THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,481 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,481 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Tournaments  | Story | 8/1/2021

Giants clip Birds in all-So Cal 17u final

Photo: So Cal Giants (Perfect Game)

SURPRISE, Ariz. – On this day, in this setting and on Perfect Game’s most prominent West Coast tournament stage, the Giants proved to be just a play or two better than the Birds. Rewind and replay this one over 10 more times and the final tally just could be a 5-5 split.

But again, on this day it was the So Cal team with the Giants nickname that prevailed over the So Cal team that goes by the Birds.



Ah yes, nothing like a nice little Southern California regional brawl – without any of the accompanying animosity generally associated with that word – to close out another extremely competitive chapter in the always intriguing story that has become the PG 17u World Series.

The SoCal Giants scored a single run in the bottom of the second inning and added two more in the third, leaned heavily on their calling cards of pitching and defense and topped the So Cal Birds, 3-0, in the 17u PGWS championship game played Saturday on the Rangers’ side of the Surprise Spring Training Complex.

An overnight monsoon-season cloudburst created havoc with the playing fields and delayed the start of play by four hours Saturday morning. Because of the delay and after playing seven-inning semifinal games, Giants head coach Christian Fick and Birds head coach Mike Cosgrove agreed to shorten the championship game to five innings so the teams could get a head start on their road trips back home.

“It was great to have So Cal representing both sides; it’s good for our community,” Fick said of the shared respect between the two programs.

The Giants are based in the town of Newbury Park in Ventura County west of Los Angeles and the Birds in the city of Corona in Riverside County east of LA so it’s not like they’re next-door neighbors. But they share a common appreciation and an almost parental concern for the young people they’re serving and decisions will be made with their welfare in mind.

“We’re never going to run a guy out there too long,” Fick continued, talking about the pitchers. “We were in agreement that, hey, we’re both kind of running out of pitching – it’s been a long week – so let’s not get anybody hurt. Let’s play a solid few innings and see what we can do; I think it was good for both sides.”

The title game between the No. 1-seeded So Cal Giants (6-0-0) and the No. 2 So Cal Birds (4-1-1) was a good thing and a pitcher’s duel from the start; those are also the kind of games the Giants make a habit of winning.

After a scoreless first, the Giants scratched a run across in the bottom of the second when Boston Baro reached on a one-out infield single, stole second and moved to third on a one-out ground ball single from Frankie Carney; Baro then crossed on a long sac fly to center off the bat of Jason Hall.

The Giants scored what proved to be the game’s final two runs in the third on the strength of a leadoff walk to Finley Buckner, a double to left-center from Cody Nitowitz to put runners on second and third and back-to-back sac flies from Easton Rulli and Owen Martin.

“I just do whatever I can,” said Martin, a 2023 outfielder who on Saturday hit in the cleanup spot in the order. “The whole squad is just amazing. We all bond, we all connect really well with each other on and off the field; it’s unexplainable to be honest.”

The Giants totaled five hits: the double from Nitowitz and the singles from Buckner, Baro, Carney and Trent Liolios.

Meanwhile, out on the mound, 2022 right-hander Leo Uelmen was keeping the Birds at bay. He worked three two-hit, two-strikeout shutout innings before giving way to Baro, a ’23 right-hander, who pitched the last two, two-hit scoreless frames.

The Birds were limited to four singles over the five innings, including two from George Huerta and Zach L'Heureux that both came in the top of the third; they were left stranded.

Austin Kiernan singled with one out in the top of the fourth but was doubled-off when the Giants second baseman Frankie Carney made a terrific pick of a hard-hit line drive and delivered a throw that beat Kiernan back to the bag at first; Cohen Gomez also singled for the Birds.

“Pitching and defense wins baseball games,” Fick said. “We gave up seven runs in seven games and just the grit that my boys showed throughout this whole week – it was a long week for everybody. Once we ran through the other teams we kind of knew, they could smell it. It got closer and it got closer and you know what? It was all about the pitching and the defense and it picked us up.”

Leo Uelmen, a top-500 uncommitted 2022 out of Las Vegas, was making his third appearance of the tournament when he started the championship game and was effective all week. He finished with six scoreless innings overall, allowing four hits and striking out six with one walk; he was named the MV Pitcher.

“I just came in and made no moment the same,” he told PG. “I was only expected to pitch one day and then I [threw] like 10 pitches and then I’d come out and pitch again. Then I’d pitch a little bit more and I’d come and pitch again and I ended-up pitching six shutout innings. It was a good experience; I got some great exposure and it was a great time.”

Ethan Hedges, a 2022 infielder and the Birds’ leadoff hitter out of Fountain Valley, Calif., earned MVP honors after a week of stellar play in the desert. He finished 12-for-22 (.545) with a home run, two doubles, six RBI and eight runs scored; he also threw two shutout innings in two appearances, allowing two hits, striking out three and walking one.

“We’ve just been kind of playing as a team,” Hedges told PG on Friday, deflecting to his teammates. “We’ve kind of stayed humble, stayed together and fought through some of the tough times. We’ve really gone out and showed everyone what we’ve got.”

The 17u World Series, one of the most significant events on PG’s tournament calendar, was the first PG championship in program history for the So Cal Giants and the achievement is one all of these guys will long remember.

That goes for everyone on the roster, including “glue guys” like Owen Martin and catcher Brady Francisco who Fick singled-out in front of his teammates during the post-game celebration. Francisco is, after all, the guy who handles this talented pitching staff. This is a team’s team in the truest form if that makes any sense.

Here’s what Martin had to say: “It’s a brotherhood out here with us and I couldn’t ask for anything better...I can’t even explain my happiness right now. I’m speechless right now; it’s amazing.”

And Uelman: “These guys are just so much fun to be around; everyone has a great time. All the coaches are amazing and they all want to see us to succeed.”

And finally, Coach Fick: “We didn’t come this far to go home with nothing. We know the type of ball players that we’ve got and we know the crew that we have and we were excited to get on the field. I didn’t even sleep last night, so I was ready to go.”

Both the Giants and the Birds received outstanding pitching performances in their semifinal victories early Saturday afternoon.

The Giants topped No. 4 CBA Marucci National, 1-0, behind five sparkling innings of relief from Ryan Featherston. The No. 470-ranked 2023 right-hander, an Oregon commit, worked five shutout innings out of the 'pen and allowed just one hit while striking out eight and walking two.

The Birds rolled past the No. 6 Banditos 17u Scout Team, 8-0 in six innings, with 2022 righty Sean McCance working five, one-hit shutout frames, with four strikeouts and no walks.


Tournaments | Story | 6/23/2026

UBC Northeast Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Mason Bicht (‘29 PA) stays hot, nukes this ball to dead CF for a Grand Slam💣 clear juice being put on display today #WWBANEChamp@PG_Scouting https://t.co/l24AwJ8RnB pic.twitter.com/iYgNvJcD2M — Perfect Game Mid-Atlantic (@PGMidAtlantic) June 13, 2026 Mason Bicht (2029 Lansdale, PA) was an absolute force offensively over the course of the WWBA Northeast Championship, ultimately ending his event with a well deserved most valuable player award. Finishing with a .571 BA including five doubles, a HR, and 14 RBI, the 6-foot-1, 210 pound prospect simply refused to get out, and was a major reason why his Philly Bandits squad walked away champs Monday afternoon. The stance for Bicht is relaxed and balanced with loose hands and plenty of bat speed to be found. He generates effortless carry to the pull side & middle of the field, flashing clear jump off the barrel with leverage created...
Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 6/23/2026

MLB Draft Reports: 300-399

Michael Albee
Article Image
2026 MLB Draft Reports: 400-500 300. Anthony Quigley, SS/3B, Northwest Florida State R-R, 6-5/215, Coral Springs, FL Previously Drafted: Never Drafted Anthony Quigley possesses a strong, physical frame with athleticism that plays in the box. There is bat speed through the zone with a feel to launch. The power stands out to the pullside. Quigley shows the athleticism on the defensive side, but is still likely best suited for third base at the next level.  301. Garrett Lambert, RHP, Mercer R-R, 6-2/200, Lilburn, GA Previously Drafted: Never Drafted Garrett Lambert features a strong, athletic frame with a quality three-pitch mix. The fastball works in the low-90’s with carry and cut. It is paired with a sharp slider that has sweep and diving changeup. Lambert has shown the ability to miss bats and throw strikes at a good clip.  302. Spencer Evans, LHP, TNXL Academy HS L-L,...
Tournaments | Championship | 6/23/2026

VSA, Swamp Crowned Co-Champs

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
VSA, Swamp Crowned Co-Champs After Nine-Inning Battle After three and a half hours under the hot Florida sun, VSA Sluggers 18 and Swamp Baseball’s City of Palms Championship battle ended in fitting fashion, with both teams sharing the title. The two teams remained tied 9-9 through nine innings before lightning in the area brought the championship matchup to a halt Monday afternoon. The two local programs have built a competitive rivalry, with several close matchups stemming from their proximity and familiarity with each other. Their history was evident throughout Monday’s matchup as emotions ran high, resulting in several heated exchanges and the eventual ejection of Swamp head coach Brian Porvaznik. Just three weeks earlier, the two teams met in the championship game of the BCS Qualifier, where VSA earned a 6-4 victory. Swamp entered Monday’s matchup looking to flip...
Tournaments | Story | 6/22/2026

Florida World Series Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Ian Long (2026, Fort Myers, Fla.), a 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, came out firing for Swamp Baseball and ran his fastball up to 87 mph through the first inning. Generates power well with his lower half and does a nice job getting down the mound. Filled up the strike zone early and showed the ability to work ahead in counts. Samuel Mendoza (2026, Fort Myers, Fla.), a 5-foot-7, 155-pound right-handed pitcher, got the start for VSA and worked with a fastball in the low-80s. Mixed in a tight breaking ball that paired well off the heater and helped keep hitters off balance. Competed in the zone throughout his outing. Owen Augustine (2026, Fort Myers, Fla.), a 5-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed pitcher, lived in the mid-80s with his fastball and made quick work of hitters. The ball comes out of his hand clean and he consistently attacked the strike zone. Showed confidence working...
Tournaments | Story | 6/23/2026

Coastal Region Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
James Propst (2031, Indian Trail, NC) stands at 5-foot-8, 150 pounds with a lean, athletic frame and developing strength. A left-handed hitter and thrower, Propst is a versatile utility player. He consistently makes hard contact and brings an aggressive approach to the plate. Staying connected throughout his swing, he works counts well and consistently produces quality at-bats. Propst had a great day at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored, two RBI, and a home run. Overall, he delivered an impressive offensive performance. Daniel Davis (2030, Columbia, SC) stands at 5-foot-11, 145 pounds with a lean, athletic build and room to add strength. He bats right-handed and throws left-handed. He shows a wiry frame with quick-twitch athleticism, a balanced stance, and a repeatable swing, consistently squaring the ball up. Davis went 3-for-4 with a double and a home run, scoring two runs...
Tournaments | Story | 6/22/2026

14u WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
2030 SS Cash Kelly (Franklin, Tenn.) is a buzzing name this summer as someone who is off to a fast start and looks the part as one of the better pure hitters in this class. He’s very comfortable in the box, showing an innate feel to find the barrel (and limit swing-and-miss) while the hands are fast and he can really accelerate the barrel. Defensively he has been excellent making plays look easy, showing nice range and enough arm for the left side. Add in the fact that he’s a strong runner and you have someone that can impact the game a ton. 2030 SS/RHP Trey Vandergriff (Milton, Ga.) got a couple innings of work at the back end of East Cobb’s first game and looked awesome, striking out 5 of the 6 hitters he faced with big stuff. He sat 85-88, showing dynamic arm speed and a really athletic delivery, while the breaking ball feel stood out, showing he can land it in any...
Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 6/22/2026

MLB Draft Reports: 400-500

Michael Albee
Article Image
MLB Draft Board: Top 500 400. Michael Barnett, RHP, UCLA R-R, 6-4/210, Lafayette, CA Previously Drafted: Never Drafted Michael Barnett has started games over the last four years for the Bruins, including 44 starts over the past three seasons. The fastball does not overpower hitters, but can generate ground balls at a high rate. A heavy fading changeup is the primary secondary pitch and plus offering. Barnett will use it often and miss bats at a high clip with it. A low-80’s slider adds a third offering. Barnett does not generate a ton of strikeouts, but pounds the zone and fills innings.  401. Connor Marshburn, RHP, UNC Wilmington R-R, 6-6/240, Cary, NC Previously Drafted: Never Drafted Connor Marshburn features an XL frame at 6-foot-6, 240-pounds. The right-hander throws from a low slot and attacks hitters with an east/west mix. The fastball works up to 94 mph with armside...
Tournaments | Championship | 6/22/2026

Hot Bats Help AZBC 2027 Take Title

Emily Hicks
Article Image
After three days of competition, the 2026 BCS Challenge concluded with a championship matchup between AZBC 2027 EB and AZ Aztecs at Goodyear Ballpark. AZBC 2027 EB came out victorious with a 12-1 win for the tournament title. AZBC 2027 EB took control early, plating 4 runs in the 2nd inning after Aztecs put 1 on the board in the 1st. The offense continued to build momentum throughout the game, capitalizing on hitting and aggressive base running. Leading the way offensively was Griffin Gregory, who finished 2-3 with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored. He got the game started for AZBC with a double lined out to left in the top of the 1st inning, getting the crowd and dugout going. Additionally, Beau Zacher, a top 500 ranked player,d went 2-2 with 1 double and 2 runs score, though he wasn't the only one to help out the offense. Logan Sanchez went 2-2 with 2 doubles and 1 run scored and hit .714...
Tournaments | Story | 6/19/2026

14u/15u Midwest World Series Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Aiden Weishaar (2029, Geneso, Ill.) physical power bat put together one of the most productive offensive performances of the event, showing big impact off the barrel with advanced strength and leverage through the swing. Collected six hits including two doubles and two home runs while driving in 13 runs, consistently doing damage in run-producing situations. Creates loud contact with present pull-side juice and projects for significant power as the frame and strength continue to mature. Middle of the order offensive profile with the ability to change the game with one swing. Also stood out on the mound with a dominant 7 inning performance, punching out 11 hitters while working efficiently throughout the outing. Fastball ran up to 86 mph with good life through the zone and showed the ability to consistently attack hitters and miss bats. Highly intriguing two-way prospect whose combination...
Tournaments | Story | 6/19/2026

14u WWBA Returns to Hoover

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
One of the most anticipated events on the summer travel baseball calendar returns this week as the 2026 Perfect Game 14U WWBA National Championship gets underway in Hoover and the surrounding Birmingham area. Now in its 19th year, the tournament has established itself as the premier event for 14U players across the country, annually attracting some of the top young talent in amateur baseball. This year’s championship will feature 129 teams competing for a national title, continuing a tradition that has seen organizations such as East Cobb Astros, Team Elite, USA Prime, SBA Bolts National, and defending champion ZT National Prospects take home the trophy. As always, the field is loaded with elite prospects, many of whom are already becoming familiar names within the Perfect Game community. Starting off strong with Christopher Cabrera, the No. 1 overall player and No. 1 third baseman...
Loading more articles...