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ISLANDERS FIELD, LATHROP (CA) - The NorCal Underclass Game took place at Islanders Field in Lathrop on September 30th. Players from this event came out for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to exposure to PBR California scouting staff, experience in the showcase environment, getting data, metrics, and video (some to update existing data to show their gains, some to get data for the first time and have a baseline for training regimens), competition, exposure via our social media and posts such as this article... and also, with hopes of earning an invitation to the Future Games Tryout in June 2024. Future Games is the most highly anticipated recruiting event of the year in Lake Point, Georgia.

Since 2023 Future Games, an event exclusively for uncommitted players, hundreds of players will commit, with that number likely rising over 400 participants when all said and done. Yes, that many. Why? Well, the talent of the players of course, but also because there are roughly 300 colleges that attend Future Games.

The event consisted of typical showcase style workout that included running the 60’s followed by batting practice and a showcase defensive workout followed by live at-bats between hitters and pitchers. This event included many of the area's ranked players in the 2026 class, and some other players new to us, including some in the 2027 class.

Quick Hits is a recap of some of the top performances that stood out to us. It is not a ranking or top prospect list. Additional content including statistical leaders is available now on the California Scout Blog.

For a full list of event results, click HERE

QUICK HITS

NorCal Underclass Game

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Gino Cappellazzo

Class of 2026 / C

Rankings  StateRank: 24 / POS: 3 OverallRank: 248 / POS: 20

Player Information

• Graduating Class: 2026
• Primary Position: C
  Secondary Position: 3B
• High School: St. Francis
  State: CA
• Summer Team: Alpha
• Height: 6-3
  Weight: 179.2lbs
• Bat/Throw: R/R

Multi-tooled and positional versatility, Cappellazzo showed glimpses of all he offers. Max EV in his round was 97.2 (which is NOT as high as we've seen him go), good barrel in both at-bats, showed the big arm (87 from 3B and 78 at catcher), popped as low as 2.04, while touching 85 on the mound w/flashes of a future above average slider. 

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Finn Demuth

Class of 2026 / RHP

Rankings  StateRank: 97 / POS: 25

Player Information

• Graduating Class: 2026
• Primary Position: RHP
  Secondary Position: OF
• High School: St. Ignatius College Prep
  State: CA
• Summer Team: SI/Process Baseball
• Height: 6-0
  Weight: 185lbs
• Bat/Throw: R/R

Buzzed through his five batters, recording four strikeouts, all swinging. Swings and misses vs the FB and CB in the zone and an occasional chase. FB peaked at 86 (avg 84.7), SL 76, CB 67, CHG 75. Big tumbling CB was swung over the top of a number of times. Calm presence, gathered himself and attacked in the zone. Hitters regularly late vs the FB. 

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Wyatt Denton

Class of 2026 / C

Rankings  StateRank: 74 / POS: 10

Player Information

• Graduating Class: 2026
• Primary Position: C
  Secondary Position: SS
• High School: Las Plumas
  State: CA
• Summer Team: Chico Aces
• Height: 5-10
  Weight: 165lbs
• Bat/Throw: S/R

Switch-hitting catcher with a relentless motor, a strong arm (77 mph) and ability to use the arm talent with sound catch/throw mechanics. Pops were 1.96, 2.02, 2.03, 2.07. The bat plays a bit better as a LHH (89 mph max EV), and showed up in two game at-bats (single/double). For those who value the profile of a younger brother of an outstanding older sibling who plays the same position (Zane Denton, Feather River College), he checks that box too.

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Hunter Lynch

Class of 2026 / 3B

Rankings  StateRank: 85 / POS: 4

Player Information

• Graduating Class: 2026
• Primary Position: 3B
  Secondary Position: RHP
• High School: Argonaut
  State: CA
• Summer Team: NorCal U
• Height: 6-2
  Weight: 230lbs
• Bat/Throw: R/R

Physical body and tools. One of the most impressive BP rounds we've seen at Northern CA events, ever. At one point had three EVs in a row over 100, with best being 102.9 mph. Nearly got all of a pitch in game action, just missed but it was the swing replication from BP that was good to see. Arm across diamond at 82 mph and on mound FB T85, CB 70 mph, w/a CHG too.

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Ryan Rosenthal

Class of 2026 / 1B

Rankings  StateRank: 108 / POS: 3

Player Information

• Graduating Class: 2026
• Primary Position: 1B
  Secondary Position: 3B
• High School: St. Ignatius College Prep
  State: CA
• Summer Team: Zoots
• Height: 6-4
  Weight: 215lbs
• Bat/Throw: R/R

Man-child bat talent, at 6-foot-3 220-lbs he looks the part then in BP round, he was very impressive, w/EVERY single swing registering EV 93+ mph, max 99.3. BP is one thing, a glimpse of talent, so the first AB in the live portion showed him smashing a ball deep to left field that showed the usability of the ability is real. Worked the bat well during workout (1B) w/solid arm.

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Cruz Torres

Class of 2026 / OF

Rankings  StateRank: 186 / POS: 36

Player Information

• Graduating Class: 2026
• Primary Position: OF
  Secondary Position: 1B
• High School: Woodside
  State: CA
• Summer Team: Top Tier NorCal Dudes 2026
• Height: 5-10
  Weight: 165lbs
• Bat/Throw: R/R

Have seen Torres grow and develop steadily ove the last couple of years. Strong showing at this event where he ran the fastest sprint times in 60, 30, and 10 yard splits. Arm registered up to 80 mph from OF with good accuracy and carry. EV 90.6 mph in BP then in game showed a very sound middle of the field approach and some pop to RCF (double to the gap).

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AJ Wineinger

Class of 2026 / C

Rankings  StateRank: 156 / POS: 26

Player Information

• Graduating Class: 2026
• Primary Position: C
  Secondary Position: 3B
• High School: St. Ignatius College Prep
  State: CA
• Summer Team: Alpha Force
• Height: 5-11
  Weight: 175lbs
• Bat/Throw: R/R

The tools are all there, with enough present impact ability with the tools, to project him to be among the top catchers in his class in the region. EV max of 91.7 mph in a steady BP round that was very consistent from swing to swing. The arm was up to 73 mph, w/low pop of 2.04. A little more raw arm strength gains will be needed. Caught well, has athleticism for the position.

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