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
College  | Story | 4/5/2018

Weekend Preview: Week 8

Patrick Ebert
Mike Rooney
Photo: Arizona Athletics




Midseason College Honors | College Top 25 | Player/Pitcher of the Week | College Player Database

The eighth weekend of the 2018 season has some interesting matchups as several teams will be looking to right the ship after tough losses last weekend. A few of those programs have been dealing with tough losses all season long and could be out of the Top 25 come Monday if they aren't on the winning side of things this weekend. TCU, Louisville and Texas A&M are among these programs, as none of the three have fared very well since conference play opened a few weeks ago.

How Oregon State rebounds from their first weekend series loss in nearly two years will also be interesting to follow. They travel to Tucson to take on the Arizona Wildcats, a team they swept last year, in Corvallis, in what at the time was a crucial matchup between two very highly ranked opponents. Arizona is 17-10 but they have lost some meaningful matchups as they were swept by Washington and by three Big Ten teams at the Dairy Queen Classic in Minneapolis in early March.

Another big series in the Pac-12 pits No. 2 Stanford against No. 21 UCLA, in Los Angeles. Mike Rooney breaks down both of those big Pac-12 series below along with a look at No. 16 Oklahoma at No. 23 TCU and how those two clubs appear to be going in opposite directions.

Stay tuned to Perfect Game over the weekend as Vinnie Cervino will be be in Los Angeles, Calif., to take in Stanford at UCLA, Greg Gerard will see Stetson play at Kennesaw State and Florida State play at Georgia Tech, Brian Sakowski will be on hand for Kent State at Central Michigan and Britt Smith will cover Oklahoma at TCU.


Top 25 in Action
Rk. Team Opponent Location
1 Florida at Tennessee Knoxville, TN
2 Stanford at No. 21 UCLA Los Angeles, CA
3 Ole Miss at Mississippi State Starkville, MS
4 Oregon State at Arizona Tucson, AZ
5 NC State at No. 22 Louisville Louisville, KY
6 Texas Tech at Kansas Lawrence, KS
7 Florida State at Georgia Tech Atlanta, GA
8 Arkansas home vs. No. 13 Auburn Fayetteville, AR
9 Clemson at Notre Dame South Bend, IN
10 Kentucky home vs. South Carolina Lexington, KY
11 Duke at Wake Forest Winston-Salem, NC
12 Indiana home vs. Purdue Bloomington, IN
13 Auburn at No. 8 Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
14 Southern Miss home vs. Western Kentucky Hattiesburg, MS
15 Vanderbilt home vs. No. 25 Georgia Nashville, TN
16 Oklahoma at No. 23 Texas Christian Fort Worth, TX
17 East Carolina at Washington Seattle, WA
18 Louisiana State at No. 19 Texas A&M College Station, TX
19 Texas A&M home vs. No. 18 Louisiana State College Station, TX
20 Missouri home vs. Alabama Columbia, MO
21 UCLA home vs. No. 2 Stanford Los Angeles, CA
22 Louisville home vs. No. 5 NC State Louisville, KY
23 Texas Christian home vs. No. 16 Oklahoma Forth Worth, TX
24 Sam Houston State at Nicholls Thibodaux, LA
25 Georgia at No. 15 Vanderbilt Nashville, TN


Frogs’ hop out of sync

As the 2018 season opened college baseball fans had to believe it could be a special one for TCU head coach Jim Schlossnagle. He had guided the Horned Frogs to Omaha the previous four seasons, seemingly getting a little bit closer to the CWS Finals with each trip. Last year TCU saw their season come to a close in an elimination game, losing to the eventual champion Florida Gators in the semifinals that saw Alex Faedo out-duel Jared Janczak.

This season started off on the right foot for TCU as they took their opening series against Grand Canyon, as the Lopes opened their brand-new ballpark in Phoenix, and they went on to beat a pair of Big West foes in Long Beach State and UC Irvine at home. Since then things haven’t been quite as right, as the Frogs are 5-8 since the beginning of the Dodger Stadium Classic in early March and they limp into their weekend series against No. 16 Oklahoma in the midst of a four-game losing streak.

In fairness to TCU two of their losses to Oklahoma State, the first and third games of the series, were of the walkoff variety, and one of those came in extra innings. In the second game of the series the Cowboys scored seven runs in the seventh and eighth innings to move ahead and secure the win.

The pitching hasn’t been its customary self, as the starting trio of Janczak, Nick Lodolo and Sean Wymer – believed to be one of the nation’s best entering the season – gave up 14 runs, all earned, in 16 1/3 combined innings over those three games. The bullpen didn’t fare much better.

And while the offense did their job when it came to collecting base hits as a team they’re batting .264 with only two players batting over .300: Michael Landestoy (.337) and Josh Watson (.330).

Oklahoma appears to be going in the opposite direction, as they swept each of their first two Big 12 opponents, West Virginia and Baylor, and have a few other statement wins this season over Indiana, Dallas Baptist and Alabama.

The Sooners have five regulars – Brady Lindsly, Steele Walker, Cade Harris, Kyle Mendenhall and Brandon Zaragoza – batting over .300, and two others, Brylie Ware and Kyler Murray, who aren’t far off. Five of those seven batters have at least 20 RBI, and while they don’t have a lot of power they do seem to have a knack for coming up with a big hit when it’s needed the most.

On the weekend staff Jake Irvin (5-0, 2.27 ERA) and Devon Perez (3-0, 2.27) are getting the job done, as expected, and once again their numbers are remarkably similar. Irvin has picked up where he left off a season ago when he was named a Perfect Game Midseason All-American, just as he was this year.

The bullpen is also doing its job, as the staff under the guidance of new head coach and pitching guru Skip Johnson has a cumulative 3.28 ERA with a 314-to-108 strike-to-walk ratio in 282 1/3 combined innings. They’re second in the Big 12 in ERA behind Texas Tech and as an offense they’re third in scoring runs, behind Texas Tech and Texas.

Janczak was also a Midseason All-American a year ago and the projected matchup between he and Irvin is going to be one of the best college baseball has to offer this weekend. While Irvin has pitched like a staff ace, Janczak, at 1-1 this season with a still-respectable 3.07 ERA, has not, and setting the tone early in this series could be key in Schlossnagle getting his Frogs back on track.

Keep in mind that TCU hit a rough patch last year as well, losing three of their final five Big 12 series before they re-grouped for their postseason march to Omaha. The last of those series losses came against – you guessed it – Oklahoma.

– Patrick Ebert


Elite pitching beats … elite pitching

No. 2 Stanford heads to Westwood to take on No. 21 UCLA this weekend in a series that will surely impact the Pac-12 championship race. Elite pitching will be on display all weekend as the Cardinal (2.21 ERA) and Bruins (2.37 ERA) are ranked second and fourth in the nation in team ERA.

The Stanford rotation of Tristan Beck, Kris Bubic and Erik Miller is arguably the best in the country and this group has not disappointed. Yet it is the Stanford bullpen that has shined the brightest thus far in 2018. The trio of Jack Little, Jacob Palisch and Zach Grech has combined for a robust 36 appearances and the group has yielded just four earned runs combined.

And for UCLA, despite a series loss to California last weekend, it is remarkable that John Savage has the Bruins in position for any type of championship with the injuries that UCLA has been forced to endure. On the bright side, leading hitter Jeremy Ydens (hand) is back now as well as five-tool freshman outfielder Garrett Mitchell (concussion). On the mound, Jon Olsen and Kyle Molnar are expected to return for the Utah series next weekend and that should boost an already strong pitching corps.

This matchup will have a Super Regional flavor to it as both of these teams are more than capable of hosting and winning a Regional. Look for Stanford shortstop Nico Hoerner to be a difference maker in a series that will surely come down to a few key pitches.

Looking for answers

Oregon State heads to Arizona in a series that could provide clarity for two teams with recently confusing results. The Beavers’ 23-4 record belies the fact that they are 3-3 in their last six games, including a series loss to 7-20 Utah. Arizona sports a healthy 17-10 overall record yet the Wildcats’ resume already includes two different 0-3 weekends (at Washington and at the Dairy Queen Classic).

For the Beavers, the rotation has become a question mark. Luke Heimlich has pitched well in 2018 but not nearly at the dominant level of a year ago. Heimlich mysteriously pitched in relief in the midweek this week versus Nevada and was touched up in that brief outing. Bryce Fehmel and Kevin Abel appear to be the two keys to this rotation. Fehmel is a proven performer despite his lack of a dominant out-pitch and his 6.23 ERA in Pac-12 play has been an issue. Abel is one of the more talented freshman arms nationally with both an out-pitch breaking ball and a changeup. Walks have plagued Abel as his 19 free passes in just 23 2/3 innings pitched have led to a ballooned ERA of 4.94.

The Wildcats’ are a mystery in that their statistics all pass the eye test and then some: .294 team batting average, 2.67 team ERA and a .977 fielding percentage. Additionally, infielder Cameron Cannon (.362) and closer Tylor Megill (1.59 ERA, five saves) are enjoying breakout seasons. That said, this rotation is also one to keep an eye on as lefthander Randy LaBaut is out for the season after undergoing a pair surgeries for compartment syndrome. LaBaut had paired nicely with ace Cody Deason to give Arizona a formidable front of the rotation.

This is a critical series for both clubs as the West Coast struggled mightily in the non-conference season. It will be difficult to make up RPI ground without excelling in Pac-12 play and this series would provide both an RPI boost and a signature series win over a brand name program. Now is the time to get the Beavers as they await the return of arguably the best player in the country in Nick Madrigal.

– Mike Rooney


Give us your feedback
College | Rankings | 4/22/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: April 22
Nick Herfordt
Article Image
The final weeks of the college baseball regular season have a way of separating programs that are genuinely postseason-ready from those that have simply been good enough for long enough. Conference tournaments loom, selection committees are paying close attention, and every game on the schedule carries weight that it simply didn't in February. This week's action, combined with the latest Perfect Game Top 25, paints a picture of a college baseball landscape where the top is clearly defined — and where the middle is a genuine battle. What follows is a cross-level look at teams across the NAIA, NCAA Division II, and NCAA Division III ranks who find themselves in that uncomfortable space: not safely in, not clearly out, but firmly on the bubble. Some have built compelling résumés that should hold up under scrutiny. Others have excellent records against soft competition...
Read More
Juco | Rankings | 4/22/2026

JUCO Top 25: April 22

Blaine Peterson
Article Image
Another week down and Johnson County continues their torrid run to remain at number 1. They're 46-2 on the season with multiple hitters over 25 bombs which is astonishing for the level as the Cavs have announced themselves as title favorites. Just a couple of weeks left heading down the stretch and our field remains mostly the same with the two additions of midwest powerhouse Iowa Western and the Warriors of East Central who will have a tough test Wednesday in Poplarville against fellow Mississippi adversary Pearl River in a mid-week double header.   Rk. School Record 1 Johnson County (KS) 46-2 2 Gaston (NC) 47-3 3 Walters State (TN) 42-10 4 McLennan (TX) 38-8 5 Southern Nevada (NV) 33-9 6 Chipola (FL) 39-9 7 Blinn (TX) 33-12 8 Florida Southwestern (FL) 32-13 9 Florence-Darlington (SC) 42-10 10 Pearl River (MS) 39-9 11 Cloud County (KS) 40-4 12 Cochise (AZ) 39-11 13 Midland (TX)...
Read More
High School | Rankings | 4/21/2026

High School Top 50 Update: April 21

Tyler Russo
Article Image
Another few weeks have wrapped up this high school season as we’re flying through the spring and most southern states are starting playoffs right around the corner. With the end of the regular season, we have another National Top 50 update to bring to you, along with this will be the start of the weekly editions of our National Top 50. We have a change at the top of the rankings as Venice (FL) takes over the top spot after just dominating their competition in the state of Florida this year. Orange Lutheran (CA) drops one spot to No. 2 after dropping a series but still holds firm at No. 2 in the country. Barbe (LA) has continued to dominate and holds onto the No. 3 spot while Tomball (TX) skyrockets in this update to No. 4 in the country, currently holding an incredible 30-0-1 record. The rest of the top-10 is names we’ve become accustomed to see with Aledo (TX) at No. 5, IMG...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 4/21/2026

Southeast Super NIT #2 Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
Article Image
Chase Jelks (‘30 GA)- with a long double to deep CF. Huge day from the primary SS, 5-for-6 w/ 4 doubles & 6 RBI. #SESuperNIT @TheDreamBall @PG_Georgia https://t.co/biFSzXCrUt pic.twitter.com/HCQMduedb5 — Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) April 20, 2026 Chase Jelks (’30, Atlanta, Ga.)- the left-handed hitting Jelks was all over the barrel on Sunday in a pair of games for The Dream 14U Black. He finished the day with five hits in six at-bats which included four doubles and six runs batted in. His two doubles and four runs batted in played a big part in the Gold Playoffs Round 1 victory over the talented BPA squad out of California. He backed up that performance with three more hits in a quarterfinal’s loss to the East Cobb Astros 14U Orange to finish the tournament with a .600 batting average and 1.636 on-base plus slugging percentage. A primary utility infielder,...
Read More
PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 4/21/2026

Select Festival Dates/Locations Announced

Article Image
    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923  www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    PERFECT GAME ANNOUNCES DATES AND VENUES FOR   2026 SLATE OF SELECT FESTIVALS    Sanford, Florida (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced dates and venues for its 2026 Select Festivals, a premiere series of invitation-only events showcasing many of the nation’s top young prospects at the 11U, 12U, 13U and 14U levels.    The Select Festivals provide elite players with a unique opportunity to compete alongside and against the best talent in their age group while experiencing a...
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
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.