successful partnership that has helped Perfect Game...
Read More
College | Rankings | 4/20/2026

College Top 25: April 20

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
As the old saying goes, “all good things must come to an end” and that was the case last Tuesday when UCLA (36-3) saw their 27-game win streak come to an end in a shutout loss to UCSB.  However, the No. 1 team in the land still has their 21-game winning streak in Big Ten to protect, as they have started off league play without a single blemish.  The Bruins will remain atop our poll this week and their historical start to the season roll on.  The UNC Tarheels (33-7-1) move up to No. 2 this week after they made their biggest statement of the year by taking the weekend series from now No. 4 Georgia Tech (32-7).  No. 3 Texas (30-8) and No. 5 Georgia (32-9) both went (3-1) on the week and won their SEC series to stay in contention for the regular season title.  Florida State (28-11) had a nice bounce back (4-0) week and re-enter the Top 10 at No. 8 this...
Read More
College | Story | 4/16/2026

Coppy's Corner: April 16 POY Deep Dive

John Coppolella
Article Image
Each week I huddle with Vinnie Cervino and Craig Cozart  to discuss Top-25 rankings and Players of the Week. In Coppy’s Corner, I dive deeper into these Players of the Week, providing analysis from 20+ years working in baseball front offices at the highest level.   Player of the Week: Jaquae Stewart – Texas State University  If you squint a little bit, you can see some Josh Naylor or Dominic Smith in Jaquae Stewart, with a stout build like a more powerful version of the teacup from the children’s song. Lately, the Sun Belt Conference has been child’s play for Stewart as he has been on fire showing an improved hit approach and power that tracks more with his 2024 performance at Northwest Florida State College than with his 2025 experience at the University of Texas. It’s tough for any player to jump from a JUCO in Florida to the big stage...
Read More
High School | General | 4/16/2026

High School Notebook: April 16

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
Alain Gomez-Gudiño (‘26 AZ) with a pair of backside barrels, including a double. Physical 6-0/215 frame. Switch-hitter with power. Adv. defender with strong C&T behind the dish. @PGAllAmerican alum. #Gamecocks commit #PGHS @PG_Draft @SaguaroBaseball pic.twitter.com/2Vhuu5gYX9 — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) April 11, 2026 C Alain Gomez-Gudino, Saguaro (Ariz.) Since I first saw him as a sophomore, Gomez-Gudiño has long been one of my favorite prospects in the state. The backstop features a super physical frame at 6-foot-0, 215-pounds with a thick lower half and strong forearms. Defensively, Gomez-Gudiño has always stood out. He moves well for his size behind the plate and receives with confident hands. The catch-and-throw ability stands out. Gomez-Gudiño looks to be aggressive and will back pick runners often. The glove alone makes...
Read More
Juco | Rankings | 4/15/2026

JUCO Top 25: April 15

Blaine Peterson
Article Image
Another week of undefeated weeks for our top 4 ranked teams. Joining them in the top 5, coming off an undefeated week of their own, is Florence-Darlington, a team we have consistently had as a top 10 team all season long. Cloud County and Midland College continue to put together strong weeks and climb the rankings each week it seems. Jumping into the rankings this week on the strength of a 15-game winning streak is Seminole State (OK). And Linn Benton makes the top 25 for a 2nd consecutive week and looks like the top team in the NWAC this spring. Plenty of high-level matchups at the JUCO level for some of the top teams in the county this next week.  Rk. School Record 1 Johnson County (KS) 42-2 2 Gaston (NC) 43-3 3 McLennan (TX) 34-7 4 Chipola (FL) 37-7 5 Florence-Darlington (SC) 40-8 6 Walters State (TN) 37-10 7 Blinn (TX) 31-11 8 Florida Southwestern (FL) 30-12 9 Southern Nevada...
Read More
College | Rankings | 4/15/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: April 15

Nick Herfordt
Article Image
Welcome to this week's small school baseball rankings, covering NCAA Division II, the NAIA, and NCAA Division III. As the calendar turns toward the final weeks of the regular season, the urgency is real across all three levels — teams are running out of weekends to build their cases, and the extended postseason invitations that every program is chasing don't go to programs that peak in March. The next few weeks of results will carry more weight than anything that happened before spring break, and the postseason committees in all three divisions are watching closely. Every series dropped to a team you should beat, every road sweep you let get away — it all matters now in a way it simply didn't two months ago. What you'll also notice as you read through the breakdowns below is that the numbers are doing more of the heavy lifting in how these rankings are constructed. Run...
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 4/15/2026

Perfect Game & Youth Prospects Team Up

Article Image
    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923  www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    PERFECT GAME AND YOUTH PROSPECTS ANNOUNCE   BROADCAST RIGHTS AND CONTENT PARTNERSHIP    Sanford, Florida (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced a new partnership with content platform Youth Prospects centered around broadcast rights, content collaboration and expanded visibility for elite youth baseball events.    As part of the agreement, Perfect Game will grant Youth Prospects broadcast rights to select games across its premiere events, including marquee matchups at the WWBA World...
Read More
College | Story | 4/14/2026

College Players of the Week: April 14

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
April 14th Perfect Game/Player of the Week:  Jaquae Stewart, INF/OF, Texas State  The Texas State Bobcats (24-12) are sitting in second place in the ultra-competitive Sun Belt Conference, and they have one of the most explosive offenses in the country.  They average right at 8-runs per game and can slug with the best of them, averaging almost 2-home runs per game as well.  Sitting in the middle of the order, Jaquae Stewart, is putting together a career year and is becoming the focus of opposing teams.  The 5-10/234 junior from Sinton, Tx is your classic lefthanded power hitter and is thriving in his move from Austin to San Marcos.  While it wasn’t the best week for his club, Stewart was sensational, collecting 8 hits in his 19 at-bats, scoring 5 runs, launching 5 home runs and driving in an insane 17 runs.  For the season, he is now slashing...
Read More
Showcase | Story | 4/14/2026

PG Announces Prospect Gateway Schedule

Hannah Jo Groves
Article Image
PG has announced the dates for Prospect Gateway events across the country - unique opportunities for young players to receive professional feedback and prepare for the next level. The Prospect Gateways are for players ages 13U-14U and serve as a qualifier for the National Showcase. Kevin Schuver, the senior director of showcases at Perfect Game, said these events are chances for players to step out of their comfort zone and show what they’re really made of. “Perfect Game Prospect Gateways aren’t just events. They’re doorways into something bigger. For young athletes, they serve as the first real step beyond their local fields, where raw ability begins to meet visibility and purpose.” At the event, each player is assigned a PG advisor who will watch and advise them individually. There will also be other scouts giving tips on how to enhance and develop a...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.