THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,461 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,461 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
General  | General | 4/22/2020

Best of 7 Series: Midwest

Nate Schweers
Photo: Ed Howard (Perfect Game)

Each segment of the Best of 7, 10-part series has been assembled by one of PG’s scouts. The idea of this exercise is to put together a team with the best amateur players from 10 different regions from across the country in an attempt to win a seven-game series. The players are not necessarily the top prospects in each state/region, but those that have consistently proven they have what it takes to win consistently at a high level. Which region would win such a series? Stay tuned to Perfect Game and join us @PerfectGameUSA to chime in.

Best of 7 Series: Florida | Pacific | Southeast | Texahoma | Southwest

Midwest Region: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin

Dillon Dingler 

Ranked as a top 50 MLB Draft prospect for 2020, Dingler has cemented himself as one, of if not the top, backstop in the Midwest region. Dingler was hitting .340 when his 2020 campaign came to a halt, hitting five homeruns and driving in 14. The Buckeyes catcher has high-end athleticism and a history of hitting at a strong clip during his college career. With big numbers and experience, Dingler is an easy choice to captain the field for this Midwest team. 

AJ Vukovich

Though Vukovich finds himself slotted at first base on this Midwest region team, the Wisconsin native and 2019 PG All-American certainly provides some versatility to the lineup. The Louisville signee has shown the ability to play both corners in the infield and outfield in the past and has even taken the hill in some PG events. Vukovich is a sub-7.00 runner and has a strong combination of power and defense that can make an impact anywhere. 

Jack Blomgren

Blomgren and his fellow Michigan teammates bring a unique and important experience to this team, a trip to the College World Series. Blomgren hit .314 in that 2019 CWS campaign, fielding at a .965 clip and knocking in 47 RBI. Blomgren has long been a name to know dating back to his high school days and the Wisconsin native earned All-Tournament Team honors in some of PG’s most marquee events. 

Ed Howard

The No. 1 shortstop in the 2020 class, Howard is as polished as they come for a prep infielder on the defensive side of the ball. The Oklahoma signee has plenty of twitch with lightning fast hands at the ball and can be quite the table-setter near the top of the order. Howard has a career .429 on-base percentage in his PG career and brings balance and athleticism to the lineup. 

Zavier Warren 

Warren has flown up draft boards after a pair of really strong seasons at the hot corner for the Chippewas, earning MAC Player of the Year honors in 2019 and looking like he was well on his way to another All-MAC selection in 2020. Warren can really defend at third base but has made the most noise with the bat as he hit .363 in 2019, driving in 68 RBI and getting on base at nearly a .500 clip. Warren’s bat plays in any lineup and is an excellent middle-of-the-order type game changer. 

Grant Richardson

Richardson has long been known in the PG world dating back to his high school days as a top-250 prospect in the 2018 class. Richardson broke out in a big way in 2020, hitting .424 in the limited sample size while driving five homeruns and plating 17 RBI. Richardson can defend in the corner outfield and it is clear that the 2020 PG Honor Roll player can really swing it in the meat of the order. The Fishers, Indiana native will add some juice to an already stacked lineup. 

Levi Usher

Usher made his presence known in the Louisville lineup this spring, batting .411 with a pair of homeruns and double-digit RBI. A 2017 PG All-American, Usher has elite-level, sub 6.5-second speed and stole 11 bags in 12 attempts this season. Usher has always showcased a big-time arm from the outfield as well and could play any of the three outfield positions. Usher’s combination of speed and athleticism makes him a great candidate to hit near the top of any order. 

Christian Knapczyk

A secondary outfielder that defends well anywhere on the diamond, Knapczyk has long exceled in PG events during his high school career. Most recently, Knapczyk earned All-Tournament Team honors at the WWBA World Championship after hitting .389 for the Cangelosi Sparks. The Plainfield, Illinois native shines on the big stage and adds some versatility to the lineup with his speed and defense. The Louisville signee can be a great table-setter to turn over the lineup. 

Ryan Hampe 

A Freshman All-American in 2019 with Illinois-Chicago, Hampe picked up right where he left off with John A. Logan CC in 2020. A strong kid with a very present hit tool, Hampe was hitting .413 with four long balls and 24 RBI during the shortened 2020 season. Hampe puts together quality at-bats in nearly every trip to the plate and has the juice to knock balls to and through both gaps. Signed to attend Illinois in 2021, Hampe provides exactly what you’re looking for out of the DH spot. 

Alex Binelas

A Wisconsin native and the 35th round selection of the Nationals in the 2018 MLB Draft, Binelas provides plenty of versatility and experience to this Midwest team. After finishing his PG career ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the state of Wisconsin, Binelas got acclimated to the college game quickly. The lefty hit .291 with double-digit homeruns and nearly 60 RBI in his freshman campaign and provides some serious juice to any lineup. 

Alex Mooney

One of the top players in the 2021 class as whole, Mooney has performed at every stop in his PG career. The Duke commit has the ability to play all three infield spots, runs well, and has really started to incorporate some power into his game over the last 12 months. With big arm strength and serious feel for the game, the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s product adds depth to any team as well as the ability to be plugged into the lineup nearly anywhere. 

Reid Detmers

Detmers is one of the top lefthanders at the collegiate level and features arguably the best pitch in the college game with his big curveball. Detmers went 3-0 in four starts in 2020, posting a 1.23 ERA and striking out an eye-popping 48 hitters in just 22 innings of work. Detmers serves as the pitching staff ace, competing with consistency and with his experience pitching in the ACC as well as College World Series action, Detmers is a no-brainer to lead this Midwest pitching staff. 



Jeff Criswell

Like Blomgren, Criswell brings experience in Omaha to this Midwest squad. An integral part to the Wolverines’ run in 2019, Criswell brings both starter and reliever experience to what should be a loaded pitching staff. Criswell did a little bit of everything for Michigan in 2019, going 7-1 with three saves on his way to a 2.72 ERA for the year. With his big game experience and big-time stuff Criswell adds some versatility here. 

Kyle Nicolas

Though his season stats aren’t glamorous to the naked eye, Nicolas has the stuff and experience to dominate on the mound in a seven-game set. The Ohio native finished his PG career ranked as a top-500 prospect in the 2017 class, taking the mound for Ohio Elite and cementing himself as a top prospect in the MAC from day one. Nicolas has had command issues at times in his Ball State career but the strikeout numbers certainly stand out as does his big time fastball.




Ben Hernandez

A 2019 PG All-American from Chicago, Hernandez has clean and repeatable mechanics that fit a solid starter profile on this team and at the next level. Ranked as the No. 40 player in Perfect Game’s 2020 class, Hernandez can run the fastball up to 94 mph and has really shown an ability to pitch at a high level in his last two PG events while showing one of the best changeups in the class. Though the Illinois-Chicago commit didn’t get a chance to really impress with his stuff in his 2020 high school season, the All-American is a no-brainer to add some youth to this pitching staff. 

Logan Wood 

Another member of Michigan’s loaded Orchard Lake St. Mary’s team, Wood has long dominated the PG circuit during his prep career. The lefty from Macomb, Michigan really knows how to pitch from the left side and is perfect for a left-on-left matchup in this seven-game series. Wood did not allow an earned run at PG Tournaments in 2019, striking out 19 in 16 innings of work and allow less than one baserunner per inning. 

Mason Erla

Erla was off to one of the hottest starts in country in 2020, posting a 1.04 ERA in 26 innings during the shortened 2020 campaign. A 2016 grad from Cass City, Michigan, the right-hander has good size and athleticism to go with stuff that has really made a jump in 2020. With plenty of experience, the Spartans ace has a high K/9 and low walk totals that provide some stability to this Midwest Region pitching staff. 

Luke Seed 

The second member of the top ranked John A. Logan team to make this Midwest team, Seed turned in an extremely impressive line in 2020. Seed struck out 50 hitters in just a shade under 29 innings in 2020, compiling a 4-0 record in his six starts. Ranked in the preseason as the No.  142 JUCO prospect in the country, Seed brings strikeout stuff and a history of winning to this pitching staff, adding value in late game/big situations. 

Evan Shawver

The Bearcat’s Friday night starter was off to an impressive 2020 when COVID-19 put a halt to the season. Shawver posted a 1.59 ERA and 2-0 record in his four starts this season, striking out 35 in his 22.2 innings while holding hitters to a just a .128 batting average. Shawver has pitched against big opponents in his career and took a strong outing deep into a start in Tallahassee just this past February. 

Garrett Acton

A 35th round selection in the 2016 MLB Draft, Acton has been a staple in the Illini bullpen over the last two years and has cemented himself as one of the top closers in the Midwest. Acton has made 36 appearances at the Division 1 level, gathering 25 saves and posting a 1.82 ERA. In any seven-game set, back end pitching can be the key to securing victories and therefore, Acton provides the experience, skill set, and statistical history to lock down victories for this Midwest group. 
Give us your feedback
General | Blog | 4/10/2026

Wolforth Throwing Mentorship: Article 64

Ron Wolforth
Article Image
What Do Barry Zito, Justin Verlander, Trevor Bauer, and Dallas Keuchel All Have in Common? By Ron Wolforth | Texas Baseball Ranch® | PG Arm Care Take a second and think about the question posed in the title before you read on. Four Cy Young Award winners. Four of the most decorated pitchers of their generation. What's the common thread? The first answer is obvious… they all won the most prestigious individual award in pitching. Most of you probably got there immediately. The second answer is less obvious… they all trained at the Texas Baseball Ranch® at some point in their development. Interesting, maybe, but not the point of this article. The third answer is the one I really want you to sit with, because it has direct relevance to your career right now: they all move completely differently. And they all attack hitters completely differently. Don't rush past that....
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 6/3/2026

EBC 17U-Griggs Takes Title

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
After a week of dominant performances, timely hitting, and resilient play, EBC 17U-Griggs capped off its run through the 2026 Perfect Game Hoover Invitational with a championship victory Monday, securing the program’s first tournament title of the summer. Despite a lengthy rain delay, EBC never lost focus, relying on contributions throughout the lineup and another strong pitching performance to secure the win. “This being our first [win] of the summer, we have an amazing group right here,” head coach Rodd Griggs said. “Some of the guys I’ve had for years, some of the guys just joined us this summer, but it’s an amazing group.” EBC’s championship performance reflected the depth that carried the club throughout the tournament. Paxton Wright set the tone of the mound, working four innings while allowing just two hits striking out two hitters....
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/3/2026

AZ Summer Kickoff Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
JJ Utash (‘27, AZ) tripled to both gaps, collecting 3 RBI along the way. Big time strength. Balls jumps off the barrel to all fields. Good runner/athlete too. #HookEm commit #AZKickoff pic.twitter.com/h1SbsSxpMy — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) May 30, 2026 JJ Utash (2027, Gilbert, Ariz.) is the top-ranked player in the state and showed off why over the weekend. The Texas commit collected five hits, including a pair of doubles and a pair of triples. The mix of power and speed is impressive. The ball jumps off the barrel with ease to all fields. Utash consistently lifts balls with authority, resulting in loud in-game power. The speed on the bases stands out as well. Utash looks to be aggressive and can take extra bags when they present themselves. The tools are some of the loudest in the class and will draw considerable draft interest next July.  Soren...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/2/2026

Southeast Elite Scout Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Southeast Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Auburn commit Brennan Neal (2027, Columbus, Ga.) had a good showing on Sunday on the mound, putting the clean, athletic delivery on display in an inning of work. Neal worked in the 90-93 range with the fastball with plenty of life, and showed some run to it when working to the arm side. Neal also worked in a tight slider in the upper 70s, but also showed confidence in a fading changeup in the mid 80s. Neal also has room to add strength to his lanky frame, which could be big for him to continue to add velocity. South Florida commit Taylor Casson (2026, Atlanta, Ga.) had an impressive showing on the hill with the stuff and results, going 5 innings of no-hit baseball with 10 strikeouts. The fastball worked in the 89-92 range with downhill angle and tail, and was in the zone often. He worked a 3-pitch mix, showing some impressive swing and miss stuff...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/2/2026

WWBA South Invite Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
WWBA Scout Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Raylen Hunter (‘30 TX) stays living on the barrel; this one burning the CFer for a double. Just an electric ballplayer. #WWBASouth https://t.co/1LThRBqN80 pic.twitter.com/z5RF5dy47o — Perfect Game Texas (@Texas_PG) May 30, 2026 Raylen Hunter (2030, Cypress, Texas) took home MVP honors for the tournament and helped lead his team to a big championship win. Was a big standout on a loaded Banditos team that steamrolled their way to the championship. He ended the week going 10-16 with a pair of doubles while scoring ten runs atop the lineup. Hunter is a true spark plug who makes consistently hard contact line to line. The swing is short and works to all fields with plenty of twitch and bat speed. Bat to ball plays at an extremely high level as he rarely gets cheated never taking an at-bat off. Once on base, Hunter causes havoc on the base-paths, a...
Read More
High School | Rankings | 6/2/2026

High School Top 50 Update: June 2

Tyler Russo
Article Image
With another few weeks in the book of the high school season, we’ve already had state champions crowned with playoffs happening in some northern states. There have been some upsets so there has been a good amount of movement in the National High School Top-50. We have a new number-one this update with Tomball (TX) taking over the top spot and will be playing for a state championship this week. They sport a 42-1 record heading into the title game and have been one of the best teams from start to finish this year. St. John Bosco (CA) has now gone back-to-back with Trinity League and CIF Southern Section titles and take over the No. 2 spot. No. 3 Aledo (TX) continues to win, No. 4 Trinity (KY) has been dominant in Kentucky play and No. 5 Norco (CA) lost the Southern Section title game and had a great year. Magnolia Heights (MS) moves up a few spots to No. 8 after winning their 8th...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 6/2/2026

EC Astros Win Back-And-Forth Thriller

Will Dembo
Article Image
In a highly anticipated matchup between two of the nation’s top 17u teams, the East Cobb Astros defeated eXposure National 9-8 in a thrilling extra-inning battle to claim the PG Southeast Elite Championship. The Astros completed the weekend undefeated, opening their summer season with a hard-fought, statement victory. “I mean, it's fun, it's been a grind today,” said Astros Head Coach, Josh Burress. “Been out here a long day, but our guys are competitors, they come out compete, they want to compete and win, so it's just fun to watch them come out here and not quitting playing to the end... so the guys did very well today, and they competed all the way through.” eXposure began the opening frame by taking the early lead on an error but quickly gave their lead away as the Astros came out of the gates hot, plating six runs in just the first inning. Mason Peek,...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/2/2026

Central Florida Invite Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Leanderson Argueta (2027, Panamá) absolutely outmatched every arm he faced this weekend ending up with seven hits, five of which were doubles and also hit a three run home run in game three. In the fifth inning against Freshwater Storm National Argueta got his pitch and deposited it over the wall for a go ahead three run home run. Showed real comfort in the box and was able to repeat the stroke well. Fires his hips with intent and the direct bat path plays to all parts of the park.  Jayden Pagan (2028, St. Cloud, Fla.) would not be denied this weekend slashing .500/.684/1.434. The championship game was no different for Pagan getting a first pitch heater and scorched it into left for an rbi triple. He would later add a double in the seventh inning that carried over the center fielders head. The bat to ball skills paired with his up the middle approach translate. The 2028...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 6/2/2026

Biscuits Elite Go Perfect at Kick-Off

Emily Hicks
Article Image
After several days of competitive baseball, the Summer Kick-Off came down to one final matchup between Biscuts Elite and BTA 18U. In the end, Biscuits Elite came away with the championship, earning a 26-13 victory at Goodyear Ballpark. “We're a hardworking group; we never give up," said JJ Utash. Biscuits Elite set the tone early, scoring 7 runs in the 1st inning and never looked back. “We just worked together as a team the whole time; we scored runs, and running the ball offensively was good,” said Utash. Nikolas Ramirez led the offense, finishing 3-4 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, and 2 runs scored. Kyle Wisniewski added a 3-4 day at the plate which included a triple, and a run scored to help fuel the attack. Wisniewski hit .444 through 4 games. On the mound, Sean McDaniels got the start, throwing 2.2 innings while allowing 1 hit and striking out 3 batters. The pitching...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 6/1/2026

Turn 2 Comes Back to Take BCS

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
A mostly clear day at Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Florida set the stage for a tightly contested championship matchup between Florida Burn 2028 Myrback and Turn 2 Garcia. Behind two triples from Quinn Seglem, Turn 2 rallied for a 5-4 victory to claim the BCS Qualifier title. Left-hander Carter Brunco started on the mound for Turn 2, allowing six hits and four walks while striking out two over 3.2 innings. Burn jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. Luke Straw singled and later advanced to third on a wild pitch before Joe O’Brien delivered an RBI single to score the game’s first run. Blake Dubiel followed with another RBI single to give Burn a 2-0 advantage. Right-hander Straw carried the momentum onto the mound for Burn, holding Turn 2 hitless through the first two innings while recording a strikeout in each. In the top of the second, Spencer Meachum...
Read More
College | Story | 5/29/2026

Cali Mid-Major Draft Notes

Joey Cohen
Article Image
California annually produces its share of high-profile prep and college draft talent, but this spring also offered quality depth especially on the mid-major side. I wanted to highlight a group of semi under-the-radar prospects who have quietly put together strong seasons and caught the attention of our staff whether it was with in-person looks or just by some performance/data metrics that popped. The bulk of this group comes out of the Big West, with additional names from the WCC, WAC, and Mountain West mixed in. Matthew Thomas - OF - CSUN  Few hitters in the Big West have matched Thomas’ offensive impact this spring, as he slashed a strong .335/.411/.679 with 15 home runs. Long and still mostly viewed as a power-first profile, he’s taken a meaningful step forward in the hit tool, cutting down a bit on significant swing-and-miss concerns while increasing his on-base...
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.