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Tournaments  | Story | 9/21/2020

Sparks complete a Kernels 4-peat

Jeff Dahn
Photo: Cangelosi Sparks 2021 Black (Perfect Game)

MARION, Iowa – And the beat goes on …

The Cangelosi Sparks 2021 Black ran the table over four days of play at the 18th annual PG WWBA Kernels Foundation Championship and after beating the Canes Midwest Scout Team 21’s & 22’s by a 7-1 count in Monday afternoon’s championship game they found themselves in some very rare air – unprecedented air, in fact.

The championship was the fourth straight for the Lockport, Ill.-based Cangelosi Sparks organization at this PG WWBA World Championship qualifying tournament and cements its reputation as one of the premier programs not only in the Midwest but the entire country.



“We are just putting together great groups of kids and really getting them to buy into the fact that you earn what you get and you can beat anybody at any time,” Sparks 2021 Black head coach Tyler Thompson told PG at the conclusion of the championship game.

The Sparks 2021 Black players did an excellent job of earning what they received at the WWBA Kernels this weekend. They were the playoffs’ No. 1 seed after outscoring their two pool-play opponents by a combined 27-0 and rolled to a record of 6-0-0 by outscoring their six opponents by a combined 53-6.

“First of all, our pitchers did great this weekend; every single pitcher we had pitched great,” Sparks standout 2022 outfielder Jack Lausch told PG while soaking up the championship. “It was a great ‘team’ weekend. Everyone stepped-up, everyone played their role and it was just a great weekend.”

Those gaudy run totals include the Sparks’ 7-1 victory over the Canes MWST 21’s & 22’s in Monday’s championship game, played on a warm, sunny and breezy final day of summer at the Prospect Meadows Sports Complex.

This was a game that the Sparks 2021 Black broke open with a decisive five-run bottom half of the third that effectively removed any drama that might have been brewing from the playing field.

It unfolded quickly, too, with Bobby Atkinson and Ryan Kraft delivering back-to-back one-out line drive safeties to right field; Atkinson’s dropped in for a single, Kraft’s for a double. One out later, with those two standing on second and third, Michael Maloney stepped-in and drove a pitch down the left field line for a double that chased both Atkinson and Kraft home.

Maloney’s clutch two-bagger was just the beginning. Mark Brannigan was issued a two-out walk to put runners on first and second and Jack Lausch followed that up with a three-run home run, his second bomb of the day.

The Sparks 2021 Black added single runs in each of the third and fifth innings with Atkinson coming up with sacrifice flies to account for both runs. Ty Batusich was hit by a pitch and walked, and Nate Voss singled twice right in front of Atkinson in both frames.

The No. 14-seeded Canes Midwest Scout Team 21’s & 22’s, who had to play a first-round playoff game Sunday and finished 6-1-0, scored their only run in the top of the sixth when Andrew Payton delivered a leadoff single and eventually scored on a sac fly off the bat of Reese Harmon.

Lausch finished 2-for-3 with the home run and a single, three RBI and a run scored and Michael Maloney doubled and singled, drove in a pair of runs and scored another.

2022 righty Julius Sanchez, an Illinois commit, started the game for the Sparks 2021 Black and pitched two hitless, scoreless innings striking out two and walking four before giving way to Matt Maloney. A 2021 righty, Maloney held the Canes MWST 21’s & 22’s pretty much in check, giving up just the one run on four hits in his four innings of work.

The Canes finished with eight hits on the day with three of them singles off the bat of Tucker Biven.

“Just playing team baseball, we really struggled the last couple of weekends and honestly I was kind of nervous about this weekend,” Thompson said when asked about his team’s performance.  “(But) they really pulled it together and they’re kind of jelling as a team and picking each other up and talking and communicating and all things that are required to play at the next level.

“That’s what we preach in the offseason and sometimes it takes a little bit of time to put a new group together and get them to mesh and we finally did it.”

Lausch, a 6-foot-2, 180 pound 2022 outfielder from Chicago, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. An uncommitted prospect ranked No. 178 nationally in the 2022 class, Lausch collected seven hits over the weekend, including a pair of home runs, drove in nine runs and scored eight.

The Canes’ Holden Groher, a 6-foot, 180 pound 2021 righthander and a top-500 Butler commit out of Sellersburg, Ind., gave up one run on four hits, struck-out six and walked one in a first-round playoff win over the Hitters 2021’s on Sunday; he was named the MV Pitcher.

Winning four straight Kernels championships really is a big deal for the Cangelosi Sparks program and not just for the players that populated the fields at Prospect Meadows over the last four days.

“We’re really close with all of our alumni and we talk with all of them who are playing at colleges right now,” Thompson said. “They’re texting us all the time and they’re like, ‘Hey, come on, we need a four-peat, come on, keep protecting it.

“It’s just a nice carrot for these guys to be able to say they upheld what the guys prior to them have built for them; I think that’s really important.”

The Cangelosi Sparks 2021 Black had already accepted an invitation to the PG WWBA World Championship (Jupiter) before coming here this weekend and after winning the championship that invitation will now be paid for.

Because of coronavirus pandemic restrictions currently in place in certain Florida counties, this year’s WWBA World was moved from its traditional home in Jupiter on the Atlantic Coast west to Fort Myers on the Gulf Coast. The move does nothing to diminish the grandeur of PG’s most prestigious tournament event on the calendar.

“We’re excited for that one,” Lausch said as a big smile crossed his face. “I know the Sparks have done well there in the past and I think this is a team that can really go far in (that) tournament especially with the pitching we have and the bats that we have.

“This is a great start, great momentum that we got here today,” he added. “I think we can just keep this thing rolling and in three weeks we’ll be good to go.”

The Sparks 2021 Black and the Canes MWST 21’s & 22’s reached the championship game by winning their respective semifinal games Monday morning.

2021 lefthander Ryan Kraft and ’22 righty Julius Sanchez combined on a two-hitter in Cangelosi’s 3-2 win over No. 4 STiKS Academy. Kraft worked five innings, allowing the two runs on two hits while striking out six and Sanchez threw two scoreless inning, allowing one hit and striking out three; the Sparks’ Lausch hit a solo home run to lead off the top of the fourth.

“We know that we’re a really good team and we have something to prove,” Lausch said. “The Canes are really good and (the STiKS) are really good and we just knew it was about time we closed-out a tournament. It was great that we got a great team win here today.”

The Canes broke open a tight game with a six-run sixth and cruised to a 7-1 win over the No. 2 Illinois Dynasty Black 2021. Thomas Nettles delivered a bases-loaded triple as part of the big inning and also singled twice.

The Dynasty Black 2022 saw their consecutive scoreless inning streak come to an end at 25 in the game’s fourth inning when the Canes 21’s & 22’s scored on the strength of a one-out double from Tucker Biven and an RBI triple from Dominic Decker.

As the last two teams left Prospect Meadows Monday afternoon, the Sparks’ Thompson was feeling a lot better about this group than he did coming in.

“We played our best baseball this weekend and like I said, we struggled early-on this fall,” Thompson said. “I just keep telling the guys that we’re not a finished product. I don’t want to start off hot and cool off as we get closer to Jupiter, I want to start heating up. We really put it together this weekend and it’s a good building block for the next two weekends in  preparation for Fort Myers.”
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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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