Notice: You are currently viewing a development version of the PerfectGame.org website.
For the live site, please visit www.perfectgame.org
THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Championship | 7/7/2020

Astros Crowned Champs at Firecracker Finale

Photo: East Cobb Astros 17u (Perfect Game)
MARIETTA, Ga. - The 2020 18U Firecracker Finale came to a close Monday afternoon with the final three games of the tournament. The championship game took place on field one at the East Cobb Complex in Marietta, Georgia with the East Cobb Astros 17U taking on eXposure 17U Prime. The Astros were awarded the four seed in bracket play while eXposure ended up with an 11 seed after pool play. These two teams are both 17U, so playing for a chance to win an 18U Perfect Game tournament is something of which the coaches and players can be proud.

For the Astros, it has been continued success in each Perfect Game tournament and it was no different this week at the Firecracker Finale. The Astros completed a clean sweep of their pool while scoring 31 runs and giving up only six. On their way to the championship, the Astros took care of two 643 DP teams handily with two mercy rule victories. They were tested in the semifinal game against the East Cobb Yankees 18U, but ultimately came out with a 4-2 victory. They were powered behind their starting pitcher, Radek Birkholz, Notre Dame commit, who struck out nine batters in 6.1 innings of work and Treyton Rank, FSU commit, who also added two RBIs in the semifinal game.



The 11 seeded eXposure Prime finished pool play with two wins and one loss scoring 16 runs and allowed 15. They were able to inch out a 1-0 victory over 643 DP Cougars Pralgo in the quarterfinals. Pitchers, Colby Reynolds and Drew Patterson worked together to silence the 643 bats for 7 innings. The semifinal game was a high scoring affair between eXposure Prime and Team Elite 17U as they were able to win 9-6. Jackson Musrock, Irvin Hernandez, Cooper Kinney, Caden Rector, Andrew Grande, Colby Reynolds, and Hudson Siegler all had RBIs in the semifinal. This set up what was expected to be a competitive championship game to cap off the 18U Firecracker Finale.

It was a quiet first inning for both squads with both pitchers getting three outs unscathed. In the top of the 2nd inning, eXposure was able to play small ball piecing together two hits and two walks to gain a 1-0 lead. With bases loaded, Irvin Hernandez hit a slow grounder to the 2nd baseman to earn himself an RBI and extend their lead over the Astros by a score of 2-0. The Astros bats stayed quiet in the 2nd inning. 

After roughly an hour rain delay, the two teams took the field again after taking shelter in their respective dugouts to outlast the rain. The third inning was more of the same with the Astros starting pitcher, Andrew Armstrong, shutting eXposure down while allowing no runs. The Astros bats came alive in the bottom half of third but had nothing to show for it. They had bases loaded with no outs but could not manage to break into their deficit of two runs. 

Armstrong, after a rough second inning, showed his dominance on the mound in the fourth inning sitting down the eXposure batters in order. Despite being down two, the Astros batters continued to fight and cut their deficit in half. Joe Mack, Clemson commit, was able to get on with a walk, moving to third on a throwing error. With no outs and runners on second and third, the Astros were able to capitalize on this opportunity. Christian Moore, Tennessee commit, came up with a timely deep fly to right, scoring Mack thus making the score 2-1 after four innings. 

Armstrong was able to repeat his performance in the top of the fifth sitting down the eXposure batters in order once again. Down one run with nine outs to go, the Astros time to capitalize on Armstrong’s performance was in this inning. Michael Sharman and Radek Birkholz singled before Lleyton Lackey singled driving in one run, which tied up the game 2-2. Kristian Campbell walked, which allowed the tournament MVP, Michael Braswell, to hit an RBI single, which gave the Astros their first lead of the game. 

“I have been focusing on my mechanics at the plate and my swing,” Braswell said. “I want to have good at bats and the hits will come.” 

With the bases loaded and two outs, the Astros’ hitter, Christian Moore, delivered the knockout blow to eXposure Prime by hitting a base clearing three run double. Moore would be thrown out at third trying to extend his hit into a triple, which was the third out of the inning. This would be the final time either team scored another run. 

The top of the sixth welcomed new Astros pitcher, Austin Wainer, who shut the door on eXposure Prime allowing only one hit and striking out three in two innings of work. Wainer shut down the eXposure batters in the sixth and seventh, thus giving the victory to the East Cobb Astros 17U by a score of 6-2.

The Astros swept the accolades this week with a player on their team taking home the MVP and the MVPitcher of the 2020 18U Firecracker Finale. 

Starting pitcher and MVPitcher of the tournament, Andrew Armstrong, told PG, “I was able to battle through the weather and the rain delay.” Armstrong also mentioned that he would not have been in this position if it weren’t for the timely hitting from his teammates. 

This is the Astros third Perfect Game championship crown of the year as they look forward to competing for more championships at future PG events this summer. 

MVPitcher: Andrew Armstrong
MVP: Michael Braswell
 

Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes

Tyler Kotila
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Article Image
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...
Loading more articles...