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2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Tournaments  | Story | 7/22/2018

17u PGWS celebrates its final-4

Photo: Glenallen Hill Jr. (Bill Mitchell)

PEORIA, Ariz. – Just about everyone watching Sunday afternoon’s playoff quarterfinal-round games at the 17u Perfect Game World Series would have been in agreement that there was one monumental upset that pushed the No. 1 seed to the sidelines while allowing the No. 8 seed to advance.

Just don’t let Pleasanton, Calif.-based NorCal Baseball general manager/manager Rob Bruno hear any mention of “upset” when the conversation turns to his No. 8 NorCal 2019 team coming from behind to knock off No. 1 CBA Marucci, 6-4, in one of the quarters played on the Padres’ side of the Peoria Sports Complex.

“This was not an upset to our team. We feel we’re the best team here and we really don’t care who we play,” Bruno told PG Sunday. “I know that everybody (knows about) CBA and they’ve had success but we felt we were the better team coming in.”

Regardless of anyone’s opinion on who was the better team, NorCal 2019 (5-1-0) used the win to advance to Monday’s 17u PGWS final-four. It will face the No. 4 Playa Vista Orioles (5-1-0) out of Los Angeles in one of the semifinals at 8 a.m. (PDT) on the Mariners’ side of the PSC.

No. 6 USA Prime Elite 17u Gowins (5-1-0) from Carrollton, Texas, faces the No. 2 Trosky National Team 17u (4-1-0) out of Los Angeles in the other semifinal, also at 8 a.m. on the Mariners’ side. The championship game is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the PSC Stadium.

Temecula, Calif.-based CBA Marucci (4-1-0) had displayed such dominance in reaching the quarterfinals that it looked unbeatable. It earned the No. 1 seed by outscoring its four pool-play opponents by a combined 41-1.

The Maruccis arrived in the desert with a roster that included many players who were a part of the CBA Marucci National team that was co-champs at the PG 17u WWBA National Championship a month ago over in Georgia.

The CBA Marucci coaching staff led by CBA program director/manager Jon Paino came into the 17u PGWS knowing he had a special group, consisting of players that had come up through CBA’s youth programs and regional teams.

Paino said their play coming into the quarterfinal contest had exceeded his expectations as the coach but probably had not exceeded the expectations the players had for themselves.

“It’s been fun,” he added. “We get to come out here and play against some really good teams (and) really good competition in front of all kinds of professional scouts and college guys. It’s just been a lot of fun.”

The quarterfinal against NorCal 2019 started out being pretty fun, too, with CBA leading 1-0 after two innings and 4-1 after four. NorCal plated a run in the top of the fifth to make it 4-2 and that’s where it stood heading into the top of the seventh.

Brock Jones smacked a one-out single to get the rally started, and three straight walks forced in a run to make it 4-3. Up stepped top 2019 middle-infielder Glenallen Hill Jr, who delivered a two-out triple that cleared the bases and put NorCal up for good at 6-4.

Bruno described the players rostered on this NorCal 2019 team as a “very close group” that has been together for the last three years. He said they have made bonds and friendships that will last for a lifetime and have shown that they are willing to go out of their way to play for one another and not themselves. Teams like that have a track record of winning championships.

“This team is run by the players, not the coaches,” he said. “It’s a culture fostered by some guys like Bill Bartlett, (Glenallen) Hill, Brock Jones. These kids are special human beings and I really attribute it to the leadership of those kids and some others; they’ll never quit.”

Hill Jr. is the son of a former big-leaguer by the same name and is ranked 112th nationally; he’s committed to Arizona State. William Bartlett is a 2019 top-500 uncommitted catcher/first baseman and Jones is an uncommitted 2019 outfielder/first baseman/left-hander who is ranked 89th.

Heading into the semis, Bartlett, Ethan Cloyd and Brady Hormel each have six hits: Cloyd has three doubles and three RBI, Bartlett two doubles and five runs scored and Hormel a double, three RBI and three runs. Nick Vogt has five hits, including a double and a triple, with three RBI and four runs; Carter Benbrook has five hits with two doubles and five RBI.

“We expected to win this tournament,” Bruno said. “I know we’re still just going into the semifinals but this is the tightest group of players that I’ve had in 26 years. They’re special character kids who compare very favorably to my class of 2005 that had six major-leaguers.”

Bruno said NorCal is going to send 2019 top-500 left-hander Peter Hansen – a Texas commit – out to the mound for Monday's semifinal matchup with the Playa Vista Orioles. The NorCal 2019s seem to have plenty of options with 13 top-500s – including the No. 89 Jones, No. 91 Joseph King (Washington State), and the No. 112 Hill Jr – on the roster; 11 NorCal prospects have committed to NCAA Division I schools.



Tournaments | Story | 10/13/2026

East Cobb/Padres Explode Late for Jupiter Win

Hannah Jo Groves
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East Cobb/SD Padres ST Explode Late for WWBA Worlds Win A hard-fought, crazy ending resulted in the East Cobb/SD Padres scout team coming back and winning the 2026 PG WWBA World Championship over the SBA/Marlins Scout Team 2028. The score was 8-7 after the championship was won with a walk-off balk. After going against some of the most talented, highly-ranked players in the country for the past couple days, it was finally time for the championship game at Roger Dean Complex Stadium in Jupiter, FL. The WWBA World Championship, or, as it’s more commonly and lovingly referred to as, “Jupiter,” has become a favorite for all who have been part of its iconic, golf-cart infested, electric atmosphere. This championship game was sure to entertain. The first two innings were scoreless for both teams as they got settled. Both defenses were making plays - SBA/Marlins executed a...
Tournaments | Story | 10/12/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 4

Marcus Thomas
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WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 James Watson (2030, Canton, Ga.) showed the two-way upside to start bracket play for East Cobb Astros 15u. On the mound the right-handed pitcher went three innings and with three strikeouts and spread five hits and two walks for three runs. Watson works from a hybrid windup from the middle-of-the-rubber into a small heel-turn and an around-the-belt leg lift before using drop-and-drive back leg mechanics into a longer, in-line stride down the mound. Showed some feel to get extension down the mound. The hands separate into a moderate arm action before accelerating through from an over-the-top arm angle. The fastball ran up to 86 with arm-side run and life. Paired it with a curveball with 11-5 shape and solid two-plane break. Mixed in a change-up in the upper- 70s with some vertical depth. Competed at the top of the zone well. Athletic...
Tournaments | Story | 10/12/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 4

AJ Denny
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WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 ‘27 Mark Susa (WI) picked up 3 Ks thru 2 inn of work. 4SFB topped at 90 mph early on; 2S lived 85-86 w/ good run & sink down in the zone. Spun a 2600 rpm SLV w/ sharp traits (clip). Got up to 7’1” of extension. 6’4/200lb frame w/ more to come. #IUBase #WWBAWorlds @PG_WiscMinn https://t.co/uXfjVSSSZF — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 11, 2026 Mark Susa (2027, Hudson, Wisc.) put together a quality outing on Sunday, striking out three batters over 2.1 innings of work. The 6-foot-4 200-pound left-hander ran his fastball up to 90 mph, pairing it with a two-seamer that lived in the 85-86 mph range with heavy sink and arm-side run. He also showed great feel for spinning and locating his slurvy breaking ball, which read spin up to 2600 rpm. Susa utilizes his length to his advantage, creating...
Tournaments | Story | 10/11/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 3

Kyler Peterson
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WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 ‘28 Alan Zimmerman (FL) racked up 5 Ks w/ just 1 H allowed thru 3 shutout frames. Lived 89-90 T91 w/ lots of life thru the zone & some ASR. Dropped in a 12/6 breaker for Ks (clip). Projectable 6’3” mold. #Uncommitted @PG_Uncommitted #WWBAWorlds @Florida_PG https://t.co/KTDFpGK49y — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 10, 2026 Alan Zimmerman (2028, Winter Garden, Fla.) was dominant in his start on Saturday, collecting five strikeouts through three shutout innings while allowing just one hit. The uncommitted 6-foot-3 right-hander showed out in front of a lot of scouts, running his fastball up to 91 mph. The heater plays up with lots of life through the zone and short arm-side run. Zimmerman sat comfortably in the 88-90 mph range, pairing his fastball with a late-acting 12/6 curveball that was landed...
Tournaments | Story | 10/11/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 3

Jheremy Brown
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WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 Carson Garzaniti (2029, Jupiter, Fla.) showed the barrel feel all game for West Boynton Cobras. The right-handed hitter starts from a spread stance with his weight shifted forward and in-line feet with a high handset and an even back elbow, utilizes a heel lift weight transfer trigger. Creates some separation in the back shoulder and uncoils the lower half with a short, direct hand path and extension out front from a slightly uphill bat plane. Good bat speed in the swing with some feel to impact. The catcher has shown the barrel accuracy all event with three hits, including a double and triple, to drive in four RBI and has come around to score five runs. Lean, athletic 5-foot-11, 170-pound frame with feel to generate power working ground up from the back leg. Exciting player that has been swinging a hot stick through pool play.  ...
Tournaments | Story | 10/10/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 ‘27 C Joshua Digulio (TX) opened the morning in Cacti Park with a bang. In his first at-bat of the morning, Digulio crushed an 0-2 fastball. The right-handed hitter powered a fly-ball through the Florida morning humidity off the back wall of the left field bullpen for a no-doubt solo shot. Everybody in the stadium knew it was gone as soon as he made contact. The catcher also worked a walk in his only other plate appearance. His home run was the only hit in the game, providing Texas Brigade 2027 a 1-0 win.  ‘27 MIF Xavier Martin (IL) woke up the stadium with an electric swing. The right-handed hitter was sitting dead-red on a 2-0 heater, got it, and torched it. Martin scorched a line drive all the way over the left field bullpen, as the ball cleared a near 20-foot wall and bounced onto the concourse. It was a two-run shot for the...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 10/9/2026

PG Softball Illinois Scouting Showcase Series 18U Division

Erica Beach
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PG Softball Illinois Scouting Showcase Series 18U Division Oct 3-4 Peoria, IL PEORIA, IL- It was a phenomenal weekend for softball as six teams from three different states gathered at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria, Illinois for the 2026 PG Softball Illinois Scouting Showcase Series 18U Division. The competition was fierce from the first pitch to the final out, making for an action-packed slate of games. Our scouts were treated to an incredible display of talent and athleticism throughout the event, and below are the standout players who truly caught our eye. Joharah Boze (2027, Chillicothe, IL) of the Indiana Magic 18U Lewellen hit an astounding .778 on the weekend. She finished the tournament with four singles, three doubles, two walks, three runs scored, and four RBIs, proving to be the pillar of consistency for her squad. Featuring an athletic stance and a balanced...
Tournaments | Story | 10/10/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 1 ’30 RHP/OF Amir Kriz-Hopkins (VA) couldn’t be touched, striking out all six batters he faced over 2 IP. Tall, projectable frame w/ a quick, loose arm. FB worked 87-91 mph w/ ASR & the SL missed bats w/ late break at 76-79. #SelectFest alum. #WWBAWorlds @PG_VirginiaWV https://t.co/mN4H64aLgo — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 9, 2026 Amir Kriz-Hopkins (2030, Chesapeake, Va.) of SBA Bolts National 15U was lights out on the mound, striking out all six batters he faced over two innings before adding a double offensively. The right-hander has a tall, projectable frame with a quick, loose arm and worked his fastball up to 91 mph with arm-side run. Kriz-Hopkins paired the fastball with a sharp slider at 76-79 mph that generated swings and miss, showing his ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball.   ’30...
Tournaments | Story | 10/8/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
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’30 OF Quintin Blackwell (CA) drives this ball deep over the RF’s head for a triple, creating loud contact. Physical, compact frame with quick hands and plenty of strength in the bat. #WWBAWorlds @California_PG https://t.co/Tyq0a0SKd2 — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 8, 2026 Quintin Blackwell (2030, Hercules, Calif.) of MLB Breakthrough Series 2030 and a 2026 Select Fest participant made his presence felt at the plate. The physical outfielder displayed quick hands and strength in the bat, while showing the ability to do damage with a loud triple that got over the right fielder’s head. There is plenty of upside to come, with Blackwell showing the tools that can impact the game offensively. Miles Lockridge (2030, Swansea, Ill.) of MLB Breakthrough Series 2030 put together a quality day at the plate, collecting a double while reaching base safely...
Tournaments | Story | 10/9/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
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Calum Andersen (‘27,CAN) had his A stuff working today running the FB to 96 mph with a devastating horizontal SL at 85 mph that can break bats. Mixed in a late breaking 12/6 curveball at 78 mph that induces weak contact and showed excellent feel for a CH that mimics the FB delivery. The @OU_Baseball commit struck out 8 & allowed 2H 1BB. stands on a projectable 6’5/195 frame you can dream on. @pg_int1 #WWBAWorlds @PG_Draft — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 8, 2026 Calum Andersen, RHP, Calgary, AB (CAN) Brewers/Langley Blaze Scout (2027) Andersen showed advanced present stuff and pitchability in a strong outing. The delivery is athletic and repeatable from a projectable frame, with room remaining for strength gains that should help the fastball play more consistently in the mid-90s and give the breaking balls even sharper bite. Andersen attacks with a live...
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