THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,410 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,410 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 7/23/2017

17u PG World Series Day 3 Notes

David Rawnsley
Photo: Perfect Game



Daily Leaders | Player Stats | Day 1 Notes | Day 2 Notes

Perfect Game All-American Blake Burzell (2018, Laguna Beach, Calif.) threw four shutout innings, allowing only one hit and one walk, while throwing only 56 pitches, for the So Cal Birds in the 8:00 a.m. time slot Saturday morning. The 6-foot-6 righthander worked in the 88-92 mph range and was still touching 91 mph in the fourth inning. Burzell throws from an up-tempo turn-and-throw delivery and does a good job of staying on top of his fastball and powering it downhill. That quick delivery pace, however, tends to leave his arm behind on his hard curveball, with the result that he often leaves the pitch up and over the plate. A bit slower delivery or a pause at the top of his delivery might enable him to sync up more consistently. Burzell went with his changeup more often in the later innings and did so effectively.

Premier Baseball righthander Owen Meaney (2018, Houston, Texas) turned in a masterpiece Saturday, throwing six innings of one-hit baseball and striking out seven hitters while needing only 73 pitches. Meaney worked in the 86-90 mph range the entire outing but it was the quality and command he showed for his secondary stuff that really stood out. He struck out three of the game’s first four hitters on 80-81 mph changeups that had late diving action under the barrel and also showed very good feel for a mid-70s curveball. Meaney formally was a LSU commit but withdrew that and doesn't presently have a college commitment.

Lundray "T.J." Reeves (2018, Birmingham, Ala.) has been a hitting star for the Game On Stealth this week. The fleet-footed center fielder and Alabama commit has a quick and short righthanded swing and has been barreling the ball up constantly, as it seems the entire Game On team has done. Reeves hit a home run in the tournament's opening game and had three hits Saturday and is now hitting .538 (7-for-13) going into the playoffs. Game On, which not only hits the ball hard but also plays with as much enthusiasm as any team in Mesa, finished pool play with a 3-0-1 record.

The starting pitching in the NorCal/San Diego Show matchup drew lots of scouting attention, as NorCal's Dominic Pipkin (2018, Pinole, Calif.) matched up against the Show's Sam Wibbels (2019, Hastings, Neb.).




Pipkin has a very slender 6-foot-4, 170-pound body that can get stronger but will never be thick and he throws from a very low effort delivery. When he stays on top of the ball and keeps his slow up, he powers the ball to the bottom of the zone with an 89-91 mph fastball that touched 93 mph and gets lots of ground ball contact. During this and other outings this summer, Pipken has shown he still needs plenty of development in his secondary pitches but with his extremely smooth and fast arm and projectable body, it's easy to see him as a mid-90s arm that throws strikes.




Wibbels ended up going 5 2/3 innings in what turned out to be a 6-2 Show victory, with the Show's defensive advantage being the key factor in the game. Wibbels has really refined his delivery and arsenal of pitches since we first saw the young Nebraskan as a freshman. He works out of the stretch exclusively with a up-tempo drop-and-drive delivery, that, while still having some effort, is much more controllable and directional that previously. What was most impressive was the quality and consistency of Wibbels' curveball and changeup and the confidence that he showed in both those pitches. His fastball was still his main weapon, working in the 88-91 mph range, but it was better command and improved off-speed that enabled him to go up to 93 pitches and get the win.

Third baseman/righthanded pitcher Roberto Pena (2018, Pembroke Pines, Fla.) has been a Swiss Army knife for the Banditos Scout Team and a major reason why the team is in the playoffs with a 3-1 pool play record. The Banditos’ three victories have been by scores of 4-3, 5-4 and 8-6, with Pena playing a vital role in two of those wins. The Florida commit has picked up two saves, working 3 1/3 scoreless innings while striking out seven hitters and showcasing a well commanded fastball up to 91 mph. Offensively, Pena went 2-for-3 with a pair of key RBI in the Banditos 5-4 win on Friday.

The Dark Knights were one of the most talented and entertaining teams to watch in pool play but somehow managed to go only 1-1-2 and miss out on the playoffs. Their lone victory, ironically, was against the Banditos Scout Team by a 2-0 score on Saturday. The Dark Knights received a stellar pitching performance by righthanders Conner Noland (2018, Greenwood, Ark.) and Grayson Rodriguez (2018, Nacogdoches, Texas), who only allowed one hit between them.

Noland, who is an Arkansas commit, was a strike-throwing machine, needing only 47 pitches to throw five no-hit innings, including only 22 pitches the first three innings combined against the free-swinging Banditos. Noland worked in the 87-89 mph range with a sinking fastball and occasionally mixed in a curveball and changeup.




The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Rodriguez wasn't as parsimonious with his pitches, needing 38 to navigate his two innings, but was 88-92 with his fastball and threw a big sweeping curveball as well. But his best pitch proved to be his changeup, which picked him up three outs, including Pena and PG All-American Hunter Watson, in the seventh inning with runners on base.

Credit goes to the well balanced and opportunistic US Elite team, which ran up against Perfect Game All-Americans Matt Liberatore (2018, Peoria, Ariz.) and Mason Denaberg (2018, Merritt Island, Fla.) of the Central Florida Gators in a must-win game for the playoffs and emerged with a hard fought 7-4 victory.




Righthander Phillip Dull (2018, Alum Bank, Pa.) was the star for US Elite, going 6 2/3 innings before reaching his 105-pitch limit. Dull, who is listed as a primary shortstop and is a West Virginia commit, topped out at 93 mph early before settling into the upper-80s and showed a low- to mid-70s curveball with good spin and depth. Most impressive was his ability to battle a very experienced and talented Gators team in the mid-afternoon heat and not back down at all despite allowing nine hits and appearing to be on the ropes a couple of times.




Liberatore didn't have his usual pinpoint command and US Elite's willingness to lay off pitches just out of the strike zone that the 6-foot-5 lefthander usually gets hitters to commit on led to his throwing an uncharacteristic 91 pitches in 5 1/3 innings. Liberatore worked in the 88-92 mph area with his fastball with lots of running life at times to go with a big breaking slow curveball and changeup.

Denaburg caught the first five innings before going to the mound but that didn't seem to hurt his arm strength, as he immediately began pumping 92-95 mph fastballs.

Daily Nolan Gorman (2018, Glendale, Ariz.) update: Gorman has his fourth straight two-hit game, with one of those hits being a line drive triple that skipped off the fence in deepest left-center field off a 90 mph Dull fastball. US Elite also walked him intentionally with runners on second and third and two outs while leading 4-3.




Owen Sharts (2018, Simi Valley, Calif.) is listed as a primary third baseman and he actually attended a PG showcase in 2014 as a primary catcher. He is converting to a full-time pitcher and on a short look Saturday it's going to be a very successful, if not spectacular, conversion. Sharts throws from a well-balanced and athletic delivery and gets nice downhill plane to his fastball despite being 6-foot-1. His arm is very smooth and fast and he was 92-94 mph consistently with his fastball. Sharts also showed tight spin on his curveball, although he tends to cast it some, and got nice fading action on his changeup. He quickly moves to near the top of what at present is a pretty slender 2018 Southern California pitching class and will get heavy scouting attention the rest of the summer.




EvoShield Canes righthander and PG All-American Austin Becker (2018, Sudbury, Ohio) had his strongest outing of the summer for this scout, throwing three plus innings and maintaining a 89-93 mph fastball the entire time. When Becker is able to unravel his big and long 6-foot-6 frame in time and get the ball down to the glove side to a righthanded hitter the ball just disappears with big angle and cutting action and he was able to do that a couple of times. Becker also showed nice feel and confidence in his low-80s changeup and picked up a couple of outs with the pitch. The one pitch that Becker hasn't shown consistency on this summer, as opposed to viewings last summer, has been on his curveball, where he's not getting out and over it consistently. Becker has shown the potential for a plus breaking ball in the past and it will likely come back with adjustments and patience.
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.