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College  | Story | 3/16/2017

College Spotlight: Week 4

Steve Fiorindo
Photo: Steve Fiorindo
 


College Spotlight: Stanford/Rice | Perfect Game College Player Database

Every week during the 2017 college baseball season we will be pulling at least one report, and corresponding video when available, of a player entered into the College Player Database. This week we will share reports on players from TCU/UC Irvine, and Vanderbilt/Saint Mary's following their three-game series last weekend in Irvine, Calif., and Nashville, Tenn., respectively. All of the reports entered into the database can be found in one, easy-to-find place as linked above, and can also be accessed off of the individual PG player profile pages.

To access all of the reports you will need a College Baseball Ticket (CBT) subscription. To learn more about the CBT and to sign up today please visit this link.




Nick Lodolo, LHP, TCU

Listed at 6-foot-6, 185-pounds, Nick Lodolo has added considerable strength since high school. Physically he’s the dream, as he’s easy to project with both the body and the arm and he really isn’t far from reaching that projection. The stuff currently is already really good, with a low arm slot that gives a bit of a feel of Randy Johnson. His fastball topped out at 92-93 in his start against UC Irvine on Saturday, a 6-3 win by the Anteaters, with a spin rate slightly higher than Major League average.

Lodolo struggled with command in the first inning, giving up four runs, but he did a nice job settling down and pitched very well the rest of the game (five total innings). His breaking ball currently is a bit of a hybrid, as he tinkering with different grips in high school trying to throw more of a true curveball, a difficult task given his lower arm slot. The breaking ball sits more in the 75-79 mph range with more break than a traditional slider but is more lateral than a traditional curveball. With a spin rate up to 2500 RPM it’s tighter than both Major League average for either breaking pitch.

His changeup is firm, a clear third pitch thrown in the mid-80s that looks and acts more like a BP fastball right now, but he has the pitch and continues to work on it. As the pieces continue to evolve and come together he could be a premium pick for the 2019 MLB Draft and may hear his named called among the top 3-5 overall selections.

Other TCU players added to College Player Database:

• Luken Baker
• Brian Howard
• Evan Skoug




Louis Raymond, RHP, UC Irvine

Louis Raymond started opposite Brian Howard in UCI’s 11-2 win over TCU to open their three-game series in Southern California. A transfer from Cuesta College, he was named the Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2016 with 10 wins and a 1.57 ERA. He has a good frame at 6-foot-2, and had a great outing in this game, allowing just three hits in 6 2/3 innings. While he doesn’t have electric stuff he mixes pitches well and did a nice job keeping the TCU hitters off balance by changing speeds, inducing a lot of weak contact with plenty of ground balls. He uses a bit of an easy, short stride and gets over the front side well before driving his sinking fastballs with arm-side run to the bottom of the strike zone. His fastball was in the 88-90 mph range early on, dipping down some later in his outing, while mixing in a very good 77-80 mph changeup that showed both sink and fade. He also threw a 77 mph slider which was effective in keeping hitters off balance, but mostly went to his changeup as his primary secondary offering.

Other UC Irvine players added to College Player Database:

• Keston Hiura
• Cole Kreuter


Jeren Kendall, OF, Vanderbilt

Kendall is possibly the most well rounded, high upside offensive player in all of college baseball this year. After having a solid freshman year in 2015 he took his game to the next level during his sophomore year, batting .332 to go with nine home runs and 28 stolen bases. However, he is off to slow start to this season (by his lofty standards) batting .284 through the first 17 games of the season. Despite the slow start, Kendall showed in game three of Vanderbilt’s series against Saint Mary’s what kind of offense he will bring to the table once SEC play opens, as he made consistent hard line drive contact going 2-for-3 with two walks.

He compares favorably to Andrew McCutchen, and has similar perennial all-star upside. Like ‘Cutch, Kendall has a compact and tightly wound body that is tougher than leather wrapped around wrought iron. He also has plus speed, recording a 3.69-second home-to-first time on a drag bunt single as a lefthanded hitter. He routinely registers 4.05 times up the line on swings and the speed also plays well in center field as he has plus range taking advantage of his direct routes to the ball. Kendall also has an above average arm giving him true five-tool potential.

Kendall has an interesting athletic background having played hockey in high school, and without a doubt playing hockey helped develop his strong wrists. He has a short swing with plus bat speed with a narrow stance with a large stride towards home. He employs a good approach at the plate and is able to shorten up his swing with two strikes without sacrificing the quality of his at-bats. Assuming he finishes the season strong he would seem to be a lock to be selected among the top 5-10 overall picks come June and is a legitimate candidate to be taken first overall.
Other Vanderbilt players added to College Player Database:

• J.J. Bleday
• Ro Coleman
• Jason Delay
• Drake Fellows
• Julian Infante
• Alonzo Jones
• Connor Kaiser
• Patrick Raby
• Will Toffey


Zach Kirtley, 2B/3B, Saint Mary's

Kirtley is an attractive looking player that plays second and third base for Saint Mary’s. On defense, second base may be a better fit for him as he doesn’t have the cannon of an arm typically associated with the hot corner. He made a throwing error early in the second game of Saint Mary’s three-game series with Vanderbilt, but his defense improved throughout the series after that. While he doesn’t have plus hands, he made some nice plays including one on a scorched grounder hit right at him, in which he made a heady decision to throw home to get a runner trying to score, and another on a diving play up the line.

Offensively, Kirtley showed a slow bat early on in the series being late on 91-93 mph fastballs away. In the next at-bat, he got pitched to backwards with curves away causing him to chase a 91 mph fastball up and out of the zone. After that, his bat speed and approaches improved. He made hard contact in the third at-bat and laid off a 3-2 curve in the dirt for a walk in his fourth at-bat. In his final three at-bats, he hit a hard grounder to third, a smoked line drive to short and a hard single up the box. Zach has very good bat speed but he has a tendency at times to dip his back shoulder and to bail the front side when swinging out of his shoes.

Kirtley compares favorably to Logan Gray (13th round in 2016 out of Austin Peay) given their similar foot speed, defense and line drive hit tools.

Other Saint Mary's players added to College Player Database:

• Eddie Haus
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College | Story | 7/18/2026

Cape Cod League Notebook: July 18
Perfect Game Staff
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Brandon Shannon | Fr. | RHP | Louisville | Bourne Braves  The freshman right-hander possesses arguably the most electric arm on the Cape, pairing a lean, projectable frame with plenty of room to continue adding strength. Shannon worked an effortless 96-98 mph throughout the outing with premium arm speed. His mid-80s slider generates plenty of swing-and-miss, while his 92-93 mph power changeup gives him a quality third offering to neutralize left-handed hitters. After flashing premium stuff during his freshman season at Louisville, Shannon has carried that arsenal into the summer and possesses the type of arm talent to develop into a Day 1 draft prospect as he continues refining his command and overall polish.    Another look at 1B/P Josiah Overbeek (@HailStateBB) Pull side RBI single here. @BourneBraves https://t.co/YA17RJnFo8 pic.twitter.com/Jw7iDMliZG — PG College...
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17u WWBA North Champ. Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Ty Teske (2027, Merrill, WI) worked a complete-game seven-inning shutout while striking out 12 and never allowed the game to speed up on him. The fastball sat 79-81 and touched 83, consistently working to both sides of the plate and getting him into favorable counts. Repeats the delivery exceptionally well and maintained command throughout all seven innings. Mixed in a 69-71 curveball with depth that he showed confidence landing for strikes early or using to finish at-bats. Did an excellent job changing eye levels and preventing hitters from sitting on one pitch.   Landon Sanderson (2027, Lake Crystal, MN) attacked hitters with an 85-87 fastball that reached 89 and showed quality arm-side movement through the zone. The ball comes out with some jump and continued to play throughout the outing. Stayed on the attack from the first inning, consistently getting ahead and forcing...
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SW Select Champ. Loaded With Talent

Emily Hicks
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After the intense week of the WWBA Championship, another weekend of Perfect Game baseball is set with the Southwest Select Championship Tournament, with three days of competitive action. Taking place at Goodyear Ballpark, teams in the 15U, 16U, and 18U divisions will take the field looking to build momentum, showcase their talent, and compete for a championship against some of the top travel ball programs in the region. The tournament brings together teams from across the west, creating a competitive field filled with established organizations and rising clubs. Throughout pool play and the championship bracket, every game will present an opportunity for players to make an impact. The 15U division features a talented group of rising prospects eager to prove themselves against quality competition. As players continue to develop, this tournament provides another opportunity to gain valuable...
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PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 7/19/2026

11u Select Festival Roster Release

John McAdams
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11u Select Festival Event Page The sixth iteration of Perfect Game Select 11U Baseball Festival will take place on August 8th at the historic East Cobb Complex in Marietta, Georgia. After an exciting 2026 tournament season, final selections were made after the completion of the Perfect Game Invitational National Championship in Southaven, Mississippi. This year’s rosters are comprised of players twelve different states as twenty-eight of the best players will descend on Georgia in a celebration of their play throughout the season, bringing to light the amazing platform that Perfect Game has created for today’s youth athletes. The sheer amount of talent throughout the country within this age group is a testament to the continued development of so many athletes. The Select Festivals provide elite players with a unique opportunity to compete alongside and against the best talent...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/18/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
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Hudson Sage (’29, Houston, TX) had a strong start to his event, collecting three hits to drive in four including a pair of doubles. Sage operates from a medium right-handed frame with a mix of length and strength, displaying athleticism. He starts with a wide base, keeping the hands high and active, working into a deep inward leg load. The native Texan fires through a quick and compact barrel with accuracy and all fields impact. Defensively, Sage appeared in the outfield where he has proven to have a strong throwing arm. Cooper Holland (‘29, CA) deposits a solo homer to straightaway right. Upright setup from the left side, utilizing HH + an even base. Employs a hovering LL pre-launch. #WWBA @California_PG pic.twitter.com/RuPy6NR3oE — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 17, 2026 Cooper Holland (’29, Mission Viejo, CA) collected two hits to kick off pool play,...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/17/2026

South Champ. & South Elite Scout Notes

Geoff Billock
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Peyton Alvarez (2029, New Braunfels, Texas) put on a display for Marucci Elite TX Ramirez. Went 4-8 with two doubles. Worked strong at bats, drawing a total of six walks. Lot of deep counts, putting stress on opposing arms. Also swiped a staggering seven bases over the span of five games. Repeatable right-handed stroke with hands that work quickly through the zone. Was an absolute force at the top of the order all weekend. Jack Simms (2028, Cypress, Texas) put together a strong showing for Texas Brigade 2028 - Konarik. Went 3-9 with a double, a home run, and five runs batted in. Showed some quick hands, working through an uphill plane, playing well to the pullside. Frame has plenty more in the tank, impact should continue to develop as he fills out. Riley Thompson (2029, Leander, Texas) had another loud weekend for Test Black. 5-9 at the plate with three doubles and no strikeouts. Super...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/17/2026

BCS Midwest Championship Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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’29 INF Aarion Gould (IL) drives this ball deep to CF for a triple. Simple setup w/ a controlled load. Keeps the barrel in the zone w/ good extension through contact. Big day at the plate going 2-for-3 with 4 RBI. #BCSMW @WhitesoxAce pic.twitter.com/QL9jPCTAv8 — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) July 12, 2026 Aarion Gould (2029, Chicago, Ill.) earned Tournament MVP honors after helping lead Chicago White Sox ACE 2029 to the BCS Midwest Championship. The right-handed infielder displayed a direct swing path with quality barrel accuracy, using the middle of the field approach. Present strength was evident, producing two doubles, one triple, while hitting .444 (8-for-18) with seven RBI, three stolen bases and a 1.277 OPS. Gould also contributed on the mound, tossing 6.0 scoreless innings while allowing three hits and striking out six.   ’29 RHP Xavier Alvarez (IL)...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/17/2026

WWBA Midwest Regional Champ. Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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’28 OF Caleb Wilson (IN) drives this fastball into the RCF gap for a double. Quick hands and bat-to-ball skills on display. Good game at the plate. Finished 2-for-3 with an RBI. #WWBAMW @TopTierBaseball @PG_OhioValley pic.twitter.com/IC5dmPojcz — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) July 13, 2026 Caleb Wilson (2028, Crown Point, Ind.) helped lead Top Tier Americans 2028 to the 16U WWBA Regional Championship and delivered one of the tournament's top offensive performances. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound left-handed outfielder displayed good plate discipline, a quick bat and barreled balls to all parts of the field. Plus speed also added another dimension to Wilson's game on the base paths, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses. The Tournament MVP saw the ball extremely well, hitting .667 (14-for-21) with two triples, six RBI, four stolen bases and a 1.588 OPS. Brennen...
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17u Elite Scout Notes: Days 3-4

Perfect Game Staff
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17u Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2 '27 OF Carson Bruce (GA) sent a missile off the 400' sign in dead CF on a line & laced another hit later on. Couple of really impressive swings & has low effort barrel jump. #NatElite @PG_Georgia @Official_ECB https://t.co/lkthA2Uk1T pic.twitter.com/RimhoEzEVA — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 14, 2026 Carson Bruce (2027, Powder Springs, Ga.) showed off some real impact and looked very comfortable in the box on Tuesday. The Georgia commit collected four hits on the day out of the cleanup spot for East Cobb Astros 17U. His most impressive swing on the day came in game two, sending an absolute missile off of the 400 foot sign in dead center, strolling in for a double. The ball came off the bat screaming and reached the center field in a blink. The impact comes very easy for the left-handed stick and the ball jumps with low effort. Bruce...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/16/2026

Top Talent On Display at 17u BCS

Alyssa Golden
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The 21st annual 17U BCS National Championship brings together some of the nation’s top programs and elite 2027 prospects to Fort Myers, Florida, from July 17-21. With dozens of Division I commits and nationally ranked prospects set to compete, here are some of the players expected to make the biggest impact throughout the weekend. For Florida Burn 2027 Scout, which is currently ranked #5 nationally Florida Burn will be No. 107-ranked outfielder RJ Shields and No. 129-ranked third baseman Braedon Mackay. One of the premier two-way prospects in the tournament, Shields, brings one of the strongest arms in the field. The Venice, Florida native has run his fastball up to 95 mph while also showcasing a 98 mph throwing arm from the outfield, making him a weapon on both sides of the ball. On the mound this season, the Mississippi State commit has struck out 29 batters in 15.1 innings,...
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