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Tournaments  | Story | 9/29/2019

5 Star Goes 3-0, On To Semis

Photo: Blaydon Plain (Perfect Game)
Event Page | Game 1: 5 Star National 2022 Burress/Richmond Braves 16u National | Game 2: 5 Star/Elite Squad 2022's | Game 3: 5 Star/Canes American

FORT MYERS, Fla. – 5 Star National 2022 Burress went to bed Saturday night knowing it had to win back-to-back-to-back games on Sunday in order to find itself in a semifinal game on Monday morning.

They woke up Sunday morning and won back-to-back-to-back games, with a semifinal matchup against the South Charlotte Panthers secured for Monday morning at 9 a.m.

In their first matchup of the day, 5 Star beat Richmond Braves 16u National, 8-3. The bats picked up even more in their next two games, winning by scores of 10-5 and 9-2 against Elite Squad 2022’s and Canes American, respectively.

This is a program that is used to winning. A lot. The 5 Star program, nicknamed ‘Mafia,’ always has a collection of talent on its rosters that is rarely equaled by other teams at tournaments. That talent and experience players receive working their way through bracket after bracket has paid off again.

“This group has been used to doing that,” 5 Star President and Coach Andy Burress said after his team’s quarterfinal win over Canes American. “I think it’s kind of old hat for a lot of these guys. We always seem to do well in Fort Myers, I don’t know what it is. I don’t know what the formula is, maybe it’s the format of the tournament or something. But we’ve done well here over the years.”

Mafia got length out of each of their starting pitchers today, the most impactful contribution you can get out of your roster in a tournament that tests your pitching depth as much as the WWBA Sophomore World Championship does.

In the first game of the day, Austin Williamson threw five complete innings, allowing only two earned runs while striking out six and spreading out six hits.

In Game 2, it was Josiah Velazquez that went the distance for Mafia, as they took down one of the favorites of the tournament, No. 3 seed Elite Squad 2022’s.

Hunter Russell, a primary first baseman committed to play at Miami, got the ball to start Game 3 for Mafia and gave his squad 5 1/3 quality innings, striking out six while walking just one and giving up just one earned run, which occurred in the first inning.

“We try to get those guys in for some bullpen games, let them throw an inning or two in pool play games,” he said. “We had some guys that were throwing strikes and we have some guys who can pick it a little bit. We’re always going to swing the bat, so as long as our guys throw strikes, we’re going to be in most games.”

Working behind the plate for each of those starting pitchers was Jaxson West, an uncommitted player from Tallahassee.

West had no problems all day, showing his toughness as he caught 304 pitches over six-plus hours of games Sunday morning and into the afternoon. He also had two hits on the day and scored a run in each contest.

Burress had nice things to say about his catcher after their quarterfinal victory.

“That guy just does it. That’s why I had a bunch of college coaches coming up to me,” Burress said. “We lost a catcher, and it’s hard to find a frontline guy this time of year. He had probably caught 20 or 25 games in a row, and then came down here and did it. He’s been used to it at this point. He’s really been battling through things, as a catcher you’ve always got foul tips and things like that.”

As good as the pitching and catching was for Mafia (and they are a major reason this team will continue playing on Monday), the bats in the lineup were extremely impressive as well.

The lineup looks dangerous on paper, with a number of Power 5 commits spread all over it. That’s one thing.

But guys like Sal Stewart, a Vandy commit, Nicolas Perez, a Florida State commit, and Blaydon Plain, a Florida commit, showed why they held in such high regard.

Stewart really had a day, collecting seven RBI (three in Games 1 and 3, one in Game 2), while knocking four hits, mostly hard line drives to right-center field.

Perez plays one of the more reliable shortstops you’ll see, and is also a pest (a compliment in every sense) at the top of the Mafia lineup. All he does is gobble up ground balls on defense and smoke base hits up the middle on offense.

It will be easy for Burress to pencil those guys in on Monday for their semifinal matchup. There is no limit to how many hits Stewart, Perez, and Plain can grab up, and no restrictions on how many nice plays they make in the infield.

It’s pitching that is always the most strategic journey throughout these tournaments, especially on Day 4.

But Burress seems to think they will be okay, even though his squad is the only one to make the semifinals that played three games on Sunday.

“We’ve got a couple good arms left,” he said. “We had some guys that had to [leave], so some of our best arms have thrown already. But we’ve got some guys that have thrown good for us in the past, so we’ve got a couple guys left.”

FTB Tucci 2022 Advances to Semifinals

After cruising through pool play, FTB Tucci was through to the playoff bracket as the No. 4 overall seed, earning themselves a bye in the first round.

In what could be the game of the tournament thus far, FTB won in a walk-off against 5 Star National 2023 Dobbs in their first game of the day, 5-4.

Corban Little threw 5 1/3 innings for FTB in the game, striking out five in the process. Cameron King and Rafael Betancourt Jr both had multiple hits in the game, while Japhet A Rosado collected a pair of RBI.

The quarterfinals went a bit smoother for FTB, as they run-ruled US Elite 2022 National, 8-0 in five innings.

Eight players collected a hit in the game, including Betancourt and Anthony Saleeba, who each had two.

Tri State Arsenal Scout Team 2022 Sneaks Through to Semis

A pair of one-run victories has Tri State Arsenal Scout Team 2022 into the semifinals on Monday morning.

Two fourth inning runs put the team ahead of Florida Burn 2022 Platinum by a score of 3-2, which held as the final. Drew Lafferty threw the first 5 1/3 innings, giving up two earned runs. Jaxon Pastore finished off the final 1 2/3 innings, striking out three.

Jack O'Connor toed the rubber for their quarterfinal matchup against Resmondo FTB, and tossed 5 2/3 innings of three-hit, one earned run ball.

South Charlotte Fills Out Semifinal Field

Tournament No. 7 seed South Charlotte was carried into the semifinals of the WWBA Sophomore World Championships by some stellar pitching as well.

Cameron Padgett threw a complete game, five-hitter for the Panthers in their first game, allowing only one earned run. South Charlotte beat Diamond Jacks Super 16, 3-1.

Their quarterfinal victory, 6-0 over .9ers Baseball Club, was done by committee. Brody Fowler, Nathan Chrismon, and Luke Schmolke combined to allow only six hits over seven innings and worked around three defensive errors.




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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