THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 6/6/2019

DRB Elite 15u survives in extras

Photo: Brayden Fordham (Perfect Game)

MARIETTA, Ga. -- DRB Elite 15u needed two outstanding outings and an escape job in extra innings to advance to the semifinals at the 2019 15u Perfect Game-East Cobb Invitational, and it got exactly that.

During the first game of the morning at North Cobb Christian School in the first round of the playoffs, Cade Fisher carried DRB Elite to the 6-2 victory over 643 DP Cougars 15u Montgomery with an absolute gem on the mound. The 6-foot-2 southpaw nearly fired a complete game, going 6 2/3 innings while allowing just two runs (one earned), four hits, one walk, with a remarkable 11 strikeouts. 

Leading 3-1, DRB Elite added three runs in the sixth inning, thanks to RBIs by Miles Jackson and Max Puckett. With six runs on the board, it was more than enough insurance for Fisher and eventually Puckett to close the door on the mound.

DRB Elite strutted into the quarterfinals ready to face the No. 1 overall seed, Excel Blue Wave 15u. Excel came into the game having shutout all three opponents in pool play, outscoring those teams 25-0.

It’s the type of opponent that gave DRB Elite starting pitching Caleb Fordham a little boost. One that produced another marvelous performance on the bump for DRB Elite and carried them to the 4-2 triumph in eight innings.

“That fires me up more than anything,” Fordham said about facing the No. 1 seed in the quarterfinals. “It just makes me want to deal more than ever. Just do what I do every single time to go out there and try to shut them down.”

And Fordham certainly was dealing. The righthanded hurler was dominant from start to finish against the hard-hitting Excel Blue Wave team. He struck out 10 hitters using a fastball and curveball mix with the heater sitting low 80’s and running up as high as 85 mph. Fordham surrendered three hits and two runs over six innings of work before being removed for pitch count purposes.

“Throwing strikes and getting ahead early was big for us and him,” head coach Paul Meade said. “When he does that, it gives us a chance to even mix it up a little bit more to keep them off-balanced so they don’t know what’s coming. He was throwing his curveball for a strike. That helped a lot too. As you could tell, that’s a really good hitting team. He had them on their heels at times where they didn’t know what pitch was coming and they were taking it.”

After DRB Elite tied the game at two runs apiece in the fifth following a run scored on a balk, the teams remained scoreless through the allotted seven innings of play. It set up extra innings with the unique rules in the playoffs where the inning starts with the bases loaded and one out for each team.

In the top of the eighth, leadoff batter Jason Avila stepped to the plate, already 2-for-2 on the day. Avila laced a first pitch fastball out to centerfield, deep enough for a sacrifice fly to give DRB Elite the 3-2 lead.

“Last two innings before that inning he was throwing all fastballs,” Avila said. “I hadn’t seen his off-speed, so I was looking for first pitch fastball. I was attacking first pitch.”

Brayden Fordham followed with an RBI single and DRB Elite entered the bottom of the eighth, ahead 4-2 and facing the same situation with the bases loaded.

Chandler Klein, who shut down the top of Excel’s order in the bottom of the seventh, exhibited some guts on the mound, striking out the first batter by getting him to chase on a curveball in the dirt. 

He then induced a game-ending ground ball to shortstop to secure the 4-2 win and a trip to the semifinals tomorrow for DRB Elite. Klein did not allow a hit over his two innings of work.

“That was huge for us,” Meade said. “Chandler, the thing about him is he’s such a stinkin’ gamer. You can see it. He’s the type of kid with bases loaded that likes to be stuck in that situation. You have to have some guys like that that can handle it. He’s one of those guys.”

At the end of the contest, many of the DRB Elite players unleashed a scream in a game that undoubtedly felt like high stakes baseball.

“We look at every win as a big win,” Meade said. “We knew they were going to be a really good team… It was lively. They were into the game. We were into the game. Good one to win.”

Now, DRB Elite will face East TN Crusaders 15u, another team who survived extra innings in the quarterfinals to reach this point tomorrow at 8 a.m. at Brook Run. Meade and Co. will be looking for much of the same that brought DRB Elite this far already.

“What it’s going to take for us is good pitching for sure,” Meade said. “We’re going to have to throw strikes and make the plays on defense. We feel like our bats will score some runs against most teams. We just have to play clean baseball to finish this thing out.”

It took two wins on Thursday and it will take two more wins on Friday to walk away as champions. If DRB Elite plays with the same energy and grit, they have to like their chances.

“I love this team to death,” Avila said.



Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes

Tyler Kotila
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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...
Loading more articles...