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Tournaments  | Story | 9/16/2012

Top 2015 starts at PG/Evo Upper

Photo: Perfect Game

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Back in mid-August, in the days immediately after the Perfect Game All-American Classic presented by Rawlings was staged at PETCO Park in downtown San Diego, young 2015 prospect Kyle Molnar made his Perfect Game debut.

The event was the 2012 PG National  Games, an annual underclass showcase held this year at the University of California at San Diego, north of downtown. Molnar, a sophomore at Aliso Niguel High School from Aliso Viejo, Calif., pitched two innings in one showcase game, and allowed no runs on two hits while striking out three.

On Sunday, almost a month to the day from that debut at the PG National Games, Molnar made his Perfect Game tournament pitching debut at the Perfect Game/EvoShield National Championship (Upperclass), and he made it as the nation's  No. 1-ranked prospect in the high school class of 2015.

Molnar, who is already 6-feet-2 and 185 pounds, and delivered his fastball at 91 mph at the PG National Games, claimed he had no butterflies as he took the mound for head coach Mike Spiers and the ABD Bulldogs with dozens of sets of eyes locked on his every move.

"I just wanted to go out there and throw, just like always," Molnar said after his outing on Field 4 at the Camelback Ranch Complex, the Cactus League home of the Chicago White Sox and L.A. Dodgers. "I wanted to throw strikes and see what pitches are working and what pitches aren't."

The outing went well. Flashing a fastball that reached 88 mph, Molnar pitched five innings, allowed four runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out eight and walking two. His defense behind him committed six errors, leading to the three unearned runs.

"I felt good when I came out," Molnar  said. "I just wanted to throw strikes and let my defense play, and even though they made errors I wanted to give them another chance until they made (the play)."

The No. 2-seeded Bulldogs were playing the No. 15 Murietta Valley Hurricanes in the first round of the PG/EvoShield Upper playoffs when Molnar took the hill. ABD earned the No. 2 seed by finishing pool-play 3-0 and outscoring its three opponents by a combined 25-2. It beat the Hurricanes, 9-4, to advance to Sunday afternoon's quarterfinals.

The ABD Bulldogs roster this weekend is stocked with players who have always been Bulldogs as well as those who have played for other teams within the ABD organization.

"It's a good group, and it's a group of guys who can just compete," Spiers said. "That's one thing about all the players in our program, they'll compete. No matter what the opponent or who's here or who's not here, it's about going out and competing and looking to get better each time you come out."

The Bulldogs hit only .286 as a team in their first four games, but got great production from Tyler Brown (2013, Henderson, Nev.) and Tyler Robles (2013, Fontana, Calif.). Brown was 7-for-10 (.700) with two triples, a home run, four RBI and eight runs scored, and Robles was 3-for-7 (.428) with a double and a triple. Willie Barcena (2013, Los Angeles) was 3-for-3 with an RBI in the playoff win over the Hurricanes.

Spiers used six pitchers, including Molnar, in the first four games and they compiled a 0.91 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 23 innings.

As for Molnar, Spiers sees a special prospect with a future that may not be on the mound, but in the outfield.

"I think Kyle is going to be all right; in fact, I think he's going to be a pretty good position player," Spiers said. "The reason I wanted him to come out (Sunday) is so he can get some experience in these type of tournaments. This is a good thing for him to come out and get more experience, and as he comes out and plays in these type of events, he's going to be all right.

"He's going to be the type of player like Travis Harrison, where Travis was younger and played up all the time. He's going to  be one of those type of guys for us."

Harrison played for the ABD Bulldogs from 2007-10, was a 2010 PG/Aflac All-American and was a first round compensation pick by the Minnesota Twins in the 2011 MLB draft. He played this year in the Rookie  Level Appalachian League.

Spiers' contention that Molnar may one day become an effective position player is based strictly on Molnar's youth and still-developing body.

"The thing is, a lot of times when you get a young kid with a good arm and he's got pitchability, right away you gravitate toward that because he really hasn't developed as a position player. That's still an on-going process with him," Spiers said. "He does a lot of things a lot of young players don't do, and he's got a real good feel for the game as a position player."

Molnar, like so many other California prospects, has kept busy this fall playing in the scout leagues that are popular across the state. He said he noticed it when Perfect Game moved him up to the No. 1 spot in the 2015 national prospect rankings, but tried to downplay it.

"I looked at it, but it doesn't change my mentality or anything," he said. "I still want to be humble about it and not brag about it and just throw my game."

His focus Sunday morning was helping the ABD Bulldogs keep playing into Monday, when the semifinals and championship game of the PG/EvoShield Upperclass will be played at Goodyear Ballpark.

"I wanted to go deep into the playoffs and throw one complete game, which I didn't get (Sunday) but I still did pretty good," Molnar said of his expectations coming into the event. "I wanted to do some work on hitting also."

Molnar made five plate appearances in the Bulldogs' first four games, and singled, walked three times and stole four bases.

As Spiers walked off the field Sunday morning after picking up the first playoff win, he expressed confidence the Bulldogs could keep playing into Monday.

"Anytime you step on the field you're capable of winning, it's just a matter of getting that momentum and the pieces fall into place," Spiers said.


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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