Author: Abby

7:00 PM Hutchinson Monarchs (KS) vs. Lonestar Kraken (TX)

This game was all Monarchs, who redeemed themselves after a second-place finish last year, defeating the Kraken 21-4. Wichita State had its fingerprints all over this game, as current player Jaden Gustafson was named Player of the Game. The left fielder was 3-5 with three doubles, five RBI, and 3 runs scored. Shocker commits Jake Gutierrez and Drew Bugner both had multiple hits, multiple RBI’s, and multiple runs scored, while also both walking twice. Pryce Bender was the starter for Hutch, going 5 and 1/3rds innings while allowing 3 hits, 2 runs, and 2 walks. 

Only five Kraken players managed to collect hits, with no one collecting multiple. Major Brignon hit a triple in the 5th inning, getting the Kraken on the board, driving in two runs. Frank McGuire got the start, only making it through 1 inning while allowing four hits and five runs. 

6:00 PM Hutchinson Monarchs (KS) vs. Seattle Cheney Studs (CA)

The Hutchinson Monarchs are headed back to the Championship for a second year in a row, defeating the Seattle Cheney Studs 3-2. In a hard-fought battle, Hutch starter Bradyn McClure was once again lights out on the mound. Tossing 6 2/3rds innings, the righty allowed 5 hits, 1 run, and struck out 9. Wichita State commit Jake Gutierrez continued his stellar tournament, going 2-4 and scoring what would be the winning run, as well as swiping second base. Right fielder Jaden Gustafson was 2-3 with an RBI and a double, while his future WSU teammate Drew Bugner went 1-4 with a run and an RBI. Mitchell Johnson picked up the save, tossing a shutout inning with 1 strikeout. 

Jackson Copeland was the lone Cheney Stud to record 2 hits, both doubles, and also recorded both RBIs for his team. Nick Salaens got the start for Seattle, going 6 innings and allowing 6 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk, and getting 2 strikeouts. 

8:30 PM: Hays Larks (KS) vs. Lonestar Kraken (KS)

In a game where Lonestar Kraken held a six-run lead entering the 7th inning, Hays pulled off another massive comeback, forcing extra innings. The game came down to the bottom of the 11th inning, when Kraken center fielder Preston Curtis blasted a solo shot to left, sending his team to the Championship. Curtis led the team in hits, going 3-6 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored, and a stolen base, while teammate Diego Gonzales was 2-4 with a homerun, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Trent Collier got the start for the Kraken, allowing three hits and two runs over four innings, striking out 6 and walking 3.

Nick Grey got the start for Hays, throwing three and one-third innings. The starter gave up four hits and five runs, while striking out four. The Larks collected 10 hits as a team, with Taber Stokes leading the way. The shortstop was 2-6 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored, as well as a stolen base. Left fielder Trent Baker was productive at the plate and on the base paths, going 2-5 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored while stealing four bases. Reliever Julio Ramos was great, tossing 6.2 innings of shutout ball, until allowing the walk-off run. The reliever struck out eight batters while only allowing 1 walk and 1 hit.

9:00 AM Lonestar Baseball Club (TX) vs. San Diego Stars (CA)

Lonestar Collegiate did their best to erase a 7-run deficit in the 9th inning, but came up just short, falling to the San Diego Stars 9-7. The Stars will now play the Hays Larks in the quarterfinals tonight at 7:00 PM. 

Stars first baseman Frank Giacalone was the hero of the game, hitting a 2 run homer in the top of the ninth, driving in the two runs to take the lead. Carter Lockwood and Ethan Wright both racked up 2 hits and 2 RBIs apiece. Manny Miranda started for the Stars, throwing 5 1/3rds innings. The starter allowed 7 hits and 2 runs.

Robby Lopez had a great game for Lonestar, hitting a solo homerun and a double. Matthew Fletcher led the team in hits, going 3-5 and collecting 1 RBI. Maverick McAllister led the team with 2 RBI. Chris Perez got the start for Lonestar, giving up three hits and six runs over one inning. 

11:30 AM: Junction City Brigade (KS) vs. Derby Twins (KS)

Derby trailed the Brigade 3-4 heading into the 9th, with hits being hard to come by. Derby third baseman Noah Allison took it upon himself to save the day, hitting a bases-clearing 3-run double to drive in the winning run. Lucas Weaver was excellent in relief, pitching 3 innings, only allowing 2 hits and one unearned run, while also earning the win. Derby shortstop Kyle Walker continued his excellent tournament, going 2-4 with 3 runs scored.

Brigade shortstop Peyton Firgens had another good game, going 2-4 at the dish and scoring a run. Chad Pantuso also added 2 hits and a run scored. Blake Seefeldt got the start for the Brigade, tossing 3 and 1/3rd innings. He gave up five hits and two runs, striking out two and walking one.

1:30 PM: Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) vs. Lonestar Kraken (TX)

In our first game of the quarter final round, the Lonestar Kraken used a big 5th inning to power them to a 6-4 victory over the Santa Barbara Foresters. The top 5 batters for Lonestar created 5 of the 6 RBIs, while also scoring 2 of the runs. JT Simonelli and Chase Pendley both had 2 hits, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored for the Kraken. Kendall Hoffman started the game for Lonestar Kraken, giving up 3 hits and 1 run over 6 innings, and struck out 4.

The Foresters struggled to create much offense outside of the top of the lineup, with the last 4 hitters failing to register a hit. Brenton Clark was one of the few bright spots, going 2-4 with a double, a homerun, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored, accounting for all the runs the Foresters scored. Nic Abraham got the start on the bump for Santa Barbara, throwing 6 innings, striking out 4, and allowing 3 hits and 1 run.

4:00 PM: Alaska Goldpanners (AK) vs. Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)

In a game that was tied 1-1 in the 9th, it was the Wichita State commit, Drew Bugner, who was once again the hero. The shortstop hit a deep ball to left field in the bottom of the 9th, driving in the winning run and putting Hutchinson in the semi-finals. Another Wichita State commit, right fielder Jake Gutierrez, stayed hot at the plate, going 3-5. Ethan Giesbrecht got the start for Hutch, tossing 5 innings, only allowing 1 run and 3 hits. The righty fanned 4 batters and walked 3.

Lukas Sarantos got the start for the Goldpanners, throwing 5 and 2/3rds innings. The righty gave up 3 hits and 1 run, getting 4 strikeouts and 3 walks. Christian Olea went 1-4 and drove in the lone RBI for the Goldpanners.

7:00 PM: Derby Twins (KS) vs. Seattle Cheney Studs (WA)

In a game that was dominated by the pitching staffs of each team, Seattle was able to put up the lone run in the bottom of the 6th. Peyton Walters got the start for Derby, going 7 innings and allowing only 5 hits and 1 run, while striking out 4. Hunter Eisele was on the bump first for the Studs, going 4 innings and allowing 4 hits, 0 runs, and striking out 2. Brice Foster was excellent in relief for the Studs, pitching 5 innings, allowing only 1 hit, 1 walk, and getting 5 strikeouts. 

Ben Schnurman drove in the lone run on a sac fly that allowed Bradley Carl to score from third. Jackson Copeland went 2-4 at the plate and was the only Studs player with multiple hits.

Derby collected only 5 hits as a team, with no one collecting multiple. Peanut Brazzle added a stolen base to his tournament total, and Noah Allison hit yet another double, bringing his tournament total to 3. Derby committed 3 errors on defense, giving Seattle an opportunity to put the winning run in scoring position.

9:00 PM: Hays Larks (KS) vs. San Diego Stars (WA)

The Hays Larks came out and showed why they are the defending champs in this game. Leading 5-1 in the 3rd inning, the Larks continued to lay it on the Stars, winning 10-4. Starting pitcher Simon Lunsford was great in his 6.2 innings, allowing only one unearned run, 0 hits, walking 5, and striking out 9. Catcher Dylan Larue was 2-4 with a double, 3 runs scored, and 2 RBI. Shortstop Taber Stokes continued his hot streak at the plate, going 3-5 with an RBI, also swiping two bases.

The Stars couldn’t get the bats going in this one, only registering a single hit. They did display patience, getting 5 walks as a team that helped produce their single run. Baley Viscardi got the start for the Stars, allowing 5 hits, 5 runs, and 3 walks in 3 innings. Justin Tucker produced the lone hit, which was a double. Frank Giacalone collected the lone RBI for the Stars.

12:00 PM TPA Texas (TX) vs. Lonestar Kraken (TX)

University of Texas commit Josh Livingston continued his stellar tournament, helping the Lonestar Kraken cruise to a 10-2 victory. In our first game of single elimination bracket play, the utility infielder had 3 RBI and 1 run scored. His 3 run double blew the game wide open for the Kraken, and they never looked back. 

Kado Robardey and Kenner Lauterbach powered the bottom of the lineup for the Monarchs, each going 2-3 with two runs scored. Micah Melott started on the bump and threw a complete game, allowing 6 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), walking 2, and striking out 4.

Clark Scallon had a tough day on the mound. The starter tossed 2 and 2/3rds innings, allowing four hits and five runs, while walking two and striking out five. Designated hitter Roman Cariaga was 2-3 at the plate, and the only member of TPA with multiple hits. The DH also came in to pitch in relief, tossing 1 inning and allowing 2 hits and 3 runs.

3:00 PM: Seattle Blackfins (WA) vs. Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)

Powered by the two Wichita State commits in the top of their lineup, the Hutch Monarchs defeated the Seattle Blackfin 9-0 in 6 ½ innings. Right fielder Jake Gutierrez and shortstop Drew Bugner will both be playing at Eck Stadium this upcoming spring, and they showed why today. Gutierrez was 2-3 with 3 runs scored and a walk, while Bugner was 3-4 with two doubles, 3 runs, and 3 RBI. Third Basemen Blake Bradford also added 2 hits and 2 RBI for the Monarchs.

Carson Umphres got the start for Hutch. The right-handed hurler allowed 3 hits and 0 runs over six innings, striking out 5. Riley Dickey tossed one inning of scoreless ball, striking out one batter and walking another. 

The Blackfins collected only 3 hits as a team. Joshua Williams went 2-3 to lead the Blackfins in hits. Jake Lockwood got the start, giving up 2 hits and 3 runs over 2/3rds of an inning. 

12:00 PM TPA Texas (TX) vs. GPS Legends (TX)

TPA Texas was able to secure the final bracket play spot in pool D, defeating GPS Legends 10-9. The game was tied 9-9 in the top of the 9th, when TPA right fielder Levi Risenhoover hit a solo shot to left field. Designated hitter Roman Cariaga also added a home run to tie the game at 9 in the 7th. The 3 and 4 hole batters combined for 5 runs batted in, as well as 5 runs scored, having a role in every scoring play. Ian Reid was excellent in relief for TPA, throwing 4 1/3rds innings, allowing 0 runs, 1 hit, and striking out 6 on his way to picking up the win.

GPS Legends collected 11 hits as a team, including 6 doubles. Dayton Tockey and Jackson Rainey both racked up multiple hits and multiple RBIs. Tockey was 3-3 with 3 rbi and 1 run scored. It was a tough day for GPS starter Dyllon King, who threw 3 innings, allowing 8 hits and 6 runs. RJ Cardenas added to his stolen base total for the tournament, swiping two bags.

3:00 PM: BTL Hornets (KS) vs. Derby Twins (KS)

A strong 7th inning helped power BTL Hornets to a 10-3 win over the Derby Twins. It wasn’t quite enough, though, as Derby secured the final spot in Pool C, edging BTL by two runs in run differential. In the 7th inning, BTL’s 2nd basemen hit a double, driving in 3 runs, Cooper Schwindt singled, scoring two, and Quinn Groebl drove in a run on a sac fly. Cale Fossett got the start for BTL, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs over 4 innings, and walking 3. Grady Hoke was excellent in relief, tossing 3 2/3rds scoreless innings, only giving up 2 hits. 

Cade Sutherland led things off on the bump for Derby, surrendering 2 hits and 4 runs over 3 innings, adding 2 strikeouts. The Twins only had one player collect more than 1 hit, and that was second baseman Kole Dudding. Dudding was 2-3 with a walk as well. Peanut Brazzle and Damian Garcia collected both the RBIs for the team, with Connor Rabe and Jackson Syring accounting for the 3 runs across the plate. 

6:00 PM: Junction City Brigade (KS) vs. Alaska Goldpanners (AK)

In a rare occurrence for this tournament, offense was hard to come by for both teams. Alaska was able to best Junction City 2-0, securing the top spot in Pool D while Junction walked away with the second spot. Alaska collected 8 hits to Junctions 3, with Matthew Pinal and Vincent Venverloh being the only Goldpanners to collect multiple hits, with two apiece. Matthew Pinal also got the start on the bump, tossing five and one-third innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out 4. Goldpanners first baseman Ian Armstrong opened the scoring in the first inning with a solo shot to left.

Peyton Firgens and Brayden Harpole each had doubles for Junction City, with Gannon White adding the only other hit. Starting pitcher Mark Hoffman stepped on the hill and threw 6 innings, allowing 7 hits and one run, while striking out 6 and walking 3.

8:30 PM: Lonestar Baseball Club (TX) vs. Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)

This game was all about Santa Barbara’s pitching staff. Starter Noah Waldeck tossed 3 innings, only allowing 1 hit and striking out 5. The Foresters had 3 different relievers toss hitless innings, and 5 of the 6 pitchers in the game recorded 2+ strikeouts. Sawyer Farr did the heavy lifting for the Foresters’ offense, going 3-3 with 2 doubles and a homerun, accounting for 3 of the 5 runs. Santa Barbara had 3 different players steal a base, flashing the speed on the base paths.

Lonestar collected only 3 hits as a team and had 14 at-bats ending in strikeouts. Matthew Fletcher got the start for Lonestar, giving up 4 hits and 4 runs over 5 1/3rds innings. Tony DeJesus, Ben Merriman, and Travis Starkey collected the 3 hits for Lonestar.

12:00 PM Oklahoma MVP (OK) vs. Seattle Blackfins (WA)

The Seattle Blackfins have clinched the final qualification place in Pool A, after defeating MVP Oklahoma 7-5. Paxton Bigby and Brody Blum led the way for the Blackfins, each driving in two runs. Brayden Larson was 2-3 for the Blackfins also driving in a run. 

Lucas Schaefer tried his best to propel Oklahoma MVP into bracket play, going 2-5 with two and driving 3 runs in. Hutch Russell opened the scoring for Oklahoma MVP with a ground-rule double in the first inning. 

Maddux Schrupp got the start for Oklahoma MVP, allowing nine hits and five runs over four and two-thirds innings. Reidar Vane led things off for the Blackfins on the mound, giving up six hits, four runs, striking out 3, and walking five. Cole Hoffman came in to close the game and threw a shutout inning, striking out all 3 batters on his way to earning a save.

3:00 PM: Dodge City A’s (KS) vs. San Diego Stars (CA)

In a game that came down to the wire, Stars third baseman Joe Anderson drove in two runs on a grounder through the gap, giving the Stars an 11-10 walk-off victory over the Dodge City A’s. With the win, the Stars kept their hopes of advancing alive, but they will need some help from the Seattle Studs against the Hutch Monarchs. Dodge will advance, and Stars will be eliminated if Hutch wins.

San Diego Stars designated hitter Nico Salmeri had a great game, going 3-4 at the dish with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Joe Anderson was 2-5 with 1 run scored and 3 RBI, including the game-winning run. Jorge Rijo got the start for the Stars, tossing 3 innings and allowing 3 hits, four runs, and four walks. Bradyn Ross threw two innings in relief, allowing 1 hit and 1 run, but earning the win. 

Ryne Buckley had the biggest hit of the game for the A’s, with a grand slam in the top of the third to put Dodge City back in the game. Jacoby Radciffe made like a bandit, stealing 3 bases in the game. Zach Hoskins was called on to pinch hit in the top of the seventh, hitting a double to left field and driving in two runs. Aydin Ruiz got the start for Dodge City, giving up 4 hits and 7 runs over 1 and 1/3rd innings, and walked 3.

6:00 PM: Seattle Cheney Studs (WA) vs. Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)

The Seattle Studs have clinched the top spot in Pool B, after handing the Hutch Monarchs their first loss of the tournament, winning 9-5. Studs first baseman Jackson Copeland was the Player of the Game, going 4-4 with a double, 2 RBI, 1 run scored, and a walk. Catcher Kai Halstead was 2-3 with 3 runs scored, a solo homerun, 1 RBI, and a walk. Micah Bujacich got the start for the Studs. The righty surrendered 5 hits and 5 runs over three and one-third innings, also striking out 8 batters. Ethan Rattie, Zach Robman, and Michael Lejuene each threw shutout innings in relief for the Studs.

The Monarchs tallied 10 hits to the Studs’ 11, but couldn’t convert their hits into runs. Dylan Bell led the Monarchs with two RBI, while Jaden Gustafson, Jake Gutierrez, and JJ Spafford all collected two hits in the game. Pryce Bender started on the bump for the Monarchs, giving up 7 hits and 6 runs over four and two-thirds innings. Kyle Holzer was excellent in relief, throwing 2 innings and striking out 5, while only allowing 2 hits and 1 unearned run. 

8:30 PM: Lonestar Kraken (TX) vs. Hays Larks (KS)

In a battle for the top seed in Pool A, the Hays Larks jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first. Taber Stokes continued his great play with a double in the 5th for the Larks, while Lane Sparks and Trent Baker both swiped two bases. Nolan Wilson got the start for the Larks, throwing 5 innings, giving up 5 hits, 1 run, walking 5 batters, and striking out 3. 

Chase Pendley got the scoring started for the Kraken, hitting a sac fly to right, allowing Kado Robardey to score from 3rd. Kraken starting pitcher Logan Reid had a rough outing on the bump, only making it through one-third of the first inning, allowing 1 hit, 3 runs, hitting one batter, and walking 3. Josh Livingston cut the Larks’ lead to 2 with a solo shot in the top of the 7th. The difference in the game was the two errors the Kraken committed, allowing the Larks to score 2 runs.

12:00 AM: BTL Hornets (KS) vs. Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)

This game was all Santa Barbara from the jump. The Foresters made quick work of the BTL Hornets, winning 10-0 in five innings. Caden Miller and Easton Moomau led the way, each collecting 3 hits and 3 runs batted in. 

Foresters starting pitcher AJ Krodel threw a complete game, striking out three batters and giving up three hits. Santa Barbara left fielder Mic Paul added to the barrage with a solo home run in the top of the 4th.

Tyler Coffin, Josh Holmes, and Cade Martinez all collected hits for the BTL Hornets. The Hornets were solid on defense, committing zero errors.

3:00 AM: San Diego Stars (CA) vs. Seattle Cheney Studs (WA)

The San Diego Stars fell to the Seattle Cheney Studs 7-2 in the first game on Sunday. San Diego jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first, but was stifled the rest of the game. The Studs grabbed the lead in the bottom of the first on the back of a Ben Schnurman two-RBI single. Tristan Ringrose also tripled in the inning, driving in a run.

Nick Saelens got the start for the Studs, throwing 5 innings and allowing 5 hits, two runs, and striking out four. Baley Viscardi started for the Stars and broke an NBC record by hitting 6 batters in a game. Stars center fielder Justin Tucker was a bright spot, going 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored. 

6:00 AM: Derby Twins (KS) vs. Lonestar Baseball Club (TX)

With the sun rising in the background, the Derby Twins swiftly handled Lonestar Baseball Club, beating them 9-4. Kyle Walker was stellar for the Twins, going 4-5 with 1 RBI and 3 runs. Noah Allison also had a game, going 3-3 with 4 RBI. Tyler Clementz got the start for Derby, giving up 6 hits and 3 runs, while striking out 4 over 7 innings.

Lonestar’s John Gonzales doubled in the 4th, tying the game at 1. Tony Dejesus had 2 RBI for Lonestar, while DJ Pinkerton went 2-5 on the day with 1 RBI. EJ Garcia got the start for Lonestar Baseball Club, allowing 9 hits and 6 runs over 4 innings.

Derby racked up 15 hits in the game, and Damian Garcia had the biggest hit of the game with a 2 run in the bottom of the 4th.

12:00 PM: Dodge City A’s (KS) vs. Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)

This game was all Hutchinson Monarchs from start to finish, resulting in a 10-0 6-inning run rule. Monarchs starting pitcher Bradyn McClure was named the Player of the Game after tossing a one-hit complete game over six innings. McClure racked up 7 strikeouts and walked none through his outing.

The bats were just as hot as the pitching for the Monarchs, tallying 12 hits as a team. Tyson Vassart, Jake Knox, and Jaden Gustafson all collected 2 hits apiece. Drew Bugner went 3-3 at the plate to lead the Monarchs, driving in one run. 

Cooper Tannehill got the start for Dodge City. The righty surrendered seven hits and five runs over three and two-thirds innings. Matt Perez went 1-2 for the A’s, recording the team’s solo hit.

3:00 PM: Junction City Brigade (KS) vs. GPS Legends (TX)

Keeping with the trend of high-scoring games this tournament, Junction City Brigade bested the GPS Legends 15-8. Junction City jumped out to a massive 8-0 lead in the first inning. Chad Pantuso hit a two-run homer to left field, Peyton Figgins added a 2 RBI single, Ian Luce doubled, driving in 3, and Gannon White singled, scoring another. 

Keegan McDonald picked up the win for Junction City, tossing 3 1/3rds innings in relief of starter Jackson Gowan. McDonald struck out 3 batters, allowing 0 runs and 2 hits. Junction City had seven of nine players in the starting lineup record double-digit hits. Ian Luce had 5 runs batted in, and Peyton Firgens added 3 hits in 5 at-bats. Gabe Yonto recorded two stolen bases.

GPS Legends catcher Raphael Pelletier went 3-4 with two doubles, driving in a run and scoring one himself. RJ Cardenas and Nano Mendoza each drove in two runs apiece.

6:00 PM: TPA Texas (TX) vs. Alaska Goldpanners (AK)

Alaska Goldpanners right fielder Owen Meli was the star of this game, driving in four runs on three hits. He hit the tournament’s first inside-the-park home run in the eighth inning, scoring two. Player of the Game Matthew Pinal went 5-6 for the Goldpanners, scoring 4 runs and propelling the Goldpanners to a 15-6 victory. Designated Hitter Jamie Mullin added a 2 run shot in the 3rd. Addison Walker got the start for Alaska, giving up 5 hits and 3 runs over two and one-third innings.

Levi Risenhoover was the bright spot for TPA Texas, going 2-4 with 3 RBI and two runs. Roman Cariaga, Aiden LeMasters, and Jameson Lucky all collected two hits apiece. Hagen Tijerina got the start and allowed 7 hits and 8 runs over 3 innings.