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Tournaments  | Story | 9/16/2018

PG Elite Championship Notes

Greg Gerard
Photo: Sam Bassett-Kennedy (Perfect Game)

PG Elite Championship Daily Leaders: Freshman | Underclass | Upperclass

A pair of intriguing arms in their own rights took the mound on Friday in Jackson Arnold (2019, Auburn, Ala.) for Homplate and Jalen Borders (2019, Alexandria, Ala.) of Excel. Each pitcher – Arnold, a righthander, and Borders, a lefthander – pitched really well filling up the strike zone and leading their team to a win.

Arnold, a 6-foot Georgia Tech commit, was in complete control in his first two innings before running into some command troubles in his third inning of work. Nonetheless, the righthander showed plenty to like including a fastball that ranged from 87-90 mph while topping out at 91 mph once as well. Arnold has a fast arm and a loose one at that working well through the back and extending out in front. He throws with intent and is able to create plane when down in the zone. When ahead to hitters, he also showed a good curveball that he could land at the knees for strikes or bury to hitters to produce a swing and miss.

Borders is interesting in his own way standing at 6-foot-7, 215-pounds. His fastball reached 88 mph from his online left arm. Like Arnold, Borders’s arm is fast and whips through the back. He showed three pitches in his outing and was able to locate each of them well. With his size, the velocity comes easy and with some minor refining there may still be more to come. The commitment to Belmont worked both sides of the plate with his fastball and tallied up seven strikeouts in his 3 2/3 innings. Getting swings and misses primarily with the fastball, Borders did not have to go to his secondary pitches all that often but he did show some promise with each. Both his slider and changeup have potential with each sitting in the mid- to high-70s.

Cade Smith (2020, Southaven, Miss.) was dominant on Saturday morning as he has been throughout the summer circuit. A righthander on the mound, the Mississippi State commit can run his fastball up to 91 mph accompanied by a short-breaking curveball for swings and misses. He may have not quite reached that velocity on this day, Smith did still produce upper-80s fastballs for lots of strikes. Smith has a loose arm stroke and a three pitch mix that he is able to command in virtually any count. His fastball and curveball are the two pitches he uses most often locating each primarily to the bottom half of the zone while also burying his curveball and getting hitters to chase. The ball simply jumps out of Smith’s hand riding on a downward angle to the plate.




Jordan Walker (2020, Stone Mountain, Ga.) has really started to blossom into an extremely talented two-way player both at third base and one the mound. His ceiling is as high as anyone’s in the 2020 class and what he did this weekend during the Underclass tournament was no different. Walker hit the baseball hard throughout the weekend that ultimately totaled up three hits in seven at-bats (.429 average) including a pair of home runs to his pull side. The swing is powerful with plenty of bat speed combined with natural strength from his projectable 6-foot-4 frame. Walker also had two appearances on the mound over the weekend in which he produced a fastball up to 88 mph. The verbal commitment to Duke and 89th-ranked player nationally is only going to continue to get better while already showing a big-time overall skill-set.

Wyatt Castoe (2020, Fairmount, Ga.) had a monster summer with the bat and college coaches really started to take notice. The middle infielder from North Georgia recently committed to College of Charleston and wreaks of sheer talent both in the infield and at the plate. His actions are fluid in the infield and primarily at second base where he played most of his time this weekend for 6-4-3. The righthanded hitter has plenty of strength to his swing and when he impacts the baseball, the ball jumps off of his barrel. His hands work well into his swing moving short and direct to the baseball. His hand eye coordination combined with his overall knack for hitting the baseball on the barrel make the future Cougar a high contact hitter with potential pop to the gaps.




Xander Stephens (2020, Lilburn, Ga.) had a nice outing in relief for the Duluth Noles as he struck out three in 1 1/3 innings. The big righthander creates steep angle from a full arm action producing a fastball up to 88 mph and consistently living in the upper-80s. Stephens also showed that he has some nice two-way potential at the plate as well. In the game he pitched, Stephens roped a double to the opposite field gap squaring up the baseball on a level barrel plane.




Sam Bassett-Kennedy (2021, Ann Arbor, Mich.) pitched the game of the tournament for the Underclass event going seven complete innings earning a win with one earned run and 13 strikeouts. The tall and projectable lefthander was in control of the game from start to finish mixing three pitches well for strikes. Working primarily off of his fastball that topped out at 86 mph, Bassett-Kennedy was able to work ahead in counts and get lots of swings and misses. The baseball comes from a tough arm angle especially to lefthanded hitters. His online delivery is repeated well for his size and age displaying drop-and-drive actions and a properly used lower half. Each of his offspeed offerings flashed potential with his curveball showing some biting action and his changeup flashing tumbling action. There is a lot to like from the Tennessee commit on the mound and he will only improve with more repetitions at the position.

A pair of freshman Dirtbags players were standouts from the weekend and each deservingly ranked in the Top 100 of the inaugural 2022 class rankings. Tucker Toman (2022, Columbia, S.C.) who is ranked 26th nationally in the 2022 ranks is among one of the top shortstops and pure hitters in the class. The smooth lefthanded hitter has plenty of juice in his bat and is looking to drive the ball when at the plate. He did so on Friday night in particular connecting on a deep opposite field gap triple that really gave a glimpse of the potential power in his bat as he continues to fill out. The freshman shortstop also has good arm strength across the diamond and instincts on the bases.

Carter Boyd (2022, Lewisville, N.C.) is the other standout Dirtbag player who excels on the mound and produces velocity ahead of his years. His outing was unfortunately shortened due to rain but the righthander still gave a nice look to his dominance and potential on the bump. Boyd ran his fastball up to 85 mph sitting 82-85 mph consistently before the aforementioned weather came into play. The righthander has very quick arm speed with plenty more velocity to come in due time. In his one-plus inning of work, Boyd filled up the strike zone with a good fastball, changeup combination that will only continue to improve. The 55th-nationally ranked player’s late diving changeup is a weapon to hitters of either handedness as he throws the pitch with intent and similar arm speed as his fastball. He did get the chance to pitch again in the tournament as the Dirtbags advanced to the championship game of the event. His stuff was similar to in his first outing with a slight dip in velocity pitching on back to back days.

Ryan Spikes (2021, Covington, Ga.) has taken the mound at many PG events since the spring of 2017 and has progressively made strides in a positive way both with his velocity and future projection. Saturday night was no different as Spikes topped out at 89 mph from a long arm action. His command was a bit inconsistent but he still showed good velocity sitting in the upper-80s from the windup and a tick below from the stretch. Spikes is an athletic 5-foot-8, 170-pound righthander who also started each game at shortstop and batted in the leadoff spot throughout the weekend for Team Elite Black. Spikes sprayed the baseball to all parts of the field with a compact swing and line drive approach.

It was a short outing for Logan Austin (2020, Salem, Ala.) but the verbal commitment to Auburn was able to sit 88-92 mph with his fastball and compliment that with a sharp 74 mph breaking ball. Austin tossed just one inning starting a playoff game for the Triton Rays getting a pair of strikeouts in doing so. Austin throws with intent from a clean arm stroke and lots of arm strength.




A 2018 member of the PG Select Baseball Festival Hayden Murphy (2022, Chula, Ga.) made a relief appearance in the semifinals of the tournament giving a really nice showing on the mound on top of his two way potential at the plate and on defense at shortstop. Murphy can swing the bat very well and plays a clean middle infield on top of that, but his ultimate potential may be on the mound as he already has upper-80s velocity that tops out at 87 mph with plenty more velocity to come with maturity. Murphy stands at an extremely projectable 6-foot-2, 165-pounds with plenty of strength to add in time. Murphy throws with intent and a quick, loose arm action. The velocity comes relatively easy and he throws his three pitches around the zone well. Murphy will be a fun pitcher to monitor on the mound as he continues his high school and travel baseball career.
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Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes
Tyler Kotila
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Creighton Tuzzio (2024, Clarinda, Iowa) took the ball in the semi-final game and was able to get on the bump and carve for his team. Tuzzio is a taller 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame with plenty to like in the operation. The right-handed pitcher has a slower and more controlled operation as he works through the delivery. He lifts the leg up around the belt and then works through a three-quarters release with good whip through it. The fastball worked up to 86 mph on the fastball and held in the low- to mid-80s. He creates some angle on it with the taller & projectable frame. It runs arm-side and can be a problem for right-handed hitters. He also showed a low-70s curveball with a bigger 11/5 tilt to it and good depth to miss some bats. The Iowa Western commit threw 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 run, with 4 walks and 6 strikeouts to his credit.   There’s no surprise here, but...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
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Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location Boston Red Sox Scout Connor Lane 500 2024 Tague Davis 59 2024 Boston, MA Cangelosi Sparks Tyler Bell  122 2024 Brady Chambers 500 2024 Lockport, IL Dirtbags National 2024 Dalton Wentz 74 2024 Riley Leatherman 251 2024 Sedalia, NC Florida Burn Colton Schwarz 214 2025 Presley Woodson 500 2025 Sarasota, FL Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags National 2024 With one of the deepest and most physical lineups in the nation, the Dirtbags National 2024 club have been putting up runs in bunches. No hitter is hotter than Austin Irby, as the ECU commit is While sluggers Dalton Wentz, Will Craddock and Palmer Hornick won’t be in attendance, Lee Sowers, Will Brooks, Jon Young Jr. and spark plug Carter Richardson lead an offense that averages over 7 runs per game. They can cover ground on...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
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Michael Flores (2026, NC) looking great through 4 innings pitched with 11 k’s. Great command and completely missing barrels. #2023WWBACoastalSophmoreFallInvatational pic.twitter.com/Oqd3WD0E05 — PG Coastal Scouting (@PG_Coastal) September 24, 2023 Michael Flores (2026, Mooresville, NC) put on an electric performance to watch for the SBA Futures 2026 in their matchup versus the Carolina Reds. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound, RHP did his job for his team today to keep them in the game. Flores throws with a high leg lift and creates some good motions towards the plate with his whippy action. Flores has a great feel for the zone and pounded strikes at a 66% rate. Flores generated swing and miss after swing and miss and it was clear he was in control out there on the mound. He sat in the 70-mph range to 79-mph range with his fastball with the ability to pinpoint it wherever he pleased....
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Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
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James Sherry (’26, Aiken, S.C.)- the 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a complete game for Xtreme Xposure Baseball-Bennett in an 8-1 win over 2 Way Athletics 16U. A primary outfielder, Sherry finished with 15 strikeouts and just one walk while controlling the zone at a 65% strike rate. Appearing in only his second PG tournament, Sherry turned in another great pitching performance after being selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 2023 16U PG Southeast Labor Day Classic. Aidan Petrocco (‘24 GA)- singles here into LF to load the bases for @643DPAthletics Primary MIF 2-for-4 w/ run scored on the day. #FallFrenzy @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/Ly7zEuRwyg — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) September 24, 2023 Aidan Petrocco (’24, Johns Creek, Ga.)- the 5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter for 643 DP Cougars 18U led the 18U Southeast Fall Frenzy...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
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A high speed look at this 2B from Keon Johnson... #WWBAWorlds @PG_Georgia https://t.co/Ejl8GirIgk pic.twitter.com/ate7ro35cp — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 24, 2023 Keon Johnson (2026, Macon, Ga.) started off the morning loud, going down to get a pitch down and smoking a double that split the opposite field gap at a 92 mph exit velocity. The shortstop has one of the best hit tools in the class and has tremendous feel for the barrel. The swing is quiet and simple, staying loose through the zone. The ball jumps and the parts really work. At short, Johnson looked silky with good actions, range, and plenty of arm strength across. The game comes easy for the Georgia native, and still just 15, the all-around game is very well-refined for the age.  Jaxson Wood (2026, Hoover, Ala.) finished batting .500 over the tournament, including three extra-base hits. The primary...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
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Patrick Kovacs (2026 Knoxville TN) was dominant in his outing in game two of pool play for Exposure National. The southpaw tossed three scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out eight. He showed plus command of the fastball dotting it to both sides of the plate while working off the corners at times. Patrick sat 75-78 topping at 79 multiple times throughout. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with two plane movement that he had no problem mixing in any count keeping the opposing hitters off balanced in the box. Coming from a mid 3/4s slot there was some deception within the operation making it tough to pick the fastball up out of the hand. The frame has plenty of athleticism within with plenty of more room for additional strength as he continues to mature. Kovacs should be a fun follow as he continues to progress through high school. Ryan Riojas (‘26 TN) drives this...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
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Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Extended look at Gunnar Garrison... 7 IP, 1 H, OER, 13 K, 1 BB (70% K) #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners https://t.co/V89oASpD8r pic.twitter.com/tsP1mWCoNz — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 21, 2023 Colorado right-hander Gunnar Garrison (2026, Eaton, Colo.) was magnificent in his start for Slammers Anderson 2026’s. The big and physical 6-foot-4, 210-pound arm threw a complete game, seven inning, one-hit shutout, striking out 13 and walking one. The fastball had downhill life to it, sitting in the 85-88 range for the entirety of the game. Garrison held the velocity and reached back for his fastest bullet of the game, at 89, in the seventh inning. Finishing the outing with 70% strikes, he filled up the zone and went right at hitters. He also induced swing-and-miss on a curveball, featuring late...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
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Jack Harley (2024, Mendham, NJ) put together a dominant performance at the plate in the WWBA NEQ, leading his team to a coveted Jupiter bid while also earning MVP-honors. The 6-foot-1 left-handed hitter showcased his advanced bat-to-ball skills on several occasions. He batted .643 with two doubles, a home run and six stolen bases. Harley utilizes a repeatable, synced-up stroke with clean separation into launch. He has a great feel for the barrel and creates good strength at impact to all parts of the diamond. The future Hokie recorded a hit in all six of his games and proved to be a reliable bat at the top-of-the-order for Clubhouse 2024 EvoShield. Harley’s build offers a good balance of strength and athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect with intriguing upside moving forward.  .#VandyBoys commit Aiden O’Connell (‘24, NH) is back on the bump in the #NEQ...
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Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
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Nathan Caldwell (2026, Columbia, S.C.) looked the part in the batter’s box as the Team Elite three-hole hitter had one of the hardest hit balls of the day. There’s really impressive bat speed and the ability to create violence and rotational acceleration through contact. He missiled a single during the game and there looks like there’s going to be pretty significant impact potential long term. He’s a strong kid with good indicators and offensive tools to like. Drew Borkowski (2026, Huntley, Ill.) showed plenty to like in the arm as he got the start in game one on the day for GRB. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds he’s got a lanky frame with long limbs and plenty of room for physical projection. It’s a quick arm with solid arm speed throughout and he opened up sitting 85-87 mph with the fastball. The fastball showed good sinking life and he used it to get a lot...
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College | Story | 9/22/2023

Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
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Earlier this week we debuted our Cape Cod Top 100 Prospect List and mixed amongst the 100 names were some 2025 graduates who will be eligible for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. Below, each of the 50 names are eligible in 2025 and those listed with an "^" are continuing their careers at a new school this fall.  Name Pos. Team School Hometown State Adonys Guzman^ C Bourne Arizona Valley Cottage NY Aidan Jimenez RHP Chatham Oregon State Elk Grove CA Anthony Martinez 1B YD UC Irvine Fairfield CA Ben Jacobs LHP Bourne UCLA Huntington Beach CA Bradley Hodges LHP Hyannis Virginia Fleming Island FL Brady Neal C YD LSU Tallahassee FL Brody Donay^ C/1B Hyannis Florida Lakeland FL Caden Bodine C Bourne Coastal Carolina Haddon Heights NJ Cam Leiter^ RHP Orleans Florida State Island Heights FL Cannon Peebles^ C Cotuit Tennessee Mechanicsville VA Drew Faurot^ SS Orleans Florida State Tallahassee FL...
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