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Tournaments  | Story | 7/21/2019

Team Elite claims 17u Elite title

Photo: Team Elite 17u Scout Team (Perfect Game)

HOOVER, Ala. – After a grueling five days under the sun at the Hoover Met Complex, Team Elite 17u Scout Team captured the title at the inaugural 2019 WWBA 17u Elite Championship.

Team Elite defeated East Cobb Astros 17u Navy 7-2 in the championship. Team Elite 17u Scout Team was seemingly in the hunt every tournament, and they finally broke through in the last event of the summer. 

“Our guys played so well together as a team,” Team Elite head coach Jamie Crane said. “They worked on it all year long. We’ve had several final four finishes and third place trophies, but they played so well together. They’re like brothers. They play for each other. That’s the biggest thing.”

In the championship, Kellum Clark got the offense rolling with an RBI double the other way in the top of the first. Later in the top of the third, Team Elite broke through with three more runs, all with two outs, with Vince Smith’s two-RBI triple and Jarrett Jenkins’ RBI single. The rest of the way Team Elite capitalized on three East Cobb errors for three more runs.

Logan Jones got the start on the mound and allowed just one run over four innings with four strikeouts for the win. William Pearson closed it out over the final three innings with three strikeouts en route to the 7-2 triumph.

It was the stellar pitching that carried Team Elite all week long.

“[Pitching] was clutch,” Crane said. “We had a plan and we tried to draw it out. Thankfully the way we scripted it out, it was pretty much on. I think we’re going home with one guy available, so it worked out as well as it could for us.”

Earlier in the week, Jaden Woods fired a seven inning no-hitter in pool play in the 3-0 victory over Dallas Patriots 17u Stout. Woods walked just one and punched out seven batters, avenging the team’s crushing defeat to the Patriots in the WWBA 17u National Championship just a few weeks prior.

“Jaden has really turned it on,” Crane said. “At the end of the fall last year, he was up around 85-86. He’s up to 90-91 now and really locating both sides of the plate. 

“He’s just getting better and better every outing. That’s just a testament to his work ethic and showing up and getting his work in and being coachable. He’s gotten so much better, so much more physical.”

Woods was named MVPitcher of the tournament for his no-hitter. It was the end of a life-changing summer for the University of Georgia commit.

“[The summer] meant a lot,” Woods said. “It came with a lot of ups and downs from being committed to Georgia State, decommitting, and committing to my dream school. It was pretty good. As a team, it was just amazing the bond we had together.”

Team Elite survived a 3-2 scare against FTB Tucci-Berryhill where Wyatt Crowell fired five shutout innings with eight strikeouts in the second round of the playoffs. In the quarterfinals, Team Elite eked out a 5-4 win over Excel Blue Wave 17u. 

In Sunday’s 6-0 semifinals victory versus Rawlings Arkansas Prospects-Menard, Logan Wood was superb for Team Elite nearly going the distance with 6 â…” innings of shutout ball.

Catcher Fernando Gonzalez caught five of seven games and batted .316. Garrett Spikes was no slouch either, batting .350, but ultimately Sam Ruta led the charge for Team Elite at the plate over the week. Ruta batted .471 with four singles, two doubles, and two triples. 

“Sam just has one of the purest lefthanded swings that we’ve seen,” Crane said. “He’s a true hitter. It doesn’t matter the count or the velocity, he’s got a good set up and a good load. He hits the ball hard almost every at-bat.”

Ruta also tallied four RBIs and eight runs scored from the No. 2 hole to be named MVP of the tournament.

“It was huge,” Ruta said. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. Runners on base when I got the hits. They were there when I needed them… Coming out on top there’s nothing bigger than that.”

Team Elite 17u Scout Team concluded the summer with an astounding 38-8-3 record in Perfect Game tournaments. Crane was emotional while addressing his team postgame when the culmination of the summer set in. It was a special group, and they ended it in the sweetest of ways with a dogpile right on the mound.

“It’s like a family, so it’s hard to see them go,” Crane said. “That’s the hardest thing.

“There’s only one way to walk out. We walked out the only way we wanted to and the only way we knew how.”


2019 WWBA 17u Elite Championship runner-up: East Cobb Astros 17u Navy



2019 WWBA 17u Elite Championship MVP: Sam Ruta



2019 WWBA 17u Elite Championship MV-Pitcher: Jaden Woods






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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