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| 2,572 MLB PLAYERS | 16,330 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,572 MLB PLAYERS | 16,330 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Tournaments  | Championship | 5/24/2023

Beast of the East Champs: 13 & 14u

ZT Prospects Stays Timely, Delivers Championship Win

When you come to an event like the Beast of the East, expectations are high, but so are the pressure packed situations as every game feels like a championship-type setting with top prospects littered throughout both dugouts. In the end, it was the ZT Prospects National who remained the last team standing in the 13u division and to say they rose to the occasion might just be an understatement. Their tournament run kicked off with a 2-1 thriller over SBA Bolts National under the lights at 8 PM, all but assuring it'd be standing room only as two of the top teams in the country battled it out immediately as the lone 13u game going on at the complex. A late rally sparked their win over SBA Florida Scout before slipping up and losing to a very tough Wildcatters Burgos team 6-4, pushing their record to 2-1 on the tournament. In a "can't lose" contest against the Backyard Ballers to wrap up pool play, ZT managed a 6-6 tie, plating all of their runs in the final two innings, including a huge 3-run home run by Zion Avina to knot it all up. 

The quarter-final matchup agains the undefeated TG DBacks is a game that will go down as arguably the best game of the summer and I'm saying that before the summer truly even kicks off. Down 6-0 after two innings, ZT plated 4 in the 3rd inning and another 2 in the 4th inning before taking a 4 run lead in the 7th where the tie-break rules were put into effect (bases loaded, one out). When it was TG's turn to hit, they plated 4 of their own and were still threatening with the bases loaded and one out before Dru Wilson was able to induce a ground ball back to him which he promptly threw home and then on to first base to complete the double play and move onto the 8th. In the 8th it was Lennex Minor's time to seize the spotlight as his triple cleared the bases, completely the 5 run inning to give is team a comfortable lead, though only for a moment. Kamauri Wilson kicked off the bottom half of the 8th in style as he launched a 2-0 fastball over the fence, immediately making it a one-run game, swinging the momentum back into the TG DBack dugout though Wilson would shut the down with the tying run on first to propel his team to the championship round.

It's again worth noting this is a 13u game but was played like anything but with quality defense and timely plays, huge momentum swings and and a clutch factor from both teams you won't see in your typical 13u content. Oh, and of the 8 arms to throw, 7 bumped 80 mph or better while Dexter McCleon Jr (TG DBacks), Ethan Torres and Jael Santos (ZT Prospects) put up some eye-opening numbers on the radar gun, topping out at 89, 87, and 86 mph apiece, respectively. 



Riding the momentum of a huge win, ZT once again locked horns with the Wildcatters Burgos club and looked to exact their revenge following their earlier contest and did just that with a 10-1 victory in 5 innings. After trading zeroes in the first inning, a couple of walks to open the frame swung the momentum into ZT's dugout and the bats came alive with five consecutive singles, putting up a 5-spot on the scoreboard, a lead they'd never relinquish. With two more runs in the 3rd inning and another 3 in the 5th (including Zion Avina's second big fly of the day) the ZT offense paced the club throughout their championship run before tournament MVP Angel Gonzalez jumped on the mound to close things out and did just that with 2 innings of one-hit baseball. 

A talented roster, ZT received timely hitting and clutch pitching (two must have ingredients when trying to survive a gauntlet like the Beast of the East) throughout their run, taking home the crown while heading into the summer on a very high note. 


The Beast of the East is from...the West?

What a run it was for BPA as the California based club survived as the lone undefeated squad through pool and continued their dominance throughout their playoff run in Panama City. A talented roster with several familiar faces, the pitching staff held their opposition to just 7 combined runs over the course of pool play before winning a nail biting semifinals contest against the Motor City Hit Dogs by a score a 6-5. They locked horns with Wow Factor Nation 14u, whose lone hiccup came during pool play against the same BPA squad, and were riding some serious momentum after decisive wins over Motor City to end pool play and USA Prime to kick things off in the playoffs behind a strong start from Zachary Tavarez on the mound.

The main storyline heading into the championship pitted the BPA pitching staff against a potent Wow offense as the BPA arms allowed just 7 runs through pool play, a tournament best, while the Wow bats pushed across 37 runs, also an event best. It was Wow Factor who jumped out to an early lead as they were able to plate a run in the first inning via a John Berry Upton single following a pair of free bases, however that's all the offense was able to generate, never sending more than four runners into the box the rest of the way. However, following that initial run, Perfect Game Select Festival alum Nomar Torres locked it in and went the distance in the run rule shortened 6 inning affair, scattering just three hits while striking out 7 alongside those two walks. His performance was simply a continuation of what we almost came to expect whenever a BPA arm was on the mound, though their offense was equally as impressive throughout their run.

It wasn't until the 3rd inning that BPA was able to tie things as Dyson Grant provided an immediate spark with a one out triple before, who else, Nomar Torres came to the plate and singled in his first of two RBI on the day. The club did a majority of its damage the following frame as they put up a six-spot and truly never looked back. At one point in the inning they sent five hitters to the plate and came away with five consecutive singles and all five of those bats (Wilson Shaw, Griffin McKain, Dyson Grant, Nomar Torres and Logan Schmidt) enjoyed a multi-hit performance in the championship game. In totality the offense connected for 14 hits, yielding 9 runs with a pair of three baggers from both Grant and Schmidt. 

It's not often you see a club take the No. 1 seed in pool play and carry that momentum all the way through and into a championship win, especially in a gauntlet like the Beast of the East, but it speaks to the composition of the roster, a certain clutch factor scattered throughout, and a true brand of team baseball to get the job done. 

Tournaments | Story | 7/15/2026

WWBA Arrives in Arizona

Emily Hicks
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After another week of summer baseball, Perfect Game action returns to Surprise Stadium as teams prepare for another exciting week of competition at the WWBA Championship. From July 14-18, some of the top programs in travel baseball will take the field looking to compete for a championship and showcase their talent against high-level competition.  The tournament will feature both the 15U and 16U divisions, bringing together talented teams and rising prospects from across the West and beyond. With several days of pool play and championship bracket action, teams will have the opportunity to test themselves against strong opponents while competing on one of the biggest stages of the summer.  Surprise Stadium will provide the setting for a week filled with competitive matchups, standout performances, and prospects looking to make an impact. From dominant pitching performances to...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/15/2026

East Cobb Go Undefeated, Takes 14U BCS

Alyssa Golden
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East Cobb Goes Undefeated, Takes 14U BCS Twenty years after winning the inaugural 14U BCS National Championship in 2006, the East Cobb Astros once again stood atop the tournament, defeating the Original Florida Pokers 7-4 at JetBlue Park. A hot, sunny afternoon set the stage for a tightly contested match between the Original Florida Pokers 2030 and East Cobb Astros 14U Orange. Although the Pokers had a two-run lead with just three innings to go, East Cobb showed their team had no quit as they pulled away with a 7-4 victory. The teams battled through a highly contested tournament field of over sixty teams from across the country, with the Pokers coming in 8-1 and East Cobb entering 8-0 in tournament play. Cohen Carter started on the mound for East Cobb, allowing seven hits and no walks while striking out three batters over four innings. His fastball sat 71-75 mph. Silas Anstett opened the...
Tournaments | Story | 7/15/2026

Stars Marucci '27 Loaded and Poised

Kinley Kitchens
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Expectations naturally follow one of the nation’s top ranked teams. For Stars Marucci 2027, those expectations have only grown as the summer season has progressed.  Ranked No. 16 nationally and featuring a roster loaded with Division I commits and nationally ranked prospects, Stars Marucci 2027 entered the 2026 Perfect Game 17U National Elite Championship as one of the top teams to watch.  Through the opening two days of the tournament, they have shown why they are a team to watch, opening the week with back-to-back victories over SBA Tucci 2027 (6-1) and FC Twins Scout (5-2) to build early momentum heading into the later rounds.  The talent on the roster is undeniable.  Virginia Tech commits Chase Colangelo, Yogi Colangelo, and Teagan Leach, Maryland commit Jerome Fortier, and Youngstown State commit Sam Capuano headline a group filled with college bound...
Tournaments | Story | 7/15/2026

Mine Wood Bat World Series Notes

Jordan Gates
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‘28 OF/LHP Carson Tabler (OH) Rips one deep into the pull side gap for an inside-the-park HR. Athletic in the box w/ a projectable frame. Utilizes a toe tap on a fluid stroke w/ good bat speed. Good runner in stride + efficient around the bases. #MineWS @Carson_T7 @PFFlyers2028 pic.twitter.com/IVfICPg4qV — Perfect Game Ohio Valley (@PG_OhioValley) July 10, 2026 Carson Tabler (2028, Cincinnati, Ohio) Tabler was probably the most pleasant surprise when it comes to names from this weekend. A rather unknown for me and my staff going into the event, Tabler managed to cement himself by event’s end. It’s a true two-way projection at this stage, while he has the size in the 6-foot-3 long and loose frame, the strength will continue to add on to the 175-pound stature. While he only had two extra-base hits (triple, home run), the bat-to-ball skills were the calling card, and...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/14/2026

SBA Bolts National Raise Trophy at 16u

Will Dembo
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After an action-packed week at the 16u WWBA Championships, the tournament came down to two of the nation’s top teams battling for one of travel baseball’s most prestigious titles. No. 5 ranked SBA Bolts National faced No. 60 Alpha Prime 2028 after both teams reached the championship undefeated, but the SBA Bolts were the sole team to exit without a loss, defeating Alpha Prime 10-2 in mercy rule fashion and capture the national title behind dominant pitching and explosive offensive performances. The SBA Bolts were perfect throughout their week, running the table and going 11-0 while outscoring their opponents by an impressive margin of 108-25. “It was awesome,” SBA Head Coach Travis Thompson said on the mercy rule victory. “It just kind of culminated our week. It's been a long week. I can't even remember our first game, which felt like three weeks ago. The...
Tournaments | Story | 7/14/2026

Coastal Region Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Ridge Whitfield (2029, Charlotte, NC) stands at 6-foot, 158 pounds with an athletic build that should allow him to maintain his mobility and quick-twitch actions as he continues to develop. He bats and throws left-handed. Whitfield locates his fastball to both sides of the plate, mixes his pitches effectively, and keeps hitters off balance. He competes on every pitch and doesn’t back down in big situations. Whitfield threw 5.1 innings, allowing three hits, one earned run, and no walks while striking out three on 75 pitches (58% strikes). He attacked the zone with a fastball that sat 73 mph and topped out at 78 mph, mixing in a 67 mph breaking ball and a 68-70 mph changeup to keep hitters off balance. Sam Jobe (2029, Charlotte, NC) stands at 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, with a lean, athletic frame and plenty of projection. He bats and throws right-handed. Jobe shows good feel for the...
Tournaments | Story | 7/14/2026

14u & 17u West Scout Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
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14u & 17u WWBA West Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Adryan Zaragoza (‘30 | CA) turns on this one, sending it down RF line for a 2B. Finished 2-for-3 w/ 2RBI, 2R, BB. PS approach, bat speed, raw strength #WWBAWest @California_PG pic.twitter.com/V6Ctus4CX1 — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) July 13, 2026 Adryan Zaragoza (2030, Lake Elsinore, CA) The 5-foot-9, 150-pound left-handed hitter and infielder had a great weekend for ZT Select Prospects, finishing with five hits, eight runs scored, one double, one triple, six RBI, one stolen base, and two walks during the 14U WWBA West National Championships. Zaragoza consistently ignited the offense from the top of the lineup, with a disciplined approach and the ability to create scoring opportunities. He can drive the baseball into the gaps while producing in big situations, combining quality contact with aggressive baserunning....
Tournaments | Story | 7/14/2026

14u BCS Scout Note Recap

Perfect Game Staff
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Jake Karpell (2030, Holmdel, NJ) got on the barrel a couple times in game five and totaled three rbis. Started his production with a single then later on hammered a heater down the right field and flew around the bases for a three run inside the park home run. Keeps the hands inside at contact really well and got the head around on the homer. Runs well and can hit it around the yard in the approach.  Luke Sauer (2030 C, FL)  put his hit tool on display with a well-struck double, continuing to show why he is regarded as one of the top catchers in the class. Owns a big frame with present physicality and does a good job keeping the hands connected throughout the swing. The barrel works efficiently through the zone and there is a solid offensive foundation present. Currently ranked as the No. 66 catcher nationally.  Gavin Politz (2030 OF, FL) continued a strong tournament...
Tournaments | Story | 7/14/2026

15u World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-3

Perfect Game Staff
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Connor Ashley (‘29, FL) has struck out six over six no hit innings thus far. Got the FB up to 87 w/ feel for a sharp two-plane slider. #PGWS @Florida_PG pic.twitter.com/M7mEmTH8pk — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 12, 2026 Connor Ashley (’29, Minneola, FL) was stellar on Sunday, striking out seven in a seven inning no hitter. He operates from a medium-to-large right-handed frame with length, room to fill, and lower half strength. Ashley works exclusively from the stretch, starting at the belt before working into a higher compact leg lift, firing down the mound via a long arm action. He releases from a high three-quarters slot, with the fastball jumping from the hand up to 87. Ashley mixed in a sharp 11-5 breaking ball with depth and late bite, a true swing-and-miss offering.  Matthew Hernandez (’29, Miami Lakes, FL) has posted strong numbers on both...
College | Story | 7/14/2026

Coppy's Corner: July 14 Summer Edition

John Coppolella
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The amateur players in the Cape Cod Baseball League are the future stars of the 2027 MLB Draft. The league runs from June 13th through August 2nd. Games are played at historic stadiums in Old New England towns. It’s beautiful and charming. Hollywood even made a movie about the Cape Cod League ~25 years ago called Summer Catch. It scored an 8% (!) on Rotten Tomatoes, but, on the plus side, it featured 2001 Jessica Biel in a starring role.  It was so much fun writing Coppy’s Column this spring. My hope is to highlight a pitcher and position player each week from the Cape. And, who knows, maybe somewhere out there Jessica Biel is reading it.    Player of the Week: Carter White – Falmouth Commodores  Talk about making a great first impression! White introduced himself in a very loud and boisterous way this past week by going 9-17 (.529 AVG) with 6 RBI...
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