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College  | Story | 6/29/2011

PG Top 25: South Carolina the one

Kendall Rogers

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OMAHA, Neb. – Fresh off the program’s first national title last fall, the South Carolina Gamecocks, at the time at least, couldn’t have imagined finding a way to win back-to-back national titles. But after beating Florida in the CWS title series, the Gamecocks are just the ninth team in NCAA history to earn back-to-back championships.

The Gamecocks, as a result of their national title, also finish the 2011 college baseball season atop the Perfect Game Top 25 rankings.

Though Florida dropped a tough series to the Gamecocks, they finish the season at No. 2 while fellow SEC foe Vanderbilt finished at No. 3.

Virginia, the top national seed entering the postseason, finished the season at No. 4, while five other ACC teams including North Carolina, Florida State, Miami, Clemson and Georgia Tech also are ranked.

With the last rankings until now coming at the end of the regular season, the new entrants in our final rankings include California, UC Irvine, Stanford, Dallas Baptist and Mississippi State.

The conference breakdowns are as follows: ACC 6, SEC and Pac-10 5, Big 12 and Big West 2, while the Big East, Mid-American, Independents, Conference USA and Mountain West each have one representative.

1. South Carolina (55-14)
Previous ranking: 1
The Gamecocks couldn’t have had a more exciting campaign. They established consistency early in the season and won back-to-back national titles, just the ninth team to do so.

2. Florida (53-19)
Previous ranking: 4
The Gators, as with the Gamecocks, were consistent throughout the spring and put together a campaign to remember. They’re expected to be back in Omaha in 2012.

3. Vanderbilt (54-12)
Previous ranking: 5
The Commodores entered the season with high expectations and didn’t disappoint. They won an NCAA Regional and Super Regional before reaching the CWS.

4. Virginia (56-12)
Previous ranking: 2
The Cavaliers were extremely consistent throughout the season and were two wins away from competing for the national title. Still, they had a solid campaign.

5. North Carolina (51-16)
Previous ranking: 10
There’s no doubt the Tar Heels were one of the nation’s pleasant surprises this season. They put together a solid regular season before storming their way to Omaha.

6. Texas A&M (47-22)
Previous ranking: 11
The Aggies couldn’t have put together a much more successful campaign. They won the Big 12 regular season and tourney titles before reaching the CWS.

7. Texas (49-19)
Previous ranking: 3
The Longhorns had another solid campaign on the diamond. They won the Big 12 regular season title before reaching the College World Series for the 34th time.

8. California (38-23)
Previous ranking: NR
What an amazing campaign the Golden Bears had. They saved their program and had a magical march to the College World Series. What a year for Cal.

9. Florida State (46-19)
Previous ranking: 8
The Seminoles put together another solid campaign, but failed to get to Omaha after losing the Tallahassee Super Regional.

10. Oregon State (41-19)
Previous ranking: 7
The Beavers weren’t expected to make a huge splash entering the season, but certainly did so with a solid regular season, almost earning a national seed.

11. Arizona State (43-18)
Previous ranking: 13
The Sun Devils put together yet another solid campaign. They won the Tempe Regional before getting a win away from returning to Omaha.

12. Connecticut (45-20)
Previous ranking: 17
It took the Huskies a few weeks into the season to get acclimated to the warmer weather, but they were fantastic once they got into a groove.

13. UC Irvine (43-18)
Previous ranking: NR
The Anteaters were extremely consistent throughout the spring and literally were a strike away from returning to the CWS for the first time since 2007.

14. Georgia Tech (42-21)
Previous ranking: 6
The Yellow Jackets weren’t expected to be great entering the season. But this team actually exceeded expectations much of the year. The future is bright.

15. Stanford (35-22)
Previous ranking: NR
The Cardinal entered the season with incredibly high hopes. And though they had some consistency issues, they played their best baseball in the postseason.

16. Rice (42-21)
Previous ranking: 15
The Owls were consistent for much of the season, earning a national seed entering the postseason. They stumbled in the Houston Regional.

17. Dallas Baptist (42-20)
Previous ranking: NR
We were skeptical about the Patriots throughout the season because of their lack of marquee wins, but they more than proved themselves in the NCAA postseason.

18. TCU (43-19)
Previous ranking: 9
The Horned Frogs put together a solid regular season campaign, but serious injuries finally caught up to them in the Fort Worth Regional.

19. Mississippi State (38-25)
Previous ranking: NR
The Bulldogs had some consistency issues at times during the regular season, but played exceptionally well in the NCAA Regional and NCAA Super Regional.

20. Clemson (43-20)
Previous ranking: 14
The Tigers certainly had some issues at times during the regular season, but got hot at the end of the regular season before falling flat against Connecticut.

21. UCLA (35-24)
Previous ranking: 24
The Bruins won the Pac-10 title with starting pitchers Gerrit Cole, Trevor Bauer and Adam Plutko leading the way. The offense wasn’t enough in the postseason.

22. Cal State Fullerton (41-17)
Previous ranking: 12
The Titans clawed their way to another national title, but fell well short of getting to Omaha, their expected destination entering the season.

23. Miami (38-23)
Previous ranking: 18
The Hurricanes put together a solid regular season campaign with a strong pitching staff leading the charge. However, they didn’t have enough offense to go the distance.

24. Kent State (45-17)
Previous ranking: 21
The Golden Flashes made easy work of the Mid-American Conference this season and were a win away from reaching an NCAA Super Regional.

25. Arkansas (40-22)
Previous ranking: 23
In what was expected to be somewhat of a rebuilding campaign, the Razorbacks were close to hosting their own NCAA Regional. The Hogs should very good in ’12.

Kendall Rogers is the managing editor of college baseball for Perfect Game USA and has covered the sport for over 10 seasons. He can be reached at kendall@perfectgame.org
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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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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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/13/2026

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Perfect Game Staff
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High speed look at the FF-SL-CH from '27 RHP Liam McGeady (OH)... #NatElite @PG_OhioValley @Cincy_Legends https://t.co/hhoDL7DBbi pic.twitter.com/Ts79GLPGoU — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 12, 2026 Liam McGeady (2027, Liberty Township, Ohio) had the stuff working on Saturday morning, getting the start for Legends Scout 2027. The uncommitted right-hander ran it up to 91 and sat 88-90 with a full starter’s mix. All three of the secondaries played well and project moving forward. The curveball worked in the mid-70s with good depth and healthy shape. The slider operated in the 79-82 range with gyro spin and short break. McGeady rounded out the repertoire with a changeup that showed big fade and depth, proving effective versus lefties. He ended the outing going five ⅔ innings, allowing no earned runs on four hits, striking out six total. The tall and long 6-foot-5,...
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Tournaments | Championship | 7/13/2026

ZT Select Takes 14u WWBA West Title

Emily Hicks
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After a week of competitive baseball, the ZT Select Prospects have been crowned the 14U WWBA National Champions, completing an impressive tournament run with a championship victory over Swarm Red Elite National 2030 with a final score of 3-1. The 14U division brought together 19 talented teams for a week of high-level competition, with players from California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania battling for the opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in youth baseball. Throughout the tournament, ZT Select Prospects showed consistency, resilience, and the ability to compete in close games. From the opening rounds of pool play to the championship matchup, the team continued to find ways to win behind strong pitching, timely hitting, and a complete team effort. In the championship game, ZT Select Prospects was led by standout performances from Jeremy Jimenez, who...
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Draft | Mock Draft | 7/13/2026

2027 Mock Draft: Way Too Early Ediition

Vincent Cervino
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With the 2026 MLB Draft officially complete, let's quickly turn our eyes to the 2027 group and do a way too early mock draft. Leading the way is shortstop Brendan Lawson out of the University of Florida, setting the trend as three of the top four names all call shortstop home with Dylan Seward and Carter Hadnot. If shortstops aren't your thing for any which reason, maybe hard throwing left-handers tickle your fancy whether it be prep Connor Salerno, Tomas Valincius from Mississippi State or Dylan Volantis, a dominant arm from the University of Texas.  Pick Team Name Pos. School 1 Los Angeles Angels Brendan Lawson SS Florida 2 Kansas City Royals Dylan Seward SS Norco (Calif.) 3 Colorado Rockies Landon Hairston OF Arizona State 4 New York Mets Carter Hadnot SS Aquinas (Calif.) 5 Athletics Connor Salerno LHP Sun Valley (N.C.) 6 Cincinnati Reds Tomas Valincius LHP Mississippi State 7...
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With the 2026 MLB Draft in the books, our focus now shifts to a new group of players ready to take center stage as the 2027 draft cycle begins. Our initial 2027 Follow List serves as an early snapshot of the players who should draw plenty of attention over the next year. This new crop of talent features collegiate players coming off loud spring seasons, alongside prep prospects who have already flashed big upside as underclassman.  As always, this list will evolve throughout the year. Some players will continue to elevate their stock, while others will jump onto the radar and force their way into the conversation. So, without further ado, let the fun begin.  The road to the 2027 MLB Draft starts now. Name Level Pos. B-T School Hometown State Commitment Adrian Rodriguez C 3B/OF S-R Texas Flower Mound TX Aidan King C RHP L-R Florida Bryceville FL Bino Watters C OF L-L LSU...
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