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Tournaments  | Story | 7/17/2018

Burn shoots for BCS success

Photo: Pierce Chambers (Perfect Game)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – It shouldn’t come as a surprise to many around the circles of Perfect Game to hear that a team from the successful Florida Burn program has raced to a great start at a national championship event.

At the 16u BCS National Championship, the Florida Burn Platinum 2020’s entered the week coming off of a strong showing at the 16u WWBA Championship at LakePoint in Georgia with an appearance in the second round of bracket play last week. It was the start of a busy stretch for the club, coached by Craig Faulkner, as this week’s event runs directly into their next tournament, which is the 16u PG World Series right back at LakePoint.

Completing their second day of the first batch of pool play contests on Tuesday, the Burn have been one of the most impressive teams in Fort Myers, racking up 27 runs of offense compared to the three runs allowed by their pitching staff. With the pools to be reseeded upon day’s end to line up the winners and runner-ups in the first pools against one another, Faulkner has been happy with how his group has brought their good form south.

“It’s a great opportunity for these players to see what it is like to play every day similar to a professional schedule,” Faulkner said. “I’ve been telling these guys, this is what it’s going to be like, you get tired and you’ve got to figure out how to get the energy and a higher level of focus so that you can perform at a high level every single day.”

The Burn got their tournament kicked off in style on Monday with an 11-0 trouncing of Houston Athletics 16u Black in five innings. Scoring five runs in the first inning and four more in the second, the Burn were paced offensively by Jayden Rivera (2020, Jacksonville, Fla.), who went 2-for-3 with a double and a pair of RBI.

Tuesday morning brought on a matchup with Team Mizuno Northeast Roadrunners, and it was Trace Burchard (2020, LaBelle, Fla.) starring at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance with two doubles and three RBI. That effort backed a strong start from Sam Drumheller (2020, Tampa, Fla.) who struck out six in four innings to lead the Burn to an 8-3 victory.

Heading into their final pool play game against the also unbeaten Ohio Surge, the Burn took advantage of wildness from the opposition’s pitching staff while getting big hits from TCU commit Pierce Chambers (2020, Treasure Island, Fla.). Chambers had an RBI double and a run-scoring single in the first two innings and a bases-clearing, three-run double from Florida commit Mac Guscette (2020, Nokomis, Fla.) in the second to jump out to a big lead. They finished with an 8-0 win in five innings to run the tables heading into Wednesday’s reseeding of pools.

The philosophy that Faulkner has brought when it comes to the use of his pitching staff has been to go either 45 or 30 pitches with each arm he calls on in order to keep his staff fresh for the duration of the tournament. For the entire pitching staff, getting the chance to have Guscette behind the plate for most of the games is a luxury that most teams do not have. Guscette, the No. 9-ranked catcher in the class of 2020, is adept at pitch framing and controlling the running game with his strong arm.

“Mac is one of the best there is, committed to Florida and he does things so well,” said Faulkner, who also coaches Guscette for the reigning 7A state champion Venice High School. “He hits the ball well, frames outstanding and throws extremely well. He plays the game at a high level and he’s the kind of kid you want on a team because he comes to play every single day. He’s never wants to take a day off, if he’s not catching one day, he can play first, third and he’s also really good on the mound too.”

The catching position is a strength for this Burn team as Chambers and Burchard are also primarily catchers, but have the versatility to play other positions. With three players of the caliber of being Division I level recruits, with two being committed to two of the top college baseball programs in country, Faulkner believes that for his other players on the roster, seeing the work it takes to become a player of that quality has raised the level of the entire unit.

“When you play with guys that play at a high level, it does bring the whole team up because players tend to play at the level among their teammates,” Faulkner said. “This is our highest level team at this age group, and so players who may have not played at this level before all of a sudden start to step up. Everyone’s game begins to pick up and our kids have improved from day one this summer.

“The motto of the Florida Burn is to not just play games, but teach the game while they’re playing so when they leave here, they are better players than when we got them.”

As the tournament moves into the point where the competition stiffens up, the Burn’s pitching plan could prove to be one that can give teams multiple looks in each game to make it difficult to zone in going one time through a batting order. With arms like Patrick Groark (2020, Land O’ Lakes, Fla.), Rivera, Drumheller, Burchard, Nick Romagnola (2020, Bradenton, Fla.), Jacob Faulkner (2020, Venice, Fla.), and Julien Brown (2020, Sarasota, Fla.) having allowed just the three runs over 16 innings, and more arms raring to go, the Burn sit in a good spot to make another long playoff run with its trajectory set on playing for a championship come Sunday.




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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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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