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2,493 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Leagues  | Story | 12/9/2017

PGNIL 18U Playoff Preview

18U Playoff Preview

National Seeds
1) NJ Axemen Blue (8-1-2) - Wayne, New Jersey
2) Starters Red (9-2-1) - Shakopee, Minnesota
3) PG Black (8-4) - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
4) PG Navy (7-4-1) - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
5) PG Gold (7-5) - Shakopee, Minnesota
6) Starters Black (2-9-1) - Shakopee, Minnesota
7) NJ Axemen Red (1-8-2) - Wayne, New Jersey
8) PG Red (1-10-1) - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Game #1 - #1 NJ Axemen Blue (8-1-2) vs #8 PG Red (1-10-1) - Sunday 12/10 3:20PM CT

NJ Axemen Blue
 Player AB's
 Hits Runs
HR
 RBI AVG
Max Dis
Avg Velo
Max Velo
 Sam Armstrong
110 55 29 3
21
.500
353 79.0  91.7
 Steve Rabe
117
 50 26
 4 30  .427 349 75.8  92.4
 Devyn Fahnestock
69 29
12
5
16
 .246 353
75.8
 92.8

This year's #1 overall seed in the 18U division once again goes to a team from Players Edge in NJ Axemen Blue. Armstrong and Rabe have both been extremely impressive, with both hitting over .400. Devyn Fahnestock has missed some time, but when he is around, this team is very hard to beat. Fahnestock is currently the Nation's HR leader at 5, however, his teammate Steve Rabe is right behind him with 4. It will be interesting if they can bring it all together to win a title.  

PG Red
 Player AB's
 Hits Runs
HR
 RBI AVG
Max Dis
Avg Velo
Max Velo
 Anthony Kernwein
126 60 11 0
8 .476
285
69.9
86.8
 Peyton Stuckey
186 58 13 0 10 .312 282 67.2 82.6

Plagued by scheduling problems and injuries all season, PG Red has had to deal with what they have had from week to week. Coming in with a record of 1-10-1, a win this weekend over the #1 seed would save the season and make for a great underdog story. 

Game #2 - #4 PG Navy (7-4-1) vs #7 PG Gold (7-5) - Sunday 12/10 3:40PM CT

PG Navy
 Player AB's
 Hits Runs
HR
 RBI AVG
Max Dis
Avg Velo
Max Velo
 Konstantinos Papazoglou
171 104 43

39 .608
380 81.5 95.8
 Colten Bell
132  52 20 0 21
 .394 317 74.6 90.7
 Joshua Burrell-Nash
 92 14  5 0
 7  .152 272 63.6
85.1

PG Navy, led by reigning 16U MVP Konstantinos Papazoglou has been a tough team to figure out all season long. They have shown stretches where they have turned the corner and exploded for runs and had some other games where they just didn't hit the ball well. However, Konstantinos Papazoglou has been a very consistent player for this team and the team will go as far as he carries them. On the year, he has hit for a league leading .608 average and is second in RBI's with 39. 

PG Gold
 Player AB's
 Hits Runs
HR
 RBI AVG
Max Dis
Avg Velo
Max Velo
 Zak Packingham
118 66 35 2 40
.559
375
82.5
98.2
 Lane Thole
118 44 16 0 20
.373 292
71.8 88.2
 Nick Saathoff
 151  72  30  0  24  .477  265  73.3  87.6

Last season around this time, Nick Saathoff was the batting champ of the league and leader of his PG Gold team as they came just short of the playoffs. This season, off an open heart surgery, Nick has defied the odds and has continued tearing it up. Zak Packingham has been the undeniable leader for this team, hitting for a league best 40 RBI's. When this team is clicking, they can beat anybody.

Game #3 - #2 Starters Red (9-2-1) vs #7 NJ Axemen Red (1-8-2) - Sunday 12/10 4:40PM CT

Starters Red

 Player AB's
 Hits Runs
HR
 RBI AVG
Max Dis
Avg Velo
Max Velo
 Frankie Volkers
54 30 7 0 8
.556
313
74
91.6
 Dillon Hanson
36
17 6 0 5
.472 271
73.8 87.3
 Thomas Gross
98 45 11  0 20  .459  305  72.8  86.3
 Nathan Trecker
 114 52  17  0  14  .456  278  66  82.1
 John Volkers
 62  16  11  0  5  .258  314  68.8  87.7

With a team Batting Average of .440, Starters Red has one of the best averages of any team at the 18U level. With 4 of their batters hitting over .450, they have a very balanced attack and with timely hitting, have potential to go on a huge runs. At .556, Frankie Volkers ranks 3rd Nationally in Batting Average.

 NJ Axemen Red
 Player AB's
 Hits Runs
HR
 RBI AVG
Max Dis
Avg Velo
Max Velo
 Kyle Kane
76 29 5 0 5 .382
304
70.7
81.5
 Anthony Bassi
37
14 2 0 3
.378 287
68.4 82.3
 Zach Casey
 66  19  3  0  5  .288  276  68.4  81.3
Anthony Marchetto 104 34 10 0 7 .327 286 63 78.7

The NJ Axemen Red team is currently hitting .339 as a team this year but has had some issues converting those AB's into runs scored. Anthony Marchetto currently leads the team in RBI's at 7 and Kyle Kane has probably been the most consistent performer, sitting at an average of .382.

Game #4 - #3 PG Black (8-4) vs #6 Starters Black (2-9-1) - Sunday 12/10 4:20PM CT
 

PG Black
 Player AB's
 Hits Runs
HR
 RBI AVG
Max Dis
Avg Velo
Max Velo
 Dylan Schultz
129 60 27 0 23 .465
330
76.6
89.7
 Alex Greene
108
48 24 1 28
.444 349
73.2 96.6
 Tyler Oberbrockling
 82  32  12  0  22  .390  335  79.7  94.2
 Michael Weiss 103 37 23 0 16 .359 266 69.5 84.4

Probably the team that spends it's most time at Perfect Game, PG Black heads into the playoffs as Facility Champions here at Perfect Game. They may be without Power Hitter Alex Greene this weekend, however, they have played through adversity all year and we expect them to compete for the title regardless. Dylan Schultz is probably the team's most consistent player, hitting at a .465 clip.


Starters Black
 Player AB's
 Hits Runs
HR
 RBI AVG
Max Dis
Avg Velo
Max Velo
Calvin Ybarra
61 24 6 0 6 .393
302
67.9 86.3
Andrew Ellingson
109 38 9 0 14
.349 258
65.2 83.5
Joshua Gabrick
 67  18 6  0 2 .269 312 57.2 87.5
Samuel Szymanski 47 10 1 0 1 .213 272 54.8 85.5
Evan Zamec 36 5 1 0 0 .139 310 62.2 85.2

Starters Black has not haad the season that they had hoped for at the beginning of the year, however, they have put together a couple good games to get to two wins this year. Calvin Ybarra and Andrw Ellingson are probably the two leaders on this team, combining for 20 of the teams 23 RBI's and 15 of the team's 23 runs.

Leagues | Story | 4/28/2026

Iowa Spring League Notebook: Week 5

Perfect Game Staff
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Dawson Weller (2027, Ottumwa, IA) showcased his two-way potential with a strong performance this weekend. On the mound, worked two clean innings while striking out 3 consistently living in the zone and getting ahead with first-pitch strikes. Showed the ability to control tempo and attack hitters throughout the outing. At the plate made a big impact in the same game, collecting two doubles and a home run. Displays quick hands through the zone with the ability to connect on an uphill path and generate carry off the barrel. A well-rounded showing that highlighted impact on both sides of the ball. Will Frederiksen (2026, Bettendorf, IA) had a loud weekend at the plate, launching 2 home runs and showing real impact with the bat. Generates plenty of juice in the swing with a simple, controlled load that allows him to stay on time. The swing works clean through the zone and produces strong...
Tournaments | Story | 7/5/2026

13u World Series Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
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Michael Wedgeworth (2030, Flomaton, AL) had put the two way ability on full display so far this week, dominating from both sides. On the mound Wedgeworth ran the fastball up to 84 (81-83) with ease to the delivery. Broke off a couple nasty curveballs that induced swing and miss, as well as freezing hitters for punch outs. Collected six in his four inning complete game. He also would not be denied at the plate going 3-5 in the first two days with two doubles. Very intriguing young player as the body continues to grow.  Tyler Bellush (2031, Summerville, SC) is a sure handed shortstop for the Canes Nation squad. Swings it from the left side of the plate and the barrel accuracy has really stuck out thus far. 3-4 through the first couple days with a double and two triples, Bellush has also walked twice and collected 3 RBI along the way. Yesterday against USA Prime with the bases loaded,...
Tournaments | Story | 7/4/2026

16u WWBA North Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Oliver Lindstrom (2028, Green Bay, WI) created some of the loudest offensive moments of the weekend while producing across the board, finishing with six hits, eight RBI, and a home run. The right-handed hitter showed the ability to stay through the baseball and drive it with authority. Creates quality leverage through the lower half while arriving in strong hitting positions early, allowing the barrel to work with intent through the zone. The blend of power, athleticism, and all-fields impact stood out throughout the event.  Dominic Haigh (2028, South Bend, IN) was one of the most productive hitters at the event, collecting 10 hits while consistently creating pressure on opposing defenses. Made life difficult on pitchers with a relentless approach, routinely extending at-bats and forcing them to work deep into counts. The operation remains simple and efficient, featuring an early...
All American Game | Story | 7/3/2026

Initial 2026 All Star Game Roster Reveal

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We are excited to announce the first selections for the 2026 PG All Star Game from both the Perfect Game Junior and Sophomore National Showcases. The PG All Star Game will be held on Friday, August 14th at Citizens Bank Ballpark, the home of the Philadelphia Phillies, and will feature roughly 40 of the top players, predominately from the 2028 class with a few of the very best 2029s also selected. A watchlist has been created from the Junior National Showcase and another group of players will be selected from that showcase towards the end of July as we continue to evaluate players at the major Perfect Game tournaments this summer. The final wave of selections we be made at the PG Underclass All American Games August 5-7 at the UCSD in San Diego, CA. PG Underclass All American Games   Junior National Selections Dexter McCleon Jr. OF Suwanee, GA USA Prime Cullen Scott RHP/3B Melissa,...
Tournaments | Story | 7/3/2026

13u WWBA Scout Note Recap

Jheremy Brown
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Walter Izquierdo Jr. (2031, Miami, Fla.) showed off the upside on the mound for Beast Baseball 13u. The right-handed pitcher went four innings and collected three strikeouts while spreading two hits and two walks for one run. The fastball topped out at 80 and was consistently in the upper- 70s. Showed feel for a curveball with 12-6 shape and some looser vertical depth that was able to get weak contact. Competes in the zone well and showed some feel to work on the arm-side half of the plate. Intriguing upside on the young arm.   Brett Hamlin (2031, Jupiter, Fla.) showed off the barrel feel for FTB American 13u. The left-handed hitter collected nine hits, including two doubles and a triple, to drive in seven RBI. Strong hands and flips the hips well to create good bat speed. Simple operation that gets on time consistently and impacts the ball well. Worked the pull-side well and...
Tournaments | Story | 7/2/2026

Freedom Classic Opens Holiday Weekend

Alyssa Golden
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More than 30 teams from the 14U-18U age divisions will head to Fort Myers, Florida this Fourth of July weekend for the seventh annual Perfect Game Freedom Classic. The tournament, running July 3-6, features several nationally ranked prospects from across the country as teams look to compete for a championship. Headlining the field are twin brothers Derek and Ryan Yormark of Merrick, New York. Right-handed pitcher Derek Yormack is the No. 51-ranked player in the class of 2027, the No. 1 player in New York and the No. 5-ranked right-handed pitcher in the country. First baseman Ryan Yormark comes in just behind his twin brother as the No. 3 overall player in New York, the No. 5 first baseman in the nation and the No. 90-ranked player nationally. Both brothers are committed to Vanderbilt. Derek Yormark has established himself as one of the top two-way prospects in the 2027 class. He has run...
Tournaments | Story | 7/2/2026

14u West World Series Scout Notes

Quinton Hall
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Asher Contreras (2030 | Las Vegas, NV) The 5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitter and outfielder was one of the most dangerous hitters in the tournament for Wow Factor Nv 2030, stuffing the stat sheet while displaying an impressive combination of power and speed. He finished the weekend with 9 hits, including two doubles and a home run, while driving in seven runs and scoring five more. He also swiped three bases and worked three walks, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses while showing feel for the zone with just one strikeout all weekend. His ability to hit for extra bases while also creating offense on the bases made him one of the most impactful offensive performers at the event.    Braylen Silva (‘30 | NV) RBI 2B for GBG Vegas 14u Red. Direct path, quick trigger, & barrel feel. Solid 2-hole stick creating offense all day #14UWestWS...
High School | General | 7/1/2026

PG High School All-Americans

Tyler Russo
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High School Top 50: Final Update With the High School season all wrapped up, today we take a look at our First, Second and Third Team All-Americans from around the country. Below you'll find three teams with stats that seem otherworldly from players who'll likely hear their names called in the coming week's MLB Draft. Within the "Notable Stats" section you'll see the individual award winners as well. First Team All-American Pos.  Name Class School State Commitment Notable Stats C Cole Prosek 2026 Magnolia Heights MS Ole Miss .595 BA, 18 HR, 79 RBI 1B Will Adams 2026 Hoover AL LSU .489, 13 HR, 52 RBI IF James Tronstein 2026 Harvard-Westlake CA Vanderbilt .531, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 21 XBH IF Grady Emerson 2026 Fort Worth Christian TX Texas .508, 8 HR, 56 RBI, 34/35 SB, National POY IF Jacob Lombard 2026 Gulliver Schools FL Miami .477, 10 HR, 52 R, 42 H, 14 SB OF Martin Shelar 2026 Marist GA...
Tournaments | Story | 7/1/2026

16u Elite Scout Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
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16u Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2  ‘28 AJ Bonnette (TX) with 7 Ks thru 4 IP thus far, living 89-91 w/ heavy traits. Filling up all four quads & attacking hitters early in counts. Mixing a slurvy breaker & turning the CHG over well. @PG_Uncommitted #NatElite @Texas_PG pic.twitter.com/oz2XXoKHvt — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 30, 2026 Aj Bonnette (2028, Keller, Texas) showed out on both sides of the ball at the National Elite Championship, but really stood out on the mound Tuesday. He toed the rubber in round two of the playoffs, proceeding to toss six innings with eight punchouts and zero earned runs allowed. The 6-foot southpaw filled up all four quadrants of the strike zone, attacking hitters early and often with his fastball. The heater lived in the 88-91 mph range with heavy traits, often setting up his slurvy breaking ball. Bonnette showed good feel...
Tournaments | Story | 7/1/2026

Performance Baseball Rolls On

Kinley Kitchens
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Championship teams often reveal themselves when the game isn’t going their way. Performance Baseball 2028/Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team did exactly that. Trailing Florida Burn 2028 Scout through four innings, the Brewers refused to panic. Instead, they relied on timely hitting, consistent pitching, and an unselfish approach at the plate, rallying a five-run fifth inning before pulling away for a 9-5 victory to clinch their spot in the semifinals. The comeback was fueled by contributions throughout the lineup. Six different players drove in runs, including two RBIs each from Aiden Capobianco and Cameron Massey, while Matthew Heredia, Parker Weston, Ethan Smith, and Aj Bonnette each added an RBI of their own. On the mound, Derek Wenzel set the tone with 3.2 solid innings before Ethan Smith shut the door in relief, helping preserve the comeback victory. Although the Brewers have had a...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/1/2026

JK Select Hawaii Tackles 14u West WS

Emily Hicks
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JK Select Hawaii capped off an impressive tournament run by defeating GBG Vegas 14u Red14-4 in the championship game on Sunday at Goodyear Ballpark, claiming the 14u West World Series title. From the opening pitch, JK Select controlled the pace of the game. The offense jumped out early, scoring 6 runs in the 1st inning after timely hits from MVP Sean Shindo and Kade Manarpaac. The early lead gave the pitching staff confidence as they worked efficiently through the opposing lineup. “I've worked hard to get better at my game for the past few months; it means a lot that I did well and performed in a tournament like this” said Shindo. Starting pitcher Maddox Prones turned in a strong performance, allowing 3 runs while striking out 5 batters over 3 innings. The defense backed the effort with great plays in the middle infield, preventing GBG Vegas from building momentum....
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