Photo Credit: Eric Isaacs
By CCL Reporters Sean Brennan, Sam Nute and Dylan Wickman
Before you get your July 4th celebrations started this week, check out the latest edition of the CCL Power Rankings. Each team is carefully ranked based on their overall record, week record, strength of schedule, and recent trends. Read below to find out which teams climbed the ladder in Week 4.
#1 Walnut Creek Crawdads (⬆1)
Last week the Walnut Creek Crawdads came in at No. 2 on the CCL Week 3 Power Rankings, setting up a huge three-game series with No. 1 Healdsburg Prune Packers to kick off Week 4. The Crawdads came out on top, taking two of three from the two-time defending CCL State Champions. And, after a series sweep against the CCL Affiliate Bay Area Admirals, the Crawdads have laid claim to the top spot in the Week 4 Power Rankings.
In their series against the Prune Packers, the Crawdads got contributions from all across the roster. Outfielder Casey Cummings (Texas), infielder Ryan Ellis (St. Mary’s) and infielder Griffin Harrison (Sacramento State) each came through in clutch situations for the Crawdads. In the two Crawdad wins, the Prune Packers made a total of six errors, and Walnut Creek cashed in on those mistakes.
However the star for the Crawdads’ this week is outfielder Ryan Brome (Texas Tech) who, in the Dads’ second game against the Admirals, went ballistic, going 5-for-6, completing the cycle and driving in a whopping NINE RBI. Brome’s performance is the second cycle in Walnut Creek franchise history, and his nine RBI are tied for the most in a single game for the Crawdads. He finished the week going 10-for-23 with 14 RBI and five walks.
The star on the mound this week for the Crawdads’ wasn’t just one person but a collective effort from their bullpen. In the two wins over the Prune Packers, the bullpen combined to throw 11 shutout innings, striking out seven and allowing nine hits. The performance from their bullpen allowed Walnut Creek to overcome an early deficit in game one. keeping the vaunted Prune Packer offense quiet in game 2.
Next week, the Dads’ will play a one-off game against the Packers before beginning a three-game series against the Mudcats.
#2 Healdsburg Prune Packers (⬇1)
After holding the number one spot in each of the first two editions of the Power Rankings, the Prune Packers have slid down one spot as a result of their series loss to the Crawdads, losing two games in a row for the first time since 2021. However, Healdsburg bounced back with a series sweep against the Stompers.
The Packers have partly themselves to blame for their series loss to the Crawdads, committing three errors in each of their two losses and allowing five unearned runs over both games.
Despite the two losses, the Prune Packers have continued to get impressive performances out of their lineup with outfielder Robbie Hamchuck (San Jose State) and two-way player Damian Bravo (Texas Tech) each having outstanding weeks, going 11-for-24 and 10-for-23 respectively. So far this season, Hamchuk’s .458 batting average ranks first across the entire CCL, and Bravo’s 21 RBI rank second across the entire CCL.
On the bump, RHP Robert Aivzian (Cal) once again performed outstanding, throwing 4.0 scoreless innings in the Packers 7-0 game 3 win over the Crawdads. Along with his college teammate Andres Galen (Cal), the two Golden Bears have maintained a 0.00 ERA for the Prune Packers, allowing zero earned runs across their combined 29.2 innings this year.
Next week, the Packers will play both the Admirals and the Crawdads before starting another three-game set with the Stompers next weekend.
#3 Santa Barbara Foresters (–)
With a 4-1 record this week, the Santa Barbara Foresters have won eight of their last nine games, moving them to No. 3 on this installment of the Power Rankings. After picking up consecutive victories over the Riptide, Santa Barbara went 2-1 against the Saints to maintain the top spot in the CCL South Division.
Three Foresters – infielder Gianni Horvat (UNLV), catcher Rylan Galvan (Texas) and outfielder Gregory Pace (Michigan) – hit solo shots on Friday against Arroyo Seco, propelling their team to a decisive 8-3 win. Pace’s home run was his second in as many games, and the rising sophomore finished the week with five knocks, two homers, two doubles and six RBI in 11 at-bats. Santa Barbara’s most consistent hitter, however, was outfielder Max Belyeu (Texas), who went an impressive 9-for-16 with three RBI, five walks and just two strikeouts.
Starting on the bump for the first time this summer on Tuesday against the Riptide, right-hander Robert Cranz (Oklahoma State) looked to build off a five-strikeout, 3.0-inning appearance last week. And the Keller, Texas native did just that, allowing a single earned run while fanning a staggering eight in 3.0 frames of work.
Usually a focal point of the ‘Sters bullpen, righty Sean Youngerman was just as dominant in a start – his first of the season – on Saturday against the Saints. Youngerman posted five strikeouts and a 1.00 WHIP in 5.0 innings, earning him the win.
The ‘Sters will kick off a packed Week 5 with a marquee matchup against the Blues on Monday. They will play two more contests against San Luis Obispo, followed by a two-game set with the Barons.
#4 Arroyo Seco Saints (⬆1)
The Arroyo Seco Saints began Week 4 just as they finished Week 3; scorching hot. Arroyo Seco first swept a two-game set with the Barons to extend their winning streak to seven games. However, the Saints then came back down to Earth a bit, posting a 1-2 record against the Foresters to round out the week.
As has been the case all season long, the Saints benefitted from several contributors across their lineup. Outfielder Kyte McDonald (Wichita State) displayed his power once again during the win over the Barons on Tuesday, smacking a triple along with Arroyo Seco’s first grand slam of the summer.
In his last five games, infielder Richie Morales (Arizona) put together his best stretch of the season – highlighted by a three-hit performance in the victory over Santa Barbara on Friday – ending the week going 6-for-15 with a double and three RBI. Another Saint coming off a standout week is fellow infielder Raider Tello (Iowa), who hit .389 with two doubles and an RBI in 18 at-bats.
On the pitching side, second-year Saints right-hander Caleb Reyes (Cal Poly Pomona) had a solid start against the ‘Sters on Saturday, posting a 1.00 WHIP and four strikeouts through 4.0 frames. Righty Jacob Henderson (Iowa) proved a staple of Arroyo Seco’s bullpen in two appearances this week, as he faced just ten batters through three combined innings, allowing no baserunners and putting down five by way of the strikeout.
Next week, the Saints will have a home-and-home with the Oaks before a three-game set against the Riptide.
#5 Orange County Riptide (⬇1)
The Riptide is coming off a great Week 3 where it went 4-1, and despite not having quite the same success this week, Orange County still had some strong showings. It first played two games against the Santa Barbara Foresters – who beat the ‘Tide in both meetings – before going 2-1 against the Conejo Oaks.
Orange County’s lineup stayed hot as the week went on, as they totaled 22 runs in the two-game series against Conejo. Infielder Nathan Cadena went 3-for-5 in the 11-15 game 1 loss while accumulating 3 RBI while catcher Ayden Garcia (Golden West College) had a two-run double with two walks and two runs.
An 11-6 game 2 win was headlined by outfielder Reese Chapman’s two-homer, six-RBI performance. The series against the Oaks was Chapman’s debut in CCL play, and he totaled six hits and ten RBI in just three games. Shortstop Isaiah Morales (Saddleback College), who led the team in base knocks this week with seven, also joined in on the fun, going 3-for-4 with two runs in game 3 against Conejo.
RHP Tyler Valdez (Arizona State) continued his stellar season this week, throwing four strikeouts in 4.0 innings without giving up a run. In four appearances, Valdez has yet to give up an earned run. Right-hander Ben Hansen (BYU) was not too shabby himself, throwing five strikeouts in as many innings during the series finale against Conejo, all while giving up just one hit.
Now, the Riptide will have a two-game series against the Academy Barons and then three games against the Arroyo Seco Saints.
#6 Lincoln Potters (–)
The Potters went 1-2 in their only league series this week against the Sonoma Stompers. Each team picked up a blowout win while the Stompers pulled out a 6-5 nail-biter to take the series win. Lincoln made up for it in non-league play though, going 3-0 and sweeping the competition.
The Potters’ hitters gave Lincoln a good chance to win that tight-knit game 2, as they outhit Sonoma 8-to-4. In the ninth inning when the game was tied 2-2, Catcher Luke Lavin (Stanford) hit a two-run double to take the lead before a wild pitch extended it to three. Unfortunately for Lincoln, the Stompers responded with four runs of their own in the bottom of the inning to win.
The next game out, the batters came out with a vengeance, scoring 11 runs on 10 hits. Shortstop Zachary Chamizo (UC Riverside) led the way, going 2-for-3 with a three-run homer and a walk. He ended the week hitting .444, going 4-for-9. First baseman Justin Olson (New Mexico) and shortstop Luke Odden (Georgia Southern) were also impressive in game 3, each recording two hits while combining for four RBI.
Despite the series loss, the pitching staff still put in solid performances this week. RHP Cooper Robinson (UC Irvine) headlined the performance for the staff this week, allowing no hits in 5.0 innings in the 11-0 game 3 win, along with seven strikeouts. RHP Colin Reilly (Tulane) had a solid effort in the close loss, throwing five strikeouts in 4.0 innings while giving up just two hits and two runs.
The Potters will play just one two-game set next week, this time against the CCL Affiliate Bay Area Admirals before playing a three-game Non-League series.
#7 Conejo Oaks (⬇1)
After posting a disappointing 0-5 record during Week 3, the Conejo Oaks rebounded, going 2-3 in their following five contests. The Oaks split a two-game set with the Blues before going 1-2 in three contests against the Riptide.
Despite a relatively slow start to his season, infielder Drew Smith (Oregon) had a statement game on Friday at Orange County, reaching base a total of five times. The Eugene, Oregon native went 3-for-4 with two walks and five RBI – three of which came on a bases-clearing triple in the third. Catcher Brendan Durfee (Cal Lutheran) was productive at the plate all week long, hitting .429 with two doubles and four RBI in 14 at-bats.
Right-hander Cole Fisher (Millersville) was credited with his first win of the season on Wednesday against the Blues, as he issued two walks and struck out seven in a 5.0-inning start. Taking the mound in the seventh inning of that same game, lefty Colby Downward (St. Louis) ensured the Oaks stayed in the driver’s seat, dishing out three K’s and allowing a single baserunner in the final 2.0 innings.
Next week, the Oaks are slated to see the Saints and Blues for two games each.
#8 San Luis Obispo Blues (–)
The Blues split both of the two-game series they played this week, first against the Conejo Oaks and then the Academy Barons, before ending the week with a non-league win.
The Blues’ pitching staff had great outings all week to help San Luis Obispo compete, as they have all season. RHPs Lucas Alaniz (Modesto Junior College) and AJ Moreno (Cal Poly) were the premier pitchers in the Oaks series, both throwing five strikeouts in their respective appearances while only giving up one earned run. Alaniz pitched 5.1 innings while Moreno closed the last 6.0 innings of game 2.
Fellow RHPs Fisher Johnson (USC) and Grant Cunningham (Washington) both shoved against the Barons, with Johnson giving up four hits and one earned run in 8.0 innings of game 1 and Cunningham giving up six hits and two earned runs in 8.2 innings of game 2. Johnson also ended with four strikeouts while Cunningham totaled three.
The Blues’ best hitting performance this week came against the Oaks, when they scored ten runs, partly due to Cameron Constantine (Texas), who had two hits, two RBI and a run to fuel the win. He was the best among the batters this week, going 4-for-10 with four RBI in three appearances. Shortstop Theo Hardy (San Jose State) led the team in walks with four while hitting a double and totaling two RBI.
The Blues will look forward to two three-game series next week, one against the Santa Barbara Foresters and one against the Oaks.
#9 Sonoma Stompers (–)
This week, the Stompers started off by taking two of three games in a series win over the Lincoln Potters before dropping three straight to the Healdsburg Prune Packers.
In a decisive 6-5 game 2 series victory, the Stompers entered the ninth inning down 5-2 but loaded the bases and scored a run all courtesy of walks. Then, with one out remaining, third baseman Derek Tenney (Nevada) hit a double to drive in the two tying runs before a passed ball clinched the win for Sonoma.
There were some great individual batting performances this week as well. Outfielder Noah Rabin (Illinois State) went 3-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and a walk in the 11-0 game 1 win against the Potters while his fellow outfielder Jag Burden (Cal Berkely) went 3-for-5 with a double in the 2-5 game 2 loss against Healdsburg. Third baseman Michael Bell (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) ended the week very well against the Packers, going 4-for-4 with two runs and an RBI.
The Stompers had some solid pitching performances as well, with RHP Chase Minor (San Diego) throwing a no-hitter in 4.0 innings in game 1 against Lincoln, RHP Orlando Leon Jr. (Hawaii Hilo) throwing four strikeouts and giving up two earned runs in 4.1 innings in game 2 and RHP Hawk Hill (Undecided) throwing three K’s and giving up one earned run in game 1 against Healdsburg.
The Stompers will have three more tough games next week against the Packers.
#10 Solano Mudcats (–)
This week was a short week for the Mudcats as they only played a series against the CCL Affiliate Bay Area Admirals, winning one game of the three-game set.
After a tough 6-3 loss in game 1, the Mudcats handed the ball to their ace, RHP Anthony Galindo (Texas A&M Texarkana). Galindo is coming off an impressive 5.0 shutout innings, seven strikeout performance against the Stompers last week. This week, he followed that up with another great outing. Again in 5.0 innings pitched, the Dixon, California native struck out six, allowing zero runs and just two hits. The performance brings his season ERA to 3.00 on the season with 22 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched.
With Galindo setting the tone, the Mudcat offense had to answer. Infielder Tyler Tobey (San Joaquin Delta) had his best performance so far this season, going 4-for-5 with two RBI and a stolen base. Outfielder Michael Benevides (Yuba CC) also was impressive, scoring three of the Mudcats’ runs with a 3-for-4 night including a double and an RBI.
A good offensive performance and a great start from Galindo led to the Mudcats taking game two 9-2 over the Admirals.
Next week, the Mudcats will play two Non-League games before taking on the Walnut Creek Crawdads for a three-game set.
#11 MLB Youth Academy Barons (–)
The MLB Youth Academy Barons started Week 4 with two losses to the Saints, but that 0-2 mark alone doesn’t tell the whole story. After posting eight runs in a 14-8 defeat on Tuesday, the Barons were narrowly beaten the following night, losing 8-7. However, the Academy rebounded, splitting their final two games against the Blues.
At the plate, it’s been the usual contributors getting it done for the Academy this week. Infielder Dylan Lina (Golden West College) continued his stellar hitting season, going 6-for-12 with a home run, two doubles and four RBI. Another Baron to homer this week was outfielder Jacob Klinovsky (Cal State East Bay), who recorded four knocks and four RBI in 16 at-bats.
Right-handed reliever Nicholas Romanoski (Undecided) was strong in his 2.0 innings of work on Friday, striking out two while allowing two baserunners. In the Academy’s victory on Saturday, fellow bullpen arms Calix Armijo (Cerritos College) and Maximus Berber (Whittier College) combined to concede two hits and a walk while striking out four in 2.1 scoreless innings.
Next week, the Barons will see the Riptide for two contests before beginning a three-game series with the Foresters.
Full List:
Photo Credit: Brigid O’Connell (Prune Packers), Gordie Clary (Mudcats), Sonny Tapia (Saints) and Terry Jordan (Barons)
By CCL Reporters Sean Brennan, Sam Nute, and Dylan Wickman
It’s time to name the Week 3 CCL Players of the Week. In the North, University of Alabama’s Will Hodo (Alabama) takes home Hitter of the Week while Sonoma State’s Caleb Davis (Mudcats) takes home the pitching honors. In the South, Tarleton State’s Mason Hammonds is the Hitter of the Week and Harold Boyce is awarded with CCL South Pitcher of the Week honors. Learn more about each of these player’s performances as well as notes from the 2023 NCAA season.
CCL North Division // Hitter of the Week
A Healdsburg Prune Packer wins the CCL North Hitter of the Week honor for the second consecutive week as infielder/outfielder Will Hodo (Alabama) takes home the award. Although the Prune Packers suffered their first loss of the season, they finished Week 3 with a dominant 6-1 record, and Hodo was right in the middle of it all.
In 17 at-bats across four games this week, Hodo batted .647 with a 1.582 OPS, tallying 11 hits, one home run, one double, adding four RBI and two walks. Hodo has hit .552 with 16 hits in 29 at-at bats and has proven he can hit with power tallying 5 XBH including two home runs and three doubles.
Hodo is coming off of a solid season at the University of Alabama that saw him as a contributor on the Crimson Tide’s run to the NCAA Super Regionals. In 39 games played, Hodo slashed .280/.411/.420 with four home runs and 21 RBI. Perhaps Hodo’s best game of the year came against NCAA College World Series runner-up Florida. Hitting second in the order, Hodo went 3-for-4 with a walk, setting the table for his teammates and scoring three runs.
Both Hodo and Hunter Dorraugh (San Jose State), last week’s North Hitter of the Week winner, feature to be major pieces in a Prune Packer lineup that is searching for its third consecutive CCL State Championship.
CCL North Division // Pitcher of the Week
The CCL North Pitcher of the Week Honor goes to the Solano Mudcats RHP Caleb Davis (Sonoma State), who was the catalyst in ending the Healdsburg Prune Packers’ 18-game winning streak and handing their first loss of the season.
Pitching a 7.0-inning complete game in the first leg of a double-header, Davis only gave up one earned run to the Prune Packers high-powered offense – which is averaging about eight runs per game this season – while striking out six batters. Davis gave up nine hits and found himself in some binds, but consistently got himself out of them to give his team a chance to win.
The most pressure-packed situation he faced came in the top of the seventh inning when Healdsburg had the tying run on second with two outs on the board. But Davis kept his composure and struck out outfielder Cameron Nickens, a .375 hitter this season, to secure the victory.
This summer, Davis has limited teams to three or less runs in three of his four appearances for Solano. The Mudcats will hope that he continues putting together these big performances as they try to gain momentum in the early season.
CCL South Division // Hitter of the Week
This summer’s second CCL South Hitter of the Week is Arroyo Seco Saints infielder Mason Hammonds (Tarleton State), who has shined during his team’s current five-game winning streak. Hammonds made the most of his nine at-bats, recording six hits, two doubles and an RBI while only striking out once.
With his strong offensive numbers this week, Hammonds has undoubtedly made his presence felt, but consistency at the plate is nothing new for the Lindale, Texas native. So far this season, Hammonds is hitting an efficient .414 through 29 at-bats while recording the second-most hits (12) in the CCL South Division. The rising senior is also a threat on the basepaths, as he’s accrued five swiped bags on the 2023 campaign.
Upon his arrival at Tarleton State for the 2023 season, the starting shortstop became an integral piece of the Texans’ lineup, leading the team in hits (64), runs scored (43), doubles (16) and multi-hit games (18).
Hammonds will look to build off his productive start to the CCL Season and compliment a high-powered Saints offense down the stretch.
CCL South Division // Pitcher of the Week
MLB Academy Barons right-handed pitcher Harold Boyce (undecided) clinched this week’s CCL South Pitcher of the Week title thanks to a commanding first start of the season on June 23. The Canyon Country, Calif. Native fueled a 6-2 victory over the Orange County Riptide, retiring 19 batters – ten by way of the strikeout – and earning the win in 5.0 shutout innings.
Boyce didn’t waste any time asserting his dominance, as he struck out the side in the opening frame. He would then work around two baserunners in the second and fourth to maintain his flawless 0.00 ERA on the summer. And despite excelling in his inaugural start of 2023, Boyce entered the game already a mainstay of the Barons’ staff.
In his first three appearances of the season, Boyce was used as a trusted reliever, issuing just two walks and tossing five strikeouts in six innings of work. With outing number four in the books, Boyce sits atop the CCL South Division for K’s with 16. What makes Boyce’s success even more impressive is the fact that he entered the summer somewhat cold, as he didn’t suit up for the 2023 College Baseball Season due to personal reasons.
During his sophomore season at Los Angeles Mission College in 2022, Boyce showed his versatility, recording six starts, two complete games and two saves. In total, the righty posted a 3.39 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and a team-leading 57 strikeouts in 52.1 innings on the mound.
After displaying his flexibility once again this summer, Boyce forms a manacing duo with right-hander Evan Adolphus (Cypress) to headline the Academy’s arms.
Photo Credit: Devon Tessler
By CCL Reporters Sean Brennan, Sam Nute, and Dylan Wickman
Another week of league play has gone by, which means it’s time for another installment of the CCL Power Rankings. Each team is carefully ranked based on their overall record, the week’s record, strength of schedule, and recent trends. Read below to find out which CCL teams climbed the ladder in Week 3.
#1 Healdsburg Prune Packers (–)
The Healdsburg Prune Packers continued their tear through the 2023 schedule finishing the week with a 6-1 record. The Prune Packers spent the first half of the week completing their five-game sweep of CCL affiliate the Bay Area Admirals before swapping three non-league games and rounding out the week with a two-game set with the Solano Mudcats.
Sunday morning, the Prune Packers were handed their first defeat of the season, losing the first game of a doubleheader against the Mudcats. Despite the loss, infielder Will Hodo (Alabama) continued his dominant week, going 2-for-4 with a run scored. This week, Hodo was impossible to keep off of the bases, hitting .647 with 11 hits, a home run, and a double while adding four RBI and two walks.
On the mound, the Prune Packers avenged their first loss of the season with an impressive shutout performance in Healdsburg’s 9-0 win in the second leg of their doubleheader with the Mudcats. In seven innings of work, the Prune Packers allowed just three batters while striking out 11.
Next week, the Prune Packers play a three-game series with the second-place Walnut Creek Crawdads before closing out the week with a three-game set against the Stompers.
#2 Walnut Creek Crawdads (⬆1)
The Crawdads continued their impressive start to the season, going 5-0 across all games this week. They only played one league game this week, taking a 9-5 win over the Lincoln Potters.
After a rough start to the game that saw starter Jackson Flora (Loyola Marymount) give up three runs in 2.1 innings pitched, the Crawdads’ bullpen was amazing, giving the offense a chance to come back. Left-handed pitcher Jack White (San Jose State), RHP Tyler Blair (Cal), and LHP Sean Fitzpatrick (Arkansas) combined for 10 K’s and four hits over 6.2 innings allowing just two runs, leading the Crawdads to a comeback win.
Offensively, infielder Matt King (Texas San Antonio) continued his hot start to the season, going 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI, two walks, and adding a stolen base. King is hitting .444 with eight RBI and just two strikeouts in 18 at-bats for the Crawdads.
Next week, the Crawdads will play a huge three-game series with the Healdsburg Prune Packers in a battle for first place in the CCL North Division.
#3 Santa Barbara Foresters (⬆1)
Despite only playing in two CCL contests – a home-and-home with the Barons on Tuesday and Thursday – the Santa Barbara Foresters were flawless this week, sweeping their league games before picking up three consecutive non-league victories.
Infielder Ryan Black (Texas Arlington) was productive at the plate against the Barons, as he went 3-for-9 and contributed a double in the series. Playing in his first two games of the summer, infielder Eamonn Lance (Santa Clara) had a promising start to his season, hitting .375 with two RBI in eight at-bats.
Holding onto a 3-2 lead late into Tuesday’s game, Santa Barbara’s bullpen impressed yet again, shutting the door on the Academy and sealing a ‘Sters victory. A tandem of lefty Zach Erdman (Texas Tech), right-hander Jaden Agassi (USC), and RHP Sean Youngerman (Westmont College) combined to allow just two baserunners and strike out three in the game’s final 4.1 innings.
Next week, Santa Barbara will see the Orange County Riptide twice and the Arroyo Seco Saints three times.
#4 Orange County Riptide (⬆1)
The Riptide have boasted a winning record in every week so far this season, and their streak continued in Week 3. They started with a series win over the Conejo Oaks. They lost their next matchup against the Barons but made up for it by throwing a no-hitter in game two, wrapping up the series win in game three.
Right-handed pitcher Jack Kirrer (Cal) led the way, pitching a near-perfect 4.0 innings where he struck out two batters and only gave up one walk. The pitching also proved paramount in the first matchup against Conejo, where a combination of great performances held the Oaks to just two runs. Right-handed pitcher Tyler Valdez (Arizona State) started the game and limited Conejo to three hits over 3.0 innings before two San Diego Toreros – RHP Tristan LaMaison and LHP Sam Hasegawa – threw three strikeouts a piece while giving up zero hits.
Catcher Blake Penso’s (Irvine) bat got hot this week, particularly in game one against the Oaks, where he tallied three of the team’s eight hits. Outfielder Cary Arbolida (Houston) kept up his consistent play this week, recording at least one hit and one RBI in three of the four games.
The Riptide will have two games against the Foresters to start next week before rematching the Oaks for three more games.
#5 Arroyo Seco Saints (⬆3)
Entering the week with a 2-5 league record, the Arroyo Seco Saints turned it on, rattling off five straight wins – two over the Blues and three over the Oaks – and becoming one of the CCL’s hottest teams. With his team’s streak in jeopardy on Sunday against Conejo, outfielder James Nelson (Longwood) erased a two-run deficit with a lone swing, picking up a walk-off bases-clearing single to cap off a miraculous come-from-behind victory and preserve a perfect week.
Serving as the designated hitter on Wednesday against the Blues, Jared Quandt (Hawaii) had a performance to remember, fueling a 6-4 Saints victory with a pair of leadoff home runs. Infielder Mason Hammonds (Tarleton State) also proved a key bat for Arroyo Seco during Week 3, going 6-for-9 with two doubles and two runs scored.
Southpaw Kevin Warunek (Longwood) earned his win on Wednesday with a two-inning, five-strikeout relief appearance that saw him relinquish a single hit. That knock would be the only one Warunek allowed all week, as he was flawless in a 1.0-inning save three days later. Another Saints reliever to pick win during his team’s hot streak was right-hander Matthew Holzhammer (Tarleton State), who kept the Oaks off the basepaths and retired four via the strikeout in 3.0 innings on Friday.
Next week, the Saints will face the Barons for two games before beginning a three-game series with the Foresters.
#6 Lincoln Potters (–)
The Lincoln Potters got started with a tough 9-5 loss to North Division rival, the Walnut Creek Crawdads, before sweeping three games against non-league opponents to round out the week.
Offensively, infielder Justin Olson (New Mexico) continued his great start to the 2023 season. Over the last week, Olson has gone 4-for-9 and hit his second home run of the year. So far this season, Olson is off to a great start, hitting .359 with 14 hits in 39 at-bats, slugging two homers and four doubles while leading the team in RBI with 12.
On the bump, southpaw Gabriel Maya (Loyola Marymount) had two impressive outings, allowing zero runs in 5.0 innings this week. Right-handed pitcher Devin Marton (Nevada) delivered an impressive two innings this week, striking out half of the eight batters that he faced while also allowing zero hits.
Next week, the Potters will continue league play with a three-game series against the Sonoma Stompers.
#7 Conejo Oaks (⬇5)
Week 3 of the CCL season was a difficult one for the Conejo Oaks, who have lost seven straight contests. The Oaks dropped two to the Riptide before suffering a three-game sweep by the Saints.
Accruing six hits and an RBI in 15 at-bats, catcher Brendan Durfee (Cal Lutheran) led the way offensively for Conejo this week. In his team’s 7-6 loss to the Riptide on Wednesday, outfielder Eli Paton (Grand Canyon) provided some flare, with both of his hits on the night leaving the yard.
Right-hander Cole Fisher (Millersville) got the nod on Friday and didn’t disappoint, conceding two hits, issuing a walk, and striking out four in 4.0 innings. Save for an unearned run in the first, right-handed pitcher Blake Reilly (Grand Canyon) held Arroyo Seco off the scoreboard during Saturday’s loss, ending an impressive 7.0-frame start with three baserunners and three strikeouts to his name.
Next week, the Oaks are slated to play a two-game set with the Blues and a three-game series against the Riptide.
#8 San Luis Obispo Blues (⬇1)
This week, the Blues had one CCL series against the Arroyo Seco Saints that saw them drop both games as well as dropping two out of three in a Non League series.
The pitching staff didn’t have their best outings against the Saints, but RHP Joshua Blum (USC) showed out in game one, allowing just one hit and a walk while striking out three across 3.0 innings of work.
With the pitching struggling, the offense gave the Blues a chance in game one , as they outhit Arroyo Seco 9-to-4. Four different batters — Right Fielder Giovanni Blanchette (St. Mary’s College of California), Catcher Matt Spear (San Jose State), first baseman Zacahry Tallerman (Cuesta College), and shortstop Augusto Schroeder (Arkansas State) — had multi-hit performances, but they could never string them together to put runs on the board. In game two, centerfielder Nin Burns II (Cal Poly Ponoma) had a nice performance, tallying two hits, two walks, and a run, but it wasn’t enough for the win.
The Blues will look to get back on track next week with a pair of two-game series against the Conejo Oaks and the Academy Barons.
#9 Sonoma Stompers (–)
The Stompers took a three-game series from the Mudcats before splitting a two game Non-League series.
They put together a thrilling win in game two against Solano when they came back from 4-0 down in the seventh to win it 8-4. They scored six runs in the eighth inning alone after drawing four walks and knocking four singles. Second baseman/RHP Hayden Hall (Monterey Peninsula College) was dynamic on both sides of the ball, recording two hits, a run, and an RBI on offense while also closing out the Mudcats with five strikeouts over 2.0 innings.
Shortstop Jose Ruiz (UC Santa Barbara) was the hero in the final game, going 3-for-5 with a run and an RBI. Catcher Omar Gastelum (San Jose State) had two hits in two of the games and is now batting .400 for the Summer.
The Stompers will have a tough test in store for them next week, with a three-game series against the Lincoln Potters and two more games against the Healdsburg Prune Packers.
#10 Solano Mudcats (⬆1)
After a rough 0-7 start to the league season last week, the Solano Mudcats tallied two wins in Week 3, taking a game from the Stompers and, in a shocking win on Sunday, handed the Prune Packers their first loss of the season.
In the win over the Prune Packers, starting pitcher Caleb Davis (Sonoma State) turned in a heroic complete-game performance. Due to the teams playing a doubleheader on Sunday, Davis’s complete game was a seven-inning grind. Over those seven innings, Davis navigated through nine hits and three walks, but he limited the dangerous Prune Packers lineup to just two runs, one earned, while striking out six.
Offensively, the Mudcats took advantage of the Prune Packers’ mistakes on offense scoring four runs with just two of them earned. Designated Hitter Luke Piazza (UC Davis) went 1-for-3 with three RBI, and outfielder Bronson Balholm (Arizona State) continued to be the Mudcats’ MVP, reaching base four times on a hit and three walks while scoring twice.
Next week, the Mudcats will not play a league game, playing a three-game set against the CCL affiliate Bay Area Admirals.
#11 MLB Youth Academy Barons (⬇1)
After dropping a pair of games against the Foresters, the MLB Academy Barons righted the ship with an emphatic 6-2 win over the Riptide. The Academy wouldn’t be able to replicate this success, as Orange County took the next two games 6-0 and 6-5, respectively.
Catcher Alexander Laureano (Glendale CC) was one of the league’s top hitters during Week 3, posting a CCL South Division-leading seven knocks with two doubles, three RBI, and three walks in 15 at-bats. Infielder Kamau Neighbors (Cal State Northridge) also produced offensively, as he went 3-for-9 with a double and four walks.
While he was solid in all three of his three previous relief outings – maintaining a perfect ERA through six innings of work – right-hander Harold Boyce (Undecided) dazzled in his first start of the season on Friday. In 5.0 innings, the Canyon Country, Calif. native didn’t relinquish a run and fanned ten of the 19 batters he faced, earning the win. The Barons benefitted from another commanding start a day later, with right-handed pitcher Evan Adolphus striking out three and preserving his 0.00 season ERA in 7.0 frames of work.
The Barons will see the Saints and Blues two times each in a relatively light Week 4.
Full List:
By CCL Reporter Sean Brennan
(LOS ANGELES, CA) – For 30 years, the California Collegiate League has been a stepping stone for some of baseball’s most exciting prospects, allowing top collegiate players to hone their skills while preparing for professional baseball.
The CCL hosts an annual all-star game highlighting its brightest stars to coaches, scouts, and fans alike. This tradition remains today, as nearly 60 of the CCL’s most outstanding players will participate in the CCL 30 Showcase Game at the MLB Youth Academy in Compton, Calif. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. PST.
“The 2023 CCL Showcase game is a must-see event for the ardent baseball fan,” said CCL Commissioner Michael Simpson. “This is an opportunity to view top notch collegiate players demonstrate their prodigious talents. You may be witnessing a future major league player before they attain national fame.”
In addition to a nine-inning North vs. South Division contest and USA Baseball’s Prospect Development Pipeline combine, the CCL 30 Showcase Game will feature an inaugural home run derby adding even more fireworks to an already action-packed mid-summer classic.
Texas Tech play-by-play broadcaster Chris Sylvester and San Diego Padres color commentator Bob Scanlan will have the call live on Bally Sports TV. The game will be re-aired regionally on NBC Sports West throughout July and August. Check your local listings for viewing instructions.
Fans can purchase tickets to the CCL’s premier event at the gate, watch live on Bally Sports TV, or follow the CCL on social media.
By July 2, each of the CCL’s 11 teams will nominate players for consideration to the CCL 30 Showcase Game Selection Committee. Final North and South Division rosters and the managers of the game – which will be the head coach of each division’s winningest team through July 8 – will be announced by July 9.
As part of USA Baseball’s Prospect Development Pipeline, CCL 30 Showcase Game position players will take part in pre-game workouts at 3 p.m. in front of MLB scouts and college coaches. The PDP is a collaborative effort between Major League Baseball and USA Baseball that establishes an official identification and player development pathway for amateur baseball players in the United States.
Photo Credit: Jordan Georgeson – Gold Country Media & Ashley Paulsen – San Luis Obispo Blues
By CCL Reporters Sean Brennan, Sam Nute and Dylan Wickman
San Jose State hitters Hunter Dorraugh (Healdsburg Prune Packers) and Theo Hardy (San Luis Obispo Blues), and University of Nevada-Reno pitchers Peyton Stumbo (Lincoln Potters) and Kolby Kmetko (Santa Barbara Foresters) earned CCL Week 2 Hitters and Pitchers of the Week honors, respectively. Learn more about each of these player’s performances as well as notes from the 2023 NCAA season.
CCL North Division North // Pitcher of the Week
The first 2023 CCL North Pitcher of the Week belongs to the Lincoln Potters and University of Nevada right-handed-pitcher, Peyton Stumbo. Last week, Stumbo had his first start of the CCL Season in a dominant performance against Sonoma, striking out nine Stompers in 5.1 innings, while only allowing one earned run.
In his following start against the Solano Mudcats, Stumbo provided a commanding performance once again. In the longest outing by a pitcher in the North Division so far this season, Stumbo threw 7.0 shutout innings while striking out six and allowing just two baserunners on two singles.
The Auburn, Calif. native is coming off a solid season for the Nevada Wolfpack that saw him strikeout 53 batters over 59 innings pitched. With the Potters, Stumbo joins righty Anthony Susac (Arizona) to form a dangerous 1-2 punch at the top of the Lincoln rotation.
CCL North Division // Hitter of the Week
Hitting in the middle of the lineup, San Jose State infielder Hunter Dorraugh has been a key piece to Healdsburg’s undefeated start to the 2023 season. Over the last week, Dorraugh has been on fire at the plate, slashing .458/.485/.542 in 24 plate appearances. The Vacaville native notched 11 hits, six RBI, five walks and eight runs on the way to a perfect 7-0 week for the Prune Packers.
Dorraugh’s highlight performance came in the Prune Packers’ walk-off 7-6 win over the Bay Area Admirals that saw him go 4-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored, including the game-winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning. Dorraugh was on base against the Admirals all week. Two games prior, Dorraugh went 2-for-3, along with two walks and two runs scored.
Dorraugh is coming off a career year in his redshirt junior season at San Jose State. Selected to the Second-Team All-Mountain West team, Dorraugh hit .324 with 10 home runs and 45 RBI in 58 games played. Dorraugh and San Jose State won the Mountain West title, earning the Spartans’ first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2002.
Dorraugh will now try and parlay his early success to the Prune Packers’ third-consecutive CCL State Championship.
CCL South Division // Pitcher of the Week
Santa Barbara Foresters and University of Nevada righty Kolby Kmetko secured the inaugural 2023 CCL South Pitcher of the Week honors with a resounding performance against the Conejo Oaks. Kmetko looked formidable in his season debut last week against the Blues, striking out four and allowing no runs in a 4.0-inning start.
The Phoenix, Ariz. native had a huge opportunity to build upon the impressive outing on Saturday, but it wouldn’t be easy – he was starting against a Conejo squad that entered the contest undefeated on the league season. Facing a scorching lineup did not matter to Kmetko, who threw 6.0 scoreless innings and struck out five en route to the victory.
Kmetko is just two months removed from a productive junior campaign in Reno, his first as a member of the Wolf Pack. The usual reliever adopted a closer role in 2023, finishing the season with the second-most appearances on the team (23) and tied for the seventh-most single-season saves (8) in program history.
CCL South Division // Hitter of the Week
San Luis Obispo Blues and San Jose State shortstop, Theo Hardy, dominated at the plate this week as no pitching staff he faced could keep him off the bases. It was the first action this season for the Berkely native, but it did not take him long to warm up.
He started with an efficient performance against the then-undefeated Conejo Oaks, going 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs.
Hardy made sure the Blues would not lose the next matchup against the Orange County Riptide though, recording a hit in all five of his at-bats in a 5-1 win. He ended the night with two runs, two RBI, a double and a 1.900 OPS, and totaled over half of his team’s hits. It came against no easy opponent either, as Riptide left-handed pitcher, Evan Vasilou, has given up just four hits in his 8.0 innings pitched this season. Hardy is responsible for two of them.
In his next outing against Orange County, Hardy was a mainstay on the base paths tallying three walks, a run, and an RBI.
The senior is coming off an All-Mountain-West First Team campaign this season where he led the Spartans with a .329 batting average while tallying 71 hits, 43 runs, 32 walks and 27 RBI, all career-highs. Hardy batted 8-for-20 in the Mountain West Championships, helping the Spartans win the conference tournament and earn a trip to the 2023 NCAA Regionals.
Photo Credit: Brigid O’Connell
By CCL Reporters Sean Brennan, Sam Nute and Dylan Wickman
The California Collegiate League’s 30th season is in full swing as all teams now have multiple league series under their belt. Some teams have set themselves above the competition while others are still finding their footing. Teams are ranked by overall record, the week’s record, strength of schedule, and trends after the first two weeks. Read below to find out how each team played in Week 2 of league play and how they match up with the rest of the CCL.
#1 Healdsburg Prune Packers
The Prune Packers continued their torrid start to the season, remaining undefeated. In a three-game set with the Lincoln Potters, the Prune Packers took all three games in convincing fashion, outscoring the Potters 27-1 across their three matchups this week.
It would be difficult for Prune Packer starting pitchers to have a better week going forward this season. Pitchers Wyatt Tucker (Texas A&M), Christopher Stamos (Cal), and Andres Galan (Cal) combined to throw 12.0 innings, allowing zero runs, just four hits, and two walks while amassing 23 strikeouts.
Offensively, the Prune Packers generated 27 runs of offense. Across the three games against the Potters, the Prune Packers offense tallied 34 hits and four XBH. Outfielder Robbie Hamchuck (San Jose St.) was on base all week, going 7-for-12 with 3 RBI and one double.
Next week, the Packers wrap up their non-league series with the Bay Area Admirals before playing a doubleheader against the Solano Mudcats on Sunday, June 25.
#2 Conejo Oaks
Week 2 of the CCL season was another productive one for the Conejo Oaks. After opening with a two-game sweep of the Blues – one that saw Conejo’s red-hot lineup score a combined 19 runs – the Oaks dropped two of three to Santa Barbara, finishing the week 3-2.
Right-hander Zach Creighton (Cal Lutheran) enjoyed a solid start on Tuesday, going 3.0 innings and allowing two baserunners while striking out four. In need of stability after conceding seven runs in the first 3.1 frames of Wednesday’s matchup, the Oaks turned to reliever Brett Edwards (Los Angeles Valley College), who didn’t disappoint. The right-hander put together a flawless appearance, keeping the Blues off the base paths in 2.2 innings of work. Southpaw Tobias Plotkin (Glendale CC) earned his second win of the summer on Friday against the Foresters, allowing a hit and walk while retiring four via the strikeout in 4.0 scoreless innings.
Infielder Zachary Schwartzberg (Undecided) proved one of Conejo’s most reliable hitters this week, going 5-for-15 and sealing the sweep of the Blues with a walk-off RBI single on Wednesday. A highlight of the week as Christopher Wright’s (Sonoma State) grand slam against the Blues. Wright has been steady at the plate, recording at least one knock in every game this week while contributing three RBI.
Next week, the Conejo will have a home-and-home with the Riptide before battling the Arroyo Seco Saints for three straight games.
#3 Walnut Creek Crawdads
The Walnut Creek Crawdads continued their solid start to the CCL Season this week, winning three games in their four-game series with the Sonoma Stompers.
Starting pitcher Ryan Spalliero (St. Mary’s) was dominant in his start in Game 3 three of the series, going four innings while striking out three and giving up zero runs on just three hits. After a rough start from EJ McGrew (Willamette) in the series finale, Austin Berggren (Nebraska) and Sean Fitzpatrick (Arkansas) picked up the slack and excelled. Over the final 7.0 innings of the game, Berggreen and Fitzpatrick combined for 13 strikeouts while allowing just one run and two hits, leading the Crawdads to a comeback win.
In the final game against the Stompers, infielder Ryan Ellis (St. Mary’s) capped off a stellar week with an amazing 4-for-4 performance with two doubles, a triple, and two RBI. The Stompers struggled to get Ellis out all series as he went 6-for-9 with five RBI and four walks, reaching base in 12 of his 16 plate appearances. In Game 2 of the series, infielder Ryan Brome (Texas Tech) broke out of a small slump going 3-for-5 with two RBI and his first home run of the season in a 7-4 Stompers win.
Next week, the Crawdads will play a game against the Potters before beginning a three-game set with the Prune Packers.
#4 Santa Barbara Foresters
Despite a 1-2 start with losses to the Saints and Oaks, the Santa Barbara Foresters finished their second week of the summer with a bang, picking up two consecutive wins over a scorching Conejo squad.
Santa Barbara’s pitching staff has impressed so far, posting a CCL South Division-best 2.65 ERA through the young league season. Starter Kolby Kmetko (Nevada) was dominant in his Saturday start against the Oaks, as he allowed six baserunners and struck out six in 6.0 shutout frames. Conceding a single earned run while striking out six in 4.0 innings, right-handed pitcher Mason Koch (Creighton) had his second solid relief appearance of the season on Thursday. Right-hander Sean Youngerman (Westmont College) has been lights-out at the backend of the Forrester bullpen, relinquishing just two hits and a walk while striking out seven in 3.2 scoreless innings of work.
Offensively, Santa Barbara has benefited from many contributors. Outfielder Rocco Garza-Gongora (Oklahoma) has led the way, totaling seven hits in his last five games. Outfielder Max Belyeu’s (Texas) six-hit, four-RBI week was highlighted by a solo shot against the Oaks on Saturday. Infielder Gianni Horvat (UNLV) was also efficient at the plate, going 5-for-15 this week.
The ‘Stars have a light week ahead, as they are slated to play just two contests, both against the Barons.
#5 Orange County Riptide
The Riptide got into swing this week after having just two league games in Week 1. Orange County competed in five games in Week 2, and there were some exciting results. The Riptide started with a two-game series against the MLB Academy Barons that they won in large part to their pitching, giving up four runs in the series. The San Luis Obispo Blues handed Orange County its first two losses of the season. The Riptide had a good chance to win game 2, outhitting San Luis Obispo 14-8, but could not capitalize enough to earn the win. They bounced back quickly with a comeback 10-inning win against the Arroyo Seco Saints, though. Orange County did not register a hit until the seventh inning, yet stayed alive long enough to steal the win.
The pitching staff started the week strong against the Barons, shutting them out in one of the games, but struggled with errors midweek in the Blues series. They finished strong against the Saints, though, giving up four runs in 10 innings. Righties Tyler Valdez (Arizona State) and Josh Randall (San Diego) each stood out in performances against the Barons. In his first action this season, Valdez struck out six batters in 4.0 innings to contribute to shut out. Randall, in the next game, tallied five strikeouts in 3.0 innings and has yet to give up a run in his two appearances this season.
Second baseman Connor McGuire (California Bapstist) was stellar in his four appearances on offense this week, as he recorded two hits and a double in game one against the Barons and then three hits in game two against San Luis Obispo. He is now batting .429 in the early season, the best on the team. Outfielder Cary Arbolida (Houston) has also solidified his offense thus far, as he leads the team in hits (7) and RBI (4) while batting .368.
This week, the Riptide will play two games against the Conejo Oaks before rematching the Barons for two more.
#6 Lincoln Potters
The Lincoln Potters had a busy schedule this week, playing seven games in just six days including a double-header. The week got started with a rough three-game series against the Prune Packers before turning things around in a four-game set with the Solano Mudcats.
The Potters’ pitching staff against the Prune Packers, starting pitcher Peyton Stumbo (Nevada) had one of the best starts in the CCL so far this year in game one against the Mudcats. Stumbo went 7.0 scoreless innings, allowing just two batters on two hits and striking out six. Over the final three games against the Mudcats, it was the Potters’ bullpen that stole the show, combining to hold the Mudcats scoreless over 15.1 innings.
The Potters’ series against the Packers did not go well offensively, as they were held to one run across the three contests, but the Potters’ offense got going again against the Mudcats, scoring 31 runs across the four games. In his first game with the Potters, catcher Nolan Wilson (Nevada) made a great first impression, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two doubles, and three RBI.
Next week, the Potters will play just one league match against the Stompers before starting a non-league midweek series.
#7 San Luis Obispo Blues
The Blues started off with a tough series against the Conejo Oaks that saw them lose both encounters in high-scoring affairs. They made up for it by winning two against the Orange County Riptide to hand them their first league losses of the season and bring their own league record to .500.
The pitching got better for San Luis Obispo as the week went on. Right-hander Lucas Alaniz (Modesto Junior College) had a stellar performance on the mound in the 5-1 win against the Riptide, striking out six batters in 7.1 innings while giving up two hits and a run. He has pitched the third most innings this season (12.0) yet has only given up four runs. Left-hander Robinson Lardner (Cuesta College) has also been among the premier pitchers in the league, giving up just two runs in 10 innings this season. He followed up Alaniz’s performance by giving up two runs in 5.0 innings.
The Blues have had a balanced approach on offense to start the season, with eight players tallying at least three hits. Shortstop Theo Hardy (San Jose State) has stood out, leading the team in batting average (.667), hits (6), runs (5), and walks (5). He had a near-perfect performance in the first win against Orange County, racking up five hits in as many at-bats with a double and two RBI. He had more than double the team’s total hits
The Blues will have a rather light week next week, with just a two-game series against the Arroyo Seco Saints.
#8 Arroyo Seco Saints
Week 2 of the CCL season was a mixed bag for the Saints, who split two-game sets with the Foresters and Barons before dropping a 10-inning marathon to the Riptide on Sunday – moving their record this week to 2-3.
Sstarter Caleb Reyes (Cal Poly Pomona) allowed just three baserunners in three scoreless innings of work in the Saints’ victory over Santa Barbara. Pitcher Carter Herrera (Cal State Fullerton) had a strong start on Friday as he kept the Barons off the scoresheet, allowing three baserunners and striking out three in 3.0 innings. Early pitching dominance was on display on Sunday against the Riptide, with southpaw Bradley Mullan (Gonzaga) and right-hander Murphy Brooks (TCU) combining for ten strikeouts in 5.0 scoreless frames.
At the plate, it’s been the Wichita State Shockers who’ve been getting it done for the Saints. Catcher Alex Birge (Wichita State) showcased his power all week long, belting two home runs and a three-RBI triple. With three multi-hit games on the week, Jack Little (Wichita State) is emerging as a regular contributor for Arroyo Seco. In four contests, the infielder has gone 7-for-21 with six RBI – tied for the team lead.
Next week, the Saints will play two games against the Blues and three against the Oaks.
#9 Sonoma Stompers
The Stompers had a grueling six-game week in the opening week and struggled following it up in week two. They had a three-game series against the Walnut Creek Crawdads and lost all three encounters.
The Stompers did not have too much trouble putting runs on the board this week, as they averaged six per game in the series. First baseman Xabier Iparraguirre (Cal State Chico) was a big reason for this, hitting home runs in back-to-back games including six RBI. Catcher Omar Gastelum (San Jose State) continued his great play in the early season, totaling four hits and two RBI in the series.
Despite the team’s best efforts on offense, the Crawdads were too much to handle. Sonoma could not find an answer for them throughout the series. Righty Orlando Leon Jr. (Hawaii Hilo) had the best performance among the pitching staff this week, throwing three strikeouts in 5.2 innings while giving up three runs.
The Stompers will look to get back on track in a three-game series against the Solano Mudcats next week.
#10 MLB Academy Barons
After starting off 0-5, the Barons earned their first win of the season – a 10-2 victory over the Saints – in emphatic fashion on Saturday, finishing Week 2 with a 1-3 mark.
Lefty Harold Boyce (Undecided) has quickly become a key reliever for the Barons, holding the opposition scoreless and retiring three via the strikeout in 3.0 innings of work this week. Another arm headlining the Academy’s bullpen this week is right-hander Nicholas Romanowski (Undecided), who picked up two strikeouts and allowed two baserunners in 3.0 combined frames.
Infielder Dylan Lina (Golden West College) was an offensive force last week, and this was no different during week 2. In four games, Lina went 6-for-16 with three doubles and two RBI. Outfielder Jacob Klinovsky (Cal State Easy Bay) punctuated a solid week – during which he accrued five knocks – with a three-hit performance in the Barons’ victory over Arroyo Seco on Saturday.
Next week, the Academy will see the Foresters for two games and the Riptide for three.
#11 Solano Mudcats
The 2023 CCL Season has not gotten off to the start that the Solano Mudcats would want. This week their struggles continued as they finished the week on a seven-game losing streak.
A lot of the Mudcats’ recent skid can be attributed to the team’s pitching struggles. Over the four-game set against the Potters, the Mudcats allowed 7.75 runs per game.
Despite the struggles, there was a bright spot on the offense. Fresh from Arizona State, catcher and outfielder Bronson Balholm batted .500 with two doubles across the four games against the Potters. Balholm is batting .325 in 10 games with the Mudcats, tallying four RBI and six walks while walking just five times.
Next week, the Mudcats will look to bounce back with a three-game series against the Stompers and a two-game set with the Packers.
Photo Credit: Jordan Georgeson-Gold Country Media
By CCL Reporters Sean Brennan, Sam Nute, and Dylan Wickman
The first week of the CCL’s 30th year is officially in the books, and it did not disappoint. From 15-inning thrillers to shutout pitching performances to six-run innings, the opening week had it all. See how each team performed to start the season.
CCL NORTH DIVISION
Healdsburg Prune Packers
The Prune Packers have had a light league schedule to start the season only playing two games in the first week. The Packers’ first league game of the year saw the offense explode for 13 runs while the pitching was dominant in a 13-0 win against the Mudcats.
Cameron Nickens (Houston) and Connor Charpiot (Undecided) both hit their first homers of the season and starting pitcher Andres Galan was masterful in 5.0 IP, striking out five and only allowing one base runner. Left-handed-pitcher Myles Patton (Long Beach State) had his first start of the season in the Prune Packers 6-4 win over the Potters in game two of the CCL league season. Patton was dominant, striking out seven and allowing just two hits in 4.0 innings of work.
Offensively, Healdsburg had four different players with multiple hits as they continued their undefeated streak to begin the season. Next week the Packers will wrap up their series with the Potters, playing three more games against their North Division rival early next week.
Lincoln Potters
In their first week of CCL League play, the Lincoln Potters got off to a 3-2 start, taking three out of four against the Sonoma Stompers, including a 15-inning thriller. The Potters rounded out the week with a 6-4 loss to the Prune Packers.
Over the first week, pitchers Anthony Susac (Arizona), Gabriel Maya (Loyola Marymount) and Woody Brennan (Cuesta College) combined to throw 14 shutout innings, striking out 20 allowing just two hits.
Offensively, Ben Romano (Tulane) went 5-for-17 with 3 RBI as well as walking five times. Leading the team in hits this week, Zachary Chamizo (UC Riverside) went 8-for-18 with 2 RBI plus walking four times.
Next week, the Potters will play a three-game set with the Prune Packers and a four-game series with the Mudcats.
Solano Mudcats
After winning their first game of the season against the San Luis Obispo Blues, the Solano Mudcats have dropped five straight games over the first week of the 2023 CCL Season.
The Mudcats opened the season with a 9-3 win over the Blues that saw starter Chase Banks (Sonoma State) give the team 5.0 solid innings, allowing three runs and striking out 4. Banks was followed by Anthony Galindo (Texas A&M Texarkana) who was excellent in 3.0 innings giving up just one hit and striking out four.
The Mudcats MVP early on in the summer season has been Jake Tandy (Pacific). The freshman delivered on both sides of the ball, throwing 3.1 scoreless innings along with a .409 batting average at the plate with two doubles and two RBI.
Next week, the Mudcats continue league play with a three-game set against the Lincoln Potters.
Sonoma Stompers
The Stompers had a grueling first week in league play this season, going to extra innings in three of their six contests. Sonoma started the season with a three-game series against the Potters, which included two extra-inning games. They had an exciting walk-off win in the opener 4-3 in 10 innings, but dropped the next two, including a 12-9 thriller that saw the Potters win in 15 innings. The Stompers then played another 10 innings against the Mudcats to win 10-9 before dropping another game to Lincoln. They ended the week with a 6-1 win over the Crawdads, a much-needed stress-free victory.
Catcher Omar Gastelum (San Jose State) leads Sonoma with a .353 batting average. Shortstop Brandon Marion (Diablo Valley College) also has had a great start this season, accruing seven hits, seven runs and five RBI in the opening week while batting .333. He had some major plays in the 15-inning loss to Lincoln, including a two-run homer in the seventh to take the lead and a double to tie the game in the 12th.
Righties Jonathan Clark (San Jose State) and Bryant Thornton (Undecided), and lefty Jacob Verwiel (Undecided) all stood out on the mound for the Stompers. In the final game against Lincoln, Clark struck out nine batters in 5.0 innings while only giving up four hits and one run. Verwiel pitched in the 15-inning loss, giving up two hits and a run while also throwing nine strikeouts. In the win against Walnut Creek, Thornton pitched 4.0 innings only surrendering a hit and a run. The Stompers will play the Crawdads this week in a four-game series that started on Sunday.
Walnut Creek Crawdads
The Walnut Creek Crawdads opened the season winning a series against CCL affiliate, the Bay Area Admirals, before getting CCL league play started with one off games against the Mudcats and Stompers. In a 5-3 win over the Mudcats, the Crawdads used five different pitchers in the win. After a solid 3.0 innings from starter Austin Berggren (Nebraska), the Crawdads’ bullpen was lights out, allowing zero runs and just three hits over 6.0 shutdown innings. Offensively, Ryan Brome (Texas Tech) went 1-for-3 with an RBI double and a walk, and Tyson Pointer (Texas Arlington) added three RBI’s for the Crawdads’ first league win of the season. Walnut Creek then hosted the Sonoma Stompers, but fell 7-1 as the Crawdads’ offense went quiet. Next week, the Crawdads will play four games against the Stompers to wrap up their series.
CCL SOUTH DIVISION
MLB Academy Barons
The Academy Barons went 0-2 against the Oaks this week, but both losses were tightly contested and remained within reach the entire way – something to build on during week two.
Despite two tough results to start the summer, the Barons seem to have instantly found an offensive stride thanks to multiple contributors. Headlining the Academy’s solid lineup is infielder Chrixtian Taveras (Compton CC), who went 4-for-7 this week with a home run, double and four RBI. Infielder Dylan Lina (Golden West College) enjoyed a similar start, recording two hits, a home run and four RBI in two games.
Junior right-handed pitcher Rene Julian Galvan (Cerritos College) was lights-out during his opening night start, retiring nine and holding the Oaks offense to a lone walk in 3.0 innings. On Sunday, righty Harold Boyce (Undecided) allowed just two hits and struck out three in a three-inning relief appearance.
The Barons have a relatively light week ahead, as they will play two-game sets against the Riptide and Saints.
Arroyo Seco Saints
Despite kicking off the season with a decisive non-league victory, the Arroyo Seco Saints didn’t find the same fortune in their first two CCL contests, dropping both legs of a home-and-home with the Riptide. After suffering a 7-4 defeat on the road, the Saints responded, doubling Orange County’s hit total in game two. The two teams stayed tied for most of the night, but a late ‘Tide run proved the difference in a 3-2 defeat.
A member of the Saints’ 2022 squad, infielder Max Blessinger (Belmont) wasted no time during his second go-around in Pasadena, starting league play 4-for-7 with a double. Outfielder Kyte McDonald (Wichita State) and infielder AJ Ortiz (Biola) have also seen results at the plate thus far, each recording three base knocks in two games against Orange County.
Right-hander Carter Herrera (Cal State Fullerton) pitched three strong innings on the mound in Friday’s loss, striking out five while relinquishing a single walk. Saturday saw a dominant appearance from southpaw Peyton Cariaco (Kent State), who struck out six of the seven batters he faced in two frames of work.
The Saints are slated for two more home-and-home series with the Foresters and Barons before finishing the week against the Riptide.
Conejo Oaks
In their league opener against the Barons on Saturday, the Conejo Oaks overcame multiple deficits (2-0 and 6-2) to eventually take the lead for good in the seventh. Conejo won in come-from-behind fashion again during the next day’s rematch at the Academy, plating five runs in the ninth for a 9-6 victory.
Going 3-for-6 with four RBI in two league contests, infielder Zach Daudet (Regis) is quickly becoming a key force in the Oaks’ lineup. Catcher Max Aude (Los Angeles Valley College) and infielder Zachary Shwartzberg (Undecided) have also provided an offensive punhc, each with three hits in the last two victories.
Left-hander Tobias Plotkin (Glendale CC) helped fuel the late-game rally on Saturday, getting through three innings in just 34 pitches while fanning three. During the final two innings of Sunday’s contest, right-handed pitcher Jaxon Jordan (Moorpark College) faced the minimum and tossed three strikeouts, a pivotal performance that kept Conejo within striking distance.
Next week, the Oaks will only face two opponents – they are set to play two and three-game sets with the Blues and Foresters respectively.
Orange County Riptide
The Riptide began league play winning two games against the Arroyo Seco Saints. Orange County won the first game 7-4, thanks to a 6-run third inning. The offense did not have that same spark in game two, totaling just five hits, which was half as many as the Saints had. However, the Riptide posted runs when they needed to most to pull out a 3-2 victory.
The Riptide has had a balanced scoring approach on offense, with outfielder Nick Upstill (Pepperdine), outfielder Cary Arbolida (Houston), center fielder Grady Morgan (Fresno State) and second baseman Owen Fuller (North Carolina Charlotte) all batting over .400. The offense caught fire in the third inning of the first matchup, scoring six runs. A double from Fuller and then five singles that followed kept the offensive momentum flowing.
Lefty Evan Vasiliou (Utah Tech) and righty Jack Kirrer (Cal) were the starting pitchers in their respective games, and both provided solid performances. In the first game, Vasilou gave up just one hit in three innings while striking out two batters. Kirrer also shut out the Saints in three innings, giving up three hits while throwing five strikeouts.
Next week, the Riptide will play two games against the MLB Academy Barons and then two more against the Blues.
San Luis Obispo Blues
The Blues were faced with a tough matchup against the Santa Barbara Foresters to start league play. San Luis Obispo dropped the first game 6-1 as the offense couldn’t find its rhythm. It looked to be a similar story in the next game until the Blues exploded for five runs in the seventh to secure a 5-3 victory.
Outfielder Luke Pemberton (Pepperdine) started the rally, smacking a double to drive in two runners. Center fielders Trevor Adams (Arizona) and Jeriah Lewis (San Jose State) followed that up with a pair of singles to build the commanding lead.
Lefty Robinson Lardner (Cuesta College) was spectacular on the mound, throwing five strikeouts in five innings while only giving up two hits. Right-hander Lucas Alaniz (Modesto Junior College) had a more up-and-down performance in the first game, giving up nine hits in 4.2 innings, but only allowing three runs.
The Blues will go on to play two games apiece against the Oaks and the Riptide next week.
Santa Barbara Foresters
The Santa Barbara Foresters appeared to be in midseason form on Saturday, commencing the 2023 campaign with a decisive 6-1 win over the Blues. San Luis Obispo would flip the script at home a day later, however, moving the Foresters to 1-1 on the young CCL season.
Through two games, infielders Giovanni Horvat (UNLV) and Ryan Black (Texas Arlington) have spearheaded Santa Barbara’s offense. Both have maintained a .429 average and accounted for four RBI. Outfielder Max Belyeu (Texas) has been consistent at the dish, finishing week one with a 0.555 on-base percentage.
Lefty Samuel Garewal (Northwestern) had a solid start on Saturday picking up four strikeouts in 3.0 shutout innings. Despite allowing two hits and three walks, starter Kolby Kmetko (Nevada) kept the Blues off the scoresheet in his four frames of work.
Next week, Santa Barbara will play a home-and-home against the Saints followed by a three-game set with the Oaks.
(LOS ANGELES, CA)
CCL CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
To kick-off its 30th year, the California Collegiate League released its slate of games for 2023 summer season. All CCL teams will play 35 league games plus select non-league matchups.
2023 CCL POSTSEAON
New for the 2023 summer season will be an updated postseason format. The CCL’s 11 teams will vie for a spot in the 2023 CCL State Championship, a best two-out-of-three game series Friday to Sunday, August 4-6.
Following a coin flip at a regular offseason league meeting, the South Division representative will serve as the State Championship host this year. The North Division will host next year and rotate back and forth between Northern and Southern California in subsequent years.
To get to the State Championship, the CCL’s second and third place teams from each division, North and South, will take part in the 2023 CCL Division Wild Card Round on Tuesday, August 1.
The winners of these two Wild Card games will then play the first-place teams in their respective divisions on Wednesday, August 2 for a chance at taking home the CCL’s 2023 State title.
2023 CCL SHOWCASE GAME
The 2023 CCL Showcase Game will be held at Major League’s Baseball Youth Academy on Wednesday July 12. Close to 60 of the CCL’s best players will be in attendance showing off their skills and talents.
NEW CCL COMMISSIONER
Executive Director, Aaron Milam, announced the addition Dr. Michael J. Simpson as new commissioner earlier this month.
“I am looking forward to celebrating the 30th year of the CCL,” said Simpson. “Collectively we will have an opportunity to reflect on the league’s historic accomplishments and anticipate the excitement of a new season. This summer our teams, players, partners, fans and communities can expect to enjoy an entertaining time at the ballpark and an exhilarating brand of baseball.”
#CCL30Years & #CCLBaseball
Follow all of the action all summer long using the hashtags #CCL30Years and #CCLBaseball.
(LOS ANGELES, CA) – California Collegiate League Executive Director, Aaron Milam, has announced the selection of Dr. Michael J. Simpson as the new commissioner. The CCL’s Board of Directors enthusiastically approved Simpson’s appointment at its last league meeting.
Simpson comes to the CCL with more than 40 years of high-level leadership experience in educational administration, college and professional baseball, and the military.
“I’m eager to get going,” said Simpson. “I am appreciative of the opportunity the Board of Directors as given me to join the ranks of the prestigious CCL. I look forward to collaborating with the board, staff, coaches, players and fans to continue to grow and enhance the League. I am particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of impacting the development of the student-athletes as baseball players and model citizens.”
During his impressive career, Simpson served as Director of Athletics at San Francisco State University for 16 years.
Before overseeing the Gators’ athletic department, Simpson was the head baseball coach for three collegiate programs and a national team.
During his 12 years as headman at SFSU, Simpson amassed 326 victories from 1985-1997, most by any coach in any sport at the university. Simpson and the Gators secured three conference titles and two berths into the NCAA Division II National Championship. He was named Coach of the Year in 1986, 1989, and 1995.
In 2022, SFSU inducted Simpson into its Hall of Fame for his close to 30 years of service to the Northern California institution.
Simpson led the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos from 1978-1980 and Westmont College Warriors from 1973-1977. In 1992, the Austrian National Baseball Federation named Simpson the head coach of its national program.
Simpson is no stranger to collegiate summer baseball. In 1978, Simpson managed the Humboldt Crabs to a 40-10 record.
“Mike’s on and off-the-field resume speaks for itself, and I, along with our league members, are looking forward to him joining the CCL,” said Milam. “He is a leader in every way, and I am confident that our players, teams, and partners will benefit from his decades of experience.”
As an associate scout, from 1983 to 1985, Simpson helped the New York Yankees identify amateur baseball players with professional potential.
Bill Pintard, current Yankees’ scout and Executive Director and field manager of the CCL’s Santa Barbara Foresters has known Simpson for many years.
“The CCL got even stronger today,” said Pintard. “I’ve known Mike for a long time, and for our league to add someone of his caliber, experience, and integrity makes us all better.”
In addition to Simpson’s administrative and baseball work, he is a proud United States veteran. From 1969-1975, Simpson served in the 425th Civil Affairs Company for the United States Army Reserve. There, he held the roles of Chief Administrative Officer, Personnel Officer, and Finance Officer.
Simpson has served on numerous national associations and committees, including the American Baseball Coaches Association, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, and the United States Baseball Federation. While at SF State, Simpson served a term as President of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA, NCAA Division II). He spent four years on the NCAA DII National Baseball Committee and chaired the West Regional Committee.
Simpson holds three degrees from UCSB: a doctorate in Educational Policy and Organizational Studies, a master’s in Education, and a bachelor’s in Geography and Physical Education.
(SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA) – The Healdsburg Prune Packers and Conejo Oaks faced off in the 2022 CCL State Championship presented by the Firestone Walker Brewing Company on Saturday night. The Packers jumped out to an early lead, and defeated the Oaks 14-1 to defend their 2021 title.
After Sam Stoutenborough (TCU) struck out with two to start the game, Healdsburg jumped out to an early lead. Jake Holcroft (Portland) led off the inning with a double. Zac Vooletich (Texas Tech) shot a single out to bring him home.
Joey Kramer (CSUN) then picked up a double of his own, bringing Vooletich around to score. After advancing to third on a wild pitch, Samuel Brown (Washington St.) drove him in with a single.
“I was just trying to stay calm and within myself,” Kramer stated. “Just really trying to put a good swing on the ball, happened to hit a double.”
Healdsburg had their biggest inning of the game in the second, scoring five runs all with two outs. Holcroft got the line moving by drawing a walk. Vooletich picked up a single, and an error by the left fielder put the two on second and third.
Joey Kramer picked up his second and third RBI of the game as he sent a double deep into the gap. Braydon Runion (Univ. Of New Mexico) followed Kramer up with a double of his own, bringing Kramer around to score.
“It’s really just mentality,” Runion said. “Nobody is better than you, nobody is guarding you. Best moves only in the box.”
Blake Burke (Tennessee) picked up a single, bringing Runion in for the fourth run of the inning. After Samuel Brown and Jared Sundstrom (UCSB) loaded the bases with a single and walk respectively. The final run of the inning came as Kimble Schuessler (Texas) drew a bases loaded walk to bring Blake Burke across the plate.
Sam Stoutenborough came out for another inning of work in the third, and struck out his fifth batter thus far.
Healdsburg became the owner of their sixth run in the fourth inning. Runion got the Packers going with a leadoff walk. After two outs, Sundstrom picked up an RBI single to extend the lead.
The Packers struck again in the fifth. Jake Holcroft started the inning with a one-out single. With two outs, Braydon Runion then shot a double in the gap and scored Holcroft to push the lead to 10 runs.
The Oaks picked up some momentum in the sixth when Tyler Ganus (Oregon) singled before an error by the shortstop allowed him to advance to second. Ganus then reached third on a fielder’s choice and capitalized on another miscue by the shortstop to cross the dish and score Conejo’s lone run of the night.
Stoutenborough ended his start with two outs in the sixth inning after striking out eight batters and not allowing an earned run.
“Kimble and I were pretty much on the same page all game,” the right-hander said about his success. “It helps him having caught me most of the summer, we were on the same page all night.”
The Packers responded in the bottom of the sixth with four runs of their own. Samuel Brown led off the inning with a walk. Jared Sundstrom kept the line moving with a single, and Sam Hunt (Texas Tech) pinch hit and loaded the bases with a walk.
With the bases loaded, Vooletich hit a clutch double, clearing the bases. Vooletich then scored as well, as Joey Kramer picked up yet another RBI for Healdsburg’s final run of the game.
Oaks’ closer Jaxon Jordan (Moorpark College) entered the game in the seventh and put together a solid performance on the mound. The right-hander from Simi Valley, Calif. retired four batters via the strikeout while only relinquishing two hits and two walks in 2.0 innings of work.
Healdsburg closed out the game with a staff effort in the final free frames. Mason Dillow (Long Beach State), Morgan White (Nevada-Reno), and Christian Becerra (UC Berkeley) finished the game for the Packers, striking out a combined seven batters and only allowing one hit.
The Packers Head Coach Joey Gomes said that this group was remarkable in terms of “the work put in.”
Gomes continued, saying that this team never let up. “They never came off the gas pedal,” Gomes said. “We talk about emptying the tank … and they did that. They responded to challenges all summer.”
The game ended in the Prune Packers taking home back-to-back State Championships.
Most Outstanding Player of the Game: Joey Kramer (CSUN)
Most Outstanding Pitcher of the Game: Sam Stoutenborough (TCU)
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