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Tournaments  | Story | 10/21/2018

World Championship Day 3 Notes

David Rawnsley
Vincent Cervino
Britt Smith
Jerry Miller
Photo: Bobby Witt Jr. (Perfect Game)

2018 WWBA World Championship: Daily Leaders | Day 1 Notes | Day 2 Notes

A day that featured outstanding pitching and defense started on Marlins Field 5. MLB Breakthrough Series lefthanded pitcher Michael Harris II (2019, Ellenwood, Ga.), who has had an outstanding weekend hitting out of the leadoff position and playing a plus center field, drew an overflow crowd of pro and college scouts for his outing. He did not disappoint. The uncommitted, 6-foot, 190-pound gifted baseball player was dominant from the first pitch. His lively, riding four-seam fastball was consistently clocked in the 90-91 mph range. He also threw a heavy sinking two-seamer that showed plus arm-side run. His tight-spinning 12-to-6 curveball (73-75 mph, 2490 spin rate) was a big equalizer. His swing-and-miss out-pitch was a tumbling and fading 82-83 mph changeup that was thrown with a very deceptive arm action.

After Harris completed his solid four innings, which included eight strikeouts against the heavy hitting Team Elite Prime club, MLB ran out University of Texas commit Andre Duplantier (2019, Houston, Texas). The 6-foot-2, 195-pound righthander from Summer Creek HS in suburban North Houston was equally as dominating. His high riding, 88-90 mph fastball was overpowering for three shutdown innings. He mixed in a wipeout curveball (74-78 mph) that had a spectacular 2590 spin rate. The aggressive strike thrower was a picture of composure as he used advanced college-ready stuff to secure the well-earned MLB victory and guarantee the MLB Breakthrough Series squad a place in the playoffs.

Team Elite Prime’s starting lefthanded pitcher Wyatt Crowell (2020, Cumming, Ga.) turned in a solid performance against a stacked MLB Breakthrough Series lineup. The uncommitted southpaw showed many in attendance that he is more than worthy of a chance to pitch at the next level. His well-commanded 86-88 mph fastball showed consistent arm-side run and heavy sink. He also threw a plus-average sweeping breaking ball (76-77 mph) that had short late action at the dish. The 5-foot-11, 150-pound West Forsyth HS junior also mixed in a changeup that had plus fade and tumbling action and was deceptively thrown with the same arm action as his fastball.

University of Tennessee commit Charlie Taylor (2020, Dunwoody, Ga.) is as gifted a catcher as there is in Jupiter. The solidly built 5-foot-10, 185-pound Wesleyan HS junior shows plus tools in every phase of his defensive game. He is an easy, smooth receiver and calls a veteran’s game. His quiet confidence is a big asset as he guides the Team Elite Prime staff through each pitch and hitter. He has projectable talent throwing the baseball, as each of his throws to second base were clocked in the 1.87-1.92 range.

The scouting crowd moved one field over for the 10:20 start on Marlins 6. The Giants Scout Team/FTB squad started 6-foot-5, 210-pound righthanded pitcher Allan Hernandez (2019, Miami, Fla.). The Florida International commit showed early on why there were so many people angling to get a clear view of the broad-shouldered power pitcher. After allowing a run in the first to a very talented Iowa Select squad, the Miami Coral Park HS senior was dominant. He really did not expend too much unnecessary energy and used smooth mechanics and a natural ability to pitch down the slope to power home a four-seam fastball at between 91-93 mph. His electric and high-riding fastball allowed his team to settle in defensively. His club then put eight runs on the board before the game was over to complete their run through pool play.

Georgia Tech commit and California native Kevin Parada (2020, Pasadena, Calif.) continued his assault on WWBA pitching by driving a massive three-run homer in late afternoon action on Cardinals 1. The drive helped GBG Marucci wipe out a 2-1 deficit and take a hard-earned 4-2 win over a tough and gritty Upstate Mavericks squad. The 6-foot, 200-pound Parada has a solid build and uses his strong core and a short, compact swing path to consistently power the ball to the pull side. His no-doubt dinger traveled 411 feet and left the bat with a 32-degree launch angle and a 99 mph exit velocity.

Closing out the GBG Marucci victory was their bulldog of a lefthanded pitcher Tyler Montoya (2019, North Las Vegas, Nev.). The no-nonsense short man used a three-quarters arm slot, a quick arm stroke and extended finish to power his active 89-90 mph fastball to the lower half of the strike zone consistently. He mixed in a commendable 73-74 mph tight-spinning breaking ball to give the opposition a different look.

In the last game of the day on Marlins 2, Team Northeast and Team Indiana teed it up knowing the winner would take their pool and advance to the playoffs. KC Hunt (2019, Wyckoff, N.J.) did his best, hitting out of the two-hole for Northeast, to try and make the pool championship a reality. The lefthanded hitting Mississippi State commit has an easy and smooth approach and a short, compact swing path that he uses to hit the ball consistently and solidly to the gaps. He is a plus runner who has advanced top-end speed. He presses the action with his running ability and will take the extra base if given the opportunity.

Cade Hunter (2019, Mount Carmel, N.J.) the Northeast club’s talented power hitting five-hole hitter is a tough out and has a veteran’s approach at the plate. The powerfully built 6-foot-2, 190-pound Virginia Tech commit has a balanced and calm approach and uses a short stride and ultra-quick hands to get his accomplished bat on plane and through contact. He has noticeable pull-side power and surprisingly easy plus average speed on the bases.

Bryce Eblin (2020, Greenwood, Ind.) led the offensive attack of the tough, gritty, fundamentally sound and very talented Team Indiana club. Eblin, an uncommitted junior at Center Grove HS, is a tough out hitting from the two-hole. The lefthanded swinger has great pitch recognition ability. He uses a short, quick and compact stroke to get his barrel to the zone and keeps it there through contact. He has plus-average pop to the gaps. Once on the bases he is a heady and aggressive baserunner who can and will take the extra bag.

Broad shouldered and powerfully built at 6-foot-6, 235-pounds, righthanded pitcher Casper Clark (2020, North Vernon, Ind.) started on the hill for Team Indiana and did not disappoint. The Indiana commit used almost pinpoint command and control to deliver his impressive three-pitch mix. His 87-89 mph two-seam fastball showed consistent heavy sink at the plate. He had a great ability to throw his very active fastball to both sides of the dish. He complemented his plus heater with a slurvy, 75-78 mph breaking ball that had late, short movement and a swing-and-miss 80-81 mph changeup. The rugged junior at Columbus North HS toughed out five, almost flawless innings in the hot afternoon sun of southeast Florida.

Butler commit Blake Sarjent (2019, Lafayette, Ind.) completed the outstanding pitching day for Team Indiana as he tossed the last two innings. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound righthanded closer commanded a very projectable three-pitch mix in keeping the hard-hitting Team Northeast club at bay. His active, high riding four-seam fastball was thrown consistently to both edges at 87-88 mph. He showed two very sound complementary pitches. His slider (79 mph) was a wipeout swing-and-miss pitch that he threw to both lefthanded and righthanded hitters. His deceptive changeup (79 mph) showed plus fade at the dish and was especially effective against lefties.

– Jerry Miller



Starting out the morning over on the Cardinals quad was Brogan Beckner (2019, Kingsport, Tenn.) and the Virginia Tech commit showed a lot of things to like on the mound despite being a bit inconsistent in terms of his command and strikes. The southpaw offered a very tough look on hitters, topping out at 90 mph on his fastball while working 86-90 mph for the most part during the look. The 6-foot-4 frame is gangly and ripe for physical projection with very long limbs, and his over-the-top slot could create some plane when low, though he often worked with an elevated fastball that showed some riding life on occasion. The arm is loose, is not a bit crude, but the life and approach with which he attacks the zone all bode well for Beckner, and the Virginia Commit was tough to square up from the first pitch. He also has a big-breaking 12-to-6 curveball with good shape and some power on occasion in the mid-70s, and Beckner certainly fits the mold of a prospect who could not only pop in velocity during the spring but will be a tough at-bat regardless at the next level.

One of the youngest players in the class, Cesar Valero (2019, Calgary, Alberta) is currently still 16 years old but is also one of the more talented position prospects in the class, offering a combination of size, projection, and present power as well. The Oregon State commit stands at 6-foot-2, 186-pounds and looks more athletic while also retaining that physicality. The size will likely eye him as a third base prospect at the next level, however the bat is what’s going to carry Valero. He notched two hits on the day, including a double, and shows a very smooth, balanced stroke from the right side. The swing is very easy and is geared towards producing some power not only to the pull side but the oppo gap as well. Valero is certainly a prospect to keep an eye on and looks to be one of the top from our neighbors to the north in this year’s draft cycle.

Georgia Tech commit Jadyn Jackson (2019, Sugar Hill, Ga.) is a fairly athletic, up-the-middle type player who turned in a strong performance during a big scoring effort from Canes American in a win. With the athleticism and short stroke, he fits nicely in a leadoff type of role but also offers some sneaky pop that he showed over the course of the summer and showed up during his first swing of the game. Jackson took an elevated 90 mph fastball and drove it over the centerfielder’s head for the first knock of the game and a triple. The ball left the barrel at 95 mph and he got around the bases quickly. His swing works well with the aforementioned carry he can create to all fields and does a good job getting the bat to the ball as well.

In what has been a strong theme already this weekend, Ramsey David (2019, Dacula, Ga.) toed the rubber to excellent results as the Braves Scout Team/Team Elite finished with only one run allowed during pool play. The Auburn commit was excellent over six shutout innings while allowing only three hits and striking out five batters.

David’s delivery is pretty simple with a quick, online arm stroke and he got downhill to pound the zone effectively. He held his fastball velocity very well as he topped out at 92 mph and sat in the 88-91 mph range for his entire start. David operated primarily under a fastball/curveball mix on the hill and the breaking ball flashed potential with sharpness and bite while he could take a little something off at times and land the pitch for strikes. Braves Scout Team arms have been excellent this weekend and they look to continue the performance as they head into bracket play.




One of the largest attended outings of the day was that of Theo Millas’ (2020, Aldergrove, British Columbia) start as the Canada native was attending his first PG event and was very impressive. The first two innings were very quick and efficient and although the wheels slightly fell off in his final frame, there are a lot of positives to the young prospect.

Millas stands at an accurately listed 6-foot-4, 200-pounds with a strong lower half and lots of room to project on the frame. The release is very easy with only a slight amount of effort and he gets good extension toward the mound upon release. The fastball sat in the 89-91 mph range for the first two innings before dropping to 85-88, but there is good sink on the pitch and works well to induce ground balls. Everything with the delivery is mostly clean and he showed a breaking ball in the mid- to upper-70s, a pitch that shows good shape and projection though will need to be tightened up a bit. Millas is certainly an attractive uncommitted arm and after his performance on Sunday I wouldn’t expect that to be the case for long.

CBA Marucci turned in another ho-hum performance to get to 3-0 and clinch their pool and featured some strong performance from their top of the lineup in Jasiah Dixon (2019, Orange Lutheran, Calif.) and Cody Freeman (2019, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.).

Both prospects were seemingly on base every time they got up to bat and both posit interesting tool packages as well. Dixon’s big hit was an opposite field triple down the right field line as he hustled around the bases. He has shown to be a plus runner in the past and turned a 4.5 second time on that hit. The Southern California commit has big bat speed from the right side of the plate and showed that he can certainly impact a ball with authority.

Freeman showed the same balanced, simple approach at the plate that PG has seen for him for awhile now. The Baylor commit has a smooth righthanded stroke that is right to the ball and easy to repeat. He drove a couple of line drives back up the middle while also playing quality defense on the left side of the infield. CBA came into the tournament as one of the favorites and has done nothing to dispel that theory as they look to make a deep run on Sunday.

Breyln Jones (2019, Rutherford, N.J.) is a yet-uncommitted athletic, up-the-middle prospect who didn’t record a hit during the night games on Saturday but was still impressive nonetheless. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame is high-waisted and projectable with tons of room to fill out while the defensive chops were certainly on display throughout the game. The hands are very smooth and quick, as they give him a chance on some hops that other players wouldn’t be able to make so easily. The offensive tools are there too with quickness to the stroke and a leadoff-oriented approach.

The Team Warstic, Padres Scout Team/Chandler World matchup featured a top-flight underclass pitching matchup between Maryland commit Alex Santos (2020, Bronx, N.Y.) and Texas Tech commit Hayde Key (2020, Missouri City, Texas).

Santos didn’t have his sharpest command, but he showed you almost everything you would want to see out of an underclass prospect. The lean, plus projectable 6-foot-3, 183-pound frame is going to be able to hold a lot of strength at physical maturity and the athleticism oozes from his delivery on the mound. The arm stroke is very long through the back, a factor that perhaps contributes to command inconsistencies, but when he gets on top and on time the angle is really nice entering in the strike zone. Santos started out mostly 89-91 mph while topping out at 92 mph on the afternoon and sprayed it a little bit in the first inning. He showed good feel for a big-breaking curveball as well in the mid-70s and Santos checks nearly all the boxes when looking at a young prospect and he could be in store for a big summer next year.

Key was fantastic from start to finish as he was very tough to square up to the tune of only one hit on five shutout innings with seven punchouts. He’s not the biggest prospect in the world, checking in at 5-foot-11 and 185-pounds, but he uses the most out of that size with a drop-and-drive approach on the mound to extend toward the plate. He ran up the fastball at 91 mph multiple times in the first and settled into more of an 86-90 mph range for the duration of the performance. The arm stroke is a bit wrapped around the back and there is some effort at release, but he showed two breaking balls: a harder slider in the upper-70s that he spiked early and a curveball in the low-70s that showed a little bit better shape. All told this was a very strong performance for the young prospect.

The Canes National team had to stage a comeback during their night game on Saturday and the finishing blow came courtesy of Andrew Compton (2019, Berkeley Heights, N.J.) as the Georgia Tech commit continues to hit absolute nukes at the plate, this one from the right side of the plate. This blast left the barrel at 98 mph and was a no-doubter in the truest sense of the word as that gave the Canes the padding they needed to close out the win. Compton has significant balance at the plate with an easy swing from either side and power that obviously also plays from both sides, as he hit another no-doubter last weekend from the left side during the Ways to Play. Compton’s power is the big draw to the profile and plays very well in game while providing some defensive value from a corner spot. Regardless, Compton could be in store for a big playoff burst and will be a hot commodity this spring out of the northeast.




Turning in a quality start over on the other end of the Cardinals facility on the afternoon was physical righty William Swope (2019, Conroe, Texas) and he was pretty electric to open up for North East Baseball. The Texas commit is extremely physical at 6-foot-2, 210-pounds with still significant room for physical projection. An accomplished third baseman with big righthanded power, Swope showed off the pitching chops and looked pretty solid during the process. The delivery features a big crossfire landing, but he’s flexible and athletic enough to get around that stiff front side and delivery strikes to the plate with some angle. The heater worked 90-93 mph in the opening frame before settling into mostly an 88-92 mph range throughout the three inning start. Swope’s breaking ball was a quality offering in the upper-70s mostly with some bite and sweep to the pitch and while Swope is a noted hitter, teams will have to be on the radar for Will Swope the pitcher, as well.
– Vinnie Cervino



Jordan Thompson (2020, Chula Vista, Calif.) had quite the day sending the San Diego Show into the playoffs with a walk-off single lined hard to left field in the bottom of the seventh inning of their final pool game. The 6-foot and 160-pound, primary shortstop for the Show flashed plenty of athletic ability and sure hands in the field throughout the doubleheader on Saturday. In the first game Thompson laced a double down the right field line, showing a fluid and quick swing with some pop in the bat from line to line. He also worked an 1 1/3 innings on the mound, mixing a fastball between 87-90 mph and a tight-spinning 11-to-5 shaped curveball between 72-74 mph, allowing only one unearned run. The all-around ability shows why Thompson is the 96th-ranked player in the class of 2020.

Kevin Martin (2019, Miami, Fla.) has presence on the mound, standing 6-foot-4 and 225-pounds, and he uses his size to accentuate his arsenal of pitches, creating tilt from a high three-quarters arm slot and reaching the lower half of the zone to both sides of the plate. Martin’s fastball stayed in the 88-91 mph range with sinking arm-side run that proved difficult to hit as he punched out three and allowed a single hit in two innings of work. Martin uses an 11-to-5 shaped curveball with depth between 74-78 mph to keep hitters off balance. He commanded both well and tallied strikes on 65 percent of his offerings. The University of Florida commit should have an opportunity to contribute early in Gainesville.

Kevin Sim (2020, San Diego, Calif.) continued to swing the bat, finding the barrel with his usual level of consistency, but it was the opportunity to see Sim take the mound that grabbed attention. The 54th-ranked player in the class of 2020 showed he is truly an all-around player. Working in relief, he punched out a pair of hitters with a fastball/changeup combination. With sinking life and tilt, ranging between 87-89 mph, his fastball is effective but his changeup showed to be special. With outstanding hand speed, Sim showed the offering has swing-and-miss capability at 78-80 mph. The combination of pitches allowed the Show to get out of a big inning and eventually come from behind to win their pool with a walk-off hit in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Nicholas Hardy (2019, Broward, Fla.) worked an extremely efficient three innings on the mound surrendering a single hit and striking out seven over three innings of work. The Florida International commit shows an easy and effortless arm action through release and a fastball that jumps from the hand with sinking arm-side life at 88-89 mph, topping at 90. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound Hardy also commands a slider with depth and later biting action. Sitting between 75-76 mph, he generated swings and misses with the pitch with consistency. Mixing his pitches and filling the strike zone, he was never at a point in the contest where he was threatened with surrendering a run.

Nathan Nankil (2020, Chula Vista, Calif.) continues to center the ball effectively this fall for the San Diego Show. Leading off the bottom of the seventh inning of the eventual pool-clinching, come-from-behind, walk-off win, Nankil laced a deep double to left-center field. He would score the winning run six pitches later and send his team to the playoffs. The long and lean (6-foot-2, 170-pounds) outfielder shows range in the outfield with good reads and jumps off the bat, but it is his barrel-to-ball skills at the plate that continue to be impressive. Through three games, Nankil has collected a pair of doubles, scored four runs and driven in another. The Cal State Fullerton commit is not a true power threat yet, but it would not be surprising to see that part of his game continue to develop as he matures physically.

– Britt Smith



Top prospect shortstop Bobby Witt (2019, Colleyville, Texas) of the East Coast Sox wasn't challenged defensively in Saturday's game, which was unfortunate as this scout always enjoys watching that aspect of his game the most, but he had a strong day at the plate, lining two singles, one to right field and one to center field, that both registered 99 mph off the bat. Witt has sometimes frustrated scouts, as hyper-talented players tend to do, by his very disciplined and consistent approach at the plate. Everyone has seen Witt's prodigious pull-side power in batting practice and home run derbies, including when he won the All-Star Game Junior Home Run Derby over Jupiter teammate Rece Hinds, but in games he uses a very steady middle-of-the-field line drive approach just as he did on Saturday. Witt had a couple of opportunities to turn the barrel and drive a mid-plate fastball Saturday but stayed within his approach. It will be interesting to follow how Witt makes adjustments at the next level to incorporating this phase of the game into his plan at the plate.

Lefthander Colton Bowman (2019, Bullard, Texas) made a very efficient start Saturday for the East Coast Sox, retiring 10 hitters on only 43 pitches while striking out five hitters. The strong and physically mature 6-foot-2 southpaw worked in the 87-90 mph range the entire outing and that velocity seemed to play up as hitters didn't seem to see the ball very well and were late getting the barrel out frequently. Bowman has frequently used a slider at past PG events, and while he was a primary fastball pitcher in this outing, he did use a pretty tight-spinning curveball in the 71-74 mph range with good effectiveness. Bowman is an outstanding student in the classroom and is committed to Oklahoma State.

Oklahoma State is stocking up on hard throwing lefthanders in their 2019 recruiting class as the Texas Rangers Scout Team started another future Cowboy pitcher Saturday in 6-foot-5, 200-pound Bodi Rascon (2019, Bridgewater, Texas). Rascon has a pitcher's body straight out of central casting, with long, loose arms and plenty of physical projection remaining. He worked three no-hit innings, striking out four hitters while walking only one and relying heavily on a 90-92 mph fastball that got both running or cutting action, depending on its location. Rascon's mid-70s breaking ball is in its developmental stages and it's easy to see him developing a hard hand position slider quickly at the next level as his primary second pitch.

Rascon was followed to the mound by 6-foot-4, 192-pound righthander Kyle Wilson (2019, Fort Worth, Texas), who, if anything, was more impressive. Wilson needed only 28 pitches to retire six hitters, four via strikeout, and also worked 90-92 mph with his fastball from a tall delivery that generated plenty of downhill plane. Wilson's 72 mph curveball lacked ideal power but it had big eye-changing depth and he landed it successfully for strikes. Wilson was topping out at only 83 mph in the summer of 2017 and it looks like Wichita State has found itself a talented young pitcher who still has some projection left.

Texas Rangers catcher Nate Rombach (2019, Arlington, Texas) is a veteran summer showcase performer who has always swung the bat well. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound righthanded hitter continued to do so this game, going 2-for-3 with a single and a double while driving in a run. What was impressive about Rombach's performance was that he looked more athletic and comfortable behind the plate defensively than he has at times in the past. His set up behind the plate was low, flexible and comfortable and his side-to-side actions and glove-work receiving the Rangers low-90 pitchers were quick and confident.

Ontario Blue Jays catcher Blake Buckle (2019, Milton, Ontario) is a versatile 6-foot-1, 195-pound athlete who played left field for the Canadian National Junior Team and who also plays first base. His relatively modest arm strength behind the plate paints him as a future utility player whose best tool is his lefthanded bat. Buckle has a quick and short swing with plenty of bat speed and power behind it with a pull- to mid-field approach. He has hit with power in past Perfect Game tournaments and squared the ball up hard twice Saturday for singles while also drawing a walk. Buckle does not have a college commitment yet according to the PG database.

– David Rawnsley



The Royals Scout Team moved to 3-0 in pool play and secured their spot in the playoffs via an 8-0 decision over Home Plate. Offensively, they were paced once again by the lethal combination of Robert Moore (2020, Leawood, Kans.) and Sammy Siani (2019, Glenside, Pa.) in the Nos. 2-3 spots in the order. Moore continues to look like perhaps the preeminent top-of-the-order hitter in the ’20 class, going 3-for-3 and spraying the ball around the yard, getting on base consistently and showing off those advanced barrel skills. He hit .778 through pool play with some extra-base pop while playing his usual sterling defense at second base. Siani, meanwhile, has put on a power display thus far this weekend, picking up two triples and a bomb, which left his bat at 103 mph and traveled 394 feet, per TrackMan.

The East Cobb Astros ST club moved to 3-0 as well, getting a solid performance from Blake Money (2020, Spring Hill, Tenn.). Money, an LSU commit and gargantuan human being at 6-foot-7, 240-ish pounds, was solid in this game, scattering a couple runs over six innings while striking out eight. He worked in the 88-93 mph range with his fastball, showing the ability to throw consistent strikes with the pitch, though he didn’t quite manage to consistently work down in the zone in this game, leaving his fastball susceptible to barrels. The changeup is an advanced pitch, thrown in the low-80s with good feel to turn the pitch over and throw it to both sides of the plate and was more than comfortable throwing the pitch to hitters of either handedness. The slider is ahead of the curveball at this point, with solid sharpness to the tilt in the 78-81 mph range, while the curveball is more of a get-me-over pitch at present.

Tri-State Arsenal FC got their first win of the weekend on Saturday morning putting up 15 runs on the Chicago Scouts Association and coming away with a 15-5 victory. The Grintz twins were instrumental in the Tri-State win, both playing big roles in the team success. Eric Grintz (2019, Glenmoore, Pa.), a North Carolina-committed catcher, went 4-for-4 with a double and two triples, one of the more prolific individual offensive performances of the weekend. There’s significant strength and bat speed to his righthanded swing and he’s a solid athlete behind the dish as well, though he wasn’t catching in this game.

His twin brother Adam Grintz (2019, Glenmoore, Pa.) got the start for Tri-State and was solid over his three frames, picking up four strikeouts and walking no one. He has good deception to his delivery, hiding the ball well through the back and keeping his front arm high through his delivery, with a quick arm through release that ran his fastball up to 91 mph early on before settling into the 85-88 mph range. There’s solid feel for a firm breaking ball as well, thrown in the low-80s with sharp depth.

On the CSA side, Ed Howard (2020, Lynwood, Ill.) continues to stand out as he’s done for a few weeks now dating back to the WWBA Underclass World Championship over in Fort Myers earlier this month. Smith is a lean, athletic middle infield prospect with the early-look ability to stay in the infield, and he’s shown off excellent ability with the bat as well, driving the ball firmly on a line all over the field, and his projectable frame portends big-time raw power at physical maturity as well.

The SF Giants Scout Team-Christman got a win on Saturday morning as well, picking up a 4-3 decision over Slammers Baseball. Saborn Campbell (2021, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) had a good day with the bat, picking up an RBI single early on and walking as well. Campbell is an athletic, projectable outfielder who has shown an intriguing combo of bat-to-ball skills and athleticism early in his development and is an early commit to Stanford as a result.

Blackhawks National moved to 2-1 on the weekend with a win on Saturday afternoon, and got a triumvirate of excellent performances on the mound. Alex Munroe (2019, Davenport, Fla.) got the win, going five shutout frames, continuing to show the advanced pitchability that has made him an effective arm in PG events for a while now. He worked in the 84-88 mph range for the most part, pounding the zone to both sides of the plate with his fastball and mixing in both a deep curveball and sharper slider for strikes, keeping Stix Baseball off-balance for the entirety of his outing.

Luis Ramirez (2019, Commerce, Calif.) struggled with command in his brief appearance but still ran his fastball up to 92 mph and showed the ability to create steep plane to the plate, while William Kempner (2019, San Jose, Calif.) came on in a huge spot, threw two pitches at 88 mph with a ton of sink and got a weak groundball to end the inning and preserve the Blackhawks win.

The Padres Scout Team (Scorpions/Team Georgia) picked up a win to finish the weekend 1-1-1, and Connor Walsh (2019, Niceville, Fla.) played a big role atop their lineup. Walsh, a Perfect Game All-American, has always been lauded for his athleticism, speed and defensive abilities, but he’s done a very good job answering some offensive questions over the course of the summer, showing the ability to keep his barrel in the zone for a long period and working to all fields with authority. He’s not a big power threat yet but has good size and strength and it’s not unrealistic to expect a power surge from him at some point in his development.

Cj Neese Jr (2019, Greensboro, N.C.), a two-way player committed to North Carolina State, got the start for the South Charlotte Panthers and was effective, allowing only one run over four frames with one walk and four strikeouts. Neese is an athletically-built righthander with good sink on his fastball, which sat in the 84-88 mph range, and his physical projection combined with his arm speed both allow one to project a velocity jump in time as well. He does a fair job working down in the zone and allowing his sink to help him out, and he also did a good job landing his curveball for strikes.

Later on Saturday evening the Dallas Tigers beat the Elite Squad Prospects by a score of 4-2, and as is always a treat in Jupiter, Elite Squad sent out a 15-year-old international prospect to get some looks from the international scouts in attendance. Kendry Montesino (2022, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic), who will be J2 eligible in July, got 1 2/3 innings in a domestic showcase of sorts. Montesino is a long, lean righthanded pitcher with seemingly limitless physical projection, and while the delivery and arm action both need significant development, he has the size, arm speed and athleticism that gives him tremendous long term upside. He worked up to 91 mph early on before tailing off into the mid-80s, generating good arm-side life at times and showed an idea of how to spin a breaking ball as well. It was a brief look, but an intriguing one to say the least.

– Brian Sakowski
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Ashley Mears
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2026 Perfect Game March Madness February 27-March 1st Ashley Mears What a weekend at the Fun City Dome in Burlington, Iowa! The energy was electric from first pitch to final out towering home runs, edge-of-your-seat battles, dramatic comebacks, and extra-inning thrillers with some unpredictable endings, it was a great weekend all around. The Top Performers list welcomed some exciting new names, while seasoned seniors continued to cement their legacies, delivering standout performances week after week. For some, this may have been their final appearance on a Perfect Game stage, and they made sure it was unforgettable. In the 18u division a tough Nebraska Gold 319 Berning team outlasted the Southeast Iowa All Stars in the championship. In 16u the Top Gun 2028- Strange completed their weekend by beating the Iowa Aries 16U CE Fire Black. 18U The weekend’s Most Valuable Player award...
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High School | General | 3/5/2026

High School Notebook: March 5

Steve Fiorindo
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Full BP & pregame I/O from ‘26 SS Keon Johnson. Whippy hands and lifted to the middle of the field throughout the rounds, athletic mover on the dirt & enough arm strength to stick on the left side. #4 in @PG_Georgia & #50 on the @PG_Draft Board. #PGHS @FPDVikingSports https://t.co/vYvReQKTVh pic.twitter.com/BksHJtA09X — Cam McElwaney (@CamMcElwaneyPG) February 20, 2026 Keon Johnson, SS, First Presbyterian Day Johnson has long been near the top of the 2026 rankings and it all culminated in being a PG All-American last August. He heads into the spring as one of the names to know in the upcoming MLB Draft and is drawing crowds to his high school in Macon. It’s a well-built 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame with good actions up the middle. The defensive acumen has continued to improve over the last few years and now looks comfortable at shortstop and even projects there...
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College | Rankings | 3/4/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: March 4

Nick Herfordt
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The 2026 college baseball season is starting to reveal its early storylines, and across the Division II and Division III landscape a few programs have already forced their way into the spotlight. From the blistering start by the Pittsburg State Gorillas baseball that rocketed them to the top of the rankings, to the steadily rising championship ambitions of the Taylor Trojans baseball, the national picture is beginning to take shape. In Division III, heavyweight programs like the Trinity Tigers baseball and the Wisconsin–Whitewater Warhawks baseball have already traded blows in one of the season’s first statement series, while emerging challengers such as the Keene State Owls baseball are looking to turn early momentum into a breakout year. With many teams still just getting their seasons underway, the rankings remain fluid, but the early results are already giving us clues...
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Juco | Rankings | 3/4/2026

JUCO Top 25: March 4

Troy Sutherland
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Another week down as we get into conference play in parts of the nation. This week is led by Chipola at No. 1 with an impressive 24-1 record. Walters State drops to No. 2 at 16-3 and Florida SouthWestern State College (17-5) follows closely behind. Powerhouse programs  McLennan Community College (11-2) and Johnson County Community College (18-2) round out the top five, while one-loss teams Fresno City, Ohlone, and Cloud County are quickly climbing into the national conversation. With traditional Texas powers, West Coast contenders, and deep Florida Juco rosters all in the mix, the race for Grand Junction is already taking shape.   Rk. Team Record 1 Chipola (FL) 24-1 2 Walters State (TN) 16-3 3 Florida Southwestern (FL) 17-5 4 McLennan (TX) 11-2 5 Johnson County (KS) 18-2 6 Gaston (NC) 20-2 7 Blinn (TX) 12-6 8 Florence-Darlington (SC) 18-5 9 Northwest Florida (FL) 16-8 10...
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High School | Rankings | 3/3/2026

High School Top 50 Update: March 3

Tyler Russo
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As we get rolling deeper into the spring here in the southern states, other states are only a few weeks away from their seasons beginning and some are even starting the day this will be posted. We’ve concluded the first major event on the high school schedule, the PG High School Showdown, and it was an epic weekend in Hoover. The event was littered with talent and these rankings reflect just that. St. John Bosco (CA) holds onto the first spot in this update and are being pushed by an IMG Academy (FL) team that’s 8-0 after winning the High School Showdown as well as beating two preseason top-10 teams in the first few weeks of the season. Orange Lutheran (CA) holds onto the No. 3 spot after a 1-0 start to the year and just a few weeks away from NHSI. A trio of Florida schools follow Olu in South Walton (FL), fresh off a win at the HS Showdown, Venice (FL), a surging team...
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Press Release | Press Release | 3/3/2026

PG & RaceTrac Expand Partnership

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 AND RACETRAC ANNOUNCE EXPANDED PARTNERSHIP   Sanford, Florida (Tuesday, March 3, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced an expanded partnership with RaceTrac, naming the convenience store brand the Official Convenience Store of Perfect Game in Georgia and Florida. The enhanced relationship significantly broadens RaceTrac’s presence across Perfect Game’s premier tournament venues and digital platforms, deepening its engagement with players, families, coaches and fans throughout two of the most active youth baseball markets in the country.   As part of the expanded agreement, RaceTrac will launch a robust...
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College | Story | 3/3/2026

College Players of the Week: March 3

Craig Cozart
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March 3 Perfect Game/Player of the Week:  Cider Canon, OF, Duke  The Duke Blue Devils (11-3) went through massive changes in the offseason, with a new coaching staff and heavy roster turnover like is often seen in the college game today.  That hasn’t held them back as they have kind of flown under the radar on their way to a tie for the most wins in the nation.  They won 4 out 5 games last week and Cider Canon was the driving force behind their offensive onslaught.  The 5-11/180 outfielder from San Marino, CA put together an incredible week collecting 9 hits in 14 at-bats, good for a .643 BA, scoring 7 runs, with 3 walks, 4 home runs and driving in a total of 10 runs.  After a successful couple years at Davidson College, Cider made the trip north to Durham and has fit right into the Blue Devil’s high-octane offense.  For the season, he is...
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High School | General | 3/2/2026

HS Showdown Scout Notes: Days 2-3

Vincent Cervino
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High School Showdown Event Page | High School Showdown Preview High School Showdown Scout Notes: Day 1 An extended look at ‘26 3B/RHP Coleman Borthwick (FL)… 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 8 K, 0 BB #PGShowdown @SWseahawks @Florida_PG @PG_Draft https://t.co/IHJFWFbn4T pic.twitter.com/I2izGcEdyA — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) February 28, 2026 Coleman Borthwick (2026, Freeport, Fla.) was excellent over the weekend, securing MVP honors and delivering one of the best starts of the event on the mound. At 6-foot-6, 255-pounds, Borthwick is an ultra-physical prospect and one of the top two-way prospects in the draft. The Auburn signee drew the biggest crowd of MLB scouts in attendance as there were around 50 or 60 so lined up behind home plate on Friday morning. Borthwick was nothing short of dominant, striking out eight hitters and...
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College | Rankings | 3/2/2026

College Top 25: March 2

Vincent Cervino
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Three weeks in and we are beginning to see some separation across the country.  The quality and depth, or lack thereof, are becoming evident and the conference segment for several conferences starts up this weekend.  Midweek games continue to be a tossup and only the teams that are strong on both sides of the ball have been able to maintain momentum.  We have a new No. 1 in this week’s poll as UCLA (9-2) has already accumulated 5-wins against teams that are currently or were previously ranked in the Top 25.  With last weekend’s sweep of No. 17 Tennessee (8-3), Texas A&M (10-1) and No. 4 Mississippi State (11-1) at the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series, the Bruins leap now No. 2 LSU (11-1) and No. 3 Georgia Tech (11-1) to take over the top spot.  The Texas Longhorns (11-0) are up to No. 5 as one of only 3-remaining undefeated teams in the nation,...
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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...
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