What We Saw: Week Six
March 27, 2023
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LOS ANGELES, CALIF. - The Week Six Power 25 rankings update saw some shuffling in the Top 10 along with multiple new entrants. After the games last week, there are sure to be more changes to the upcoming Week Seven Power Rankings given the upsets, the comebacks, and the teams that continue to climb the rankings with what could be magical seasons as we approach the mid-way point in some sections.
Our team was out in full force across the state of California to provide the best coverage of high school baseball available. What we saw will feature some of the top games covered by our team in addition to a recap of some formidable matchups throughout last week. You can catch up on how the Power 25 fared last week as a whole in our Weekly Review.
In this edition of What We Saw for Week Six of the CIF high school baseball season we got eyes on top teams, top uncommitted players, and teams climbing up rankings.
Be sure to follow PBR California on Twitter and Instagram for videos/notes throughout the year.
What We Saw
POWER 25
No. 4 Valley Christian (San Jose) vs No. 24 St. Ignatius
Valley Christian dominated St. Ignatius in their one-game matchup by a score of 10-1. Led by the bat of ‘23 SS PJ Moutzouridis (Cal Poly SLO), going two for two with two doubles and four RBIs.
The pitching from Valley christian only allowed three hits in the game coming from another stellar outing from ‘23 RHP Michael Castaneda (Northern Kentucky), pitching five frames giving up only two hits and no walks or runs. ‘25 Kole Laubach (Uncommitted) finished the last two innings.
Valley Christian continue to impress with eight hitters batting over the .300 line producing 90 runs in 11 games. The team ERA is 0.55 led by Castaneda who is mentioned above and ‘23 RHP Alec Belardes (Arizona State)
While St. Ignatius lost this game, their strong 9-2 record has been help along with strong hitting and pitching which seemed to falter in this game.
No. 7 Foothill (Pleasanton) vs. No. 13 De La Salle
De La Salle bounced back from their first loss of the year against No. 11 Whitney by cruising to an easy 12-1 victory against Foothill. An all around team performance with 10 RBIs, five doubles and a home run led De La Salle in their blowout. ‘23 OF Tanner Griffith (Saint Mary’s College) had three hits, two being doubles.
The pitching was dominant, the only run coming unearned as ‘23 RHP Tyler Zocchi (Uncommitted), RHP Cal Randall (UCLA), and ‘24 RHP Jack Karst (Uncommitted) all pitched giving up only three hits combined.
De La Salle continue to stay hot with a .355 team average and a 1.75 team ERA.
No. 14 Archbishop Mitty vs. No. 18 Bellarmine
Archbishop Mitty won in dramatic fashion with an eighth inning walkoff concluding a 3-2 game. ‘24 INF Tanner Kern (Uncommitted) came up big, driving in two runs on a double. ‘23 MIF Jarren Advincula (Cal) had a two hit day, driving in the other of the three runs for Archbishop Mitty.
Archbishop Mitty ‘24 LHP Luka Pintar (SDSU) was dominant, turning in 6.1 innings with seven strikeouts and giving up one unearned run. A trio of pitchers finished the final two innings of the game to seal the win.
Archbishop Mitty holds a .307 team average and 2.05 team ERA which has propelled them to an 11-1 record.
Bellarmine battled late in the game, tying the game 1-1 in the top of the seventh inning and going ahead by one in the top of the eighth. ‘23 OF/C Nate Escalada (Uncommitted) and ‘23 SS Chase Knight (Fresno State) drove in both their runs on offense while ‘24 RHP Wade Mountz (Arkansas) was dominant on the hill, throwing five innings, striking out eight and giving up one unearned run.
Franklin won in a 2-0 shutout, ‘24 RHP Nic Abraham (Oregon) tossed all seven innings of the shutout.
CG for 2024 Nic Abraham @FHSAthletics2 vs Jesuit. 2-0 win. Finished off w/nasty CHG, up to 92 in 7th. Feel of four pitches, composed, + fielder. Will see at ProCase 2023. Oregon commit
— PBR Northern CA (@Clemmens_PBR) March 23, 2023
FB 88-92 (BP FBs 84-86)
CB 72-74
SL 76-77
CHG 75-77@yankeenic @PBR_California @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/y5b6LZ3BVI
‘23 MIF Derek Pham (Uncommitted) knocked a double and home run while going 3-3 on the day.
One out double for 2023 SS Derek Pham @FHSAthletics2, uncmtd MIF with slick fielding skills and a bat I’ve seen play, was real good @BayAreaWS Uncmtd last fall. Ball goes out on a different day. @Derekpham05 @PBR_California @PBR_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/bTKJ4P7od3
— PBR Northern CA (@Clemmens_PBR) March 22, 2023
‘26 Dylan Minnatee hit in the other of the two runs with a strong swing.
Knock off bat of 2026 OF Dylan Minnatee of @FHSAthletics2 today in 2-0 W v Jesuit. Young man swings it with intent while showing a mature for his age approach. 5-10 175, certainly will be invited to Team CA Future Games tryout @DylanMinnatee40 @ShooterHunt @PBR_California pic.twitter.com/1qgHeswsLa
— PBR Northern CA (@Clemmens_PBR) March 23, 2023
While Jesuit may have lost, holding a strong team like Franklin to two runs is no easy task, ‘24 RHP Garrett Valdez (Uncommitted) tossed six innings.
Good day at the yard seeing a pitcher I’d not seen before & loving it. Here is some good stuff from ‘24 Garrett Valdez @BaseballJesuit, 6 STRONG inn vs Franklin, one of top teams in CA
— PBR Northern CA (@Clemmens_PBR) March 23, 2023
FB 83-86
CB 71-73
CHG 72-74 (perhaps split too)@garrett_v_262 @PBR_California @BayAreaWS pic.twitter.com/eyKixoSgTT
No. 15 Orange Lutheran vs. Mater Dei
Orange Lutheran and Mater Dei had a tough battle on Friday as Orange Lutheran only managed to score for the first time in the seventh inning.
For Mater Dei freshman ‘26 OF Ezekiel Lara (Uncommitted) had four hits on the day showing a commanding presence in the box.
Here’s a look at 3 of Lara’s four hits on the night. https://t.co/wE4PSuwRch pic.twitter.com/J9nl2AuPsH
— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) March 26, 2023
‘25 INF Dylan Wetzel (Uncommitted) knocked in Mater Dei’s only run with a clutch double.
Huge 2 out double by ‘25 INF Dylan Wetzel of @MDHS_Baseball gives the Monarchs a 1-0 lead as we head to T2. pic.twitter.com/VuvMVJYLpS
— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) March 25, 2023
‘24 UTIL Ben Reiland (Oklahoma State) tied the game with a deflection off the pitchers glove en route to Orange Lutheran’s eventual win.
.@olubaseball ties it at 1-1 on the contact play off the bat of ‘24 UTIL Ben Reiland. pic.twitter.com/TopfRBhiDd
— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) March 25, 2023
Elsewhere in California
Steel Canyon vs. Eastlake
Eastlake beat Steel Canyon by a score of 6-0 but both sides showed strong at bats.
Starting with Eastlake, ‘23 2B Daniel Mora (Uncommitted) went 2-2 with a double.
One of the more consistent HS performers last few spring seasons has been @PBR_Uncommitted ‘23 @danielmora2101 of @eastlake_bb.
— ??? ?????????? (@PBR_California) March 25, 2023
Kid can swing it. Foot gets down early and is consistently on-time for the FB. Bat works through the zone w/ some whip. Also a strong defensive 2B. pic.twitter.com/Z7bDoEjDsk
‘23 SS Isaiah Lane (Oklahoma) also slashed a double while going 1-3 on the day.
Here’s a ? at @OU_Baseball commit @IsaiahLane2023 of @eastlake_bb.
— ??? ?????????? (@PBR_California) March 25, 2023
One of the smoothest SSs in CA. Soft hands w/ ability to move through the ball extremely well.
Looks a bit more physical at the plate than last spring. Quick hands work direct and deliver an on-plane barrel. pic.twitter.com/zYhuQH6olE
Steele Canyon ‘23 C Tommy Molina (PLNU) had a strong two hit day.
Here’s a look at 2H yesterday from ‘23 @PLNUBaseball commit C @TommyMolina18 of @Steele_Baseball.
— ??? ?????????? (@PBR_California) March 26, 2023
Coming off a HUGE junior season. One of the better power bats in SD. Smooth swing with a consistent approach/intent to do damage. Important bat for the Cougars this spring. pic.twitter.com/C1FkBpQBXM
Christian vs Francis Parker
This game was all Christian as the patriots routed Francis Parker by a score of 9-2.
‘24 C Xavier Farnum (SDSU) had two hits in three at bats with an RBI.
‘24 @AztecBaseball commit C and #FutureGames22 participant @FarnumXavier is off to a solid start this spring for @CHS___Athletics.
— ??? ?????????? (@PBR_California) March 23, 2023
Hitting a strong .450 (9/20) through 7 games. Real physical lower half. Simple approach within a balanced swing. Strong catching skillset as well. pic.twitter.com/Iprth3QXqM
‘24 3B/RHP Ashton McCurty (Uncommitted) had a double on the day as well as tossing a strong performance on the mound.
Intriguing @PBR_Uncommitted ‘24 out of @CHS___Athletics in @AshtonMcCurty. 2-sport/2-way prospect. Physical/athletic presence.
— ??? ?????????? (@PBR_California) March 23, 2023
At the plate, he stays short to the ball with quick hands. On the mound yesterday, he threw 5 shutout innings showing a T88 FB and a mid 70s breaker. pic.twitter.com/uVCjdQvliC
‘23 UTIL Shane Bailey (Western Oregon) had a great day at the plate, going 2-2 with a massive homerun.
Solid day at the plate yesterday for ‘23 @WOU_Baseball commit and #WCG22 standout @ShaneBailey2023 in @CHS___Athletics 9-2 win.
— ??? ?????????? (@PBR_California) March 23, 2023
Had 2H including this #PBRBombSquad. Flatter bat path that stays through the zone well w/ good extension allowing him to make loud contact out front. pic.twitter.com/oxDF8MKhDz
El Segundo vs. El Camino Real
El Segundo and El Camino Real engaged in a close battle with El Segundo winning 5-4.
For El Segundo, ‘23 RHP Brady Engelhardt (Uncommitted) dominated in five innings of work only giving up one run.
Here’s a quick ? at 2Ks today from ‘23 @bradyengelhardt of @ESHSEAGLESBASBL.
— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) March 26, 2023
Went 5 strong innings (1R/1H/8K).
One of the better @PBR_Uncommitted ‘23 arms I’ve seen of late. Solid 6-2/190.
FB came out an easy 85-87 T88. Mixed in a quality 72-74 breaking ball and 75-77 CH. pic.twitter.com/K0Vhl06IVZ
El Camino Real pitcher ‘25 LHP Christian Gastelum (Uncommitted) also turned in a good performance as well, holding El Segundo to one earned run in four innings of work.
Glad I got to check in on @PBR_Uncommitted ‘25 @Gastelum2025 of @Ecrbaseball.
— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) March 26, 2023
Solid in his 4 innings (1ER/3H/4K).
Moving easier/cleaner since last viewing. FB was T83. SL (71-73) shape has improved. Downward fading CH (74-75) showed effectiveness against RHHs inducing whiff. pic.twitter.com/VSCC8RyGEp
Sonoma Valley vs Novato
Both of these teams showed off some serious talent in terms of both pitching and hitting but it was Novato who walked away with the win.
Sonoma Valley may have lost 8-3 but ‘24 SS Nic Sebastiani (Uncommitted) knocked three hits including a home run.
The GIFTED hitting hands of 2024 SS Nic Sebastiani of @SVHSDragons make it a 3-3 game v Novato. He doesn’t need much swing to produce impact contact. #pbrbombsquad @Nic_Sebas2024 @PBR_California @Admiralsbasebal @707BC9 @BayAreaWS @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/7GVX52BLvz
— PBR Northern CA (@Clemmens_PBR) March 21, 2023
‘24 C Andrew Bonfigli (Uncommitted) had a good showing behind the dish as well as a hit in the sixth inning apart of a multihit performance.
Line drive through middle off bat of 2024 C Andrew Bonfigli starts a rally in top 6 for @SVHSDragons. He’s also thrown out a runner trying to steal, 2.00, 78 mph arm, athletic receiver as well. @AndrewBonfigli @Admiralsbasebal @707BC9 @BayAreaWS @PBR_California pic.twitter.com/OZY9MQy2LP
— PBR Northern CA (@Clemmens_PBR) March 21, 2023
‘26 RHP JP Harmon (Uncommitted) went five innings showing off some good stuff.
Got a good look at talented ‘26 RHP JP Harmon today @NovatoHornets. Long lanky, works EZ. PLENTY of velo gains coming den the road. Feel for zone w/multiple pitches
— PBR Northern CA (@Clemmens_PBR) March 21, 2023
FB 82-86 (T84-85 in 5th)
CB 66-69
SL 73-75 (maybe CTR 77)@JPHarmon9 @ShooterHunt @PBR_California @NorCalBaseball pic.twitter.com/nI3sJDZRhD
PBR Scout Joey Cohen documented multiple strong pitching performances from uncommitted arms in the LA area.
‘25 RHP Cam Fausset (Uncommitted) of Newbury Park tossed an inning showing some good stuff.
Here’s a quick look at @PBR_Uncommitted ‘25 RHP @CameronFausset2 of @NpBase.
— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) March 18, 2023
Got in for a shutout relief inning on Thursday.
Repeatable delivery. Easy quickness to the arm. FB was T88 living 86-87. Mixed in a large 70-71 CB that showed slight hump out the hand.@PBR_California pic.twitter.com/XRNHONLuv2
‘24 RHP Duncan Marsten (Uncommitted) of No. 12 Harvard Westlake tossed an inning and a little more showing off his electric fastball.
Took in @PBR_Uncommitted ‘24 @MarstenDuncan’s 1st spring outing yesterday.
— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) March 19, 2023
Came in relief for 1.2 innings. Some of the easiest gas in the class. Simple/low-effort mover. Clean AA.
FB was T94, sitting 90-92 w/ heavy downward ASR. Mixed in a 80-81 short/tight SL.@PBR_California pic.twitter.com/BqJhG7AoP5
‘26 RHP Mateo Villanueva (Uncommitted) of Coronado tossed some solid innings in relief.
Got my 1st spring look at @PBR_Uncommitted ‘26 RHP @mateo_v23.
— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) March 20, 2023
Threw 3 quality relief innings.
Arm action is now shorter and more compact in the back.
FB was T87 (83-86), flashing some natural ASR. Mixed in a slower/large 63-66 CB and a 70-72 fading CH.@PBR_California pic.twitter.com/LoXmjLGTra
‘24 RHP Braylen Ditz (Uncommitted) tossed multiple shutout innings in his appearance.
First outing in a while for @PBR_Uncommitted ‘24 @BraylenDritz.
— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) March 24, 2023
Went 5 shutout relief innings giving up 2H and K’d 7.
Athletic RHP w/ a physical lower half. Stands 6’1/200. FB was T88 living 85-87. Spun it well mixing in a 71-74 CB and a 79-82 SL that both induced whiff/chase. pic.twitter.com/ySDfDnv9RA
On the hitting end of things, ‘25 C/INF Landon Hodges (Stanford) of Crespi swung a hot bat.
.@CrespiAthletics got a difference maker this week from SOP in @StanfordBSB commit @L_hodge2025.
— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) March 25, 2023
Pretty LH stroke. Balanced/connected throughout the swing.
Also one of the best Cs I’ve seen this year. Put on a blocking display today and can really receive. Sneaky speed as well. pic.twitter.com/g98aAY2Bfo
‘23 OF Tommy Farmer (Texas) of Oaks Christian pulled a massive home run over the left field wall.
One of the more intriguing ‘23 OFs in CA is @TexasBaseball commit @tommyfarmerr of @OCLionsBasebal1.
— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) March 24, 2023
Toolsy athlete that plays with bounce on both sides of the ball.
Noticeable bat/hand speed at the plate. Caught this one ? out front for his 1st #PBRBombSquad of the spring. pic.twitter.com/qkiof4chAO
UPCOMING EVENTS
SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
Rising Stars ID: Inland Empire | CA | 04/16 | Santiago High School |
Rising Stars ID: Bay Area | CA | 04/23 | College of San Mateo |
SoCal Rising Stars Game | CA | 05/21 | Cerritos College |
CA FUTURE GAMES TRYOUT | CA | 06/03 | Fullerton College |
NorCal ProCase | CA | 06/04 | Chabot College - Hayward |
SoCal-NV-AZ-ProCase | CA | 06/04 | University of Southern California - Dedeaux Field |
NorCal Rising Stars Game | CA | 06/06 | Islanders Field (morning) |
Team CA Future Games ID | CA | 06/06 | Islanders Field (afternoon/early evening) |
Bay Area State Gamess Open ID | CA | 06/14 | College of San Mateo |
OC State Games Open ID | CA | 07/11 | Hart Park |
MORE PREP BASEBALL NEWS
- CA Uncommitted Spotlight: '26 OF Will Suslow 8/29/24
- CA Class of 2025 Player Rankings Updated 8/28/24
- CA Uncommitted Spotlight: '26 OF Royce McKenzie 8/27/24
- CA Uncommitted Spotlight: '26 C Derrick Robertson 8/26/24
- CA Future Games Spotlight: RHP Dustin Dunwoody 8/22/24
- CA CA State Games: TrackMan Pitching Leaderboards 8/22/24
- CA Uncommitted Spotlight: '26 INF Greyson Gullage 8/21/24
- CA CA State Games: TrackMan Hitting Leaderboards 8/21/24
- CA Future Games Spotlight: OF Camden Goetz 8/21/24
- CA Uncommitted Spotlight: '26 OF Alex Mestman 8/20/24