What We Saw: Week Nine

No. 1 Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) vs. No. 21 Orange Lutheran 

An early threat by Orange Lutheran was thwarted after ‘23 OF Dean West (UCLA) gunned out the man at the plate.

After a pair of leadoff singles by #OLu, 24 RHP Levi Sterling of @NDKNIGHTBASE got an infield pop up then a little help from Dean West here to end the T1.

Sterling working 89-91FB, 77-78SL, 81-83CH early in this one. pic.twitter.com/f4xB7MBx5A

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 14, 2023

‘24 RHP Vinny Hudson (Arizona) showed off his arm for Orange Lutheran.

A look at strikeout from ‘24 RHP Vinny Hudson of @olubaseball. #Arizona commit working 88-90 (2400) FB, 77-79 (2300) SL. Loose, whippy arm that repeats with easily. 6’3” 170 frame with lots of room to add mass. pic.twitter.com/PwU4RVMl9u

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 14, 2023

‘24 RHP Erik Puodziunas (Uncommitted) held his own against Orange Lutheran keeping the game scoreless while pitching.

Scoreless in T5 with a runner on 2nd for #OLu, ‘24 RHP Erik Puodziunas of @NDKNIGHTBASE ends the threat with a huge K.

The @PBR_Uncommitted RHP worked 87-89FB, 77-79SL. Shorter arm path that he repeats. FB gets on hitters w/some deception to it. Lots to like. pic.twitter.com/Z0pfZXvXOg

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 14, 2023

An inning-ending double play keeps Notre Dame out of trouble in the top of the sixth. 

Scoreless in T6 w/runners on 1st/2nd and @NDKNIGHTBASE gets the twin killing to end the threat. Headed to B6 0-0. pic.twitter.com/6GiqxaMQPm

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 14, 2023

Notre Dame took the lead in the sixth on a passed ball.

.@NDKNIGHTBASE plates a run with 2 outs in B6 on a passed ball (per home book) to take a 1-0 lead.

Knights are 3 outs away from the championship game. pic.twitter.com/jfwhyydTmL

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 14, 2023

No. 1 Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) vs. No. 10 Huntington Beach

‘23 OF Colby Turner (SDSU) made a great catch out in left to get out of a jam.

1st/3rd 2 outs in B1 and ‘25 RHP Tyler Bellarose of @HBHS_basebll gets a little help from ‘23 OF Colby Turney to end the threat. pic.twitter.com/KCPGoUVVUp

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 15, 2023

Notre Dame tied the game in the sixth inning after being down 5-0 and eventually took the lead with a ‘23 C Collin Brown (Uncommitted) single.

.@NDKNIGHTBASE storms all the way back from a 5-0 deficit to tie it on a wild pitch (below) before ‘23 C Collin Brown delivers a 2 out, 2 RBI single to make 7-5 Knights with 2 outs in B6. All 7 runs scored with two outs. pic.twitter.com/wLDv1DDfDP

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 15, 2023

‘23 C/1B Ralph Velazquez hit a moonshot that was killed by the wind, but it still resulted in a standup double.

‘23 C/1B Ralph Velazquez of @HBHS_basebll tattooed this ball - wind in/cold - that is probably out during the day.

Amongst the premiere couple of bats in this class from SoCal. Showed very well defensively behind the plate in 2 games and made a ridiculous catch at 1B last night. pic.twitter.com/YWoS4lS3sY

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 15, 2023

No. 2 Santa Margarita

Santa Margarita took a tough walk-off loss but earlier in the game they jumped to a lead with the hitting from ‘23 INF Blake Wilson (Washington).

‘23 INF Blake Wilson muscles this ball to RF for a base hit before an error scores Luke Lavin from 3rd.

Wilson would the. Steal 3rd before being driven in by Tyler Ankrum giving @SMCHSBaseball an early 2-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/xv5FCoNmQG

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 13, 2023

No. 2 Santa Margarita vs. No. 6 Etiwanda

‘25 RHP Brennan Bauer (Uncommitted) impressed with his appearance.

Sneak peek at ‘25 RHP Brennan Bauer of @SMCHSBaseball.

Working 83-84FB, 74-75SL, 77-78CH, 68CB.

A pair of punchies and a groundout. Loose arm; easy mover on mound; repeats. #BeSeen #ShapeTheState pic.twitter.com/IqnEJBqxby

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 14, 2023

‘23 OF Anthony Huezo (Irvine) roped a double into the gap.

I’ve hustle double here from ‘23 OF Anthony Huezo of @Etiwandabasebll.

The #UCIrvine signee has shown flashes this week with the bat. Run tool standouts along with the defense. #BeSeen #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/X5cWr1ugFX

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 14, 2023

No. 4 Aquinas vs. No. 16 Cypress

‘23 RHP Owen Egan (UCLA) of Aquinas worked out of a tough jam in the first, striking out two.

1st/2nd with 1 out for #Cypress and ‘23 RHP Owen Egan of @AquinasAthSB takes matters into his own hands with back-to-back K’s to end the top of the first. pic.twitter.com/DysS335edt

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 11, 2023

For Cypress, ’23 CF Matthew Morrell (Oregon State) made a catch on the run with runners in scoring position to prevent damage.

What a catch from ‘23 CF Matthew Morrell of @CypCentBaseball to save at least one run in B2. pic.twitter.com/88Afw2ckMQ

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 11, 2023

A massive grand slam put Aquinas ahead in the second inning coming from ‘23 SS Eric Bitonti (Oregon).

‘23 SS Eric Bitonti of @AquinasAthSB takes this 1-1 CB over the RCF wall for a Grand Slam to give the Falcons a 6-1 lead in B2. #ShapeTheState #BeSeen #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/iMzK0U0ptH

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 11, 2023

No. 10 Huntington Beach

‘23 C/1B Ralph Velasquez (Arizona State) showed off smooth receiving a multiple sub two pop times behind the dish.

A defensive look at ‘23 C/1B Ralph Velasquez of @HBHS_basebll.

Popped 1.94-2.01 between innings all day. Had a caught stealing at 1.96.

Has improved so much behind the plate some scouts believe it’s elevating his already impressive #MLBDraft profile. pic.twitter.com/xHyLegIv9d

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 12, 2023

No. 11 Cardinal Newman

‘23 RHP Landen Rota (Uncommitted) tossed a complete game to keep Cardinal Newman’s perfect record of 16-0.

Undefeated Cardinal Newman moves to 16-0 w/3-1 conference W v Ukiah, behind 6 hit CG from 2023 RHP Landen Rota (uncmtd).

Two of the knocks for Ukiah from slick fielding 2024 2B Trent Ford, who is robbed of 3rd hit on last play.

FB 84-88
CB 70-72@LandenRota @_Newmanbaseball pic.twitter.com/oivDKfdC4T

— PBR Northern CA (@Clemmens_PBR) April 15, 2023

No. 19 JSerra

‘25 INF Gavin Flores (Uncommitted) dropped one into left field for a single.

‘25 INF Gavin Flores of @JSerraLionsBB muscles this one to LF for a base knock.

Physical, athletic hitter from the left side with some pop. Standout at Underclass Games has found a role in a strong Lions lineup. pic.twitter.com/XnMPUpGRcE

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 13, 2023

‘23 INF Trent Caraway (Oregon State) drove in four on the day including this pull-side rope and this nuke.

‘23 INF Trent Carraway of @JSerraLionsBB picks up his fourth RBI on the day with this pull side missile. #OregonSt signee has had a very strong and consistent week. #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/eifSxcKuF9

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 14, 2023

I mentioned the fourth RBI for Carrawa, the other three came compliments of the absolute bomb to LCF. #MLBDraft https://t.co/1OxeDTuczW pic.twitter.com/bfA4LNTjxG

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 14, 2023

No. 21 Orange Lutheran

‘24 OF/RHP Finn Stewart (Uncommitted) showed out for Orange Lutheran with a three-hit day.

3H day today for @finnstewart07 of @olubaseball (2-shown below).

A personal favorite @PBR_Uncommitted of mine in the ‘24 class. Physical corner OF bat. Strong spring so far. Big time power but can simplify approach and spray it to all fields. @PBR_California @LesLukach pic.twitter.com/j3IdkUWf3H

— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) April 11, 2023

‘24 RHP Jagger Beck (Uncommitted) showed off a strong three-pitch arsenal.

Sneak attack scouting trip today, 2024 Jagger Beck, Sutter HS, 6-6 190, QB, hoops player, bloodlines.

It all works. Attacker. Clean.

FB 86-89
CB 73-74
SL 77-78@beck_jagger @SUHSASB @BayAreaWS @ShooterHunt @PBR_California pic.twitter.com/UutJkwhWR2

— PBR Northern CA (@Clemmens_PBR) April 12, 2023

‘24 LHP Austin Steeves (Uncommitted) came in to relieve and held off a very strong San Marin team which pushed Casa Grande to the win in extra-innings.

Once again strong work, this time in relief in 9 inn 4-2 W v San Marin, 2024 LHP @AustinSteeves24 of @Gaucho_Baseball

His stuff is good vs both RH and LHH but particularly good v LHH who want to slug. Should get him on mound early in college career@BayAreaWS @PBR_California pic.twitter.com/6NxcYVe32L

— PBR Northern CA (@Clemmens_PBR) April 16, 2023

‘23 RHP Trevor Hansen (Irvine) was strong into the seventh inning only allowing one run. 

Checked in on ‘23 @UCIbsb commit @TrevorHansen33 last week.

Went 6.1 solid innings, 1R/5H/7K/4BB

1.25 ERA in 44 innings this spring, 69K/18BB

Spotty command but competed and limited damage. Simple/athletic mover. Shorter AA.

FB: 87-91 T92
SL: 77-79, shorter shape w/ depth pic.twitter.com/nlry3YrEZI

— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) April 11, 2023

‘24 INF Adrian Beltre Jr. (Uncommitted) showed some great swings for Maranatha in their game vs. No. 21 Orange Lutheran.

Got my 1st ever ? at @PBR_Uncommitted ‘24 @AJBeltre29 of @mhsbaseballfam.

Back from SOP. Aggressive hacks all day (2 below). Quick hands throw a direct barrel.

Made the routine plays at SS showing solid actions. Excited to get more looks at him the rest of this spring. pic.twitter.com/XuJPvHS5Xb

— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) April 11, 2023

‘26 INF Noah Everly (Uncommitted) launched a double for Maranatha in their loss to No. 21 Orange Lutheran.

Here’s a look at 2 quality swings today from INF @NonoEverly of @mhsbaseballfam.

#8 in CA 2026 class

Competitive hacks today against quality arms. Simple trigger. Standout quickness of hands/wrists. Natural lift to the path. Turned on a mid 80s FB w/ ease for 2B.@ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/5SDjyzgFpe

— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) April 12, 2023

Maranatha won via walk-off against No. 2 Santa Margarita off the bat of ‘23 C/OF Cider Canon (Davidson) with a sac fly.

In the B9 of a 4-4 tie with #SantaMargarita, ‘23 C/OF Cider Cannon walks it off for @mhsbaseballfam with a sac fly RBI.

Minutemen win 5-4. pic.twitter.com/e6r46L7R08

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 13, 2023

‘25 RHP Cooper Berger (Uncommitted) tossed a complete game while also helping his own cause with two RBIs.

Intriguing 1st ? at @PBR_Uncommitted ‘25 @cooper_berger of @uni_baseball.

Standout 6-5/200 frame. CG 2R outing 5H/1BB/11K and a clutch 2RBI knock.

Repeatable delivery. Worked fast. A lot to still tap into.

FB: 81-83 T85
SL: 72-75, shorter shape that flashed quality depth pic.twitter.com/A9empW03sR

— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) April 12, 2023

‘25 INF Brandon Thomas (Uncommitted) put the barrel on the ball for Mater Dei.

Quick ? at 2 swings from ‘25 @Brandon34Thomas.

Standout from our Underclass Games last fall. XL corner INF who also runs it up into the mid 80s on the mound.

Quick hands deliver a direct barrel that works through the middle of the field. Excited to see him at our FG Tryout!!! pic.twitter.com/k7XLekHBYV

— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) April 12, 2023

‘23 RHP Brennan Seiber (Vanderbilt) showed off his pitches through five innings. 

Took in 5 innings of 3R ball yesterday from ‘23 @VandyBoys commit @brennan_seiber of @MDHS_Baseball.

Easy quick AA. FB worked up to 92 living 87-90 that had some ASR. Showed a shorter/tight SL at 78-82 and a downward fading CH in the low 80s he pronates hard on.@ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/JGF4OiJ0lC

— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) April 13, 2023

‘25 RHP Hunter Manning (Uncommitted) showed some good stuff in his relief appearance on Wednesday.

Took in 2 innings of relief work from @PBR_Uncommitted ‘25 @Hunter10_2025 of @wrbaseball on Wednesday.

Standout 6-4/190 frame. FB was 85-88 T89. Mixed in a CH/SL.

Shorter stride. A lot to unlock with lower half. Quick arm that creates quality layback and works to a H 3/4 slot. pic.twitter.com/oUyCr804Iw

— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) April 15, 2023

‘24 INF/RHP Aiden Buntich (Uncommitted) continues to show off his bat, knocking a double on Wednesday.

Doubling down on ‘24 @AidanBuntich06 of @wrbaseball. Kid can really hit. Caught 3 barrels on Wednesday against 2 quality Hart arms.

Tracks well. Swing works with rhythm, on time and consistently finds barrel.

Easy @PBR_Uncommitted follow for me entering the summer. https://t.co/y8H3H6o4x5 pic.twitter.com/bhwSVhGTZZ

— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) April 15, 2023

‘23 RHP Drew Green (Uncommitted) shut the door with quality stuff.

Want to give a quick shoutout to @PBR_Uncommitted ‘23 @drewgreen05.

Came up clutch in relief for @wrbaseball closing out Hart on Wednesday.

Had some injury roadblocks throughout HS but he’s healthy now and he’s contributing in a big way. FB was 87-89 in his 1.2 inning save ?. pic.twitter.com/676ohyEExK

— Joey Cohen? (@JoeyCohen20) April 15, 2023

‘23 RHP/INF Eric Jeon (Columbia) worked out of a jam for La Mirada, getting a crucial strikeout on a slider.

2nd/3rd with 2 out and ‘23 RHP/INF Eric Jeon gets @LMBaseball23 out of it with a huge K.

Columbia signee working 87-89FB, 77-79SL early. pic.twitter.com/CyCLqnn9G2

— ??? ?????? (@LesLukach) April 11, 2023