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Draft  | State Preview | 5/21/2014

State Snapshots: Great Lakes

Patrick Ebert
Photo: Evansville

2014 Perfect Game draft preview content

New England – CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
Mid-Atlantic – DE, DC, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV
South Atlantic – FL, GA, NC, SC
Southeast – AL, KY, MS, TN
South Central – AR, LA, OK, TX
Great Lakes – IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
Great Plains – IA, KS, MO, NE, ND, SD
Mountain – AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, WY
Pacific – AK, CA, HI, OR, WA
Canada and Puerto Rico


Illinois

Illinois State-by-State List

STRENGTH: Depth of power arms, prep catchers
WEAKNESS: Impact bats
OVERALL RATING (1-to-5 scale): 4

BEST COLLEGE TEAM: Illinois State
BEST JUNIOR-COLLEGE TEAM: Wabash Valley
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: St. Rita HS, Chicago

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Jeremy Rhoades, rhp, Illinois State University
WILD CARD: Jake Godfrey, rhp, Providence Catholic HS, New Lenox

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Illinois Connection: Nick Burdi, rhp, University of Louisville (attended high school in Downers Grove)
Top 2015 Prospect: Nick Dalesandro, c, Joliet Catholic Academy, Plainfield
Top 2016 Prospect: Anthony Holubecki, rhp, Kaneland HS, Elburn

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History: Danny Goodwin, c, Central HS, Peoria (1971, White Sox/1st round, 1st pick)
2009 Draft: Tyler Kehrer, lhp, Eastern Illinois U. (Angels/1st round, 48th pick)
2010 Draft: Mike Foltyniewicz, rhp, Minooka Community HS (Astros/1st round/19th pick)
2011 Draft: Charlie Tilson, of, New Trier HS, Winnetka (Cardinals/2nd round)
2012 Draft: Chris Serritella, 1b, U. Southern Illinois University (Phillies/4th round)
2013 Draft: Daniel Lietz, lhp, Heartland CC (Blue Jays/5th round)

2013 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed: 16/15
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 5/5
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 8/2

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• Jeremy Rhoades, rhp, Illinois State University (93)
• Evan Skoug, c, Libertyville HS (105)
• Sam Coonrod, rhp, Southern Illinois University (119)
• Jake Godfrey, rhp, Providence Catholic HS, New Lenox (124)
• Simeon Lucas, c, Grant Community HS, Fox Lake (167)
• Tyler Willman, rhp, Western Illinois University (233)
• Darius Day, of, Simeon Academy, Chicago (244)
• Mitch Trees, c, Sacred Heart Griffin HS, Springfield (301)
• Max Murphy, of, Bradley University (327)
• Jake Latz, lhp, Lemont HS (363)
• Brad Bass, rhp, Lincoln-Way Central HS, New Lenox (408)
• Tanner Houck, Collinsville HS (458)
• Mike Papierski, c, Lemont HS (485)


Indiana

Indiana State-by-State List

STRENGTH: Impact college talent, high school arms
WEAKNESS: High school position players
OVERALL RATING (1-to-5 scale): 4

BEST COLLEGE TEAM: Indiana
BEST JUNIOR-COLLEGE TEAM: Vincennes
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Indianapolis Cathedral

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Kyle Freeland, lhp, University of Evansville
WILD CARD: Pat Connaughton, rhp, University of Notre Dame

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Indiana Connection: Dillon Peters, lhp, University of Texas (attended high school in Fishers)
Top 2015 Prospect: Bryan Hoeing, rhp, Batesville HS
Top 2016 Prospect: T.J. Collett, c, North Vigo HS, Terre Haute

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History: Andy Benes, rhp, University of Evansville (1988, Padres/1st round, 1st pick); Bryan Bullington, rhp, Ball State University (2002, Pirates/1st round, 1st pick)
2009 Draft: A.J. Pollock, of, University of Notre Dame (Diamondbacks/1st round, 17th pick)
2010 Draft: Kolbrin Vitek, 2b/rhp, Ball State University (Red Sox/1st round/20th pick)
2011 Draft: Alex Dickerson, 1b/of, University of Indiana (Pirates/3rd round)
2012 Draft: Kevin Plawecki, c, Purdue University (Mets/1st round, 35th pick)
2013 Draft: Trey Ball, lhp, New Castle HS (Red Sox/1st round, 7th pick)

2013 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed: 11/9
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: None
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 6/3

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• Kyle Freeland, lhp, University of Evansville (10)
• Kyle Schwarber, c/1b, University of Indiana (17)
• Sam Travis, of/1b, University of Indiana (66)
• Pat Connaughton, rhp, University of Notre Dame (113)
• Dustin DeMuth, 3b, University of Indiana (179)
• Brandon Murray, rhp, Hobart HS (260)
• Jonah Patten, rhp, Norwell HS, Ossian (310)
• Logan Sowers, of, McCutcheon HS, Lafayette (406)
• Jordan Minch, lhp, Purdue University (450)
• Sean Godfrey, of, Ball State University (454)


Michigan

Michigan State-by-State List

STRENGTH: Pitching depth at all levels
WEAKNESS: Impact talent
OVERALL RATING (1-to-5 scale): 3

BEST COLLEGE TEAM: Michigan State
BEST JUNIOR-COLLEGE TEAM: Kellogg
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Brother Rice HS, Bloomfield Hills

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Matt Ruppenthal, rhp, Brother Rice HS, Bloomfield Hills
WILD CARD: Keegan Baar, lhp, Hudsonville HS

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Michigan Connection: Zach Fish, of, Oklahoma State University (attended high school in Kalamazoo)
Top 2015 Prospect: Evan Hill, lhp, University of Michigan
Top 2016 Prospect: Dion Henderson, lhp, Divine Child HS, Dearborn

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History: Mark Mulder, lhp, Michigan State University (1998, Athletics/1st round, 2nd pick)
2009 Draft: Daniel Fields, ss, University of Detroit Jesuit HS (Tigers/6th round)
2010 Draft: Ryan LaMarre, of, University of Michigan (Reds/2nd round)
2011 Draft: Trent Howard, lhp, Central Michigan University (Orioles/7th round)
2012 Draft: Torsten Boss, 3b/of, Michigan State (Orioles/8th round)
2013 Draft: Michael O'Neill, of, University of Michigan (Yankees/3rd round)

2013 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed: 5/4
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 2/2
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 5/0

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• Jordan Foley, rhp, Central Michigan University (108)
• Matt Ruppenthal, rhp, Brother Rice HS, Bloomfield Hills (258)
• Keegan Baar, lhp, Hudsonville HS (292)
• Mick Van Vossen, rhp, Michigan State University (316)
• Jimmy Pickens, of, Michigan State University (341)
• James Bourque, rhp, University of Michigan (482)


Minnesota

Minnesota State-by-State List

STRENGTH: Sam Hentges
WEAKNESS: Impact talent
OVERALL RATING (1-to-5 scale): 1

BEST COLLEGE TEAM: Minnesota State-Mankata
BEST JUNIOR-COLLEGE TEAM: Century
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Lakeville North

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Sam Hentges, lhp, Mounds View HS, Shoreview
WILD CARD: Sam Hentges

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Minnesota Connection: Max Murphy, of, Bradley University (attended high school in Robbinsdale)
Top 2015 Prospect: Ty Buck, 3b/rhp, Red Wing HS
Top 2016 Prospect: Toby Anderson, rhp, University of Minnesota

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History: Joe Mauer, c, Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul (2001, Twins/1st round, 1st pick)
2009 Draft: Derek McCallum, 2b, University of Minnesota (Twins/4th round)
2010 Draft: Mike Kvasnicka, c/3b, University of Minnesota (Astros/1st round, 33rd pick)
2011 Draft: Jordan Smith, of, St. Cloud State University (Indians/9th round)
2012 Draft: Mitchell Brown, rhp, Century HS (Indians/2nd round)
2013 Draft: Tom Windle, lhp, University of Minnesota (Dodgers/2nd round)

2013 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed: 4/3
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 1/1
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 5/0

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• Sam Hentges, lhp, Mounds View HS, Shoreview (321)


Ohio

Ohio State-by-State List

STRENGTH: Impact high school talent, college depth
WEAKNESS: Impact college players
OVERALL RATING (1-to-5 scale): 3

BEST COLLEGE TEAM: Ohio State
BEST JUNIOR-COLLEGE TEAM: Sinclair
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Moeller HS, Cincinnati

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Cameron Varga, rhp, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Loveland
WILD CARD: Zack Shannon, rhp/of, Anderson HS, Cincinnati

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Ohio Connection: Kyle Schwarber, c/1b, University of Indiana (attended high school in Middletown)
Top 2015 Prospect: Ian Happ, of/2b, University of Cincinnati
Top 2016 Prospect: Chris Machamer, ss/rhp, Washington HS, Massilon

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History: Tim Belcher, rhp, Mount Vernon Nazarene College (1983, Twins/1st round, 1st pick); Ken Griffey Jr., of, Moeller HS, Cincinnati (1987, Mariners/1st round, 1st pick)
2009 Draft: Marc Krauss, of, Ohio University (Diamondbacks/2nd round)
2010 Draft: Alex Wimmers, lhp, Ohio State University (Twins/1st round, 21st pick)
2011 Draft: Andrew Chafin, lhp, Kent State University (Diamondbacks/1st round, 43rd pick)
2012 Draft: Matt Smoral, lhp, Solon HS (Blue Jays/1st round, 50th pick)
2013 Draft: David Ledbetter, rhp, Cedarville University (Rangers/3rd round)

2013 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed: 13/12
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: 2/1
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 3/0

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• Cameron Varga, rhp, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Loveland (57)
• Zack Shannon, rhp/1b, Anderson HS, Cincinnati (205)
• Brian Clark, lhp, Kent State University (284)
• Connor Walsh, rhp, University of Cincinnati (291)
• Jayce Vancena, rhp, Lake HS, Milbury (344)
• Jack Schaaf, of, Springboro HS (423)


Wisconsin

Wisconsin State-by-State List

STRENGTH: Early round talent
WEAKNESS: Depth
OVERALL RATING (1-to-5 scale): 3

BEST COLLEGE TEAM: Wisconsin-Whitewater
BEST JUNIOR-COLLEGE TEAM: Madison College
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Sun Prairie

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Jeren Kendall, of, Holmen HS
WILD CARD: Jeren Kendall

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Wisconsin Connection: Tyler Willman, rhp, Western Illinois University (attended high school in Oshkosh)
Top 2015 Prospect: Bryant Jordan, rhp, home-schooled, Hubertus
Top 2016 Prospect: Gavin Lux, ss, Indian Trial Academy, Kenosha

HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS

Draft History: Kevin Brandt, of, Nekoosa HS (1979, Twins/1st round, 11th pick)
2009 Draft: Kevin James, lhp, Whitefish Bay HS, Milwaukee (Rays/9th round)
2010 Draft: Tyler Jones, rhp, Madison College (White Sox/21st round)
2011 Draft: Cody Koback, of, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (Red Sox/10th round)
2012 Draft: Nathan Mikolas, of, Kenosha Bradford HS (Yankees/3rd round)
2013 Draft: Josh Uhen, rhp, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Brewers/5th round)

2013 DRAFT OVERVIEW

College Players Drafted/Signed: 2/2
Junior College Players Drafted/Signed: None
High School Players Drafted/Signed: 1/1

PROSPECTS IN THE TOP 500:

• Jeren Kendall, of, Holmen HS (92)
• J.P. Feyereisen, rhp, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (412)

 
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Draft | Story | 6/4/2026

Pence Makes the Jump to 2027
Perfect Game Staff
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    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME STANDOUT STRIKER PENCE RECLASSIFIES TO CLASS OF 2027, ACCELERATING PATH TO MLB DRAFT   Corona, California (Thursday, June 4, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that Perfect Game prospect Striker Pence, one of the most watched young prospects in amateur baseball, has officially reclassified from the Class of 2028 to the Class of 2027, making the 17-year-old eligible for the 2027 Major League Baseball Draft. Pence is currently the #2 ranked player on Perfect Game’s national rankings and the top-ranked right-handed pitcher. Pence, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound right-handed pitcher and left-handed hitting first...
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Tournaments | Championship | 6/17/2026

Braves Capture WWBA East Title

Kinley Kitchens
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By the end of championship Monday, the Atlanta Braves Scout Team had done much more than win a title. They had validated everything they believed they could become. After an undefeated run through the 2026 PG East WWBA Championship, the Braves captured the 15U championship with an 8-2 victory, finishing off a dominant weekend that featured elite pitching, explosive offense, and contributions throughout the roster. For coach Jed Douglas, the championship represented the results of months of practice, preparation, and a vision that finally came together. “This is our first championship with this group,” Douglas said. “We finally brought it together and for the first time, everything seemed to work just as we designed it when we were building the team, and it was just beautiful this way.” The Braves backed up that vision with one of the most impressive offensive...
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PG Summer Showdown Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Mason Kennerly (2028, Decatur, Ga.) hit .429 with a .667 OBP, five walks and three RBI in four games last week. He’s already showing the tools to be a big-time power bat in his class, and standing at 6’2 with an athletic frame, he’s one of the more projectable players we saw this weekend. His mechanics play into his size well, creating good hand separation from body on his load, using a medium-high leg kick, and getting a wide base when going into his launch. He uses every bit of his size and natural strength to create a violent swing. He’s got the makings of a really solid prospect, and as he develops and his approach matures, he’ll become a guy that college coaches keep at the top of their radar.  ‘27 Grant Barden (GA) up to 90 mph on the hill. Loose on the mound, whippy arm action. Four pitch mix; FB 87-90, CB 71-72, SL 76-78, CH 79-81. Mixed...
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General | Blog | 6/16/2026

Wolforth Throwing Mentorship: Article 66

Ron Wolforth
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  The Number That Just Killed MLB Expansion: 1,217   USA Today's Bob Nightengale dropped a bomb shell recently that the baseball world is still digesting. Major League Baseball wants to expand to 32 teams. Team executives are quietly opposing it and the reason has nothing to do with cities or money.   They cannot find enough healthy pitchers.   Between 2020 and 2024, professional baseball performed 1,026 Tommy John surgeries at the minor-league level alone. Another 191 at the Major League level. More than twelve hundred elbow reconstructions in five years on the best young pitchers in the world.   That is not bad luck. That is a system reporting a verdict on itself.   For fifteen years, the youth-baseball industry has chased one number: velocity significantly more than projectability and arm care.    Recruiters scout by it.    Social...
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PG Ascendant Classic Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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‘27 MIF Kyler Claunch (KY) took home MVP honors in the #Ascendant26 @claunch_kyler Set the tone out of the leadoff spot for @CincySpikes & showed + bat-to-ball .538 AVG/.714 OBP | 7 H/7 RS | 6 BB | 5 SB @EKUBaseball is getting a guy. https://t.co/wGL9E0XmQ6 pic.twitter.com/kvZQwxEXup — Jordan Gates (@JGatesPG) June 14, 2026 Kyler Claunch (2027, Harrodsburg, Ky.) The Eastern Kentucky commit took home the MVP honors after an excellent performance throughout the weekend. Claunch tied for the lead in hits on the weekend with seven. Finished as the second top performer in batting but probably would have been higher if he wasn’t the leadoff hitter. Despite the low RBI’s, Claunch delivered a six-game sample size that included a .538 average and .714 on base. It’s a contact-oriented swing that showed plus ability when it came to bat-to-ball skills. Swiped five...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/16/2026

UBC West Scout Notes: Days 3-4

Perfect Game Staff
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UBC West Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Lucca Bacigalupi (‘30,CA) helps himself out at the plate racking up 2 hits & 2 RBI including a HR. Have a day young man. #UBCWest https://t.co/z2wAGXgavZ pic.twitter.com/Ilh7kU8K10 — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) June 13, 2026 Lucca Bacigalupi, C/RHP, Petaluma, Calif. Alpha Prime (2030) Bacigalupi is a versatile two-way prospect who continues to stand out with his size, arm strength and offensive ability. On the mound, the right-hander threw three solid innings, allowing three hits while striking out three over 69 pitches. His fastball touched 83 mph with decent life and he mixed in a serviceable breaking ball that he threw for strikes. The delivery looks clean, repeatable, and athletic. The combination of mound presence and bat production makes him an intriguing follow in the 2030 class. Ethan Duffy (‘30,CA) posted 4 strong...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/15/2026

Braves Scout Team Keep Winning In Hoover

Kinley Kitchens
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Through big wins and making their way into the championship bracket, the Atlanta Braves Scout Team has done exactly what every team hopes to do at a major Perfect Game event: keep winning.  Now undefeated and preparing for the semifinals, the Braves have established themselves as one of the top teams remaining in the 15U division. Dominant pitching performances, timely hitting, and a lineup full of contributors have powered the team through a strong weekend in Hoover.  The Braves opened the tournament with a statement performance behind right-hander Daylen Woods, who tossed a five-inning no-hitter while striking out six. Woods also helped his own cause offensively with three hits and two runs scored as the Atlanta Braves Scout Team rolled to victory. The momentum continued with a 10-3 win over Wow Factor Nation 15U, as Sam Ridley allowed just one hit across four innings while...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/16/2026

WWBA East Scout Notes: Days 3-4

Perfect Game Staff
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WWBA East Scout Notes: Days 1-2 William Satinoff (‘28 TN) has been a treat to watch all game, this good for a 1B up the middle. Finished 4-for-4 at the plate with smooth actions defensively on the dirt. @PG_Tennessee #WWBAEast pic.twitter.com/uQJ7AYqFY1 — PG Deep South (@PG_DeepSouth) June 13, 2026 William Satinoff (‘28 Ten..) has been on a tear to kick off his summer. On day three, he collected four base knocks while driving in a couple. Most of Satinoff’s batted balls went backside while keeping fluid rhythm in the box with a flat barrel path. Worked well at shortstop too, looking comfortable at the position making a handful of plays to his glove-side. Finished up the weekend hitting .769 overall with five stolen bags for FTB, a name to know for the ‘28 class. Will Platz (‘28 Tenn.) had a really nice tournament from start-to-finish. Producing some...
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Tournaments | Championship | 6/15/2026

WC Ghost Claims Arizona All-State Title

Emily Hicks
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In a championship game that featured strong pitching and sharp defense from both sides, West Coast Ghost AZ 16U pulled away late to defeat Overfly 2028, 5-3, and claim the Arizona All-State Games title. “We had discipline at the plate, on the mound, out in the field; everyone just did their thing. It was good,” said Cash Carmichael The two teams traded runs throughout the 1st and 2nd innings, making it 3-2. Followed by a single run scored at the top of the 4th by Overfly 2028, it remained tied 3-3 for most of the game. Both defenses made key plays to limit scoring opportunities, turning potential rallies into outs and keeping the pressure high in every inning. With the game deadlocked heading into the bottom of the sixth, West Coast Ghost AZ finally broke through. Bottom of the 6th, J. Haizen Reidhead recorded a single, Oren Tucker walked, and Josiah Shim was hit by pitch....
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Tournaments | Story | 6/15/2026

Coastal Region Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Wyatt Smitherman (2028, Durham NC) had a solid day at the plate for USA Prime Triangle 16u Stars in their matchup against the Charlotte Colts. The 5-foot-11, 160-pound shortstop has a tall athletic frame. The left handed batter displayed a mature approach at the plate. Attacks fastballs and drives them with authority. He has quick hands and gets the barrel through the zone. Uses his lower half to his advantage creating enough torque to generate his power he shown. Smitherman finished the day going 1-for-3 with a home run and 4 RBI. Zachary Days (2028, Charlotte NC) had a impressive day at the plate for the Charlotte Colts against USA Prime Coastal. The 6-foot-3, 170 pound center fielder has a tall athletic frame. Days bats from the left side with a short but powerful swing. Very disciplined during his AB’s and applies pressure on the defense. He shifts his weight to his lower half...
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Tournaments | Championship | 6/15/2026

Weather Can't Delay Top Tier Victory

Alyssa Golden
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A seven-run first inning gave Top Tier Roos American Red 2027 all the momentum they needed Sunday morning, but the road to a Florida World Series championship was far from straightforward.  After jumping out to an early lead against WBC 17u, Top Tier endured a 3 ½-hour rain delay before returning to finish off a 9-1 victory at Lee Health Sports Complex.  The championship game, which began at 8 a.m. and did not conclude until nearly 1 p.m., ended in the bottom of the fifth inning under Perfect Game’s mercy-rule format. Top Tier’s dominant performance was powered by a complete-game effort from Christian Davis and an offense that erupted for seven runs in the first inning.  Not even hours of uncertainty and lightning delays could keep Top Tier from finishing what they started.  Davis started on the mound for Top Tier and remained the entire five...
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