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2,572 MLB PLAYERS | 16,330 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Tournaments  | Story | 10/14/2012

WWBA Florida Q semis set

Photo: Perfect Game

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The gate was left open after the first round of the playoffs were complete Sunday afternoon, but by early Sunday evening only one gate-crasher had made his way into the party's final day.

Three of the top four playoff seeds at this year's PG WWBA Florida Qualifier advanced to Monday morning's semifinal round after posting a pair of playoff victories Sunday afternoon at either Terry Park or the jetBlue Player Development Complex. The only Cinderella at the ball -- and it's really not that much of a Cinderella -- is 10th-seeded SWFL 18u, the WWBA Florida Qualifier defending champion.

Otherwise, the players in the final four are exactly who the playoff bracket predicted they would be: No. 1 Chet Lemon's Juice (5-0), No. 3 SCORE International 18u (5-0) and No. 4 Florida Burn (5-0). All four finalists are playing for a paid invitation to the prestigious PG WWBA World Championship over in Jupiter, Fla., Oct. 25-29.

Monday's semifinal pairings have Chet Lemon's Juice facing the Florida Burn and SWFL 18u going against SCORE International 18u. Both games are slated for 9 a.m. at the jetBlue Player Development Complex. The championship game is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at jetBlue Park.

Chet Lemon's Juice won this event in 2010 and went on to become co-champion at the PG WWBA World Championship a few weeks later. The Burn have already won two Perfect Game national championships this year, including last week's PG WWBA Underclass World Championship held right here in Fort Myers.

SCORE International 18u is yet to win a PG championship although its head coach, former big-leaguer and 1st-round draft pick Sam Marsonek, has some experience at it. Marsonek directed Bullets Baseball to a co-championship at the 2011 18u PG BCS Finals and has had SCORE International in contention at major PG events throughout the summer.

SCORE International is a Christian ministry and the capital letters are an acronym for Sharing Christ Our Redeemer. It was founded in 1985 by Ron Bishop, a former college basketball coach, who used sports to preach the Gospel in Mexico and Latin American countries. Needless to say, the organization has its own unique approach to things.

"We've got a great group of guys who play the game the right way, and play hard, play selfless and just really lay it out for each other," Marsonek said after SCORE beat the No. 14 Florida Heat 9-1 in the playoffs' first round. "They're not worried about their individual numbers; they're not worried about anything other than helping each other out, and it's just cool to be around kids that want to help each other."

Right-hander Jose Pupo (2013, Tampa) threw a seven inning five-hitter in SCORE's 2-0 quarterfinal win over the Sarasota Baseball Club, and struck out 11.Righties Nick Nolan (2013, Seminole, Fla.) and Casey Sullivan (2013, Brandon, Fla.) combined on a five inning three-hitter in SCORE's 9-1 win over the Florida Heat in the playoffs' first round.

"Pitching, defense and base-running is really what we kind of pride ourselves on," Marsonek said. "I'm pretty confident that our pitchers are going to throw strikes and work quick, and then we've just got to be able to score some runs."

Chet Lemon's Juice earned the No. 1 seed after outscoring its three pool-play opponents by a combined 20-2, and beat No. 16 Ostingers Baseball Academy Select, 8-1, in the first round before stopping No. 8 SWFL 17u, 2-1, in the quarterfinals.

University of Florida recruit Tyler Danish (2013, Valrico, Fla.), the No. 96-ranked overall national prospect in his class, gave up three hits, no earned runs and struck out five in seven innings of work against SWFL 17u in the quarterfinals. Danish also pitched two hitless innings in relief, striking out two, in Chet's 1-0 win over Naturals Florida in their final pool-play game Sunday morning.

The Florida Burn are the country's hottest travel team at the moment, led by a talented 2014 class that is looking for its second major Perfect Game tournament championship in a week's time. The Burn outscored their three overmatched pool-play opponents 18-4, then shredded their two playoff foes Sunday afternoon by a combined 21-1.

In their two playoff wins Sunday, four right-handers -- Dominick Stefanacci (2014, Fort Myers, Fla.), Chris Hopkins (2014, Deland, Fla.), Tyson Albert (2013, Nokomis, Fla.) and Dalton Guthrie (2014, Sarasota, Fla.) --   combined to throw a run-rule shortened nine innings, scattered eight hits and struck out eight while surrendering no earned runs.

And then there's SWFL 18u, which may have already re-discovered the magic it conjured up a year ago at the Florida Qualifier. That was when SWFL 18u lost its second pool-play game but rallied to win five straight, including the championship game. This year it was forced to settle for 1-1 tie with the Ontario Blue Jays White in its opener Friday night but has come back to win four straight.

The run SWFL 18u surrendered against the Blue Jays was the only one it gave up in three pool-play games. The 10th-seeded squad upset the No. 7 Hialeah Warriors, 2-1, in the playoffs' first round and topped No. 15 Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy, 3-2, in the quarters. CBBA pulled off the first-round's biggest upset when it outlasted No. 2 Florida Future, 8-7.

"Every time we start out in a tournament, we always try to win (it), and it's the same thing here," SWFL 18u head coach Ryan Horton said Friday night. "We've finally got everybody back together, so we're going to try out different things and see what works. Our ultimate goal is to win this and to get better when we go down to Jupiter."


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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