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Tournaments  | Story | 10/14/2012

WWBA Florida Q semis set

Photo: Perfect Game

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The gate was left open after the first round of the playoffs were complete Sunday afternoon, but by early Sunday evening only one gate-crasher had made his way into the party's final day.

Three of the top four playoff seeds at this year's PG WWBA Florida Qualifier advanced to Monday morning's semifinal round after posting a pair of playoff victories Sunday afternoon at either Terry Park or the jetBlue Player Development Complex. The only Cinderella at the ball -- and it's really not that much of a Cinderella -- is 10th-seeded SWFL 18u, the WWBA Florida Qualifier defending champion.

Otherwise, the players in the final four are exactly who the playoff bracket predicted they would be: No. 1 Chet Lemon's Juice (5-0), No. 3 SCORE International 18u (5-0) and No. 4 Florida Burn (5-0). All four finalists are playing for a paid invitation to the prestigious PG WWBA World Championship over in Jupiter, Fla., Oct. 25-29.

Monday's semifinal pairings have Chet Lemon's Juice facing the Florida Burn and SWFL 18u going against SCORE International 18u. Both games are slated for 9 a.m. at the jetBlue Player Development Complex. The championship game is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at jetBlue Park.

Chet Lemon's Juice won this event in 2010 and went on to become co-champion at the PG WWBA World Championship a few weeks later. The Burn have already won two Perfect Game national championships this year, including last week's PG WWBA Underclass World Championship held right here in Fort Myers.

SCORE International 18u is yet to win a PG championship although its head coach, former big-leaguer and 1st-round draft pick Sam Marsonek, has some experience at it. Marsonek directed Bullets Baseball to a co-championship at the 2011 18u PG BCS Finals and has had SCORE International in contention at major PG events throughout the summer.

SCORE International is a Christian ministry and the capital letters are an acronym for Sharing Christ Our Redeemer. It was founded in 1985 by Ron Bishop, a former college basketball coach, who used sports to preach the Gospel in Mexico and Latin American countries. Needless to say, the organization has its own unique approach to things.

"We've got a great group of guys who play the game the right way, and play hard, play selfless and just really lay it out for each other," Marsonek said after SCORE beat the No. 14 Florida Heat 9-1 in the playoffs' first round. "They're not worried about their individual numbers; they're not worried about anything other than helping each other out, and it's just cool to be around kids that want to help each other."

Right-hander Jose Pupo (2013, Tampa) threw a seven inning five-hitter in SCORE's 2-0 quarterfinal win over the Sarasota Baseball Club, and struck out 11.Righties Nick Nolan (2013, Seminole, Fla.) and Casey Sullivan (2013, Brandon, Fla.) combined on a five inning three-hitter in SCORE's 9-1 win over the Florida Heat in the playoffs' first round.

"Pitching, defense and base-running is really what we kind of pride ourselves on," Marsonek said. "I'm pretty confident that our pitchers are going to throw strikes and work quick, and then we've just got to be able to score some runs."

Chet Lemon's Juice earned the No. 1 seed after outscoring its three pool-play opponents by a combined 20-2, and beat No. 16 Ostingers Baseball Academy Select, 8-1, in the first round before stopping No. 8 SWFL 17u, 2-1, in the quarterfinals.

University of Florida recruit Tyler Danish (2013, Valrico, Fla.), the No. 96-ranked overall national prospect in his class, gave up three hits, no earned runs and struck out five in seven innings of work against SWFL 17u in the quarterfinals. Danish also pitched two hitless innings in relief, striking out two, in Chet's 1-0 win over Naturals Florida in their final pool-play game Sunday morning.

The Florida Burn are the country's hottest travel team at the moment, led by a talented 2014 class that is looking for its second major Perfect Game tournament championship in a week's time. The Burn outscored their three overmatched pool-play opponents 18-4, then shredded their two playoff foes Sunday afternoon by a combined 21-1.

In their two playoff wins Sunday, four right-handers -- Dominick Stefanacci (2014, Fort Myers, Fla.), Chris Hopkins (2014, Deland, Fla.), Tyson Albert (2013, Nokomis, Fla.) and Dalton Guthrie (2014, Sarasota, Fla.) --   combined to throw a run-rule shortened nine innings, scattered eight hits and struck out eight while surrendering no earned runs.

And then there's SWFL 18u, which may have already re-discovered the magic it conjured up a year ago at the Florida Qualifier. That was when SWFL 18u lost its second pool-play game but rallied to win five straight, including the championship game. This year it was forced to settle for 1-1 tie with the Ontario Blue Jays White in its opener Friday night but has come back to win four straight.

The run SWFL 18u surrendered against the Blue Jays was the only one it gave up in three pool-play games. The 10th-seeded squad upset the No. 7 Hialeah Warriors, 2-1, in the playoffs' first round and topped No. 15 Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy, 3-2, in the quarters. CBBA pulled off the first-round's biggest upset when it outlasted No. 2 Florida Future, 8-7.

"Every time we start out in a tournament, we always try to win (it), and it's the same thing here," SWFL 18u head coach Ryan Horton said Friday night. "We've finally got everybody back together, so we're going to try out different things and see what works. Our ultimate goal is to win this and to get better when we go down to Jupiter."


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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