THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,397 MLB PLAYERS | 15,805 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,397 MLB PLAYERS | 15,805 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Tournaments  | Story | 9/16/2012

Top 2015 starts at PG/Evo Upper

Photo: Perfect Game

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Back in mid-August, in the days immediately after the Perfect Game All-American Classic presented by Rawlings was staged at PETCO Park in downtown San Diego, young 2015 prospect Kyle Molnar made his Perfect Game debut.

The event was the 2012 PG National  Games, an annual underclass showcase held this year at the University of California at San Diego, north of downtown. Molnar, a sophomore at Aliso Niguel High School from Aliso Viejo, Calif., pitched two innings in one showcase game, and allowed no runs on two hits while striking out three.

On Sunday, almost a month to the day from that debut at the PG National Games, Molnar made his Perfect Game tournament pitching debut at the Perfect Game/EvoShield National Championship (Upperclass), and he made it as the nation's  No. 1-ranked prospect in the high school class of 2015.

Molnar, who is already 6-feet-2 and 185 pounds, and delivered his fastball at 91 mph at the PG National Games, claimed he had no butterflies as he took the mound for head coach Mike Spiers and the ABD Bulldogs with dozens of sets of eyes locked on his every move.

"I just wanted to go out there and throw, just like always," Molnar said after his outing on Field 4 at the Camelback Ranch Complex, the Cactus League home of the Chicago White Sox and L.A. Dodgers. "I wanted to throw strikes and see what pitches are working and what pitches aren't."

The outing went well. Flashing a fastball that reached 88 mph, Molnar pitched five innings, allowed four runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out eight and walking two. His defense behind him committed six errors, leading to the three unearned runs.

"I felt good when I came out," Molnar  said. "I just wanted to throw strikes and let my defense play, and even though they made errors I wanted to give them another chance until they made (the play)."

The No. 2-seeded Bulldogs were playing the No. 15 Murietta Valley Hurricanes in the first round of the PG/EvoShield Upper playoffs when Molnar took the hill. ABD earned the No. 2 seed by finishing pool-play 3-0 and outscoring its three opponents by a combined 25-2. It beat the Hurricanes, 9-4, to advance to Sunday afternoon's quarterfinals.

The ABD Bulldogs roster this weekend is stocked with players who have always been Bulldogs as well as those who have played for other teams within the ABD organization.

"It's a good group, and it's a group of guys who can just compete," Spiers said. "That's one thing about all the players in our program, they'll compete. No matter what the opponent or who's here or who's not here, it's about going out and competing and looking to get better each time you come out."

The Bulldogs hit only .286 as a team in their first four games, but got great production from Tyler Brown (2013, Henderson, Nev.) and Tyler Robles (2013, Fontana, Calif.). Brown was 7-for-10 (.700) with two triples, a home run, four RBI and eight runs scored, and Robles was 3-for-7 (.428) with a double and a triple. Willie Barcena (2013, Los Angeles) was 3-for-3 with an RBI in the playoff win over the Hurricanes.

Spiers used six pitchers, including Molnar, in the first four games and they compiled a 0.91 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 23 innings.

As for Molnar, Spiers sees a special prospect with a future that may not be on the mound, but in the outfield.

"I think Kyle is going to be all right; in fact, I think he's going to be a pretty good position player," Spiers said. "The reason I wanted him to come out (Sunday) is so he can get some experience in these type of tournaments. This is a good thing for him to come out and get more experience, and as he comes out and plays in these type of events, he's going to be all right.

"He's going to be the type of player like Travis Harrison, where Travis was younger and played up all the time. He's going to  be one of those type of guys for us."

Harrison played for the ABD Bulldogs from 2007-10, was a 2010 PG/Aflac All-American and was a first round compensation pick by the Minnesota Twins in the 2011 MLB draft. He played this year in the Rookie  Level Appalachian League.

Spiers' contention that Molnar may one day become an effective position player is based strictly on Molnar's youth and still-developing body.

"The thing is, a lot of times when you get a young kid with a good arm and he's got pitchability, right away you gravitate toward that because he really hasn't developed as a position player. That's still an on-going process with him," Spiers said. "He does a lot of things a lot of young players don't do, and he's got a real good feel for the game as a position player."

Molnar, like so many other California prospects, has kept busy this fall playing in the scout leagues that are popular across the state. He said he noticed it when Perfect Game moved him up to the No. 1 spot in the 2015 national prospect rankings, but tried to downplay it.

"I looked at it, but it doesn't change my mentality or anything," he said. "I still want to be humble about it and not brag about it and just throw my game."

His focus Sunday morning was helping the ABD Bulldogs keep playing into Monday, when the semifinals and championship game of the PG/EvoShield Upperclass will be played at Goodyear Ballpark.

"I wanted to go deep into the playoffs and throw one complete game, which I didn't get (Sunday) but I still did pretty good," Molnar said of his expectations coming into the event. "I wanted to do some work on hitting also."

Molnar made five plate appearances in the Bulldogs' first four games, and singled, walked three times and stole four bases.

As Spiers walked off the field Sunday morning after picking up the first playoff win, he expressed confidence the Bulldogs could keep playing into Monday.

"Anytime you step on the field you're capable of winning, it's just a matter of getting that momentum and the pieces fall into place," Spiers said.


Tournaments | Story | 3/31/2026

14u East Spring Opener Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Roman Keister (2030, Dade City, FL) Could not miss the barrel this weekend tallying 6 hits including 2 triples and 4 RBI. Starts the load early and controls his body well, the up the middle approach really plays in game. Also worked from off the mound for an inning and picked up a punch out.  Colton Russo (2030, Coral Springs, FL) Showed off the power burning outfielders all weekend. 5 hits including two triples that carried over the CF and RF heads. Has a good understanding about using the lower half in the swing and the bat to ball skills really impressed.  Karson Blakney (2030, St. Augustine, FL) Made his impact in a big way this week, collecting the win in the quarterfinals. In his outing he went 5 shutout innings and struck out 5 while only allowing 2 hits. Worked in the mid 70s with the FB and topped out at 78. Also produced on offense driving in 5 RBI on 4 hits. ...
High School | General | 4/2/2026

High School Notebook: April 2

Steve Fiorindo
Article Image
Lennex Minor (‘28 CA) absolutely destroys this offering to the PS for a 2-run shot. 2-4 on the day w/ 4 driven in. Athletic in the box w/ a quick stroke and strength throughout the frame. Also closed out the game running the FB up to 88 in a St. Bernard win #PGHS @PG_Scouting pic.twitter.com/KF7BsKGcm7 — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) March 29, 2026 Lennex Minor, MIF/P, St. Bernard (2028) Minor had a massive day in my look this past Saturday in a game being played at the University of San Diego.  The sophomore had a pair of hits, one which was a no-doubt homer, and drove in four.  Minor’s athleticism jumps out on the field with twitchy actions both at the dish and in the dirt.  He features a 6-foot, 170-pound frame with room to add and generates from a strong lower half and exceptionally quick hands.  Showing two-way potential, he made an...
High School | General | 4/2/2026

NHSI Scout Notebook

Cam McElwaney
Article Image
An extended look at ‘26 RHP Wilson Andersen… 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 6 K. @HailStateBB signee. #NHSI26 @JesuitBaseball @Florida_PG @PG_Draft @PGAllAmerican https://t.co/VLwECd2qZ8 pic.twitter.com/JbTFR3Gd2l — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) March 30, 2026 Wilson Andersen, RHP, Tampa Jesuit  Andersen got the ball on day two of the event and showed a quick tempo, pounding the zone with a power mix. He ran the fastball up to 97 mph, working comfortably in the mid-90s, with a power curveball/changeup mix he showed confidence in. He’s one of the top right-handers in the class that saw his stock rise in Cary. Andersen is signed with Mississippi State.    An extended look at ‘26 RHP Cooper Sides… 5 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K. @LSUbaseball signee. #NHSI26 @olubaseball @PG_Draft @California_PG https://t.co/Ag1MfBAR5a pic.twitter.com/5wSszVjBn8...
All American Game | Story | 4/2/2026

All American Classic Heading to Citizens Bank

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME DICK’S ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC HEADED TO CITIZENS BANK PARK IN 2026   Perfect Game makes debut at iconic Phillies venue during America’s 250th birthday celebration   Former Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel named Honorary Chairman of All-American Classic   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Thursday, April 2, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that the 2026 Perfect Game DICK’S All-American Classic will be played at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, marking the first time a Perfect Game event has ever been held at the iconic home of the Philadelphia Phillies.   The game will take place on...
College | Rankings | 4/1/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: April 1

Nick Herfordt
Article Image
Welcome to another week of Perfect Game Small School baseball — and if you're looking for clarity at the top, you've come to the wrong place. Across all three classifications, the No. 1 spot is very much an open question, and nobody is sleeping comfortably right now. In NCAA Division II, Pittsburg State is stumbling at precisely the wrong moment, leaving the door cracked wide open for hungry challengers to come knocking. In the NAIA, defending national champion LSU Shreveport has dropped four straight and suddenly looks far more vulnerable than a program of their pedigree ever expects to be. And in NCAA Division III, the race for the top ranking is less a competition and more a ten-car pileup of elite programs, none of whom have done enough to pull away — and all of whom have done plenty to deserve it. Three classifications, three vacancies at the top, and a whole lot of...
Juco | Story | 4/1/2026

JUCO Top 25: April 1

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Another week of JUCO baseball and another week full of wins for No. 1 ranked Johnson County . The Cavaliers have won 18 games in a row and have swept through the Jayhawk Conference to this point, setting a new school home run record along the way. Walters State returns to the top 5 this week on the strength of a 12-game winning streak. Both McLennan and Pearl River are coming off of undefeated weeks and look like strong top 10 caliber teams, while Midland (now 30-3) continues to climb in the rankings for the third consecutive week. For the first time all year this ranking will feature 4 California schools as Palomar joins Ohlone, Fresno City and Santa Ana in the JUCO rankings. Check back in next week for an update as most of JUCO baseball is now past its halfway point in the 2026 season. RK School Week Overall 1 Johnson County (KS) 4-0 34-2 2 Gaston (NC) 2-1 35-3 3 Walters State (TN) 3-0...
College | Story | 4/1/2026

Collegiate Midseason All-Americans

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Collegiate Midseason Awards * denotes Midseason Award Winner - All-Americans chosen based on statistics, prospect status, future projection, among other factors - Only true freshmen considered for Freshmen All-American teams - All Statistics as of Monday, March 30th First Team Hitters Pos. Name School Class AVG OBP SLG R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB C Vahn Lackey Georgia Tech JR .423 .541 .845 36 41 9 1 10 36 7 1B Quinton Coats Cincinnati SO .360 .441 .896 38 45 8 1 19 46 7 2B Jarren Advincula Georgia Tech JR .411 .489 .563 31 46 2 0 5 30 5 3B Ace Reese Mississippi State JR .330 .417 .661 32 36 12 0 8 37 1 SS Roch Cholowsky UCLA JR .350 .493 .730 39 35 8 0 10 32 1 IF Dee Kennedy Kansas State JR .430 .549 .910 44 43 10 1 12 43 15 OF Will Gasparino UCLA JR .351 .468 .794 31 34 5 1 12 38 1 OF AJ Gracia Virginia JR .350 .504 .650 37 36 7 0 8 24 1 OF Landon Hairston* Arizona State SO .469 .551 1.027 44...
High School | Rankings | 3/31/2026

High School Top 50: March 31

Tyler Russo
Article Image
Another pair of weeks has gone by this high school season and with that we have another High School Top-50 Update. Southern states are within a few weeks of the end of the season while some northern states are just getting started this week. Through the end of the spring, we will be bringing you updates to the Top-50 along with state rankings updates coming soon. For the first time in 2026, we have a new #1 in the country as Orange Lutheran (CA) takes over the top spot after winning the NHSI. Venice (FL) came in second place at the NHSI after a thrilling game against Orange Lutheran and comes in at #2. Previous #1 team in the country St. John Bosco (CA) rounds out the top-3 and will have a big showdown against Orange Lutheran starting tonight. Barbe (LA) boasts a 26-1 record and comes in at #4 while Corona (CA) continues to string together wins and holds down the #5 spot in this update....
College | Story | 3/31/2026

PG Collegiate Midseason Awards

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Midseason Awards  Perfect Game Midseason Player of the Year:  Landon Hairston, OF, Arizona State  The season sophomore outfielder Landon Hairston is putting together is generational, even amongst the Hall of Fame talent Arizona State has fielded over the years.  Hairston, the 5-11/195 sophomore outfielder from Queen City, AZ has his club on track for another postseason appearance and they will make plenty of noise in the Big 12 regular season.  To put things in perspective on Hairston’s season, he is currently 5th in the nation in batting average, 3rd in hits, 8th in hits per game, tied for 2nd in home runs, tied for 5th in runs scored and is 4th in runs batted in so far.  He holds a batting average of .469 while slugging 1.027 and reaching base over half the time with an OBP of .551.  Hairston walks more than he strikes out and has 12 doubles, 17...
College | Story | 3/31/2026

College Players of the Week: March 31

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
March 31st Perfect Game/Co-Players of the Week:  Landon Hairston, OF, Arizona State  The Arizona State Sun Devils (20-8) went (3-2) last week and now sit at No. 18 in our latest Top 25 poll.  They are proving that they are legitimate Big 12 contenders and Landon Hairston is making a strong case for National Player of the Year at the halfway point in the season.  The 5-11/195 sophomore outfielder from Queen City, AZ is putting up such loud numbers that they are almost hard to fathom.  In five games last week, the lefthanded hitter collected 12-hits in 19 Abs, scoring 13 runs on 6 walks, a double, 5 home runs and he drove in 11 runs on his own.  For the season, he has put together a slash line of .468/.991/.553 with 12 doubles, 15 round trippers, 45 RBIs, a 12:18 strikeout-to-walk ratio and he has swiped 8 bags so far.  It has been a special year for the...
Loading more articles...