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College  | Story | 5/16/2024

Final Week Preview Pick 'Em

Photo: Duke Baseball (Duke Athletics)
No. 3 Arkansas at No. 8 Texas A&M

The Razorbacks (42-10) currently have a 2-game lead over Texas A&M in the SEC West, so they only need one victory this weekend to secure the title.  There continues to be questions about their ability to generate runs but there are no concerns on the pitching and defensive side of things.  Starter Hagen Smith is (9-0) on the season, while Stone Hewlett and Gabe Gaeckle have 11-saves combined.  The Aggies (42-10) have lost 2-consecutive SEC series and are looking to secure their national seed aspirations.  The pitching staff has experienced a bit of a rough patch for the first time all year but their combo of offense and pitching is elite.  Arkansas is only (6-6) on the road this year while A&M is (30-2) at home, so I think the Aggies take the series.

Cozy’s Pick:  Texas A&M



The Aggies are scuffling after losing two consecutive series in a row, their first SEC series loss since dropping the opening conference series at Florida. Both of these teams play better at home versus on the road but this is a big matchup of Arkansas’ dominant pitching against A&M’s impressive offense. I still think Hagen Smith is a separator here but this series already looks like weather will impact it significantly.

Vin's Pick: Arkansas


No. 4 Oregon State at Arizona

The Beavers (39-12) looked like they were far and away the class of the Pac-12 in the early part of the season.  They have been very good and you could make an argument that they have the best offense in the nation.  However, they find themselves 1.5 games behind the Wildcats in the regular season standings.  Arizona (32-18) is one of the best stories in college baseball this season and can secure the regular season title this weekend.  They quietly have put up some of the best pitching numbers in the nation and this will be vital to their success.  Oregon State is (7-9) on the road and Arizona’s ball park plays big, it seems like the Wildcats secure the title.

Cozy’s Pick:  Arizona

The Wildcats have led the Pac-12 for large parts of the second half of the season but Oregon State has been the wire-to-wire top ten ranked team throughout 2024. Something is going to give in this series and though Arizona’s run has been very impressive, I think that the Beavers are getting healthier each week and flex their muscles a bit in a big road series victory.

Vin's Pick: Oregon State


Florida at No. 5 Georgia

There are very few clubs in the nation that have more pressure on their shoulders than the Gators (26-25) as their postseason hopes ride on their ability to finish with a record above .500 for the year.  They have really struggled on the road with a (7-11) record, so they need super-star Jac Caglianone to be special as usual.  The Bulldogs (38-12) have never played better and are putting together a strong resume to be a national seed for the NCAA tournament.  Charlie Condon has been otherworldly and they have sorted things out on the mound.  This will be a slugfest all weekend, both teams have hit over 100 round trippers so far but I think Georgia has a chance to sweep.

Cozy’s Pick:  Georgia

The Gators are fighting to save their season as they’ll have to likely win this series on the road and go on a run in Hoover to make the tournament, they currently sit one game above .500 on the year. The Florida pitching staff took a major step forward last week and though Georgia’s staff might not be as deep, they have a Friday ace in Kolten Smith and their offense ranks near the top of the SEC in most categories. Sitting with a top 3 RPI and 16 SEC wins, the Bulldogs keep the foot on the gas pedal with a national seed in sight.

Vin's Pick: Georgia


No. 6 North Carolina at No. 13 Duke

The Tarheels (39-11) have run away with the ACC regular season title and have been one of the most consistent offensive clubs around.  Despite multiple injuries on the mound, they have held things together and pitched well.  However, the challenge has been playing on the road where they have a (7-7) record this year.  The Blue Devils (34-16) are just one of those clubs that are always competitive and figure out ways to win series.  This club can really defend and while ace, Jonathan Santucci won’t pitch for another week or so, they have excellent depth on the bump.  These rivals are only 11 miles apart and the talent on the field is even closer, but it feels like Duke will hold serve at home.

Cozy’s Pick:  Duke

This is a tale of two ranked teams who are secure in their spot in the field of 64 but with two very different paths to get there. Duke needs this series victory to remain in the hosting conversation while a Carolina win will strengthen their case for a top 8 national seed. Duke’s been streaky as of late and the Tar Heels body of work, and lead atop the ACC, have been very impressive, I like the Tar Heels in this one.

Vin's Pick: North Carolina


Virginia Tech at No. 15 Virginia

The Hokies (32-17) started off ACC play on a tear as they went (10-2) in their first four series.  Things have not gone so well since, going (4-11) and having lost 5-series in a row in league play.  They desperately need a series win in Charlottesville and a deep run in the ACC tournament to secure their postseason aspirations.  Virginia (37-14) sits second in the ACC Coastal and is in a good position to host the first round of the NCAA tournament.  However, they can’t afford a slip up this weekend against their in-state rivals.  Both of these clubs can flat out hit and slug at a high level.  If either team gets some length from their starting pitching they will have the advantage.  This will be an extremely entertaining series and I think the Hoos win the series.

Cozy’s Pick:  Virginia

There’s likely no question that the Hokies are the hungrier team here, as they’ll likely need this series win to remain in the at-large conversation while a Virginia win would strengthen their hosting resume. Both teams have been inconsistent towards the back end of ACC play and this should be a high scoring series, giving the edge to Virginia as the home team.

Vin's Pick:
Virginia
 

Fresno State at Air Force

The Bulldogs (29-23) are sitting atop the Mountain West standings but have hit the skids at the wrong time having lost 8 of their last 10 games.  The bullpen is at the core of this club's success and if their starters keep them in contention, this could be a good weekend.  However, the Falcons (23-26) have been road warriors this year and you never have to worry about their toughness.  Erdle Field is a unique and difficult venue to play if you’re the opposing team and Air Force is obsessed with defending their home turf.  Air Force is only a game out of first place, a series victory this weekend will deliver the championship and I think the Falcons get it done.

Cozy’s Pick:  Air Force

This matchup features the top two teams in the Mountain West conference and the Air Force home field advantage is real. They look like another deep and talented Falcons team who, with winning two of three, would take over first place in the conference heading into tourney week.

Vin's Pick: Air Force


Grand Canyon at Utah Valley

Grand Canyon (32-20) has won 5-consecutive conference series and now have a 4-game cushion atop the WAC standings.  Tyler Wilson is having a career year and the depth of the bullpen has proven to be a real strength for this club.  The Wolverines (27-25) are playing their best ball of the season, have won 7 of their last 10 and 3-consecutive conference series.  Daniel Dickenson is one of the most underrated hitters in the nation and this offense can pressure opponents in a multitude of ways.  The Antelopes are streaking right now and I think they keep their momentum heading into the postseason.

Cozy’s Pick:  Grand Canyon  
        
This is another first and second place matchup as Grand Canyon heads on the read to take on the second place team in the WAC in Utah Valley. Grand Canyon obviously lost some star power last year but remains a power in the WAC, entering this weekend at 21-6 in conference play. Look for them to take care of business on the road against a good Utah Valley offense.

Vin's Pick: Grand Canyon

College | Recruiting | 2/25/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: Feb. 25

Nick Herfordt
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A few weeks into the season and the shape of the national picture is starting to emerge (slightly, let’s get too silly about early results). Some preseason favorites are humming exactly as advertised, a few dark horses are pawing at the gate, and a handful of early contenders are discovering that February optimism and March reality are not always the same thing. Across DII, DIII and the NAIA, pitching staffs are setting the tone, offenses are either detonating or recalibrating, and the Top 25 is already beginning to feel less theoretical and more earned.   DII UT Tyler is performing as predicted with a 12-2 start that includes a series win at Angelo State. The Patriots’ offense has not exactly been knocking the cover off the ball, but the pitching staff has been stingy, holding opponents to a .228 batting average.  They have not faced a ranked opponent yet, but...
High School | General | 2/27/2026

HS Showdown Scout Notes: Day 1

Tyler Russo
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High School Showdown Event Page | High School Showdown Preview ‘27 1B Frank Thomas (FL) goes liftoff once again for 2nd HR, again in the L on L. Leveraging w/ such easy juice. #PGShowdown @IMGABaseball @Florida_PG https://t.co/BgWiDyMiMo pic.twitter.com/IC6sdAkhmT — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) February 26, 2026 Frank Thomas III (2027, Sarasota, Fl.) was all over a breaking ball in the first inning of an IMG Academy offensive explosion, making it back-to-back-to-back homers to start the game. He did not turn back from there, homering on two more occasions. The ball explodes off the barrel with low effort strength and he showed the ability to manipulate the barrel to lift with authority. Thomas III is built strong and physical and he is just beginning to tap into that huge power upside. He showed no issues handling left on left matchups, with his first two homers coming...
Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 2/26/2026

PG Draft: Early Season Underclass Performers

Tyler Henninger
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Dax Whitney (@BeaverBaseball) showed LOUD stuff. FB up to 100, cruised at 95-98. Pair of plus secondaries. CB at 77-79 (2923) with sharp, 12-6 action. Firm SL at 89-91 (2714) with bite. Flashed fading CH at 87-88 (1425). Ranked No. 1 on the ‘27 board @PG_Draft So./‘27 elig. pic.twitter.com/9PNbjJ53Zo — PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) February 13, 2026 RHP Dax Whitney, Oregon State (‘27 elig.) Whitney may not just be the best arm in next year’s class, he may be the best arm in the entire country right now. The right-handed sits 98 mph with the heater and has been up to 100 mph. Both the slider and curveball are plus offerings that he spins extremely well. Whitney will mix in a quality Gavin changeup that sits in the upper-80’s and has also introduced a new cutter. All the pitches come from the exact same release point and jump out of the hand. He...
High School | General | 2/26/2026

PGHS Showdown: Academies Scout Notes

AJ Denny
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Jordan Burwell (‘26 NJ) going WAY out to right. Rhythmic approach and smooth swing get into big time power. #Mountaineers commit. @PGMidAtlantic #PGShowdown pic.twitter.com/qyDaIPxIol — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) February 22, 2026 Jordan Burwell (‘26 NJ) First live look at the left-handed hitting West Virgina commit. The power is real, launched two long homers in game action this weekend. Easy mover with very clean path with sky high offensive ceiling if he continues to show like this. Swing is built for power and lofted pull side impacts.    CJ Alfano (‘26 NY) long PS bomb this morning. Just leaning on everything that’s thrown over the heart. #WVU commit. @PGMidAtlantic #PGShowdown pic.twitter.com/4lGnhOEyrl — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) February 22, 2026 Cj Alfano (‘26 NY)Just an impossible out throughout the weekend....
High School | General | 2/27/2026

SoCal High School Notebook: Feb. 27

Steve Fiorindo
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5 K's over 4 hitless innings of work for Jared Grindlinger (2026), making first start as member of the 2026 class. 92-94 t95 w/ the FB, SL 80-83, CH 81-83, CB 77/78. Efficient outing, 50 pitches, 39 strikes. #PGHS @PG_scouting @PG_Draft @HBHS_basebll @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/y7jwX1oPyB — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) February 25, 2026 Jared Grindlinger, LHP, Huntington Beach High School (2026) Gringlinger’s first start as a member of the 2026 class was a good one… 4 innings of no hit ball with 5 strikeouts.  Ran the fastball to 95, lived 92-94, throwing a ton of strikes.  50 pitches on the day, 39 strikes, pretty much landing all four pitches in the zone.  Went to the slider early and often, quadrupling up on the slide piece to the first hitter of the game. The slider shows late lateral action with some vert, living 80-83.  Used...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/25/2026

Perfect Game Softball 16U Winter Elite Showcase

Dave Durbala
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SPRINGFIELD, IL - Perfect Game Softball 16u Winter Elite Showcase, February 20-22, 2026. Twenty-Four teams arrived in Springfield for the opportunity to showcase some of the best talent in the midwest. After 3 pool play games,  the field was split and seeded into either the Platinum or Gold Division to begin bracket play.  With several highly sought after young arms on display, it was Indiana Magic Gold 16U Carroll and Indiana Magic Gold 14U National making it into the Platinum Division Championship, and through a mutual agreement, they decided to end the tournament as Co-Champions. In the Gold Division, it was Gts 16u Elite-Gonzalez with a 7-2 win over Cedar Rapids Blue Devils 14u, to earn the championship. Below are some of the players that played their way onto the top performers list, including the MVP and MV-Pitcher from both the Platinum and Gold Divisions. Earning the...
Juco | Rankings | 2/25/2026

JUCO Top 25: February 25

Blaine Peterson
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Another strong week for many of the top teams in junior college baseball. Walters State put together another undefeated weak and sticks in the top spot for the 3rd consecutive ranking. Chipola on the strength of a 20-1 start has established themselves early as one of top teams in the country. Johnson County put together a 2nd consecutive undefeated week and moves into the top 5 with a 15-1 overall record. They will play 4 games against #22 Iowa Western this week who is also coming off an undefeated week. Fresno City (15-0) and Midland (13-0) are two undefeated programs to begin 2026. They have gone from not in the preseason top 25 to the top 15 in our rankings in less than a month. And welcome to the PG Juco Top 25 Cloud County (KS) who debuts at #23 and is coming off a huge 3 game sweep on the road in Texas of a previous top 10 program in our rankings. Plenty of good matchups ahead this...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/24/2026

Perfect Game Softball February Frenzy

Dave Durbala
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BURLINGTON, IA - Perfect Game February Frenzy, February 20-22, 2026.  Twenty-two teams, representing five states, rolled into town for the opportunity to compete in this pool play, then into bracket play, with four games guaranteed,  in both a 14u and 18u division. Taking home top honors in the 14u division was Midwest Sluggers 11, who held off a late charge by the Black Dragons , winning 7-5. In the 18u division, it was Nebraska Gold 319 Berning topping Iowa Gold Prospects 4-0, avenging a pool play opening, 1-0 loss. Below are some of the players that played their way onto our Top Performers list, including the MVP and MV-Pitcher from the championship bracket in each age division. 14U Division Earning the 14u division MVP award was Presley Perkins (2030 Taylor Ridge, IL) who although is listed as a switch hitting OF, was only observed hitting from the left side for tournament...
High School | General | 2/25/2026

High School Showdown Preview

Cam McElwaney
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We’re only about 24 hours away from the 14th PG High School Showdown and as we get closer to one of the premier events on the high school schedule, we look ahead to what we’ll see in Hoover. The teams and players are what make this event special along with the environment with scouts packing the stands for this event. As with every year we’ve run this event, there are sure to be names called in the upcoming MLB Draft along with big time contributors at the college level. This year’s field is loaded with five teams ranked inside the Preseason High School Top-50, headlined by a trio of top-10 teams in No. 8 South Walton (FL), No. 9 Blessed Trinity (GA), and No. 10 IMG Academy (FL). Rounding out the list of top-50 teams are No. 34 Parkview (GA) and No. 43 Hoover (AL), along with plenty of other teams that will challenge for state championships in their respective...
Juco | Story | 2/27/2026

JUCO Notebook: February 27

Troy Sutherland
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An extended look at Carson Bailey (@mccbaseball1 )…. https://t.co/TltEl9M31H pic.twitter.com/24Lv8q73Yb — Perfect Game Texas (@Texas_PG) February 7, 2026 Carson Bailey (2024, Richardson, Texas) worked up to 97 with his fastball out the gate and lived 95-96 throughout his short burst outing. Fastball got up to 2500 RPM showing subtle tail at times. It plays firm and gets in on hitters quick. Locates fastball well at times. He went to a change in the 85-88 range as his bread and butter secondary killing spin with good dive. Change produced 5 whiffs. He also mixed in a slider in the 80-85 getting upwards of 2500 RPM with it. Slider tight and sharp when around it. Also flashed a curve at 79. Bailey stands in at 6-foot-3 from a deceptive delivery that creates tough angles for hitters. He should be a big follow throughout the Spring with plenty of draft buzz surrounding him. He is...
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