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Tournaments  | Story | 6/13/2021

Close Calls For 5 Star Nothing to Sweat

Photo: Kenny Manresa (Perfect Game)
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- For over a decade, the 5 Star Outlaws have been a stalwart in the South Florida baseball scene. In the summer of 2021, nothing has changed for the Miami Lakes-based organization. Remaining one of the more successful programs in the region, the Outlaws pride themselves on winning close baseball games, and the 5 Star Outlaws 2023 showcased that at CenturyLink Sports Complex in Fort Myers on Saturday.
 
On the first day of the 2021 16u Perfect Game Florida Select Championship, the Outlaws secured two victories that both went down to the wire. In their first matchup, first baseman Justin Breitenstein shot a single into shallow right field that scored Christopher Carroll and Noah Alburquerque in the bottom of the fifth, giving the Outlaws a walk-off win over Prospects Showcase Team 2023. In their second, Devin Catoni came on in the sixth to shut down Knights Knation Florida 2023 for two innings as the Outlaws took home another one-run victory. Outlaws Head Coach Alex Catoni said that gritty wins are now second nature for the 2023 squad.
 
“The team never quits,” Alex said. “That’s always been our motto. We don’t give up until the last out.”
 
The Outlaw perseverance has paid dividends for the team so far in 2020-2021, accumulating a 15-4 Perfect Game record since September and beginning this summer season 5-1. While the Outlaws’ roster features some of the top talents in South Florida, Catoni believes that camaraderie is a driving force in the team’s success.
 
“What leads to success is the chemistry of this team,” Catoni said. “They gel together, they glue, and that helps them fight to the end.”
 
While the Outlaws are no stranger to adversity, the team faced a more formidable challenge than usual on Saturday. David Davila (Florida State commit), Gian De Castro, Antonio Jimenez and Keanu Rodriguez (Miami commits) were just some of the Outlaw standouts missing from the roster on Saturday, as many of them are participating in the 2021 Perfect Game Jr. National Showcase. However, the Outlaws rose to the challenge and didn’t back down, which Catoni believes speaks significantly to his team’s character.
 
“It’s a struggle when you don’t have those big guys here,” Catoni said. “But we have guys that can pick up the pieces and keep battling. When these guys are not there, we have guys that can step up and take those roles.”
 
Throughout the day, many Outlaw players filled those roles when they needed it most. In their first matchup, the Outlaws quickly fell behind after Prospects Showcase Team 2023 plated three runs in the top of the first. From there, the Outlaw bats began to chip away. In the bottom of the first, the Outlaws got on the board with a Damian Hernandez RBI double.  Andy Hernandez then evened the game in the second with a bases-loaded two-RBI single, scoring Catoni and Jeymel Estrada. Prospects retook the lead in the third on another RBI single, and then both offenses went stagnant.
 
As time was running out for the game, the umpires announced that the fifth inning would be the last, giving the Outlaws a shortened opportunity to overcome the deficit. However, the Outlaw bats did not waste their last chance. Andy Hernandez led off the inning with a walk, but the Outlaws quickly found themselves on their final out after a fielder’s choice and a failed steal attempt. Carroll and Alburquerque then gave the Outlaws life as they hit back-to-back singles. After a passed ball, Breitenstein found himself a chance to win the game with runners on second and third. He didn’t squander the opportunity, lining a single to right field to score both runners and secure a 5-4 victory for the Outlaws. Despite the implications, Breitenstein said he didn’t let the moment get too big for him and kept his approach simple. 
 
“I saw a big gap between first and second and knew that’s where I wanted to put the ball,” Breitenstein said. “I didn’t try to do too much with it, and it worked out in the end.”
 
The Outlaws then carried their high emotions into their second bout, using them to create an offensive outburst in the bottom of the first. After two hit-by-pitches and an Andres Cruz single, Manuel Henriquez drove home two runs with a fielder’s choice. Andy Hernandez then drew a walk and scored from first on a Catoni two-RBI double, giving the Outlaws a 4-0 lead. The Outlaws bats quieted in the second, but Damien Hernandez was able to make the lead five as he drove home Alburquerque with another RBI double. 
 
Kenny Manresa was dominant on the mound for the Outlaws, tossing 2 2/3 innings of shutout ball while striking out four. However, the Knights’ bats woke up in the fourth, plating four runs of their own in the inning. Catoni then snuffed out the Knight’s hope, striking out two over two innings and not allowing a single baserunner, securing the win for the Outlaws. Breitenstein believes that the team’s attitude was a significant factor in pulling out the close victories on Saturday.
 
“We’re just fighters,” Breitenstein said. “We stay in the game. Even if we get down at some points, we’re able to keep ourselves in it and push to keep working hard.”
 
After delivering two tight victories on their first day, the Outlaws will look to continue their success throughout Championship pool and bracket play. While the game may be over, Catoni believes Breitenstein’s clutch performance will remain a factor throughout the tournament.
 
“That walk-off probably sets the tone for the rest of the tournament,” Catoni said. “That’s a big comeback right there. Coming up with that big hit, that’s something special that sets a tone and hopefully puts us deep into the playoffs.”

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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